GB2531304A

GB2531304A - A flue damper

Info

Publication number: GB2531304A
Application number: GB1418301.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francis Haughey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-15
Filing date: 2014-10-15
Publication date: 2016-04-20
Also published as: GB201418301D0

Abstract

A flue damper 110 comprising a base 112 through which apertures 114A, 114B are formed, flaps 116A, 116B coupled to the base are movable to selectively open or close the apertures. An operating mechanism 118 is coupled to the flap and operable to open or close the aperture with the flap. The flaps preferably have two open positions (Fig 5A, 5B, 5C) in which the aperture is obstructed by different amounts and a latch (124, fig 5A, 5B, 5C) arrangement comprising a pin and slot arrangement to allow the flap to be held in position. The flap may be multiple flaps coupled together by a linkage 120 so they move together when opened or closed.

Description

A Flue Damper

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to flue dampers. The invention relates particularly to flue dampers for fireplace chimneys.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a flue damper comprising: a base through which at least one aperture is formed; at least one flap coupled to the base and movable to selectively open or close said at least one aperture; at least one operating mechanism coupled to said at least one flap and operable to move said at least one flap between a closed state in which said at least one aperture is closed, and at least one open state in which said at least one aperture is open.

A second aspect of the invention provides a fireplace insulation comprising a damper according to any preceding claim installed in a chimney flue.

In preferred embodiments, there are at least two open states, and wherein in each open state the at least one flap adopts a respective different position with respect to the base, in which respective position the at least one flap restricts, in-use, the flow of air through the at least one aperture by a respective different amount.

Some embodiments include multiple flaps for opening and closing a respective one of multiple apertures.

Preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the DrawinQs

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flue damper embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the flue damper of Figure 1; Figures 3A to 3C are respective side views of the flue damper of Figure 1 showing the flue damper in respective different states of use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second flue damper embodying the invention; Figures 5A to SC are respective side views of the flue damper of Figure 4 showing the flue damper in respective different states of use; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second flue damper embodying the invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a flue damper embodying the invention. The flue damper 10 comprises a base 12 through which an aperture 14 is formed. The base 12 has a front 6, a rear 7 and oppositely disposed sides 8, 9 extending between the front 6 and rear 7. The aperture 14 is a through-aperture, extending through the base 12 from the in-use top face 11 to the in-use bottom face 13. A flap 16 is coupled to the base 12 and is movable to selectively open or close the aperture 14.

In the damper 10 a single aperture 14 is provided and a single flap 16 is provided for opening and closing the aperture 14, i.e. the flap 16 is shaped and dimensioned to match the aperture 14.

In alternative embodiments more than one aperture and more than one flap may be provided. For example, referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, two further embodiments of a flue damper are shown respectively as 110, 210. The dampers 110, 210 are similar to the damper 10 and similar descriptions apply as would be apparent to a skilled person.

The damperllO has firstand second apertures 114A, 114B and a respective flap 116A, 11GB for opening and closing each aperture. The first aperture 114A is located forwardly in the basell2, the other aperture 1 14B being located rearwardly in the base 112. The apertures 1 14A, 1 14B are typically being aligned with one another in a one dimensional array.

The damper 210 has first and second sets of first and second apertures 214A, 2148 and 21 4A', 214B', the sets being located side by side in the base 212. The apertures in each set are located forwardly and rearwarcily, respectively, in the base 212, typically being aligned with one another to form a two dimensional array of apertures. A respective flap 216A, 21GB, 216k, 216B is provided for opening and closing the respective apertures 214A, 214B, 214A, 214B'.

More generally, flue dampers embodying the invention may have one or more apertures and one or more flaps for opening and closing the apertures. Typically a respective flap is provided for each aperture but it is possible that any one or more of the flaps is provided to open and close more than one aperture.

Typically the aperture 14, or the apertures 11 6A, 1168; 21 6A, 2168, 216A', 2168' collectively when there are more than one, occupies at least 50%, more usually at least 75% of the surface area of the in-usetopand bottomfaces 11, 111,21113,113,213 ofthe base 12,112,212.

In Figures 1 2, 3A, 4, SA and 6 the flaps 16, 1 16A, 1 16B, 216A, 2168, 216A', 2168' are shown in a closed state in which they closes the respective aperture. In Figures 3B, SC, SB and SC, the flaps 16, 1 16A, I 16B are shown in a respective one of a plurality of open states in which the flap 16, 1 16A, 1168 does not close the respective aperture. In the present example there are two open states (Figure 3B, SB and 3C, SC respectively) although more generally there may be at least one open state, preferably at least two.

In each open state, the respective flap adopts a respective different position with respect to the base 12, 112, 212 such that the flap restricts, in-use, the flow of air (and any other gases that may be present) through the respective aperture by a respective different amount. In each different position, the flap 16, 11 6A, 1 16B, 21 6A, 21 6B, 216A', 21 6B' obscures the respective aperture 14, 1 14A, 1 14B, 214A, 214B, 214A', 214B' by a respective different amount. Accordingly, when the flap is in an open state, the position of the flap with respect to the respective aperture determines the damping effect that the damper 10, 110, 210 has on the hot gas that, in use, passes through the aperture.

When the flap is closed it preferably makes a substantially fluid tight seal with the base 12, 112, 212 in order to make the base substantially fluid impermeable.

In typical embodiments, the or each flap 16, 1 16A, 1168, 216A, 2168, 216A', 2168' is pivotably coupled to the base 12, 112, 212 and is pivotable between the closed state and each open state, i.e. it may move from the closed state to any of the open states, or between any two open states.

Accordingly, in each of the different open positions the flap adopts a respective different angular position with respect to the base 12, 112, 212.

In use, the or each flap 16, 1 16A, 1168, 216A, 216B, 216A', 2168' moves upwardly from the top face 11, 111, 211 when moving away from the closed state and moves downwardly towards the top face 11, 111,211 when moving towards the closed state.

The damper 10, 110, 210 includes at least one operating mechanism 18, 118, 218, 218' coupled to the or each flap 16, 1 16A, 1 16B, 216A, 216B, 216A', 216B' and operable to move the, or each, flap between the closed state and the open states. In the dampers 10, 110 there is a single operating mechanism 18, 118 for operating the respective flap 16 or flaps I 16A, I lOB. In the damper 210 there is a respective operating mechanism 218, 218' for each set of flaps 216A, 2168, 216A', 2168'.

In embodiments where there are multiple flaps, two or more of the flaps may be coupled together by a linkage such that movement of one flap between any two of said states causes corresponding movement of the or each other flap. For example, in Figures 4 and 5, the flaps 11 6A, 11 6B are coupled by linkage 120 such that flaps 116A, 116B move together. In Figure 6, the flaps in each set are coupled together by a respective linkage 220, 220' such that the flaps 216A, 216B move together, and the flaps 216A', 216B' move together.

The linkages 120, 220, 220' may take any convenient form, for example comprising one or more bar, rod, rope, chain and/or plate. Optionally, the linkage 120, 220, 220' is pivotably coupled to each respective flap. This is particularly suited to cases in which the linkage is formed from rigid member(s) such as rod(s) or bar(s). For example, in the illustrated embodiments, each linkage 120, 220, 220' comprises a rod, a respective end of which is pivotably coupled to a respective one of the flaps being coupled together. The coupling may for example be achieved by hooking each end of the rod into a respective eyelet 122, 222, 222' provided on the respective flap. In other embodiments, for example where rope(s) or chain(s) are used as the linkage, the linkage may simply be fixed to each respective flap.

In preferred embodiments, the, oreach, operating mechanism 18,118,218,218' comprises a latch device 24, 124, 224, 224' for holding the or each respective flap in the, or any one of the, open states. In cases where more than one flaps are coupled together, the same latch device may be used for each coupled flap, i.e. it is not necessary to have a latch device for each flap. For example, in the embodiment of Figures ito 3, the latch device 24 can hold the flap 16 in any one of its open states, as can be seen from Figures 3B and 3G. In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the latch device 124 can hold both of the flaps 11 6A, I 16B in any one of its open states, as can be seen from Figures SB and SC. The damper 210 of Figure 6 has first and second latch devices 224, 224', one for each set of flaps, the first latch device 224 being able to hold the flaps 216A, 216B of the first set in any one of its open states (not illustrated), the second latch device 224' being able to hold the flaps 216A', 216B' of the second set in any one of its open states (not illustrated).

In the illustrated embodiments, each latch device 24, 124, 224, 224' has first and second like parts, which conveniently are identical with each other, spaced apart on either side of a respective flap.

In preferred embodiments, the or each latch device 24, 124,224, 224' (including each part of the latch device in cases where it comprises two or more like parts) comprises a pin 26, 126 and slot 28, 128 assembly, the respective slot 28, 128 being shaped to include a respective pin-receiving seat 30, 130 for the or each open state. In the illustrated embodiments, the respective pin 26, 126 is provided on the respective flap 16, 11 GA, the corresponding slot 28, 128 being provided on the base 12, 112. In altemative embodiments (not illustrated) the pin may be provided on the base and the slot may be provided on the flap. In any case, the arrangement is such that movement of the flap 16, 1 16A with respect to the base 12, 112 causes the respective pin 26, 126 to move along the respective slot 28, 128 and to enter the respective seat 30, 130 when the flap reaches the respective

S

open state. When the pin 26, 126 is in the slot 28, 128, the flap 16, 1 16A is held in the corresponding open state. In cases where two or more flaps are coupled together by a linkage 120, 220, 220', each linked flap 116A, 116B; 216A, 216B; 216A', 216B' is held in the corresponding open state.

In the illustrated embodiments, the slots 28, 128 are orientated so the seats 30, 130 face upwardly in use, such that the respective pin 26, 126 can enter the respective slot 28, 128, and be retained therein, under the influence of gravity. In alternative embodiments in which the pin is provided on the base and the slot is provided on the flap, the slot may be oriented so that the seats face downwardly and can therefore engage with the pin and be retained thereon, under the influence of gravity.

In preferred embodiments, the, oreach, operating mechanism 18,118,218,218' includes a lever32, 132, 232, 232' coupled to the respective flap 16, 1 16A, 216A, 216A', the lever being operable to pivot the flap with respect to the base 12, 112,212 between the closed state and the or each open state. Typically, the lever 32, 132, 232, 232' projects downwardly in use from the base.

In embodiments where two or more flaps are coupled together by a linkage 120, 220, 220', the lever 132, 232, 232' may be coupled to only one of the flaps, the other flap(s) being moved indirectly by the lever via the linkage. For example, in dampers 110, 210 having at least one forwardly located flap 116A, 216A, 216A' and at least one rearwardly located flap 116B, 216B, 216B', the lever 132, 232, 232' is preferably connected to the respective forwardly located flap, the forwardly located flap being connected to the rearwardly located flap by the linkage 120, 220, 220'.

Conveniently, the lever 32, 132, 232, 232' includes a seat 34, 134, 234, 234' for receiving an end of a poker 36, 136, 236, 236' to allow the lever to be operated by the poker. For example, the seat 34, 134, 234, 234' may take the form of a socket provided on the lever.

Optionally, the lever 32, 132, 232, 232' includes a hook 38, 138, 238, 238' from which to hang the poker 36, 136,236, 236'.

In preferred embodiments, the or each flap 16, 1 16A, 216A, 216A', is pivotably coupled to the base 12, 112, 212 by a pin and slot coupling 40, 140, 240 to allow relative pivoting movement and relative curvilinear movement between the flap and the base. This facilitates movement of the pin 26, 126 into and out of the seats 30, 130 as well as along the slot 28, 128. In the illustrated embodiments, the pin 41, 141, 241 of the pin and slot coupling 40, 140, 240 is provided on the base 12, 112, 212 and the slot 43, 143, 243 is provided on the flap, although the reverse arrangement may alternatively be used.

In typical embodiments, the base 12, 112, 212 is shaped and dimensioned to match the cross sectional area of the flue (not shown) into which it is to be installed. The typical arrangement is such that the damper 10, 110, 210 closes the flue when the or each flap is closed.

The base 12, 112, 212 is usually substantially planar and may for example comprise a plate.

Optionally a lip 142, 242 may be provided around the periphery of the base 112, 212. The damper 10, 110, 210, in particular the base and the flaps, may be formed from any convenient inflammable heat resistant material, typically metal, for example steel.

Flue dampers embodying the invention are particularly but not exclusively suited for installation into a chimney flue (not illustrated) of a fire place, for example a domestic fire place. When the or each flap is closed, the flue is closed and this helps to prevent heat escaping from the room in which the fire place is located as well as preventing draughts and the ingress of rain, hail and/or other matter via the chimney. When the flap(s) are open, the flue is able to perform as a flue. Advantageously, the provision of multiple open states and/or the provision of more than one independently operable flap allows a user to control the performance of the flue. The provision of more than one flap facilitates operation of the flue particularly in cases when a single flap may be too cumbersome to move.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A flue damper comprising: a base through which at least one aperture is formed; at least one flap coupled to the base and movable to selectively open or close said at least one aperture; at least one operating mechanism coupled to said at least one flap and operable to move said at least one flap between a closed state in which said at least one aperture is closed, and at least one open state in which said at least one aperture is open.
2. The damper of Claim I wherein said at least one flap is pivotably coupled to said base and is pivotable between said closed state and said at least one open state.
3. The damper of Claim 1 or 2 wherein said base has an in-use top face, said at least one flap being movable upwardly, in-use, from said top face away from said closed state.
4. The damper of any preceding claim wherein there are at least two open states, and wherein in each open state the at least one flap adopts a respective different position with respect to the base, in which respective position the at least one flap restricts, in-use, the flow of air through the at least one aperture by a respective different amount.
5. The damper of Claim 4 wherein in each of said respective different position, said at least one flap obscures said at least one aperture by a respective different amount.
6. The chimney damper of Claim 4 or 5, when dependent on Claim 2, wherein in each of said different positions said at least one flap adopts a respective different angular position with respect to said base.
7. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one aperture extends through the base from the in-use top face to the in-use bottom face.
8. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one aperture occupies at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, of the surface area of the in-use top and bottom faces of the base.
9. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one aperture comprises a single aperture.
10. The damper according to Claim 9 wherein said at least one flap comprises a single flap for opening and closing said single aperture.
11. The damper according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one aperture comprises multiple apertures.
12. The damper of Claim 11, wherein said at least one flap comprises a respective flap for each aperture.
13. The damper according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the apertures are arranged in the base in a one or two dimensional array.
14. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one flap comprises multiple flaps, and wherein at least one of said flaps is coupled to at least one other of said flaps by a linkage such that movement of said at least one flap between any two of said states causes corresponding movement of said at least one other flap.
15. The damper of Claim 14, wherein said linkage comprises one or more bar, rod, rope, chain and/or plate.
16. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one operating mechanism comprises a latch device for holding said at least one flap in any one of the or each open state.
17. The damper of Claim 16 wherein said latch device comprises at least one pin and slot assembly, one of said respective pins and respective slots provided on said at least one flap, the other being provided on said base, the respective slot being shaped to include a respective seat for the or each open state, wherein movement of said at least one flap with respect to said base causes said respective pin to move along said respective slot and to enter the respective seat when said at least one flap reaches the or each open state.
18. The damper of Claim 17 wherein the respective pin is provided on a respective flap, and the respective slot is provided on the base and wherein respective slot is orientated so the or each respective seat faces upwardly, in use.
19. The damper according to any one of Claims 2 to 18, wherein said at least one operating mechanism includes a lever coupled to said at least one flap, the lever being operable to pivot said at least one flap with respect to said base between said closed state and said at least said open state.
20. The damper according to claim 19 wherein the lever projects downwardly in use with respect to said base.
21. The damper of Claim 19 or 20, wherein the lever is connected one of said at least one flaps.
22. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one flap comprises a first forwardly located flap and a first rearwardly located flap, wherein said lever is connected to said forwardly located flap and said forwardly located flap is connected to said at least one rearwardly located flap by a linkage.
23. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one flap comprises at least one set of flaps, each set comprising a forwardly located flap and a rearwardly located flap, said forwardly located flap being connected to said at least one rearwardly located flap by a linkage.
24. The damper of claim 23, comprising at least two of said sets of flaps located side by side.
25. The damper of claim 24, wherein each set of flaps is operable independently of the or each other set of flaps.
26. The damper according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the or each forwardly located flap is substantially in register with the respective rearwardly located flap.
27. The damper according to claim 22 comprising at least two forwardly located flaps side by side and wherein a respective lever is coupled to each forwardly located flap.
28. The damper of any one of claims 19 to 27 wherein said at least one lever includes a hook from which to hang a poker.
29. The damper of any one of claims 19 to 28 wherein said at least one lever includes a seat for receiving an end of a poker to allow said at least one lever to be operated by said poker.
30. The damper of any preceding claim wherein said at least one flap is pivotably coupled to the base by at least one pin and slot coupling to allow relative pivoting movement and relative curvilinear movement between said at least one flap and said base.
31. The damper of any preceding claim wherein the base is shaped and dimensioned to match the cross sectional area of a chimney flue.
32. The damper of any preceding claim wherein the base is shaped and dimensioned to close the chimney flue when said at least one flap is closed.
33. The damper of any preceding claim wherein the base is substantially planar.
34. The damper of any preceding claim wherein the base comprises a plate.
35. The damper of any preceding claim wherein the base is formed from metal, for example steel.
36. The damper of any preceding claim wherein when said at least one flap is closed said base is fluid impermeable.
37. A fireplace insulation comprising a damper according to any preceding claim installed in a chimney flue.