U.S. patent application number 09/799966 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-20 for vent apparatus.
Invention is credited to Clark, Michael C., MacLeod, Mark T., Schiedegger, Charles E..
Application Number | 20010023173 09/799966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27042311 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010023173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schiedegger, Charles E. ; et
al. |
September 20, 2001 |
Vent apparatus
Abstract
A vent apparatus for cooperating with duct work associated with
an exhaust fan to enable air to be exhausted from an interior room
of a dwelling to the exterior environment. The vent apparatus
includes a base member and a cover member releasably securable to
the base member. The base member includes an attaching portion
having a plurality of locking portions, while the cover member
includes a plurality of flexible latching arm members which
releasably engage the locking portions when the cover member is
placed over the attaching portion. The attaching portion includes
an enlarged opening which enables air exhausted from an interior
room to be directed out between the base and cover members to the
exterior atmosphere. The apparatus is particularly well-adapted to
be used with vinyl or aluminum siding and is relatively inexpensive
to construct, light-weight and easy to install. In an alternative
embodiment, the apparatus includes a screen adapted to be secured
to the base member. The screen has dimensions which enable it to
fit within the cover member so as not to be visible once the cover
is installed on the base member. The screen prevents insects and
small mammals from entering through the base member. The screen is
secured to the base member via a plurality of locking arm members
which engage within openings formed in the base member such that
the screen can be "snapped" onto the base member without special
tools or external fastening elements such as threaded screws or the
like.
Inventors: |
Schiedegger, Charles E.;
(Metamora, MI) ; MacLeod, Mark T.; (Rochester
Hills, MI) ; Clark, Michael C.; (Columbiaville,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin S. MacKenzie
Suite 101
39400 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills
MI
48305-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
27042311 |
Appl. No.: |
09/799966 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09799966 |
Mar 6, 2001 |
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09288842 |
Apr 8, 1999 |
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6196915 |
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09288842 |
Apr 8, 1999 |
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09132272 |
Aug 11, 1998 |
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5947816 |
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09132272 |
Aug 11, 1998 |
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08554889 |
Nov 9, 1995 |
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5791985 |
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08554889 |
Nov 9, 1995 |
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08468191 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/367 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/082 20130101;
F24F 7/065 20130101; F24F 7/02 20130101; F24F 2007/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/367 |
International
Class: |
F24F 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vent apparatus comprising: a base member having a securing
flange for securing said base member to an exterior surface of a
dwelling; an attaching portion protruding outwardly from said
securing flange, said attaching portion having an opening and a
locking portion; a cover member having a securing member and being
of dimensions for enabling said cover member to be positioned at
least partially over said attaching portion of said base member;
and said securing member of said cover member being engageable with
said locking portion of said base member to secure said cover
member to said locking portion such that said cover member is
spaced-apart from said attaching portion to allow airflow through
said opening and outwardly between said base member and said cover
member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said securing flange comprises
a planar flange having a plurality of openings formed therein for
enabling said planar flange to be secured to said exterior surface
of said dwelling.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said openings comprise
elongated slots spaced-apart from one another about said planar
flange.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking portion comprises
at least one integrally formed shoulder portion protruding from
said attaching portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said securing member of said
cover member comprises a flexible latching arm adapted to
interengage with said shoulder portion of said base member to
enable said cover member to be releasably secured to said base
member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said attaching portion
comprises: a generally square-shaped, raised portion having an
uppermost surface; and wherein said uppermost surface includes a
plurality of corner portions sloping downwardly towards said
securing flange.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a screen interposed
between said base member and said cover member for restricting
entry of insects and small mammals into said base member without
impeding airflow through said apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said cover member comprises a
frame having a plurality of projecting locking arm members; and
wherein said base member includes a plurality of openings in
alignment with said locking arm members such that said locking arm
members can be secured within said openings to thereby enable said
screen to be secured to said base member.
9. A vent apparatus comprising: a base member having an attaching
portion having a securing flange and a plurality of openings
spaced-apart from one another along said securing flange, said
securing flange enabling said base member to be secured to an
exterior surface of a structure; said base member further including
a raised attaching portion integrally formed with said securing
flange, said raised attaching portion having a central opening and
a plurality of locking portions; and a cover member adapted to be
placed over said base member and having dimensions sufficiently
large to cover said base member, said cover member including a
plurality of securing members adapted to releasably engage with
said locking portions of said base member in a manner to secure
said cover member in spaced-apart relationship to said base member
to allow airflow through said opening of said base member, and
outwardly between said base member and said cover member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said openings each comprise
an elongated slot.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said locking portions each
include a plurality of shoulder portions integrally formed with
said attaching portion.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said attaching portion
comprises a generally square-shaped portion having a plurality of
corner portions sloping downwardly toward said securing flange.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said securing member of said
cover member comprises a flexible latching arm adapted to
releasably engage with a respective one of said integrally formed,
protruding shoulder portions of said base member.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said cover member comprises:
a central portion; and a downwardly sloping peripheral portion,
said peripheral portion having a plurality of openings formed
therein to further facilitate airflow from said opening outwardly
of said cover member to an external environment.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said base member is injection
molded from a thermoplastic.
16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said cover member is
injection molded from a thermoplastic.
17. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a screen
positioned between said base member and said cover member for
restricting the entry of insects and small mammals into said base
member without impeding airflow through said apparatus.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said screen comprises: a
frame having a plurality of projecting locking arms; wherein said
base member includes a plurality of openings formed therein so as
to align with said locking arm members to thereby enable said
screen to be secured to said base member in close proximity to said
base member; and said screen being completely covered by said cover
member when said cover member is secured to said base member so as
not to be visually apparent once said apparatus is secured to said
exterior surface of said structure.
19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said base member further
comprises a cylindrical portion positioned to extend from said
central opening for accepting a section of external duct work
therein.
20. A vent apparatus for communicating with ventilation duct work
of a dwelling, said apparatus comprising: a base member having a
securing flange and an attaching portion integrally formed with
said securing flange, said securing flange including a plurality of
openings spaced-apart there along to enable said securing flange to
be secured via external fastening members to an exterior surface of
said dwelling; said attaching portion including an opening and a
plurality of integrally formed locking portions spaced about said
attaching portion, said attaching portion further protruding
outwardly of said securing flange; and a cover member having
dimensions sufficiently large to cover said base member and
including a plurality of flexible latching arms protruding from an
interior surface thereof, said latching arms being operable to
releasably engage with said locking portions of said base member to
secure said cover member in spaced-apart relationship to said base
member to thereby permit airflow outwardly of said opening in said
base member and between said cover member and said base member.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein each of said locking
portions of said base member includes at least one integrally
formed shoulder portion for releasably engaging with an associated
one of said flexible latching arms of said cover member.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said raised attaching
portion of said base member includes an uppermost surface formed
generally in the shape of a square; and wherein said uppermost
surface includes a plurality of corner portions sloping downwardly
toward said securing flange.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said base member is
injection molded from a thermoplastic.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said cover member is
injection molded from a thermoplastic.
25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein each of said locking
portions comprises a plurality of integrally formed shoulder
portions adapted to releasably engage with a respective one of said
flexible latching arms to thereby enable said cover member to be
adjustably positioned in spaced-apart relation to said base member
in a first position and a second position.
26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said cover member comprises
a central portion and an angled peripheral portion; and wherein
said peripheral portion includes a plurality of ventilation slots
formed therein for further enhancing airflow outwardly of said
opening in said base member to an external environment.
27. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a screen
securable to said base member, said screen having outer dimensions
sufficiently small to fit within an interior area of said cover
member when said cover member is secured to said base member so as
not to be visible when said cover member is secured to said base
member, and yet sufficiently large to completely cover said
opening.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said base member further
comprises a cylindrical portion extending from an inner surface of
said attaching portion, said cylindrical portion being adapted to
engage with a similarly sized section of duct work of said dwelling
when said base member is secured to said exterior surface of said
dwelling.
29. A vent apparatus comprising: a base member having a securing
flange for securing said base member to an exterior surface of a
dwelling; an attaching portion protruding outwardly from said
securing flange, said attaching portion having an opening and a
locking portion; a cover member having a securing member and being
of dimensions for enabling said cover member to be positioned at
least partially over said attaching portion of said base member; a
screen interposed between said cover member and said base member,
said screen having dimensions enabling it to be completely covered
by said cover member when said cover member is positioned over said
screen; and said securing member of said cover member being
engageable with said locking portion of said base member to secure
said cover member to said locking portion such that said cover
member is spaced-apart from said attaching portion to allow airflow
through said opening and said screen and outwardly between said
base member and said cover member.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said base member includes a
cylindrical portion in communication with said central opening for
accepting a portion of an external section of duct work.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said screen comprises: a
generally circular frame-like member and air-permeable screening
secured thereto; said frame-like member having a plurality of
locking arm members spaced generally equal distances apart from one
another; said base member including a corresponding plurality of
openings for accepting said locking arm members and enabling said
screen to be secured to said base member such that said screen
cannot be readily removed from said base member; and said screen
having outer dimensions enabling it to be completely covered by
said cover member when said cover member is secured to said base
member such that said screen is not visible when said apparatus is
secured to said dwelling.
32. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: a cylindrical
member fixedly secured to said base member so as to extend
outwardly of said base member; a first length of duct work
permanently secured to said cylindrical member; a second length of
duct work removably secured to said first length of duct work; a
third length of duct work removably secured to said second length
of duct work; and said first, second and third lengths of duct work
having a total length sufficient to extend through a standard six
inch deep wall.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising an adapter member
for enabling said third length of duct work to be coupled to an
external length of tubing having a different diameter than said
third length of duct work.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject matter of the present application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/468,191, filed Jun. 6, 1995, and entitled "Component Soffit Vent
Apparatus", assigned to the assignee of the present
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to vent assemblies, and more
particularly to a component soffit vent apparatus.
[0004] 2. Discussion
[0005] A variety of vent apparatuses are typically used in
residential and commercial dwellings to allow ventilation of attics
and other interior areas of the dwelling. In the past, with the
bathroom areas of dwellings, it was common to vent air exhausted
from a bathroom via a bathroom fan through duct work into an attic
or other like area of a dwelling, and to allow the exhausted air to
escape to the external environment through one or more roof vents
or soffit vents associated with the roof of the dwelling.
[0006] Recently, building codes have been amended to require the
air exhausted via a bathroom fan to be exhausted through an
independent, dedicated vent. Hence, it is no longer permissible in
many cities to vent air exhausted from a bathroom exhaust fan
directly into an attic of the dwelling.
[0007] While various vent apparatuses exist which may be attached
to an exterior surface of the dwelling such as a soffit and
communicate with an exhaust fan disposed within one of the rooms of
the dwelling, such apparatuses have often been somewhat cumbersome
to install, expensive, or have added to the complexity of
installing vinyl or aluminum siding in the area surrounding that
where the vent apparatus is placed. In addition; many previously
developed vent apparatuses are not easily suited to be retrofitted
to existing dwellings when an additional interior exhaust fan is
added to the dwelling that necessitates an independent vent for
dedicated use therewith.
[0008] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present
invention to provide a soffit vent apparatus for use with an
interior exhaust fan of a building such as a dwelling, which may be
easily and quickly secured to an exterior surface of the dwelling
such as a soffit.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
soffit vent apparatus which includes two component parts, one of
which may be secured directly to an exterior surface of a building
such as a soffit thereof, and the second part of which may be
quickly and easily secured to the first part without the need for
additional external fasteners or complicated assembly steps.
[0010] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a soffit vent apparatus which may be positioned on a
horizontally extending soffit of a building such as a dwelling, or
alternatively, positioned on a vertically extending exterior
surface of a building, to enable the exhausting of air from an
interior exhaust fan of the building.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a soffit vent apparatus which is well-suited to enabling
the exhausting of air from an interior exhaust fan of a building,
and which further is of a construction which enables it to be
secured to an exterior surface of the building without complicating
the addition of vinyl or aluminum siding to the areas immediately
adjacent the vent apparatus.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a soffit vent apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and
easily constructed from conventional molding techniques, which is
light-weight, resists weathering and the elements, and which may be
installed on an exterior surface of the building with conventional
fastening elements such as nails or wood screws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The above and other objects are provided by a soffit vent
apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the
present invention. The apparatus comprises a base member having a
securing flange and an attaching portion. The securing flange
includes one or more openings for enabling the securing flange to
be secured to an exterior surface of a building via conventional
nails or wood screws. The attaching portion includes an opening of
a suitable diameter to communicate with duct work associated with
an exhaust fan disposed within an interior room of the building.
One or more locking portions are also formed on the attaching
portion.
[0014] An independent cover member is releasably securable to the
base member via one or more securing members. The securing members
preferably protrude from an interior surface of the cover member
and interengage with the one or more locking portions of the base
member to hold the cover member to the base member in spaced-apart
relationship to enable exhaust air exiting the opening in the base
member to pass out to the exterior environment between the base
member and the interior of the cover member. The cover member is
preferably of dimensions which enable it to completely cover the
base member, thereby providing a decorative appearance and
concealing the fastening elements securing the base member to the
exterior surface of the building.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the attaching portion includes an
uppermost surface having a generally square-shape and a plurality
of corner portions sloping downwardly towards the securing flange.
The downwardly sloping corner portions provide further clearance
between the cover member and the base member when the cover member
is secured to the base member, thereby enhancing the ease with
which air may be exhausted through the opening, between the base
member and the cover member, and to the external environment.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the attaching portion of the base
member further includes a plurality of locking portions, with each
locking portion including a plurality of integrally formed shoulder
portions. In this preferred embodiment, a plurality of securing
members are formed on an interior surface of the cover member. Each
securing member comprises a flexible latching arm which is
releasably engageable with an associated shoulder portion on the
base member. The latching arms and the shoulder portions thus allow
the cover member to be adjustably positioned in spaced-apart
relationship to the base member to provide an adjustable degree of
clearance between the cover member and the base member.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the cover member includes a
central portion and an angled peripheral portion. The peripheral
portion is preferably angled such that it slopes downwardly towards
the securing flange of the base portion. The peripheral portion
includes a plurality of ventilation slots to even further increase
the ease with which air may be exhausted to the exterior
environment.
[0018] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the soffit vent
apparatus comprises a base member which is securable to the
exterior of a building over an opening in the exterior surface of
the building. A screen is releasably secured to a portion of the
base member. A cover member is releasably secured to the base
member in spaced-apart relationship to the screen so as to enclose
the screen. The screen prevents the entry of relatively small
insects and other small mammals into the opening of the
building.
[0019] In the just-described alternative preferred embodiment, the
base member further includes a cylindrical member secured to the
base member so as to protrude toward the opening in the building.
The cylindrical member is of a diameter sufficient to accept duct
work having a diameter up to at least about four inches. If duct
work having a diameter of less than four inches is to be covered by
the apparatus, then the apparatus is able to be used with an
adapter member for mating the cylindrical member to the duct work.
Accordingly, through the use of the adapter member, the soffit vent
can be used to communicate with duct work having a diameter
approximately equal to that of the cylindrical member or less than
the diameter of the cylindrical member.
[0020] In each of the preferred embodiments, the base member and
the cover member are molded through conventional molding
techniques, and preferably injection molded, from a thermoplastic.
The base member and cover member each form light-weight, yet rigid
and strong component parts which are resistant to corrosion and the
elements, and further which will not splinter, crack or otherwise
show visible signs of wear over prolonged periods of time.
[0021] The vent apparatus of the present invention further enables
aluminum or vinyl siding to be more easily installed after the vent
apparatus is secured to the exterior surface of the building. This
is because the siding need not be cut to perfectly and completely
cover the securing flange of the base member, since the cover
member is preferably dimensioned such that it extends completely
over the base member, thus concealing the entire securing flange.
The vent apparatus is further retrofittable to an existing building
which already has vinyl or aluminum siding thereon without
requiring entire lengths of siding to be removed before securing
the base member to the exterior surface of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The various advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following
specification and subjoined claims and by referencing the following
drawings in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building in the form of a
residential dwelling having a vent apparatus in accordance with the
present invention attached to a soffit of the dwelling;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vent apparatus
shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base member of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the base member of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the base member of FIG. 4
taken in accordance with directional line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base member of FIG.
4 taken in accordance with section line 6-6 of FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the cover member of the vent
apparatus of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the interior area of the vent
apparatus of FIG. 7;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover member secured at a first
mounting position to the base member;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover member secured to the
base member in a second mounting position;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembled vent
apparatus secured to the exterior surface of the building and taken
in accordance with section line 11-11 of FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a soffit vent apparatus in
accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the various
components of the soffit vent apparatus of FIG. 12;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the screen of the soffit vent
apparatus shown in FIG. 13;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a side view of the screen shown in FIG. 14 in
accordance with directional line 15-15 in FIG. 14;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the base member of the apparatus
of FIG. 12; and
[0039] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the screen secured
to the base member, and also a section of duct work positioned
within the cylindrical member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a building in the form
of a residential dwelling 10 and a vent apparatus 12 in accordance
with the present invention secured to a soffit 14 of the dwelling
10. It will be appreciated immediately, however, that the vent
apparatus 12 could just as easily be secured to a vertically
extending surface of the building and is not limited to placement
on a soffit of a building. Thus, while the vent apparatus 12 is
referred to herein as a "soffit" vent apparatus, the apparatus 12
is securable to virtually any surface of the building where it may
be attached by nails or threaded screws.
[0041] The vent apparatus 12 is well adapted to communicate with
the duct work of an internal exhaust fan disposed within one of the
rooms within the dwelling 10. The apparatus 12 communicates with an
opening cut into the soffit 14 or other surface of the dwelling 10,
which is in communication with duct work leading to the exhaust fan
within the dwelling, to thereby enable air exhausted from an
interior room of the dwelling to pass outwardly through the duct
work in the attic of the dwelling 10 and through the apparatus 12
to the outside atmosphere.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 2, the vent apparatus 12 generally
comprises a base member 16 and a cover member 18 releasably
securable to the base member 16. As will be explained more fully in
the following paragraphs and in connection with the remaining
drawing figures, the cover member 18, when secured to the base
member 16, is positioned in a slightly spaced-apart relationship to
the base member 16 to thereby permit air exhausted through the duct
work of the dwelling to exit between the base member 16 and the
cover member 18, as well as through ventilation slots 20 formed in
the cover member 18, as indicated by airflow arrows 22.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the base member 16 includes a
generally planar securing flange 24 and an integrally formed,
raised attaching portion 26. The attaching portion 26 includes a
relatively large diameter opening 28 formed centrally therein, with
the precise diameter of the opening 28 being variable, but
preferably about 4.00 inches, to communicate with conventional
ventilation duct work. The attaching portion 26 is illustrated as
being generally square in shape, but may just as easily be formed
of a circular, triangular, oval or other rectangular shape if so
desired. The attaching portion 26 includes an uppermost surface 30
having corner portions 32 which slope downwardly towards the
securing flange 24. The attaching portion 26 further includes
sidewalls 34 which each include a locking portion 36 integrally
formed thereon. Each locking portion 36 is comprised of a plurality
of integrally formed shoulder portions 38, the function of which
will be described momentarily. The securing flange 24 extends
generally perpendicularly from the sidewalls 34 and includes a
plurality of spaced-apart openings 40 in the form of elongated
slots spaced thereabout to provide openings for nails, threaded
screws or other like fasteners to pass therethrough to secure the
securing flange 24 directly to the exterior surface of the soffit
14. The elongated shape of the openings 40 further provides a
degree of added adjustability when positioning the base member 16
during installation, as well as for allowing for thermal expansion
of the base member 16 once the base member 16 is secured to the
soffit 14. With specific reference to FIG. 6, the base member 16
includes an interior circular wall portion 42 reinforced by one or
more interior brace portions 44 integrally formed with the circular
wall portion 42 and the uppermost surface 30.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 7, the cover member 18 includes a
central portion 46 and a downwardly angled peripheral portion 48.
By downwardly angled, it is meant that the peripheral portion 48
slopes downwardly towards the securing flange 24, as indicated in
FIG. 2.
[0045] The peripheral portion 48 preferably includes the plurality
of elongated ventilation slots 20 formed around the peripheral
portion 48 to enhance the ease with which air may be exhausted into
the outside atmosphere. It will be appreciated that while the cover
member 18 is shown having a generally square shape, it could also
just as easily be circular in shape, oval-shaped or a wide-variety
of other shapes to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. It will
also be noted that the ventilation slots 20 are preferably omitted
from a portion of the peripheral portion 48. This is to enable the
cover member 18 to be installed on a horizontal wall portion of the
dwelling 10 without providing upwardly facing openings for water to
enter the interior area of the cover member 18. Accordingly, the
cover member 18, shown in FIG. 7, would be installed with the
peripheral portion 48a facing up to thus help prevent water from
entering the interior area of the cover member 18.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 8, the structure of the internal area
52 of the cover member 18 can be seen. A plurality of securing
members 54 are integrally formed with an interior surface 56 of the
cover member 18. The securing members 54 are further spaced-apart
from one another such that they reside along each one of the four
quadrants of the peripheral portion 48 and protrude outwardly
generally perpendicular to the central portion 46. Each securing
member 54 comprises a flexible latching arm 58 having a lock bead
54a which is adapted to releasably interengage with the integrally
formed shoulder portions 38 on the base member 16, as will be
explained more fully momentarily. Each of the securing members 54
is further supported by a pair of braces 60 which are integrally
formed with an interior surface 62 of each quadrant of the
peripheral portion 48. The cover member 18 is molded, and
preferably injection molded, as a single piece component from a
suitably high-strength plastic such as polypropylene or
polystyrene.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 9, the cover member 18 is shown in a
first mounting position secured to the base member 16. In this
position, the flexible latching arms 58 are interengaged with a
first one 38a of the shoulder portions 38 (FIG. 3), to thereby
position the cover member 18 in a first position at a first
distance from the securing flange 24. Pushing the cover member 18
further toward the securing flange 24 causes the flexible latching
arms 58 to engage a second one 38b of the integrally formed
shoulder portions 38, to thereby place the cover member 18 in a
second position even closer to the securing flange 24. The
interengagement of the flexible latching arms 58 and the shoulder
portions 38 are shown in cross-section in FIG. 11.
[0048] The vent apparatus 12 is secured to the exterior surface of
the dwelling 10 (FIG. 1) by first positioning the base member 16
over a pre-cut opening (not shown) in the soffit 14 or other area
of the dwelling 10. The securing flange 24 is then secured by nails
or conventional threaded screws to the exterior surface of the
dwelling 10. The cover member 18 may then be positioned over the
base member 16 and a slight force exerted on the central portion 46
of the cover member 18 to cause the lock beads 58a of the flexible
latching arms 58 to engage with the locking portions 36 of the base
member 16. At this point, the cover member 18 is releasably secured
to the base member 16. By releasably secured it is meant that the
cover member 18 may be removed by simply pulling outwardly on the
cover member 18 to urge the cover member 18 away from the base
member 16.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a soffit vent
apparatus 100 in accordance with an alternative preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 generally
comprises a cover member 102, a screen 104 and a base member 106 In
the drawing of FIG. 12, a three inch length of duct work 109 is
shown fixedly secured to the base member 106 such as by spin
welding. Two additional three inch lengths of duct work 108a and
108b are also shown coupled to each other and to the length of duct
work 109, together with an adapter 110 shown secured to the duct
work length 108b. It will be appreciated, immediately, that the two
lengths of duct work 108a and 108b provide for a total length of
six inches, which when added with the three inch length 109
provides a total length of nine inches, which is long enough to
extend through a standard six inch thick wall. The adapter 110
serves as a reducer to enable the four inch diameter section of
108b to be coupled to a three inch diameter section of duct work.
Thus, the sections of duct work 108a and 108b allow the apparatus
100 to be used with walls having varying thicknesses.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 13, the cover member 102 is identical in
construction to the cover member 18 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Accordingly, like portions of the cover member 102 have been
designated with the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 7 and 8,
but with the addition of a prime ("'") designator. The base member
106 is also substantially identical to the base member 16 shown in
FIGS. 3-6. Accordingly, the reference numerals for the various
portions of the base member 106 conform to those used in FIGS. 3-7,
but with a prime designator added to each numeral.
[0051] With further reference to FIG. 13, one difference between
the base member 106 (shown in FIG. 13) and the base member 16
(shown in FIGS. 3-6) is the addition of a cylindrical member 112
secured to an inner surface 114 of the base member 106 in such a
manner so as to project generally perpendicularly outwardly from
the inner surface 114. With brief reference to FIG. 16, the
uppermost surface 30' of the base member 106 also includes a
plurality of openings 116 spaced generally equidistant from one
another.
[0052] With further reference to FIGS. 13-15, the screen 104 is
shown in greater detail. It is a principal advantage of the
apparatus 100 that the screen 104 is able to prevent the entry of
small insects such as flies, bees, and even very small mammals into
the duct work 108. The screen 104 is manufactured by injection
molding a suitably high-strength plastic such as polypropylene or
polystyrene together with a section of conventional screen such as
aluminum or fiberglass screening, placed in the mold tool. The
resulting screen 104 comprises an integrally formed high-strength
plastic frame 104a having screening 104b molded in-between the
members of the frame 104a. Alternatively, the screening 104b could
be secured over the frame 106 by appropriate threaded fasteners or
even adhesives. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the
screening 104b could be secured to the frame 104a through a variety
of methods.
[0053] With further reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, and particularly
to FIG. 14, the screen 104 includes integrally formed locking arms
118 spaced generally equidistant from one another about the
outermost periphery 105 of the frame 104a. The locking arms 118 are
slightly resilient to allow for a small degree of deflection when
the screen 104 is secured to the base member 106. With specific
reference to FIG. 15, each locking arm 118 includes a ledge portion
120 which protrudes outwardly just slightly of an outer peripheral
edge portion 122 of the screen 104. An angled portion 123 on each
locking arm 118 also helps to allow the locking arms 118 to be
secured to the base member 106.
[0054] The screen 104 can be readily removed once engaged with the
base member 106 for cleaning. It is releasable in that it can be
disengaged with the end of a screwdriver or other like tool by
pressing inwardly on the locking arms 118 while lifting the screen
104 away from the base member. Thus, if for some reason it becomes
necessary to gain access to the interior of the duct work 108 or to
clean the screen 104, the screen 104 can be removed.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 17, the screen 104 is secured to the
base member 106 by aligning the screen 104 such that the locking
arms 118 are positioned over the openings 116 in the base member
106. A downward force in accordance with directional arrow 124 is
then applied to a top portion 126 of the screen 104 which causes
each of the locking arms 118 to be deflected radially inwardly as
the angled portions 123 each are urged along edges of the openings
116. When the angled portions 123 pass completely past the openings
116, the resiliency of each locking arm 118 causes it to snappingly
engage within its associated opening 116. Once secured to the base
member 106, the screen 104 cannot be readily removed or otherwise
uncoupled from the base member 106 due to the interfering
relationship of the ledge portions 120 with the openings 116. Most
importantly, the screen 104 prevents the entry of insects such as
bees, wasps, flies and even very small mammals through the opening
28' in the base member 106.
[0056] With further reference to FIG. 17, the cylindrical member
112 has an inner diameter sufficiently large to accept a four inch
diameter section of duct work 108 therein. Of course, it will be
appreciated that the cylindrical member 112 could be formed having
other diameters. However, a diameter sufficient to accept a four
inch section of duct work, which is common in residential and
commercial buildings, enables not only four inch duct work to be
quickly coupled to the base member 106, but also smaller diameter
sections of duct work to be coupled through the use of the adapter
110 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The cylindrical member 112 is
preferably spin-welded onto the inner surface 114 (FIG. 17) of the
base member 106, but it will be appreciated that it could also be
integrally formed with the base member 106 during a molding
process. Similarly, the length of duct work 109 is preferably
spin-welded onto the interior surface of the cylindrical member
112.
[0057] To assemble the apparatus 106, the base member 106 is
aligned over the section of duct work 108a such that an outer edge
portion 111 (FIG. 13) of the duct work 108a is aligned with the
length of duct work 109 and inserted into the length of duct work
109. The length of duct work 108b may then be coupled to length
108a in the same manner, and the adapter 110 then coupled to duct
work section 108b. The securing flange 24' is then positioned flush
against the exterior of the building with the assembled lengths of
duct work 108a and 108b, and adapter 110 extending into the opening
in the building exterior. The securing flange 24' is then secured
to the exterior surface of the building by nails or threaded screws
placed through the openings 40'. The screen 104 can then be secured
to the base member 106 as described herein. Subsequently, the cover
member 102 is secured to the base member 106 so as to enclose the
screen 104 between it and the base member 106. The apparatus 100
thus forms a compact, relatively inexpensive and simple to assemble
assembly which effectively prevents the intrusion of flying insects
and other small mammals into the duct work coupled to the apparatus
100. Importantly, the screen 104 of the apparatus 100 does not add
appreciably to the overall outer dimensions of the apparatus, its
cost or complexity of assembly.
[0058] The preferred embodiments of the present invention thus
forms a light-weight, relatively inexpensive and yet easy to
manufacture and install assembly which may be used to help direct
air exhausted from interior rooms of a dwelling to the external
atmosphere, or simply used as a vent. The preferred embodiments are
also each compact and can be installed without special and/or
expensive tools.
[0059] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should
not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to
the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings,
specification and following claims.
* * * * *