ROLLED RIDGE VENT DISPENSER

Abstract

A rolled ridge vent dispenser having a housing including a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber configured to receive a rolled ridge vent. A longitudinal slot is disposed in one of the plurality of walls. The longitudinal slot has a width sufficient to allow a free end of the rolled ridge vent to protrude externally from the housing. A handle is disposed on one of the plurality of walls. Ridge line engaging members are provided to align the dispenser with the ridge line of a roof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______, entitled “ROLLABLE RIDGE VENT PANEL,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______, entitled “RIDGE VENT WITH EXTERNAL-FLEXION VANES,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a rolled ridge vent for a building, and more specifically, to a rolled ridge vent dispenser for a building.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a rolled ridge vent dispenser having a housing including a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber configured to receive a rolled ridge vent. A longitudinal slot is disposed in one of the plurality of walls. The longitudinal slot has a width sufficient to allow a free end of the rolled ridge vent to protrude externally from the housing. A handle is disposed on one of the plurality of walls.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a rolled ridge vent installation kit having a rolled ridge vent dispenser that includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber. A rolled ridge vent is disposed within the internal chamber and includes a free end. A longitudinal slot is disposed in one of the plurality of walls. The longitudinal slot has a width sufficient to allow the free end of the rolled ridge vent to protrude externally from the housing.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method of installing a rolled ridge vent on a building. A rolled ridge vent is provided inside a dispenser. A slot is formed in the dispenser. Support members are formed on a bottom wall of the dispenser. The support members are configured to stabilize the dispenser on a ridgeline of a building. A portion of the rolled ridge vent is drawn through the slot and secures the portion of the rolled ridge vent to the ridgeline. The dispenser is moved across the ridgeline to withdraw a remainder of the rolled ridge vent from the dispenser.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser on a roof;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation cross sectional view of one embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser having a sled base positioned on a roof;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a sled base for a dispenser;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a rolled ridge vent dispenser having a sled base; and

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of the sled base partially assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 in position for use on the ridge line 12 of a roof 14. The rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 has a housing 16 including a plurality of walls 18 defining an internal chamber 20 configured to receive a rolled ridge vent 22. A longitudinal slot 24 is disposed in one of the plurality of walls 18. The longitudinal slot 24 has a width sufficient to allow a free end of the rolled ridge vent 22 to protrude externally from the housing 16. A handle 26 is disposed on one of the plurality of walls 18.

As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the handle 26 is preferably disposed on the wall 18 which is generally opposing the wall 18 having the longitudinal slot 24, to allow the ridge vent installer to pull the ridge vent dispenser 10 along the ridge line 12. The longitudinal slot 24 may be marked on the housing 16, be perforated, be covered with a flap, or otherwise be sealed to be opened by a user at the time of installation of a rolled ridge vent 22.

The embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 further includes support members 28, which extend from the bottom of the housing 16. The support members 28 align with the ridge line 12 on the roof 14, and aid in alignment of the ridge vent dispenser 10 on the ridge line 12. To aid in use on a variety of roof lines, the support members 28 include a plurality of angled surfaces 30 generally configured to engage the ridge line 12. The plurality of angled surfaces 30 allow the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 to easily accommodate roofs 14 having different pitches, and to securely engage with the roof 14 on each side of the ridge line 12. The plurality of angled surfaces 30 may be chosen to accommodate standard or commonly encountered roof pitches, such as a 12/12 pitch, a 6/12 pitch, a 4/12 pitch a 3/12 pitch, and any combination thereof.

The support members 28 are optionally fixed or deployable from a stored position (where the support members 28 are located within the housing 16 or parallel and adjacent to the housing 16) and a deployed position (where the support members 28 extend generally perpendicularly from the housing 16). The support members 28 may be pivotally coupled to the housing 16, and pivotal between the stored position and the deployed position. Such a pivotal coupling could include without limitation a hinged coupling or a living hinge. It is also contemplated that a portion of the support members 28 could be pivotal to a position inside the housing 16. Alternatively, the support members 28 could pivot outside the housing 16 until the support members 28 are in substantial abutment against one or more walls of the housing 16. Alternatively, as further described below and shown in FIGS. 5-8, the support members 28 may be provided on a separate base sled 34, which is attachable to the bottom of the housing 16.

Inside the housing 16, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, a roll bar 32 is provided which is adapted to support a roll of ridge vent 22 inside the housing 16, such that the roll of ridge vent 22 is rotatable within the housing 16. Alternatively, the rolled ridge vent 22 may be positioned in the housing 16 without the roll bar 32, such that the rolled ridge vent 22 turns freely. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the housing 16 of the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 could include any number of walls to support the ridge vent 22.

In one embodiment, the housing 16 is constructed using a cardboard material. The housing 16 may also be constructed of other materials that are sufficiently rigid and durable to hold the rolled ridge vent 22, including without limitation, plastic, metal, wood, composites, or other materials, or a combination thereof. The housing 16 must have sufficient strength and durability for use outside and to withstand the loads incurred during shipping of the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 to installation locations.

In the embodiment of a rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 depicted in FIGS. 5-8, like components are given the same reference numbers as used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

In FIG. 5, the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is shown in position for use on the ridge line 12 of the roof 14. The rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 includes the housing 16 as described above, with the plurality of walls 18 defining the internal chamber 20 configured to receive the rolled ridge vent 22. Also as described above, the longitudinal slot 24 and handle 26 are provided on generally opposing walls 18, to allow the ridge vent installer to pull the ridge vent dispenser 10 along the ridge line 12.

In addition to the housing 16, the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 as shown in FIG. 5 includes a sled base 34. The sled base 34 generally includes a mounting surface 36 and ridge line engaging supports 38.

As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the mounting surface 36 optionally includes adhesive strips 40, for affixing the sled base 34 to the housing 16. Alternatives to adhesive strips 40 could include spray-on adhesives, hook-and-loop fastenings, mechanical engagement features, or any other known fastening elements. The adhesive strips 40 or other fastening elements are optionally removable and reusable, such that the sled base 34 can be used with multiple housings 16. This would permit housings 16 containing rolled ridge vent 22 to be sold separately from the sled base 34 to reduce the amount of material used.

The ridge line engaging supports 38 extend downwardly from the mounting surface 36, and have a roof contacting surface 42, a first end 44 and a second end 46. The roof contacting surface 42 of each of the supports 38 aligns with the ridge line 12 on the roof 14, and aids in alignment of the ridge vent dispenser 10 on the ridge line 12. To permit the sled base 34 to accommodate a variety of roof pitches, the supports 38 may include a plurality of angled surfaces 42 extending along their length. The supports 38 may also be arranged to be somewhat flexible, allowing the supports 38 to be used with multiple roof pitches.

As shown in FIG. 7, the base sled 34 is mounted on the bottom wall 18 of the housing 16. The first end 44 of each support 38 has a smaller area than the second end 46, resulting in a base sled 34 which supports the housing 16 at an angle with respect to the ridge line 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the first end 44 and second end 46 are oriented such that the longitudinal slot 24 is over the first end 44 and angled downward toward the ridge line 12 and the handle 26 is over the second end 46. Alternatively, in certain embodiments the first end 44 and second end 46 may be reversed with respect to the housing 16.

The base sled 34 shown in FIG. 8 is formed from a flat substrate 48 that is folded into the desired shape, as further described below. The flat substrate 48 is constructed of a heavy-duty cardboard material in one embodiment, which is preferably scored to facilitate folding of the flat substrate 48 into the desired shape. Alternative materials which are sufficiently rigid and durable to support the housing 16 and be pulled along a ridge line 12 may be used, including without limitation, plastic, metal, wood, composites, or other materials, or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, a first score line 50 defines an outer edge 52 of the mounting surface 36. A second score line 54, located between the first score line 50 and a lateral edge 56 of the flat substrate 48 defines a tapered outer side portion 58 of one ridge line engaging support 38, which increases in width when traveling from the first end 44 to the second end 46. A plurality of score lines 60, located between the second score line 54 and the edge 56 of the flat substrate 48, divide the portion of the flat substrate 48 which forms the roof contacting surface 42 into a plurality of tapered sections 62. The score lines 50, 54, 60 are provided for each ridge line engaging support 38.

A first flap 64 and a second flap 66 are provided in the tapered outer side portion 58 to provide additional support to the sled base 34 when assembled. The first flap 64 is shaped generally as a quarter circle, with a generally straight edge 68, a curved edge 70 and a fold line 72. The straight edge 68 is generally parallel to the first score line 50, and the fold line 72 is generally perpendicular to the straight edge 68. The second flap 66 is cut out of the first flap 64, and has a fold line 74 separating the second flap 66 and the outer side portion 58. The second flap 66 also has a triangular section 76 and a generally semicircular section 78, separated by a fold line 80. The generally semicircular section 78 may further include a peak 82 and a notch 84 therein.

To shape the support 38 from the flat substrate 48, the first flap 64 is folded along the fold line 72 to extend generally perpendicularly from the tapered outer side portion 58. The second flap 66 is folded away from the first flap 64 along the fold line 74 until the triangular section 76 is positioned generally in the same plane as the outer side portion 58. The second flap 66 is then folded along fold line 80, so that the semicircular section 78 extends generally perpendicularly from the tapered outer side portion 58 and generally perpendicularly from the first flap 64. When folded, the notch 84 of the semicircular section 78 mechanically engages with the first flap 64 in the location where the peak 82 of the second flap 66 was cut out of the first flap 64.

The first flap 64 and second flap 66 are used to support the ridge line engaging support 38. To form the support 38 from the flat substrate 48, the plurality of tapered sections 62 are folded over the curved edge 70 of the first flap 64, with the tapered section 62 nearest the edge 56 of the flat substrate 48 folded around to the straight edge 70. The outer side portion 58 is then folded along the first score line 50 so that it extends generally perpendicularly from the mounting surface 38. The straight edge 68 of the first flap 64 and the tapered section 62 nearest the edge 56 of the flat substrate 48 are then generally flush against the mounting surface 38. The tapered section 62 nearest the edge 56 of the flat substrate 48 is affixed to the mounting surface 38 using an adhesive strip 86. The process is repeated to form the second support 38.

The rolled ridge vent dispensers 10 may be reusable and refillable, or may be single-use. Additionally, portions of the rolled ridge vent dispensers 10, such as the support tabs 28 or sled 34, may be reusable. If the housing 16 is refillable, at least one of the plurality of walls 18 may be removably, slidably or pivotally coupled to the housing 16, to allow the rolled ridge vent 22 to be placed in the housing 22. Alternatively, the plurality of walls 18 may include at least one wall 18 which has an opening therein (not shown), through which the rolled ridge vent 22 can be loaded into the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10. If a rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is not refillable, it may also be beneficial to have at least a portion of one of the walls 18 which can be opened, to view inside the housing 16, so that the amount of rolled ridge vent 22 can be viewed and to make any adjustments or modifications necessary to the rolled ridge vent 22.

In use, the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is aligned with the ridge line 12 of a roof 14, such that the support members 28 or ridge line engaging supports 38 engage with the roof 14 on each side of the ridge line 12. The rolled ridge vent 22 is drawn through the longitudinal slot 24 in the housing 16 of the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10, and secured to the ridge line 12. The rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is then moved along the ridge line 12 away from the secured ridge vent 22. As the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is moved along the ridge line 12, additional ridge vent 22 is withdrawn from the housing 16 through the longitudinal slot 24. The additional length of ridge vent 22 is affixed to the roof 14 after it has been withdrawn from the ridge vent dispenser 10.

The process of installing the rolled ridge vent 22 may further include the preparatory steps of locating the rolled ridge vent 22 on the roll bar 32 within the housing 16, forming the longitudinal slot 24 in the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10, forming ridge line engaging members (including without limitation support members 28 or ridge line engaging support members 38) on a bottom wall 18 of the dispenser 10, assembling the sled base 34, and attaching the sled base 34 to the housing 16.

If the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is provided separately from the ridge vent 22, or without the ridge vent 22 pre-loaded therein, the ridge vent 22 will be loaded into the dispenser 10 through an opening in the housing 16. A portion of the ridge vent 22 would then be drawn through the longitudinal slot 24 during use.

Forming the longitudinal slot 24 may include, without limitation, cutting the longitudinal slot 24 into the housing 16, tearing the longitudinal slot 24 from perforations in the housing 16, or peeling a film, flap, or other covering over a pre-cut longitudinal slot 24. It is also contemplated that a small door may be positioned over the longitudinal slot 24 to prevent dirt and debris from entering the housing 16. The door may be pivotal relative to the housing 16 by a hinge, such as a living hinge, a piano hinge, etc. Alternatively, the door may be removably retained in the longitudinal slot 24.

Forming ridge line engaging members may include the steps of folding, sliding or otherwise positioning the support members 28 for engagement with the ridge line 12, or pivotally coupling the support members 28 to the housing 16, so that the support members 28 are operable between a stored position and a deployed position. It is generally contemplated that the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 may have support members 28 that can be folded, such that a bottom wall of the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 is substantially flat. It is likely that the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10 would be shipped in this condition. Alternatively, forming ridge line engaging members may include the steps of assembling a sled base 34 and affixing it to the housing 16. It is generally contemplated that if a sled base 34 is provided, it would be shipped in a flat condition, and assembled by a user.

The method of installing the rolled ridge vent 22 on a building may include the preparatory step of coupling a handle 26 with the housing 16 of the rolled ridge vent dispenser 10.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A rolled ridge vent dispenser comprising:

a housing including a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber configured to receive a rolled ridge vent;

a longitudinal slot disposed in one of the plurality of walls, the longitudinal slot having a width sufficient to allow a free end of the rolled ridge vent to protrude externally from the housing; and

a handle disposed on one of the plurality of walls.

2. The rolled ridge vent dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:

deployable ridge line engaging members operable between a stored position and a deployed position.

3. The rolled ridge vent dispenser of claim 2, wherein the deployable ridge line engaging members are pivotally coupled to the housing.

4. The rolled ridge vent dispenser of claim 3, wherein the deployable ridge line engaging members are pivotally coupled via a living hinge.

5. The rolled ridge vent dispenser of claim 3, wherein the deployable ridge line engaging members include a plurality of angled surfaces generally configured to engage a ridgeline of a building.

6. The rolled ridge vent dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed from cardboard.

7. A rolled ridge vent installation kit comprising:

a rolled ridge vent dispenser that includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber;

a rolled ridge vent disposed within the internal chamber and including a free end; and

a longitudinal slot disposed in one of the plurality of walls, the longitudinal slot having a width sufficient to allow the free end of the rolled ridge vent to protrude externally from the housing.

8. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 7, wherein one of the plurality of walls is a top wall pivotally coupled to the housing.

9. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 7, further comprising:

deployable ridge line engaging members operable between a stored position and a deployed position.

10. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 9, wherein the deployable ridge line engaging members are pivotally coupled to the housing and are disposed in the housing when in the stored position, and are disposed outside the housing when in the deployed position.

11. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 7, further comprising a sled base to be coupled to the housing, wherein the sled base includes ridge line engaging members.

12. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 7, further comprising:

a roll bar adapted to support the rolled ridge vent inside the housing.

13. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 8, wherein the deployable support members include a plurality of angled surfaces generally configured to engage a ridgeline of a building.

14. The rolled ridge vent installation kit of claim 7, further comprising:

a handle disposed on the housing on an end of the housing opposite the longitudinal slot.

15. A method of installing a rolled ridge vent on a building comprising:

providing a rolled ridge vent inside a dispenser;

forming a slot in the dispenser;

forming ridge line engaging members on a bottom wall of the dispenser, the ridge line engaging members configured to stabilize the dispenser on a ridgeline of a building;

drawing a portion of the rolled ridge vent through the slot and securing the portion of the rolled ridge vent to the ridgeline; and

moving the dispenser across the ridgeline to withdraw a remainder of the rolled ridge vent from the dispenser.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

coupling a handle with a housing.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of forming ridge line engaging members on a bottom wall of the dispenser further comprises:

pivotally coupling the ridge line engaging members such that the ridge line engaging members are operable between a stored position and a deployed position.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of forming ridge line engaging members on a bottom wall of the dispenser further comprises:

assembling a sled base, the sled base comprising ridge line engaging support members; and

affixing the sled base to the bottom wall of the dispenser.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

forming the dispenser from a cardboard material.

20. A rolled ridge vent installation aid, comprising:

a base sled, having a mounting surface and at least two ridge line engaging support members.

21. The rolled ridge vent installation aid of claim 20, wherein the base sled is a cardboard material.