U.S. patent application number 10/267302 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for roof ventilator and filter.
Invention is credited to Mankowski, John P..
Application Number | 20030077999 10/267302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24412061 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030077999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mankowski, John P. |
April 24, 2003 |
Roof ventilator and filter
Abstract
A roof ridge ventilator with filtering device to be installed
under a cap shingle includes a one piece cover member of an
elongated shape including a pair of flaps, each flap having one
upper surface over which cap shingles are secured and also having
downwardly facing lower surfaces, a pair of vents respectively
secured to the lower surface of the cover member flaps, each vent
including at least one set of shielded louvers having openings for
deflecting air flow while maintaining a minimum free area for air
passage such that the air flowing therethrough is substantially
reduced in velocity to limit the infiltration of foreign matter.
Longitudinally spaced supports extend substantially vertically to
permit nailing onto the roof such that the vent does not collapse
during installation and such that the net free area remains intact.
A band of fibrous material positioned inboard of the vent to
further prevent foreign matter for entering the attic.
Inventors: |
Mankowski, John P.;
(Bigfork, MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE, LLP
2600 CENTURY SQUARE
1501 FOURTH AVENUE
SEATTLE
WA
98101-1688
US
|
Family ID: |
24412061 |
Appl. No.: |
10/267302 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10267302 |
Oct 9, 2002 |
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09602613 |
Jun 22, 2000 |
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6491581 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101; E04D
13/174 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 007/02; F24F
013/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A roof ventilator, comprising: a cover member including a first
surface over which shingles are secured and a second surface; a
first vent secured to the second surface of the cover member, the
first vent having a first set of louvers, the first set of louvers
being covered by the cover member when the roof ventilator is
installed on a roof; a plurality of supports extending from the
second surface of the cover member at a height substantially equal
to that of the first set of louvers; and a filter coupled to the
second surface of the cover member disposed between the center of
the cover member and the first set of louvers.
2. The roof ventilator of claim 1, wherein the band of fibrous
material is formed from coated natural fibers.
3. The roof ventilator of claim 2, wherein the band of fibrous
material includes a plurality of slits, the plurality of supports
being fitted into the plurality of slits in the fibrous
material.
4. The roof ventilator of claim 1, wherein one or more supports of
the plurality of supports include retainers extending from the end
of the supports and over the filter device.
5. The roof ventilator of claim 4, wherein the retainers contact
corresponding supports of a second plurality of supports, the
second plurality of supports extending from the second surface of
the cover member.
6. The roof ventilator of claim 1, further comprising a second set
of louvers disposed between the center of the cover member and the
plurality of supports.
7. The roof ventilator of claim 6, wherein the band of fibrous
material is disposed between the first and second set of
louvers.
8. A roof ridge ventilator comprising: an elongate cover member
having a first surface and a second surface; a first set of louvers
attached to the second surface of the cover member and disposed
along one side of the cover member, the first set of louvers having
a height; a plurality of supports extending from the second surface
of the cover member and at a height substantially equal to that of
the height of the first set of louvers; and a strip of fibrous
material disposed adjacent to the first set of louvers and the
plurality of supports.
9. The ridge roof ventilator of claim 8, wherein the strip of
fibrous material comprises natural fibers.
10. The ridge roof ventilator of claim 9, wherein the strip of
fibrous material includes a matting.
11. The ridge roof ventilator of claim 8, wherein one or more
supports of the plurality of supports include serrations configured
to grip the fibrous material of the strip.
12. The roof ridge of claim 8, further comprising a second set of
louvers attached to the second surface of the cover member and
located between the first set of louvers and the center of the
cover member.
13. The roof ventilator of claim 12, wherein the strip of fibrous
material is disposed between the first and second set of
louvers.
14. A roof ventilator for use on a roof having an opening, the roof
ventilator comprising: a cover member of elongated shape including
a pair of flaps, each flap having an upper surface over which cap
shingles are secured and having a downwardly facing lower surface,
wherein said cover member contains a longitudinal groove located
centrally between the two outer edges of the flaps, the groove
allowing the angle between the pair of flaps to be varied to
accommodate roofs with various pitches; and a pair of vents
respectively secured to the lower surface of the flaps, each vent
having a first set of louvers, wherein each flap includes: a first
plurality of supports spaced longitudinally on the flap and
extending from the lower surface of the flap, the first plurality
of supports being located between the first set of louvers and the
groove; a second plurality of supports spaced longitudinally on the
flap and extending from the lower surface of the flap, the second
plurality of supports being located between the first set of
louvers and the groove; and a band of fibrous material disposed
between the first and second pluralities of supports.
15. The roof ventilator of claim 14, wherein one or more supports
of the first plurality of supports includes a retainer, each
retainer extending from the end of the support and over the band of
fibrous material.
16. The roof ventilator of claim 15, wherein the retainers contact
corresponding supports of the second plurality of supports.
17. The roof ventilator of claim 14, wherein the fibrous material
comprises natural fibers.
18. The roof ventilator of claim 14, wherein supports of the first
and second pluralities of supports include serrations contacting
the fibrous material.
19. The roof ventilator of claim 14, wherein each flap includes a
second set of louvers located between the first set of louvers and
the groove.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to roof ventilator in general,
and more particularly, to a device and method for filtering foreign
matter from external air passing through the roof ventilator.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Roof ridge ventilators permit circulation of air through the
roof of a building to decrease the temperature within the building
and to allow for air circulation under the roof. Such ventilators
are also desirable for the removal of moisture build-up within the
enclosed cavity of the roof to prevent rotting of wooden and/or
composite members. Commonly, ridged roofs will have an opening at
the ridge communicating with the cavity. Ideally, the roof ridge
ventilators protect the opening from the external environment while
allowing air to freely circulate through the cavity.
[0005] Some currently available roof ventilators have external
baffles used to deflect airflow away from the vents of the roof
ventilator. That is, the external baffles do not filter air as it
flows through the roof ventilator and, moreover, tend to be
unsightly. In addition, other currently available ventilators use
adhesives to attach various parts of the ventilator. Using adhesive
tends to increase the complexity and cost of fabricating the
ventilator. Moreover, adhesives tend to degrade relatively quickly
over time due to the temperature cycling experienced by ventilators
when installed, thereby decreasing the reliability of the
ventilator.
[0006] One proposed ventilator to overcome these problems is set
forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,771, issued to Mankowski. Mankowski
discloses a ventilator that includes a pair of flap covers hingedly
connected by a hinge member integrally formed with each flap cover.
Extending at an angle from the lower surface of each flap cover is
a set of internal louvers (i.e., the louvers are under the covers
when the ventilator is installed on a roof. Each louver includes
openings extending there-through to permit the exchange of air. In
addition, the louvers serve to filter the air as it flows through
the ventilator. Although such a ventilator effectively vents the
enclosed cavity of a roof, of course, further improvements are
desirable.
[0007] One improvement that is desirable stems from recent changes
in some state building codes. In response to extremely severe
weather conditions, some state building codes have been amended to
require that roof ventilators prevent infiltration of foreign
matter into the enclosed roof cavity to which the ventilator is
attached. A ventilator as disclosed in the aforementioned Mankowski
patent meets such requirements for normal and even severe weather
conditions. However, in extremely severe weather conditions (e.g.,
hurricanes), that ventilator may undesirably experience water
leakage.
[0008] Thus, there exists a need for a roof ventilator that permits
the free exchange of air within the roof cavity at a relatively low
cost and with a high degree of performance and reliability under
extreme weather conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a roof ventilator
is provided. The roof ventilator includes a cover member having a
flap with a first surface over which shingles are secured and a
second surface. The roof ventilator also includes a first set of
louvers for deflecting airflow and reducing airflow velocity while
maintaining minimum free area for air passage. Supports and a
filter device are coupled to the cover member second surface. The
supports extend from the second surface of the cover member flap at
a height substantially equal to that of the first set of louvers to
minimize interference with the first set of louvers by the
supports. The filter device filters external air passing through
the first set of louvers.
[0010] In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the
filter device is a band of fibrous material and has a thickness
that is substantially equal to the height of the supports.
[0011] In accordance with additional aspects of this invention, the
filter device includes slits cut so as to be aligned with the
supports when the filter device is attached to the cover member.
The filter device is attached over the supports by the supports
fitted into slits of the filter device.
[0012] In accordance with still yet other aspects of this
invention, the roof ventilator further includes a second set of
louvers located inboard of the supports. The second set of louvers
have openings for further deflecting and reducing air flow velocity
while maintaining a minimum free area for air passage.
[0013] A roof ventilator formed in accordance with the present
invention has several advantages over roof ventilators used in the
past. First, the filter device minimizes the passage of rain,
insects, and dirt particles from entering the ventilated space
while retaining the compact size and low cost of the roof
ventilator. Second, the louvers deflect airflow while maintaining a
minimum free area for air passage, such that the air flowing
through the roof ventilator is substantially reduced in velocity to
further limit the infiltration of foreign matter. Finally, because
of its integrated design, a roof ventilator formed in accordance
with the present invention can easily be manufactured and
installed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof ventilator formed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial bottom planar view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
showing the filter device, louvers, and supports.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
showing placement and attachment of a filter device.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, showing alternative attachment of the filter device.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, showing other alternative attachment of the filter
device.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, showing yet another alternative attachment of the filter
device.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, showing alternative placement and attachment of the
filter device.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, showing other alternative placement and attachment of
the filter device.
[0022] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional end view of a roof ventilator
formed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, showing another alternative placement and attachment of
the filter device.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of a support of a roof
ventilator formed in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, showing sidewall serrations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a roof ventilator
20 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The roof
ventilator 20 includes a cover member 22, first and second louvers
24A and 24B, supports 26, and a filter device 28. Except for filter
device 28 (described further below), roof ventilator 20 is suitably
formed from a thermal plastic, such as polypropylene, or other
materials such as nylon, epoxy resin, polyurethane or other
plastics. Alternatively, roof ventilator 20 may be formed from a
suitable metal such as aluminum or sheet steel.
[0025] The cover member 22 includes first and second flaps 30A and
30B and a hinge 32 extending longitudinally between the first and
second flaps 30A and 30B. The hinge 32 is suitably integrally
formed with the first and second flaps 30A and 30B to form a
unitary body. The construction of the cover member 22 permits use
of the roof ventilator 20 on roof ridges of varying pitches and
angles. The roof typically contains an opening for venting the roof
cavity. The roof ventilator 20 may be of any length, but is
suitably four to five feet. In one embodiment, the roof ventilator
20 may be secured to a roof ridge by a cap shingle (not shown) by a
well-known fastener (e.g., a nail, screw, tack, staple or other
types of fasteners) extending through both the cap shingle and the
roof ventilator 20.
[0026] The first and second set of louvers 24A and 24B are suitably
integrally formed with the cover member 22 and include openings 34.
Each opening 34 permits air circulation through the roof ventilator
20. Further, each opening 34 deflects airflow while maintaining a
minimum free area for air passage, such that air flowing through
the louvers 24A and 24B is substantially reduced in velocity to
limit the infiltration of foreign matter. The openings 34 change
the direction of airflow through the roof ventilator 20, such that
airflow velocity within the roof ventilator 20 is reduced to
substantially zero under normal conditions.
[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the supports 26 will now
be described in greater detail. Each of the supports 26 are
substantially rectangular and are integrally formed with the lower
surface of the cover member 22, such that, in this embodiment, each
support 26 is substantially normal to the cover member 22. The
supports 26 are spaced at predetermined locations along the length
of the roof ventilator 20 to minimize their impact on air flowing
through the roof ventilator 20. In this embodiment, at least one
side of the roof ventilator 20 includes two rows of aligned
supports, such that an inboard and outboard row of supports are
disposed in space relationship on the lower surface of the cover
member 22. As configured, filter device 28 may be disposed between
the spaced inboard and outboard rows of supports. Although in this
embodiment, the supports 26 are rectangular in shape and extend
normally from the surface of the cover member 22, in other
embodiments, the supports can extend from the cover member at any
suitable angle or shape so long as the configuration does not
interfere with the roof ventilator 20 being properly mounted to the
roof.
[0028] The filter device 28 is suitably formed from various fibrous
materials, such as fiberglass, plastic fibers, natural fibers and
coated natural fibers. The fibers may be loosely woven, or may be
unwoven and held together with a binding material. In one
embodiment, the fibrous material is the same as that used in
SPEEDVENT vent products available from Northwest Building Products,
Madison Heights, Mich. The fibrous material may include a backing
or mesh on one or both sides to provide additional structural
support for the filter device to hold its shape. In this particular
embodiment, the filter device 28 is substantially rectangular in
shape and may be adhesively or mechanically fastened between the
inboard and outboard rows of the supports 26. As fastened between
supports of the supports 26, the filter device 28 extends the
length of the roof ventilator 20. The filter device 28 further
minimizes infiltration of foreign matter into the roof to which the
roof ventilator 20 is mounted, while still allowing ventilation. In
this embodiment, the filter device 28 is advantageously placed away
from the opening in the roof ridge so that the fibrous material
will not sag or otherwise fall into the roof ridge opening.
[0029] Operation of the roof of ventilator 20 may be best
understood by referring to FIG. 3. For clarity, this description is
for one half of the ventilator (i.e., the half containing louvers
24A), with the operation for the other half (i.e., the half
containing louvers 24B) being essentially identical. In ventilation
operation (i.e., when conditions tend to allow air to flow out of
the ventilator), air tends to flow from the roof ridge opening
toward the cover member 22. This airflow is typically caused by
convection and/or external airflow over the roof (i.e., the shape
of the ventilator along with the orientation of the louvers can
cause a pressure differential that facilitates airflow out of the
ventilator). In normal ventilation, air flows through the filter
device 28 as indicated by the arrow 52. The air passes through the
filter device 28 and then through the louvers 24, as indicated by
an arrow 50.
[0030] Because the airflows and pressure differentials involved
with ventilation are relatively small compared to those experienced
during extreme weather conditions, it is desirable that the filter
device impedes the ventilation airflow as little as possible while
still providing the desired infiltration protection. Therefore, in
accordance with the present invention, filter device 28 is formed
into a relatively narrow band or strip of fibrous material. In
conjunction with the internal louvers (e.g., louvers 24A), the
relatively narrow width of the band is sufficient to achieve
infiltration performance to meet current extreme weather building
codes while minimizing obstruction of ventilation airflow out of
the roof. In one embodiment, the band is about 1.25 inches wide,
but the width can be smaller or larger, depending on the density of
the filter material, louver performance, and building code
infiltration requirements. In view of the present disclosure, those
skilled in the art can determine the suitable filter parameters to
meet these requirements. The filter thickness preferably matches
the height of the louvers. One advantage of this embodiment is that
the louvers tend to filter out solid matter so that the filter
device will not become clogged. Under extreme weather conditions
when water may leak past the louvers, the filter device prevents
this water from leaking into the roof ridge opening.
[0031] In infiltration operation (i.e., when conditions tend to
cause air to flow into the roof ventilator), as air passes through
the openings 34 of the louvers 24A, this air is deflected upward,
following a course in the opposite direction of the arrow 50. As a
result, the free area through which air is permitted to pass is
minimized, thereby substantially reducing both the velocity and
infiltration of foreign matter of air passing through the louvers
24A.
[0032] After air passes through the louvers 24A, this air passes
through the filter device 28, following a course that is opposite
that of the arrow 52. The filter device 28 further reduces passage
of airborne foreign matter through the roof ventilator 20. As a
result, airborne matter within air passing through the roof
ventilator 20 is filtered out through the louvers 24A and the
filter device 28. As previously described, the louvers 24A and the
filter device 28 operate together to meet current extreme weather
building codes while minimizing obstruction of ventilation airflow
out of the roof.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of a roof
ventilator 120 formed in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated. The roof ventilator 120 of this alternate embodiment
is substantially identical in materials and operation as roof
ventilator 20 (FIG. 3) described above, except that roof ventilator
120 includes a retainer 136. Except for retainer 136, the reference
numbers used in describing features and elements of roof ventilator
120 are the same as those of roof ventilator 20 (FIG. 3), but
preceded by a numeral "1" so that the description of roof
ventilator 20 can be easily applied to roof ventilator 120.
Attachment of the filter device 128 may be had by a retainer 136
extending normally from the free end of the inboard row of supports
126. The retainer 136 extends outboard from the free end of the
inboard row of supports 126 to further assist in retaining the
filter device 128 within the roof ventilator 120.
[0034] FIG. 4A illustrates a roof ventilator 120A that is
substantially similar to roof ventilator 120 (FIG. 4), except that
roof ventilator 120A has a retainer 166 that extends to the
opposite support 126 (adjacent to louver 124a) instead of the
shorter retainer 136 (FIG. 4). Support 126A includes a fitting 168
that fits into a slot (not shown) on retainer 166. In this
embodiment, the fitting 168 has the shape of a tapered or angled
flange and is formed from a substantially rigid yet resilient
material. The flange is formed so that one side is tapered toward
the distal end of the fitting 168 but the other side facing cover
member 122 is flat. The resilient material and tapered side of the
flange allows the fitting 168 to be fitted through the slot in
retainer 166, while the flat side of the flange prevents the
retainer 166 from being moved away from support 126A. This feature
further aids in retaining filter device 128 in roof ventilator
120A. Further, this feature can advantageously eliminate the need
for adhesive to bond filter device 128 to the cover member 122.
Alternatively, the fitting 168 and the slot may be formed on the
retainer 166 and support 126A, respectively.
[0035] FIG. 4B shows another alternative embodiment similar to that
of FIG. 4A except that the retainer 155 does not overlap the
support 126A. Instead, in this embodiment, the retainer 166 is
formed as integrally with support 126 and is folded over so that
the end of the retainer 166 contacts the support 126A. In this
embodiment, a lip 170 is formed on the support 126A. In this
embodiment, the lip 170, the retainer 166, and the supports 126 and
126A are formed from a resilient material, such as a plastic or
polymer, that allows the retainer 166 to be bent over past the lip
170 after the filter device 128 is placed between the supports 126
and 126A. That is, the end of the retainer 166 is forced past the
lip 170 to be "snapped" into place, contacting and flush with the
support 126A. The retainer 166 together with the lip 170 serve to
hold the filter device 128 in place.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, a second alternate embodiment of a
roof ventilator 220 formed in accordance with the present invention
is illustrated. The roof ventilator 220 is identical in materials
and operation as the embodiment described above with the following
exceptions described below. Except for the second set of louvers
270, the reference numbers used in describing features and elements
of roof ventilator 220 are the same as those of roof ventilator 20
(FIG. 3), but preceded by a numeral "2" so that the description of
roof ventilator 20 (FIG. 3) can be easily applied to roof
ventilator 220.
[0037] In this alternate embodiment, a second set of louvers 270, a
mirror image of the first set of louvers 228a, is located in a
V-shaped configuration, such that the second set of louvers 270
extend from the base of the outboard set of supports at a
predetermined angle to intersect the inboard set of supports. In
this embodiment, the angle is about 25.degree., but any angle up to
90.degree. can be used depending on the height and intersection
point of the outboard set of supports. In this embodiment, the band
of fibrous material for the filter device 228 includes slits 248
that are cut to a depth that is substantially equal to the height
of the support, or deeper, or even all the way through the filter
device 228. The slits 248 run longitudinally and are suitably cut
at a distance spaced from each other equal to the distance between
each support. The filter device 228 is attached over the supports,
with the slits 248 fitting snugly over each support 226.
Alternatively, the filter device may be attached to the cover
member adjacent to or in the second set of louvers so that airflow
into the roof ventilator must pass through two sets of louvers
before flowing through the filter device.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a roof ventilator 320 formed in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
roof ventilator 320 is identical in materials and operation as roof
ventilator 220 (FIG. 5) described above except that the single row
of supports 226 adjacent to louvers 224A is replaced with two rows
of supports 326A and 326B. Except for these supports, the reference
numbers used in describing features and elements of roof ventilator
320 are the same as those of roof ventilator 220 (FIG. 5), but
incremented by 100, so that the description of roof ventilator 220
(FIG. 5) can be easily applied to roof ventilator 320.
[0039] In this alternate embodiment, the row of supports 326A is
formed on part of the first set of louvers 324A while the other row
of supports 326B is formed on the second set of louvers 370. In
this embodiment, the band of fibrous material for the filter device
328 is disposed between the rows of supports 326A and 326B. The
filter device can be attached to the roof ventilator 320 by
adhesive or mechanical fasteners. In a further refinement,
retainers (not shown) as described above in conjunction with FIGS.
4 and 4B can be added.
[0040] FIG. 6A illustrates a refinement of the embodiment of FIG.
6, with the supports 326A and 326B placed closer together. In this
embodiment, the supports 326A and 326B are about 0.5 inches apart,
although other distances can be used in other embodiments as
required to match the width of the filter device. The fibrous
material of the filter device 328 is placed between the supports.
It is believed that the two sets of louvers in this embodiment
allow the filter device 228 to be relatively narrow while still
achieving the desired infiltration protection.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a support 426 formed in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7,
support 426 includes serrations 480 along a sidewall. The
serrations 480 can have a spine-like, barb-like, spike-like shape,
etc., with sharp points directed generally toward the cover member
422. When the roof filter is assembled, the filter device (omitted
for clarity) is adjacent to and contacting the serrations 480 of
the support 426. The serrations 480 tend to allow the filter device
to move towards cover member 422 during assembly. In addition, the
serrations 480 tend to prevent the filter device from moving away
from cover member 422 by becoming enmeshed in the fibrous material
of the filter device, thereby helping to fasten the filter device
securely to the support 426. These serrations can be provided in
one or more of the supports of the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
3-6.
[0042] From the foregoing descriptions, it may be seen that a roof
ventilator formed in accordance with the present invention
incorporates many novel features and offers significant advantages
over currently available roof ventilators. While the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is to be understood that within the scope of the
appended claims, various changes can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *