Roof vent

Abstract

A roof vent comprises a lower member and a vent cap. The lower member comprises a base portion configured to be secured over an opening of a roof cover, a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, and a screen covering a vent-opening defined at an upper end of the wall structure. The vent cap is secured to the wall structure and comprises a cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, and a closed flange extending downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion. The cover portion is configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening. The closed flange surrounds, and extends below the upper end of, the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure. In some embodiments, the cover portion of the vent cap is translucent to admit light through the roof. In some embodiments, one or more baffles extend transversely from the wall structure, to further prevent the ingress of water, ice, hail, debris, etc. through the vent. In some embodiments, the screen has a plurality of screen-openings, each of the screen-openings having a largest width between 0.125-0.25 inch. In some embodiments, the screen comprises first and second sets of substantially parallel elongated cords, the two sets of cords being oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from provisional application No. 60/726,489, filed Oct. 12, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to passive ventilation and specifically to roof vents.

2. Description of the Related Art

A prior art roof vent is shown in FIG. 1. The roof vent 1 includes a plastic lower member 2 and a plastic vent cap 3 configured to be secured to the lower member 2. The lower member 2 includes a base portion 4 configured to be mounted over an opening of a roof cover of a building. The lower member 2 also includes a closed wall structure 5 consisting of a sloped front wall 6 that faces upward toward the roof ridge, two side walls 7, and a rear wall 8 that together define a vent-opening at the upper end of the wall structure 5. The front wall 6 is sloped in order prevent the build-up of debris above the vent cap 3 and to make the vent 1 more aerodynamic. The walls 7 and 8 are oriented at a substantially right angle with respect to the base portion 4, while the front wall 6 is sloped at approximately a 45° angle with respect to the base portion. A screen 9 is formed across the top of the wall structure 5 by a plurality of substantially parallel chords 10. The base portion 4, wall structure 5, and screen 9 are integrally formed together as one member 2 via plastic molding.

The vent cap 3 includes a cover plate portion 11 and a closed flange structure 12 extending downward from the peripheral edge of the cover plate portion 11. The cover plate portion 11 prevents the ingress of rain from thereabove into the vent-opening defined by the wall structure 5. The closed flange structure 12 consists of a sloped front flange wall 13, side flange walls 14, and a rear flange wall 15. The vent cap 3 includes snap-engagement elements (not shown) that snap into receiving ports 16 in the wall structure 5 of the lower member 2. When the vent cap 3 is engaged on the lower member 2, a gap is formed between the flange walls 14 and 15 of the vent cap 3 and the walls 7 and 8 of the lower member 2. This gap provides a flow path for airflow through the vent 1. There is no gap formed between the sloped wall 6 and the flange wall 13. Like the lower member 2, the cover plate portion 11 and flange structure 12 are integrally formed together as one member 3 via plastic molding.

In use, the vent 1 is mounted over an opening in a roof cover of a building. The vent 1 is configured to allow airflow in two general directions, both upward from below the roof and downward from above the roof. For example, if the vent 1 is installed near the uppermost portions of the roof (e.g., near the roof ridge), then air below the roof (e.g., in an attic of the building) tends to flow up through the vent-opening defined at the top of the wall structure 5, through the screen 9, laterally over the top of the walls 7 and 8, down through the gap between the walls 7, 8 and the flange walls 14, 15, and then underneath the bottom edges of the flange walls 14 and 15 to the region above the roof. On the other hand, if the vent 1 is installed near the lower portions of the roof (e.g., near the eaves), then air above the roof tends to flow down underneath the bottom edges of the flange walls 14 and 15, up through the gap between the walls 7, 8 and the flange walls 14, 15, laterally over the top of the walls 7 and 8, down through the screen 9 and the vent-opening defined at the top wall of the wall structure 5, and down into the region below the roof (e.g., the attic). The top of the vent cap 3 is exposed at the roof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides several improvements to the prior art roof vent 1 shown in FIG. 1. These improvements relate to the ability of the vent to (1) prevent the ingress of water, ice, hail, debris, and the like through the vent, and (2) admit sunlight into the building.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a roof vent comprising a lower member and a vent cap. The lower member comprises a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover, a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, one or more baffles extending transversely from the wall structure, and a screen. The wall structure defines a vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure, and the screen covers the vent-opening. The vent cap is secured to the wall structure. The vent cap comprises a cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, and a closed flange extending downward from the cover portion. The cover portion is configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening. The closed flange surrounds, and extends below the upper end of, the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the one or more baffles.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a roof vent comprising a lower member and a vent cap. The lower member comprises a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover, a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, and a screen. The wall structure defines a vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure, and the screen covers the vent-opening. The vent cap is secured to, and configured to be selectively attached to and detached from, the wall structure. The vent cap comprises a translucent cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, and a substantially opaque, closed flange extending downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion. The cover portion is configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening. The closed flange surrounds, and extends below the upper end of, the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a roof vent comprising a lower member and a vent cap. The lower member comprises a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover, a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, and a screen. The wall structure defines a vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure, and the screen covers the vent-opening. The screen has a plurality of screen-openings, each of the screen-openings having a largest width between 0.125-0.25 inch. The vent cap is secured to the wall structure. The vent cap comprises a cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, and a closed flange extending downward from the cover portion. The cover portion is configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening. The closed flange surrounds, and extends below the upper end of, the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded top, front, perspective view of a prior art two-piece roof vent.

FIG. 2 is an exploded top, front, perspective view of a roof vent in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of a screen of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom, front, perspective view of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded rear view of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a lower member of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lower member of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a vent cap of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the vent cap of the roof vent of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

One limitation of the prior art roof vent 1 shown in FIG. 1 is that the gap between the wall structure 5 of the lower member 2 and the flange structure 12 of the vent cap 3 can still permit the ingress of water, ice, hail, etc through the vent. For example, when hail crashes downward against the base portion 4, it can bounce upward through the gap and then fall back down through the screen 9, into the building. Another limitation is that the screen 9, which comprises substantially single-orientation parallel chords 10, provides a relatively reduced filtering effect. Yet another limitation is that the vent 1 does not admit any light into the building.

FIG. 2 shows a roof vent 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vent 20 comprises a lower member 22 and a vent cap 23. The lower member 22 comprises a base portion 24 configured to be mounted or secured over an opening of a roof cover, and a closed wall structure 25 extending upward from the base portion 24. By “closed,” it is meant that the wall structure 25 does not have any lateral ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 24 is substantially planar and has a plurality of edge openings 40 adapted to receive screws, nails, or the like for mounting the base portion 24 over the opening of the roof cover. It will of course be understood that the base portion 24 can alternatively be non-planar.

The wall structure 25 preferably comprises a plurality of substantially straight walls, but skilled artisans will appreciate that curved or irregularly shaped walls can be alternatively or additionally provided. The illustrated wall structure 25 comprises four substantially flat walls, including a sloped front wall 26, two side walls 27, and a rear wall 28 that together define a vent-opening 42 at the upper end of the wall structure 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 27 and the rear wall 28 extend substantially at right angles from the base portion 24, and the front wall 26 is sloped with respect to the base portion 24. However, it will be appreciated that these walls can have many different orientations. The front wall 26 is preferably sloped at an angle of between 35-55°, and more preferably about 45°, with respect to the base portion 24. While the illustrated embodiment includes four substantially flat walls, any number of substantially flat walls can be provided for the wall structure 25.

A screen 29 preferably covers the vent-opening 42. The International Residential Code (currently section R806.1) and the International Building Code (currently section 1203.2.1), both published by the International Code Council (ICC), require that any vent opening must be covered with corrosion-resistant wire mesh or other material with openings whose largest width is between 0.125-0.25 inch. Thus, the screen 29 preferably has a plurality of screen-openings, wherein each of the screen-openings has a largest width between 0.125-0.25 inch. With reference to FIG. 2A, the illustrated screen 29 comprises a first set of substantially parallel elongated cords 44, and a second set of substantially parallel elongated cords 46. The first and second sets of cords 44, 46 are oriented substantially at an angle with respect to each other, the angle preferably being about 90°. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second sets of cords 44, 46 intersect one another and are integrally formed with each other. For example, the entire lower member 22, including the base portion 24, wall structure 25, and screen 29, can be formed as a single piece via a plastic molding process. This “criss-cross” screen structure provides an enhanced filtering effect. In one embodiment, the cords 44, 46 form substantially square-shaped screen-openings that are no more than about 0.0625 in² (i.e., about 0.25 inches on each side). However, skilled artisans will appreciate that the cords 44, 46 can form screen-openings of other shapes, such as rectangles, parallelograms, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more baffles extend transversely from the wall structure 25. More preferably, each of the baffles extends along substantially the entirety of one of the substantially straight walls of the wall structure 25. With continued reference to FIG. 2, the illustrated lower member 22 includes baffles 48 extending transversely from the side walls 27, and a baffle 50 extending transversely from the rear wall 28. The illustrated wall structure 25 does not include a baffle extending from the sloped front wall 26. The baffles 48 and 50 reside within a closed flange 32 (discussed below) of the vent cap 23. The baffles 48 and 50 further prevent the ingress of wind-driven rain, ice, hail, debris, vermin, birds, etc.

The vent cap 23 includes a cover portion 31, which is preferably a plate-like structure that extends over the vent-opening 42 and screen 29 of the lower member 22. The cover portion 31 is configured to prevent the flow of water, ice, hail, and other debris from above the cover portion 31 into the vent-opening 42. A closed flange 32 extends downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion 31. The illustrated flange 32 comprises four substantially flat flange walls, including a sloped front flange wall 33, side flange walls 34, and a rear flange wall 35. Skilled artisans will understand that any number of flange walls may be provided, and that the flange walls can be curved or irregularly shaped, keeping in mind the goal of compatibility with the wall structure 25 and vent-opening 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the side flange walls 34 and the rear flange wall 35 extend substantially at right angles from the cover portion 31, and the front flange wall 33 is sloped with respect to the cover portion 31. However, it will be appreciated that these flange walls can have many different orientations. For example, the side flange walls 34 and the rear flange wall 35 can extend downward and outward from the cover portion 31 to facilitate the stacking of multiple vent caps 23 on top of each other. The front flange wall 33 is preferably sloped at an angle of between 35-55°, and more preferably about 45°, with respect to the cover portion 31. Preferably, the slopes of the front wall 26 and the front flange wall 33 are substantially similar and conforming to one another.

The vent cap 23 is preferably configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the wall structure 25 of the lower member 22. The illustrated vent cap 23 includes snap-engagement elements 52 (FIG. 3) that snap into receiving ports 36 and 37 in the wall structure 25. Any of a variety of different types of snap-engagement structures, as known in the art, can be used. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that many other methods of releasable attachment can be provided, giving due consideration to the goal of a strong yet easily releasable attachment. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent cap 23 also has an elongated, shallow front flange 54 that is adapted to slide into a slit 56 in the sloped front wall 26 of the wall structure 25. The entire vent cap 23, including the cover portion 31 and closed flange 32, can be formed as a single piece via a plastic molding process.

When the vent cap 23 is engaged on the lower member 22, the closed flange 32 surrounds, and extends below the upper end of, the wall structure 25, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure. In embodiments employing one or more baffles (e.g., baffles 48, 50) extending transversely from the wall structure 25, a gap is formed between the closed flange 32 and the one or more baffles. In particular, a gap is formed between the flange walls 34 and 35 of the vent cap 23 and the walls 27 and 28 of the lower member 22. This gap provides a flow path for airflow through the roof vent 20. In the illustrated embodiment, there is no gap formed between the sloped front wall 26 and the flange wall 33. However, such a gap can be provided if desired.

With reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated lower member 22 includes a substantially vertical internal wall 58 that strengthens the member 22 against downward forces. For example, a workman on the roof might step on the sloped front wall 26. The vertical internal wall 58 helps to prevent the sloped wall 26 from deforming under such forces. The internal wall 58 also prevents airflow along the inner surface of the sloped front wall 26.

The vent cap 23 includes a plurality of triangular-shaped baffles 60 that reside just outward of the baffles 48 and 50 of the lower member 22 when the vent cap 23 is engaged thereon. The baffles 60 serve to further prevent the ingress of vermin, debris, birds, etc. through the roof vent 20. The baffles 60 also direct the flow of air in and out of the vent 20. Further, the baffles 60 serve as spacers for airflow through the vent. In particular, the baffles 60 maintain a distance between the walls 34, 35 of the vent cap 23 and the baffles 48, 50 of the lower member 22.

FIGS. 4-6 more clearly illustrate a preferred configuration and location of the baffles 48 and 50. While shown at the top of the walls 27 and 28, these baffles can alternatively extend transversely from a position lower than the top of such walls. Also, the baffles can extend outward any desirable length, which may be based on the size of the gap formed between the wall structure 25 and the closed flange 32. In a preferred embodiment, the baffles 48 and 50 extend outward about 0.25 inches.

FIG. 4 makes clear the engagement of the flange 54 and the slit 56. Skilled artisans will appreciate that these features may be omitted from the design. However, such features are desirable because they provide for a more stable connection between the vent cap 23 and the lower member 24. Also, the flange 54 and slit 56 help to prevent water from flowing through the interface between the front wall 26 and the front flange wall 33.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the lower member 22 in greater detail. Likewise, FIGS. 9 and 10 show the vent cap 23 in greater detail.

In a preferred embodiment, some or all of the vent cap 23 is formed of a translucent material, so that the vent cap 23 admits sunlight into the building. Advantageously, the roof vent 20 can additionally act as a skylight. In a preferred embodiment, only the cover portion 31 is translucent while the closed flange is substantially opaque. In other embodiments, the entire vent cap 23 is translucent. In some embodiments, some or the entirety of the lower member 22 (such as the walls 26, 27, 28, the base portion 24, and/or the screen 29) is also translucent. Skilled artisans will appreciate that a variety of different portions or combinations of portions of the members 22 and 23 can be translucent.

While the illustrated roof vent 20 is formed substantially of plastic, in some embodiments it can comprise other materials, such as metal, alloys, glass (e.g., in the top portion of the vent cap 23 for the skylight functionality), etc.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein.

Claims

1. A roof vent comprising:

a lower member comprising: a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover; a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, the wall structure defining a vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure; one or more baffles extending transversely from the wall structure; and a screen covering the vent-opening; and

a vent cap secured to the wall structure, the vent cap comprising: a cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, the cover portion configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening; and a closed flange extending downward from the cover portion, the closed flange surrounding the wall structure and extending below the upper end of the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the one or more baffles.

2. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the vent cap is configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the wall structure.

3. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the closed flange extends downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion.

4. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the wall structure comprises a plurality of substantially straight walls, the one or more baffles comprising a plurality of baffles, each of the baffles extending along substantially the entirety of one of the straight walls.

5. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the wall structure comprises four substantially flat walls, three of the walls extending substantially at right angles from the base portion and each having a baffle extending transversely therefrom, a fourth of the walls being sloped with respect to the base portion and not having a baffle extending therefrom.

6. A roof vent comprising:

a lower member comprising: a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover; a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, the wall structure defining an vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure; and a screen covering the vent-opening; and

a vent cap secured to the wall structure, the vent cap configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the wall structure, the vent cap comprising: a translucent cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, the cover portion configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening; and a substantially opaque, closed flange extending downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion, the closed flange surrounding the wall structure and extending below the upper end of the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure.

7. The roof vent of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the closed flange is translucent.

8. The roof vent of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the lower member is translucent.

9. A roof vent comprising:

a lower member comprising: a base portion configured to be secured over an opening in a roof cover; a closed wall structure extending upward from the base portion, the wall structure defining a vent-opening at an upper end of the wall structure; and a screen covering the vent-opening, the screen having a plurality of screen-openings, each of the screen-openings having a largest width between 0.125-0.25 inch; and

a vent cap secured to the wall structure, the vent cap comprising: a cover portion extending over the vent-opening and the screen, the cover portion configured to prevent the flow of water from above the cover portion into the vent-opening; and a closed flange extending downward from the cover portion, the closed flange surrounding the wall structure and extending below the upper end of the wall structure, such that a gap is formed between the closed flange and the wall structure.

10. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the vent cap is configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the wall structure.

11. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the closed flange extends downward from a peripheral edge of the cover portion.

12. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the screen comprises a first set of substantially parallel elongated cords and a second set of substantially parallel elongated cords, the first and second sets of cords being oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

13. The roof vent of claim 12, wherein the angle is about 90°.

14. The roof vent of claim 12, wherein the first and second sets of cords intersect one another and are integrally formed with each other.

15. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the screen is integrally formed with the wall structure.