Ventilation system

Abstract

A ventilator comprising a base having a central opening with inner and outer housings, the outer housing being pivotably connected to the base with the inner and outer housings being secured together accounting for the slope of the roof, and a vent section having a vent passage permitting egress of air from within the housing, deflectors located about the vent passage to deflect rain from entering the same. The ventilator is preferable formed of a plastic material and the structure permits easy adjustment thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ventilator, and more particularly, relates to that which is known as a static ventilator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ventilation of attic spaces between the roof and ceiling of a structure is known in the art. Such ventilation is required to overcome the problem of excess heat and/or moisture. Thus, excess heat build up can cause room temperatures below the ceiling to be substantially higher than would otherwise be the case. A different problem is the build up of excess moisture in colder weather causing condensation and subsequent water damage.

Various types of ventilators to be utilized on a roof to permit air exchange in an attic are known in the art. Thus, there is the so called turbine type of ventilator which is designed to rotate with wind. However, in very high winds, such turbine ventilators have been known to be torn off the roof. This is naturally a frustrating and expensive experience for the owner of the building.

A second type of ventilator which is used is known as a static type; This type uses a chimney effect to draw air out of the attic. An air inlet is provided at a lower entry point—this is usually achieved through the use of a perforated soffit. A static type ventilator also requires an air outlet. This may be accomplished by the provision of a ventilator strip along the ridge of the roof or alternatively, with a structure designed to be secured to the roof. In many climates, the roof ridge type of ventilator does not function when the roof is snow covered. Also, such types of ridge vents are susceptible to moisture penetration during storms with high winds and the like.

A problem associated with the manufacture of static ventilators is to make them suitable for roofs having different slopes. To this end, there are various types of adaptors which are used such that the ventilator will be suitable for use on roofs of different slopes.

A further problem with such static ventilators is that they are generally formed of a metallic material. As such, they become very heavy and are rendered more difficult for the average home owner to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilator which is both lightweight and easy to install.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a ventilator comprising a base having a central opening, an inner housing, an outer housing pivotably connected to the base, means for securing the inner housing to the outer housing in a plurality of positions, at least one vent section located above the inner and outer housing, the vent section having a vent passage permitting egress of air from within the housing, deflectors located about the vent passage to deflect rain from entering the vent passage, and a cap.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided in a structure having a roof, a ceiling and an attic therebetween, the improvement comprising at least one ventilator mounted about an opening in the roof, the ventilator having a base having a central opening, an inner housing, an outer housing pivotably connected to the base, means for securing the inner housing to the outer housing in a plurality of positions, at least one vent section located above the inner and outer housing, the vent section having a vent passage permitting egress of air from within the housing, deflectors located about the vent passage to deflect rain from entering the vent passage and a cap.

The ventilator is preferably formed of a plastics material and many such materials are known in the art including polypropylene, polyethylene etc. It will, however, be understood that other materials such as metallic material may be utilized. If other materials are utilized, certain modifications may be necessary to one or more components of the ventilator such as the type of connections between the various components. It will also be understood that a combination of materials may be utilized.

As aforementioned, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided a base with an inner housing connectable thereto. If desired, the base and inner housing could be formed as a single unit.

The outer housing is pivotably mounted with respect to the inner housing such that the ventilator can be utilized on roofs having different slopes. In order to correctly interconnect the outer housing and inner housing, there may be provided indicia indicating the place of connection for a given slope. This is useful when the assembly or adjustment takes place on the ground before installation. Alternatively, the ventilator may include a level incorporated in one of the components. Naturally, it would also be possible to use a conventional level during installation.

Means of interconnecting the components such as the outer housing and vent section may be provided. There could be various types of clip members although, in a preferred embodiment, the deflectors are connected to other components by means of locking keys as will be described in the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a roof ventilator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of a modified roof ventilator;

FIG. 1C is a side elevational view of a further modified roof ventilator according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the roof ventilator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the roof ventilator of FIG. 1 installed on a low slope roof;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the roof ventilator installed on a steeply sloped roof;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the roof ventilator;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer body portion of the roof ventilator showing insertion of a locking member;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a deflector section illustrating insertion of a locking key;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a locking key;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the lines 14-14 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating deflector sections and the locking keys.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIG. 1A a roof ventilator according to one embodiment of the present invention and which roof ventilator is generally designated by reference numeral 10.

Initially, reference will be had to FIG. 6 illustrating roof ventilator 10 in an exploded view. For purposes of explanation, Applicant will refer to first and second sides, a front, and a rear. These terms are used merely for clarity of description and the invention is not limited to this precise arrangement as different configurations are possible.

Roof ventilator 10 includes a base generally designated by reference numeral 12 and which base 12 has an upwardly extending pair of side walls 14, 16, a rear wall 18, and a front wall 20. Located on side walls 14, 16 are locking lugs 22.

Extending outwardly from side walls 14, 16, rear wall 18 and front wall 20 is a base flange 24 for securing the roof ventilator to the roof. To this end, base flange 24 is provided with nailing apertures 29 to receive nails 28 (FIG. 7). It will be noted that base flange 24 on the underside thereof, has a recess into which is placed a sealing tape 26. Sealing tape 26 may be located merely at the nailing apertures 29 or alternatively and preferably, is provided about the circumference of base flange 24.

Roof ventilator 10 also includes an inner body generally designated by reference numeral 30. Inner body 30 has a first side wall 32 and a second side wall 34 with each side wall being substantially identical and therefore only one will be described in detail herein.

First side wall 32 includes a plurality of apertures 36, each designed to receive and mate with a corresponding locking lug 22 on side wall 14 of base 12. The engagement of locking lugs 22 with apertures 26 secures inner body 30 to the base 12.

Inner body 30 also includes a relatively low front wall 38 and an arcuate back wall 40. Apertures 46 are provided to receive a pivot bar 42 which is retained in position by means of a locking cap 44. It will be noted that there are a plurality of indicia 48 on side walls 32, 34 for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow.

Roof ventilator 10 also includes an outer body generally designated by reference numeral 50 and which outer body 50 has a first side wall 52, a second side wall 54, a rear wall 56 and a front wall 58.

Side walls 52, 54 are again substantially identical and thus only one will be described herein. As may be seen, side wall 52 includes a side wall front aperture 60 which is designed to align with apertures 46 to receive pivot bar 42 to thereby secure inner body 30 and outer body 50 together in a pivotable relationship.

Side wall 52 also has a side wall rear aperture 62 and a viewing aperture 66 for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow.

A locking pin 68 secures inner body 30 and outer body 50 in a desired position by extending through aperture 62 in side wall 52.

As may be seen in FIG. 6, outer body 50 is provided with rectangular cutouts 70 at the upper corners thereof. Associated with cutouts 70 are diagonally extending key traps which comprise a diagonal wall 72 extending between abutting walls.

A locking key 74 is provided for use at each corner. As may be seen, each locking key 74 has a lower section 76 and an upper section 80 which are offset with respect to each other. Each locking key 74 has an L-shaped cross sectional configuration. On one wall of lower section 76, there is provided a locking tongue 78 while on upper section 80, there are provided a pair of locking tongues 82, 83.

The roof ventilator 10 includes at least a lower section generally designated by reference numeral 84. Lower section 84 includes downwardly and outwardly sloping deflector walls 86. Extending about the inner periphery of the lower section 84 is an inner vertical wall 88. Lower section 84 further includes a diagonally extending wall 90 to define a key trap 91 in a manner similar to that described with respect to key trap 72.

Situated above roof section 84 is a spacer ring generally designated by reference numeral 92 and which spacer ring 92 has a base portion 94 with spacer elements 96 extending upwardly therefrom. Spacer ring 92 is sized to fit about the exterior of inner wall 88 of roof section 84.

An insect screen 98 is sized to fit interiorly of spacer elements 96 resting on the upper edge of inner wall 88 of roof section 84. It will be noted that insect screen 98 has bevelled corners 100 to allow for placement of key locks 74.

Roof ventilator 10 also includes a vent section 102 which is similar to lower section 84 in that it is provided with a sloping deflector walls 104 and an inner wall 106. However, a roof cap 108 is mounted thereon to cover the top portion. A level indicator 110 is provided on roof cap 108.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, ventilation is permitted through screen 98 under deflectors 104.

Also, as seen in FIG. 7, the unit is suitably secured to the roof by means of nails 28 or other like fastening devices which go through apertures 29 in base flange 24. Sealing is automatically provided by means of a tar seal 26 or like sealing compound.

Lower housing 30 is secured to base 12 through the inter-engagement of locking lugs 22 with apertures 36. Outer housing 50 is suitably secured to inner housing 30 by means of pivot bar 42 and locking cap 44. Locking pins 68 are inserted through apertures 62 in wall 52 of outer housing 50 to engage one of the apertures 49 in side wall 32 of inner housing 30. The attachment at the correct angle may be done through the visual sighting of indicia 48 through viewing aperture 66 or alternatively, level 110 may be utilized.

Locking keys 74 as previously mentioned, have a single projection or locking tongue 78 which will engage with apertures 64 formed in side walls 52, 54. The upper portion 80 of locking keys 74 have two tongues 82, 83 which will engage side wall 88 as may be seen in FIG. 14.

A second set of locking keys is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 and references numerals in the 200's are used for like components. Thus, locking keys 274 have first and second locking tongues 282, 283 on an upper portion thereof while there is provided a single locking tongue 278 in the lower portion. As seen in FIG. 15, locking tongue 278 engages rearwardly of locking tongue 83 which locking tongues 282, 283 function to engage vertical wall 106 of vent section 102.

While there is shown only a single vent section in the above embodiment, a further vent section 202 may be added as shown in FIG. 1 B using the same type of locking keys.

In FIG. 1C, a ventilator having a still further vent section 302 is illustrated.

It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modification may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ventilator comprising:

a base having a central opening;

an inner housing;

an outer housing pivotably connected to said base;

means for securing said inner housing to said outer housing in a plurality of positions;

at least one vent section located above said inner and outer housing, said vent section having a vent passage permitting egress of air from within said housing;

deflectors located about said vent passage to deflect rain from entering said vent passage; and

a cap.

2. A ventilator of claim 1 wherein said base is secured to said inner housing by a plurality of lugs engaged in a respective aperture.

3. The ventilator of claim 2 wherein said base has at least one recess formed in a bottom surface thereof, said recess containing a sealing compound.

4. The ventilator of claim 3 wherein said recess extends completely around said base, said sealing compound being located within said recess.

5. The ventilator of claim 1 wherein said inner housing has an arcuate rear wall, said arcuate rear wall extending arcuately inwardly from a bottom thereof.

6. The ventilator of claim 5 wherein said inner housing has first and second side wall, at least one of said side walls having indicia thereon, said indicia indicating preferred roof slopes.

7. The ventilator of claim 1 further including a screen member mounted in said vent passage.

8. The ventilator of claim 1 wherein said means for securing said inner housing to said outer housing comprises at least one locking pin extending through apertures formed in adjacent walls of said inner and outer housing.

9. The ventilator of claim 1 further including a plurality of locking keys for securing said vent section to said outer housing.

10. The ventilator of claim 9 wherein each of said locking keys comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion being offset with respect to each other, each of said upper and lower portions having at least one flexible tongue extending outwardly therefrom.

11. The ventilator of claim 10 wherein said upper portion of said locking key has two tongues extending outwardly therefrom.

12. The ventilator of claim 11 wherein said first and second tongues engage and retain therebetween a wall of said at least one vent section.

13. The ventilator of claim 12 wherein said tongue on said lower section engages an aperture formed in said outer housing.

14. The ventilator of claim 6 wherein said outer housing includes a viewing aperture formed therein, said viewing aperture being aligned such that said indicia are viewable therethrough.

15. The ventilator of claim 1 wherein said base, said inner housing, said outer housing, said vent section, said deflectors and said cap are formed of a plastics material.

16. In a structure having a roof, a ceiling and an attic therebetween, the improvement comprising at least one ventilator mounted about an opening in said roof, said ventilator having:

a base having a central opening;

an inner housing;

an outer housing pivotably connected to said base;

means for securing said inner housing to said outer housing in a plurality of positions;

at least one vent section located above said inner and outer housing, said vent section having a vent passage permitting egress of air from within said housing;

deflectors located about said vent passage to deflect rain from entering said vent passage; and

a cap.

17. The improvement of claim 15 wherein said base has a recess in a bottom surface extending about said central opening, said recess having a sealing strip therein.