Ember/moisture deflector

Abstract

The invention herein is a deflector for deflecting embers or moisture from the eave vents of a structure. The deflector consists of a frame sized to substantially cover at least one vent in an eave wherein the frame contains at least one door which is slideable along two opposing horizontal grooves separated by vertical braces. When the door is disposed in one extreme, the at least one vent is exposed, and when the door is disposed the opposite extreme, the at least one vent is covered. the at least one door may also include a tab for manipulating the door to one extreme or the opposite extreme.

Description

This application is based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/199,389 filed on Nov. 17, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embers can be carried away from a wildfire or structure fire by the wind, so they pose a threat to nearby property. An ember attack is a naturally occurring event. During a wildfire, burning material becomes airborne. It can be carried along with a fire or driven ahead of a fire by prevailing winds. An ember attack occurs when embers are carried by winds in a cluster. Airborne embers from a fire are the primary cause of spot fires, which contribute to the continued spread of a fire. Ember attacks occur close to the source of the fire, usually following a heat explosion within vegetation in which material is ejected from the explosion and creates a cluster of embers. It also occurs during high winds in which burnt material is carried away from flames before it can be fully burned. Embers ignite combustible materials outside the building. A danger also exists of embers entering the building, in particular through the eave vents. Most building codes specify eave vents for crawl spaces or attics to prevent a buildup of moisture and temperature, which can lead to mold growth and decay. Eave vents offer embers and flames an easy entry point. It is well known that embers slip through eave vents and ignite insulation, construction material or items stored there and ignite the building from within. Building codes require that eave vents be covered with a metal screen on the inside, but that's inadequate to keep flames and embers away from the inside of your building. Smaller mesh screens might do a slightly better job of delaying entry of embers and fire, but they would plug up more easily.

Concomitantly, moisture may enter through the eave vents during storms, which may accumulate in the attic of a building. If enough moisture accumulates, the moisture may seep into the ceilings and walls of the building, thereby causing drywall deterioration, mold and other structural problems.

The invention described herein solves these problems by providing an easy-to-install deflector that inhibits such embers/moisture from entering a building through the eave vents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is an “ember/moisture deflector.” The deflector is a barrier assembly that may be fitted over the existing eave vents of a structure to block embers and/or moisture from entering attic of a building. The deflector is normally in an open position, but may be placed in a blocking position in case of a potential fire danger or water damage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal prospective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an end-piece of the invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a frontal prospective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 if a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 mounted on an eave of a structure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing control means.

FIG. 7 is a frontal prospective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a from view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 mounted on an eave of a structure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 mounted on an eave of a structure and showing manual controlling means for the slideable doors of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 mounted on an eave of a structure and showing electrical controlling means for the slideable doors of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ember/moisture deflector is a barrier system used to prevent the entry of embers, radiant heat or moisture into a structure. Referring to FIG. 1, deflector 1 consists of a metal frame comprised of an horizontal lower rail 7, and a horizontal upper rail 9 spaced apart by three vertical braces 4 at each end of the horizontal rails and at their midpoint. The horizontal lower rail 7 and horizontal upper rail 9 are each composed of two horizontal strips separated by a horizontal separator, horizontal lower rail 7 consisting of strips 14 and 15, separated by separator 16, and horizontal upper rail 9 consisting of strips 12 and 13 separated by separator 11. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing horizontal strips 12 and 13, separator 11, defining groove 10. Each horizontal strip is of 24 gauge stainless steel of about 20 inches long and about 0.75 inches wide. Separators 11 and 16 are 18 gauge stainless steel of about 20 inches long and about 0.5 inches wide. Each vertical brace 4 is constructed of 24 gauge stainless steel, about 2.5 inches high and about 0.5 inches wide. When assembled, the edges of the horizontal metal strips and the separator are aligned such that one edge is justified, so that a 0.25 deep groove is created traversing the length of lower rail 7 and upper rail 9. Each pair of horizontal rails is spot welded at selected spots along the strips. The pair of horizontal rails 7 and 9 are placed in parallel and in opposing relationship such that the grooves 10 face each other. Horizontal rails 7 and 9 are permanently affixed by vertical braces 4, spot welded at the distal ends and midpoint of horizontal rails 7 and 9 and aligned such that the distance between the pairs of horizontal rails is about 2 inches, resulting in a pair of opposing grooves running parallel the length of horizontal rails 7 and 9.

The grooves 10 are for receiving a pair of slideable doors 2 and 6, each of 24 gauge stainless steel, 5.5 inches long and 2.375 inches wide. Each door 2 and 6, has opposing L-shaped tabs 3 and 5 spot welded to doors 2 and 6 respectively. Each tab is constructed of 22 gauge aluminum, 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, with a 90° bend at 1 inch base along its length. Each tab 3 and 5 is spot welded to door 2 and 5, respectively, so that the 1 inch base lies flush with doors 2 and 5, and having the 1.5 inch remaining tab perpendicular to doors 2 and 6. Tabs 3 and 5 are positioned such that when doors 2 and 6 are in the closed position, tabs 3 and 5 abut middle brace 4.

Thus, when mounted over the eave vents, deflector 1 is aligned so that the eave vents are in the axial center of deflector 1. Deflector 1 sized so that when doors 2 and 6 are in the open position, the eave vents are exposed, and when the doors are closed, the eave vents are covered, as shown in FIG. 5 wherein eave vents 17 are depicted. The doors are slideably disposed within the groove so as to easily slide along the groove without being so loose as to allow embers or heat to pass around them. The length of the rail is determined by the space between the eave boards. The height of the assembly is determined by the height of the façade of the eave board. The distance between the rails is determined by the diameter of the eave vent holes. The rails have mounting holes drilled adjacent the corners of deflector 1 to allow the assembly to be fastened to the eave board containing the eave holes using screws 19. The width of each groove 10 is determined by the thickness of the material for the doors. There should be a minimal amount of clearance between the width of the groove and the thickness of the door sufficient to enable the doors to be slideable. The height of the door is determined by the eave hole diameter plus, the additional depth of each of the two grooves. There should be a minimal amount of clearance between the height of the door and the groove to prevent the doors from falling out or embers and heat from passing by them and into the structure beyond. The doors each have a tab protruding out from their surface. These push tabs allow the doors to be moved opened and closed. The tabs also act as a stop when they hit the strap in the center of the assembly.

FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose a second embodiment of the invention where the deflector 1 constructed by alternative means where a single sheet of 24 gauge stainless steel is used to form frame 20. Apertures 21 are created by stamping out rectangular sections from a single piece of stainless steel, leaving a horizontal lower rail 27 and horizontal upper rail 29 with vertical supports 24 spaced and the ends and middle of deflector 1. The stainless steel sheet is then rolled along its upper and lower edges to form grooves 30 for receipt of doors 22 and 26, which are also slideable along grooves 30. Each door 22 and 26, has opposing L-shaped tabs 23 and 25 spot welded to doors 22 and 26 respectively. Dimples 44 are formed adjacent the left and right edges of the middle brace 24, with corresponding dimples 31 formed adjacent the right side of door 22 and the left side of door 26 such that when the doors are in the closed position with the eaves of the structure close, the corresponding dimples 31 and 44 interlock to hold the doors in position.

Adjacent the upper corners of deflector 1 are drilled holes for the receipt of mounting screws 19. Adjacent the lower corners of the deflector, slots 8 are punched out for receipt of mounting screws 19 so that the deflector may be adjustably mounted to the to eaves of the structure.

FIG. 4 discloses an end view of the deflector of FIG. 3, where the rolled edges of the stainless steel can be seen forming upper and lower grooves 30, as well as vertical brace 24, slideable door 26 and tab 25. Also shown is hole 36, drilled through tab 25 so that hardware may be attached to for manually or electrically opening and closing the doors of the deflector.

FIG. 5 discloses deflector 1 mounted on an eave of a structure with doors 22 and 26 in an open position exposing eave vents 39. In this example, middle brace 24 is centered over the middle eave vent 39, and deflector 1 is sized to cover the adjacent vents 30 such that when the doors are closed, all three vents 30 are covered. Lower rail 27 is shown to have notches 38 formed to permit moisture to flow out of lower rail 27. FIG. 6 is a side view of deflector 1 with apparatus 40 and 42 mounted to tabs 23 and 25 to enable doors 22 and 26 to be manipulate remotely. Stainless steel strips 40 and 42 are affixed to tab 23 (not shown) and tab 25 by means of screw 46, washer 47, and nut 48. Strips 40 and 42 are each rectangular is shape, having J-shaped hooks 41 and 43 formed at their lower, outside edges. FIG. 5 shows traveling cable 50 affixed to strips 40 and 42 by means of ferrules 51. Traveling cable 50 may be operated either mechanically or electrically to open or close the doors of the deflector. The traveling cables are operated similarly to the operations of a venetian blinds through the use of cables and pulleys. Such art is old and well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and not shown herein. Cable 50 is zinc-plated for fire-resistance.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the invention wherein doors 22 and 26 each have an orifice 47 formed along the longitudinal axis of each door. The placement of orifice 47 determined by the lateral space between the first and third eave vent 39. Also shown on FIGS. 7 and 8 are tabs formed at the opposing ends of doors 22 and 26. In addition to providing for mounting strips 40 and 42 to the doors, in this embodiment, tabs 23 and 25 also are detents that stop doors 22 and 26 from sliding past end braces 24. It should be noted that the geometric shape of orifice 47 is not a limitation of the invention. The orifice may be of any geometric shape.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 5 wherein traveling cable 50 passes laterally around pulleys 60 and vertically down and around pulley 61. Pulleys 60 are both mounted to gables 64 by means of brackets 65. As shown in FIG. 9, doors 22 and 26 may be operated by either pulling on traveling cable 50, or by turning pulley handle 62. As shown in FIG. 10, doors 22 and 26 may be operated by actuating solenoid is 81, which causes pulleys 60 to rotate. Solenoid 81 is also mounted to the eave, adjacent gable 84. Solenoid 81 may be remotely controlled.

Although deflector 1 has been described as constructed out of stainless steel, the material of construction is not a limitation of the invention. The deflector may be constructed of any fire proof material, such as temperature resistant plastic or carbon fiber, that permits the ease of sliding door s 2 and 6 into the closed position. While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. For example, FIGS. 3 and 4 show tabs 23 and 25 to be perpendicular to the plane of doors 22 and 26. However, doors 22 and 26 could be formed in a L-shape, with the shorter arm of the L facing down. Tabs 23 and 25 would then be planar and integral to doors 22 and 26.

Notches 38 would then be elongated and extended along the bottom of lower rail 27 for receipt on tabs 23 and 25. The elongated notches would be sized to permit tabs 23 and 25 to slide along groove 30 when the doors 22 and 26 are opened and closed. This construction would enable the reduction of manufacturing costs. Screws 19 would then provide the detents for restraining the travel of doors 22 and 26. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims.

Claims

1. A deflector for deflecting embers or moisture from the eave vents of a structure, the deflector comprising:

a. a frame sized to substantially cover at least one vent in an eave, the frame containing at least one door, and

b. the door slideably disposed in the frame such that when the at least one door is disposed in one extreme, the at least one vent is exposed, and when the door is disposed the opposite extreme, the at least one vent is covered.

2. The deflector of claim 1 wherein the frame is comprised of two parallel horizontal

rails separated by at least two parallel vertical braces formed at the distal ends of the horizontal rails, the rails having opposing grooves for slideably receiving the at least one door.

3. The deflector of claim 1 wherein the at least one door includes an aperture spaced such that when the door is disposed in one extreme, the aperture exposes the at least one vent.

4. The deflector of claim 1 wherein the at least one door includes a tab for manipulating the door to one extreme or the opposite extreme.

5. The deflector of claim 4 wherein the tab is formed to receive bias means for disposing the door in one extreme or the opposite extreme.

6. The deflector of claim 5 wherein the bias means is electrical.

7. The deflector of claim 5 wherein the bias means is mechanical.

8. A deflector for deflecting embers or moisture from the eave vents of a structure, the deflector comprising:

a. a frame sized to substantially cover at least one vent in an eave, the frame containing at least one door, and

b. the door slideably disposed in the frame such that when the at least one door is disposed in one extreme, the at least one vent is exposed, and when the door is disposed the opposite extreme, the at least one vent is covered.

9. The deflector of claim 8 wherein the frame is comprised of two opposing horizontal grooves separated by vertical braces, the grooves for slideably receiving the at least one door.

10. The deflector of claim 8 wherein the at least one door includes an aperture spaced such that when the door is disposed in one extreme, the aperture exposes the at least one vent.

11. The deflector of claim 8 wherein the at least one door includes a tab for manipulating the door to one extreme or the opposite extreme.

12. The deflector of claim 11 wherein the tab is formed to receive bias means for disposing the door in one extreme or the opposite extreme.

13. The deflector of claim 12 wherein the bias means is electrical.

14. The deflector of claim 12 wherein the bias means is mechanical.

15. A deflector for deflecting embers or moisture from the eave vents of a structure, the deflector comprising:

a. a frame sized to substantially cover at least one vent in an eave, the frame containing at least one door, the frame comprising two opposing horizontal grooves separated by vertical braces, the grooves for slideably receiving the at least one door and

b. the door slideably disposed in the frame such that when the at least one door is disposed in one extreme, the at least one vent is exposed, and when the door is disposed the opposite extreme, the at least one vent is covered, the at least one door including a tab for manipulating the door to one extreme or the opposite extreme.

16. The deflector of claim 8 wherein the at least one door includes an aperture spaced such that when the door is disposed in one extreme, the aperture exposes the at least one vent.

17. The deflector of claim 15 wherein the tab is formed to receive bias means for disposing the door in one extreme or the opposite extreme.

18. The deflector of claim 17 wherein the bias means is electrical.

19. The deflector of claim 17 wherein the bias means is mechanical.