US20240027099A1

US20240027099A1 - System and method for water connection convertibility

Info

Publication number: US20240027099A1
Application number: US18/224,656
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Vincent; Nicholas Wandrie; Chad VanderRoest
Original assignee: Bradford White Corp
Current assignee: Bradford White Corp
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2023-07-21
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: WO2024020174A1

Abstract

A water heater appliance and a method of configuring or reconfiguring said appliance for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below said appliance is disclosed. The water heater appliance comprises a housing at least partially defining an interior. At least one conduit is positioned within the interior and has a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a joint and movable relative to the fixable conduit section. The joint permits rotation of the movable conduit section about an axis of the joint while remaining coupled to the fixable conduit section. The movable conduit section is movable for being oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in an upwardly-facing surface of the housing, or oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in a downwardly-facing surface of the housing, for the water heater appliance to be configured for connection to the external conduit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/391,341, titled “System and Method for Water Connection Convertibility,” filed Jul. 22, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to movable conduits and a joint for coupling sections of conduits, and more particularly, to a joint for coupling sections of internal conduits to configure or reconfigure a water heater for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, water heaters are installed by forming connections (e.g. hot/cold water connection assemblies) with one or more external conduits (e.g. water line, etc.) located above or below the water heater. Based on the fixed location of the one or more external conduits relative to the water heater, non-interchangeable components having a specific geometry or orientation are required for proper installation. Thus, there remains a need for improvements in configuring water connections during installation of water heaters, in terms of cost, ease of installation, and manufacturability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a water heater, a joint for coupling sections of internal conduits to configure or reconfigure a water heater for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater, and a method for configuring or reconfiguring a water heater for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater.
In one example, a water heater appliance comprises a housing at least partially defining an interior, the housing having at least one side wall, a top portion with an upwardly-facing surface and a bottom portion with a downwardly-facing surface. The water heater appliance includes at least one conduit positioned within the interior of the housing, the at least one conduit having a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a joint to the fixable conduit section. The movable conduit section is movable relative to the fixable conduit section, such that the movable conduit section can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located above or below the water heater appliance, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the at least one side wall of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located adjacent the at least one side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance. The joint is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section about an axis of the joint while remaining coupled to the fixable conduit section.
In another example, a joint for coupling sections of conduit within an interior of a water heater appliance is disclosed. The sections of conduit being configured are to be disposed within an interior of a housing having a top portion with an upwardly-facing surface and a bottom portion with a downwardly-facing surface. The joint comprises a connector for coupling the sections of conduit. The connector has an axis about which at least one of the sections of conduit can be rotated at least 180 degrees, such that an end portion of the at least one section of conduit is adjacent the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing and the downwardly-facing surface of the housing. The joint includes a clip configured to couple the connector to at least one of the fixable conduit section and the movable conduit section, thereby restricting movement of the connector relative to the fixable conduit section or the movable conduit section.
In yet another example, a method of configuring or reconfiguring a water heater appliance for connection to one or more conduits located adjacent the water heater appliance is disclosed. The method comprises positioning the water heater appliance relative to one or more conduits located adjacent the water heater appliance and checking the orientation of a movable conduit section of the water heater appliance coupled at a joint to a fixable conduit section of the appliance. If the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in an upwardly-facing surface of a housing of the water heater appliance and the one or more external conduits is located below the water heater appliance, the movable conduit section is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section about a joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in a downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance. If the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance and the one or more external conduits is located above the water heater appliance, then the movable conduit section is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section about the joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance. The method includes securing the movable conduit section for connection.
In still another example, a water heater appliance comprises a housing at least partially defining an interior. The housing has a plurality of side walls, with each side wall having a respective side-facing surface. At least one conduit is positioned within the interior of the housing. The at least one conduit includes a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a first joint to the fixable conduit section. The movable conduit section is movable relative to the fixable conduit section, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in one or more of side-facing surfaces, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located adjacent the plurality of side walls of the water heater appliance. The first joint is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section about an axis of the first joint while remaining coupled to the fixable conduit section.
In yet another example, a water heater appliance configured to be connected to an external conduit that may be oriented in one of plural optional orientations is disclosed. The water heater appliance comprises a housing that at least partially defines an interior and includes plural surface portions. The water heater appliance also includes an internal conduit extending within the interior of the housing. The internal conduit has a fixed conduit section that is fixed in position relative to the housing, and a movable conduit section that is coupled to the fixed conduit section for movement relative to the fixed conduit section and for movement relative to the housing. The movable conduit section comprises a proximal end coupled to the fixed conduit section and a distal end configured to be coupled to the external conduit. The movable conduit section is movable relative to the fixed conduit section and relative to the housing such that the distal end of the movable conduit section can be selectively oriented or reoriented for alignment with each of the surface portions of the housing. The distal end of the movable conduit section is movable into alignment with one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to one of the optional orientations of the external conduit. The distal end of the movable conduit section is also movable into alignment with another one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit. The distal end of the movable conduit section is movable into alignment with the one or the another one of the surface portions of the housing for coupling with the external conduit when the external conduit is oriented in the one or the another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description is best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. When referring to the elements collectively or to a non-specific one or more of the elements, the small letter designation may be dropped. This emphasizes that according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIGS. 1A-1D depict exemplary water heater appliances, with some surfaces or side walls removed to show exemplary conduits.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict detailed views of an exemplary interface between a joint, a movable conduit section, and a fixable conduit section.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary method of configuring or reconfiguring the water heater appliance of FIGS. 1A-1D, for connection to one or more conduits.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict an exemplary panel mount flange that can be used with a water heater appliance according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict an exemplary interface between the panel mount flange of FIGS. 4A-4B and a portion of the housing, for connection to one or more external conduits.

FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the housing, with some surfaces or side walls removed to show an exemplary range of movement of the moveable conduit section.

FIGS. 6B-6C depict side views of the housing of FIG. 6A, showing an exemplary area of clearance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosed subject matter relate to water heaters and methods for configuring or reconfiguring water heaters for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater. The disclosed water heaters and methods for configuring or reconfiguring thereof may provide improvements in efficiency and ease of installation of water heater appliances. Such improvements may be created, for example, due to the reduction in number of components required for installation, the flexibility in orientation of components for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance, or improvements in the cost and/or resources associated with producing or installing water heaters.
The subject matter disclosed herein is described primarily with respect to water heaters. However, it will be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not so limited. The subject matter of this disclosure is applicable to any type or variety of equipment designed for connection with one or more external conduits located above or below the equipment. In particular, this disclosure is not limited to devices for heating water (i.e. H₂O). As used herein, the terms “water heater,” “water heater appliance,” and “water heating” are intended to encompass any system, device, or method adapted to generate and maintain a source of heated fluid.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example water heater appliance 100. At least one conduit 102 is depicted within a housing 104 of water heating appliance 100. At least one conduit 102 may be configured or reconfigured for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance 100. As a general overview, water heating appliance 100 has a housing 104, at least one conduit 102, and a joint 106. Additional details of water heating appliance 100 are described below.
Water heating appliance 100 comprises a housing 104 which at least partially defines an interior 108. Additionally, the housing 104 includes a top portion 110 with an upwardly-facing surface 110 a and a bottom portion 112 with a downwardly-facing surface 112 a. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, housing 104 houses in interior 108, components adapted for generating and maintaining a readily usable source of hot water (e.g., a source of energy, such as electricity or fuel such as oil or natural gas, which is consumed by a burner). The housing 104 is illustrated to have a generally rectangular geometry in FIGS. 1A-1B, but one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that housing 104 may have a size and shape that is dependent on a size and shape of the components intended to be housed therein. The housing 104 may be comprised of separate components, or may be integrally formed as a single body of unitary construction.
At least one conduit 102 is positioned within interior 108 of the water heater housing 104. At least one conduit 102 may extend for a distance between the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 112 of housing 104. The distance may extend for up to the length between the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 112. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one conduit 102 has a fixable conduit section 114 and a movable conduit section 116. The fixable conduit section 114 and the movable conduit section 116 may comprise the same material. In a non-limiting example, the fixable conduit section 114 and the movable conduit section 116 comprise copper tubing or pipes.
The movable conduit section 116 is movable relative to the fixable conduit section 114, such that the movable conduit section 116 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104, such that the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to an external conduit 122 located above the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, the movable conduit section 116 is movable relative to the fixable conduit section 114, such that the movable conduit section 116 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104, such that the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to the external conduit 124 located below the water heating appliance 100.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2B, the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to the external conduits 122, 124 located above or below the water heating appliance 100 based on an interface between the movable conduit section 116, fixable conduit section 114, and the joint 106. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the movable conduit section 116 is configured to be coupled to the fixable conduit section 114 at the joint 106. The joint 106 is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section 116 about an axis 132 of the joint 106 while the movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixable conduit section 114. Thus, the joint 106 permits rotation of the movable conduit section 116, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104. Additionally or optionally, an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with the opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104.
In another embodiment, the water heating appliance 100 can be additionally or optionally configured or reconfigured for connection to one or more external conduits (not shown) located adjacent one or more of the side walls (or side-facing surface) of the water heating appliance 100, based on an interface between the movable conduit section 116, fixable conduit section 114, and the joint 106. Specifically, the movable conduit section 116 is configured to be coupled to the fixable conduit section 114 at the joint 106. The joint 106 is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section 116 about an axis 132 of the joint 106 while the movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixable conduit section 114. Thus, the joint 106 permits rotation of the movable conduit section 116, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with a respective opening of one or more of the side walls. In other words, the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 of at least one conduit 102 may be rotated for up to 360 degrees, such that the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 of at least one conduit 102 may be aligned with the opening of one or more of the side walls (or side-facing surface) of the housing 104. In an exemplary embodiment, when the water heating appliance 100 comprises plural conduits, each having a movable conduit section 116, then the movable conduit section 116 of a first conduit positioned within the interior of the housing 104 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with a first opening in the at least one side wall of the housing 104, and another movable conduit section 116 of a second conduit positioned within the interior of the housing 104 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with a second opening in the at least one side wall of the housing 104, such that the water heater appliance 100 can be configured for connection to external conduits located adjacent the at least one side wall of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100. The at least one side wall may comprise a first side wall and a second side wall, and the first opening is in the first side wall and the second opening is in the second side wall. Additionally or optionally, the first opening and the second opening are both in the first side wall or the second side wall. One skilled in the art would understand that additional joints 106, movable conduit section 116, or like structures may be employed to facilitate alignment or connection of the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 to the desired opening(s).
In still another embodiment, the water heating appliance 100 can be additionally or optionally configured or reconfigured for connection to one or more flexible conduits internally located within the water heating appliance 100, based on an interface between the movable conduit section 116, fixable conduit section 114, and the joint 106. Specifically, the movable conduit section 116 is configured to be coupled to the fixable conduit section 114 at the joint 106. The joint 106 is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section 116 about an axis 132 of the joint 106 while the movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixable conduit section 114. Thus, the joint 106 permits rotation of the movable conduit section 116, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with a respective opening of one or more of the flexible internal conduits (e.g. flexible internal water lines). In other words, the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 of at least one conduit 102 may be rotated for up to 360 degrees, such that the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 of at least one conduit 102 may be aligned with a respective opening of one or more flexible conduits internally located within the water heating appliance 100. One skilled in the art would understand that additional joints 106, movable conduit section 116, or like structures may be employed to facilitate alignment or connection of the end portion of the movable conduit section 116 to the desired opening(s).
In an exemplary embodiment, water heating appliance 100 comprises plural conduits 102 positioned within the interior 108 of the housing 104. As discussed above, each of the conduits 102 has fixable conduit section 114 and movable conduit section 116. Movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixable conduit section 114 at joint 106. The movable conduit section 116 is movable relative to the fixable conduit section 114, such that the movable conduit section 116 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104, such that the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to external conduits 122, 124 located above or below the water heating appliance 100.
In one non-limiting example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the plural conduits 102 may be positioned within the interior 108 of the housing, such that a pair of conduits 102 have respective movable conduit sections 116 and fixable conduit sections 114. Namely, the respective movable conduit sections 116 are movable relative to the respective fixable conduit sections 114, as facilitated by respective joint 106, such that respective movable conduit sections 116 can each be oriented or reoriented for alignment with respective openings 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104. In this way, the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to respective external conduits 124 located below the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, one or more plugs 128 may be configured to cover the opening(s) 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104.
Similarly, in another non-limiting example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1D, the plural conduits 102 may be positioned within the interior 108 of the housing, such that a pair of conduits 102 have respective movable conduit sections 116 and fixable conduit sections 114. Namely, the respective movable conduit sections 116 are movable relative to the respective fixable conduit sections 114, as facilitated by respective joint 106, such that respective movable conduit sections 116 can each be oriented or reoriented for alignment with respective openings 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104. In this way, the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to respective external conduits 122 located above the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, one or more plugs 128 may be configured to cover the opening(s) 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104.
Additionally or optionally, the plural conduits 102 may be positioned within the interior 108 of the housing, such that a pair of conduits 102 have respective movable conduit sections 116 and fixable conduit sections 114. Namely, the respective movable conduit sections 116 are movable relative to the respective fixable conduit sections 114, as facilitated by respective joint 106, such that respective movable conduit sections 116 can each be oriented or reoriented for alignment with respective openings in one or more of the side-facing surfaces of the housing 104. In this way, the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to respective external conduits located adjacent one or more of the side walls of the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, one or more plugs 128 may be configured to cover the opening(s) in the side-facing surface of the housing 104.
Further, in yet another non-limiting example, the plural conduits 102 may be positioned within the interior 108 of the housing, such that a pair of conduits 102 have respective movable conduit sections 116 and fixable conduit sections 114. Namely, the respective movable conduit sections 116 are movable relative to the respective fixable conduit sections 114, as facilitated by respective joint 106, such that one of the movable conduit sections 116 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104, and another of the movable conduit sections 116 can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104. In this way, the water heating appliance 100 can be configured or reconfigured for connection to respective external conduits 122, 124 located above or below the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, one or more plugs 128 (FIG. 1A) may be configured to cover the openings 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 and opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104.
Still further, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5C, when the movable conduit sections 116 are oriented or reoriented for alignment with one of the openings of housing 104, such as opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 or opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104, connection to one or more external conduits is facilitated by an exemplary panel mount flange 200. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, panel mount flange 200 includes a generally hollow and cylindrical body having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The first portion includes aperture 208 and the second portion includes a threaded surface 206. Extending radially from the hollow and cylindrical body of the panel mount flange 200 are a plurality of projections, the plurality of projections including a generally flat or planar surface 202. Surface 202 is configured to be in contact with a portion of the housing (as shown in FIG. 5A), such as the upwardly facing surface 110 a, downwardly-facing surface 112 a, or at least one of the side walls or side-facing surface of housing 104. In an exemplary embodiment, surface 202 is positioned flush against the portion of the housing. In this way, one or more holes defined on surface 202 may receive known fastening means, including but not limited to screws, for securing the panel mount flange 200 to the housing 104.
Specifically, the exemplary interface between the panel mount flange 200 and the portion of the housing (e.g. upwardly face surface 110 a, etc.) is configured for connection of one or more conduits internally located within the water heating appliance 100 to one or more external conduits located above, below, or adjacent the water heating appliance 100. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, surface 202 of panel mount flange 200 is secured to a portion of the housing, such that second portion having threaded surface 206 is located externally relative to the water heating appliance 100. The threaded surface 206 may facilitate connection to the one or more external conduits. Conversely, the first portion having aperture 208 is located internally within the water heating appliance 100, such that aperture 208 is configured to receive a portion of at least one conduit 102. Additionally or optionally, an attachment mechanism known to one skilled in the art (e.g. a clip) may be used to secure the connection between aperture 208 or panel mount flange 200 and at least one conduit 102.
Referring now to FIG. 2 , joint 106 facilitates movement of movable conduit section 116 relative to the fixable conduit section 114. In particular, the joint 106 is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section 116 about an axis 132 of the joint 106 while the movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixable conduit section 114. In an exemplary embodiment, joint 106 is configured for coupling sections of conduit 102 within the interior 108 of water heating appliance 100. The joint 106 may extend for a length between opposed ends, with one of the opposed ends extending along a first axis and the other one of the opposed ends extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the joint 106 extends between opposed ends. One of the opposed ends extends along the first axis. The other one of the opposed ends includes a first branch extending along the second axis and a second branch extending opposite the first branch and along the second axis. Additionally or optionally, the other one of the opposed ends includes a third branch extending along the first axis. Further, the third branch extends from a position between the first branch and the second branch. In particular, the second axis may be perpendicular to the first axis.
The joint 106 includes a connector 130 for coupling the sections of conduit 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector 130 may extend for a length between opposed ends, with one of the opposed ends extending along a first axis and the other one of the opposed ends extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector 130 extends between opposed ends. One of the opposed ends extends along the first axis. The other one of the opposed ends includes a first branch extending along the second axis and a second branch extending opposite the first branch and along the second axis. Additionally or optionally, the other one of the opposed ends includes a third branch extending along the first axis. Further, the third branch extends from a position between the first branch and the second branch. In particular, the second axis may be perpendicular to the first axis. Additionally or optionally, the connector 130 is rotatable along an axis of rotation, e.g., along axis 132. In a non-limiting example, the connector 130 couples the movable conduit section 116 to the fixable conduit section 114 of conduit 102. As shown in FIG. 2 , the connector 30 defines axis 132 about which at least one of the sections of conduit 102 can be rotated at least 180 degrees, such that an end portion of the at least one section of conduit 102 is adjacent the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 and the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104. In a non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is rotated at least 180 degrees about axis 132, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is adjacent the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 or the downwardly-facing surface of the housing 104. In another non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is rotated for up to 180 degrees about axis 132, such that an end portion of the movable conduit section 116 is adjacent the opening in one or more of the side-facing surfaces of the housing 104. In yet another non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with the opening in the at least one side wall of the housing 104. In still another non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is positionable for alignment with an opening of one or more conduits located within the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100.
Further, joint 106 comprises a clip 134 configured to couple the connector 130 to at least one of the fixable conduit section 114 and the movable conduit section 116. One skilled in the art would understand that various coupling or attachment means may be additionally or optionally used to couple connector 130 to another component of water heater appliance 100, including, but not limited to, threaded fittings, compression fittings, national pipe tapered (NPT) threads, and gasketed flexible conduits. In so doing, the clip 134 is configured to restrict movement of the connector 130 relative to the fixable conduit section or the movable conduit section 116 after the movable conduit section 116 is oriented or reoriented, as desired. Additionally or optionally, clip 134 is configured to couple movable conduit section 116 to the fixable conduit section 114, thereby restricting movement of the joint 106 after the movable conduit section 116 is oriented or reoriented, as desired. Still further, joint 106 comprises a gasket 136 for restricting movement of the connector 130 relative to the fixable conduit section 114 or the movable conduit section 116.
Referring now to FIG. 3 , a method 1000 of configuring or reconfiguring a water heater appliance for connection to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance is provided. The method 1000 includes one or more steps including positioning the water heater appliance relative to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance; checking the orientation of a movable conduit section of the water heater appliance coupled at a joint to a fixable conduit section of the appliance; orienting or reorienting the movable conduit section relative to the fixable conduit section about a joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section; and securing the movable conduit section for connection. Additional details of method 1000 are set forth below with respect to the elements of water heating appliance 100.
In a first step 1100, a water heater appliance is positioned relative to one or more external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance. In an example, water heating appliance 100 is positioned relative one or more external conduits 122, 124 above or below the water heating appliance 100.
In a second step 1200, the orientation of a movable conduit section of the water heater appliance coupled at a joint to a fixable conduit section of the appliance is checked. In an example, the orientation of movable conduit section 116 of water heating appliance 100, which is coupled at a joint 106 to fixable conduit section 114 of water heating appliance 100 is checked.
In a third step 1300, the movable conduit section is oriented or reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section about a joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section.
In an example, if the movable conduit section 116 of the water heating appliance 100 is oriented toward opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of housing 104 of the water heating appliance 100 and the one or more external conduits 124 is located below the water heating appliance 100, the movable conduit section 116 is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section 114 about joint 106 between the movable conduit section 116 and the fixable conduit section 114, until the movable conduit section 116 of the water heating appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104 of the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, the movable conduit section 116 is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section 114 by rotating the movable conduit section 116 for at least 180 degrees.
In another example, if the movable conduit section 116 of the water heating appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104 of the water heating appliance 100 and the one or more external conduits 122 is located above the water heating appliance 100, the movable conduit section 116 is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section 114 about the joint 106 between the movable conduit section 116 and the fixable conduit section 114, until the movable conduit section 116 of the water heating appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 of the water heating appliance 100. Additionally or optionally, the movable conduit section 116 is reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section 114 by rotating the movable conduit section 116 for at least 180 degrees.
In yet another example, if the movable conduit section 116 of the water heater appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100 or the opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100 and the one or more external conduits is located adjacent one or more of side walls of the water heater appliance 100, reorienting the movable conduit section 116 relative to the fixable conduit section 114 about the joint 106 between the movable conduit section 116 and the fixable conduit section 114 until the movable conduit section 116 of the water heater appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening in the side-facing surface of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100.
In yet another example, if the movable conduit section 116 of the water heater appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening 118 in the upwardly-facing surface 110 a of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100, or the opening 120 in the downwardly-facing surface 112 a of the housing 104 of the water heater appliance 100, or the opening of one or more external conduits located adjacent a side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance, and the one or more conduits is located internally within water heater appliance 100, then the movable conduit section 116 may be reoriented relative to the fixable conduit section 114 about the joint 106 between the movable conduit section 116 and the fixable conduit section 114 until the movable conduit section 116 of the water heater appliance 100 is oriented toward the opening of the one or more conduits located within the water heater appliance 100.
In a fourth step 1400, the movable conduit section is secured for connection. In an example, clip 134 is configured to couple movable conduit section 116 to the fixable conduit section 114, thereby restricting movement of the joint 106. The clip 134 may restrict movement of the joint 106 after the movable conduit section 116 is oriented or reoriented, as desired, in step 1300.
FIG. 3 depicts an example method comprising steps that are performed sequentially in the order recited. However, it should be understood from the description herein that one or more steps may be omitted and/or performed out of the described sequence of the process while still achieving the desired result.
Referring now to 6A-6C an exemplary embodiment of water heating appliance, such as water heating appliance 2000, is similar to the water heating appliance 100 described above. Specifically, water heating appliance 2000 is configured to be connected to an external conduit that may be oriented in one of plural optional orientations. The water heating appliance 2000 comprises a housing, such as housing 104, which at least partially defines an interior, such as interior 108, and includes plural surface portions. The water heating appliance 2000 comprises an internal conduit, such as at least internal conduit 102, that extends within the interior 108 of the housing 104.
The internal conduit 102 includes a fixed conduit section, such as fixable conduit section 114, that is fixed in position relative to the housing 104. The fixable conduit section 114 is rigid in this embodiment but may be flexible.
The internal conduit further comprises a movable conduit section, such as movable conduit section 116. The fixable conduit section 114 is rigid in this embodiment but may be flexible.
In a non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is coupled to the fixed conduit section 114 for movement relative to the fixed conduit section 114 and for movement relative to the housing 104. Further, the movable conduit section 116 includes a proximal end 2200 coupled to the fixed conduit section 114 and a distal end 2100 configured to be coupled to the external conduit. In particular, the movable conduit section 116 is movable relative to the fixed conduit section 114 and relative to the housing 104, such that the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 can be selectively oriented or reoriented for alignment with each of the surface portions of the housing 104, such as upwardly-facing surface 110 a (FIG. 6A) or downwardly-facing surface 112 a (FIG. 6C).
Thus, the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is movable into alignment with one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to one of the optional orientations of the external conduit, e.g. alignment with upwardly-facing surface 110 a (FIG. 6A) when the external conduit is located above the water heating appliance 2000. The distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is additionally movable into alignment with another one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit, e.g. alignment with downwardly-facing surface 112 a (FIG. 6C) when the external conduit is located below the water heating appliance 2000.
Still further, the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is movable into alignment with the one or the another one of the surface portions of the housing for coupling with the external conduit when the external conduit is oriented in the one or the another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit, respectively. For example, when the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is oriented in alignment with downwardly-facing surface 112 a, the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is re-oriented in alignment with the upwardly-facing surface 110 a when the external conduit is located above the water heating appliance 2000 (FIG. 6B). Conversely, when the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is oriented in alignment with upwardly-facing surface 110 a, the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is re-oriented in alignment with the downwardly-facing surface 112 a when the external conduit is located below the water heating appliance 2000 (FIG. 6C).
Additionally or optionally, the movable conduit section 116 bridges a distance between the fixed conduit section 114 and the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110 a or downwardly-facing surface 112 a). The distance between the fixed conduit section 114 and one of the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110 a) may correspond to the distance between the fixed conduit section 114 and another one of the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. downwardly-facing surface 112 a). In this configuration, the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 is selectively positionable adjacent the one of the surface portions or the another one of the surface portions (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110 a or downwardly-facing surface 112 a). Further, a length of the movable conduit section 116 may correspond to the distance between the fixed conduit section 114 and the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110 a or downwardly-facing surface 112 a).
Still further, as best shown in FIG. 6A, an exemplary range of movement of the moveable conduit section comprises the distal end 2100 of the movable conduit section 116 being movable along an arcuate path (arrows in FIG. 6A). As the distal end of the movable conduit section 116 moves along the arcuate path, one skilled in the art would understand that the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110, downwardly-facing surface 112, side walls or side-facing surfaces, or a combination thereof) are positioned at locations associated with the arcuate path. In particular, the movable conduit section 116 is movable within a plane of movement.
In some embodiments, the movable conduit section is moved from one position to another position while remaining coupled to the fixed conduit section. For example, the movable conduit section can rotate about an axis relative to the fixed conduit section without completely decoupling the movable conduit section from the fixed conduit section. Alternatively, in some embodiments the movable conduit section is moved from one position to another position by decoupling it from the fixed conduit section, repositioning the movable conduit section, and then recoupling it to the fixed conduit section in a new orientation. For example, the movable conduit section can be repositioned by decoupling the movable conduit section from the fixed conduit section.
To accommodate at least some of this movement, the interior 108 of the housing 104 includes a clearance space along the plane of movement of the movable conduit section 116. As best shown in FIGS. 6B-6C, the clearance space is configured to accommodate movement of the movable conduit section 116 within the plane of movement. In a non-limiting example, the space accommodating movement of the movable conduit section 116 within the plane of movement may extend between the surface portions of the housing 104 (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110, downwardly-facing surface 112, side walls or side-facing surfaces, or a combination thereof).
Further, the space accommodating movement of the movable conduit section 116 may have a depth exceeding a thickness of the movable conduit section 116. Still further, the optional orientations of the external conduit may include orientations extending to elevations above or below the water heater appliance 2000. In this way, when the surface portions of the housing 104 comprise top and bottom elevations of the housing 104, the water heater appliance 2000 can be connected when the external conduit is located at elevations above or below the water heater appliance 2000. In another non-limiting example, the optional orientations of the external conduit may include orientations extending laterally relative to the water heater appliance 2000. In this configuration, the surface portions of the housing 104 comprise lateral sides of the housing 104 (e.g. side walls or side-facing surfaces), such that the water heater appliance 2000 can be connected when the external conduit is located at a lateral side of the water heater appliance 2000.
If a space is provided for movable conduit section in various orientations, that space can accommodate a partial or full range of orientations of the movable conduit section. Also, or alternatively, the space may be a single area or various areas positioned and sized to provide clearance along one or more paths for the movable conduit section to extend between the end of the fixed conduit section and the various surface portions of the housing to which the movable conduit section may extend.
To facilitate the connection of the external conduit to the housing 104, the surface portions of the housing (e.g. upwardly-facing surface 110, downwardly-facing surface 112, side walls or side-facing surfaces, or a combination thereof) are configured to define an aperture for flow between the internal conduit 102 and the external conduit when the water heater appliance 2000 is connected to the external conduit.
Additionally or optionally, the clearance space is configured to accommodate rotation of a joint having a connector, such as connector 130, or rotation of the connector 130, such that the connector 130 may be removable relatively to the interior 108 of the housing 104 and then re-inserted in a proper or appropriate orientation for accommodating the plane of movement of the movable conduit section 116. Alternatively, the movable conduit section 116 may be directly connected to the fixed conduit section 114. In another non-limiting example, the movable conduit section 116 is pivotally connected to the fixed conduit section 114. In this way, the movable conduit section 116 is rotatable relative to the fixed conduit section 114 about an axis (such as axis 132) of the fixed conduit section 114.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims, and any combination of any features of any of the embodiments herein may be made, without departing from the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A water heater appliance comprising:

a housing at least partially defining an interior, the housing having at least one side wall, a top portion with an upwardly-facing surface and a bottom portion with a downwardly-facing surface;

at least one conduit positioned within the interior of the housing, the at least one conduit having a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a joint to the fixable conduit section;

the movable conduit section being movable relative to the fixable conduit section such that the movable conduit section can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located above or below the water heater appliance, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in the at least one side wall of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located adjacent to the at least one side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance; wherein the joint is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section about an axis of the joint while remaining coupled to the fixable conduit section.

2. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the movable conduit section is positionable for alignment with the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing.

3. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the movable conduit section is positionable for alignment with the opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing.

4. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the movable conduit section is positionable for alignment with the opening in the at least one side wall of the housing.

5. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein an end portion of the movable conduit section is positionable for alignment with an opening of one or more conduits located within the housing of the water heater appliance.

6. The water heater appliance of claim 1, comprising plural conduits positioned within the interior of the housing, each of the conduits having a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a joint to the fixable conduit section, the movable conduit section being movable relative to the fixable conduit section such that the movable conduit section can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing, or can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with the opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured or reconfigured for connection to external conduits located above or below the water heater appliance.

7. The water heater appliance of claim 6, wherein a movable conduit section of a first conduit positioned within the interior of the housing can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with a first opening in the at least one side wall of the housing, and another movable conduit section of a second conduit positioned within the interior of the housing can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with a second opening in the at least one side wall of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to external conduits located adjacent the at least one side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance.

8. The water heater appliance of claim 7, wherein the at least one side wall comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, and the first opening is in the first side wall and the second opening is in the second side wall.

9. The water heater appliance of claim 7, wherein the at least one side wall comprises a first side wall, and the first opening and the second opening are both in the first side wall or the second side wall.

10. The water heater appliance of claim 1, the joint comprising a connector rotatable about an axis of rotation.

11. The water heater appliance of claim 10, the joint further comprising a clip configured to couple the movable conduit section to the fixable conduit section, thereby restricting movement of the joint after the movable conduit section is oriented or reoriented.

12. The water heater appliance of claim 11, the joint further comprising a gasket.

13. The water heater appliance of claim 5, wherein the joint extends for a length between opposed ends, one of the opposed ends extending along a first axis and the other one of the opposed ends extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis.

14. The water heater appliance of claim 13, wherein the joint extends between opposed ends, one of the opposed ends extending along a first axis and the other one of the opposed ends comprising a first branch extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis and a second branch opposite the first branch, the second branch extending along the second axis.

15. The water heating appliance of claim 14, further comprising a third branch extending along the first axis, the third branch extending from a position between the first branch and the second branch.

16. The water heater appliance of claim 13, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

17. The water heater appliance of claim 1, further comprising a plug configured to cover the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing or the opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing.

18. A joint for coupling sections of conduit within an interior of a water heater appliance, the sections of conduit being configured to be disposed within an interior of a housing having a top portion with an upwardly-facing surface and a bottom portion with a downwardly-facing surface, the joint comprising:

a connector for coupling the sections of conduit, the connector having an axis about which at least one of the sections of conduit can be rotated at least 180 degrees, such that an end portion of the at least one section of conduit is adjacent the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing or the downwardly-facing surface of the housing; and

a clip configured to couple the connector to at least one of the sections of conduit, thereby restricting movement of the connector relative to at least one of the sections of conduit.

19. The joint of claim 18, wherein the connector extends for a length between a first connector end and a second connector end, the first connector end extending along a first axis and the second connector end extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis.

20. The joint of claim 18, wherein the connector extends between a first connector end and a second connector end, the first connector end extending along a first axis and the second connector end comprises a first branch extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis and a second branch opposite the first branch, the second branch extending along the second axis.

21. The joint of claim 14, further comprising a third branch extending along the first axis, the third branch extending from a position between the first branch and the second branch.

22. The joint of claim 19, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

23. The joint of claim 18, further comprising a gasket for restricting movement of the connector relative to at least one of the sections of conduit.

24. A method of configuring or reconfiguring a water heater appliance for connection to one or more conduits located adjacent the water heater appliance, the method comprising;

positioning the water heater appliance relative to one or more conduits located adjacent the water heater appliance;

checking the orientation of a movable conduit section of the water heater appliance coupled at a joint to a fixable conduit section of the appliance;

if the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in an upwardly-facing surface of a housing of the water heater appliance and the one or more external conduits is located below the water heater appliance, reorienting the movable conduit section relative to the fixable conduit section about a joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in a downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance;

if the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward an opening in a downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance and the one or more external conduits is located above the water heater appliance, reorienting the movable conduit section relative to the fixable conduit section about the joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance; and

securing the movable conduit section for connection.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

if the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance or the opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance and the one or more external conduits is located adjacent a side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance, reorienting the movable conduit section relative to the fixable conduit section about the joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

if the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the opening in the upwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance or the opening in the downwardly-facing surface of the housing of the water heater appliance or the opening of one or more external conduits located adjacent a side wall of the housing of the water heater appliance, reorienting the movable conduit section relative to the fixable conduit section about the joint between the movable conduit section and the fixable conduit section until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the one or more internal conduits located within the housing of the water heater appliance until the movable conduit section of the water heater appliance is oriented toward the opening of one or more internal conduits of the housing of the water heater appliance.

27. A water heater appliance comprising:

a housing at least partially defining an interior, the housing having a plurality of side walls, each side wall having a respective side-facing surface;

at least one conduit positioned within the interior of the housing, the at least one conduit having a fixable conduit section and a movable conduit section coupled at a first joint to the fixable conduit section;

the movable conduit section being movable relative to the fixable conduit section such that an end portion of the movable conduit section can be oriented or reoriented for alignment with an opening in one of the side walls, such that the water heater appliance can be configured for connection to an external conduit located adjacent one of the side walls of the water heater appliance;

wherein the first joint is configured to permit rotation of the movable conduit section about an axis of the first joint while remaining coupled to the fixable conduit section.

28. The water heater appliance of claim 27, wherein another end portion of the movable conduit section is coupled at a second joint to another fixable conduit section or another movable conduit section, the another end portion being positionable for alignment with the external conduit located adjacent one of the side walls of the water heater appliance.

29. The water heater appliance of claim 27, wherein the movable conduit section extends for a length between the end portion and another end portion, the first end portion extending along a first axis and the another end portion extending along a second axis that is different from the first axis.

30. The water heater appliance of claim 29, wherein the first joint and the second joint each extends between opposed ends, one of the opposed ends extending along the first axis and the other one of the opposed ends comprising a first branch extending along the second axis that is different from the first axis and a second branch opposite the first branch, the second branch extending along the second axis.

31. The water heating appliance of claim 30, further comprising a third branch extending along the first axis, the third branch extending from a position between the first branch and the second branch.

32. The water heater appliance of claim 29, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

33. A water heater appliance configured to be connected to an external conduit that may be oriented in one of plural optional orientations, the water heater appliance comprising:

a housing at least partially defining an interior and having plural surface portions;

an internal conduit extending within the interior of the housing, the internal conduit having a fixed conduit section that is fixed in position relative to the housing, the internal conduit also having a movable conduit section that is coupled to the fixed conduit section for movement relative to the fixed conduit section and for movement relative to the housing;

the movable conduit section having a proximal end coupled to the fixed conduit section and a distal end configured to be coupled to the external conduit;

the movable conduit section being movable relative to the fixed conduit section and relative to the housing such that the distal end of the movable conduit section can be selectively oriented or reoriented for alignment with each of the surface portions of the housing;

the distal end of the movable conduit section being movable into alignment with one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to one of the optional orientations of the external conduit; and

the distal end of the movable conduit section also being movable into alignment with another one of the surface portions of the housing that corresponds to another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit;

the distal end of the movable conduit section being movable into alignment with the one or the another one of the surface portions of the housing for coupling with the external conduit when the external conduit is oriented in the one or the another one of the optional orientations of the external conduit, respectively.

34. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the movable conduit section bridging a distance between the fixed conduit section and the surface portions of the housing, the distance between the fixed conduit section and one of the surface portions of the housing corresponding to the distance between the fixed conduit section and another one of the surface portions of the housing, such that distal end of the movable conduit section is selectively positionable adjacent the one of the surface portions or the another one of the surface portions.

35. The water heater appliance of claim 34, the length of the movable conduit section corresponding to the distance between the fixed conduit section and the surface portions of the housing.

36. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the distal end of the movable conduit section being movable along an arcuate path and the surface portions of the housing being positioned at locations associated with the arcuate path.

37. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the movable conduit section being movable within a plane of movement, and the interior of the housing including a space along the plane of movement of the movable conduit section, the space being clear to accommodate movement of the movable conduit section within the plane of movement.

38. The water heater appliance of claim 37, the space accommodating movement of the movable conduit section within the plane of movement extending between the surface portions of the housing.

39. The water heater appliance of claim 37, the space accommodating movement of the movable conduit section having a depth exceeding a thickness of the movable conduit section.

40. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the optional orientations of the external conduit including orientations extending to elevations above or below the water heater appliance.

41. The water heater appliance of claim 40, the surface portions of the housing being at top and bottom elevations of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be connected when the external conduit is located at elevations above or below the water heater appliance.

42. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the optional orientations of the external conduit including orientations extending laterally relative to the water heater appliance.

43. The water heater appliance of claim 42, the surface portions of the housing being at lateral sides of the housing, such that the water heater appliance can be connected when the external conduit is located at a lateral side of the water heater appliance.

44. The water heater appliance of claim 33, each of the surface portions of the housing being configured to define an aperture for flow between the internal conduit and the external conduit when the water heater appliance is connected to the external conduit.

45. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the movable conduit section being directly connected to the fixed conduit section.

46. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the movable conduit section being pivotally connected to the fixed conduit section.

47. The water heater appliance of claim 46, the movable conduit section being rotatable relative to the fixed conduit section about an axis of the fixed conduit section.

48. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the water heater appliance comprising plural internal conduits extending within the interior of the housing, two or more of the internal conduits each having a fixed conduit section that is fixed in position relative to the housing and a movable conduit section that is coupled to the fixed conduit section for movement relative to the fixed conduit section and for movement relative to the housing.

49. The water heater appliance of claim 33, the movable conduit section being decouplable from the fixed conduit section for the movement relative to the fixed conduit section and for the movement relative to the housing, the movable conduit section being configured to be decoupled from the fixed conduit section, reoriented relative to the fixed conduit section, and recoupled to the fixed conduit section in a new orientation.