Gas supply coupling for a water heater

Abstract

A gas supply coupling and method of assembly for the delivery of combustion gases to a combustion chamber of a heating device includes a crimp ring which provides a metal-to-metal seal between the gas supply tube and the gas supply line.

1 . A gas supply coupling for delivering combustion gases to a combustion chamber of a heating device, said supply coupling comprising:
 a shield adapted to fit within an opening to a combustion chamber;   a fitting affixed to said shield;   a gas supply tube affixed to said fitting;   a gas supply line; and   a crimp ring which provides a metal-to-metal seal between said gas supply tube and said gas supply line.   
     
     
         2 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said fitting includes a stepped non-circular perimeter braised into said shield. 
     
     
         3 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said gas supply tube is received at least partially within said gas supply line. 
     
     
         4 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said gas supply line is received at least partially within said gas supply tube. 
     
     
         5 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said gas supply line and said gas supply tube are in a telescoped relationship along an interface section. 
     
     
         6 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said coupling is located at said interface section. 
     
     
         7 . The gas supply coupling as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said gas supply line is flexible. 
     
     
         8 . A water heater assembly comprising:
 a water heater housing having an opening;   a shield adapted to fit within said opening;   a fitting affixed to said shield;   a gas supply tube affixed to said fitting; and   a gas supply line;   a crimp ring which provides a metal-to-metal seal between said gas supply tube and said gas supply line.   
     
     
         9 . The water heater assembly as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said water heater housing is compartmentalized to include a water tank and a combustion chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The water heater assembly as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a burner within said combustion chamber adjacent said water tank. 
     
     
         11 . The water heater assembly as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said gas supply line is flexible.