Low profile roof vent

Abstract

A roof vent has a body with a flange removably mountable adjacent a roof surface and a base attached to a distal end of the flange and disposed between two side walls, where the base and the side walls define a compartment therebetween. The compartment is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface when the flange is mounted to the roof surface, wherein the base extends at an angle relative to the flange to direct water that enters the compartment toward the distal end of the flange and onto the roof surface. An opening in the body allows airflow between the compartment and the area beneath the roof surface outside the body. A cover is removably mountable over the flange so that the roof vent has a low profile relative to the roof surface. The cover has a surface and at least one opening configured to substantially allow airflow between the compartment and an area above the roof surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present embodiments generally relate to roof vents, and more particularly to a roof vent that minimizes the ingress of water into a building while allowing airflow through the roof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Roof vents are employed as integral parts of a useful roof design. Roof vents are most often used for keeping the attic space of a building cooler and allowing “hothouse” gases to escape.

To do this, the vent provides a passage for air to flow out of a house, building, warehouse, attic or otherwise unventilated room or area to the outside and vice-versa. However, a desirable roof vent must also inhibit the entry of liquid, particulate matter, and vermin, such as rain and rodents, into the ventilated room. Additionally, a low-profile roof vent that fits discretely onto an angled roof is also desirable. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved roof vent providing adequate airflow into and out of a building, while preventing the ingress of water, particulate matter, and vermin into the building, and while fitting discretely onto a roof surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one disclosed embodiment, a roof vent is provided comprising a flange extending between a proximal end and a distal end, where the flange is removably mountable adjacent a roof surface. The roof vent also comprises a base attached to the distal end of the flange and disposed between two side walls, where the base and the side walls define a compartment between them. The compartment is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface when the flange is mounted to the roof surface, wherein the base extends at an angle relative to the flange to direct water that enters the compartment toward the distal end of the flange and onto the roof surface. The roof vent also comprises a cover that is removably mountable over the flange. The cover has at least one opening configured to substantially allow airflow between the compartment and an area above the roof surface.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a roof vent comprises a body removably mountable to a roof surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface. The body defines a channel therein and has a base extending generally at an angle relative to the roof surface. The body also has an opening that substantially allows airflow between the channel and an area beneath the roof surface outside the body. The base is configured to substantially prevent the flow of water into the area beneath the roof surface outside the body.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a roof vent is provided comprising a body removably mountable to a roof surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface. The body has a base extending generally at an angle relative to the roof surface to direct a fluid that enters the body onto the roof surface. The roof vent also comprises a cover removably attached to the body and defining a drain between the cover and the body. The cover defines at least one opening therein and is oriented generally parallel to the roof surface. The roof vent also comprises means for substantially allowing airflow between an area beneath the roof surface outside the body and an area above the roof surface.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for venting a roof is provided, comprising cutting an opening of a desired size in a roof surface. The method also comprises providing a roof vent comprising a body that defines a channel and has a flange and a base angled relative to the flange. The method further comprises attaching the roof vent to the roof surface so that the flange is adjacent the roof surface and the channel is in communication with the opening, where a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface. The method additionally comprises positioning a vent cover over the flange, wherein the cover and the flange define a drain therebetween, and fastening the vent cover to the flange or the roof surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, front and side perspective view of one embodiment of a roof vent.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear, top and side perspective view of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front, top and side view of a body of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the body shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow-chart illustrating one embodiment for a method of venting a roof.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1 installed on a roof.

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a roof vent installed in a roof surface.

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing showing the airflow provided by one embodiment of a roof vent.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the operation of one embodiment of a roof vent when exposed to water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a roof vent 100. The roof vent 100 preferably comprises a body 10 and a cover 20, which are further described below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the body 10 preferably extends between a proximal end 10a and a distal end 10b. The body 10 also has a flange 12 extending between a proximal end 12a and a distal end 12b. Side walls 14a, 14b extend generally between the proximal end 10a and the distal end 10b, and between the flange 12 and a base 16, which itself extends from the proximal end 10a to the distal end 10b. The base 16 connects to the distal end 12b of the flange 12.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the body 10 has a length L, a width W and a height H. Preferably, the length L is between about thirty inches and about fifty inches, the width W is between about five inches and about ten inches, and the height H is between about five inches and about ten inches. In one embodiment, the length L is about thirty-eight inches, the width W is about seven inches and the height H is about 8.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the base 16 is generally planar. However, the base can have other suitable shapes, such as stepped or curved. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the vent 100 can vary somewhat widely, depending on the amount of ventilation desired and the number and sizes of the vents in the roof.

The side walls 14a, 14b and base 16 define a channel or compartment 18 therebetween having a width W′. In one embodiment, the width W′ increases from the proximal end 10a to the distal end 10b. In another embodiment, the width W′ decreases from the proximal end 10a to the distal end 10a. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the width W′ is generally uniform. The width W′ is preferably between about four inches and about ten inches. In one embodiment, the width W′ is about five inches.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 12 extends over a length L′, which is shorter than the length L of the body 10. Preferably, the length L′ is between about twenty-five inches and about thirty-five inches. In one embodiment, the length L′ is about thirty-two inches. The flange 12 extends at an angle α relative to the base 16. Preferably, the angle α is between about five degrees and about twenty degrees. In one embodiment, the angle α is about twelve degrees.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the flange 12 preferably has a plurality of openings 12c, each of which can be sized as needed to receive a fastener (not shown) therein. For example, the openings 12c can be sized to receive bolts, screws, or nails. The flange 12 can thus be fastened to a roof surface R (see FIG. 7) via the openings 12c.

As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the side walls 14a, 14b extend between the proximal end 10a and the distal end 10b, and generally between the flange 12 and the base 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side walls 14a, 14b have portions 15a, 15b, with edges 15a′, 15b′, that extend between the proximal end 10a of the body and the proximal end 12a of the flange 12. Accordingly, the side walls 14a, 14b and the base 16 extend a distance X beyond the proximal end 12a of the flange 12. Preferably, the distance X is between about five inches and about ten inches. More preferably, the distance X is about six inches.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, a grill 30 is disposed at the proximal end 10a of the body 10. The grill 30 extends between the edges 15a′, 15b′ of the side wall portions 15a, 15b, and from a baffle 40, which is attached to the base 16, to the proximal end 12a of the flange 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the grill 30 is made of mesh wire. However, the grill 30 can have other configurations suitable for allowing airflow through the proximal end 10a of the body, while preventing large matter from crossing therethrough. For example, in another embodiment (not shown), the grill 30 can be a surface with a plurality of openings defined therein. The grill 30 is preferably fastened to the edges 15a′, 15b′ in any suitable manner. For example, the grill 30 can be fastened to the side wall portions 15a, 15b via brackets, an adhesive, clamps, screws, or nails. In the illustrated configuration, the lower end of the grill 30 is secured to the upper edge of the baffle 40. In another configuration, the lower end of the grill 30 is secured to the base 16 at or near the lower edge of the baffle 40. In either of these embodiments, the baffle 40 is configured to substantially prevent liquid from flowing out of the proximal end 10a of the body 10.

The baffle 40, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, extends between the edges 15a′, 15b′ of the side wall portions 15a, 15b a height Y above the base 16. Preferably, the height Y is between about 0.25 inches and two inches. More preferably, the height Y is between about 0.5 inches and one inch. In one preferred embodiment, the height Y is 0.75 inches.

As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roof vent 100 has a cover 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 extends substantially along the entire length L′ of the flange 12 and the width W of the body 10, such that the cover 20 is substantially supported by the flange 12.

The cover 20 preferably has a surface 20a that defines at least one opening 22 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 has two openings 22. However, the cover 20 can have any suitable number of openings. In one embodiment, the opening 22 can extend substantially the entire length and width of the cover 20. In another embodiment, the opening 22 can extend over a portion of the length or width of the cover 20.

Preferably, the cover 20 is filtered to substantially allow airflow through the cover 20, but substantially prevent the passage of larger matter therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 is louvered and has multiple fins 24 positioned across the openings 22. In one embodiment, the fins 24 are angled relative to the surface 20a. However, other suitable configurations can be used to provide a filtered cover 20. In one embodiment (not shown), a wire mesh screen can be disposed over the openings 22. In another embodiment (not shown), the openings can be sufficiently small to allow airflow through the cover 20, but substantially prevent the passage of larger matter therethrough.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 20 has a recessed edge 26, so that the distal end 12b of the flange 12 extends forward of the recessed edge 26 when the cover 20 is positioned over the body 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed edge 26 is curved. However, the recessed edge 26 can have other shapes, such as rectangular. Preferably, the recessed edge 26 defines a drain 28 between the cover 20 and the distal end 12b of the flange 12 when the cover 20 is disposed over the body 10. The drain 28 preferably has a height Z and a width substantially equal to the width W′ of the base 16. The height Z of the drain 28 is defined by a vertical distance between the base 16 and recessed edge 26 at the distal end 10b of the body 10. In one embodiment, the height Z is between about 0.25 inches and about one inch. However, the drain 28 can have other dimensions suitable for draining water from the compartment 18. Moreover, the height Z and width of the drain 28 are preferably sized to allow water to flow therethrough but substantially prevent the entry of large matter therethrough into the compartment 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface 20a of the cover 20 defines at least one hole 20b around the periphery of the cover 20 sized to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the cover 20 to the flange 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 20a has a plurality of holes 20b, which align with the openings 12c in the flange 12. In one embodiment, a fastener can be inserted through the hole 20b in the cover and the opening 12c to fasten the cover 20 and the flange 12 to the roof surface R. In another embodiment, one or more first fasteners can be used to fasten the cover 20 to the flange 12, and one or more second fasteners can be used to fasten the flange 12 to the roof surface R (See FIG. 7).

The body 10 and cover 20 of the roof vent 100 are preferably made of metal. In one embodiment, the body 10 and cover 20 can be made of sheet metal such as stainless steel. However, the roof vent 100 can be made of any suitable materials for roof vents that can withstand corrosion from water or damage from windblown objects. In one embodiment, the flange 12, side walls 14a, 14b, and base 16 are separate components fastened to each other via, for example, brackets, welds, screws, or other suitable fasteners. In another embodiment, the flange 12, side walls 14a, 14b and base 16 are formed from a unitary sheet of metal via a suitable process, such as stamping using a punch-press.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a method of installing a roof vent, such as the roof vent 100 discussed above. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the method detailed below can be used to install any number of roof vents 100 on a roof surface R, as shown in FIG. 7. The method includes first forming 60 an opening 200 of a desired size in the roof surface R. In one embodiment, the opening 200 is formed by cutting an existing roof. In another embodiment, the opening 200 can be formed by allocating an open area of the desired size in a roof surface to be installed, such as during the construction of a new building. Preferably, a template (not shown) is used to form the opening 200. The template preferably has a length slightly less than the length L′ and a width slightly greater than the width W′. The opening 200 is sized so that the flange 12 can rest on top of the roof surface R (see FIG. 8), preferably in a close or tight fit. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the opening 200 may be formed with a straight cut through the roof surface R (i.e., a cut that is perpendicular to the plane of the roof surface R). In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the opening 200 may be formed with a beveled cut through the roof surface R, which cut preferably conforms to the underside of the base 16.

The method also includes providing 62 a roof vent 100 comprising a body 10 that defines a channel 18, a flange 12, and a base 16 angled relative to the flange, as described in the embodiments above.

The roof vent 100 is preferably attached 64 to the roof surface R so that the flange 12 is on top of the roof surface R and the channel 18 communicates with the opening 200 (See FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the body 10 of the roof vent 100 is inserted through the opening 200 from above the roof surface R so that the flange 12 is positioned on top of the roof surface R and a substantial portion of the body 10 is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface R.

The method also comprises positioning 66 the vent cover 20 over the flange 12, wherein the cover 20 and flange 12 define the drain 28 therebetween, as discussed above. The vent cover 20 is preferably fastened 68 to the flange 12, as discussed above. In one embodiment, the vent cover 20 is also fastened to the roof surface R with the flange 12 interposed therebetween.

In another embodiment (not shown), the roof vent 100 is attached to the roof surface R so that the flange 12 is positioned adjacent an underside of the roof surface R and fastened thereto. In this embodiment, the cover 20 can be positioned on top of the roof surface R over the opening 200 and secured to the roof surface R, so that the drain 28 communicates with the opening 200. Optionally, the cover 20 can also be secured to the flange 12. In still another embodiment (not shown), the roof vent 100 is installed so that the vent cover 20 is secured to an underside of the roof surface R about the opening 200, and the flange 12 is then secured to the vent cover 20.

In any of the embodiments discussed above, the junction between the flange 12 and the roof surface R is preferably sealed to substantially prevent water from entering through said junction into the area beneath the roof surface R. In one embodiment, the junction can be sealed using sealing glue or other similar adhesive. In another embodiment, a seal strip can be disposed between the flange 12 and the roof surface R. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other suitable mechanisms can be used to seal the junction between the flange 12 and the roof surface R.

As shown in FIG. 9, once installed, the roof vent 100 advantageously allows airflow in both directions between an area above the roof surface R and an area below the roof surface R outside the body 10. For example, the roof vent 100 allows substantial airflow A from an attic of a house to the area outside of the house, and vice versa. Air flows through the openings 22 in the cover 20, through the compartment 18, and through the grill 30.

The roof vent 100 also advantageously substantially prevents the ingress of large matter through the roof vent 100 into the area below the roof surface R. For example, the filtered openings 22 of the cover 20 substantially prevent leaves, rodents, and the like from entering the compartment 18 of the body. Additionally, the grill 30 further substantially prevents the ingress of such large matter from the compartment 18 into the area below the roof surface R outside the body 10. Further, as discussed above, the drain 28 is sized to allow the drainage of water from the compartment 18 but to substantially prevent the ingress of large matter therethrough into the compartment.

Still another advantage of the roof vent 100 is that it efficiently drains a fluid F, such as water, that enters the roof vent 100 while substantially preventing said fluid F from entering the area below the roof surface R outside the body 10. When the flange 12 is fastened to the roof surface R, the base 16, which is angled relative to the flange 12, is inclined relative to the roof surface R, as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, any fluid F, such as rain water, which enters into the compartment 18 via the openings 22 in the cover, is directed via gravity toward the drain 28 and back onto the roof surface R. Additionally, since the length L of the body 10 is greater than the length L′ of the flange 12, a portion of the base 16 is disposed distally from any of the openings 22, which further prevents water that enters the compartment 18 at an angle from passing into the area below the roof surface R outside the body 10. Further, the baffle 40 provides an additional barrier against the flow of water into the area below the roof surface R outside the body.

Yet another advantage of the roof vent 100 is that is has a low profile when installed on the roof surface R, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. As described above, the flange 12 is positioned adjacent the roof surface R and attached thereto. In one embodiment, the flange 12 can be positioned substantially flush with the roof surface R. The cover 20 is then fastened to the flange 12 and to the roof surface R. The flange 12 and the cover 20 are thus generally co-planar with the roof surface R and do not extend a significant height above the roof surface. In one embodiment, once the roof vent 100 is installed on the roof surface R, vent cover 20 extends a distance in the range of between about ¼ inch and about three inches above the roof surface R. In another embodiment, the vent cover 20 extends between about ¼ inch and about two inches above the roof surface R. In still another embodiment, the vent cover 20 extends between about ¼ inch and about one inch above the roof surface R. In yet another embodiment, the vent cover 20 extends no more than about ½ inch above the roof surface R. Such a low profile advantageously protects the roof vent 100 from high winds and flying debris.

The various devices, methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Also, 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 flange extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the flange removably mountable adjacent a roof surface;

a base attached to the distal end of the flange and disposed between two side walls, the base and side walls defining a compartment therebetween, the compartment disposed in an area beneath the roof surface when the flange is mounted to the roof surface, wherein the base extends at an angle relative to the flange to direct water that enters the compartment toward the distal end of the flange and onto the roof surface; and

a cover removably mountable over the flange, the cover having at least one opening configured to substantially allow airflow between the compartment and an area above the roof surface.

2. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the cover is louvered.

3. The roof vent of claim 2, wherein the louvered cover includes multiple fins positioned across the openings and oriented at a desired angle relative to a the cover surface.

4. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the base directs water back onto the roof surface via the force of gravity.

5. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the cover and flange define a drain at the distal end when the cover is mounted to the flange.

6. The roof vent of claim 1, further comprising a baffle attached to the base, the baffle configured to further prevent water that enters the compartment from exiting the compartment by passing into an area beneath the roof surface outside the compartment.

7. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the body has an opening that substantially allows airflow between the compartment and an area beneath the roof surface outside the body.

8. The roof vent of claim 7, wherein the opening is covered by a grill.

9. A roof vent, comprising:

a body removably mountable to a roof surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface, the body defining a channel therein and having a base extending generally at an angle relative to the roof surface, the body also having an opening that substantially allows airflow between the channel and an area beneath the roof surface outside the body,

wherein the base is configured to substantially prevent the flow of water into the area beneath the roof surface outside the body.

10. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the base is generally planar.

11. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the opening is filtered to prevent the ingress of particulate matter from the channel into the area beneath the roof surface outside the body.

12. The roof vent of claim 9, further comprising:

a cover having a surface and defining at least one opening therein, the cover removably attached to the body, the cover being filtered to prevent the ingress of particulate matter from above the roof surface into the channel, the cover and body defining a drain therebetween.

13. The roof vent of claim 12, wherein the filtered cover includes at least one fin positioned across the at least one opening and oriented at an angle relative to the cover surface to substantially allow airflow between an area above the roof surface and the channel.

14. The roof vent of claim 9, further comprising a grill disposed over the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of particulate matter from the channel into the area beneath the roof surface outside the body.

15. The roof vent of claim 14, wherein the grill comprises wire mesh.

16. A roof vent, comprising:

a body removably mountable to a roof surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface, the body having a base extending generally at an angle relative to the roof surface to direct a fluid that enters the body onto the roof surface;

a cover removably attached to the body and defining a drain therebetween, the cover defining at least one opening therein, the cover oriented generally parallel to the roof surface; and

means for substantially allowing airflow between an area beneath the roof surface outside the body and an area above the roof surface.

17. The roof vent of claim 16, wherein the roof vent has a low profile when mounted to the roof surface.

18. The roof vent of claim 17, wherein the cover extends no more than approximately ½ inch above the roof surface.

19. A method for venting a roof, comprising:

cutting an opening of a desired size in a roof surface;

providing a roof vent comprising a body defining a channel and having a flange and a base angled relative to the flange;

attaching the roof vent to the roof surface so that the flange is adjacent the roof surface and the channel is in communication with the opening, where a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface;

positioning a vent cover over the flange, the cover and flange defining a drain therebetween; and

fastening the vent cover to the flange.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover is louvered.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover is positioned so that the roof vent has a low profile relative to the roof surface.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the cover so that the roof vent has a low profile includes positioning the cover so it extends no more than about ½ inch above the roof surface.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the roof vent includes inserting the roof vent through the opening so the flange rests on top of the roof surface.