Allen L Johnson

US Patent:

47840870, Nov 15, 1988

Filed:

Oct 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/107642

Inventors:

James L. Chevalier - Mequon WI
Douglas D. King - Menomonee Falls WI
John D. Pfeffer - Brookfield WI
Allen L. Johnson - El Paso TX

Assignee:

A. O. Smith Corporation - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

F22B 500

US Classification:

122 13R

Abstract:

A clamping apparatus for use in applying foam resin insulation between the tank and the outer jacket of a water heater. The jacket of the water heater is spaced outwardly of the tank to provide a space that receives a foamable resin, such as polyurethane. The upper end of the jacket is enclosed by a thin, sheet metal cover. To clamp the cover to the jacket and prevent deformation of the cover due to the pressure of the resin foam, a clamping mechanism is utilized which includes a plate or clamping member that is positioned flatwise against the cover, and a clamp assembly secures the clamping plate to the upper end of a flue, or other tubular opening in the tank. In a preferred form, the clamping mechanism consists of a resilient, expandable plug which is inserted within the opening in the tank and is expanded outwardly into tight engagement with the wall bordering the opening to secure the clamping plate to the tank.