PIPE DIVERTING SYSTEM
A roof mourned diverting device for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe is provided. The roof-penetrating pipe has a central axis. The device includes a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis; and a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being configured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and form a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe. In an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/307,919, filed Mar. 14, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELDThe present invention relates to pipe diverting systems. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for diverting a ventilation pipe on a roof so that another system, such as a solar panel array, can be accommodated.
BACKGROUNDMany commercial and residential buildings have pipes, such as plumbing vent stacks, that penetrate the building's roof and extend vertically a required distance from the roof surface. This distance can be several inches to a foot or more.
With the high cost of electricity in many areas, roof mounted solar panels are becoming increasingly more popular and are even mandated in some jurisdictions.
Most jurisdictions have building department guidelines or codes that determine how a solar panel array can be positioned on a roof, including the required distance between the roof surface and the underside of the panels. On occasion, roof-penetrating pipes fall directly in line with a desired panel layout. The minimum required distance that the outlet of the pipe must be above the roof surface is usually greater than the desired (or required) distance between the roof surface and the solar panels. As a result, panel layouts are designed to avoid these pipes when possible, but in some cases it is not possible to position the panels so that every pipe is avoided. Therefore, the solar panel layout is often designed with voids where no panels can be placed so that the pipe can extend the required distance above the roof surface. The result is open areas of seemingly unusable prime power production space, resulting in lower overall power production.
Moving the roof-penetrating pipe from the interior of the attic space and re positioning in another location is time consuming, costly, and, in sonic cases, impractical or impossible.
Systems and methods for moving the vertical portion of the roof-penetrating pipe without having to move the portion of the pipe that penetrates the roof would allow more uniform and complete solar panel installations without suffering the drawbacks described above. Wasted space would be reduced and panel layout would no longer have to avoid the spots directly above each roof penetration. Higher power output would result as more prime locations would be usable.
SUMMARYAs described above, roof-penetrating pipes can cause undesirable voids in an array of solar panels. Embodiments of the invention solve this problem by providing systems and methods of rerouting the pipe above the roof surface without having to move the portion of the pipe that penetrates the roof.
Embodiments of the invention divert the pipe to one side of, any solar panel without the need to move the portion of the pipe that penetrates the roof and close the existing exit hole. The space directly around and above the pipe becomes usable and the array layout can be more consistent and uniform, ultimately using prime space for better power generation.
Embodiments of the invention differ from what currently exists. Layouts currently avoid these pipe exiting spaces as unusable power production space. Embodiments of the invention make theses spaces usable and no longer an obstacle. As a result, additional panels can be set in the prime roof locations resulting in more power production from the array.
Particular embodiments of the invention provide a roof mounted diverting device for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe, the roof-penetrating pipe having a central axis. The device includes a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis; and a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being configured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and form a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe. In an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, in an assembled state, the diverter is diverter configured to remain out of contact with the roof-penetrating pipe.
Some embodiments include a mounting plate that is attached to the diverter.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate is removably attached to the diverter.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate is configured to be attached to the roof.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate is configured to be attached under an outer layer of the roof when the device is in an installed state.
In some embodiments, the seal is a gasket configured to mount between the roof and the diverter, and the opening is an opening in the gasket.
In some embodiments, the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at different rotational positions relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
Particular embodiments of the invention provide a system for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe, the roof-penetrating pipe having a central axis. The system includes a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis; a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being configured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and form a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe; a first tube section that extends from the diverter and is attached to the diverter in a gas-tight manner; a second tube section that extends vertically away from the roof; and an angled tubular portion attached to the first tube section and the second tube section such that the first tube section and the second tube section are attached to each other in a gas-tight manner. In an assembled state of the system, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the system through the second tube section or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
Particular embodiments of the invention provide a method of diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe that penetrates a roof. The method includes providing a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening; mounting the diverter to the roof, and providing a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening contacting an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and forming a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe. In an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between a central axis of the upper opening and a central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, in an assembled state, the diverter remains out of contact with the roof-penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, the diverter is attached to a mounting plate.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate is removably attached to the diverter.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate is attached to the roof.
In some embodiments, the mounting plate extends under an outer layer of the roof when the device is in an installed state.
In some embodiments, the seal is a gasket mounted between the roof and, the diverter, and the seal opening is an opening in the gasket.
In some embodiments, the seal maintains the gas-tight seal at different rotational positions relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
In some embodiments, the seal maintains the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number and described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “fixed” refers to two structures that cannot be separated without damaging one of the structures. The term “idled” refers to a state that includes completely filled or partially filled.
As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
The term “opening” as used in this application can refer to any passageway through which air can travel.
As explained above, it can be beneficial to reroute the above-roof portion of a roof-penetrating pipe in order to accommodate another roof mounted system, such as an array of solar panels.
Embodiments of the invention provide a path for air/gases exiting the, for example, plumbing ventilation pipes of any structure to be diverted from a current location to another more desirable location along the closest edge of any solar panel layout without interrupting the flow of air or minimizing the flow as it escapes into the atmosphere. Embodiments of the invention provide a connection that does not interfere with the solar panels directly above while simultaneously allowing water and debris to freely pass around and under the solar panel without blocking the natural flow of this water, debris and air.
A gasket 1200 is provided between mounting plate 1300 and diverter 1100. Gasket 1200 (shown in more detail in
Diverter 1100 (shown in more detail in
The seal provided between vent pipe 60 and gasket 1200 and the seal between diverter 1100 and tube section 2010 create a gas-tight plenum inside diverter 1100 that diverts the gas flow out of the vent pipe in the direction of tube section 2010 without permitting any of the gas from flowing into the space below roof 10. This is done while simultaneously allowing diverting device 1000 to be mounted in many different orientations on roofs of many different pitches. For example, diverting device 1000 can be mounted on a roof having a 6/12 pitch, a 12/12 pitch, or almost any pitch without having to provide any different parts. Also, diverting device 1000 can be mounted in any orientation relative to the slope of the roof without having to provide any different parts.
In this example, diverter 3100 has a base 3110. Base 3110 has a plurality (six in this example) of holes that accommodate fasteners that secure diverter 3100 to roof 10 (by way of mounting plate 3300). Main body 3130 has, in addition to body sides 3140, a front face 3135. Front face 3135 has an opening 3150. Opening 3150 is configured to receive a tube section (for example tube section 2010 in
While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments:may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents. In addition, all combinations of any and all of the features described in the disclosure, in any combination, are part of the invention.
Claims
1. A roof mounted diverting device for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe, the roof-penetrating pipe having a central axis, the device comprising:
- a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis; and
- a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being configured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and form a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe,
- wherein, in an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and
- the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein, in an assembled state, the diverter is configured to remain out of contact with the roof-penetrating pipe.
3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a mounting plate that is attached to the diverter.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the mounting plate is removably attached to the diverter.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the mounting plate is configured to be attached to the roof.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the mounting plate is configured to extend under an outer layer of the roof when the device is in an installed state.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal is a gasket configured to mount between the roof and the diverter, and
- the seal opening is an opening in the gasket.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at different rotational positions relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
10. A system for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe, the roof-penetrating pipe, having a central axis, the system comprising:
- a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis;
- a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being configured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and than a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe;
- a first tube section that extends from the diverter and is attached to the diverter in a gas-tight manner;
- a second tube section that extends vertically away from the roof; and
- an angled tubular portion attached to the first tribe section and the second tube section such that the first tube section and the second tube section are attached to each other in a gas-tight manner,
- wherein, in an assembled state of the system, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the system through the second tube section or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and
- the dweller is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the seal is configured to maintain the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
12. A method of diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe that penetrates a roof, the method comprising:
- providing a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening;
- mounting the diverter to the roof; and
- providing a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening contacting an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and forming a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe,
- wherein, in an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and
- the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of the different positions having a different included angle between a central axis of the upper opening and a central of the roof-penetrating pipe.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein, in an assembled state, the diverter remains out of contact with the roof-penetrating pipe.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the diverter is attached to a mounting plate.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mounting plate is removably attached to the diverter.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the mounting plate is attached to the roof.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mounting plate extends under an outer layer of the roof when the device is in an installed state.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal is a gasket mounted between the roof and the diverter and
- the seal opening is an opening in the gasket.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal maintains the gas-tight seal at different rotational positions relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal maintains the gas-tight seal at any rotational position relative to the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 13, 2017
Publication Date: Sep 14, 2017
Inventor: Christopher Vargas (Shingle Spring, CA)
Application Number: 15/457,022