IE20190047A1 - A heating installation conversion kit - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a heating installation conversion kit comprising a frame and a cover. The frame comprises a substantially rectangular frame having top, bottom and side portions. The side portions are cranked intermediate their ends forming a substantially L-shaped frame in side view, configured for placement surrounding a pre-installed heating installation firebox. The cover comprises a continuous body constructed from a conducting material having a peripheral rim for engagement of the frame, thereby forming a close seal between the frame and the cover enclosing the firebox therebehind. The cover comprises an air vent for throughpassage of air from the surrounding environment into the firebox. The heating installation conversion kit may be installed around a pre-existing fireplace and will more effectively harness the heat from the fuel being burnt in the fireplace as well as control the amount of heat lost through air being driven up the chimney, resulting in lower fuel consumption and more efficient heat distribution.

Description

This invention relates to a heating installation conversion kit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a conversion kit for converting a fireplace or a back boiler installation.

Over the last number of years, there has been a continuing push to improve the thermal efficiency of households and reduce their consumption of fossil fuels. Generally speaking, this has entailed providing improved insulation and/or more efficient boilers in the households. In this way, the household will retain the heat generated more effectively through the improved insulation and will consume less fossil fuels in getting the household up to temperature through improved boiler efficiency. However, there are a number of problems with the known solutions.

First of all, it is relatively expensive to insulate an existing household. Older buildings in particular that were subject to less stringent building regulations may have little or no insulation whatsoever. In order to properly insulate these buildings, it is necessary to insulate the roof, the walls and even the floors with insulation material. This is typically very expensive to do and beyond the reach of many. Furthermore, new boilers are also not inexpensive and although there are undoubtedly long term savings that can be made through the use of less fossil fuels in their operation, the upfront cost can be prohibitively high for many. Secondly, the provision of these new heating measures can be highly disruptive to the people living in the household, particularly where internal wall or floor insulation is concerned. Thirdly, there are many households that don’t immediately lend themselves to the application of these measures. For example, there are many homes that rely on an open fire or a backboiler as a main source of heating in the household.

The existing measures do nothing to address the inefficiencies of these installations.

Fireplaces and backboilers also pose other problems. lmportantly, fireplaces are often seen as a major source of heat loss in a household. Warm air in the household is drawn into the fireplace and escapes up through the chimney. It is not uncommon for fireplaces or the chimneys to be blocked in to reduce the heat loss through an unused fireplace.

However, this is not an option if the fireplace is to be relied upon as a source of heating in the household. Furthermore, fireplaces are quite inefficient forms of heating and a significant portion of the heat generated in the fireplace is lost in the firebox and up the chimney. As a result, more fossil fuels are burnt in the fireplace in order to provide the desired level of heating in the household. Similar problems exist with back boilers in that their efficiency could be improved.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a heating installation conversion kit that overcomes at least some of these problems. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heating installation kit that provides a useful alternative choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit comprising a frame and a corresponding complementary cover, the frame comprising a substantially rectangular frame having top, bottom and side portions and in which the side portions are cranked intermediate their ends thereby forming a substantially L- shaped frame, configured for placement surrounding a pre-installed heating installation firebox, the cover comprising a substantially continuous body constructed from a conducting material having a peripheral rim for complementary engagement of the frame thereby forming a close seal between the frame and the cover enclosing the heating installation firebox therebehind, the cover comprising an air vent therein for throughpassage of air from the surrounding environment into the heating installation firebox, and in which there is provided complementary releasable engagement members for releasably securing the frame to the cover.

By having such a heating installation conversion kit, the heat generated in the firebox of the heating installation will be harnessed more effectively and efficiently than was heretofore the case. The amount of air being drawn into the firebox is controlled thereby reducing the loss of heat in the household through the firebox and up the chimney.

Furthermore, by controlling the amount of air passing into the firebox and harnessing the heat from the firebox in a more effective manner, the amount of fuel that is burnt in the firebox will be significantly reduced. Initial tests have shown an approximate 40% reduction in fuel costs and an approximate 20% increase in heat distribution from the heating installation once the heating installation conversion kit is in situ.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which at least portion of the cover comprises a corrugated surface. By having a corrugated surface, the heat distribution from the cover will be enhanced.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which at least portion of the cover comprises a plurality of heat fins. Again, this will improve the heat distribution from the cover, thereby reducing the fuel requirement of the heating installation.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which there is provided a handle on the cover constructed from a heat insulation material. By providing a handle constructed from a heat insulation material, the firebox cover may be removed with ease to facilitate cleaning of the hearth or provision of additional fuel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which there is provided a fire seal mounted on one of the frame and the cover for location intermediate the frame and the cover. This is seen as a useful addition as it will provide a safer installation that will prevent the egress of embers or sparks from the fuel escaping beyond the cover and causing a threat to welfare of the household occupants.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the fire seal is mounted on the cover and stands proud of the cover. This is seen as a simple construction of fire seal that is inexpensive to construct but that will provide an effective seal when required to do so.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the releasable engagement members comprise releasable locking members.

This is seen as a useful embodiment that will provide a safer, more secure arrangement that will prevent inadvertent separation of the cover from the frame behind.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the releasable locking members comprise a bolt and a winged lock-nut.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the releasable engagement members comprise a magnet mounted on one of the frame and the cover and at least piece of the other of the frame and the cover are provided with a target for engagement of the magnet.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the releasable engagement members comprise a pin and a complementary tab having a groove dimensioned to receive the pin.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which there is provided a viewing window formed in the cover and a glass sheet placed in the viewing window. By having a viewing window, as well as providing a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement, the occupants will be able to gauge the rate of burn of the fuel and also whether more fuel is required.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which there is provided a container of fire cement for engagement of the frame to the surround of a pre-installed heating installation firebox.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the cover is constructed from galvanized steel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the cover comprises a single walled construction.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the frame comprises a water inlet, a water outlet and an interconnecting pipe therebetween for routing of water to be heated through the pipe. In this way, the hot water may be used in the household to heat a radiator or water in a hot water cylinder if desired.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the pipe takes a labyrinthine passage from the inlet to the outlet. By having a labyrinthine passage, the heating of the water will be more comprehensive as the water passes through the pipe.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the frame is a multipart frame including at least two parts. This is seen as a simple way to transport the frame and will also assist in the installation of the frame.

Alternatively, the multipart frame may be hingedly connected together.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a heating installation conversion kit in which the frame comprises two parts, a first C-shaped part for placement on and engagement of the hearth, and a second C-shaped part for placement on and engagement of the fire surround.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a heating installation conversion kit according to the invention; Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the heating installation conversion kit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of a second embodiment of heating installation conversion kit according to the invention; Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A of Figure 3; Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B of Figure 3; Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view along the lines C-C of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a prototype; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation showing an alternative construction of the heating installation conversion kit in place in a household; and Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternative construction of releasable engagement members.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a heating installation conversion kit, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, comprising a frame 101 and a complementary cover 103. The frame 101 comprises a substantially rectangular frame having top 105, bottom 107 and a pair of side frame portions 109, 111. The side portions 109, 111 are cranked at a substantially right angle intermediate their ends to form an L- shaped frame in side view. In this way, when the frame 101 is placed around a firebox 113, (indicated in dashed outline in Figure 2), the top frame portion 105 and part of the two side portions 109, 111 will sit on the face of a fire surround 115 and the bottom frame portion 107 along with the remainder of the two side portions 109, 111 will sit on the face of a hearth 117. By doing so, the frame 101 will form a seal with the fire surround 115 and the hearth 117 and a stable base for reception of the cover 103.

The cover 103 comprises a substantially cuboid body open on two adjacent sides, the bottom and rear sides in this instance. The cover is not necessarily cuboid and other shapes will be readily envisaged. What is important is that the peripheral rim of the cover is dimensioned to engage the frame 101. The cover 103 is constructed from a heat conducting material such as, but not limited to, galvanised steel. The cover comprises a handle 119 constructed from a heat insulating material, a viewing window 121 with a glass pane therein, and a pair of adjustable air vents 123, 125 to control the throughpassage of air from the environment surrounding the cover to the firebox. The air vents may be adjustable by allowing the size of the aperture to be adjusted using, for example, a sliding plate mounted for reciprocal movement at least partially across an aperture in the cover. By sliding the plate across the aperture, more or less of the aperture can be obscured by the plate, thereby controlling the size of the aperture. The cover may be provided with a fire seal (not shown) on the peripheral rim for engagement of the frame.

The frame and the cover have complementary releasable engagement members for releasably securing the frame to the cover. In the embodiment shown, the complementary releasable engagement members for releasably securing the frame to the cover comprise a pair of magnets 127, 129 mounted on the cover and a pair of targets 131, 133 mounted on the frame for engagement of the magnets. The cover and the frame are further provided with locating members for the correct positioning of the cover relative to the frame. The locating members comprise a pair of pins 135, 137 mounted on the rear of the cover and a pair of apertures 139, 141 on the frame for reception of the pins.

In use, the frame is secured around the firebox using fire cement or other adhesive suitable for use at high temperatures as would be expected in the area surrounding the firebox. Once in position, a fire is lit in the firebox and the cover is put in position engaging the frame. By doing so, the fire will be enclosed behind the cover. The amount of air passing into the fire and up the chimney will be controlled and the heat from the fire will be harnessed by the cover and used to heat up the room in a more efficient manner than was heretofore the case.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a view similar to Figure 2 of a second embodiment of heat installation conversion kit according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The heat installation conversion kit 300 comprises a frame 301 and a cover 303. The frame differs from the frame 301 shown in Figure 2 in that there is provided a fire seal 305 mounted on the outer face of the frame 301. The fire seal 305 is a piece of fire seal rope adhered to the front surface of the frame 301 and provides a continuous seal around the entire frame. The cover 303 comprises a peripheral flange 307 having a channel (not shown) formed therein dimensioned to receive the fire seal 305.

Referring to Figures 4(a) to 4(c) inclusive, there is shown a plurality of cross-sectional views of the peripheral flange 307 with the integral channel 309 formed therein for reception off the fire seal 305 rope. The fire seal 305 is shown as cylindrical however it may not be cylindrical and indeed the channel is not necessarily hemi-cylindrical, other configurations will be readily envisaged. Indeed, the fire seal 305 may be mounted on the cover 303 instead of the frame 301 and it is envisaged that it may be preferable to do so, at least from an aesthetic point of view. In this way, when the cover 303 is not in place on the frame, the fire seal 305 rope will not be on display on the frame on the fire surround. In such circumstances, the frame could have a channel therein for reception of the fire seal rope if desired.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a prototype of the heating installation conversion kit used in testing, indicated generally by the reference numeral 500. The heating installation conversion kit is mounted about a fireplace and an open fire. The prototype has shown promising results including an increase of heat distribution of the order of 20% and a reduction in fuel consumption of the order of 40%. It has further been found in testing that with the cover in place, the heating installation conversion kit allows for the fire to be kept lit for longer periods of time and rekindled with relative ease when more heat is required from the fireplace. This will obviate the need for the fire to be set each time. This is particularly advantageous for those less mobile members of society such as the elderly or physically disabled. The front surface 501 of the cover 503 is corrugated for better heat distribution.

The cover 503 shown in Figure 5 includes a water inlet 505, a water outlet 507 and a pipe (not shown) therebetween for carrying water through the cover. The water passing through the cover will be heated as it passes through the pipe. This will provide an inexpensive supply of hot water to the household. Preferably however, a water inlet, a water outlet and a pipe therebetween will be provided on the frame instead of the cover so that the connections to the water supply and return pipes (not shown) do not have to be disconnected in the event of the cover being removed. Indeed, the pipe may travel through both the frame and the cover.

It is envisaged that a heat exchanger may be provided in the frame (or, if the water supply is passed through the cover, in the cover) in order to provide the hot water supply. Suitable flow and return ports could be provided in the frame and/or the cover so that the heat exchanger could supply hot water in the household, heated by the heating installation. the frame may be constructed from stainless steel. It is envisaged that the frame will be able to absorb some of the heat and prevent overheating in the firebox.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, there is further shown a thermometer 509. It is envisaged that the air vents 123, 125 or another air vent in the cover may be temperature controlled in response to the temperature measured by the thermometer.

Instead of a thermometer, a thermostatic device (not shown) may be provided to control the air inlet. In this way, the thermometer or thermostatic device can control the amount of air entering the firebox in response to the measured temperature so that the temperature can be carefully controlled by keeping the fire in the firebox burning and the heat output at an almost constant rate.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of heating installation conversion kit, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600, in position in a household covering a back boiler. It can be seen that the heating installation conversion kit will fit seamlessly with many of the existing heating installations and will be simple and inexpensive to install.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of an alternative 700. The complementary engagement members comprise a pin 701 and a tab 703 having a embodiment of complementary releasable engagement members groove 705 therein dimensioned to receive the pin 701. It is envisaged that the pin 701 could be mounted on the frame (not shown) or more preferably could be mounted elsewhere on the fireplace in an area accessible by the tab 703 and groove 705, such as an inner side surface of the firebox. Preferably, there would be two pins, one on either side of the firebox and there would be two tabs mounted on the cover 103 and protruding rean/vardly therefrom, spaced apart from each other across the cover each for engagement of one of the pins mounted on the firebox. More than one pin could be provided on each side of the frame/firebox and more complementary tabs with grooves could be provided for receipt of the pins.

The pins could be bolts or screws drilled and screwed into the side of the firebox. It will be understood that the groove 705 in the tab is angled upwards so that as the pin moves further into the groove (in the direction of the arrow), the tab and by extension the cover will be drawn inwards towards the firebox and downwardly towards the hearth of the fireplace. In this way, an effective seal can be created between the cover and the frame / fireplace. A fire seal rope or other seal could be provided on the cover to improve the seal as before. Furthermore, in order to remove the cover, the cover will have to be lifted upwards and away from the firebox, thereby obviating the possibility of the cover simply falling away from the firebox when the cover is secured in position. It will be understood that as an alternative, the pins could be mounted on the cover and the grooves formed in the frame or in the firebox if desired. In such instance, the grooves 705 would be inclined downwardly and inwardly towards the firebox and hearth rather than upwardly and away from the firebox and hearth as shown in Figure 7. Other configurations of complementary releasable engagement members are readily envisaged that will enable the cover to be mounted securely about the firebox and provide a good seal therewith.

Throughout this specification, reference is made to a heating installation. It will be understood that by heating installation, what is meant is an open fireplace or a back boiler installation.

In this specification, the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising” and the terms “include, includes, included and including” are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. A heating installation conversion kit comprising a frame and a corresponding complementary cover, the frame comprising a substantially rectangular frame having top, bottom and side portions and in which the side portions are cranked intermediate their ends thereby forming a substantially L-shaped frame, configured for placement surrounding a pre-installed heating installation firebox, the cover comprising a substantially continuous body constructed from a conducting material having a peripheral rim for complementary engagement of the frame thereby forming a close seal between the frame and the cover enclosing the heating installation firebox therebehind, the cover comprising an air vent therein for throughpassage of air from the surrounding environment into the heating installation firebox, in which the air vent is an adjustable air vent that permits the size of the air vent aperture to be modified, and in which there is provided complementary releasable engagement members for releasably securing the frame to the cover. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 1 in which at least portion of the cover comprises a corrugated surface. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which at least portion of the cover comprises a plurality of heat fins. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a handle on the cover constructed from a heat insulation material. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a fire seal mounted on one of the frame and the cover for location intermediate the frame and the cover. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 5 in which the fire seal is mounted on the cover and stands proud of the cover. (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the releasable engagement members comprise releasable locking members. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 7 in which the releasable locking members comprise a bolt and a winged lock-nut. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the releasable engagement members comprise a magnet mounted on one of the frame and the cover and at least piece of the other of the frame and the cover are provided with a target for engagement of the magnet. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 in which the releasable engagement members comprise a pin and a complementary tab having a groove dimensioned to receive the pin. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a viewing window formed in the cover and a glass sheet placed in the viewing window. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a container of fire cement for engagement of the frame to the surround of a pre-installed heating installation firebox. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cover is constructed from galvanized steel. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cover comprises a single walled construction. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the frame comprises a water inlet, a water outlet and an interconnecting pipe therebetween for routing of water to be heated through the pipe. (15) (17) (18) A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 15 in which the pipe takes a labyrinthine passage from the inlet to the outlet. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the frame is a multipart frame including at least two parts. A heating installation conversion kit as claimed in claim 17 in which the frame comprises two parts, a first C-shaped part for placement on and engagement of the hearth, and a second C-shaped part for placement on and engagement of the fire surround.