Vent apparatus

Abstract

A vent comprises a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway. The cover member has at least one first connector and at least one second connector spaced outwardly from the first connector. The first and second connectors operable to provide pivotal coupling to a damper.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/743,819 filed on 24 Dec. 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention pertains to vents. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to vents used in buildings.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many buildings have vents which provide routes for exchange, ventilation, circulation and/or movement of gas through the building envelope. Such gases may comprise air or water vapour, for example. Buildings may have ventilation systems, which take in "fresh" air from outside of the building and expel "stale" air from inside the building. Fresh air may be taken into a building or stale air may be expelled from a building through one or more vents. Some buildings incorporate other systems and/or apparatus, such as air conditioning systems, range hoods and forced air clothes dryers, which require gas flow between the inside and outside of a building.

[0004] Typically, a vent is associated with a conduit which conveys gas toward or away from the vent. A vent typically comprises a vent passageway in fluid communication with the associated conduit to provide a means for gas flow through the building envelope. Vents may provide a number of additional functions. For example, vents may comprise weatherproofing features to minimize the amount of moisture leakage into the building or the building layers. Vents may also provide aesthetically pleasing exposed portions.

[0005] There are many vent designs known in the art. For example: [0006] Canadian patent No. 2,062,907 (Sirjoo) discloses a vent incorporating an adjustable screw cap vent cover which extends outwardly from the external wall of a building and which is adjustable to permit air flow through the vent when the cap is open and to prevent air flow through the vent when the cap is closed; and [0007] Canadian patent No. 2,357,531 (Myint) shows a security air vent which allows for the flow of air, but which comprises a screen having S-shaped structural members for preventing the back flow of solids or liquids into the associated building aperture.

[0008] Some vents comprise vent covers which extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the building. Such vent covers may provide weatherproofing for the vent and may also provide desirable aesthetics. Vents and vent covers may be formed in a single unitary construction.

[0009] Vents are preferably sized and shaped such that they are easily mounted to the building structure and easily coupled to their associated conduits. Typically, a vent comprises a flange or the like, which is sized and shaped to engage its associated conduit. Where vents and vent covers are made from a single unitary construction, a separate vent and vent cover combination is required for each size and shape of conduit.

[0010] Vents may incorporate dampers to control the flow of gases and/or other materials through the vent. Typically, a damper is formed from a flat (i.e. planar) piece of material that is hingeably mounted to permit flow of gas through the vent in a desired direction and to restrict flow of gas through the vent in the opposing direction. Some dampers undesirably restrict the flow of gas in the desired direction.

[0011] Some vents (or vent covers) comprise screens. Typically, such screens are integrally formed with the vent or are attached to the vent using fasteners, such as staples, screws, rivets or the like. Screens help to prevent debris from accumulating in the vent and from potentially entering into the building interior. As screens are typically located near the outermost ends of vents, there is a considerable likelihood for a screen to be damaged or to weaken over time because of exposure to the elements. Replacement of a screen that is integrally formed with a vent component requires replacing the entire vent component and may require removal of outer building layers. Replacement of a screen that is attached to a vent component using fasteners requires removing and replacing the fasteners which can damage the body of the vent component.

[0012] There is a general desire to provide vents which ameliorate at least some of the aforementioned or other disadvantages of existing vents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A first aspect of the invention provides vents comprising a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway. The cover member comprises at least one first connector and at least one second connector spaced outwardly from the first connector. The first and second connectors are operable to provide pivotal coupling to a damper.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides vents comprising: a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway; and an adapter member which provides a through passageway and which is coupleable to the cover member at its exterior end and to a conduit at its interior end to provide fluid communication between the vent passageway and the conduit. The cover member comprises a plurality of first hook members and the adapter member comprises a plurality of second hook members engageable with the first hook members for coupling the adapter member to the cover member.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention provides vents comprising: a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway; an adapter member which provides a through passageway and which is coupleable to the cover member at its exterior end and to a conduit at its interior end to provide fluid communication between the vent passageway and the conduit; and a screen which is pivotally coupled to a first connector of the cover member and which is pivotable to a first position where the screen spans the vent passageway and a second position where the screen allows access to the vent passageway.

[0016] Further aspects of the invention, features of specific embodiments of the invention and applications of the invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In drawings which depict non-limiting embodiments of the invention:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a vent according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 vent installed in the pitched roof of a building;

[0020] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the screen of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0021] FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a vent screen according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross sectional views depicting the mounting of the screen to the cover member of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0023] FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view depicting the mounting of an alternative screen to the cover member of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0024] FIG. 4D is a partial cross-sectional view depicting an alternative mechanism for mounting the screen to the cover member of a vent according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B are respectively cross sectional and bottom views of the damper of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 vent showing detail of the damper;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter member of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0028] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the adapter member of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view depicting the attachment of the adapter member to the cover member of the FIG. 1 vent;

[0030] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a vent according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 vent installed in an angled roof of a building;

[0032] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the screen of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0033] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the cover member and adapter member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0034] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a damper suitable for use with the FIG. 10 vent;

[0035] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0036] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0037] FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover member of FIG. 16A;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent with a damper coupled to its interior hinge connectors;

[0039] FIG. 18 is another isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0040] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent with a damper coupled to its exterior hinge connectors;

[0041] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the adapter member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0042] FIG. 21A is another partial cross-sectional view of the cover member and adapter member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0043] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover member and adapter member of FIG. 21A;

[0044] FIG. 22 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view depicting the attachment of the adapter member to the cover member of the FIG. 10 vent;

[0045] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a vent according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 24A is an isometric view of the adapter member of the FIG. 23 vent;

[0047] FIG. 24B is an enlarged view of a portion of the adapter member of FIG. 24A;

[0048] FIG. 25 a cross-sectional view of the cover member and the adapter member of the FIG. 23 vent;

[0049] FIG. 26 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view depicting the attachment of the adapter member to the cover member of the FIG. 23 vent;

[0050] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the FIG. 23 vent being used as a soffit vent;

[0051] FIG. 28A is an isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 27 vent;

[0052] FIG. 28B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover member of FIG. 28A;

[0053] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the damper of the FIG. 27 vent;

[0054] FIG. 30A is an isometric view of the cover member of the FIG. 27 vent which has been modified to provide damper stoppers; and

[0055] FIG. 30B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover member of FIG. 30A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0057] Vents which provide routes for the exchange of air or other gases through a building envelope are disclosed herein. Typically, a vent is mounted to provide a passageway through the building envelope (i.e. the walls or roof). The interior end of the vent may be coupled to a conduit, which may generally comprise any aperture, duct, passageway, flume, spout, hose, tube, pipe, channel or the like. Typical examples of conduits include, but are not limited to, air ducts for moving air within a building's heating, cooling or ventilation systems and exhaust hoses from forced-air clothes dryers and/or air conditioning systems.

[0058] Vents according to preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a cover member which has a cover member surface that defines at least a portion of a vent passageway. A vent may also comprise a adapter member that provides a through passageway. The exterior end of the adapter member may be coupleable to the cover member and the interior end of the adapter member may be coupleable to a conduit to provide fluid communication between the vent passageway and the conduit. The vent may comprise a screen which spans the vent passageway. The screen is preferably removably coupleable to the cover member at or near the outward end of the vent passageway. In some embodiments, the screen is removably coupleable to the cover member using snap-together fittings. Such snap-together fittings may permit pivotal motion of the screen with respect to the cover member. The vent may also comprise a damper which is hingeably coupleable to the cover member surface, preferably within the vent passageway. The damper may be pivotable between a closed configuration where the damper spans the vent passageway to substantially reduce an inward flow of gas therethrough and an open configuration, where gas is permitted to flow through the vent passageway.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cover member comprises a plurality of sets of connectors, each set of connectors capable of providing pivotal coupling to a damper at one of a plurality of different locations to thereby facilitate adjustment of an orientation of the damper with respect to the cover member. In different applications of the vent, different damper orientations provide better water shedding characteristics. A user can select the damper orientation that provides the desired water shedding characteristics. The cover member may comprise one or more flanges, walls or channels for diverting moisture away from an aperture at or near the inward end of the vent passageway. Such flanges walls and channels may cooperate with corresponding channels on the damper which also help to divert moisture.

[0060] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a vent 11 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. As shown most effectively in FIG. 2, vent 11 comprises: a cover member 12, a damper 13, an adapter member 14 and a screen 16. Cover member 12, damper 13 and adapter member 14 may be made of plastic, for example. Screen 16 may be metallic or plastic.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any vent described herein and any of its components may be constructed from any of, or any suitable combination of, a wide variety of suitable materials.

[0062] FIG. 2 depicts vent 11 installed in the roof 22 of a building 24. In the illustrated embodiment, roof 22 is pitched at an angle. Vents embodying the inventive concepts of the present invention may generally be installed in any building surface. For example, vent 11 may also be installed in a roof having a substantially horizontal orientation or a wall having a different angular orientation. Building 24 has a conduit 30 defined by wall portions 28A, 28B. Cover member 12 comprises a substantially hollow body having a cover member surface 69 which defines a vent passageway 36. As shown in FIG. 2, vent passageway 36 extends from an interior end 31 to an exterior end 34 of cover member 12.

[0063] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict a vent 211 according to another embodiment of the invention. In some respects, vent 211 is similar to vent 11. As shown most effectively in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, vent 211 comprises: a cover member 212, a damper 213, an adapter member 214 and a screen 216. The components of vent 211 may be made of plastic, for example.

[0064] FIG. 11 depicts vent 211 installed in an angled roof 222 of a building 224. As with vent 11, vent 211 may generally be installed in any building surface. For example, vent 211 may also be installed in flat roof or in a wall having a different angled orientation or a substantially vertical orientation. In the FIG. 11 depiction, adapter member 214 of vent 211 is coupled to a building conduit 230 defined by wall portions 228A, 228B on an interior side of roof 222. Cover member 212 comprises a cover member surface 269 which at least partially defines a vent passageway 236 extending from an interior end 231 to an exterior end 234 of cover member 212. Vent passageway 236 together with adapter member 214 provide fluid communication between building conduit 230 on the interior of building 224 and the exterior of building 224.

[0065] This description and the accompanying claims use a number of directional conventions to clarify their meaning: [0066] (i) "outward", "outwardly", "outwardmost", "exterior" and similar words are used to refer to directions that are generally oriented from an interior end 31, 231, toward an exterior end 34, 234 of vent passageway 36, 236 or from an interior toward an exterior of building 22, 222 (see for example arrow 56 of FIG. 2 and arrow 256 of FIG. 11); [0067] (ii) "inward", "inwardly", "inwardmost", "interior" and similar words are used to refer to directions that are generally oriented from an exterior end 34, 234, toward an interior end 31, 231 of vent passageway 36, 236 or from an exterior toward an interior of building 22, 222 (see for example arrow 58 of FIG. 2 and arrow 258 of FIG. 11); and [0068] (iii) "transverse", "transversely", "side", "sideways" and similar words refer to any direction that extends along the building surface in which vents 11, 211 are mounted. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, vent 11 is mounted in pitched roof 22 and double headed arrow 60 indicates two examples of transverse directions. In the FIG. 11 embodiment, double headed arrow 260 indicates two examples of transverse directions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these definitions of directional terms used in this description and the accompanying claims depend on the specific orientation of vents 11, 211 and the building surface in which vents 11, 211 are mounted. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0069] FIG. 2 depicts vent 11 installed in pitched roof 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cover member 12 comprises a mounting flange 38 which extends transversely from an interior end of cover member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting flange 38 extends between exterior roof layer 40 and interior roof layer 42. Preferably, cover member 12 is installed when roof 22 is being built, such that mounting flange 38 may be installed in roof 22 after the application of interior roof layer 42, but prior to the application of exterior roof layer 40. Mounting flange 38 may be attached to interior roof layer 42 using an adhesive and/or fasteners (not shown). Suitable fasteners may include nails, screws, staples or the like. In alternative embodiments, mounting flange 38 may be attached to the exterior or interior surface of roof layer 40 and/or roof layer 42 during or after fabrication of roof 22.

[0070] Vent 11 comprises a screen 16. FIG. 3A shows a screen 16 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, screen 16 comprises a grid 44 of material which defines a plurality of rectangular screen apertures 46. In alternative embodiments, screen 16 may comprise screen apertures 46 with different shapes. Screen apertures 46 have a smaller cross-sectional area than vent passageway 36 and conduit 30. Preferably, the material from which screen 16 is formed is deformable and at least somewhat resilient, such that screen 16 may be deformed for installation or removal as discussed below. Screen 16 comprises a number of surfaces 62, 64, 66, 68 which are respectively connected by bends 48, 50 and 52. For ease of explanation, surfaces 62, 64, 66, 68 are referred to herein as: first surface 62, second surface 64, third surface 66 and fourth surface 68; and bends 48, 50, 52 are referred to as: first bend 48, second bend 50 and third bend 52. Preferably, first, second and fourth surfaces 62, 64, 68 are substantially planar when screen 16 is in its nominal (i.e. non-deformed) state.

[0071] Third surface 66 forms the main part of screen 16 and has an area that is preferably five to twenty-five times larger than the area of each of the first, second and fourth surfaces 62, 64, 68. When screen 16 is installed in cover member 12, third surface 64 spans vent passageway 36 to help prevent debris from intruding through vent passageway 36 and into building 24.

[0072] One end of screen 16 comprises a "Z-shaped segment" 65, which comprises first bend 48 (between first surface 62 and second surface 64) and second bend 50 (between second surface 64 and third surface 66). Typically, first bend 48 will have an interior angle .THETA..sub.1 in a range of 10-60.degree. in its nominal state. In preferred embodiments, the nominal state of interior angle .THETA..sub.1 may be in a range of 15-45.degree.. Typically, second bend 50 will have an interior angle .THETA..sub.2 in a range of 10-120.degree. in its nominal state. In preferred embodiments, the nominal state of interior angle .THETA..sub.2 may be in a range of 30-90.degree.. Screen 16 also comprises a third bend 52 between third surface 66 and fourth surface 68. Third bend 52 typically has an interior angle .THETA..sub.3 in the range of 30-120.degree. in its nominal state. In preferred embodiments, the nominal state of interior angle .THETA..sub.1 may be in a range of 45-90.degree.. As explained in more detail below, bends 48, 50, 52 and surfaces 62, 64, 66, 68 permit screen 16 to be mounted to cover member 12 without using separate fasteners.

[0073] FIGS. 2, 3A, 4A and 4B depict how screen 16 may be removably mounted to cover member 12 without using separate fasteners. When installed, screen 16 spans vent passageway 36.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4B, cover member surface 69 comprises a protrusion 74 which projects into vent passageway 36. Protrusion 74 comprises a pair of sides 76, 78 which meet at apex 82. Although depicted as a sharp corner, the intersection of sides 76, 78 at apex 82 may be rounded. As shown best in FIG. 4B, screen 16 is installed such that first bend 48 receives protrusion 74 with apex 82 extending into an interior of first bend 48. At least a portion of first surface 62 extends along side 76 and at least a portion of second surface 64 extends along side 78. Preferably, the angle .THETA..sub.4 between sides 76, 78 of protrusion 74 is slightly larger than the nominal state of the interior angle .THETA..sub.1 of first bend 48 (see FIG. 3). In this manner, when screen 16 is installed, first bend 48 is deformed, such that first and second surfaces 62, 64 tend to exert pressure against sides 76, 78 of protrusion 74. The pressure exerted by first and second surfaces 62, 64 on protrusion 74 helps to secure screen 16 to cover member 12. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4B, a user may crimp (i.e. permanently deform) an overhanging distal end portion 80 of first surface 62. Crimping distal end portion 80 provides an additional means for securing screen 16 to protrusion 74.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4A, cover member surface 69 comprises a portion 70 on an opposite side of vent passageway 36 from protrusion 74. Screen 16 is installed such that fourth surface 68 extends along portion 70 of cover member surface 69. A shown best in FIG. 4B, portion 70 comprises at least one projection 72 which extends through a screen aperture 46 in fourth surface 68. Preferably, when installed, fourth surface 68 is slightly compressed towards third surface 66 (i.e. angle .THETA..sub.3 of third bend 52 is compressed). This compression of screen 16 causes fourth surface 68 to apply resilient pressure against portion 70 of cover member surface 69 and/or against projection 72. Although not shown in the illustrated views, cover member 12 preferably comprises a plurality of projections 72 which are located at spaced-apart intervals across portion 70 of cover member surface 69. Each of the plurality of projections 72 extends from portion 70 and projects through a corresponding screen aperture 46 in fourth surface 68.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, projections 72 each have one surface 49 which is oriented at substantially right angles to portion 70 of cover member surface 69 and a second surface 51 which forms a non-orthogonal angle with portion 70 of cover member surface 69. This shape of projections 72 facilitates easy installation and removal of screen 16. In other embodiments, projections 72 may have other shapes. For example, projections 72 may be bent or hook-shaped to help retain screen 16 in place once installed, all of the surfaces of projections 72 that abut portion 70 may be oriented at substantially right angles to portion 70 or all of the surfaces of projection 70 that abut portion 70 may be oriented at non-orthogonal angles to portion 70.

[0077] Screen 16 may be mounted to cover member 12 by installing one end of screen 16 and deforming screen 16 so that the other end of screen 16 may be installed. For example, a person may install fourth surface 68 against portion 70 of cover member surface 69 with projections 72 extending through screen apertures 46 and then deform screen 16 until protrusion 74 is received in first bend 48. Alternatively, a person may install screen 16 by fitting first bend 48 over protrusion 74 and then deforming screen 16 until fourth surface 68 fits against portion 70 of cover member surface 69 with projections 72 extending through screen apertures 46. Removal of screen 16 from cover member 12 may involve a similar process of deforming screen 16, so that protrusion 74 may be removed from first bend 48 and projections 72 may be extracted from their respective screen apertures 46.

[0078] FIG. 3B depicts a screen 16' according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In most respects, screen 16' is similar to screen 16 (FIG. 3A) and similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar features of screens 16 and 16'. Screen 16' differs from screen 16 in that third surface 66' of screen 16' is planar in its nominal state. When installed in cover member 12, screen 16' may be planar or may be deformed to be slightly curved. In other respects, screen 16' is similar to screen 16 described above.

[0079] FIG. 4C depicts the mounting of a screen 16'' to portion 70 of cover member surface 69 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In most respects screen 16'' is similar to screen 16 (FIG. 3A) and similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar features of screens 16 and 16''. Screen 16'' differs from screen 16, in that third bend 52'' of screen 16'' bends inwardly (i.e. in the opposite direction to third bend 52 of screen 16) and fourth screen surface 68'' of screen 16'' extends inwardly along portion 70 of cover member surface 69 (i.e. as opposed to fourth screen surface 68 of screen 16, which extends outwardly along portion 70 of cover member surface 69 (FIG. 4A)). Because of the direction of third bend 52'', interior angle .THETA..sub.3'' of third bend 52'' is on the interior side of screen 16'' in contrast to angle .THETA..sub.3 of third bend 52, which is on the exterior side of screen 16 (FIG. 4A). Interior angle .THETA..sub.3'' is typically in a range of 30-120.degree. in its nominal state. In preferred embodiments, the nominal state of angle .THETA..sub.3'' may be in a range of 45-90.degree.. In other respects screen 16'' is similar to screen 16 described above.

[0080] FIG. 4D is a partial cross-sectional view depicting the mounting of a screen 16 to portion 70 of cover member surface 69 according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. Screen 16 of the FIG. 4D embodiment is the same as screen 16 in FIGS. 3A and 4A and similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar features. The embodiment of FIG. 4D differs from that of FIGS. 3A and 4A, in that projection 72' comprises generally parallel sides 37, 39 and a fastener member 71 is provided to help couple screen 16 to cover member 12. In other embodiments (not shown), sides 37, 39 need not be parallel and may approach one another as they extend from portion 70 of cover member surface 69. Preferably, projection 72' is integral with cover member 12 and portion 70 of cover member surface 69. In the illustrated embodiment, projection 72' extends generally orthogonally from portion 70 of cover member surface 69, but in other embodiments, projection 72' may extend from portion 70 at other angles. Projection 72' may also be round in cross-section (i.e. such that sides 37, 39 are part of a single cylindrical surface).

[0081] In some embodiments, projection 72' may be threaded and fastener member 71 comprises a nut or may otherwise be threaded, such that fastener member 71 may be screwed onto projection 72' to help retain fourth surface 68 of screen 16 against portion 70 of cover member surface 69. In some other embodiments, fastener member 71 comprises a deformable aperture (not shown), such that fastener member 71 may be pushed onto projection 72 to form a friction fit against sides 37, 39 and to help retain fourth surface 68 of screen 16 against portion 70 of cover member surface 69. Sides 37, 39 of projection 72' may comprise ribs (not shown) to enhance the strength of such a friction fit. In other respects, screen 16 and the mounting thereof is similar to screen 16 described above.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, vent 11 may comprise a damper 13. Damper 13 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B, which respectively depict cross-sectional and bottom views of damper 13, and in FIG. 6, which shows a magnified partial cross-sectional view of vent 11 depicting damper 13 in its closed configuration 13A and its open-most configuration 13B (shown in dashed lines). In the illustrated embodiment, damper 13 comprises a body 92 that has a hinge end 96, a distal end 94 and an exterior surface 93 having a generally curved profile.

[0083] Hinge end 96 of damper 13 is hingeably coupled to cover member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, damper 13 is coupled to cover member 12 by a plurality of hinges 90. Each hinge 90 comprises a suitable hinge mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, each hinge 90 includes a generally cylindrical dowel 98, an aperture 104 and a pair of hinge guides 100. As shown best in FIG. 6, for each hinge 90, cover member 12 comprises a pair of dowel receiving members 102A, 102B which project into vent passageway 36. In the illustrated embodiment, dowels 98 and dowel receiving members 102A, 102B are shaped and/or sized such that dowels 98 may be removably inserted between dowel receiving members 102A, 102B by deforming dowel receiving members 102A, 102B (i.e. in a "snap-together" fit). Once inserted, dowels 98 are pivotally supported between dowel receiving members 102A, 102B to hingeably couple damper 13 to cover member 12. When damper 13 is pivoted at hinges 90, dowel receiving members 102A, 102B may project into apertures 104 in the body 92 of damper 13. Hinges 90 may comprise guides 100 on either side of dowels 98 to help limit undesired transverse translation of damper 13 (FIG. 5B).

[0084] Hinges 90 permit damper 13 to pivot through a range of angular positions between its closed configuration 13A and its open-most configuration 13B. When damper 13 is in its closed configuration 13A, its distal end 94 abuts against protrusion 74 (or some other portion of cover member surface 69), such that gas or other material is largely prevented from flowing inwardly through vent passageway 36 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 108 (FIG. 6)). There may be a limited amount of inward gas flow through damper 13 when damper 13 is in its closed configuration 131B. When pressure or other conditions cause gas (or other material) to travel outwardly through vent passageway 36 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 106 (FIG. 6)), the flow of gas causes damper 13 to pivot (at hinges 90) from its closed configuration 13A toward its open-most configuration 13B.

[0085] Gas may flow outwardly when damper 13 is at any angular position between its closed configuration 13A and its open-most configuration 13B. Advantageously, however, the exterior surface 93 of damper 13 has a generally curved profile, such that when damper 13 is in its open-most configuration 13B, the exterior surface 93 of damper 13 conforms substantially with the generally curved contour of an adjacent portion 73 of cover member surface 69. When damper 13 is in its open-most configuration 13B, the conformance of the profile of exterior surface 93 and the contour of portion 73 of cover member surface 69 minimizes the intrusion of damper 13 into vent passageway 36 and minimizes the corresponding impediment to the outward flow of gas caused by damper 13. The conformance of the profile of exterior surface 93 and the contour of portion 73 of cover member surface 69 provides vent passageway 36 with a maximum cross-sectional area which permits a maximum outward flow of gas through vent passageway 36.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some benefits of the curved damper shown in FIG. 6 may be obtained by providing a damper 13 having a different exterior surface profile and a portion 73 of cover member surface 69 having a different contour (i.e. other than curved), provided that there is substantial conformance between the profile of the exterior surface 93 of damper 13 and the contour of portion 73 of cover member surface 69 to maximize the cross-sectional area of vent passageway 36 and the outward flow of gas through damper 13 when damper 13 is in its open-most configuration. For example, the exterior surface 93 of damper 13 may comprise one or more bends to conform with a similarly bent contour of portion 73 of cover member surface 69.

[0087] As shown best in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the interior surface of damper 13 may comprise a tab 101 which facilitates the removal of damper 13 from cover member 12. To remove damper 13 from cover member 12, a person may extend their hand through an interior end 31 of vent passageway 36 to reach tab 101 and may pull tab 101 (and damper 13) inwardly to dislodge dowels 98 from dowel receiving members 102A, 102B. Damper 13 may then be withdrawn through vent passageway 36.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2, vent 11 may comprise an adapter member 14 which couples cover member 12 to conduit 30. Adapter member 14 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. One type of adapter member 14 comprises a substantially hollow body 111. Body 111 of adapter member 14 also comprises a vent flange 112, which may be coupled to cover member 12, and a building flange 110, which may be coupled to conduit 30. When coupled between cover member 12 and conduit 30, adapter member 14 provides fluid communication between vent passageway 36 and conduit 30.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, conduit 30 comprises wall portions 28A, 28B. Building flange 110 (FIG. 7) of adapter member 14 is sized and shaped to conform with wall portions 28A, 28B of conduit 30. Building flange 110 engages wall portions 28A, 28B of conduit 30. In alternative embodiments, wall portions 28A, 28B of conduit 30 fit into building flange 110. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 8), building flange 110 is circular in cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this circular shape merely represents one among many possible shapes of building flanges 110. A particular size and/or shape of building flange 110 may be selected to conform with the size and/or shape of conduit 30. For example, building flange 110 may be square or rectangular in cross-section.

[0090] In some embodiments, building flange 110 is attached to conduit 30 using fasteners (not shown) which project through building flange 110 and wall portions 28A, 28B of conduit 30. Such fasteners may include screws, nails, rivets, staples or the like. In other embodiments, building flange 110 is secured to wall portions 28A, 28B using a suitable adhesive or one or more tie-straps. In still other embodiments, building flange 110 is resiliently deformed for insertion into conduit 30 such that, when inserted, building flange 110 exerts a force against wall portions 28A, 28B to form a friction fit. Additionally or alternatively, conduit 30 may be resiliently deformed for insertion into building flange 110 such that, when inserted, conduit 30 exerts a force against building flange 110 to form a friction fit.

[0091] FIGS. 2 and 9 depict the attachment of adapter member 14 to cover member 12. Cover member 12 includes an adapter receiving rim 116 which comprises a pair of generally parallel flanges 118, 120. Flanges 118, 120 are spaced-apart to form slot 122 therebetween. In one of its sidewalls, flange 120 comprises an indent 124 which opens into slot 122. Vent flange 112 of adapter member 14 comprises a projection 114 on a corresponding one of its sides. When cover member 12 is coupled to adapter member 14, vent flange 112 is inserted into slot 122, such that projection 114 fits into indent 124 of flange 120. Together, projection 114 and indent 124 function to secure cover member 12 to adapter member 14. Preferably, when vent flange 112 is inserted into slot 122, vent flange 112 resiliently deforms one or both of flanges 118, 120, such that flanges 118, 120 exert pressure on vent flange 112 which helps to secure cover member 12 to adapter member 14. Adapter member 14 may be removable from cover member 12 by similarly deforming one or both of flanges 118, 120 and withdrawing vent flange 112 from slot 122.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, vent flange 112 of adapter member 14 and adapter receiving rim 116 of cover member 12 are rectangular in cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this rectangular shape represents one among many possible shapes for vent flange 112 and adapter receiving rim 116. For example, vent flange 112 may alternatively be circular in cross-section.

[0093] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict a vent 211 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 depicts vent 211 installed in an angled roof 222. Cover member 212 comprises a mounting flange 238 which extends transversely from an interior end of cover member 212. Mounting flange 238 functions in a manner substantially similar to that of mounting flange 38 of vent 11 (FIG. 2) to allow cover member 212 to be mounted in or on roof 222 or some other building surface.

[0094] Vent 211 may comprise a screen 216, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 12. Screen 216 preferably comprises a grid 244 of material which defines a plurality of rectangular screen apertures 246. In alternative embodiments, screen apertures 246 may have other shapes. Grid 244 extends between upper end 266A and lower end 266B of screen 216. In the illustrated embodiment, screen 216 is generally flat, but has a small inward bend 219 at or near its upper end 266A. The shape of screen 216 need not be generally flat and screen 216 may be curved or may have some other profile.

[0095] In the FIG. 12 embodiment, screen 216 comprises a pair of connectors 262A, 262B at or near its lower end 266B for releasably coupling screen 216 to cover member 212 by way of corresponding connectors 264A, 264B on cover member 212 (FIG. 13). Connectors 262A, 262B and connectors 264A, 264B are preferably "snap-together" connectors which are moderately deformable to permit releasable coupling. Connectors 262A, 262B and connectors 264A, 264B may permit pivotal movement of screen 216 with respect to cover member 212. In the illustrated embodiment, connectors 262A, 262B comprise transversely-extending dowels 263A, 263B which are capable of pivoting between dowel receiving members 265A, 265B of connectors 264A, 264B.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, upper end 266A of screen 216 comprises a flange 267, which projects inwardly from screen 216. As shown best in FIGS. 11, 16A and 16B, cover member 212 may comprise an outwardly-opening slot 268 formed by outwardly-extending flanges 268A, 268B at or near its exterior end 234. Upper flange 268A may extend further outwardly than lower flange 268B. Inwardly projecting flange 267 of screen 216 may be received in outwardly-opening slot 268 to help connect screen 216 to cover member 212. Flange 268A and/or flange 268B may comprise one or more projections 269 which project into slot 268 to effect a snap-together closure which helps to more firmly secure screen 216 in place once flange 267 of screen 216 is received in slot 268. Flange 267 of screen 216 may comprise recesses, indents and or openings (not shown) for receiving projections 269. In alternative embodiments, flange 267 of screen 216 comprises one or more projections and flange 268A and/or flange 268B may comprise one or more recesses, indents and/or openings for receiving such projections.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that: other types of connectors may be employed to couple screen 216 and cover member 212; such connectors may be located in different areas of screen 216 and cover member 212; such connectors may or may not be releasable; and such connectors may or may not permit pivotal motion of screen 216 with respect to cover member 212.

[0098] Vent 211 may comprise a damper 213. A damper 213 suitable for use with vent 211 is shown in FIG. 14. Damper 213 comprises a body 292 that has a hinge end 296, a front end 294, side edges 295A, 295B and an exterior surface 293. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 292 of damper 213 is generally flat between front end 294 and hinge end 296, but damper 213 may be curved or may have some other profile. Preferably, side edges 295A, 295B of damper 213 comprise flanges 297A, 297B which extend inwardly, such that moisture tends to move off of the exterior surface 293 of damper 213. Inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B may have a curved profile (as shown in the illustrated embodiment), a straight (i.e. angular) profile or a partially curved and partially straight profile.

[0099] In the FIG. 14 embodiment, exterior surface 293 of damper 213 comprises a moisture diverter 291, which tends to divert moisture from exterior surface 293 toward side edges 295A, 295B. Moisture diverter 291 may comprise one or more straight walls 291A, 291B as shown in FIG. 14. Walls 291A, 291B need not be orthogonal to exterior surface 293 and may be provided at some angle for more effectively channelling moisture toward side edges 295A, 295B. Moisture diverter 291 may comprise curved or partially curved walls. Damper 213 may comprise more than one moisture diverter 291. In alternative embodiments, moisture diverter 291 comprises one or more recessed channels for diverting moisture toward side edges 295A, 295B.

[0100] Hinge end 296 of damper 213 may be hingeably coupled to cover member 212. Preferably, damper 213 and cover member 212 are releasably coupleable to one another. Hinge end 296 of damper 213 comprises a pair of hinge connectors 290A, 290B. In the illustrated embodiment, hinge connectors 290A, 290B comprise transversely-extending dowels 298A, 298B. Hinge connectors 290A, 290B may also comprise hinge guides 300A, 300B located at the side edges of dowels 298A, 298B and corresponding apertures 304A, 304B formed in the body 292 of damper 213.

[0101] As shown best in FIGS. 15 and 16A, cover member 212 comprises interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B for engaging hinge connectors 290A, 290B of damper 213. In the illustrated embodiment, interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B comprise dowel receiving members which project into vent passageway 236 and which are capable of receiving dowels 298A, 298B to form hingeable, snap-together connections. The hingeable connection between hinge connectors 290A, 290B of damper 213 and interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B of cover member 212 may be substantially similar to that described above for damper 13 and cover member 12 of vent 11.

[0102] When damper 213 is coupled to interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B of cover member 212, damper 213 is capable of pivoting through a range of angular positions. FIG. 17 shows damper 213 hingeably connected to interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B in closed (213A), intermediate (213B) and fully open (213C) configurations. For clarity, the intermediate configuration 213B and fully open configuration 213C are shown in dashed outline. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 17, damper 213 is aligned in a generally transverse direction when it is in its closed configuration 213A.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown best in FIGS. 15 and 16A, cover member 212 comprises a generally transversely-extending base 307 which defines an aperture 309 at or near the interior end 231 of cover member 212. Gas may move from adapter member 214 into vent passageway 236 through aperture 309. Cover member 212 may comprise flanges 305A, 305B, 305C which project outwardly from base 307 at or near the edges of aperture 309. In the illustrated embodiment, flanges 305A, 305B, 305C project from the side and front edges of aperture 309. Front flange 305C may comprise a lip 305C' that extends transversely from its exterior edge. Flanges 305A, 305B, 305C may function to divert moisture away from aperture 309.

[0104] Preferably, when damper 213 is in its closed configuration 213A, inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B of damper 213 fit transversely outside of outwardly-extending side flanges 305A, 305B of cover member 212 (i.e. on sides opposite aperture 309). When damper 213 is in its closed configuration 213A, the outer surfaces of outwardly-extending flanges 305A, 305B may abut against the inner surfaces of inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B. With this configuration, inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B of damper 213 and outwardly-extending side flanges 305A, 305B of cover member 212 cooperate to help block moisture from entering aperture 309 and possibly to help divert moisture away from aperture 309. For example, moisture received on the exterior surface 293 of damper 213 may be diverted towards inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B by moisture diverter 291 and may flow down inwardly-extending flanges 297A, 297B to base 307. Moisture which reaches base 307 is unlikely to enter aperture 309 because of outwardly-extending flanges 305A, 305B, 305C.

[0105] When damper 213 is in its closed configuration, its front end 294 preferably extends transversely as far as (and possibly beyond) lip 305C' of outwardly-extending front flange 305C. In this manner, damper 213 and outwardly-extending front flange 305C may also cooperate to divert moisture away from aperture 209.

[0106] Vent 211 may accommodate alternative damper placements. As shown best in FIGS. 16A, 18 and 19, cover member 212 also comprises exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B which are located outwardly from interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B. Exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B are capable of receiving the hinge connectors 290'A, 290'B of an exterior damper 213' (FIG. 19). Features of exterior damper 213' are referred to in this description using reference numerals similar to those of interior damper 213 (FIG. 14), except that the reference numerals of exterior damper 213' are annotated with the "prime" symbol ('). In some embodiments, exterior damper 213' is substantially similar to interior damper 213. In the illustrated embodiment, exterior damper 213' differs from interior damper 213 in that exterior damper 213' is larger than interior damper 213. This size difference is not necessary. The pivotal connection between exterior damper 213' and exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B may be substantially similar to the pivotal connection between damper 213 and interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B.

[0107] In some circumstances, it may be preferable to use exterior damper 213' coupled to exterior hinge connectors. 303A, 303B over damper 213 coupled to interior hinge connectors 302A, 302B. For example, when the angle of building surface 224 to which vent 211 is mounted is less that about 30.degree. to the horizontal, it may be preferable to use exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B. The angled profile of damper 213' when it is coupled to exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B causes water to shed more effectively from its exterior surface 292'.

[0108] When exterior damper 213' is coupled to exterior hinge connectors 303A, 303B of cover member 212, exterior damper 213' is capable of pivoting through a range of angular positions. FIG. 19 shows exterior damper 213' hingeably connected to interior hinge connectors 303A, 303B in closed (213'A), intermediate (213'B) and fully open (213'C) configurations. For clarity, the intermediate configuration 213'B and fully open configuration 213'C are shown in dashed outline.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown best in FIGS. 13, 15 and 18, cover member 212 comprises channels 221A, 221B which extend upwardly at an angle from base 307 on transversely opposed sides of aperture 309. In the illustrated embodiment, channels 221A, 221B are formed between an inner surface of the sidewalls 223A, 223B of cover member 212 and outwardly-extending flanges 225A, 225B.

[0110] Preferably, when exterior damper 213' is in its closed configuration 213'A, inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B of exterior damper 213' extend inwardly into channels 221A, 221B of cover member 212. That is, inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B of exterior damper 213' are positioned transversely outside of outwardly-extending flanges 225A, 225B (i.e. on sides opposite aperture 309). When exterior damper 213' is in its closed configuration 213'A, the outer surfaces of outwardly-extending flanges 225A, 225B abut against the inner surfaces of inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B.

[0111] With this configuration, inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B of exterior damper 213' and channels 221A, 221B (flanges 225A, 225B) of cover member 212 cooperate to help block moisture from entering aperture 309 and possibly to divert moisture away from aperture 309. For example, moisture received on the exterior surface 293' of exterior damper 213' may be diverted towards inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B by moisture diverter 291', may flow down inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B and into channels 221A, 221B and may travel down channels 221A, 221B to base 307 and away from aperture 309. Moisture received on base 307 is unlikely to enter aperture 309 because of outwardly-extending flanges 305A, 305B, 305C.

[0112] Channels 221A, 221B may have other alternative constructions. Preferably, however, moisture received in channels 221A, 221B is diverted to base 307 or away from aperture 309. For example, channels 221A, 221B need not incorporate sidewalls 223A, 223B of cover member 212 or may have a different cross-sectional shape than those of the illustrated embodiment. In alternative embodiments, walls may be used in the place of channels 221A, 221B to keep moisture away from aperture 309. For example, walls may extend outwardly from base 307 and the upper edges of such walls may be provided with an upward angle similar to that of channels 221A, 221B. The transverse side edges 295'A, 295'B (or flanges 297'A, 297'B) of exterior damper 213' may extend transversely past the walls (i.e. to sides opposite that of aperture 309). With this configuration, moisture received on the exterior surface 293' of exterior damper 213' will tend to be diverted to a side of the walls opposite that of aperture 309. Such walls may be provided with flanges that abut against the inwardly-extending flanges 297'A, 297'B of exterior damper 213'.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 19, when exterior damper 213' is in its closed configuration, its front end 294' may extend transversely as far as lip 305C' of outwardly-extending front flange 305C. In other embodiments, front end 294' of exterior damper 213' extends transversely beyond lip 305C' of outwardly extending front flange 305C. In this manner, exterior damper 213' and outwardly-extending front flange 305C also cooperate to block moisture from entering aperture 209 and possibly to divert moisture away from aperture 209.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, vent 211 comprises an adapter member 214. Adapter member 214 is shown in more detail in FIG. 20. In some respects, adapter member 214 of vent 211 is similar to adapter member 14 of vent 11 (FIGS. 7 and 8). For example, adapter member 214 comprises a substantially hollow body 311 having an outwardly-extending vent flange 312 and an inwardly-extending building flange 310. Adapter member 214 may be coupleable to cover member 212 at its exterior end and may be coupleable to building conduit 230 at its interior end. When coupled between the cover member 212 and building conduit 230, the hollow body 311 of adapter member 214 provides fluid communication between building conduit 230 and vent passageway 236.

[0115] Building flange 310 of adapter member 214 may be substantially similar to building flange 110 of adapter member 14 and may function in a substantially similar manner to couple adapter member 214 to building conduit 230. Adapter member 214 differs from adapter member 14 in the manner in which adapter member 214 couples to cover member 212.

[0116] The attachment of adapter member 214 to cover member 212 is depicted in FIGS. 20, 21A, 21B and 22. Cover member 212 comprises an inwardly-extending adapter receiving flange 318. In the illustrated embodiment, when adapter member 214 is coupled to cover member 212, vent flange 312 of adapter member 214 fits inside adapter receiving flange 318 of cover member 212. The outer surface of vent flange 312 may abut against, and may provide a friction fit with, the inner surface of adapter receiving flange 318.

[0117] As shown best in FIGS. 21B and 22, adapter member 214 comprises one or more outwardly-extending hook members 313 which engage corresponding inwardly-extending hook members 317 of cover member 212. In the illustrated embodiment, each outwardly-extending hook member 313 of adapter member 214 is spaced apart from vent flange 312 and comprises a tongue 315 which protrudes back towards vent flange 312. Similarly, each inwardly-extending hook member 317 of cover member 212 is spaced apart from adapter receiving flange 318 and comprises a tongue 319 which protrudes away from adapter receiving flange 318.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, when adapter member 214 is coupled to cover member 212: vent flange 312 of adapter member 214 projects into the gap 321 between adapter receiving flange 318 and inwardly-extending hook member 317; and inwardly-extending hook member 317 of cover member 212 projects into the gap 323 between vent flange 312 and outwardly-extending hook member 313. In this manner, tongue 315 of outwardly-extending hook member 313 engages tongue 319 of inwardly-extending hook member 317, thereby securing adapter member 214 to cover member 212 (see FIG. 21B).

[0119] As shown best in FIGS. 21B and 22, cover member 212 may comprise one or more optional inwardly-extending braces 325 for each pair of hook members 313, 317. Braces 325 are spaced apart from inwardly-extending hook members 319 and, when adapter member 214 is coupled to cover member 212, braces 325 exert pressure against the inner surface of hook member 313 which tends to maintain the engagement between tongue 315 of hook member 313 and tongue 319 of hook member 317.

[0120] Preferably, one or more of vent flange 312, adapter receiving flange 318, outwardly-extending hook members 313, inwardly-extending hook members 317 and braces 325 are resiliently deformable, such that they provide a releasable snap-together coupling between adapter member 214 and cover member 212. Furthermore, when one or more of these elements is resiliently deformed, the deformed elements exert resilient pressure which helps to secure adapter member 214 to cover member 212. Adapter member 214 may be decoupled from cover member 212 by deforming one or more of vent flange 312, adapter receiving flange 318, outwardly-extending hook members 313, inwardly-extending hook members 317 and braces 325 and pulling adapter member 214 apart from cover member 212.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, vent flange 312 of adapter member 214 and aperture 309 of cover member 212 are rectangular in transverse cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this rectangular shape represents one among many possible shapes for vent flange 312 and aperture 309. For example, these components may be circular in transverse cross-section.

[0122] FIGS. 23-29 depict a vent 411 according to another embodiment of the invention. Vent 411 is substantially similar to vent 211 in many respects. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 23), vent 411 comprises a cover member 412, an adapter member 414, a screen 416 and a damper (not shown). Vent 411 may be used in all of the applications of vent 211 described above. However, vent 411 differs from vent 211 in that vent 411 may be configured for mounting to the underside of a surface for use as a soffit vent (FIG. 27).

[0123] Vent 411 also differs from vent 211 in the manner that cover member 412 is coupled to adapter member 414. As shown in FIG. 24A, adapter member 414 comprises a substantially hollow body 511 having an outwardly-extending vent flange 512 and an inwardly-extending building flange 510. In some locations (preferably at least one location on opposing transverse sides of adapter member 414), outwardly extending vent flange 512 is interrupted and hook members 513 are provided in its place.

[0124] Hook members 513 comprise an outwardly-extending portion 513A which extends outwardly to bend 515 and an inwardly extending tongue 513B which extends transversely and back inwardly from bend 515. Hook members 513 may also comprise side brackets 513C on either side thereof. Side brackets 513C may help to provide stiffness to the other portions of hook members 513.

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, cover member 412 comprises adapter receiving flanges 518 on transversely opposing sides of its aperture 409. At locations corresponding to the locations of hook members 513 of adapter member 412, cover member 412 comprises inwardly-extending hook members 519 (FIG. 26). In the illustrated embodiment, inwardly-extending hook members 519 of cover member 412 comprise tongues 519A which protrude transversely from adapter receiving flanges 518. In some embodiments, tongues 519A may also extend slightly outwardly. Cover member 412 may also comprise one or more optional brace member(s) 517 at locations away from hook members 519. Brace member(s) 517 are transversely spaced apart from adapter receiving flanges 518 to provide spaces 521 therebetween.

[0126] In the FIG. 26 embodiment, when adapter member 414 is coupled to cover member 412, hook members 513 of adapter member 414 engage inwardly-extending hook members 519 of cover member 412. More particularly, inwardly and transversely extending tongues 513B of hook members 513 engage transversely extending tongues 519A of hook members 519. In addition, at locations away from hook members 513, 519, vent flange 512 of adapter member 414 may extend outwardly into the spaces 521 between adapter receiving flanges 518 and optional brace(s) 517. In this manner, optional brace(s) 517 and/or flanges 518 of cover member 412 may exert pressure against vent flange 512 of adapter member 414, thereby helping to hold hook members 513 against hook members 519.

[0127] Preferably, one or more of vent flange 512, adapter receiving flange 518, hook members 513, hook members 519 and braces 517 are resiliently deformable, such that they provide a releasable snap-together coupling between adapter member 414 and cover member 412 similar to the coupling between adapter member 214 and cover member 212. In the illustrated embodiment, vent flange 512 of adapter member 414 and aperture 409 of cover member 412 are generally rectangular in transverse cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this rectangular shape represents one among many possible shapes for vent flange 512 and aperture 409. For example, these components may be circular in cross-section.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 27-29, vent 411 can also be used as a soffit vent. Rather than mounting vent 411 to a roof or wall, vent 411 may be mounted to the soffit (not shown) of a building. As shown best in FIG. 27, when vent 411 is mounted to a soffit, damper 413'' is pivotally mounted to cover member 412 at or near mounting flange 438 (i.e. the side of cover member 412'' opposing the side to which the damper is mounted when vent 411 is used in a wall or roof). When vent 411 is mounted to a soffit, damper 413'' hangs downwardly such that gravity tends to pull damper 413'' to a closed position. Damper 413'' may also be mounted outwardly of screen 416.

[0129] FIGS. 28A and 28B shown more detail of cover member 412 and its hinge connectors 464A, 464B. Each of hinge connectors 464A, 464B comprises a corresponding pair of dowel receiving members 465A, 465B. It can be seen from FIG. 28B that dowel receiving members 465B provide a pair of dowel receiving regions 467B, 469B. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 28B, dowel receiving members 465A provide a similar pair of dowel receiving regions 467A, 469A. Screen 416 may have hinge connectors comprising transversely extending dowels (not shown), similar to hinge connectors 262A, 262B and dowels 263A, 263B of screen 216. Screen 416 may be pivotally coupled to cover member 412 by inserting the dowels into inner dowel receiving regions 467A, 467B. The opposing end of screen 416 may be coupled to cover member 412 by projecting into slots (not shown) similar to slots 268 of cover member 212.

[0130] Damper 413'' (shown best in FIG. 29) comprises dowel-type hinge connectors 490. The dowels of hinge connectors 490 may be inserted into outer dowel receiving regions 469A, 469B in a manner similar to hinge connectors 290 and hinge connectors 302A, 302B of damper 213 and cover member 212. This pivotal coupling will allow damper 413'' to pivot open and closed when vent 411 is mounted in a soffit.

[0131] As shown best in FIG. 29, damper 413'' may comprise an inwardly-extending lip 517 on its front end (i.e. the end opposite from hinge connectors 490). Damper 413'' does not generally require inwardly extending flanges 297A, 297B of damper 213. When used as a soffit vent, mounting flange 438 may be smaller or may be cut down from its original size to simplify mounting to a soffit. In other respects, vent 411 and its application as a soffit vent are substantially similar to those discussed above when vent 411 is used as a roof vent or a wall vent.

[0132] FIGS. 30A and 30B depict cover member 412 of vent 411 (FIG. 27) which has been modified to provide damper stoppers 477A and 477B for hinge connectors 464A, 464B respectively. Hinge connectors 464A, 464B may be provided with damper stoppers 477A, 477B to reinforce their pivotal connection to the dowel-type hinge connectors 490 of damper 413''. As shown most clearly in FIG. 30B, damper stoppers 477A, 477B may project in front of the outward openings of hinge connectors 464A, 464B.

[0133] Damper stoppers 477A, 477B may be an integral part of cover member 412 or may be separate components from cover member 412. In the embodiments, where damper stoppers 477A, 477B are separate components, they may be connected to cover member 412 using a snap-together connection. For example, damper stoppers 477A, 477B may be connected to cover member 412 by snapping damper stoppers 477A, 477B into corresponding holes (not shown) in cover member 412. Preferably, damper stoppers 477A, 477B may be connected to cover member 412 after damper 413'' and screen 416 are coupled to cover member 412.

[0134] The above description describes the use and/or modification of vent 411 for use in a soffit. It will also be appreciated that vent 211 may be used or may be modified in a manner similar to that discussed above for vent 411, such that vent 211 may also be used in a soffit.

[0135] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example: [0136] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, vent flange 112 is shown as having a single projection 114 on one of its sides and only flange 120 is shown as having a corresponding indent 124. In other embodiments, vent flange 112 may have a plurality of projections similar to projection 114 and flange 120 may comprise a corresponding plurality of indents. Vent flange 112 may have one or more projections on its other side and flange 118 may have one or more corresponding indents. In still other embodiments, vent flange 112 may have one or more indents and generally parallel flanges 118, 120 may comprise corresponding protrusions. [0137] In alternative embodiments, a suitable adhesive may be used to help secure adapter member 14 to cover member 12, to secure adapter member 214 to cover member 212 and/or to secure adapter member 414 to cover member 412. [0138] In alternative embodiments, cover member 212 may comprise one or more additional inwardly-extending braces located between hook members 317. Such braces may be spaced apart from adapter receiving flange 318 by a distance similar to the width of gap 321 between adapter receiving flange 318 and hook members 317. Such braces may be resiliently deformable and may exert pressure on the inner surface of vent flange 312. This pressure may help to maintain the engagement between tongues 315, 319 of hooks 313, 317, thereby helping to secure adapter member 214 to cover member 212. [0139] Features similar to those which facilitate the attachment of cover member 12 and adapter member 14 of vent 11 may be incorporated into cover member 212 and adapter member 214 of vent 211 and into cover member 412 and adapter member 414 of vent 411 (i.e. cover members 212, 412 and adapter members 214, 414 of vents 211, 411 may be modified to be coupleable to one another in a manner similar to that of vent 11). Similarly, features similar to those which facilitate the attachment of cover member 212 and adapter member 214 of vent 211 may be incorporated into cover member 12 and adapter member 14 of vent 11 and into cover member 412 and adapter member 414 of vent 411 (i.e. cover members 12, 412 and adapter members 14, 414 of vents 11, 411 may be modified to be coupleable to one another in a manner similar to that of vent 211). Furthermore, features similar to those which facilitate the attachment of cover member 412 and adapter member 414 of vent 411 may be incorporated into cover member 12 and adapter member 14 of vent 11 and into cover member 212 and adapter member 214 of vent 211 (i.e. cover members 12, 212 and adapter members 14, 214 of vents 11, 211 may be modified to be coupleable to one another in a manner similar to that of vent 411). [0140] In some embodiments, a suitable adhesive may be used to help secure screen 16 to cover member 12, screen 216 to cover member 212 and/or screen 416 to cover member 412. [0141] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that screens according to the invention may incorporate a plurality of curves (i.e. one or more convex portions and one or more concave portions). Furthermore, screens according to the invention need not incorporate a rectangular grid pattern and may have different sized and/or shaped screen apertures. [0142] The above description and the claims set out below refer to gas flowing through vents 11, 211, 411. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that particles of solid and liquid matter may also flow through vents 11, 211, 411. Typically, such solids and liquids will be suspended in a gas. Accordingly, the word "gas" should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0143] Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vent comprising a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway, the cover member comprising at least one first connector and at least one second connector spaced outwardly from the first connector, the first and second connectors operable to provide pivotal coupling to a damper.

2. A vent according to claim 1 wherein the first connector allows the damper to be pivoted between a first open configuration wherein air may travel through the vent passageway and a first closed configuration which substantially blocks inward airflow through the vent passageway.

3. A vent according to claim 2 wherein the cover member defines an inward aperture at or near an inward end of the vent passageway and the cover member comprises outwardly-extending flanges on transversely opposing sides of the inward aperture.

4. A vent according to claim 3 wherein the damper comprises first inwardly-extending flanges on its transversely opposing side edges for directing moisture away from an exterior surface of the damper.

5. A vent according to claim 4 wherein, when the damper is in the first closed configuration, the damper covers the inward aperture and the first inwardly-extending flanges extend inwardly on sides of the outwardly-extending flanges opposite to the inward aperture for directing moisture away from the inward aperture.

6. A vent according to claim 2 wherein the damper comprises at least one moisture diverter on an exterior surface thereof, the at least one moisture diverter shaped to cause gravity to direct moisture along the moisture diverter and off of the exterior surface.

7. A vent according to claim 6 wherein the moisture diverter comprises at least one of: an outwardly protruding wall; and an inwardly recessed channel.

8. A vent according to claim 2 wherein the damper extends generally transversely when the damper is in the first closed configuration.

9. A vent according to claim 3 wherein the second connector allows the damper to be pivoted between a second open configuration wherein air may travel through the vent passageway and a second closed configuration which substantially blocks inward airflow through the vent passageway.

10. A vent according to claim 9 wherein the damper comprises second inwardly-extending flanges on its transversely opposing side edges for directing moisture away from an exterior surface of the damper.

11. A vent according to claim 10 wherein the cover member comprises outwardly-opening channels on transversely opposing sides of the inward aperture.

12. A vent according to claim 11 wherein, when the damper is in the second closed configuration, the damper covers the inward aperture and the second inwardly-extending flanges extend inwardly into the outwardly-opening channels for directing moisture away from the inward aperture.

13. A vent according to claim 12 wherein the outwardly-opening channels are oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to the inward aperture.

14. A vent according to claim 10 wherein the cover member comprises outwardly-extending walls on transversely opposing sides of the inward aperture.

15. A vent according to claim 14 wherein, when the damper is in the second closed configuration, the damper covers the inward aperture and the second inwardly-extending flanges extend inwardly on sides of the outwardly-extending walls opposite to the inward aperture.

16. A vent according to claim 15 wherein exterior edges of the outwardly-extending walls are oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to the inward aperture.

17. A vent according to claim 9 wherein the damper comprises at least one moisture diverter on an exterior surface thereof, the at least one moisture diverter shaped to cause gravity to direct moisture along the moisture diverter and off of the exterior surface.

18. A vent according to claim 17 wherein the moisture diverter comprises at least one of: an outwardly protruding wall; and an inwardly recessed channel.

19. A vent according to claim 1 where the first and second connectors are located on opposing sides of the vent passageway.

20. A vent according to claim 19 wherein the vent is mountable to a soffit.

21. A vent according to claim 20 wherein when the vent is mounted to a soffit, the damper hangs downwardly from the second connector.

22. A vent according to claim 20 comprising a screen that is mountable to the cover member between the first and second connectors, such that the screen substantially spans the vent passageway.

23. A vent according to claim 20 wherein the second connector comprises: a first connector portion for providing pivotal coupling to a screen at or near a first edge thereof, such that the screen is pivotable to a closed configuration where the screen substantially spans the vent passageway; and a second connector portion for providing pivotal coupling to the damper at or near a first edge thereof, the second connector portion located outwardly of the first connector portion.

24. A vent according to claim 23 wherein the first and second connector portions comprise dowel receiving regions for respectively receiving a screen dowel on the screen and a damper dowel on the damper.

25. A vent according to claim 23 comprising a damper stopper which projects across an outward opening of the second connector portion.

26. A vent according to claim 23 wherein the cover member comprises a pair of outwardly extending flanges that define an outwardly-opening slot for receiving an edge of the screen opposite the first edge of the screen when the screen is in its closed configuration.

27. A vent according to claim 26 wherein at least one of the pair of outwardly extending flanges comprises one or more projections that project into the outwardly-opening slot.

28. A vent according to claim 1 wherein the cover member comprises a third connector for providing pivotal coupling to a screen at or near a first edge thereof, such that the screen is pivotable to a closed configuration where the screen substantially spans the vent passageway.

29. A vent according to claim 28 wherein the third connector is located outwardly of the first and second connectors.

30. A vent according to claim 28 wherein the cover member comprises a pair of outwardly extending flanges that define an outwardly-opening slot for receiving an edge of the screen opposite the first edge of the screen when the screen is in its closed configuration.

31. A vent according to claim 30 wherein at least one of the pair of outwardly extending flanges comprises one or more projections that project into the outwardly-opening slot.

32. A vent according to claim 1 comprising at least one third connector spaced outwardly from the first and second connectors, the third connector also operable to provide pivotal coupling to the damper.

33. A vent according to claim 32 wherein the at least one third connector is on an opposing side of the vent passageway than the first and second connectors.

34. A vent according to claim 33 wherein the third connector is also operable to provide pivotal coupling to a screen at or near a first edge thereof, such that the screen is pivotable to a closed configuration where the screen substantially spans the vent passageway.

35. A vent comprising: a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway; an adapter member providing a through passageway, the adapter member coupleable to the cover member at its exterior end and to a conduit at its interior end to provide fluid communication between the vent passageway and the conduit; wherein the cover member comprises a plurality of first hook members and the adapter member comprises a plurality of second hook members engageable with the first hook members for coupling the adapter member to the cover member.

36. A vent according to claim 35 where the first and second hook members are resiliently deformable to provide a releasable snap-together coupling between the adapter member and the cover member.

37. A vent according to claim 36 wherein the cover member comprises an inwardly-extending adapter receiving flange and the first hook members extend inwardly at locations spaced apart from the adapter receiving flange to provide inwardly-opening gaps therebetween and wherein the first hook members comprise tongues that extend away from their corresponding inwardly-opening gaps.

38. A vent according to claim 37 wherein the adapter member comprises an outwardly-extending vent flange and wherein, when the adapter member is coupled to the cover member, the outwardly-extending vent flange projects into the inwardly-opening gaps of the cover member.

39. A vent according to claim 38 wherein the second hook members extend outwardly at locations spaced apart from the vent flange to provide outwardly-opening gaps therebetween and wherein the second hook members comprise tongues that extend into their corresponding outwardly-opening gaps.

40. A vent according to claim 39 wherein, when the adapter member is coupled to the cover member, the first hook members project into the outwardly-opening gaps of the adapter member and the tongues of the first hook members engage the tongues of the second hook members.

41. A vent according to claim 40 wherein the cover member comprises inwardly-extending braces at locations spaced apart from the first hook members and wherein, when the adapter member is coupled to the base member, the second hook members of the adapter member extend into gaps between the braces and the first hook members.

42. A vent according to 36 wherein the first hook members comprise tongues which extend transversely from one or more inwardly-extending adapter receiving flanges.

43. A vent according to claim 42 wherein the cover member comprises one or more inwardly-extending lips, each inwardly-extending lip transversely spaced apart from a corresponding one of the inwardly-extending adapter receiving flanges to provide inwardly-opening gaps therebetween.

44. A vent according to claim 43 wherein the adapter member comprises an outwardly-extending vent flange and wherein, when the adapter member is coupled to the cover member, the outwardly-extending vent flange projects into the inwardly-opening gaps of the cover member.

45. A vent according to claim 42 wherein each of the second hooks comprise a first outwardly-extending portion and a second inwardly-extending portion.

46. A vent according to claim 45 wherein, when the adapter member is coupled to the cover member, the second inwardly-extending portion of each second hook engages the tongue of the corresponding first hook.

47. A vent comprising: a cover member having a cover member surface which defines at least a portion of a vent passageway; an adapter member providing a through passageway, the adapter member coupleable to the cover member at its exterior end and to a conduit at its interior end to provide fluid communication between the vent passageway and the conduit; and a screen which is pivotally coupled to a first connector of the cover member, the screen pivotable to a first position where the screen spans the vent passageway and a second position where the screen allows access to the vent passageway.

48. A vent according to claim 47 comprising a damper which is also pivotally connected to the first connector of the cover member, the damper pivotable to a first configuration where the damper spans the vent passageway and a second position where the vent allows fluid flow through the vent passageway.