Insulating blanket for a water heater
US5921230A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S165/901
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an insulating mechanism for a gas water heater designed to increase the efficiency thereof. The device comprises a blanket formed of a pair of arcuate, adjacent panel members having top and bottom edges with a pair of opposing side edges therebetween. Adjacent side edges of the panel members are hingedly joined with the opposing side edges being selectively attachable to form a cylindrical blanket that encases a water heater storage reservoir. A piping system is disposed within each panel member for circulating waste gas therethrough. An exhaust duct is disposed on the top surface of a water heater outer shell and is in communication with the interior thereof. A hinged baffle divides the duct into an upper and lower chamber both of which are in communication with the piping system. A fan is disposed within the lower chamber and forces hot waste gas from within the outer shell through the blanket and out the top of the duct thereby providing a heated, insulating blanket for the water storage reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.