Along Roof Ridge Patents (Class 454/365)
  • Patent number: 5941028
    Abstract: An improved roof edge ventilation strip serving as a starter strip to underlay the first course of shingling along a roof line. The roof edge ventilation strip comprises a roofing panel which is, in use, at substantially the same angle to the vertical as the roof to which it is attached. The material of the ventilation strip is wavy or corrugated for providing added strength. A horizontal soffit section of the ventilation strip has louvers which add strength to the ventilation strip and permit a ladder to be leaned against the strip outer edge. A vertical fascia section provides for fastening the ventilation strip in abutment to a vertical side of a house or a building. An alternate embodiment comprises a protruding drip edge to insure water run-off away from the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Hicks
  • Patent number: 5934995
    Abstract: A ridge vent comprising a pair of opposing vent parts each fabricated from a plurality of stacked, interconnected layers of a corrugated plastic sheet material and a top panel extending between and connected to the opposing vent parts, with the entire assembled ridge vent being rolled into a spiral or coil, and secured in that configuration for later installation on a roof. The assembled ridge vent is rolled into the spiral configuration from an initially planar configuration by engaging a leading end of the ridge vent and rolling the ridge vent onto a drum or mandrel to form a tight, uniform spiral. The rolled vent can then be labeled and banded or packaged. The fabrication process from bulk rolls of sheet material to packaged roof vents can be substantially continuous and automated. Roof vents of various lengths or widths can be manufactured with only minor adjustments or substitutions in the fabrication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified Industries
    Inventors: Richard J. Morris, Gary P. Kasner, Mark Stoll
  • Patent number: 5924925
    Abstract: A vent for a building includes an elongated vent cover having generally opposite ends. First and second spaced flexible flashing strips can be mounted to the vent cover to form an integrated assembly for mounting on the building so as to extend across a vent opening therein. The ends of the vent cover and the flashing strips having matingly interlocking members thereon for detachably mounting the flexible flashing strips to the vent cover. This can be done without the use of tools. The interlocking members can comprise a pair of lances formed in the end of the vent cover and in corresponding locations on the flashing strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Metal Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Nystrom
  • Patent number: 5921863
    Abstract: A ventilating device for a roof having a vent opening includes a cover for a vent opening in the roof. The cover defines vent passages for communicating the vent opening to ambient atmosphere. A moveable member mounted adjacent to the passages is moveable from an open or inactive position permitting communication through the passages to an active or closed position in which the moveable member closes the passage to restrain entry of wind driven rain and or snow into the passages. The moveable members are returned to their inactive or open position by the resiliency of the material from which the moveable members are made and/or by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5902432
    Abstract: An improved roll-form vent for buildings comprises a sequentially thermoformed polymeric vent which provides multiple venting air flow paths between the interior of a building and ambient atmosphere. The vent includes projections extending from a web and a plurality of vent openings that cooperate with screening to bar entry into the building of water, insects and foreign matter. A method of making the vent includes steps of providing a web of material of indeterminate running length, heating the web, sequentially thermoforming the web, cooling the web and rolling the formed vent for storage, shipment and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Benjamin Obdyke, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Coulton, Geoffrey N. Ehrman, William F. Horvath, Kenneth L. Laubsch, Joseph DeMeo
  • Patent number: 5890322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and/or minimizing the formation of ice dams and icicles on a roof of a building having an unheated attic under said roof, which involves the steps of: (1) determining if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof, (2) determining ambient outdoor air temperature, (3) determining the temperature of air in the attic and (4) if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof and if the ambient outdoor air temperature is at or below freezing and if the attic air temperature is sufficient to cause melting of the snow on the roof, exhausting air from the attic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Clois D. Fears
  • Patent number: 5890960
    Abstract: A venting system for structures using a ridge vent for venting a conventional exhaust system associated with a structure through a conventional ridge vent. The venting system includes a ridge vent adaptor, which defines a mounting head at an upper end, and a pipe coupling at a lower end. The mounting head is configured to be received through an opening formed in the ridge of the roof. The mounting head defines two mounting flaps for securing the ridge vent adaptor to the roof of the structure. The mounting flaps are dimensioned to be concealed by the ridge vent when installed. The pipe coupling is provided for coupling a conventional pipe of an exhaust system into the ridge vent adaptor. A transition portion is defined between the mounting head and the pipe coupling, and is continuously increasing in cross-sectional area from the pipe coupling to the mounting head such that outlet of exhaust gases is not inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Randall H. Fisher
    Inventors: Max D. Cronan, Louis B. Hale
  • Patent number: 5830059
    Abstract: A ventilating cap for the roof includes a cover which is supported over a vent opening extending along the ridge of the roof by a first pair of coil springs supporting one side of the cap and a second pair of coil springs supporting the other side of the cap. Optional foam rubber blocks may be installed between the pairs of coils and also extend longitudinally along the roof to restrict entry of wind blown moisture from entering the vent opening. In another embodiment of the invention, nonwoven batts are retained by the springs to restrain entry of moisture into the vent opening. In still another embodiment of the invention, a deflectable baffle is moved from an inactive position laying on the roof to an active position closing off passages between the coils to wind blown moisture in response to wind velocity above a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5826383
    Abstract: A roof ventilation system of the type for venting air from under a roof and preventing water, debris and pests from penetrating the ventilation system and entering the interior of the structure is provided. The roof closure vent system includes: a structure having a sloped metal roof having a ridge slot formed along substantially the length of a roof ridge permitting ventilation from the interior under said roof to the exterior; and a ridge closure vent positioned adjacent each longitudinal side of said ridge slot extending substantially along the length thereof fastened between said roof and a ridge panel, in place of the ridge closure vent or in combination therewith is a eave closure vent connected beneath said roof substantially along the length of an eave of said roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Charles F. Garrison
  • Patent number: 5803805
    Abstract: A ventilating device for a home or other building includes a frame for covering a ventilating opening in the structure. The frame defines a passage for communicating the ventilating opening to the atmosphere. The passage contains a freely movable valve member which normally rests in an inactive position under gravitational force to permit venting through the passage. The valve member moves in response to wind pressure to an active position in which the member seats against a seating surface within the passage to prevent entry of wind-driven precipitation into the structure. When the wind subsides, the valve member returns under the force of gravity to its inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5803806
    Abstract: Materials and a method for attaching insulating material to roof ridge ventilators to prevent warm attic air from being exhausted through the louvered openings in such roof ridge ventilator systems during cool weather. At least two lengths of flexible molding material and a plurality of wire-like clamps. The wire-like clamps extend across the top of the roof ridge ventilator with each end being secured between the molding and the outer flashing portions of the roof ridge ventilator so as to secure the molding flush against vent openings in the underside surface of the roof ridge ventilator to completely block air flow therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: James Blessinger
  • Patent number: 5797222
    Abstract: A roof and gable extension ventilation device having primary and secondary vent openings as a barrier against wind blown moisture. The device extends along and over an opening in the ridge of the roof and beyond the roof end gable for increased venting efficiency. Multiple intermediate sections can be added for increased length with flexible end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 5786085
    Abstract: An asphaltic polyurethane foam useful in roofing applications. The foam is made from asphalt having a penetration range of between approximately 5-25, a softening point of between approximately 120.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., and an asphaltene content of no more than about 30%. This asphalt is liquified and mixed with a mixture of polyols such as Voranol 270, Multranol 9138, and castor oil. Other chemicals, such as a surfactant, a viscosity reducer, and a flame retardant can also be included in this mixture. The mixture is then brought to a temperature of between approximately 140.degree. F. and 220.degree. F., mixed with a polyisocyanate and water, and reacted to form an asphaltic polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fontana Paper Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey G. Tzeng, George F. Thagard, III
  • Patent number: 5772502
    Abstract: An adjustable-pitch ridge vent having accordion-shaped pleated end plugs for covering an opening at the peak of a roof. The ridge vent has a top panel having opposed lateral edges and having opposed ends, and has a flexible midsection parallel to the opposed lateral edges. A plurality of semi-circular supports extending downwardly from the underside of the top panel suspend the top panel above the roof. Lateral sidewall portions, which downwardly depend from the lateral edges of the vent, have louvered ventilation openings for allowing air to escape out of the opening at the roof's peak and pass from under the vent. Gutters with outwardly upturned lips and with drain openings are adjacent the ventilation openings. Coacting male and female joiners, respectively at the ends of the vent, sealingly join adjacent like ridge vents to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Lomanco, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5766071
    Abstract: A venturi-type system for cooling a roof by rapidly moving the hot air beneath roof tiles. The air cooling system is passive, and accelerates the evacuation of hot air from beneath roof tiles by creating a venturi system at the uppermost portion of an angled tile roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Howard G. Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 5738581
    Abstract: A ventilation element (1) for roofs having a vent cap (3) to be located in the ridge, slope, or arris region of the roof and having at least one elastically flexible sealing member (7) which adjoins the edge area (4, 6) of the vent cap (3). According to the invention, an optimum seal between the vent cap (3) and the roofing material is ensured by the fact that the sealing element (7) is made as a hollow body (10) with a preferably roughly pear-shaped cross section, which is closed in a free edge area and in its area which is adjacent to the edge areas (4, 6) of the vent cap (3). Slits (41) can be provided in the hollow body to allow the egress of air from the roof, in part, through the hollow body without adversely affecting its sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Norm A.M.C. AG
    Inventors: Hubert Rickert, Fritz Godl
  • Patent number: 5706618
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a roof ridge ventilator cover that is adapted to be removably secured to a conventional roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover of the present invention, when installed on a conventional roof ridge ventilator, will cover and block the air vents of the ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover generally includes two panels serving to cover and block the two panels of air louvers or vents of the roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover may be made from sheet aluminum or other sheet material, including sheet made of plastic, having sufficient resilience to return unaided to a formed shape after some deflection. The roof ridge ventilator cover is installed by deflecting the cover sufficiently so the cover may be placed over the top portion of the roof ridge ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Charles F. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5704834
    Abstract: A ventilating cap for the ridge of a roof includes a pair of vent parts located on opposite sides of a vent opening cut along ridge board of the roof. A flashing holds an air permeable, moisture-repelling fabric against the outer edge of the vent parts, thereby preventing intrusion of snow and other moisture into the vent opening through the vent parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5697842
    Abstract: A vent apparatus for peaks of sloped roofs formed of roofing sheets include a number of roof tiles, a longitudinal vent gap between the roofing sheets at the peak, two rail members, one rail member being secured to the roofing sheets longitudinally along each side of the vent gap, where the rail members are laterally spaced apart from each other a distance, each rail member including an upright side wall portion, a fastening flange portion angling downwardly and outwardly from the lower edge of the side wall portion to rest against the roofing sheets, a series of tile fastening blocks fitted between the rail members and spaced apart from each other a distance substantially matching the length of the individual the roof tiles, a series of the tiles placed in overlapping fashion and longitudinally along and straddling both of the rail members, each tile having a higher end which rests on top of the lower end of the next tile in the series of the tiles so that the overlapping tile segments are located over posit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Michael P. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 5676597
    Abstract: A composite shingle which comprises a hip, ridge or rake overlappable shingle of standard dimension bonded to a relatively rigid, randomly aligned fibrous, air permeable mat as an underlayer having a shorter length such that upon overlapping said shingles, the forward edge of the first shingle mat abuts the rear edge of the next shingle mat and provides a self-aligning, continuous vent area below the exposed surface of the installed shingles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Building Materials Corporation of America
    Inventors: Steven C. Bettoli, Alfredo A. Bondoc
  • Patent number: 5673521
    Abstract: An improved roll-form vent for buildings comprises a sequentially thermoformed polymeric vent which provides multiple venting air flow paths between the interior of a building and ambient atmosphere. The vent includes projections extending from a web and a plurality of vent openings that cooperate with screening to bar entry into the building of water, insects and foreign matter. A method of making the vent includes steps of providing a web of material of indeterminate running length, heating the web, sequentially thermoforming the web, cooling the web and rolling the formed vent for storage, shipment and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Benjamin Obdyke Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael S. Coulton, Geoffrey N. Ehrman, William F. Horvath, Kenneth L. Laubsch, Joseph DeMeo
  • Patent number: 5651734
    Abstract: A rolled ridge vent comprising a longitudinal blank of corrugated plastic sheet material having an undivided top panel extending its length, and segmented portions extending laterally from each side of the top panel scored to be folded into opposing pairs of vent parts. Adjacent segmented portions may be cut entirely through or perforated for manual separation. The entire blank is spiral rolled in the longitudinal direction. The ridge vent is installed by placing the roll on the peak of the roof with the free end extending over the top and oriented away from the direction of installation. The blank is unrolled to expose at least one pair of segmented portions, which are then folded under the top panel to form the vent parts and fastened to the roof. This process is repeated until the desired length is installed. Foam end caps and air deflectors optionally may be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Morris
  • Patent number: 5605022
    Abstract: A vented closure for installation in a roofing system between the upper end of a roofing panel and a ridge cap. The vented closure is die-pressed into a cap flange for attachment to the ridge cap; a downwardly disposed closure wall connected to the cap flange; a bottom wall connected to the closure wall; an upwardly disposed inner sidewall connected to the bottom wall; and a vent opening located in the closure wall. Either a screen or a multiplicity of louvers covers the vent opening. The present invention closes the spaces in the ends of the roofing panel and conforms to the profile of the panel in such a way as to prevent entry of water, debris and vermin but permit the passage of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: NCI Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Fulton
  • Patent number: 5603657
    Abstract: A ventilating device covers an opening in a structure and includes longitudinally-extending compartments, each of the compartments having longitudinally-extending side walls. A baffle is placed in the compartments, and is otherwise unattached to the ventilating device. The baffle is movable from an inactive position permitting communication through the ventilating device to an active position closing off communication to thereby prevent wind-driven moisture from being driven into the ventilating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5593348
    Abstract: A ventilating element with a ventilator cap for mounting on the ridge, hip or arris area of a roof, and which has at least one elastically flexible sealing member that extends along a longitudinal edge area of the cap. The sealing member is formed as a looped filament seal. This configuration has the advantage that undesirable de-orientations of the filaments are prevented. This is because the loop structure has no free filament ends, and there is always a curvature in the end region which, on the one hand, prevents unintentional back-hooking, and on the other hand, imparts a certain coupling effect to adjacent loops, so that overall interlinking and interlacing of the individual loops are present, benefitting each other, especially by holding one another down, and preserving a close, flow-tight packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Norm A.M.C. AG
    Inventor: Hubert Rickert
  • Patent number: 5568706
    Abstract: A ridge and/or edge covering and a process for producing the same is characterized in that at least the inner portion or portions (2, 3) of the cover cap (1) are made from a permanent elastic, deformable material and that to a second inner portion (3) placed on both sides of the first central portion (2) and angled downwards with respect thereto are connected the outer portion or portions (11, 17) and at least one first outer portion (11) bent upwards with respect to the second inner portion (3) is provided with overflow areas (22), a third outer portion (17) is angled outwards with respect to the first outer portion and a second outer portion (14) serving as a sealing element is placed in the transition area (12) between the second inner portion (3) and the first outer portion (11) and that a permanent elastic, deformable material is provided in the longitudinal direction with folding means, so that several portions are obtained and are provided by punching with overflow openings, edge flanges, as well as pl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Manfred Gehring
    Inventors: Manfred Gerhing, Hermann Schollmeyer
  • Patent number: 5564976
    Abstract: Ventilator cover (1) for exhaust ventilation of roofs in the ridge, hip or arris area, with preferably a plastic ventilator cover body (2) and sealing element (9), the sealing element (9) having a shape approximating that of a wedge in cross section and a sealing element body (10) which consists of plastic foam. To improve sealing properties and to increase the service life of the sealing element (9), an essentially nonporous skin (14) is provided on at least one of the free surfaces (11, 12), preferably on outside surface (11), of the sealing element body (10) so as to cover roughly its entire area. This skin (14) is formed from a structural change of the material of the sealing element body (10) at its surface (11, 12), so that the skin consists of the same plastic as the sealing element body (10), and is permanently connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Norm A.M.C. AG
    Inventors: Manfred Muller, Fritz Godl
  • Patent number: 5561953
    Abstract: A building structure adapted to allow for ventilation of vapors from within the structure so as to retard deterioration of the structure. A sloped roof has a decking and a sheet overlying the decking. The sheet has a plurality of projects projecting upward away from the decking. The sloped roof has a vent slot disposed along a roof ridge adapted to permit air from an interior space under the roof to flow through the slot to the exterior. A strip has a surface shaped to match the projections of the sheet. The strip has an air permeable and resilient portion. A ridge cap overlies the slot and the strip. The air permeable and resilient portion of the strip is adapted for the flow of vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Martin J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 5554033
    Abstract: In an apparatus and method for teaching motor skills to a human subject, learning by a student is based upon imitation of a teacher's motion. The teacher's motion is sensed by a motion sensing device, is digitized by a computer, and is then recorded in non-volatile computer memory. The computer generates an image sequence of the teacher on the computer display for the student to view and imitate. The same motion sensing device used to record the teacher's movement records the student's movement and the computer creates an image sequence on the display corresponding to the student's movement, simultaneously providing an image sequence of the teacher's movement. The training of the student is based upon displaying the pre-stored teacher's motion on the screen. The student's task is to imitate the teacher's movement. This process is repeated until the teacher's and student's trajectories match well in space and time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emilio Bizzi, Ferinando A. Mussa-Ivaldi, Reza Shadmehr
  • Patent number: 5549513
    Abstract: A roof structure, which has a plurality of concrete tiles arranged in overlapping rows on a roof support structure, is provided with a roof ventilation device for venting the underside of the roof support structure. The device receives and integrates with a plurality of shortened tiles in an upper row so as not to disturb the appearance and continuity of the roof structure. A hollow upper portion of the roof ventilation device forms part of a ventilation path which extends from outside the roof structure to one or more apertures in the roof support structure and has a plurality of baffles disposed therein for preventing entry of rain water. A length of mesh mounted within an inside portion of the roof ventilation device at the back of the upper portion prevents entry of insects, vermin and debris, while foam strips mounted on the mesh seal the space above tiles in a lower row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Monier Roof Tile Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Thomas, Anthony F. Gillett
  • Patent number: 5542882
    Abstract: The ventilating cap for the ridge of a roof includes multiple plies of ventilating material disposed on opposite sides of an opening cut along the ridge of the roof. The ventilating cap includes a connecting ply which interconnects a pair of vent parts disposed on opposite sides of the vent opening. The connecting ply is folded along a crease line, and, according to one embodiment of the invention, includes a groove which extends longitudinally along the connecting ply at the crease line to permit a consistent fold of the connecting ply. According to another embodiment of the invention, the groove consists of two channels which cooperate to form a rib running along the center of the groove. The rib stabilizes the fold, thereby permitting a consistent fold about the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5535558
    Abstract: The plastic roof vent including a longitudinally extending thinner portion is provided adjacent the vanes and a foraminous strip is bonded as by heat bonding or ultrasonic welding to the roof vent. In accordance with the method and apparatus, the plastic roof vent is bent along the thinner hinge line to provide access for placing of the strip of porous material and for bonding the strip to the plastic roof vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Rieke, Charles E. Schiedegger, Jack G. Wnuk
  • Patent number: 5457920
    Abstract: A ridge type roof vent. A roof vent is provided for use on a ridge of a roof. The vent has grillee portions flexibly located longitudinally along the lateral edges. The grille portions have at their distal end a set of flexible teeth adapted to fit on shingles and down between shingles in the gaps therebetween, so as to prevent passage between the grille and the shingle of any debris, insects, or vermin. The grille portions have void defining structures therein adapted to receive therethrough a nail guide and support, which guide is suitable for locating a nail to affix the vent to a roof. The vent is manufactured in a flat configuration, and thus it is capable of being easily packed and shipped. When folded at the hinged bends by the installer, the vent provides full venting capability while protecting against passage therethrough of unwanted debris, insects, or vermin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Vent Air Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Waltz
  • Patent number: 5458538
    Abstract: A roof vent comprising a one-piece plastic body including a base wall with air guiding vanes to ventilate the interior of a building. A plurality of spaced intermediate transverse supports are provided along the central longitudinal axis of the plastic body. The intermediate supports are adapted to facilitate folding at the center of the vent to maintain a straight line bend and to provide support for the central portion of the vent to improve stiffness and appearance. The supports overlap to accommodate different roof angles. Additionally, the roof vent has a tongue and groove arrangement on the end walls at each end for an interlocking connection to an adjacent roof vent. One embodiment of the roof vent is adapted for use on a hip roof. In this embodiment, a separate wall is used to deflect entry of snow or rain. The supports have notches to accommodate the separate wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger, Jack G. Wnuk, Clyde G. Allen
  • Patent number: 5439417
    Abstract: The ventilating cap for the ridge of a roof includes multiple plies of ventilating material disposed on opposite sides of an opening cut along the ridge of the roof. The ventilating cap includes a connecting ply which interconnects a pair of vent parts disposed on opposite sides of the vent opening. The connecting ply is folded along a crease line, and includes a groove which extends longitudinally along the connecting ply at the crease line to permit a consistent fold of the connecting ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5427571
    Abstract: A ventilated cap system for use on a ridge of a roof which includes an expandable utility cap to seal over a variably expanding metal roof. In one form a top cap may snap lock over the utility cap for slidable attachment thereto when exposed to deforming forces such as snow or ice. The top cap prevents deformation of the underlying utility cap. Roof panel clips permit uneven thermal expansion between metal panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Cor-A-Vent Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5425672
    Abstract: A roof ridge venting system using a mat constructed of randomly-aligned synthetic fibers which are joined by phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to provide an air-permiable mat with a varying mesh. The mat is a unitary sheet construction having no dissimilar sheets laminated or otherwise bonded together. In an alternative embodiment for use with heavier slate or terra cota tiles, the mat includes a grid pattern of small solid cores extending through the thickness of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Martin J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 5352154
    Abstract: A roof ventilation system for ventilating a building with a metal roof formed of a series of metal panels joined by standing seams, and having a vent slot disposed along the roof ridge in proximity to an edge of the metal panels. A plurality of clips are disposed at intervals on each side of the vent slot. Each clip is adapted to slip onto the upper edge of the metal panels and to straddle one of the standing seams. The clip includes a top cap-engaging portion, a hook portion formed by a lower leg and an upper leg spaced for receiving the upper edge of adjacent metal panels, and a wall portion which extends between the upper leg of the hook portion and the cap-engaging portion. The cap-engaging portion, the upper leg and the wall portion define a channel adapted to retain sections of air-permeable venting material along the vent slot. A slot in the clip extends through the upper leg and the side wall for receiving the standing seam. The clip may be formed from a flat rectangular sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignees: Martin Rotter, Building Materials Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin J. Rotter, William W. Collins
  • Patent number: 5339582
    Abstract: An air dam or adjustable part mounted on a vent having openings extending traversely and placed upon the ridge of a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5332393
    Abstract: A ventilator cap (1), made of plastic, for ventilation of roofs in the ridge, hip or arris area, with a fastening area (2), with an edge area (3) and with an intermediate area (4) connecting the fastening area (2) and the edge area (3) with one another, in which intermediate area has air passage openings (5, 6) and edge area (3) has an elastically flexible sealing element (7) extending over the length of the cap on its roof-facing underside, and the sealing element (7) has the structure of a fine-fiber brush with a carrier part (8) and a plurality of elastic brush fibers (9) placed in at least as flowtight a packing as possible. The effect of the weather conditions on the brush fibers (9) is substantially eliminated, specifically, by placing at least one protective element (10) that influences the elasticity of the brush fibers (9) as little as possible on the outside of sealing element (7), i.e. on the side facing away from the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Norm A.M.C. AG
    Inventor: Fritz Godl
  • Patent number: 5331783
    Abstract: A ridge peak roof ventilator comprising a pair of vent parts disposed on opposing sides of an opening in a roof peak, and a top panel disposed above and connecting each of the vent parts. The vent parts may be of unitary construction, folded from interconnected panels, or assembled from individual layers of sheet material, and each forms a multiplicity of air passages through which air flows from the interior to the exterior of the roof ventilator. The top panel is constructed from double-faced corrugated plastic having a pair of planar plies and a convoluted intermediate ply. The underside of the top panel is routed along the centerline to form a concave recessed area, thereby cutting away a section of one planar ply and part of the intermediate ply to form oval-shaped openings. Each opening has side walls traversing concave arcuate paths between a maximum height adjacent the side edges of the recessed area and a minimum height along the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Kasner, Mark S. Stoll, Richard J. Morris
  • Patent number: 5328407
    Abstract: A roof ridge vent which includes a cover plate supported by a plurality of elongated tubular baffles. Each tubular baffle has a plurality of holes for communicating air flow from the interior of the roof. The baffles are attached to the cover plate. The roof vent is secured to the roof sheathing by conventional fasteners extending through the cover plate. The tubular baffles space the cover plate above the sheathing to allow airflow from within the roof out a vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Patent number: 5326318
    Abstract: An adjustable roof ridge ventilator for use with heavy roofing tiles. This ventilator includes a support member designed to straddle a roof ridge opening and support and space heavy roofing tiles above the roof surface. The support member has a ridge tile anchoring portion which runs along its longitudinal axis. On each side of the ridge tile anchoring portion is a side wall portion having at least one vent opening. The side walls and ridge tile anchoring portion form an open channel. An air-permeable vent material is disposed in and along the channel. The lower portion of each side wall is formed outward to form a skirt portion for straddling the roof ridge. Each side wall portion may have a plurality of parallel crease lines therein allowing for the support member's height to be adjusted by forming the skirt portion at a selected crease lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Martin J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 5318607
    Abstract: A grease filter and collection assembly for roof ventilators and the like includes a frame structure having a generally central aperture through which a grease discharge vents projects when the frame structure and trap assembly are installed surrounding the vent, and a replaceable grease-trapping material is removably secured in the frame structure so that the grease-trapping material is exposed vent. In a preferred embodiment, the frame structure is assembled from extruded frame members which integrally include a plurality of channels for securing and mounting the assembly for retaining the grease-trapping material within the frame structure. Upper and lower channels accommodate corner connections of the frame members. The frame members have side walls which peripherally enclose the grease-trapping material which is tucked between the upper and lower channel inwardly extending from the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignees: Grease Guard, Inc., Dundee Manufacturing Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Malloy, Jean J. Jodoin, Charles M. Murphy, Christopher S. Barry, Kevin R. Chwala, Charles E. Bain
  • Patent number: 5304095
    Abstract: A ridge cap type roof ventilator comprising a plurality of sections aligned longitudinally with one another and hingedly interconnected along their confronting ends such that the plurality of sections may be folded or pivoted into parallel abutting contact. Once folded, several roof ventilators may be stacked with their vent parts in an overlapping, interfitted pattern to provide a stable column or stack having a minimal volume to conserve the space required to store or ship a predetermined number of the roof ventilators. The sections may be unfolded for positioning and installation on the ridge of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Morris
  • Patent number: 5288269
    Abstract: A continuous in-line method of fabricating a variable pitch roof ridge ventilator assembly and the assembly thereof including providing first and second elongate substantially rectangular panels formed into a desired configuration and connecting the panels by roll forming a flexible connecting cap member to a longitudinal upturned edge of each of the first and second panels where the flexible connecting member enables rotation between the first and second panels and provides a seal therebetween against infiltration of the elements or insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Air Vent, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5174076
    Abstract: A ridge vent for a hip roof comprising a one piece plastic body including a base wall having transversely spaced rows of integral vanes extending from one surface thereof. The vanes of adjacent rows are positioned such that the vanes define a sinuous path. Preferably, one of each of the rows has the wings extending at an acute angle to the axis of the walls and the other row or each set of rows has the wings extending at an oppositely directed acute axis to the longitudinal axis of the wall toward the wings of the one row. Thus, air is vented through sinuous paths outwardly when the vent is positioned with the wings engaging the roof and the base wall spaced from the roof. A wall is provided over the free ends of the wings and includes a longitudinally extending portion that extends from the wall toward the base wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea K. Lamecki, Jeffery E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5167579
    Abstract: A roof venting system of the ridge vent type, the improvement comprising a unique mat covering the ridge slot. The mat is a unitary sheet construction of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh. The unitary mat provides the desirable physical properties such as tensile strength, resilience, ability to be transported in rolls and cut to length, ease of joining strips, long term durability in local ambient conditions, water and insect barrier, and low profile, without requiring sheets of dissimilar materials to be bonded together to provide such properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Martin J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 5149301
    Abstract: A ventilator for straddling an aperture in a roof of a building, the ventilator comprising at least one rectangular cover panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of longitudinally spaced interior walls are provided for supporting the panel over the aperture, with each wall having a portion extending beyond the edge of the panel. A longitudinally extending baffle wall is spaced outwardly from the panel edge and is supported in an upward direction by the lateral portions of the interior walls. A plurality of openings are provided in the baffle wall for draining water from the ventilator, and an upstanding baffle is spaced inwardly of and in line with each opening to deflect any wind-driven rain or snow entering through the opening from entering into the roof aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Thomas A. Gates
  • Patent number: 5122095
    Abstract: A roof ridge ventilator to be installed overlying the open ridge and along the length of the roof of a building which is adjustable to accommodate a variety of different roof pitches and directs the flow of air from the interior of the building to the exterior of the building including an elongate top wall member having a predetermined length and width and top and bottom sides, a pair of outer side walls one each integrally formed along the longitudinal length of and depending from a respective bottom side of the top wall member and at a predetermined angle with respect to the top wall member, each of the side walls including a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, a pair of upturned edge members, one each integrally formed with a respective distal end of the outer side walls opposite the top wall member and extending along the longitudinal length of, and at a predetermined angle with respect to, the side walls, the up-turned edge members extending back toward the top wall member a predetermined dist
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Air Vent, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarke K. Wolfert