Neck for turbine ventilator

Abstract

A typical turbine roof ventilator includes a turbine hood having a closed end, a ring spaced from the closed end and a series of spaced blades extending from the ring to the closed end. A novel sleeve assembly is disclosed including a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end. The third end of the second sleeve portion is partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve. The second sleeve is hinged to the first sleeve portion about a pivot axis. The outside diameter of first sleeve portion is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the second sleeve portion. Both sleeves are at least part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted. Typically, the first end of the first sleeve and the forth end of the second sleeve are generally annular.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a roof ventilator, and in particular to a type of roof ventilator known as a turbine roof ventilator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] During the summer, in hot countries such as Australia, large amounts of heat from the sun's rays enter houses through their roof tops and heat up the attic space or roof chamber beneath the roof of the house. In some cases the temperature in the roof chamber can rise to up to 70° C. and the temperature inside the house will consequently increase. To address this problem, it is known to install turbine roof ventilators to extract air from roof chambers which work on the well known principle that hot air rises, and which allow hotter air to escape from the roof chamber before the temperature of the air in the roof chamber rises excessively. During the winter, roof ventilators also help keep houses dry, remove shower and kitchen steam, keep insulation dry and thus help prevent mould and mildew growth.

[0003] Turbine roof ventilators comprise a sleeve on the top end of which is mounted a rotatable turbine hood. The turbine hood includes a closed circular, usually convex upper end which prevents ingress of rain into the sleeve and thus into the roof chamber, a lower ring and a series of arcuate turbine blades extending from the lower ring to the upper end through which hot air flows. The turbine blades can rotate either due to winds or breezes, or due to the flow of air from out under the roof through the turbine. FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a prior art turbine hood.

[0004] The base of the turbine roof ventilator is fixed to a roof at the pitch of the roof. It is therefore necessary for the sleeve on which the turbine hood is mounted to be adjustable so that it can “bend” to cope with the pitch of the roof on which the turbine hood is mounted so that the hood can spin about a generally vertical axis. For this reason, the sleeve is formed in two parts, the inner part defining an elliptical ridge on which the outer part of the sleeve is mounted. One sleeve can be turned in a clockwise direction and the other in a counterclockwise about the central axis of the sleeve to adjust the relative orientation of the circular openings at the ends the sleeve assembly to take account of roof pitches to ensure that the axis of the turbine hood is generally vertical when fitted. Although existing adjustable sleeves work satisfactorily, they are quite awkward and time consuming to adjust. Typically the adjustment has to be carried out while the installer is on a roof which is not safe.

[0005] Accordingly it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved sleeve for a turbine ventilator which is easier to adjust.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sleeve assembly for a turbine roof ventilator comprising:

[0007] a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and defining a central axis passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end of the sleeve to the second end; and

[0008] a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end and defining a second central axis; wherein

[0009] in use, the third end of the second sleeve portion is at least partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve, the first sleeve being hinged to the second sleeve portion about a pivot axis which is located at or near the intersection of the first and second central axes and which is generally perpendicular to said central axes, the outside diameter of said second sleeve portion being smaller than, or an interference fit with, the inside diameter of the first sleeve portion and both sleeves being at least part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment a central portion of both the first and second sleeve portions are part spherical and the first end of the first sleeve and the forth end of the second sleeve are generally annular.

[0011] Typically the sleeve assembly will be moulded in a plastics material, most typically a polypropylene.

[0012] Thus the second and first sleeve portions can be rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the angle between the planes defined by the first or open end of the first sleeve axis (the base of the sleeve assembly) and the fourth or open end of the second sleeve (the top of the sleeve assembly) can be adjusted to cope with roofs of different pitches. Typically, the angle may be adjusted between 0° in which the planes are parallel and around 32°. The adjustment is much easier to make than with existing sleeve assemblies.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the base of the second or outer sleeve defines one or more depressions. The depressions mark the positions in which a screw can be inserted through the second sleeve portion into the first sleeve portion to fix the two portions together relative to one another.

[0014] It is preferred that markings are moulded on the exterior of the sleeve assembly which are indicative of the relative orientation of the base and top of the sleeve assembly, so that the sleeve can be adjusted and fixed at the correct relative orientation of the base and top on the ground prior to installation of the sleeve on the roof for houses whose roof pitch is known.

[0015] Typically, the sleeve will mark the angles of the popular roof pitches. The markings can either be ridges or indentations formed during the moulding process or may be printed or otherwise marked on the sleeve after the sleeve has been moulded.

[0016] The hinges may be formed by a part spherical bulge on the first sleeve located inside a mating depression formed by a slightly larger part spherical bulge on the second sleeve. The sleeves may snap-fit together. A depression located in the centre of each bulge is provided for receiving a screw for fixing the first and second sleeves together thus allowing relative rotation about the hinge.

[0017] In a related aspect the invention provides a ventilator including a turbine hood having a closed end, a lower portion spaced from the closed end and a series of blades extending from the ring to the closed end, gaps being defined between adjacent blades, and a sleeve assembly for a turbine roof ventilator comprising:

[0018] a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and defining a central axis passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end of the sleeve to the second end; and

[0019] a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end and defining a second central axis; wherein

[0020] in use, the third end of the second sleeve portion is at least partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve, the first sleeve being hinged to the second sleeve portion about a pivot axis which is located at or near the intersection of the first and second central axes and which is generally perpendicular to said central axes, the outside diameter of second sleeve portion being smaller than, or an interference fit with, the inside diameter of the first sleeve portion and both sleeves being at least part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a sleeve for a turbine roof ventilator in one orientation;

[0023] FIGS. 2 and 3 are similar views showing the sleeve in different orientations;

[0024] FIG. 3a shows a detail of part of a hinge for the sleeve;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sleeve shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3; and

[0026] FIG. 5 is a section through a turbine roof ventilator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 5 shows a turbine roof ventilator 1 including a hood or cowling having a closed upper end in the form of a roof 2, a lower portion in the form of a ring 4 and a series of blades 6 extending between the lower ring and the roof defining gaps therebetween. The hood is located on top of a sleeve 8 and turns on a shaft 10. This Figure is provided to illustrate a turbine roof ventilator and does not incorporate the sleeve of the present invention, however the sleeve shown in the Figure could be replaced by the sleeve shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a sleeve 10 or neck for a turbine roof ventilator comprising a first or outer sleeve portion 12 and a second or inner sleeve portion 14.

[0029] As can be seen, the main body portion of the outer sleeve 12 is slightly wider than the outside diameter of the main body portion of the inner sleeve 12. This enables the outer sleeve 14 to pass over the inner sleeve 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and also as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[0030] The inner sleeve portion has a first open end 14a and a second open end 14b and defines a central axis A passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end 14a to the second end 14b. The outer sleeve portion 12 also has first and second open ends 12a and 12b and defines a central axis B passing through the centre of the sleeve.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3a, the inner 12 and outer 14 sleeves are hingedly mounted together about a hinge defining a pivot axis C which is located at the intersection of axes A and B and which is perpendicular to those axes.

[0032] The central portion of each sleeve 12, 14 is part spherical as best seen in FIG. 4. The radius R of the spherical parts is the distance R of the sleeve to the pivot C. The top 40 of the first sleeve and the base 30 of the second sleeve are generally cylindrical having an annular cross-section. This allows the sleeves to rotate relative to each other relatively freely and without allowing too much air leakage between the sleeve portions although some leakage is permissible.

[0033] In the described embodiment the hinge is formed by a part spherical bulge 20 on the inner sleeve snap fitting into a corresponding part spherical recess 22 in the outer sleeve 14, which appears a bulge on the outside of the outer sleeve 14. In the centre of the hinge, there are two small depressions 24 and 26 which provide a location point for two screws to fix the inner and outer sleeves together whilst allowing the sleeves to rotate about the axis C.

[0034] Angular alignment lines may be marked on the sleeve assembly. For example, in FIG. 3, line 28 is provided to mark a 32° line for roofs having a 32° pitch. Typically, popular roof pitches will be marked on the lower sleeve preferably in relief during the process of moulding the sleeve from a plastics material, although the alignment lines could be printed or otherwise marked on the sleeve. The base 30 of the sleeve assembly defines an annular collar used for securing the sleeve to flashing. The top portion 40 fits to a turbine roof ventilator.

[0035] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A sleeve assembly for a turbine roof ventilator comprising:

a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and defining a central axis passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end of the sleeve to the second end; and

a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end and defining a second central axis; wherein

in use, the third end of the second sleeve portion is at least partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve, the first sleeve being hinged to the second sleeve portion about a pivot axis which is located at or near the intersection of the first and second central axes and which is generally perpendicular to said central axes, the outside diameter of said second sleeve portion being smaller than, or an interference fit with, the inside diameter of the first sleeve portion and both sleeves being at least part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted.

2. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a central portion of both the first and second sleeve portions are part spherical and wherein the first end of the first sleeve and the fourth end of the second sleeve are generally annular.

3. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first and second sleeve portions are configured such that the relative angle defined between the planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted between 0° wherein the planes are parallel, and about 32°.

4. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first sleeve defines one or more depressions located near its second end for receiving screws for fixing the two sleeve portions together relative to one another.

5. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein markings are moulded, printed or otherwise marked on the exterior of the sleeve assembly which are indicative of the relative orientation of the sleeves in the assembly.

6. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a hinge is defined by a part spherical bulge on the second sleeve located inside a mating depression formed by a relatively larger part spherical bulge on the first sleeve.

7. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first and second sleeves are joined in a snap-fit.

8. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein a depression is located in the centre of each bulge for receiving a screw for pivotally mounting the first and second sleeves together.

9. A sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve is moulded in a plastics material.

10. A ventilator including a turbine hood having a closed end, a lower portion spaced from the closed end and a series of blades extending from the ring to the closed end, gaps being defined between adjacent blades, and a sleeve assembly for a turbine roof ventilator comprising:

a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and defining a central axis passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end of the sleeve to the second end; and

a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end and defining a second central axis; wherein

in use, the third end of the second sleeve portion is at least partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve, the first sleeve being hinged to the second sleeve portion about a pivot axis which is located at or near the intersection of the first and second central axes and which is generally perpendicular to said central axes, the outside diameter of second sleeve portion being smaller than, or an interference fit with, the inside diameter of the first sleeve portion and both sleeves being at least part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted.

11. A ventilator as claimed in claim 10 wherein a central portion of both the first and second sleeve portions are part spherical and wherein the first end of the first sleeve and the fourth end of the second sleeve are generally annular.

12. A ventilator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second sleeve portions are configured such that the relative angle defined between the planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted between 0° wherein the planes are parallel, and about 32°.

13. A ventilator as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the first sleeve defines one or more depressions located near its second end for receiving screws for fixing the two sleeve portions together relative to one another.

14. A ventilator as claimed in claim 11 wherein markings are moulded, printed or otherwise marked on the exterior of the sleeve assembly which are indicative of the relative orientation of the sleeves assembly.

15. A ventilator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the a hinge is defined by a part spherical bulge on the second sleeve located inside a mating depression formed by a relatively larger part spherical bulge on the first sleeve.

16. A ventilator as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first and second sleeves are joined in a snap-fit.

17. A ventilator as claimed in claim 16 wherein a depression located in the centre of each bulge receives a screw for pivotally mounting the first and second sleeves together.

18. A ventilator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the sleeve is moulded in a plastics material.

19. A ventilator including a turbine hood having a closed end, a lower portion spaced from the closed end and a series of blades extending from the ring to the closed end, gaps being defined between adjacent blades, and a sleeve assembly for a turbine roof ventilator comprising:

a first sleeve portion having a first open end and a second open end and defining a central axis passing through the centre of the sleeve from the first end of the sleeve to the second end; and

a second sleeve portion defining a third and a fourth open end and defining a second central axis; wherein

in use, the third end of the second sleeve portion is at least partly located inside the second end of the first sleeve, the first sleeve being pivoted to the second sleeve portion about a hinge defining a pivot axis which is located at or near the intersection of the first and second central axes and which is generally perpendicular to said central axes, the outside diameter of the second sleeve portion being smaller than, or an interference fit with, the inside diameter of the first sleeve portion and wherein a central portion of both the first and second sleeve portions are part spherical such that the second and first sleeve portions can be relatively freely rotated relative to each other about the pivot axis so that the relative angle between planes defined by the first end of the first sleeve axis and the fourth end of the second sleeve may be adjusted and wherein the first end of the first sleeve and the fourth end of the second sleeve are generally annular.

20. A ventilator as claimed in claim 19 wherein the a hinge is defined by a part spherical bulge on the second sleeve located inside a mating depression formed by a relatively larger part spherical bulge on the first sleeve both sleeves being moulded in a plastics material.