Wrap Vent

Abstract

Disclosed is a venting device configured for venting a wrapping material wrapped around an item and comprises a top element and a base element. The top element comprises a dome portion and a depending portion extending away from the dome portion where the depending portion defines at least one cutting element configured to cut an access point in the wrapping material. The base element defines a conduit and annular ring where the conduit is inserted into the access point and the annular ring is mechanically associated with the wrapping material. The top element then clips to the base element to provide a cover.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application 62/404,188 filed on 4 Oct. 2016 of which the entire contents are incorporated herein by this reference for all that it discloses for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate, in general, to the field of a cover ventilators, and in particular, to utilitarian and ornamental features of a ventilator apparatus adapted to be used with a cover/wrap for items wrapped in a protective material before stored (e.g. vehicles, boats, cars, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shrink Wrap (also known as Shrink Film) is a polyethylene material used by vehicle owners to protect vehicles during transport and storage. Boat builders, for example, have a need to protect boats during transport and storage and have found that shrink wrapping a boat is an effective method for protecting a boat from water and debris. Other uses of such shrink wrap/film include cars, planes, and outdoor furniture (to name a few).

One issue with shrinking wrapping items for storage relates to damage caused by mold and mildew growth in an unvented space created by the shrink-wrapping process/application. What is needed is a venting device that can be easily associated with such shrinking wrapping to vent the item being stored and/or transported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for venting a protective wrap used to protect an item.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for venting a protective wrap wrapped around an item where the apparatus cuts a hole in the protective wrap material during installation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for venting a protective wrap wrapped around a vehicle to minimize the damage caused by mold and mildew growth.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a venting apparatus with novel ornamental features.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description).

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 0 is a side elevational view of an assembled venting device associated with a wrapping material.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of the venting device in FIG. 1 from a different angle;

FIG. 1b is a side elevational view of a modified assembled embodiment of the venting device depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of a modified assembled embodiment of the venting device in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 3c is a lower perspective view of an alternative integrated embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view the assembled embodiment of a venting device in FIG. 3 from a different angle;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 5b is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 6b is a side elevational view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 5c is a side elevational view of an integrated embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 6c is a side elevational view of an integrated embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of an assembled embodiment of a venting device;

FIG. 9 is a lower side perspective view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 10 is an elevated side perspective view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 10b is an elevated side perspective view of a top element of a venting device where the cutting element have two cutting edges;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a top element of a venting device;

FIG. 15 is an elevated side perspective view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 16 is a lower side perspective view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 19 is first side elevational view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 20 is second side elevational view of a base element of a venting device;

FIG. 21 is an elevated perspective view of a top element (14);

FIG. 22 is a lower perspective view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a first side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 24 is a second side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 25 is a third side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 26 is a fourth side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 29 is an elevated perspective view of a base element (16);

FIG. 30 is a lower perspective view thereof;

FIG. 31 is a first side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 32 is a second side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 33 is a third side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 34 is a fourth side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view thereof; and

FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

Construction Aids

For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including “releasable connections”, “hard connections” and “moveable connections”. A “releasable connection” is a direct or indirect physical connection designed to be easily and frequently released and reconnected including connections achieved using snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, clamps, to name a few. A “hard-connection” is a connection that one does not anticipate disconnecting very often if at all and generally must be “broken” to separate and includes welds, rivets, macular bonds, to name a few. A “moveable connection” is simply a connection that allows some type of movement between the connected components (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.).

Similarly, two or more items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while the drawings may illustrate various electronic components of a system connected by a single line, it will be appreciated that such lines may represent one or more signal paths, power connections, electrical connections and/or cables as required by the embodiment of interest.

For the purposes of this document, unless otherwise stated, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” (and similar wordings) means there is at least one of A, or at least one of B, or at least one of C or any combination thereof (not at least one of A, and at least one of B, and at least one of C).

Any two polygons are similar if their corresponding angles are congruent and the measures of their corresponding sides are proportional. Similar polygons have the same shape, but can be different sizes. For the purpose of this document circles are polygons.

This document includes headers that are used for place markers only. Such headers are not meant to affect the construction of this document, do not in any way related to the meaning of this document nor should such headers be used for such purposes.

DESCRIPTION

While the particulars of the present invention and associated technology may be adapted for use for venting a wrapping material associated with any type of item, the examples discussed herein are primarily in the context of venting wrapping material used to wrap vehicles such as boats.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 0 through FIG. 2, a side elevational views and perspectives views of an assembled two component embodiment of venting device (10) are presented. The venting device (10) comprising a top element (12) removably mechanically associated with a base element (32). Base element (32) defines a conduit element (34) that is at least partially hollow. At least part of the outside portion of the conduit element (34) defines a least one venting element. (“Outside” v. “Inside” is defined below). Suitable embodiments of a venting element include holes and slots and voids of any suitable shape. Further, at least part of the conduit element (34) extends though the wrapping material (9) providing an air flow path from the “inside” of the wrapping material (9) to the outside of such wrapping material (9). An annular ring portion (40) extends at least partially around the conduit element (34) where a surface of such ring portion (40) is configured for being associated with said wrapping material (9) to secure the base element (32) to the wrapping material (9).

The top element (12) defines a dome portion (14) configured to at least partially prevent liquid from the outside of the wrapping material (9) from entering the conduit element (34) and gaining access to the inside of wrapping material (9). Top element (14) further defines a cutting element (30) configured to cut an access hole in the wrapping material (9) as disclosed in detail later.

It should be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments depicted in the various figures can be generally envisioned to include an “outside” portion and an “inside” portion. The outer/outside portions of venting device (10) is generally those portions that are located on the top or exterior side (“outside”) of the wrapping material (9) and include at least part of top element (12). The “inside” portions are generally those portions of venting device (10) that are located on the underside or interior side (“inside”) of the wrapping material (9) and includes at least part of conduit portion (34).

As best viewed in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, venting device (10) is now considered in more detail. For the currently preferred embodiment, venting device (10) is configured for venting a wrapping material wrapped around an item and comprises a top element (12) comprising a dome portion (14) defining a first dome top surface (18) and an opposing second dome top surface (20) (i.e. the underside of the dome portion). Top element (12) further defines a depending portion (16) that extends away from the second dome top surface (20) a predefined distance thereby defining a depending portion length (22). It should be appreciated that embodiments for depending portion (16) include a plurality of cutting elements disposed in a circular pattern as depicted in FIG. 9 and a conduit/pipe type structure as depicted in FIG. 3c.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the dome portion (14) defines a dome outer perimeter (24) defining a polygonal shape. For the embodiment in FIG. 10, such shape is a circle. Other shapes include squares (notably a square shape does not roll as easy as a round shape). The dome outer perimeter (24) is greater than the outer perimeter (26) defined by the depending portion (16) so that the dome extends beyond the outer perimeter of said depending portion. Additionally, the dome outer perimeter (24) defines a lip (28) configured to receive a clasping element (52) as defined in more detail later.

The cutting element(s) (30) are configured to cut an access hole in the wrapping material or cover (9). For embodiments comprising taps (13), such taps are useful in rotating the top element (12) once the cutting elements (30) are forced through the wrapping material (9) to cut an access point into the wrapping material. Embodiments with no tabs (13) fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Suitable embodiments of a cutting element include a plurality of teeth as depicted in FIG. 9, a conduit/pipe type structure with a sharp edge or a pointed edge as depicted in FIG. 3c. For one embodiment, there is no cutting element and one simply uses a separate tool to cut an access point into the wrapping material.

As best viewed in FIG. 15 through FIG. 20, a currently preferred embodiment of a base element (32) is considered in more detail. The base element (32) comprises a conduit portion (34) defining a conduit length (36, FIG. 20) and a conduit inner perimeter (38). The conduit portion (34) is surrounded by an annular ring portion (40) defining a ring inner perimeter (42, FIG. 17) and a ring outer perimeter (44) thereby defining a first ring surface (46) and an opposing second ring surface (48) and a ring portion width (50). The ring portion (40) further defines at least two clasping elements (52) extending away from the first ring surface (46) in a first direction as best seen in FIG. 15. For the preferred embodiment, the ring outer perimeter (44) is about the same as dome outer perimeter (24) so that four clasping elements (52) defined 90 degrees apart about the outer perimeter of the annular ring portion (40) align vertically with the lip (28) defined by the dome outer perimeter (24) allowing the clasping elements to releasably mechanically associate with and clasp to the lip (28) thereby securing the top element (14) to the base element (16).

Similarly, one end of said conduit (34) defines at least two stand-offs (54) extending away from such end to define a stand-off height (56). For the preferred embodiment, there are four stand-offs (54) defined along the perimeter of the end of conduit (34) and disposed 90 degrees apart as depicted in FIG. 15. More specifically, when the top element (14) is mechanically associated with said base element (32) so that the clasping elements (52) are mechanically associated with lip (28), the stand-offs (54) define a gap between the end of the conduit portion (34) and the second dome top surface (20). The width of such gap the distance between stand-offs (54) and the gap height will be at least the stand-off (54) height. Such gap defines one embodiment of a venting element. Such a configuration allows air flow through the conduit and to and through such gap. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that ideally one would want the stand-offs (54) to come in contact with the second dome top surface (20) when the top element (12) is associated with the base element (16) to prevent rattle but such is not a requirement.

Referring now to FIG. 1b and FIG. 2b air flow enhancers (35) are now considered. For this embodiment, at least one air flow enhancer (35) is disposed along the end of said conduit between said at least two stand-offs (54). For the currently preferred embodiment, such air flow enhancers (35) define a half circle which effectively increase the size of the venting element gap. Further, such air flow enhancers (35) are preferably large enough so that a portion of the air flow enhancer (35) extends below the lip (28). Similarly, the walls of conduit portion (34) may define air flow enhancers (35) as depicted in FIG. 3c. One suitable embodiment of an air flow enhancer is a hole or void.

Notably, the conduit inner perimeter (42) is larger than the depending portion perimeter (26) (i.e. outer perimeter defined the shaft portion) so that said shaft portion (16) can be inserted into the conduit portion (34) until the clasping elements are releasably mechanically associated with lip (28). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration releasably mechanically associates the top element (12) to the base element (16). Similarly, the conduit length (36) is longer than depending portion length (22) to define a safety gap (37) so that the cutting element(s) (30) do not extend beyond the end of conduit portion (34) as best seen in FIG. 3. Such “safety” gap (37) is simply a precaution to reduce the likelihood that the cutting elements (30) will cut/damage something that was not intended to be cut.

Referring back to the annular ring portion (40), as noted above, the conduit portion (34) is surrounded by an annular ring portion (40) defining a ring inner perimeter (42, FIG. 17) and a ring outer perimeter (44) thereby defining a first ring surface (46) and an opposing second ring surface (48) and a ring portion width (50). As best seen in FIG. 1, the second ring surface (48) is configured for being mechanically associated with a wrapping material. For one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to a least a portion of second right surface (48) configured to adhere the second ring surface (48) to the wrapping material (9). Similarly, a two-sided tape product could be associated with the second ring surface (48). Alternatively, the annular ring portion (40) could be constructed at least partially from a material that allows sowing the ring to the wrapping material (9).

For one embodiment, the conduit portion (34) is suitably sized for being associated with a standard pipe such as a PVC type and glued together if desired. Such pipe could be routed to a specific area to be vented and/or provide a simple support function.

Integral Embodiment

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3c, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6b, FIG. 5c and FIG. 6c, an integrated one-piece embodiment is presented. For the currently preferred embodiment, the venting device (10) comprises a dome portion (14c) and a depending portion (16c) that extends away from the dome portion (14c) to a distal end (17) thereby defining a depending portion length. As before, the depending portion (16c) is at least partially hollow defining a depending portion outer perimeter (25) and wherein said dome portion defines a dome outer perimeter (24) that is at least as long as said depending portion outer perimeter. Such a configuration allows the dome portion (14c) to provide a cover function to at least partially shield the depending portion from liquid, dirt and other such undesired elements.

As before, a ring portion (40c) extends annular around the depending portion (16c) and is defined between the dome portion (14c) and the distal end (17). For such a configuration the ring portion (40c) defines a first ring surface (46c) facing the dome portion (14c) and a second ring surface (48c) facing the distal end (17). The second ring surface (48c) is configured for being mechanically associated with wrapping material as described above. The ring portion further defines an outer perimeter that is larger than the depending portion outer perimeter (25) thereby defining a ring portion width. For this embodiment no clasping elements are required so the outer perimeter of the ring portion can be materially larger than the dome outer perimeter.

As before, the depending portion defines at least one venting element or gap between ring portion (40c) and the dome portion (14c). Such provides an airflow path from the distal end (17) to the gap as describe above. Further, the said distal end (17) may define a cutting element (30) as described above. Such cutting elements can be teeth, a sharp edge defined by distal end (17) or a pointed distal end (17) or any other suitable cutting element.

Ornamental Features

The ornamental design features for a venting device (10) are considered. At least portions of the shape and look and feel of the venting device (10) is new, original, and ornamental and more ornamental than utilitarian. Such features can be best views in FIG. 21 which is an elevated perspective view of a top element (14). FIG. 22 is a lower perspective view thereof. FIG. 23 is a first side elevational view thereof and FIG. 24 is a second side elevational view thereof. FIG. 25 is a third side elevational view thereof and FIG. 26 is a fourth side elevational view thereof. FIG. 27 is a top plan view thereof and FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 29 is an elevated perspective view of a base element (16). FIG. 30 is a lower perspective view thereof. FIG. 31 is a first side elevational view thereof and FIG. 32 is a second side elevational view thereof. FIG. 33 is a third side elevational view thereof and FIG. 34 is a fourth side elevational view thereof. FIG. 35 is a top plan view thereof and FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view thereof.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A venting device configured for venting a wrapping material wrapped around an item, said venting device comprising:

a top element comprising a dome portion defining a first dome top surface and an opposing second dome top surface and a depending portion that extends away from said second dome top surface a predefined distance thereby defining a depending portion length wherein the dome portion defines a dome outer perimeter defining a polygonal shape that is greater than the outer perimeter defined by said depending portion so that the dome extends beyond the outer perimeter of said depending portion and wherein said dome perimeter defines a lip and wherein said depending portion defines at least one cutting element;

a base element comprising a conduit portion defining a conduit length and a conduit inner perimeter wherein said conduit portion is surrounded by an annular ring portion defining a ring inner perimeter and a ring outer perimeter thereby defining a first ring surface and an opposing second ring surface and a ring portion width and wherein said ring portion defines at least two clasping elements extending away from said first ring surface in a first direction and wherein one end of said conduit defines at least two stand-offs extending away from the end of said conduit in said first direction thereby defining a stand-off height;

wherein said conduit inner perimeter is larger than outer perimeter defined by said shaft portion so that said shaft portion can be inserted into said conduit portion until said at least two clasping elements releasably mechanically associate with said lip thereby releasably mechanically associating said top element to said base element; and

wherein said second ring surface is configured for being mechanically associated with a wrapping material.

2. A venting device as in claim 1, and said at least two stand-offs come in contact with said second dome top surface.

3. A venting device as in claim 1, wherein said top element further defines at least one tap extending away from said first dome top surface.

4. A venting device as in claim 1, wherein said conduit length is longer than depending portion length.

5. A venting device as in claim 4, wherein said second ring surface is associated with an adhesive.

6. A venting device as in claim 4, where said conduit portion further defines at least one air flow enhancer disposed along the end of said conduit between said at least two stand-offs.

7. A venting device as in claim 1, wherein said cutting element comprises a plurality of cutting teeth disposed in a circular pattern thereby defining the depending portion outer perimeter.

8. A venting device as in claim 7, wherein said cutting teeth define a cutting surface on both sides.

9. A venting device as in claim 1, where said depending portion defines a cylinder defining an outer perimeter suitably sized to receive a standard pipe.

10. A venting device configured for venting a wrapping material covering an item, said venting device comprising:

a dome portion and a depending portion extending away from said dome portion to a distal end thereby defining a depending portion length and wherein said depending portion is hollow defining a depending portion outer perimeter and wherein said dome portion defines a dome outer perimeter that is at least as long as said depending portion outer perimeter;

a ring portion extending annular around said depending portion and defined between said dome portion and said distal end wherein said ring portion defines a first ring surface facing said dome portion and a second ring surface facing said distal end and wherein said ring portion defines an outer perimeter larger than said depending portion outer perimeter thereby defining a ring portion width;

wherein said depending portion defines at least one venting element between said ring portion and said dome portion and wherein said distal end defines a cutting element; and

wherein said second ring surface is configured for being mechanically associated with wrapping material associated with an item.

11. A venting device as in claim 10, wherein said top element further defines at least one tap extending away from said first dome top surface.

12. A venting device as in claim 11, wherein said second ring surface is associated with an adhesive.

13. A venting device as in claim 10, wherein said distal end defines at least one cutting tooth.

14. A venting device as in claim 13, wherein one of said at least one cutting tooth defines a cutting surface on both sides.

15. A venting device as in claim 10, where said depending portion defines a cylinder with a pointed end.

16. A venting device as in claim 10, where said depending portion defines a cylinder defining an outer perimeter suitably sized to receive a standard pipe.