Vent With Attached Screen

Abstract

An open ended box having a louvered panel, side panels and top and bottom panels extending from edges of the louvered panel defines a vent for use in a concrete block wall, brick wall or concrete wall. A screen of sheet metal with punched apertures is secured within the vent adjacent the interior surface of the louvered panel. The open end of the vent may be covered with a louvered panel or panel for supporting duct work extending from the vent. Right angle flanges may extend from the sides and bottom of the vent to position the vent in spaced relationship with adjacent elements of the wall and accommodate placement of grout therebetween. A nail or screw extending through each of the side panels adjacent elements of the wall may be used to positionally secure the vent. Flanges extending from the edges of the vent opening serve to be placed adjacent corresponding surfaces of the wall in which the vent is located.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to screened vents and, more particularly, to vents adaptable for use in exterior walls, whether of concrete block, brick or of framing having a stucco-type finish or concrete with or without a stucco finish.

2. Description of Related Art

During summertime in the southwest United States and throughout the United States in climatologically similar areas, the temperatures in an unvented, enclosed garage may increase to well over 100 degrees F. Such a high temperature may cause damage or deterioration to temperature sensitive items stored or otherwise disposed within such garage. Moreover, the high temperatures render it very uncomfortable for a person working with a garage. To alleviate this problem, it is not uncommon to install vents in one or more exterior walls of the garage to permit the air flow into and out of the garage.

The simplest of such vents is a louvered panel of lightweight material nailed or screwed to the exterior surface of a wall in juxtaposed relationship to the corresponding aperture. Such lightweight louvered panels are easily removed by a person intending to commit mischief within the garage. Other more robust vents have been used in conventional walls which are designed to preclude removal from outside the wall.

In the southwest, stucco-type walls are a common treatment to exterior walls of framing, brick or concrete block. Existing vents for use with such walls generally fail to accommodate the unique properties attendant the construction of stucco wall surfaces and cause the vent and surrounding stucco to be unsightly, not resistant to moisture and to be generally unacceptable from an aesthetic viewpoint.

Many residential garages have gas fired water heaters located therein. These heaters require makeup air to provide a continuing source of oxygen to maintain complete combustion and reduce the emission of deadly carbon monoxide. Many municipalities are redrafting or adopting building codes that require vents in an exterior wall enclosing a gas fired water heater. Generally, such vents must be within twelve inches (12″) of the ceiling and of the floor to ensure an adequate source of makeup air through convection or otherwise. As mentioned above, many presently available vents for this purpose are either inadequate as security devices to preclude entry into the garage, are unsightly, compromise the integrity of the exterior wall against intrusion, or do not adequately prevent intrusion of moisture due to rain and/or yard water sprinklers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A louvered panel of a vent is supported by top, bottom, left and right side panels forming an open box-like structure. In a first embodiment, screen having punched out apertures includes top and bottom panels located in juxtaposed relationship with the top and bottom panels of the structure for attachment thereto and to locate the screen adjacent the interior surface of the louvered panel. Flanges extend outwardly from the top and bottom panels of the screened panel for placement against the exterior side of the framed wall to be vented. Retaining elements are attached on opposed sides to the outwardly extending panels of the screened panel and to the respective opposed sides of the structure. The depth of the structure is a function of the thickness of the exterior wall in which it is to be mounted.

In a second embodiment, the screen includes left and right side panels for attachment to the interior panels of the structure to locate the screen adjacent the interior surface of the louvered panel. For the second embodiment and the third embodiment, one or more holes may be formed in each side panel of the structure to receive a nail or screw for penetrably engaging an adjacent block, brick or concrete wall to prevent sliding movement of the vent. The rear of the panel at the interior surface of the wall may be closed by a louvered panel or by an apertured panel for engagement with duct work. These panels are attached to flanges extending inwardly from opposed sides of the structure.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a vent with a screen having punched apertures attached adjacent the interior surface of the louvered panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensively manufactured screened panel for a vent.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an easily assemblable screened louvered vent ready for installation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a screen permanently attached to a louvered vent.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a screen having punched out apertures of any selected size for a louvered vent.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a screened louvered vent of any depth commensurate with the location of the installation.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a screened louvered vent for permanent installation in a concrete block wall, brick wall or a concrete wall.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a rear plate for a screened louvered vent that is attachable to duct work.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a moisture resistant screened louvered vent.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a screened louvered vent for concrete block walls, brick walls or concrete walls and secured thereto to prevent movement of the vent.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a screened louvered vent for use in any location.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a screened louvered vent in a concrete block wall, a brick wall, or a concrete wall.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a detailed view of the screen;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view taken along lines 2-2, as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3, as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention particularly adapted for use in a concrete block wall, brick wall or concrete wall;

FIG. 5 is a partial detail view of the screen;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 6-6, as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the screen;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the present invention particularly adapted for use in a block wall and a concrete wall and further adapted for use with duct work;

FIG. 9 is a top cross sectional view of the third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a rear plate;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the rear plate; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the rear plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREPARED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there are shown the major elements of a first embodiment of a screened louvered vent 10. The vent includes louvered panel 12 having top and bottom panels 14, 16 and side panels 18, 20 extending rearwardly from the edges of the louvered panel defining a box-like structure. The purpose of louvers 22 in louvered panel 12 is that of permitting air flow through the corresponding apertures while restraining intrusion of water from rain and from yard water sprinklers. Thus, louvered panel 12 provides the capability for ventilation.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, a screen unit 30 includes a screen 32 formed of punched out apertures 34. The size of these apertures are a function of the size of the insects and debris capable of passing therethrough and the degree of impediment to ventilation one is willing to accept. Thus, the size of the apertures is selectable. Generally, apertures having a quarter inch (¼″) dimension for the height and width is generally commensurate with industry standards and building codes. To provide a certain robustness to screen unit 30, apertures 32 may be formed in a plurality of sections. As illustrated in FIG. 1, four sections of apertures 36, 38, 40 and 42 are shown with lands 44, 46 and 48 disposed therebetween, respectively.

A panel 50 extends at right angles rearwardly from screen 32. The width of this panels is commensurate with the width of top panel 14 extending from louvered panel 12. A similar panel 52 extends at right angles from the bottom edge of screen 32. It is commensurate in width with the width of bottom panel 16 extending from louvered panel 12. It is to be understood that the height and width of screen 32 is commensurate with the interior dimensions of louvered panel 12 to permit insertion of the screen within the box-like structure 58 (box) defined by the louvered panel and the panels extending therefrom. A right angle flange 54 extends upwardly from the rear edge of panel 50. A similar right angle flange 56 extends downwardly from the rear edge of panel 52. These right angle flanges may be used to serve the function of controlling the degree of insertion of screen 32 into box-like structure 58.

A pair of retainers 60, 62 are essentially C-shaped. Abutment 64 of retainer 60 extends adjacent right angle flange 54 and abutment 66 extends adjacent right angle flange 56. Similar abutments 68, 70 of retainer 62 extend adjacent right angle flanges 54, 56, respectively. Retainers 60, 62 include walls 72, 74, respectively, extending at right angles for insertion adjacent the interior surface of side panels 18, 20, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of vent 10 and shows in part the assembled vent. Screen unit 30 is nested within box-like structure 58 (box) defined by louvered panel 12 and the adjacent top, bottom and side panels. The screen unit may be retained in place by various means, such as rivets 80 extending through commensurate holes 82 in top panel 14 and holes 84 in panel 50 and rivets 81 extending through commensurate holes 83 in bottom panel 16 and holes 85 in panel 52. Further rivets 86 extend through commensurate hole 88 in right angle flange 54 and hole 90 in abutment 64. Abutments 66, 68 and 70 of retainers 60 and 62 are similarly attached to right angle flanges 54 and 56.

Returning to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a side of unit 10. In particular, wall 72 of retainer 60 is shown adjacent the interior surface of side panel 18. It is secured thereto by rivets 96 extending through holes 98 within the wall and holes 100 in side panel 18. It is to be understood that wall 72 of retainer 62 is similarly attached to side panel 20 by rivets 102 (as shown in FIG. 2).

While the above discussion for securing the screen and the two retainers to the box-like louvered panel makes reference to rivets, it is to be understood that spot welds, nut and bolt combinations, sheet metal screws, toggle locks, button punches, etc., well known in the sheet metal fabrication industry, could be used in place of the rivets.

By inspection, it is apparent that the components of vent 10 are readily manufacturable in a sheet metal fabrication facility by employing mass production techniques for stamping and bending the various components and attaching the various components to one another to form the vent. Moreover, because of the doubling of the sections of sheet metal at the respective junctions, the gauge of the sheet metal used may be relatively lightweight to reduce costs. Thus, vent 10 is relatively inexpensive to manufacture yet it has all of the robustness necessary to serve its function as the vent for an exterior wall whether a garage wall or other wall or even a garage door.

It may be noted that the depth of vent 10 can be varied over a very wide range as a function of the thickness of the wall or door into which it is to be mounted. Different depths are primarily a function of the depth of the top, bottom and side panels extending from louvered panel 12 and commensurate depth of the elements juxtaposed therewith.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a screened wall vent 110. The screened wall vent includes a box-like structure or box 112 dimensioned in depth to correspond with the thickness of a concrete block wall, a brick wall, a concrete wall or a garage door. It includes a screen 114 located therewithin adjacent the interior surface of a louvered panel 116, as depicted in FIG. 5. The screen is a section of sheet metal punched to provide a plurality of apertures 118 dimensioned to prevent passage of insects larger than a predetermined size and debris of a certain size. Nominally, each aperture is approximately a quarter inch (¼″) in height and width. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the screen may includes four sections 120, 122, 124 and 126 of apertures separated by lands 128, 130 and 132.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a screen 114 and side flanges 134, 136 having holes 138, 140, respectively, formed therein is placed adjacent interior surface 117 of louvered panel 116 and secured by rivets 142 to sides 144, 146 of box 112. It is to be understood that spot welds, nut and bolt combinations, sheet metal screws, etc., could be used in place of rivets 142 to secure screen 114 adjacent louvered panel 116.

A rear flange 160 of bottom 156 is bent downwardly at a 90 degree angle. A further rear section 162 is bent upwardly from the rear of top 164. A pair of flanges 164, 166 extending from side 144 of box 112 are bent outwardly at 90 degrees and a further flange 170 is bent inwardly from side 144. Similar flanges 172, 174 are bent outwardly from side 146 of the box and a further flange 176 is bent inwardly from side 146. Each of flanges 170, 176 includes a hole 180, 182, respectively.

Side panel 144 includes a hole 150 and side panel 146 includes a similar hole 152. After locating vent 110 within a hole in a concrete block wall, brick wall, or concrete wall, it may be efficient and sufficient to lock the vent in place by driving nails, screws, etc. through respective holes 150, 152 into the adjacent surfaces (note FIG. 9). These nails/screws will prevent fore and aft movement of vent 110.

As particularly shown in FIG. 6, the purpose of side flanges 160, 162, 164, 166, 172 and 174 is that of bearing against the interior surface of the concrete block wall, concrete wall or brick wall to properly position box 112 therein. The purpose of flanges 170, 176 is somewhat different. It is contemplated that a further louvered panel 190, including louvers 192, be attached to the opening of box 112. Such attachment may be effected by sheet metal screws or the like penetrating louvered panel 190 and engaging holes 180, 182 in flanges 170, 176, respectively. It is to be understood that the concrete wall, concrete blocks or bricks being adjacent flanges 164, 166 and 172, 174 would prevent penetration of sheet metal screws or the like to attach louvered panel 190.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a louvered vent 200 similar in many respects to vent 110. Accordingly, common elements need not be discussed in detail. The vent includes a box 202 formed by a louvered panel 204 (see FIG. 9), a top panel 206, bottom panel 208, side panel 210 and side panel 212. A screen 214 is disposed within the box adjacent the interior surface of louvered panel 204. The screen is formed with a plurality of stamped apertures 216 in groups or sections, as illustrated, or continuously thereacross. Side flanges 216, 218 extend from screen 214 and are secured to side panels 212, 210, respectively, by rivets 220, spot welding, toggle locks or the like. Flange 222 extends upwardly from the rear edge of top panel 206 and flange 224 extends downwardly from the rear edge of panel 208. Flanges 226 and 228 extend laterally from side panel 210 and flange 230 extends inwardly from this side panel. Similarly, flanges 232, 234 extend outwardly from side panel 212 and flange 236 extends inwardly from this side panel. A pair of right angle flanges 238, 240 are mounted on the exterior surface of side panel 210. A similar pair of right angle flanges 242, 244 extend from the exterior surface of side panel 212 (see FIG. 9). As particularly shown in FIG. 9, a further pair of right angle flanges 246, 248 extend from the exterior surface of bottom panel 208.

The purpose of flanges 226, 228 and 232, 234 is to bear against the surface of adjacent concrete blocks 250, 252, as shown in FIG. 9, to locate box 202 in the correct position within an aperture defined in the concrete block wall, brick wall or concrete wall. In the event the wall in which vent 200 is to be mounted is of brick or concrete, these flanges would serve the same purpose by bearing against the surface of the bricks. The purpose of right angle flanges 238, 240 is to provide a space between vent 200 and concrete block 250 for grout, or the like, and to mechanically locate the vent with respect to the concrete block. Right angle flanges 242, 244 serve the same purpose with respect to concrete block 252. Right angle flanges 246, 248 to support vent 200 upon the block (surface) there beneath and to provide space for grout and the like, which will have the effect of locking the vent in place.

Side panel 210 includes a hole 260 and side panel 212 includes a similar hole 262. After locating vent 200 within a hole in a concrete block wall, brick wall, or concrete wall, it may be efficient and sufficient to lock the vent in place by driving nails, screws, etc. 264, 266 through respective holes 260, 262 into the adjacent surfaces. These nails will prevent fore and aft movement of vent 200. For some purposes at some locations, the right angle flanges may be omitted and positioning of any of vent 110 or 200 may be solely by use of nails 264, 266.

As described with respect to vent 110, a louvered panel may be attached to the interior opening of vent 200. At certain installations, it may be of benefit to attach duct work to the vent. In such event, a panel 270, configured as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 may be employed. The panel includes a pair of holes 272, 274 for penetrably receiving sheet metal screws 276, 278. Thereby, panel 270 is retained in place with respect to the rear opening of vent 200. It is to be understood that rivets or similar securing means may be used in place of sheet metal screws 276, 278. To provide communication between vent 200 and duct work to be attached thereto, any of openings 280, 282 and 284 shown in dashed lines may be pre-formed in panel 270 or a workman may cut an opening commensurate with the size of the duct to be attached. To provide the necessary rigidity to panel 270 to support attached duct work, the four edges may be bent at right angels to form side lips 290, 292 and top and bottom lips 294, 296, respectively.

Claims

1. A screened louvered vent comprising in combination:

a) an open ended box defining a louvered panel, left and right side panels and top and bottom panels;

b) a screen unit includes a panel of punched apertures and flanges extending therefrom for attachment to the inside surface of selected ones of said side panels and said top and bottom panels;

c) said box including side edges defining in part an opening and flanges extending from said side edges; and

d) a panel for covering the opening and including attachment means for securing said panel to said flanges.

2. The vent as set forth in claim 1, including an aperture disposed in each of said side panels for penetrably receiving a nail to be driven into the adjacent surface of a wall in which said vent is to be mounted.

3. The vent as set forth in claim 1, including right angle flanges extending from said side panels for locating said vent within a wall in which said vent is to be mounted.

4. The vent as set forth in claim 1, including right angle flanges extending from said bottom panel for locating said vent within a wall in which said vent is to be mounted.

5. The vent as set forth in claim 4, including right angle flanges extending from said side panels for locating said vent within the wall in which said vent is to be mounted.

6. The vent as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flanges of said screen unit extend along and are attached to said left and right side panels of said box.

7. The vent as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said flanges of said screen unit extend along the depth of said top and bottom panels of said vent and including a further flange extending from each of said flanges of said screen unit outwardly from the respective one of said top and bottom panels of said box.

8. The vent as set forth in claim 7, including a first retainer in engagement with said left side panel of said box and each of said further flanges and a second retainer in engagement with said right side panel of said box and each of said further flanges.

9. The vent as set forth in claim 1 wherein said box includes a first pair of flanges extending outwardly from the edge of said right side panel defining the opening a further flange disposed intermediate said first pair of flanges and extending inwardly, a second pair of flanges extending outwardly from the edge of said left side panel defining the opening and a yet further flange disposed intermediate said second pair of flanges and extending inwardly.

10. The vent as set forth in claim 9 wherein said panel covering the opening is secured to said further and yet further flange.

11. The vent as set forth in claim 10 wherein said panel covering the opening is a louvered panel.

12. The vent as set forth in claim 10 wherein said panel covering the opening is adapted for supporting duct work.

13. The vent as set forth in claim 12 wherein said panel covering the opening includes a lip disposed along each edge.

14. A method for venting a concrete block wall, a brick wall or a concrete wall, said method comprising the steps of:

a) placing an open ended box having a louvered panel and a screen unit located adjacent the inside surface of the louvered panel in the wall;

b) driving a nail through at least one side panel of the box into an adjacent element of the wall; and

c) attaching a panel to the open end of the box.

15. The method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said step of driving includes the step of driving a nail through opposed side panels of the box into elements of the wall.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said step of attaching includes the step of securing the panel to flanges extending into the opening of the box.

17. The method as set forth in claim 14, including the step of engaging right angle flanges extending from the bottom of the box with grout.

18. The method as set forth in claim 14, including the step of engaging right angle flanges extending from opposed sides of the box with grout.

19. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of engaging right angle flanges extending from the bottom of the box with grout.

20. The method as set forth in claim 14, including the step of forming an opening in the panel to mate with duct work.