U.S. patent application number 09/867950 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for ridge cap vent.
This patent application is currently assigned to Diversi-Plast Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Morris, Richard J..
Application Number | 20010024941 09/867950 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22344939 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010024941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris, Richard J. |
September 27, 2001 |
Ridge cap vent
Abstract
A ridge cap vent for enabling air exchange between an interior
and an exterior portion of a roof and a method of installing the
ridge cap vent are provided. The ridge cap vent is conformed to be
disposed between an upper ridge cap member and a lower member. The
ridge cap vent may be formed from a corrugated plastic material and
includes a multiplicity of air passages extending generally
transversely to a longitudinal axis of the ridge cap vent.
Inventors: |
Morris, Richard J.; (Prior
Lake, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
4800 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Assignee: |
Diversi-Plast Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22344939 |
Appl. No.: |
09/867950 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09867950 |
May 30, 2001 |
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09464923 |
Dec 16, 1999 |
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6267668 |
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60112620 |
Dec 17, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/174
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vent disposable on a roof proximate an edge of a gap, the gap
defined proximate a roof peak, the vent comprising a plurality of
hingably connected vent layers, each vent layer comprising: a
generally planar first ply; and a second ply, the first and second
plies joined to define a multiplicity of air passages enabling air
exchange between interior and exterior portions of the roof, the
vent being conformed to be disposable between an upper roof member
and a lower roof member.
2. The vent of claim 1, in which a pair of first plies are
present.
3. The vent of claim 2, in which the second ply is convoluted.
4. The vent of claim 2, in which the second ply comprises a
multiplicity of cross members extending between the first
plies.
5. The vent of claim 2, in which the second ply is disposed between
said pair of first plies.
6. The vent of claim 2, further comprising means for adhering said
vent to said roof.
7. The vent of claim 6, the adhering means comprising an
adhesive.
8. The vent of claim 2, further including a first hinge defined by
the second ply and one the first plies being severed generally
parallel to a vent longitudinal axis.
9. The vent of claim 2, in which a first hinge is defined by a
generally linear series of alternate intact and severed portions
extending generally parallel to a vent longitudinal axis, said
intact portions including generally intact first and second plies
and said severed portions including generally severed first and
second plies.
10. The vent of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sections
separated by a second hinge, the second hinge extending generally
transversely to a vent longitudinal axis.
11. The vent of claim 10, in which one of said plurality of layers
comprises a terminal layer and one of said first plies comprises an
exterior first ply, the second hinge being defined by a severed
first and second ply of the terminal layer, the exterior first ply
of the terminal layer remaining intact, corresponding portions of
the first and second plies of the other of said plurality of layers
being severed.
12. The vent of claim 11, in which the second hinge is defined by
completely severed portions of said first and second plies, the
vent further comprising a flexible member hingably bridging the
second hinge.
13. The vent of claim 2, further comprising means for fastening
said layers into a generally stacked relationship.
14. The vent of claim 13, the fastening means being selected from
the group consisting of a stitch, a staple, an adhesive, a heat
weld, an ultrasonic weld, a thermal bond, and any combination
thereof.
15. The vent of claim 13, the fastening means including a
stitch.
16. A roofing system, comprising: a vent disposable on a roof
proximate an edge of a gap defined proximate a roof peak, the vent
comprising a plurality of vent layers, each vent layer comprising:
a pair of generally planar first plies, and a second ply disposed
between the first plies, the first and second plies joined to
define a multiplicity of air passages enabling air exchange between
interior and exterior portions of the roof, adjacent vent layers
being hingably connected.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a ridge cap
conformed to overlie the vent and the gap, the vent being conformed
to be disposable between the ridge cap and a lower roof member.
18. The system of claim 17, in which the ridge cap includes a lower
surface of a lateral lip, an upper surface of the vent conforming
to the lower surface of the lateral lip.
19. The system of claim 17, further comprising a closure strip, the
closure strip displaying upper and lower surfaces, the closure
strip upper surface being conformed to contact a lower surface of
the vent and the closure strip lower surface being conformed to
contact an upper surface of the lower roof member.
20. The system of claim 19, in which the closure strip provides a
substantially airtight seal between the vent and the lower roof
member.
21. The system of claim 19, in which the closure strip accommodates
generally nonplanar portions of the lower roof member.
22. The system of claim 17, the vent further comprising means for
adhering said vent to said roof cap.
23. The system of claim 17, the vent further comprising means for
adhering said vent to said roof lower member.
24. A vent disposable on a roof between an upper roof member and a
lower roof member, the vent comprising a plurality of hingably
connected vent layers, each vent layer comprising: a pair of
generally planar first plies; at least one second ply; and means
for air exchange between the interior and exterior of the roof,
said air exchange means being at least partially defined by a
cooperation between said first and second plies, said air exchange
means enabling fluid exchange between the interior and the exterior
of the roof, said vent conformed to be disposable between the upper
roof member and the lower roof member.
25. A method of installing a vent on a roof with a gap proximate a
peak of the roof, the method comprising the steps of: providing the
vent, the vent comprising a plurality of vent layers, adjacent
pairs of vent layers being hingably connected, each vent layer
comprising: a generally planar first ply, and a second ply, the
first and second plies being joined to define a multiplicity of air
passages enabling air exchange between interior and exterior
portions of the roof, the vent conformed to be disposable between a
roof cap and a lower roof member; and placing the vent proximate
the gap.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of placing
the roof cap over the placed vent.
27. The method of claim 25, in which the vent further includes an
adhesive on an exterior vent surface and in which the step of
placing the vent includes placing said exterior surface so that
said adhesive will contact the roof cap or the lower roof
member.
28. The method of claim 27, in which the vent further includes a
protective member disposed over said adhesive and in which the step
of placing the vent includes removing said protective member.
29. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
disposing a closure strip between the lower roof member and the
vent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/112,620, filed Dec.
17, 1998, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to roof ventilating devices
and, in particular, the present invention relates to roof
ventilating devices made of corrugated materials used to ventilate
roofs with metal ridge caps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Insufficient roof ventilation can result in a prolonged
interface between still moist air and a colder surface. Moisture
condensation on the colder surface occurs when these conditions are
present. The condensed moisture often spots and damages ceilings.
In more severe cases, structural members such as rafters, truss
chords, joists and studs are continually damp and become unsound.
Buildings with insufficiently ventilated roofs also tend to be
warmer in summer months due to the presence of solar-heated air
trapped within. Because of the heat retained by inadequately
ventilated roofs, these buildings are more expensive to maintain at
comfortable temperatures than if these roofs were adequately
ventilated. However, when adequate ventilation occurs, air is kept
in motion by being circulated from outside the roof, through the
attic, and out through vents often placed at or near the roof
ridge. Such ventilation is continually necessary in order to
prevent accumulation of hot air or condensed moisture.
[0004] Various products have been developed to provide forms of
ventilation. These products either provide separate ventilation
structures or are themselves building materials with ventilating
properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A vent which is disposable on a roof is provided. The vent
is disposable proximate an edge of a gap formed proximate the roof
peak. The vent may include one or more vent layers. Each vent layer
may include a generally planar first ply and a second ply. The
first and second plies are joined to define a multiplicity of air
passages which enable air (or fluid) exchange between interior and
exterior portions of the roof. The vent may be conformed to be
disposable between an upper roof member or ridge cap and a lower
roof member, the upper roof member overlaying the lower roof member
when the upper roof member is in place. Exemplary second plies are
convoluted or may include a multiplicity of cross-members extending
between the first plies. The vent may further include means for
adhering the vent to the roof when the vent is installed thereon.
The adhering means may include an adhesive and the adhesive may be
covered by a protective strip before the vent is installed. The
vent may further include means for folding the vent. The folding
means may include a flexible member hingably joining a pair of vent
sections. The folding means may also include a hinge defined by an
intact first ply, other first plies (if present) and the second ply
being severed to further define the hinge. The folding means may be
further defined by a fold extending generally transversely to a
longitudinal axis of the vent. The vent may include one or more
layers. If a plurality of layers are present, the layers may be
fastened together in a generally stacked relationship.
[0006] There is also provided a vent operably disposable on a roof
between an upper roof member and a generally planar lower roof
member. The vent may include at least one generally planar first
ply, at least one second ply, and means for air exchange between
the interior and exterior of the roof. The air exchange means may
be at least partially defined by a cooperation between the first
and second plies. The air exchange means enables fluid exchange
between the interior and the exterior of the roof The vent may be
conformed to be disposable between the upper roof member and the
lower roof member.
[0007] There is also provided a method of installing a vent on a
roof, the roof with a gap defined proximate the peak of the roof.
The method may comprise the steps of providing the vent; and
placing the vent along the gap. The provided vent may include a
generally planar first ply and a second ply, the first and second
plies joined to define a multiplicity of air passages enabling air
exchange between interior and exterior portions of the roof. If
more than a single vent layer is present, adjacent pairs of layers
may be hingably connected. The vent may be conformed to be
disposable between an upper roof member and a lower roof member
underlying the upper roof member. The method may further include
the step of placing the upper roof member over the placed vent. The
vent may further include an adhesive on an exterior vent surface.
If the vent includes the adhesive, the method may further include
the step of placing the vent such that the adhesive will contact
the upper roof member or the lower roof member. The vent may
further include a protective member or strip disposed over the
adhesive. If the vent includes a protective member or strip, the
method may include the step of removing the protective member from
the adhesive prior to placing the vent on the roof. The method may
further include the step of disposing a closure strip between the
vent and the lower roof member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of an
exemplary roof including the ventilation device of this
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of the
peak portion of the roof of FIG. 1, depicting another embodiment of
the ventilation device of this invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the peak
portion of the roof of FIG. 1, depicting installation of the
ventilation device embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of two layers
of a first embodiment of the corrugated material used in the
ventilation device of this invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a single
layer of a second embodiment of the corrugated material used in the
ventilation device of this invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of four layers
of a third embodiment of the corrugated material used in the
ventilation device of this invention;
[0014] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b are perspective views depicting how
the material of FIG. 4 is fashioned into an exemplary ventilating
device of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of a hinge of the ventilation device of this
invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the hinged
ventilation device of FIG. 9 in a folded position; and
[0017] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the hinge of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts exemplary roof 10. The slope of exemplary
roof 10 is defined by angular structural members, such as rafters
12. Opposing rafters 12 join at an angle to form peak (ridge) 14.
Exterior or lower roof members of roof 10 overlaying rafters 12
include generally planar sheets 20 and an upper member, such as
ridge cap 22. Each sheet 20 includes first portion 26 and a second
portion, such as lateral lip 28, extending from one or both of the
lateral edges of sheet 20. Lips 28 of adjacent sheets 20 overlap
when sheets 20 are installed on roof 10 in this embodiment. While
first portion 26 is generally planar, one or more ribs 29 may be
present. Gap 32 is defined between upper edges of corresponding
sheets 20 on opposing slopes of roof 10 and includes lateral edges
34. The central portion of gap 32 is coincident with peak 14 in
this embodiment. Ridge cap 22 may be installed over gap 32. Ridge
cap 22 may define ridge cap peak 38 and include one or more lateral
lips 40. Sheets 20 and ridge cap 22 are usually fabricated from
materials such as galvanized metals and synthetic resins. The
galvanized metals may be prefinished. The synthetic resins may
include such materials as fiberglass.
[0019] FIGS. 1-3 also depict exemplary ventilation devices 50 and
closure strips 52. Vents 50 are advantageously disposed between
installed sheets 20 and ridge cap 22 along, or proximate, edges 34.
In FIG. 1, vents 50 are disposed directly beneath one or both lips
40 of ridge cap 22. A closure strip 52 may be disposed between each
vent 50 and installed sheets 20. Vent 50 is more fully described
below and functions to insure that air exchange proximate peak 14
between the interior and exterior of roof 10 will occur within vent
50. Closure strip 52 accomplishes this function by accommodating
the nonplanar contours presented by lips 28 and ribs 29, thereby
providing a substantially air-tight seal between vent 50 and sheets
20. Strip 52 may include materials such as foam rubber. Other
structures equivalent to strip 52 are within the scope of this
invention and include caulking, as well as other materials which
may be nominally conformable to achieve a sealable interface with
abutting materials having regular and irregular surface
contours.
[0020] Exemplary vent 50 of this invention includes at least one
layer of a corrugated material which defines air passages extending
generally perpendicularly, or otherwise transversely, to
longitudinal axis 56 of vent 50. The embodiment of vent 50 depicted
in FIG. 2 may include at least four layers. Each layer includes a
corrugated material more fully discussed below. The material
included each in layer defines a multiplicity of air channels
extending generally transversely to longitudinal axis 56 of
ventilator 50. These air channels serve to enable air (or fluid)
exchange between the interior and exterior of roof 10.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts two exemplary layers of this invention,
generally denoted as 60. Each exemplary layer 60 includes planar
plies 68 and 70 and convoluted ply 72. Convoluted ply 72 is
disposed between, and joined to (or otherwise cooperates with),
planar plies 68 and 70 to define a multiplicity of air channels
64.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, another exemplary corrugated layer
denoted as 78 includes planar plies 68 and 70, and a multiplicity
of cross plies 80. Each cross ply 80 extends between planar plies
68 and 70, thereby defining a multiplicity of air channels 82
therebetween. The multiplicity of cross plies 80 is an alternate
embodiment of convoluted ply 72.
[0023] In FIG. 6, four exemplary corrugated layers 88 are depicted.
In this embodiment, each layer 88 includes planar ply 68 and
convoluted ply 72. Planar ply 68 and convoluted ply 72 are joined
and cooperate to define a multiplicity of air channels 90
therebetween. When layers 88 are stacked such that convoluted plies
72 abut, abutting convoluted plies 72 cooperate to define another
multiplicity of air channels 90 therebetween.
[0024] Stacked exemplary layers 60, 78, and 88 may be affixed to
each other by such means as stitching 96 as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3,
8a and 8b. However, layers 60, 78, and 88 may also be fastened to
each other by such means as hot air welding (or other bonding means
using thermal energy), ultrasonic welding, infrared bonding,
staples, glue, or by other methods known to the art. In this
embodiment, vent 50 comes in two four-foot strips or sections 106
and 108. Sections 106 and 108 may be joined by such means as a
hinge technique (described below), folding along preformed creases,
or folding over pliable hinges such as flexible (duct) tape. While
one embodiment of exemplary vent 50 includes four layers such as
layer 60, 78, or 90, any vent with one or more such layers is
contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.
[0025] In one embodiment of the technique of defining exemplary
layers 60 of this invention, layers 60 are stacked after hinge
lines 98 are defined by the nick-scoring technique. The
nick-scoring technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,041,
issued to Kasner et al. on Mar. 10, 1992, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference, and the teachings of
which are meant to be included herein. In the nick-scoring
technique, a sheet of a corrugated material, such as described
above in conjunction with FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, is used. Individual
hingelines 98 and individual layers 60 are defined by a series of
generally linear perforations. In this embodiment, each perforation
substantially extends through plies 68, 70, and 72. Substantially
intact portions of plies 68, 70, and 72 remain between
perforations. After these perforation lines are formed, layers 60
are accordion-folded along the hinge (perforation) lines 98 to form
vent 50, as depicted in FIGS. 7a and 7b.
[0026] In another hinge-forming technique, layers such as layers
60, are stacked after hinge lines 98 are defined by the
slit-scoring technique. The slit-scoring technique is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,813, issued to Fiterman on Feb. 14, 1989, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, and
the teachings of which are meant to be included herein. In the
slit-scoring technique, layers 60 may be defined by slitting, or
slicing alternately through one of planar plies 68 or 70, and
through convoluted ply 72, leaving the other planar ply 70 or 68
intact. Intact planar plies 68 and 70 enable layers 60 to be
accordion-folded to form vent 50.
[0027] As depicted in FIGS. 8a and 8b, vent 50 may be further
defined by the nick- or slit-scoring technique, in which sections
106 and 108 are formed so that vent 50 can be folded for reasons
such as more efficient storage and transportation. In one
embodiment, sections 106, 108 and hingeline 110 are formed by
extending slice 120 perpendicularly, or generally transversely, to
longitudinal axis 56, through all layers 60, except for a terminal
layer denoted 112. In terminal layer 112, a single exterior planar
ply, denoted as ply 114, is left intact. Intact ply 114 is the
exterior planar ply of terminal layer 112 when vent 50 is
assembled. In assembled vent 50 intact ply 114 becomes the hinge
upon which sections 106 and 108 are folded along arrow 124.
Alternately, an entire terminal layer 112 may be left intact to
serve as a hinge, or a pliable member 122, such as flexible (duct)
tape, may connect two completely separate sections 106 and 108 as
shown in FIG. 11.
[0028] As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or both of upper and lower
surfaces 116 and 118 of vent 50 may further include adhesive 102 to
facilitate installation of vent 50 by readily mating upper and/or
lower surfaces of vent 50 with either or both of ridge cap 22 and
closure strip 52. A protective strip 104 may be present over
adhesive 102 during storage and transportation to the installation
site. Strip 104 may be peeled from adhesive 102 prior to placing
vent 50 into position on roof 10. In another embodiment, vent 50
may be bonded to closure strip 52. If vent 50 and closure strip 52
are bonded together in a single piece, they may be installed in a
single step rather than installing vent 50 and closure strip 52
separately.
[0029] While many materials having various specifications are
suitable, exemplary layers 60 may be made of a corrugated plastic
(resin) material with varying weight as may be appropriate to the
use. In one embodiment, a nominal weight of between about 140 and
160 pounds per thousand square feet is useful for certain
structures. The nominal weight may further be about 150 pounds per
thousand square feet. The plastic resin may have a 4.0 to 4.5
millimeter profile. The plastic resin may still further include a
profile of about 4.0 (+0.2) millimeters. The plastic material may
be black and may include ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors to enable the
plastic resin to better withstand extended exposure to UV light.
The vent of this invention may include a high-density polyethylene,
corrugated resin with a brittleness temperature of about
-103.degree. (.+-.50) F, a deflection temperature of about
.+-.162.degree. (.+-.50) F at 66 (.+-.5) pounds per square inch, a
bum rate of about 2.5 (.+-.0.5) inches per minute, and a
self-ignition temperature of about 734.degree. (.+-.500) F, and may
also merit a label of "excellence" for smoke density of a 9.3
percent average.
[0030] Exemplary vent 50 may be about 5/8 (.+-..sup.-) inches in
thickness, three (.+-.0.5) inches in width, and include two
sections 106 and 108, each section 106 and 108 being about 48
(.+-.0.5) inches in length. However, other dimensions are
contemplated to be within the scope of this invention according to
the structure environment, and materials selected for use. Because
numerous modifications may be made of this invention without
departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is
not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described.
Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *