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  Water heater for recreational vehicles having forced air/direct vent combustionUSPTO Application #: 20070237501Title: Water heater for recreational vehicles having forced air/direct vent combustion Abstract: A water heater for a recreational vehicle includes an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated, a combustion system for heating water within the water tank, and a control system for operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly includes a burner assembly located within a sealed combustion chamber, an inlet duct communicating an external environment with the combustion chamber, an outlet duct communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment, and an electric fan positioned to draw combustion air through the inlet duct and force flue gas into the outlet duct. A portion of the outlet duct extends within the inlet duct so that both ducts extend through a single opening in an exterior wall of the recreational vehicle. The enclosure assembly is provided with a plurality of knockouts facing in different directions for forming an opening for the inlet and outlet ducts. (end of abstract)
Agent: Richard M. Mescher Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP - Columbus, OH, US Inventor: John M. Kloster USPTO Applicaton #: 20070237501 - Class: 392441000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Electric Resistance Heating Devices, Specific Application:, Tank Or Container Type Liquid Heater The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070237501. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention generally relates to water heaters and, more particularly, to gas-fired water heaters for recreational vehicles and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] Compact water heaters of the type for use with recreational vehicles typically have a relatively small water tank in combination with a heating unit. The heating unit is typically of the gas-fired burner type. The burner can be fueled by propane gas which is usually carried on recreational vehicles. The water heater is mounted on the recreational vehicle in a convenient position connected to cold water supply and hot water outlet pipes respectively receiving cold water from a suitable water supply source and for directing heated water for use in cooking, bathing, and the like. [0006] These gas-fired burners must be vented to the exterior of the vehicle. Typically, the water heater is located near an exterior wall of the recreational vehicle so that a door in the exterior wall can be used for gravity combustion, venting, and service. These doors, however, are considered aesthetic problems in the industry for color matching, their "postage stamp" appearance, and their contribution to cluttered exterior appearances of recreational vehicles. [0007] As a result some water heaters have been located inward of the exterior walls and are provided with an inlet duct in the floor and an outlet duct in the ceiling for gravity combustion and venting. While these water heaters may improve the outward appearance of the exterior walls, they impose other design constraints such as the water heater must be located where ducts can be provided through the floor and ceiling. In either case, these prior water heaters place considerable constraints on the design of the recreational vehicles. Much of the interior design must often be designed around the locations of appliances such as the water heater. Additionally, different water heaters must be used in different recreational vehicle designs which prevents the cost advantages of a "universal" design. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved water heater for recreational vehicles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention provides a water heater for a recreational vehicle which overcomes at least some of the above-noted problems of the related art. According to the present invention, a water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in combination, an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion system for heating water within the water tank, and a control system for operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly includes a gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external environment with the combustion chamber, a flue gas outlet duct communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within the water tank, and an electric fan positioned to draw combustion air through the inlet duct and into the combustion chamber and force flue gas into the outlet duct and out of the combustion chamber. The control system includes a thermostat and is operably connected to the burner assembly, the fan, and the thermostat to generally maintain water in the water tank at a desired temperature. [0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in combination, an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion system for heating water within the water tank, and a control system for operating the combustion system. The combustion system includes a gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within the water tank. The control system includes a thermostat and is operably connected to the burner assembly and the thermostat to generally maintain water in the water tank at a desired temperature. A portion of the flue gas outlet duct extends within the combustion air inlet duct. [0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a water heater for a recreational vehicle comprises, in combination, an enclosure assembly, a water tank for holding water to be heated located within the enclosure assembly, a combustion system for heating water within the water tank, and a control system for operating the combustion system. The combustion assembly includes a gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion chamber, a combustion air inlet duct communicating an external environment with the combustion chamber, and a flue gas outlet duct communicating the combustion chamber with the external environment and extending near the water tank to transfer heat to water within the water tank. The control system for operating the combustion system includes a thermostat and is operably connected to the burner assembly and the thermostat to generally maintain water in the water tank at a desired temperature. The enclosure assembly is provided with a plurality of knockouts facing in different directions for forming an opening for the inlet and outlet ducts. [0011] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of water heaters for recreational vehicles. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high quality, reliable, efficient, and low cost assembly that can be used in a wide variety of locations and in more than one location. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein: [0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a water heater for a recreational vehicle according to the present invention; [0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the water heater of FIG. 1; [0015] FIG. 3 is a rear end elevational view of the water heater of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0016] FIG. 4 is a front end elevational view of the water heater of FIGS. 1 to 3; [0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the water heater of FIGS. 1 to 4; Continue reading... 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