Louvered Roof Assembly

Abstract

A louvered roofing assembly comprising at least one louver, which at least one louver includes a notch end and a sealing end. The at least one louver is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the notch end of said at least one louver releasably engages the sealing end of an adjacent at least one louver to retard the passage of liquid and solid matter from an upper surface of the at least one louver to at or below a lower surface of the at least one louver. The notch end of a louver may include a “J” shape configured to accept in releasable engagement a sealing end of an adjoining at least one louver. The sealing end of the at least one louver may include a fin configured to releasably engage the notch end of the at least one louver.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a louvered roofing system, and specifically, to a louvered roof assembly wherein the slats may be rotated about a central axis.

BACKGROUND

Louvered roof assemblies are a popular roofing option, particularly for outdoor structures. These assemblies typically include a series of louvers arranged closely in parallel. The louvers typically can be adjusted to form a closed roof or opened to provide gaps between the louvers and thereby provide sun exposure below. The adjustable nature of these louvered roof assemblies provides versatility to adapt to changing weather conditions. Many louvered roof assemblies do not provide an adequate seal against liquid incursion, such that users and items under the louvered roof assembly are at risk of getting wet in certain weather conditions, even when the louvered roof assembly is closed. Also, existing louvered roof assemblies do not provide protection against the dumping of water into the space below when the assemblies are adjusted from a closed position to an open position.

SUMMARY

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a portion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to further explain the invention. In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, are various embodiments. Numerals are used throughout the figures to identify components. A number of embodiments are illustrated herein; however, it should be understood, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

A louvered roofing system is disclosed, comprising at least one louver, said at least one louver comprising a notched end comprising a notch member, a sealing end comprising a sealing member, an upper surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end, a lower surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end, and wherein the notch member of at least one louver is configured to releasably engage the sealing member of an adjacent louver in a sealing arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a roofing louver with a gasket in a notch, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a roofing louver embodiment with no gasket in a notch.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of louvers according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap attached to a louver with a gasket present in a notch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap attached to a louver with no gasket present in a notch, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers in a closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers in a closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a roof louver assembly including a series of louvers with end caps in a closed position in a frame, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the roof louver assembly of FIG. 8 in the open position, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments is provided by way of explanation of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also covers such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a louver 102 having a sealing end 110 and a notch end 112. The louver 102 may be constructed of vinyl, aluminum, wood, plastic or any other suitable material; it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the louver 102 can be formed in a single piece, although the manner in which the louver 102 is formed is not critical.

In an embodiment, the sealing end 110 of the louver 102 includes a sealing member 114. In an embodiment, the sealing member 114 extends from the sealing end 110. In an embodiment, the sealing member 114 comprises an upper end 113 and a lower end 111. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises a fin. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises a blunt end. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises a rounded end. In an embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 comprises a pointed end. In an embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is included on the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114. In an embodiment, the louver 102 does not include a gasket.

In an embodiment, the sealing member 114 is oriented at angle A relative to a horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle A is an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the angle A is an obtuse angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. The angle A is, in another embodiment, a right angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle A is between 45 and 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle A is between 90 and 135 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In an embodiment, the sealing member's 114 orientation relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102 creates a first channel 115 between the sealing member 114 and a top surface 120 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 orientation relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102 creates a second channel 123 between the notch member 116 and the top surface 120 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the second channel 123 prevents passage of liquid from the top surface 120 of the louver 102 to or beyond a lower surface 122 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, the notch end 112 of the louver 102 includes a notch member 116. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 extends from the notch end 112. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 has an upper end 121 and a lower end 119. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 comprises a J shape. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 comprises a semi-circle. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 comprises an angled or pointed end. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a gasket 118 is included on the upper end 121 of the notch member 116. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, no gasket is included on the louver 102. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the gasket 118 may be formed of any suitable sealing material, including but not limited to rubber, plastic, and adhesive. The gasket 118 may be of any shape and configuration suitable to form a sealing arrangement between the sealing member 114 and the notch member 116.

In an embodiment, the notch member 116 is oriented at angle B relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle B is an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the angle B is an obtuse angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. The angle B is, in another embodiment, a right angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle B is between 45 and 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the angle B is between 90 and 135 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

According to an embodiment, the sealing member 114 and the notch member 116 are substantially parallel to one another. In an embodiment, both the sealing member 114 and the notch member 116 extend upwardly, away from the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, both the sealing member 114 and the notch member 116 extend downwardly, away from the lower surface 122 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, a center portion 125 of the top surface 120 is raised. In an embodiment, the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is convex in the center portion 125. In another embodiment, the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is angled to form a point (not shown). In an embodiment, the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is rectangular. In another embodiment, the top surface 120 of the louver 102 is relatively planar.

In an embodiment, the lower surface 122 of the louver 102 is flat. In another embodiment, the lower surface 122 contains at least one groove 126. In another embodiment, the lower surface 122 contains a plurality of grooves 126. In an embodiment, the groove 126 on the lower surface 122 of the louver 126 comprises an inverted “v” shape extending inwardly into the lower surface 122. Those of skill in the art will understand that at least one groove 126 will impart a decorative appearance to the lower surface 122 of the louver 102, such as may give a viewer below the louver installation the impression of viewing a bead-board ceiling. In an embodiment, the groove 126 is rounded. In an embodiment, the lower surface 122 of the louver 126 contains a ridge extending outwardly away from the lower surface 122. In an embodiment, the ridge extending from the lower surface 122 forms a “v” shape. In an embodiment, the ridge extending from the lower surface 122 forms a rounded shape. In another embodiment, the ridge extending from the lower surface 122 forms a rectangular shape. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many configurations of the lower surface 122 are possible options to achieve various decorative and ornamental effects.

In an embodiment, the louver 102 contains at least one core 128. The shape of the at least one core 128 is defined by the chosen configurations for the top surface 120 and the lower surface 122. In an embodiment, the at least one core 128 is hollow. In another embodiment, the at least one core 128 contains insulating material.

In an embodiment, the at least one core 128 contains at least one support member 130. In an embodiment, the at least one support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the top surface 120. In an embodiment, the at least one support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the top surface 120 at a 90 degree angle relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the at least one support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the top surface 120 at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one support member 130 extends from the lower surface 122 to the top surface 120 at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 117 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one support member 130 is substantially straight. In another embodiment, the at least one support member 130 is curved. In another embodiment, the at least one support member 130 is angled.

In an embodiment, at least one fastener mount 124 may exist within the at least one core 128 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is attached to the at least one support member 130. In another embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is attached to the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is attached to the top surface 120 of the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is C-shaped. In another embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is O-shaped. In an embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is threaded. In an embodiment, the at least one fastener mount 124 is configured to accept a fastener.

FIG. 3 shows a pair of louvers 102A and 102B according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the notch member 116 at the notch end 112 of a first louver 102A engages the sealing member 114 at the sealing end 110 of a second louver 102B. In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 engages the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114.

In an embodiment, the gasket 118 engages the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 in a sealing configuration. In another embodiment, the gasket 118 is attached to the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 such that the gasket 118 engages the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 in a sealing configuration. In an embodiment, when louvers 102A and 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface 122 of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the second louver 102B are substantially parallel. In an embodiment, when louvers 102A and 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface 122 of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the second louver 102B form a flat plane. In another embodiment, when louvers 102A and 102B are arranged in a sealing configuration the lower surface 122 of the first louver 102A and the lower surface 122 of the second louver 102B are non-planar.

In an embodiment, the louvers 102A, 102B are deemed to be in the “closed position” when the notch member 116 at the notch end 112 of the first louver 102A engages the sealing member 114 at the sealing end 110 of the second louver 102B, regardless of whether the gasket 118 is present in the embodiment. In an embodiment, the louvers 102A and 102B are deemed to be in an “open position” when the notch member 116 at the notch end 112 of the first louver 102A does not engage the sealing member 114 at the sealing end 110 of the second louver 102B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap 131 attached to the louver 102 that contains the gasket 118 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap 131 attached to the louver 102 that does not contain a gasket. In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the end cap 131 is attached to a first end 133 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, the end cap 131 is attached to a second end 135 of the louver 102. In another embodiment, end caps 131 are attached to each of the first end 133 and the second end 135 of the louver 102.

In an embodiment, the end cap 131 includes at least one axle nub 132. In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 is oriented in the center of the end cap 131. In another embodiment, the end cap 131 includes at least one pin projection 136. In an embodiment, two pin projections 136 extend from the end cap 131. In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 and the at least one pin projection 136 extend approximately the same length. In an embodiment, the at least one pin projection 136 and the at least one axle nub 132 have different lengths. In an embodiment, the end cap 131 contains at least one aperture 138. In an embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 is round. In another embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 is threaded. In another embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 is rectangular. In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 and the at least one pin projection 136 on the end cap 131 are configured to attach to louver operating hardware 140.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers 102A and 102B in the closed position, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A is engaged with the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102B. The engagement of the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A and the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102B substantially seals louvers 102A and 102B to retard liquid from flowing through the engagement of the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A and the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102B.

According to an embodiment, a gasket 118 is attached to the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of louver 102A. In this embodiment, the gasket 118 engages the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of louver 102B. In another embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is attached to the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of a louver 102. In this embodiment, the gasket 118 engages the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of an adjacent louver 102.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of a cross-section of two louvers 102A and 102B in the closed position, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, a gasket 118 is attached to the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of the louver 102A. In this embodiment, the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 is shaped to receive the gasket 118 attached to the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of an adjacent louver 102.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a louvered roof assembly 10 including a series of louvers 102 with end caps 131 in a closed position in a frame 12, according to an embodiment. The number of louvers 102 shown in FIG. 8 is for purposes of illustration only. Those of skill in the art will understand that louvers 102 may be of any desired length and any desired number to cover a given space. Similarly, the frame 12 may be of whatever dimensions required to contain the louvers 102 of desired length, width, and number.

In an embodiment, the upper end 121 of the notch member 116 of each louver 102 is intended to engage the upper end 113 of the sealing member 114 of the adjacent louver 102. In an embodiment, the end caps 131 engage the frame 12 on the first ends 133 and second ends 135 of the louvers 102. In an embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 may be placed in the frame 12 to facilitate rotation of the louvers 102. According to an embodiment, gutters (not shown) are attached to the first ends 133 and second ends 135 of the louvers 102 in order to assist in draining the liquid that may be captured by the first channel 115 and/or the second channel 123.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the louvered roof assembly 10 of FIG. 8 in an open position, according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotated such that the louvers 102 are not engaged with the other louvers 102 in the louvered roof assembly 10. In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0 degrees to 130 degrees. In an embodiment, the louvers 102 are rotatable from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

In an embodiment, a user of the louvered roof assembly 10 can avoid dumping of liquid present on one or more of the first channel 115, the second channel 123, and the top surface 120, below the louvered roof assembly 10 when the louvers 102 are moved between a closed position and an open position because the first channel 115 and/or the second channel 123 prevents passage of liquid from the top surface 120 of the louver 102 to or beyond the lower surface 122 of the louver 102. In the illustrated embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 is placed in the frame 12 to facilitate rotation of the louvers 102.

In an embodiment, the engagement of the notch member 116 of a louver 102 with the sealing member 114 of an adjacent louver 102 when the louvers 102 are in a closed position creates a sealing arrangement that retards the passage of liquid between the louvers 102. In this closed position embodiment, liquid may travel from the top surface 120 of the louver 102 into the first channel 115 at the sealing end 110 of the louver 102 and into the second channel 123 at the notch end 112 of the louver 102.

According to an embodiment in the open position, liquid, sunlight, and/or wind may pass between adjacent louvers 102 to a space (not shown) below the louvers 102. In this open position embodiment, liquid that is present on or that intersects with the top surface 120 of the louver 102 will flow into the first channel 115 or the second channel 123, depending on the orientation of the louver 102. In an embodiment, at least one gutter (not shown) is placed at the first end 133 and/or the second end 135 of the louvers 102 to further control the flow of liquid away from the louvers 102.

In an embodiment, the at least one axle nub 132 and the at least one pin projection 136 are configured to attach to louver operating hardware 140. In this embodiment, the louver 102 may be rotated about a central axis, which central axis is defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub 132, up to 180 degrees between a closed, or sealed, position and an open, or unsealed, position. In an embodiment, the louver 102 may be rotated about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub 132 up to 130 degrees between a closed, or sealed, position and an open, or unsealed, position. In an embodiment, the louver 102 may be rotated about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub 132 up to 90 degrees between a closed, or sealed, position and an open, or unsealed, position. In an embodiment, louver operating hardware 140 may include manually functioning hardware such as a rod or handle, or mechanically operated hardware, such as a system operated by a motor, or any other hardware that a skilled artisan would understand.

In an embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 facilitates attachment of the frame 12 to the louver 102. In an embodiment, the at least one aperture 138 is configured such that at least one fastener (not shown) extended through the at least one aperture 138 engages the at least one fastener mount 124. In an embodiment, the end cap 131 provides structural support for the louver 102. In this embodiment, those of skill in the art will recognize that the at least one fastener extended through the at least one aperture 138 may be, by way of example and not of limitation, a screw, a rivet, a pin, or any fastener type suitable to secure the louver 102 to the frame 12.

These and various other aspects and features of the invention are described with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. This invention has been described herein with detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically different constructions, and that various modifications, both as to the construction and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appended claims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in the open ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated may also be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this document.

Claims

1. A louvered roofing system, comprising:

at least one louver, said at least one louver comprising: a notched end comprising a notch member; a sealing end comprising a sealing member; an upper surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end; a lower surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end;

wherein the notch member of the at least one louver is configured to releasably engage the sealing member of an adjacent louver in a sealing arrangement; and

wherein the sealing member is disposed at an acute angle relative to the lower surface.

2. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein the notch member of said at least one louver comprises a J shape.

3. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 further comprising a gasket attached to one or more of: the notch member and the sealing member.

4. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said at least one louver is raised in its center so as to form a first channel between the notch member and the upper surface and a second channel between the sealing member and the upper surface.

5. (canceled)

6. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein said at least one louver further comprises at least one end cap adjacent to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the at least one end cap is configured to attach to louver operating hardware.

7. The louvered roofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub.

8. The louvered roofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 180 degrees between a closed position and an open position.

9. The louvered roofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 130 degrees between a closed position and an open position.

10. The louvered roofing system of claim 6 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 90 degrees between a closed position and an open position.

11. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is spaced apart from at least a portion of the lower surface.

12. The louvered roofing system of claim 1 further comprising a frame, wherein said at least one louver is removably attached to the frame such that the at least one louver may move between an open position and a closed position.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The louvered roofing system of claim 3 wherein the sealing member is configured to accept the gasket.

17. A louvered roofing system, comprising:

at least one louver, said at least one louver comprising: a notched end comprising a notch member; a sealing end comprising a sealing member; an upper surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end; a lower surface extending between the notched end and the sealing end;

wherein the notch member of at least one louver is configured to releasably engage the sealing member of an adjacent louver in a sealing arrangement; and

wherein the sealing member comprises a rounded upper end.

18. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 wherein the notch member of said at least one louver comprises a J shape.

19. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 further comprising a gasket attached to one or more of: the notch member and the sealing member.

20. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 wherein the upper surface of said at least one louver is raised in its center so as to form a first channel between the notch member and the upper surface and a second channel between the sealing member and the upper surface.

21. The louvered roofing system of claim 17 wherein said at least one louver further comprises at least one end cap adjacent to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the at least one end cap is configured to attach to louver operating hardware.

22. The louvered roofing system of claim 21 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub.

23. The louvered roofing system of claim 21 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 180 degrees between a closed position and an open position.

24. The louvered roofing system of claim 21 wherein said at least one end cap comprises at least one axle nub, wherein the at least one louver is rotatable about a central axis defined by the central axis of the at least one axle nub up to 130 degrees between a closed position and an open position.