GAS SUPPLY COUPLING FOR A WATER HEATER

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.