Wall Type Patents (Class 454/276)
  • Patent number: 11459747
    Abstract: Weep hole insert (10, 10) comprising a tubular body (12) defining an air flow conduit (14) extending therethrough, along axis (L), from a first open end (12a) to a second open end (12b) of the body. Grate (16) comprises a perforated body (16a) configured to permit air flow but to inhibit passage of embers and sparks. In an operative configuration, perforated body (16a) extends across the conduit (14). Elastically compressible member (16c) is engageable between perforated body (16a) and an interior surface of body (12) to releasably secure the perforated body in the operative configuration. When engaged between body (16a) and the interior surface of body (12), member (16c) is elastically compressed from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration by a distance of at least a wall thickness (T) of body (12) at its point of engagement by member (16c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: John Noel Flint, Lynne Patricia Oldfield
  • Patent number: 10856543
    Abstract: A rodent repelling siding for repelling rodents from entering a structure includes a siding housing having a wall side, a top side, a front side, and a bottom side forming an inner compartment. The front side has a plurality of vent slots extending through to the inner compartment. The wall side s configured to be coupled to an outside wall of a structure with the bottom side disposed on the ground. An absorbent insert is coupled within the inner compartment. The absorbent insert is configured to absorb a chemical repellant and release a repellant odor therefrom. The repellant odor passes through the plurality of vent slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Francisco Miranda
  • Patent number: 10584510
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SMART VENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 10473358
    Abstract: The present invention discloses removable air duct sealing systems for obstructing and directing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Such air duct sealing systems may include a support plate having opening extending through the support plate from a first side to a second side. Such systems may also include a flange with an interior surface along the opening extending away from one side. Such systems may also include a sawtooth connector operatively coupled to the interior surface of the flange. An exemplary sawtooth connector may include detents configured to catch a backside of a louver of the air vent grill to hold the removable air duct sealing system in place covering the air vent grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Corey Breed
  • Patent number: 10161156
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 10060126
    Abstract: A starter strip for through-wall-flashing of a cement-based exterior finish and hard siding includes a flashing membrane and a body. The flashing membrane has an inner surface that includes first and second inner surface portions containing self-adhering adhesive. The first inner surface portion is configured to permanently attach to at least one wall substrate. The body includes a first vertical leg having an inner surface attached to the second inner surface portion of the flashing membrane. The first vertical leg includes upper and a lower portions. The body also includes a second vertical leg and an outwardly and downwardly projecting leg extending between the lower portion of the first vertical leg and the second vertical leg. The outwardly and downwardly projecting leg includes first and second pluralities of spaced apertures, configured to relieve cavity air pressure and drain water from the body, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: TY-DAS BUILDING PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: P. Michael Collins
  • Patent number: 9758982
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9360230
    Abstract: The present invention discloses removable air duct sealing systems for obstructing and directing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Some systems include a support plate having an opening and a flexible connector having a catch and a tail, the catch for connecting the connector to an air duct system component and the tail for passing through the opening in the support plate. Some systems include a fastener connected to the support plate, the fastener being capable of interacting with the connector in dependence upon the positioning of the fastener. In some systems, the fastener has a catch capable of being configured in a position that prevents the fastener from moving in a direction relative to the flexible connector but will allow the fastener to move in another direction. Some systems also include a gasket for restricting airflow when the gasket is pressed toward the air duct system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Corey Breed
  • Patent number: 9353569
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 8448398
    Abstract: A vent includes an outer element including an outer perforated area having at least one perforation and an inner element having at least one perforation and a peripheral portion. The outer element and the inner element are separated by a distance to define a plenum between the outer element and the inner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Stockton Products
    Inventors: David Perez, Richard L. Alsager
  • Publication number: 20120295533
    Abstract: The disclosure first relates to a room comprising an inner space delimited by an upper wall, a lower wall and side walls, the room being provided with a ventilator, the ventilator including: an extractor operably extracting air from the inner space towards the outside of the room, arranged on one side wall; and air intakes on the other side walls. The disclosure also relates to a method for ventilating a room including an inner space delimited by an upper wall, a lower wall and side walls, the method including the extraction of air from the inner space to the outside of the room by an air extractor arranged on one side wall, and the entry of air via air intakes arranged on the other side walls. The disclosure further relates to an air intake adapted to perform the method above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL S.A.
    Inventor: GĂ©rard Alvini
  • Patent number: 8216034
    Abstract: An air vent cover system for mounting within a duct has a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The air vent cover system comprises a housing with an opening. A tensioning mechanism releasably maintains the housing within the duct by applying an outward force on two opposite walls of the duct causing the other two opposite walls to move inward against the housing. A non-pivoting, stationary grate is secured to the housing with the stationary grate having horizontal and vertical bars and the bars spaced from each other to maintain a child-sized hand from going between the bars. A cover grate is pivotally mounted to the housing and has a plurality of semi-circular slits for allowing maximum amount of air to pass therethrough. A latching mechanism secured to the housing and cooperating with the cover grate releasably maintains the cover grate against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Arlene Sona, Scott Herter
  • Patent number: 8087981
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing ventilation in a lower level of a building and for preventing mold and mildew from building up in an interior portion of such building while also preventing entrance of small unwanted animals. The apparatus comprises a frame member having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material. A screen member is engageable with the frame member for attachment thereto, such screen member having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and being formed of a second predetermined material. The apparatus is secured to the structure by one of masonry screws or is secured in new construction with bricks and brick mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Hoskins
  • Publication number: 20110312262
    Abstract: A pest guard vent cover may prevent the entry of large insects and animals into, but not obstruct the flow out of, the exhaust vent. A frame may have a rain guard, which terminates in pivot slots. A guard basket is pivotally and removably mounted within the pivot slots, so that it may pivot out and away from the frame for easy cleaning of dryer fluff. It may also be pivoted down towards the frame and attached to the frame by means of latches having angled flanges, which flanges catch the basket and releasably hold it against the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Grandmaison
  • Patent number: 8033900
    Abstract: A vent assembly for attachment to a fluid discharge conduit of the type connected to a clothes dryer, room exhaust fan, or the like is adapted to reduce or prevent the trapping of dirt or lint as well as flapping or vibration of the door in windy conditions. A mount having an opening is received on the conduit and a door is pivotally received by the mount. The door is operable for displacement with respect to the opening between an open position and a closed position when engaged by a fluid, such as air from a clothes dryer, flowing through the discharge conduit. A hood is pivotally mounted over the door and mount opening, and is operable for displacement with respect to the mount when engaged by the door and/or by fluid flowing through the discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: P-tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalvin K. Vanden Bosch, Brian R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8025263
    Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 8007352
    Abstract: The present invention discloses that outside air flows into an APU room by using a difference in pressure of the inside and the outside of the APU room during driving of a bus to induct a natural convection in the APU room and thus cool an air drier provided in the APU room, and is discharged from the APU room. Accordingly, an increase in temperature of air drier is prevented and the high temperature compressed air generated in compressor is subjected to active heat exchanging in respects to the outside while passing through air drier, thereby preventing formation of moisture according to a change in temperature of the compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Keeyoung Yang
  • Patent number: 7926770
    Abstract: A multidirectional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The assembly has trim member that press fits to a base member along an axis disposed perpendicular to the exterior wall. The base member has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and circumferentially continuous inner and outer walls disposed co-axially to one another and laterally projecting axially. The trim member has a facial plate disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis and a mating wall that press fits between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall carries a plurality of channeling features for cascading water on top of the mating wall. The mating wall generally carries a dam flange and preferably end dams for diverting water through weep holes in the facial plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David Bonshor
  • Publication number: 20100233953
    Abstract: An assembly for covering a grill of an air conditioning unit that fits through a wall comprises a rigid or semi-rigid cover having a top, a perimeter flange to which a flexible sealing material is affixed, and having sides, the top having four corner apertures for insertion of the cords. Four elastic cords have a hook at one end and having a barrel lock slideably engaged to a second end. The barrel locks of the elastic cords collectively urge the cover against the wall so as to create an air-tight seal between the cover and the wall. The cover is urged against the wall and prevents unwanted upward hot air flow and downward cold air flow in the winter when the air conditioning system is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Mavroudis, Bill Caporale
  • Patent number: 7740530
    Abstract: An air handling system with an air intake device is provided. The air intake device includes first and second air/water separators having a baffle device positioned between the two separators to redirect the air flow from the first separator so that it is flowing generally longitudinally of the air intake device flow passage. A heater is provided to heat flowing air and snow for collection on a second separator having a foraminous device for subsequent collection and drainage from the air intake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ruskin Company
    Inventor: Vahe Michael Astourian
  • Patent number: 7735790
    Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7722449
    Abstract: A security grill for a security institution has an air inlet face, an air outlet face, and zigzag channels extending from a point adjacent the inlet face toward the outlet face. The zigzag channels are defined by slats which are bent at least twice in alternating directions. The zigzag channels are divided into segments each having a cross-sectional width. The segments adjacent the air outlet face have a cross-sectional width less than any of the other segments along the channel. The slats are bent at certain angles which are larger than those of conventional security grills. Corners are created along each slat as a result of bending the slats in alternating directions. The corners are rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: E.H. Price, Limited
    Inventors: J. Paul Nowak, James Fehr
  • Patent number: 7707789
    Abstract: A crawlspace access panel assembly for covering a crawlspace accessway opening in a building exterior wall is provided. The crawl space access panel assembly having a substantially rigid panel member adapted to cover the opening and a seal attached around a perimeter of the substantially rigid panel. A number of fasteners connected to the substantially rigid panel for removably fastening the substantially rigid panel to the exterior wall, the fasteners being located only on a minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel to stably hold the panel to the exterior wall. When fastened the fasteners only on the minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel urge the panel against the exterior wall causing the seal to seat around the perimeter so that the substantially rigid panel seals the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Publication number: 20090239462
    Abstract: The replaceable foundation vent has a mounting frame and a plurality of vent components, including a screen, ventilation plate, and a slider. The ventilation components are removably attachable to the mounting frame using fasteners. The mounting frame has a built in lintel, the entire frame being adapted for permanent mounting in an opening in a block, brick or frame foundation wall. Overhanging portions of the frame lintel rest atop foundation wall members laterally disposed on either side of the frame. Additional foundation wall members can be disposed on top of the lintel to seal off the initial top opening. By releasing/removing the fasteners, the vent components can easily be removed from the mounting frame for repairs to the vent when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Maxwell R. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 7585210
    Abstract: A system for drying the crawlspace of a home, reducing mold in the crawlspace and in the living area of the home, and that creates healthy air exchanges in the living area of the home with fresh air from the outside. The Negative Air Supplied (NAS) crawlspace system implements multiple drying theories to efficiently dry both porous and semi-porous materials in the crawlspace down to moisture levels too low for mold to grow. The present NAS system also creates a negative air pressure in the crawlspace, which causes the airflow in the home to go from the living area to the crawlspace. This airflow pattern prevents any mold spores in the crawlspace from entering the living area of the home. The airflow created by the NAS system also forces multiple air exchanges per day in the living area of the home with outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Michael E. Yurcak
  • Publication number: 20090191807
    Abstract: An apparatus for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building. The apparatus comprises a first member having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening. A cover member has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material, the cover member is secured on a first side thereof to a first side of said first member. A thermal insulating layer is engageable with a second side of the first member for providing a weather barrier to cold air and pinch handles are disposed on the cover member for assisting in positioning the apparatus in such vent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: GINGER M. WOOD
  • Patent number: 7566034
    Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7556560
    Abstract: Air vent covers for attachment to crawlspace walls, over or into air vent openings, to enclose the air vent openings and seal them against the entry of air and humidity from the atmosphere into the crawlspace. The preferred air vent covers comprises rectangular panels molded from durable plastic composition, with a flat outer surface surrounded by a recessed peripheral border provided with holes for receiving attachment means for fastening the cover to a crawlspace wall. The preferred rectangular panels are also molded with a recessed inner surface surrounded by a projecting peripheral border, and the recessed inner surface is provided with projecting reinforcing ribs which extend across the width of the panels to reinforce the panels against warpage when they are fastened to the crawlspace wall. Alternatively, the vent covers may be hollow tubular elements of durable plastic sized to be frictionally-engaged within an air vent opening in place of an air vent to seal the crawlspace wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Publication number: 20080182504
    Abstract: A thimble that extends through an opening is a structural element comprising: a hollow body sized and shaped to extend through the opening; an exterior seal substantially extending around an exterior portion of the body that has a selected size and shape prior to installation through the opening and a different size and shape at a time after installation through the opening to substantially seal at least a portion of the opening against passage of moisture and/or ambient air between the opening and the hollow body; an anchor on one end portion of the hollow body to substantially fix one end portion of the hollow body to the element; and an interior seal sized and shaped to sealingly engage a throughpiece extending through the hollow body to seal at least a portion of the throughpiece to the hollow body against passage of moisture and/or ambient air between the throughpiece and the hollow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Ubbink B.V., a corporation of the Netherlands
    Inventor: Floris van Dijk
  • Patent number: 7258607
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air grille assembly for use especially with air conditioning and heating ducts, having a detachable grille constructed of a relatively thick material, such as wood, synthetic wood, vinyl or the like. The grille can mount against the structure and be coupled to a housing of thinner material that can fit in a standard-sized opening, and leave enough room for a standard-sized filter commensurate with such opening. Further, the disclosure can also provide an air grille assembly having a detachable grille with an exposed exterior frame with no movable or visible hardware, and can be removed from a housing by lifting the grille frame straight up or over, angling out the bottom and then sliding in the opposite direction. The grille assembly can be coupled into a structure's opening, and can include flanges to help ensure proper mounting without the use of special tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Steven C. Machiorlette, Jessie Figueroa
  • Patent number: 7128643
    Abstract: A removable ventilator is equipped to hold an air filter, the ventilator being designed for placement in a building foundation, for example between concrete blocks. The front of the ventilator faces away from the building when the ventilator is installed. The rear of the ventilator faces into the building when the ventilator is installed. At least one securing device is located at the rear of the ventilator, for securing the air filter to the rear. At least one manual handling feature is located at the front of the ventilator, for removing the ventilator from between the concrete blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ACI Air Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Beliveau, Frank V. Buonaiuto, Sr., Anthony B. Buonaiuto
  • Patent number: 7097557
    Abstract: An insulated crawlspace vent to provide airflow in a crawlspace in the summer and insulate it in the winter. An aluminum extrusion built as a picture frame is glued to the opening in the foundation of the crawlspace. An insulated door closes from the outside and is latched shut to keep out the cold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Frederick Kutschman
  • Patent number: 6875102
    Abstract: A moisture resistant wall vent for use in an exterior wall of a building includes a louvered front panel substantially in the plane of the wall surface whether the wall has a stucco finish, conventional wall finish or a brick surface. Alternatively, the louvered panel may be recessed from the front edge of the vent coincident with the finish of the exterior wall. Top, bottom, left and right side panels of the vent include laterally extending right angle flanges disposed proximate the rear edges to resist seepage of water along the vent into the wall. To mount the vent in a concrete block wall, a laterally extending T-shaped lintel is attached through slots (for the concrete block wall) disposed in the top panel and a laterally extending plate (if used) is attached through slots disposed in the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: John J. Achen
  • Patent number: 6746324
    Abstract: A combustion air vent for use with an extension wall of a building includes a louvered panel substantially in the plane of the stucco wall surface. Top, bottom, left and right side panels extend from the edges of the louvered panel for a distance substantially commensurate with the thickness of the stucco wall externally of the supporting wall framing. One or more bendable tabs are disposed in selected ones of the panels and adapted to be bent to secure an insect screen adjacent the interior surface of the louvered panel. Flanges extend from one or more of the top, bottom, left and right side panels. Fastening means secure selected ones of the flanges to the framing to retain the vent in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: John J. Achen
  • Publication number: 20040072536
    Abstract: A foundation vent cover having generally rectangular body having a flat outside surface, an opposing inside surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge. At least one leg is normally disposed along the left and the right edges, and a foot is disposed upon each leg. A plurality of apertures is defined between the outside and inside surfaces of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Shawn Charron
  • Patent number: 6688967
    Abstract: A molded insert for attachment to material of a cover intended for outdoor use to cover an article has a front face, a back face, and a plurality of openings through its thickness. Each opening has a larger area in the front face than in the back face, and is formed so that the bottom-most extent of the smaller area in the back face is higher than the bottom-most extent of the larger area in the front face of the molded insert, when the molded insert is placed in a vertical orientation. There may be a first region in the molded insert where there are no openings formed. Typically, a peripheral margin is formed around the periphery, and an upstanding wall portion extends forwardly of the peripheral margin at least in the top region when the molded insert is placed in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Masoud Mafi, Fabian Bortolotto
  • Patent number: 6669554
    Abstract: A hidden ventilating sill plate is fundamentally a new building product, installed along the top surface of the exterior perimeter foundation. It replaces the existing wood sill plate. The invention has a continuous set of air slot channels of a proscribed size perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, along its base, communicating natural air flow from the exterior to the interior of the crawlspace. The exterior side of the slot channels can open earthwards to allow the venting to be completely hidden from view, when the sill member extends out beyond the exterior face of the foundation and wall. The vent concealment feature also functions as a base to the siding and an integral drip edge. Insect mitigation is achieve by adding a mesh screen over the exterior exposed slotted openings. The preferred material for this invention is a plastic-fiber composite, allowing rot resistance, shear capabilities and, rapid extrusion or molding of the sill profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: John Tregidga
  • Patent number: 6620040
    Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture venting structure for use in the construction of walls. It comprises a sheet of wall construction material. The sheet of material has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side has a plurality of channels formed therein. The channels are constructed and arranged to interconnect at least one channel with another channel. The interconnected arrangement, thereby, allows moisture to move from one channel into another channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel F. Rehbein, David C. Larson
  • Publication number: 20030129940
    Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture venting structure for use in the construction of walls. It comprises a sheet of wall construction material. The sheet of material has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side has a plurality of channels formed therein. The channels are constructed and arranged to interconnect at least one channel with another channel. The interconnected arrangement, thereby, allows moisture to move from one channel into another channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel F. Rehbein, David C. Larson
  • Patent number: 6589112
    Abstract: A ventilation duct and methods of ventilation are disclosed. The ventilation duct provides a plurality of inner and outer sound absorbing members. The inner and outer sound absorbing members lying in separate planes with portions of the inner and outer sound absorbing members overlapping one another to inhibit the transmission of sound through the duct. The inner and outer sound absorbing members each including a longitudinal cavity filled with a sound absorbing material and having a plurality of sound transmission passages extending through the members to expose the sound absorbing material to incoming sound waves. In addition, the members may be shaped to have a reverse megaphone effect to further reduce the sound transmitted across the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Evan Ruach
  • Patent number: 6575826
    Abstract: Air vent for protecting the public potable water system against terrorism and sabotage. Conventional air vents allow the movement of air in and out of an enclosed reservoir structure but do not stop the penetration of liquids or solids. The present invention allows the movement of air but will not allow any liquids or solids to pass through the vent, even if these liquids or solids are being applied under pressure. This is accomplished by an energy dissipating arrangement of S-shape structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Tom H. Myint
  • Publication number: 20030027516
    Abstract: A molded insert for attachment to material of a cover intended for outdoor use to cover an article has a front face, a back face, and a plurality of openings through its thickness. Each opening has a larger area in the front face than in the back face, and is formed so that the bottom-most extent of the smaller area in the back face is higher than the bottom-most extent of the larger area in the front face of the molded insert, when the molded insert is placed in a vertical orientation. There may be a first region in the molded insert where there are no openings formed. Typically, a peripheral margin is formed around the periphery, and an upstanding wall portion extends forwardly of the peripheral margin at least in the top region when the molded insert is placed in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Masoud Mafi, Fabian Bortolotto
  • Patent number: 6431980
    Abstract: A vent assembly for mounting in a passageway extending through an exterior wall to provide ventilation to the space bounded by the exterior wall includes an apertured panel exteriorly juxtaposed with a security grate to prevent unauthorized intrusion through the exterior wall. Carriage bolts extend through the apertured panel and security grate into engagement with an anchoring element, such as brackets disposed in the passageway. In addition or in the alternative screws penetrably engaging the security grate may be attached directly to the exterior wall laterally of the passageway. The smooth surfaced head of the carriage bolts, coupled with the square cross-section of the shank adjacent the head mating with square apertures in the apertured panel and in the security grate prevent turning of the carriage bolts from a location external to the exterior wall. For further security, the louvered vent may be configured to overlap and shield the heads of the screws, if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Achen
  • Publication number: 20020069599
    Abstract: A vent cover plate system for the register of a ventilation system that securely and snugly fits over the register thereby blocking the flow of air from that register. The vent cover plate is releasably attached to the register by hook and loop fastening material, magnetic material and mixtures thereof, and can include a rectangular strip of rubber tubing insulation to provide an air tight seal. The vent cover plate system allows for the localized and selective control of airflow in a room or building. Therefore, the specific ventilation requirements of a room or building can be readily achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Narender Dhallan
  • Patent number: 6149514
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a vent cover (10) with an insulating sheet (11) bonded on an inside face of an outer sheet (12). A sheet (11E) which serves as a gasket is provided on the inside face (12A) of the outer sheet. A kit (14) is provided with a preform (10A) for the cover. The preform is cut around the insulating sheet and not the outer sheet to provide the cover. The cover provides good insulation and is relatively resistant to damage from handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Maury
  • Patent number: 6113488
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting ventilation systems with security grilles. A first step involves providing a security grille that is larger in size than an existing air duct to be covered by the security grille. The security grille has a flow area sufficient to permit a desired number of air exchanges per hour within a holding cell. A second step involves forming an enlarged plenum chamber where the existing air duct passes through a wall into the holding cell. The plenum chamber has a flow area compatible with the security grille. A third step involves attaching the security grille over the plenum chamber, such that the security grille is fed by a flow of air through the plenum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Safety Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Irvin Richard Tiede
  • Patent number: 5829267
    Abstract: An air inlet and damper arrangement. The arrangement comprises a system housing with an external wall having a fresh air inlet; and an inlet air enclosure located within the system housing adjacent the external wall and arranged about the air inlet. The enclosure has an aperture connecting the interior of the enclosure with the interior of the system housing; and a damper sized to cover the aperture and pivotable within the small enclosure between a position covering the aperture and a position uncovering the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Fromm, Walter Earhart, Jr., William A. Smiley III, Dennis R. Dorman
  • Patent number: 5791984
    Abstract: A process and system is provided for treating the air being taken into a building so as to remove moisture, especially snow, from the intake air. The system includes a series of air passages through the building; generating a flow of air through the series of air passages, wherein air is taken from outside the building; and, advantageously, reducing the content of snow in the intake air by passing the intake air through a mesh pad having a heating means disposed at its intake surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Mistop, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Kane
  • Patent number: 5759098
    Abstract: A one-piece air circulation vent for piercing and maintaining a ventilation opening in a flexible cover or the like. The vent includes a stiff, but resilient body structure which comprises a main panel member generally triangular in plan and defining convergent side edges and an apex facing in the forward direction. The main panel member is arched transversely of the forward direction and has a generally V-shaped slot formed therein including convergent legs generally paralleling the convergent side edges of the panel member. The V-shaped slot defines the main panel into a generally triangular central cutting section and a peripheral retaining section. The side edges of the central section converge toward a sharpened apex inward of the apex of the panel member. The central section with its sharpened apex is slightly deflectable relative to the remainder of the panel member. The rear of the body structure has a louvered rear panel to allow air circulation into and out from underneath the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Frank R. Jarnot
  • Patent number: 5727998
    Abstract: A vent cover assembly for a side vent of a recreational vehicle which includes a frame to be mounted at the vent opening and a vent cover removably retained within the frame. The frame has a planar main wall which forms a rectangular-shaped central opening and rectangularly-shaped and vertically spaced apart air inlets at each lateral side of the central opening. The vent cover is removably retained within the central opening of the frame such that a front surface of the vent cover is co-planar with a front surface of the frame. The vent cover has a planar main wall which forms a plurality of rectangularly-shaped and vertically spaced apart air inlets. The air inlets of the frame effectively form extensions of the air inlets of the vent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Krueger, Patrick N. McConnell