ROOF VENT
A roof vent is provided that exhibits simplicity of construction, ease of installation, durability, and effectiveness. The roof vent may be made of metal. In one embodiment, components of the roof vent include Z-shaped support members, a vent cap that attaches to the Z-shaped members, and end caps that attach to the Z-shaped members. In one embodiment, the vent cap attaches to and extends between first and second Z-shaped members, the vent cap having edge flanges that extends inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent cap and project downwardly so as to deflect downward wind and rain. In another embodiment, at least one adjustable closure is coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing venting action and protecting against penetration of wind, rain, etc.
The present invention relates to roof vents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA known roof vent is described in U.S. Patent Application 2001/0052207, incorporated herein by reference. As described therein, a continuing problem in roof construction techniques is how to ventilate the crawlspace (commonly in the form of an attic) properly to prevent the buildup of excessive heat. Improperly ventilated roofing decreases the life span of the roof itself because the built-up heat in effect cooks the roofing material. Sunlight heats the exposed portion of the roof which in turn heats the underside of the roof and the crawlspace. If the heat in the area underneath the roof is not allowed to escape efficiently, the temperature on the underside of the roof can exceed 300 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, especially over an extended period of time, the roofing material can sometimes crystallize or deform resulting in leaks or other structural deficiencies.
The roof vent described in the foregoing patent publication may be improved upon in various aspects, such as simplicity of construction, ease of installation, durability, and effectiveness.
The present invention may be further understood from the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. In the drawing:
Summary
A roof vent is provided that exhibits simplicity of construction, ease of installation, durability, and effectiveness. The roof vent may be made of metal. In one embodiment, components of the roof vent include Z-shaped support members, a vent cap that attaches to the Z-shaped members, and end caps that attach to the Z-shaped members. In one embodiment, the vent cap attaches to and extends between first and second Z-shaped members, the vent cap having edge flanges that extends inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent cap and project downwardly so as to deflect downward wind and rain. In another embodiment, at least one adjustable closure is coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing venting action and protecting against penetration of wind, rain, etc.
Description
Referring to
The first piece is a Z-shaped member 101, also called the “Z rail.” The installation of the ridge vent system typically involves the installation of two of these Z rail units, installed on opposite sides of the ridge that will be vented. In
The unit 100 may be built of metal that has been pre-painted to extend life span, protecting against deterioration of the steel. In practice, the Z rail 101 may be formed in ten foot long sections.
Referring to
It will further be understood that the term “Z-shaped” as used herein is not to be construed in an exact sense but rather allows for the sloped part of the Z to be upright instead of sloped.
Referring to
Operation of the closure member may be manual, as shown, or may be automated by use of one or more motors, control electronics, communications electronics fired or wireless), etc.
Referring again to
The end cap section 105 may optionally be covered with a decorative coating, such as stone coating or a stone chip coating. Such coatings are produced, for example, by the 3M Corporation as well as other suppliers. Typically, granules are embedded in a UV resistant acrylic polymer that bonds them to the metal substrate. These granules may be the same granules found on asphalt shingles. This type of stone coating or stone chip coating can be found on stone coated, or stone-chip coated metal tile roofs. This finish option gives the ridge cap a look and texture similar to that of the actual asphalt shingle and allows the ridge cap the ability to match the texture and colors of the asphalt shingles.
Referring still to
The vent cap 103 may be made in various colors to match existing roof colors. Like the end caps, the vent cap section can also be covered with a coating, such as a stone coating or a stone chip coating.
Note that, although the roof vent is especially suitable for use as a ridge roof vent, the same construction or similar may also be used on flat roofs or other types of roofs other than ridged roofs.
When the vent cap is installed with the Z rails and end caps they become a water tight venting system that allows the warm air inside the attic to escape out through the vent system. Typical air conditioning costs may be significantly reduced. This system requires no power to operate and has no moving parts. The venting system is made of metal or pre-painted metal so it does not require the use or installation of any other ridge shingles to shed or resist the infiltration of water into or through the vented opening. The vent system can also be removed and reinstalled again after the roof has been replaced. A vent system made from metal, as described in the foregoing description, has numerous benefits to the consumer, such as:
- 1) Class A fire rated
- 2) Increases the lifespan of the roof
- 3) Does not require a separate ridge shingle.
- 4) Longer lifespan (than plastic)
- 5) Improved ventilation throughout the attic
- 6) Lowers cooling cost
- 7) Does not require power to operate
- 8) No moving parts (quiet, makes no sound)
- 9) Reusable
It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The foregoing description is therefore to be regarded as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and all changes which some within the range of scope of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A roof vent comprising:
- first and second Z-shaped members, each Z-shaped member comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a middle portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the middle portion;
- a vent cap attached to and extending between the first and second Z-shaped members, the vent cap comprising edge flanges that extend inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent cap and project downwardly so as to deflect downward wind and rain; and
- at least one end cap ajoining the Z-shaped members and the vent cap for enclosing a space above the roof.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the bottom portion of the Z-shaped members.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the Z-shaped members comprises an edge lip that extends upwardly toward the top portion of the Z-shaped members.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roof vent is a roof ridge vent shaped so as to follow contours of a roof ridge.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent cap comprising an apex, a first portion extending downwardly from the apex in one direction, and a second portion extending downwardly from the apex in an opposite direction.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end cap comprising a chevron-shaped closure portion, a first flange portion configured to underlie the vent cap, and a second flange portion configured to underlie a final roofing material.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vent cap and the end cap comprises an applied finished that simulates roofing material.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one adjustable closure coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing venting action and protecting against penetration of wind and rain.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustable closure is configured to at least partially close at least some of said perforations.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the closure member comprises perforations, and wherein the closure member and the Z-shaped member are coupled such that a degree of registration of perforations of the closure member and the Z-shaped member is adjustable.
11. A roof vent comprising:
- first and second Z-shaped members, each Z-shaped member comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a middle portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the middle portion;
- a vent cap attached to and extending between the first and second Z-shaped members;
- at least one end cap adjoining the Z-shaped members and the vent cap for enclosing a space above the roof ridge; and
- at least one adjustable closure coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing venting action and protecting against penetration of wind and rain.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the closure member is configured to at least partially close at least some of said perforations.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the closure member comprises perforations, and wherein the closure member and the Z-shaped member are coupled such that a degree of registration of perforations of the closure member and the Z-shaped member is adjustable.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the vent cap comprises edge flanges that extend inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent cap and project downwardly from the vent cap so as to deflect downward wind and rain.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the bottom portion of the Z-shaped member.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bottom portion of the Z-shaped member comprises an edge lip that extends upwardly toward the top portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the roof vent is a roof ridge vent shaped so as to follow contours of a roof ridge.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the vent cap comprising an apex, a first portion extending downwardly from the apex in one direction, and a second portion extending downwardly from the apex in an opposite direction.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the end cap comprising a chevron-shaped closure portion, a first flange portion configured to underlie the vent cap, and a second flange portion configured to underlie a final roofing material.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the vent cap and the end cap comprises an applied finished that simulates roofing material.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent cap and the Z-shaped members are configured such that the edge flanges of the vent cap engage the top portions of the Z-shaped members, with the top portions of the Z-shaped members in a protruding position.
22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the vent cap and the Z-shaped members are configured such that the edge flanges of the vent cap engage the top portions of the Z-shaped members, with the top portions of the Z-shaped members in a protruding position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 26, 2013
Inventor: Daniel Rossetta (San Jose, CA)
Application Number: 13/529,206
International Classification: F24F 13/20 (20060101); E04B 1/70 (20060101);