US20050000510A1 - Flue Attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

A flue connection system for an appliance provides a flue connection member. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and an appliance, including a fireplace. An appliance connection member may also be provided for attachment to the appliance. The flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to one another with the flue connection member positioned in contact with the appliance connection member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a flue connection system. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct to an appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Appliances, in general, especially fireplaces are often attached to ducts to facilitate the exchange of gases and air to and from the unit. For example, a common design of a gas-fired and wood burning fireplace includes a combustion chamber that is vented through a flue duct. An example of this design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,708, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Some gas-fired fireplaces also include a duct for drawing intake air into the combustion chamber. The fireplace is connected up to the flue duct or intake air duct during installation.
• Factory-built fireplace assemblies have long been available as both free-standing and wall recessed units. Traditionally, when a fireplace insert is installed into a home or other structure, the flue ducts are already in place. Therefore, the flue ducts are lined up with the fireplace assembly and attached to the fireplace assembly by, for example, a flue collar that is integrated into the fireplace insert construction.
• A disadvantage of present fireplace systems is that it can be particularly difficult to align and attach the flue ducts to the fireplace assembly. This is especially true with fireplaces that are manufactured in a slant-back manner. Thus, it can be a very labor-intensive job to simply attach the flue duct to the fireplace during installation.
• Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an appliance system, including fireplace systems, with an improved way to attach the flue duct to the appliance during installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Generally, the present invention relates to an appliance assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct to an appliance assembly.
• In one aspect, a flue connection system for an appliance is provided. A flue connection member defines a first aperture and includes an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct. An appliance connection member defines a second aperture, and the appliance connection member is configured to be attached to the appliance. The flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to provide fluid communication between the appliance and the flue duct.
• In another aspect the invention relates to an appliance comprising a combustion chamber, a combustible source that produces exhaust gases, a vent system for venting exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to outside of the appliance, and a flue connection member. The vent system includes a vent opening in the appliance. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with the vent opening of the vent system.
• In another aspect, a flue connection system for an appliance is provided. The flue connection system comprises a flue connection member. The flue connection member defines an aperture and includes an extending member. The flue connection member is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with a vent opening in the appliance.
• The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify embodiments of the invention. While certain embodiments will be illustrated and describing embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to use in such embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example embodiment of a fireplace in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a flue connection system of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the flue plate ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the flue plate ofFIG. 3 coupled to ducts;
• FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a flue connection system of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the flue plate ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the flue connection system ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the flue connection system ofFIG. 5 with the latches engaged;
• FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the flue connection system ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the flue connection system ofFIG. 5 with the latches engaged;
• FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an example embodiment of a fireplace in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a flue connection system of the present invention;
• FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the flue plate ofFIG. 12;
• FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the flue plate ofFIG. 12;
• FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a flue connection system of the present invention;
• FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of the flue plate ofFIG. 15; and
• FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the flue plate ofFIG. 16 coupled to ducts.
• While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternate forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and the drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The invention is applicable to fireplace assemblies. In particular, the invention relates to a system for attaching a flue duct and/or an intake duct to a fireplace assembly.
• While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.
• Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any system or apparatus that burns any kind of combustible source or fuel (solid, gas, etc.) and includes flue ducts to vent gases or take in fresh air. A non-exhaustive list of such devices may include fireplaces, grills, furnaces, stoves, appliances, etc. Any application that requires venting for the passage of air, gas, or waste products, or any application that requires the attachment of a device to ducts may benefit from the present invention. While the example embodiments of the present invention provided below are described in conjunction with an example fireplace, the present invention is equally applicable to other systems or apparatuses as discussed above.
• If the present invention is used in conjunction with a fireplace, the fireplace can be any type of gas or wood-burning fireplace. For example, the present invention may be applicable to any prefabricated gas fireplace such as a direct vent, a universal vent, a B-vent, a horizontal/vertical-vent, a dual direct vent, a multisided unit, or other gas fireplace or insert. The present invention may also be applicable to other fuel burning systems other than a fireplace, as noted above.
• As used herein, the term “coupled” means any structure or method that may be used to provide connectivity between two or more elements, which may or may not include a direct physical connection between the elements. The term “flue” is used herein to mean an exhaust duct system that includes an exhaust duct. This system may include, however, an intake air duct coaxial to or co-lineal with the exhaust duct.
• Referring now toFIG. 1, a side view of an example embodiment of afireplace100 is shown. Thefireplace100 includes acombustion chamber enclosure110. Thefireplace100 generally functions to ignite combustible gas using agas burner unit120. Twoflue ducts130,140 in a co-lineal arrangement are attached to thefireplace100. Thefireplace100 has vents for venting exhaust gases that are produced during combustion and bringing in fresh air to thecombustion chamber enclosure110. The vent includes vent openings in thefireplace100, identified asoutlet area135 andinlet area145 of thefireplace100.Duct130 servers to vent exhaust gases or combustion products from thefireplace100.Duct140 brings in fresh air to thefireplace100. Theseflue ducts130,140 are coupled to the fireplace to match up withoutlet area135 andinlet area145 of thefireplace100 via aflue connection member150.
• Thefireplace100 shown inFIG. 1 shows a slant back type fireplace insert andflue ducts130,140 extend at an angle. Slant back type fireplaces can be especially difficult to attach flue ducts to in the conventional manner because the slanted back portion of the fireplace can be difficult to reach during installation. However, the arrangement, shape, and configuration of the flue ducts or appliance can vary without affecting the application of the present invention. For example, the flue ducts could extend vertically or horizontally. Additionally, the flue ducts could extend vertically and then extend horizontally. Also, the flue ducts can be designed in any number of shapes. They could be cylindrical, rectangular, or any other desired shape, size, or diameter of duct. The appliance itself can also be shaped in any manner and still benefit from the present invention.
• Referring toFIG. 2, a schematic perspective view of theflue connection member150 is shown.Flue connection member150 includes aflue plate155. Although theflue connection member150 includes a plate portion as shown inFIG. 2, theflue connection member150 can be formed in any suitable shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• As shown inFIG. 2, theflue plate155 is connected to twocylindrical extensions160,170. Theseextensions160,170 are slightly smaller in diameter thanducts130,140 (shown inFIG. 1). However, it is not necessary that the ducts be smaller in diameter. For example, the ducts could be constructed of a material capable of expanding and being pulled over the flue plate's cylindrical extensions. Alternatively, the diameter of the ducts could be slightly smaller than the cylindrical extensions and some other means of attachment of the ducts to the cylindrical extensions could be utilized.
• Theextensions160,170 also define openings or apertures in theflue plate155. As discussed in more detail below, these openings create the necessary pathway in theflue connection member150 to allow the exhaust or intake air to pass from thefireplace100 to theflue ducts130,140.
• Theflue plate155 may also have notches (or slits)175 for aligning and connecting theflue plate155 to thefireplace100. Thefireplace100 can be preformed with matching extensions or tabs that would engagenotches175 and aid as guiding members, as well as provide a means of attachment, when coupling theflue plate155 to thefireplace100. Thenotches175 shown inFIG. 2, are rectangular, however, they may be constructed in any shape that would match corresponding extensions or tabs on a fireplace or fireplace plate, as discussed in more detail below.
• Theflue plate155 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of theflue plate155 facesflue ducts130,140. The bottom surface faces thefireplace100. As shown inFIG. 3, lower extendingportions162,172 preferably extend outward from the bottom surface of theflue plate155. Lower extendingportions162,172 can simply be an extension of thecylindrical extensions160,170 or they can be attached to theflue plate155 separately. The lower extendingportions162,172 provide additional guides for positioning and attaching theflue plate155 to thefireplace100. In particular, thefireplace100 can be designed with a seat, described in more detail below, in which the lower extendingportions162,172 rest.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, theflue connection member150 is preferably coupled to theducts130,140 by sliding theducts130,140 over thecylindrical extensions160,170 and coupling theducts130,140 to thecylindrical extensions160,170 by mechanical attachment, such as a collar with a screw-tightening member. Other mechanical attachment means include adhesion, screws, pivotal flanges, nuts and bolts, and springs.
• After theflue connection member150 is coupled to theducts130,140, theflue connection member150 can then be coupled to thefireplace100. By this arrangement, theflue connection member150 can be secured toflue ducts130,140 before thefireplace100 is placed into a fireplace insert area. This simplifies connection of theflue ducts130,140 to thefireplace100. Instead of having to attach bothflue ducts130,140 to the fireplace while the fireplace is in the fireplace insert area, the person installing the fireplace need only attach theflue connection member150 to thefireplace100.
• The use of guiding members can simplify this task even further. For example, by providing theflue plate155 with lower extendingportions162,172 and by designing thefireplace100 with a seat that matches up with those portions, theflue plate155 can be easily guided into position. Alternatively, or in addition, thenotches175 and matching tabs in thefireplace100 can also assist this task. Once theflue plate155 is in position on thefireplace100, theflue plate155 can be coupled to thefireplace100 by any number of mechanical means. For example, theflue plate155 can be screwed or bolted into place. Alternatively, a variety of latching mechanisms can be used (as described in more detail in later).
• The above embodiment is intended to be used with a fireplace or other appliance, that has a preformed means for coupling the flue plate to the fireplace or other appliance. It is also envisioned that a fireplace or other appliance could be very simply modified to receive a flue plate such as that described in the embodiment above. For example, holes could be drilled into a fireplace unit or other appliance to receive screws or bolts which provide the necessary attachment means for coupling the flue plate to the fireplace or other appliance.
• In another embodiment, aflue connection member250 can be used with a fireplace connection member (appliance connection member)220 that is attached to a fireplace.Fireplace connection member220 and aflue connection member250 of this embodiment are shown inFIG. 5. Althoughfireplace connection member220 is shown in use with a fireplace,connection member220 can be used or modified to be used with any other appliance.
• Flue connection member250 includes aflue plate255 andfireplace connection member220 includes afireplace plate225. Although theflue connection member250 and thefireplace connection member220 preferably includeplate portions255,225 as shown inFIG. 2, alternatively, the flue connection member and fireplace connection member can be formed in any suitable shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• As described in the previous embodiment, theflue connection member250 is coupled to ducts (an outlet duct, or an inlet and outlet duct). In thisembodiment fireplace plate225 is coupled to a fireplace. Theflue plate255 is then seated on top of thefireplace plate225 and coupled to the fireplace via thefireplace plate225.
• Theflue plate255 shown inFIG. 5 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. For example, it has twocylindrical extensions260,270, and theseextensions260,270 are slightly smaller in diameter than theducts130,140. Theextensions260,270 also define openings or apertures in theflue plate255. These openings create the necessary pathway in theflue connection member250 to allow the exhaust or intake air to pass from the fireplace to theflue ducts130,140.
• Theflue connection member250 is preferably coupled to ducts by sliding the ducts over thecylindrical extensions260,270 and coupling the ducts to thecylindrical extensions260,270 by mechanical attachment, such as a collar with a screw-tightening member. Theflue plate255 may also have notches (or slits)275 for aligning and connecting theflue plate255 to thefireplace100.
• Theflue plate255 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of theflue plate255 facesflue ducts130,140. The bottom surface faces thefireplace100. As shown inFIG. 6, lower extendingportions262,272 preferably extend outward from the bottom surface of theflue plate255. Lower extendingportions262,272 can be an extension of thecylindrical extensions260,270 or they can be attached to theflue plate255 separately. The lower extendingportions262,272 provide additional guides for positioning and attaching theflue plate255 to thefireplace plate225. In particular, thefireplace plate225 is designed with a seat, described in more detail below, in which the lower extendingportions262,272 rest. These features are the same as those described above with respect to the first embodiment.
• Referring again toFIG. 5, thefireplace connection member220 will now be described in more detail. Thefireplace connection member220 is designed to be coupled to a fireplace. This can be accomplished by any number of different methods. For example, thefireplace plate225 can be bolted or screwed onto the fireplace.Holes288 in thefireplace plate225 may provide the necessary opening for bolting or screwing thefireplace plate225 onto an exterior surface of a fireplace. The exterior surface that thefireplace plate225 is to be coupled to could be any side or top surface of the fireplace.
• Thefireplace plate225 has twoopenings235,245. Theseopenings235,245 match up with an outlet area and an inlet area of the fireplace (such as those shown inFIG. 1). Thefireplace plate225 also includesseats275,285, which surround theopenings235,245. Theseseats275,285 match up with the area of the lower extendingportions262,272 shown inFIG. 6. Additionally, thefireplace plate225 has several tabs (or extensions)290.Tabs290 match up with thenotches275 in theflue plate255. As shown inFIG. 5, thetabs290 do not have to be of the same size. Rather it is only necessary that thetabs290 be proportioned to match appropriately with theirrespective holes275.
• When attaching theflue plate255 to thefireplace plate225, theflue plate255 can be easily guided into the proper position by using thetabs290 andnotches275, and by using theseats275,285 and the lower extendingportions262,272.
• Thefireplace plate225 also has twolatches291 that pivot about apivot member292. The latches have aslot293, and within theslot293 is abolt294. Thepivot member292,slot293, and bolt294 define a curved path of travel for thelatches291.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 showfireplace connection member220 andflue connection member250 coupled together. InFIG. 8, thelatches291 are shown in an engaged or locked position, which secures thefireplace connection member220 to theflue connection member250.FIGS. 9 and 10 are similar toFIGS. 7 and 8, except that thefireplace connection member220 is also attached tofireplace200.
• As shown inFIGS. 7-10 (for clarity, theflue connection member250 is shown in these figures without any ducts attached), thefireplace connection member220 is attached to afireplace200. Theflue plate250 is seated on thefireplace connection member220, and then latches291 can be rotated so that theflue connection member250 is secured to thefireplace connection member220.FIGS. 8 and 10 depict afireplace connection member220 where thelatches291 have been fully rotated. Once thelatches291 are rotated, if desired or required by local building code thelatches291 can be further secured by attaching a screw or bolt through opening295 (shown inFIG. 5) and a matching opening in the fireplace plate (not shown).
• It is also intended that the present invention could be used in a gas fireplace with co-axial ducts (or pipes). In particular, some fireplaces are vented by a concentric duct arrangement in which flue gases are exhausted through a central duct while intake air is drawn into the combustion chamber through an annular space defined by an outer larger diameter duct. Such fireplace construction has become popular because the cooling effect on the central exhaust duct by the intake air allows the fireplace to be vented without costly masonry chimney construction.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for attaching the flue ducts in a co-axial fireplace assembly is shown.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, a side view of an example embodiment of acoaxial duct fireplace300 is shown.Fireplace300 includes acombustion chamber enclosure310.Fireplace300 generally functions to ignite combustible gas using agas burner unit320. Twoco-axial flue ducts330,340 are attached toFireplace300.Duct330 servers to vent exhaust gases or combustion products from thefireplace300.Duct340 brings in fresh air to thefireplace300.Ducts330,340 are coupled to the fireplace to match up withoutlet area335 andinlet area345 offireplace300.
• As shown inFIG. 12,flue connection member350 includesflue plate355 and twocylindrical extensions360,370.Cylindrical extensions360,370 are co-axial (concentric) in order to match up withco-axial flue ducts330,340.Flue plate355 is preferably coupled toducts330,340 by slidingducts330,340 overcylindrical extensions360,370 andcoupling ducts330,340 tocylindrical extensions360,370 by mechanical attachment, such as a collar with a screw-tightening member. Because of the arrangement ofco-axial ducts330,340, there need only be one collar attached to the outside of theouter flue duct340, which overlaps outsidecylindrical extension370.
• Fireplace connection member420 is similar in structure to that of the fireplace plate of the second embodiment. However, certain differences are necessary because of the co-axial nature of theducts330,340. For example, there is a single opening oraperture470 in thefireplace plate425, and there is asingle seat485 that surrounds theopening470.
• The rest of the elements shown inFIG. 12 are the same as those shown inFIG. 5. Thefireplace plate425 also has twolatches491 that pivot about apivot member492. The latches have aslot493, and within theslot493 is abolt494. Thepivot member492,slot493, and bolt494 define a curved path of travel for thelatches491. Thefireplace plate425 has several tabs (or extensions)490.Tabs490 match up with thenotches375 in theflue plate355. If desired or required by local building code thelatches491 can be further secured by attaching a screw or bolt throughopening495. The functions of these elements are the same as that described above with respect to previous embodiments.
• FIGS. 13 and 14 show a side and plan schematic view offlue plate355. Theflue plate355 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of theflue plate355 faces coaxial flue ducts. The bottom surface faces a fireplace. As shown inFIG. 13, lower extendingportions362,372 preferably extend outward from the bottom surface of theflue plate355. Lower extendingportions362,372 can simply be extensions of thecylindrical extensions360,370 or they can be attached to theflue plate355 separately. The lower extendingportions362,372 provide additional guides for positioning and attaching theflue plate355 to the fireplace plate325. In particular, the fireplace plate325 is designed with a seat in which the lower extendingportions362,372 rest. These features are similar to those described above with respect to the previous embodiment.
• As shown inFIG. 14, the innercylindrical extension360 is connected to the outercylindrical extension370 byarms374. Although four arms are shown inFIG. 14, more or less arms could be used to connect the cylindrical extensions. In addition, other means to secure these two elements together could be used other than arms.
• The remaining elements and the method of operation of the flue connection system of the third embodiment are the same as that described above with respect to the second embodiment.
• In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system for attaching a single flue duct to an appliance is shown. In some circumstances it may be desired to couple only a single duct, for example, a single exhaust or inlet duct, to an appliance.
• This embodiment is similar to the other embodiments described above, but has only a single duct and single extending member of the flue connection member.
• Referring toFIG. 15, a schematic perspective view of theflue connection member550 is shown.Flue connection member550 includes aflue plate555. Although theflue connection member550 includes a plate portion as shown inFIG. 15, theflue connection member550 can be formed in any suitable shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• As shown inFIG. 15, theflue plate555 is connected to onecylindrical extension560. Thisextension560 is slightly smaller in diameter than duct530 (shown inFIG. 17). However, it is not necessary that the ducts be smaller in diameter. For example, the ducts could be constructed of a material capable of expanding and being pulled over the flue plate's cylindrical extensions. Alternatively, the diameter of the ducts could be slightly smaller than the cylindrical extensions and some other means of attachment of the ducts to the cylindrical extensions could be utilized.
• Theextension560 also defines an opening or aperture in theflue plate555. As discussed in more detail below, these openings create the necessary pathway in theflue connection member550 to allow the exhaust or intake air to pass from an appliance, such as a fireplace, to theflue ducts530.
• Theflue plate555 may also have notches (or slits)575 for aligning and connecting theflue plate555 to the fireplace or other appliance. The fireplace or other appliance can be preformed with matching extensions or tabs that would engagenotches575 and aid as guiding members, as well as provide a means of attachment, when coupling theflue plate555 to the appliance. Thenotches575 shown inFIG. 15, are rectangular, however, they may be constructed in any shape that would match corresponding extensions or tabs on the appliance.
• Theflue plate555 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of theflue plate555 facesflue duct530. The bottom surface faces the appliance. As shown inFIG. 16, lower extendingportion562 preferably extend outward from the bottom surface of theflue plate555. Lower extendingportion562 can be an extension of thecylindrical extensions560 or it can be attached to theflue plate555 separately. The lower extendingportion562 provides additional guides for positioning and attaching theflue plate555 to the fireplace or other appliance. In particular, the fireplace or other appliance can be designed with a seat, described in more detail above, in which the lower extendingportion562 rests.
• Referring now toFIG. 17, theflue connection member550 is preferably coupled to theduct530 by sliding theduct530 over thecylindrical extension560 and coupling theduct530 to thecylindrical extension560 by mechanical attachment, such as a collar with a screw-tightening member. Other mechanical attachment means include adhesion, screws, pivotal flanges, nuts and bolts, and springs.
• After theflue connection member550 is coupled to theduct530, theflue connection member550 can then be coupled to the fireplace or other appliance as described above in the other embodiments. For example, theflue connection member550 can be attached directly to the fireplace or other appliance, or it can be attached to an appliance or fireplace connection member which is attached to the appliance or fireplace directly.
• The remaining elements and the method of operation of the flue connection system of the fourth embodiment are the same as that described above with respect to the previous embodiments.
• The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples or materials described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspect of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

Claims (29)

1. A flue connection system for an appliance, the flue connection system comprising:

a flue connection member including a plate portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a first aperture, and including an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct and extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member;

an appliance connection member, the appliance connection member defining a second aperture, and the appliance connection member being configured to be attached to the appliance,

wherein the flue connection member and the appliance connection member are configured to be coupled to provide fluid communication between the appliance and the flue duct.

2. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, wherein the extending member defines the first aperture.

3. (canceled)

4. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, wherein the appliance connection member has a plate portion.

5. (canceled)

6. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, the appliance connection member comprising a seating member, wherein the seating member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the portion of the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface of the plate portion of the flue connection member extends into the seating member.

7. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, the plate portion of the flue connection member comprising an opening, the appliance connection member comprising a tab that extends beyond a top surface of a plate portion of the appliance connection member, wherein the opening and the tab are positioned so that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the tab extends into the opening.

8. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, wherein the appliance connection member comprises at least one latching member that is movably mounted, wherein the latching member is positioned so that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance connection member, the latching member can be moved so that it extends over a top surface of the flue connection member to couple the flue connection member to the appliance connection member.

9. The flue connection system ofclaim 1, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.

10. The flue connection system ofclaim 9, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.

11. An appliance, the appliance comprising:

a combustion chamber;

a combustible source that produces exhaust gases;

a vent system for venting exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to outside of the appliance, the vent system including a vent opening in the appliance; and

a flue connection member, the flue connection member including a plate portion having top and bottom surfaces and defining an aperture formed in the plate portion, and including an extending member configured to be coupled to a flue duct and extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member,

wherein the flue connection member is further configured to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with the vent opening of the vent system.

12. The flue connection system ofclaim 11 wherein the extending member defines the aperture.

13-14. (canceled)

15. The flue connection system ofclaim 11, the appliance comprising a seating member, wherein the seating member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned in contact with the appliance, the portion of the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface of the plate portion of the flue connection member extends into the seating member.

16. The flue connection system ofclaim 11, the plate portion of the flue connection member comprising an opening, the appliance comprising a tab that extending outward from the appliance, wherein the opening and the tab are positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned in contact with the appliance, the tab extends into the opening.

17. The flue connection system ofclaim 11, wherein the appliance comprises at least one latching member that is movably mounted to the appliance, wherein the latching member is positioned such that when the flue connection member is positioned on top of the appliance, the latching member can be moved so that it extends over a top surface of the flue connection member to couple the flue connection member to the appliance.

18. The flue connection system ofclaim 11, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.

19. The flue connection system ofclaim 18, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.

20. A flue connection system for an appliance, the flue connection system comprising:

a flue connection member, the flue connection member defining an aperture and including an extending member, and the flue connection member being configured to be coupled to a flue duct,

wherein the flue connection member is further configured to be coupled to the appliance to substantially align the aperture of the flue connection member with a vent opening in the appliance.

21. The flue connection system ofclaim 20 wherein the extending member defines the aperture.

22. The flue connection system ofclaim 20 wherein the flue connection member has a plate portion.

23. The flue connection system ofclaim 22 wherein the plate portion of the flue connection member has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the extending member extends beyond the top surface and the bottom surface of the plate portion,

wherein the extending member that extends beyond the top surface is configured to be coupled to a flue duct and the extending member that extends beyond the bottom surface is configured to be coupled to an appliance.

24. The flue connection system ofclaim 20, wherein the appliance is a fireplace.

25. The flue connection system ofclaim 24, wherein the fireplace is a slant back type fireplace insert.

26. A method of coupling a vent system to an appliance using a flue connection member, the appliance including a vent panel having a primary surface and defining a vent aperture, and the flue connection member defining a first aperture and including an extending member aligned with the first aperture, the method comprising the steps of:

coupling the vent system to the extending member;

moving the flue connection member in a direction non-parallel to the vent panel primary surface to align the first aperture with the vent aperture; and

coupling the flue connection member to the appliance.

27. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the appliance further includes an appliance connection member defining a second aperture, the method further comprising aligning the second aperture with the vent aperture and the first aperture, and coupling the appliance connection member between the appliance and the flue connection member.

28. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the flue connection member includes a plate portion having top and bottom surfaces, and the extending member extends beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the plate member, and coupling the flue connection member to the appliance includes inserting a portion of the extending member into the vent aperture.

29. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the vent panel further defines an inlet aperture and the flue connection member further defines a third aperture, and the moving step includes moving the flue connection member to align the third aperture with the inlet aperture.

30. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the vent panel further defines an inlet aperture, the flue connection member further includes a third aperture, and the appliance connection member defining a fourth aperture, the moving step further including moving the flue connection member to align the third aperture with the inlet aperture, and the aligning step further including aligning the fourth aperture with the inlet aperture and the third aperture.

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