U.S. patent application number 11/202490 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for roof vent.
Invention is credited to William E. Farr, James Arthur Fields.
Application Number | 20060035583 11/202490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35800577 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060035583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farr; William E. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2006 |
Roof vent
Abstract
A novel roof vent in accordance with the present invention,
utilizes a vent pipe communicating with a shroud, where the shroud
compatibly fits over a ridge vent on a roof. The vent pipe is
extended above the roof, sufficiently so as to rise above the
anticipated level of snow load that may be experienced in the
locale of the application. The roof vent of the preferred
embodiment includes an apron that adjustably fits the roof pitch of
the installation and further includes a ridge vent cutout for
compatibly fitting over the ridge vent. In one version of the
present invention, cosmetic dress may be used to allow the roof
vent to blend with architectural requirements without impacting the
functionality of the roof vent operation.
Inventors: |
Farr; William E.; (Branch,
MI) ; Fields; James Arthur; (Grand Rapids,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER D. HARRINGTON
447 Ada Drive SE
Ada
MI
49301
US
|
Family ID: |
35800577 |
Appl. No.: |
11/202490 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60601839 |
Aug 16, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/174 20130101;
F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02 |
Claims
1. A roof vent for venting the air in an attic space to the
outside, where the roof vent comprises: A shroud mountable onto a
roof; A vent pipe mounted onto said shroud and with a vent pipe
exhaust extendable above the anticipated snow load for said roof;
and, Where there is communication of airflows between the air in
the attic space through the shroud and the vent pipe to the outside
environment.
2. The roof vent of claim 1, where the shroud is mountable onto the
peak of the roof.
3. The roof vent of claim 2, where the shroud is mountable onto a
ridge vent.
4. The roof vent of claim 1, where the vent pipe terminates in a
tee with tee ends.
5. The roof vent of claim 1, where the vent pipe exhaust is
elevated at least 30'' above the roof.
6. The roof vent of claim 1, where the natural drafting of the roof
vent is augmented by a powered blower.
7. The roof vent of claim 1, where the appearance of the roof vent
may be cosmetically modified to match architectural parameters.
8. A roof vent for venting the air in an attic space to the
outside, where the roof vent comprises: A shroud mountable onto the
peak of a roof and where the shroud compatibly fits over the ridge
vent on the peak; A vent pipe mounted onto said shroud and with a
vent pipe exhaust extendable above the anticipated snow load for
said roof; and, Where there is communication of airflows between
the air in the attic space through the ridge vent and the shroud
and the vent pipe to the outside environment.
9. The roof vent of claim 8, where the shroud includes a pair of
angularly adjustable aprons for adjusting the aprons to the pitch
of the roof, and where the aprons include flanges for fixing the
roof vent to the roof, and where said aprons are fixable relative
to the shroud once the adjustments have been completed.
10. The roof vent of claim 8, where the vent pipe terminates in a
tee with tee ends.
11. The roof vent of claim 8, where the vent pipe exhaust is
elevated at least 30'' above the roof peak.
12. The roof vent of claim 8, where the natural drafting of the
roof vent is augmented by a powered blower.
13. The roof vent of claim 8, where the appearance of the roof vent
may be cosmetically modified to match architectural parameters.
14. A roof vent for venting the air in an attic space to the
outside, where the roof vent comprises: A shroud mountable onto the
peak of a roof and where the shroud compatibly fits over the ridge
vent on the peak and where the shroud includes a pair of angularly
adjustable aprons for adjusting the aprons to the pitch of the
roof, and where the aprons include flanges for fixing the roof vent
to the roof, and where said aprons are fixable relative to the
shroud once the adjustments have been completed; A vent pipe
mounted onto said shroud and with a vent pipe exhaust extendable
above the anticipated snow load for said roof; and, Where there is
communication of airflows between the air in the attic space
through the ridge vent and the shroud and the vent pipe to the
outside environment.
15. The roof vent of claim 14, where the vent pipe exhaust is
elevated at least 30'' above the roof peak.
16. The roof vent of claim 14, where the natural drafting of the
roof vent is augmented by a powered blower.
17. The roof vent of claim 14, where the appearance of the roof
vent may be cosmetically modified to match architectural
parameters.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to a Provisional Patent
Application, No. 60/601,839, filed Aug. 16, 2004.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to roof vents, more
specifically, roof vents that remain functional during periods of
substantial snow loads.
[0004] Roof venting is an issue more for colder climates owing to
the potential for damage when snow loading occurs. Damage results
from the situation where a poorly ventilated roof is allowed to
trap heat thereby melting some of the snow residing on the roof
itself. Snow melt will have a tendency to refreeze at times,
especially as it migrates and accumulates near the lower roof
edges. Once the ice starts to pile up in this manner, it can act
like a dam and cause subsequent snow melt to accumulate in greater
and greater quantities. The resulting water flows will seek the
avenue of least resistance which in some cases the penetration of
the roofing system (typically shingles) which leads to leaking
through the roof deck and into the residence. Additionally, the
water that pools during these events is subject to refreezing and
if this happens it will expand. Water that is trapped in this
fashion, creates a great deal of damage to roof systems when
refrozen since it will fracture, or separate, or otherwise disrupt
the protection afforded by the roofing system, again leading to
leakage.
[0005] This phenomenon has long been experienced in the Northern
portions of the United States (as well as other parts of the world
where the climate includes yearly snowfall) and over the years
various strategies have been developed to help defeat the buildup
of the damaging concentrations of ice. These efforts include the
usage of attic insulation which retards the escape of heat into the
attic which thereby influences the temperature of the roof.
However, the implementation of insulation, even in applications
where it is very efficient in retarding heat loss, has not been
able to completely solve the historic ice buildup problems
associated with modern roofing. The small amount of heat loss that
does occur still is enough to generate the melting and freezing
cycle, although it is understood that this process may be enhanced
by the heat absorption that may occur by a roofing system on a
sunny day, irrespective of outside temperatures.
[0006] As a result, homebuilders and roofing contractors have
turned to the use of venting as a method to further reduce the
buildup of any heat sufficient to commence the melting of the snow
loads. Roof vents used for this purpose come in many different
forms but the function is common to all. By allowing for air flow
within the area between the underside of the roof construction, and
the top of the insulated living area of a home or building,
(typically called the "attic"), the roof temperature is kept as
close to the outside temperature as possible. Air flows from the
eaves at the lower edges of the roof construction through the attic
area, and out strategically placed venting disposed about the
roof.
[0007] The venting typically occurs via a drafting mechanism where
the height and the pitch of the roof will generate negative
pressure at intake vents located under the eaves. Airflow proceeds
through the eave vents and then through the attic space and then
out the roof vents wherever these may be located. The vents
themselves may be point exhausts where they individually comprise
through holes of various dimensions in the roof construction
penetrating all the way into the attic space. As may be
appreciated, these exhaust holes are covered appropriately to
retain the protective properties of the roof although they do
provide for an unimpeded path for the air flows. Typical of vents
of this type are those that have a short vertical duct that is
fastened to the roof and into the through hole. With the use of
appropriate flashing and sealant materials, the ducting is made
weatherproof as between it and the roof, and the vent is capped by
shield that covers the duct in order to keep precipitation out
while allowing a serpentine path for the air flows to exit.
[0008] Another type of roof venting, ridge venting, is known and
one example of this approach is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,184
where the ridge line formed at the top of a typical hip roof is
used as the exit zone for the air flows. These ridge vents have the
advantage of providing a very large venting area right at the peak
of the roof construction. This will maximize the efficiency of
venting under normal conditions and given the low profile design of
the ridge vents, the cosmetics of such a system are obvious.
[0009] Notwithstanding the success that the roof vents of various
types have enjoyed with respect to reducing damage during periods
of snow loads, there are occasions when this function breaks down.
Particularly in those parts of the country where the snow loading
ranges from moderate to heavy, it is possible for the snow levels
on a roof to rise above the top of such prior art vents and prevent
them from working as intended. Ironically, the same climatic
condition that spawned the need for roof venting in the first
instance can work to nullify the effects of the device at
times.
[0010] The potential for the described adverse effects can be
appreciated when one considers the ridge vent shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,599,184. The low profile, while cosmetically pleasing, also
allows the ridge vent to become entirely snowbound within a few
inches of snow loading. At first some venting may still occur, even
with snow completely covering the unit, given the interstitial
space within the collected snow. But in many sections of the United
States the snow loads will actually accrue to levels that will more
than eliminate any potential venting through the snow and then,
over time, the snow will compact and will further eliminate any
potential for "breathing" underneath.
[0011] In a way, the limitations of the prior art vents do prove
the effectiveness of the concept of venting the roof The
applicant's own experience has resulted in the observation that
blockage of the ridge vent, or any other roof vent for that matter,
will quickly restore the damaging cycle of snow melts and ice
buildup.
[0012] There are roof vents known in the prior art where the
devices employ a degree of vertical height that would, in part,
elevate the venting above some snow loads. Units of this type
appear to be focused on the advantages gained in drafting rather
than providing a means to retain venting during periods of heavy
snow. One such roof vent employs a rotating element at the top of a
vertical duct. The finned element spins about an axis and when
small amounts of wind impact it, it causes the finned portion to
rotate and to generate a negative pressure condition interior to
the roof Units of this type are usually deployed on utility
buildings such as barns or garages and are meant to reduce the
tendency for hot air to accumulate in the upper reaches of such
buildings. While the unit may have some effectiveness when
confronting snow levels, the function of this device is unrelated
to the strategic reduction of the roof temperature (and avoidance
of ice dams) in a roof construction such as would be contemplated
with the usage of the present invention.
[0013] Other distinctions may be made between the prior art devices
used as roof venting as may be more evident in the description of
the preferred embodiment below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is comprised of a roof vent with an
extended portion that exceeds anticipated snow loads in Northern
climates. More particularly, the present invention comprises a
collection part that compatibly connects to a through hole in a
roof construction or engages with an existing roof vent, and which
provides an exhaust part that extends well above anticipated snow
loads and which provides increased drafting for the exhausting of
air flows within a roof system.
[0015] The present invention also comprises an improvement to
existing ridge vents for the exhausting of airflows during periods
of heavy snow loads. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the roof vent is compatible with installation onto an existing
ridge vent without the need for any modifications or changes.
[0016] The present invention also comprises an improvement in roof
venting by increasing the drafting efficiency of ridge venting.
[0017] These and other benefits of the present invention will be
apparent in the description of the preferred embodiments
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a roof construction
employing a conventional ridge vent.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a conventional ridge
vent.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a roof vent of the
present invention showing it in an installation on a roof
construction in cross section.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a roof vent of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the anchor plate for
the roof vent of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of a portion of the
present invention installed onto a ridge vent with the airflows
indicated thereon.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment
of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of the roof vent of FIG.
7.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a modified roof vent of
FIGS. 7 and 8, as shown with a "rice hat" top.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of a modified roof vent of
FIGS. 7 and 8, as shown covered by "cupola" housing.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the roof vent of FIGS.
7 and 8, as shown installed over a pre-existing vent pipe.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the roof vent shown in
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] A new roof vent in accordance with the present invention
overcomes the problems associated with roof venting that is
rendered ineffective or totally useless in the face of substantial
snow loads. While it should be appreciated that the teachings of
the present invention are applicable to many types of roof vents,
the particular type of venting design used to illustrate the
present invention will be the ridge type ventilation. Ridge vents
can be used on different roof types as well, including gable roofs,
hip roofs, gambrel roof, and combinations of these.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 1, a roof ventilation system of the prior
art is shown as installed on roof 10, in this case a gable roof,
which includes shingles 12, roof peak 14, sidewall 16 and ridge
vent 18. As the name implies, the ridge vent is located on the
ridge line formed at the top of the conventional style gable roof
design. There is some natural symmetry in the appearance of the
ridge vent since it is outwardly shaped with angles that roughly
mimic the angles used for the roof construction. In this fashion
the ridge vent tends to be less obvious and it can be colored (by
paint or tint) to coordinate with the color of the shingles
selected for the roof construction.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows the end of a section of a ridge vent 18 which
further comprises the cap 20, the vent flanges 22, and the vent
portion 30. The vent flanges further comprise the bottom leg 24 and
the top leg 26.
[0033] The ridge vent of the prior art may be fabricated from
plastic or metal, although it is typically formed as a one-piece
construction. The roof construction allows for a gap at the ridge
line which is sufficient to receive the anchor plate and thereafter
allow the ridge vent to be fitted into the gap and fastened to the
roof decking or joists. The gap provides an opening to the attic
area underneath the roof which communicates with the area in
between the anchor plates and with the vent portion of the ridge
vent. The vent portion typically contains louvered or slotted
openings throughout the length of the ridge vent and through these
openings air flows emanating from the attic area are free to travel
through the ridge vent and to the outside. Conversely, the cap and
the recessed design of the vent portion serve to cover and protect
the openings within the vent portion and keep the weather away from
the interior components of the roof system and the attic area.
[0034] The vent flanges are believed to assist in keeping debris
and small animals from entering the ridge vent while providing
structure that acts like flashing for the roofing system.
[0035] Other variations on the ridge vent described above are known
that include filters or screening in the vent portions or have
different profiles. Generally speaking, these versions all utilize
the gap in the ridge line of the roof construction as a convenient
and efficient means for exhausting air contained within the attic
area. Other variations include roof vents that may be fabricated
from plastic, or that allow the venting system to be disguised by
providing a surface for attaching shingles on top.
[0036] Other types of roof vents are known, including those that
are installed on point locations on the roof surface. These units
are positioned somewhat mid-way between the ridge line and the
lower edge of a roof field and several may be disposed about a
given roof area. Most commonly, roof vents of this type have a
vertical duct that is fitted into a through hole that is cut into
the roof field. The vertical duct is integrated with a mounting
assembly that secures it to the roof deck and that also typically
provides a flashing for sealing the installation upon completion of
the roofing system. Lastly, the unit also includes a top portion
that, in somewhat similar fashion to the ridge vent, partially
shields and covers the ducting from the elements and protects the
roof components and the attic area from damage. Air flows are free
to pass from the attic area through the ducting, and out the gap
that has been left between the top of the roof vent and the top of
the ducting. Additional enhancements are usually provided such as
screening, to prevent debris and/or animals from entering the attic
through the roof vent.
[0037] With the foregoing in mind, a new roof vent of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the roof vent 40 sits
directly upon the roof components, the roof joist or rafters 32 and
the roof deck 34. Further, the roof vent in this embodiment is
placed directly over the existing roof vent and therefore, over the
ridge line and the ridge opening 36.
[0038] The roof vent itself is comprised of the vent pipe 42, the
tee 44, the tee ends 46, the roof vent shroud 48, the anchor plate
50, the anchor screw 52, the anchor eye 54, the anchor eye rod 56,
the "J" hook 58, the "J" hook end 60, and the wing nuts 62.
Further, there is viewable, the inner pipe portion 66.
[0039] The roof vent shroud conforms to the roof components and the
angles they form, and to the existing ridge vent 18, which has a
profile characterized by the top leg 26, the bottom leg 24, and the
cap 20. This portion of the roof vent shroud that so closely
conforms to the roof and ridge vent is the cut-out 64 and it is
fitted to compatibly allow caulking or other sealing of the joint
area defined by the junction of the roof vent shroud with the roof
components and the ridge vent. In this fashion, the roof vent of
the present invention maintains the protections afforded by the
ridge vent and keeps the roof components and the attic area free
from the effects of the weather and from the infiltration of small
animals and the like. In addition, it is noted, although not shown,
that most roof vents include a mesh or filter portion that is
placed to keep debris and small animals from entering the vent
structure. This is a feature that is known in roof vents and is
left for one skilled in the art to include in an installation of
the present invention.
[0040] As may be understood from the above, the vent pipe
communicates directly with the area enclosed by the shroud (through
the inner pipe portion) and to the outside environment by means of
the tee. Air flows can travel from the interior of the area
enclosed by the roof (attic space), through the ridge opening,
through the vent portion 30 into the area enclosed by the roof vent
shroud and eventually through the vent pipe and the out through the
tee ends. Thus air flow communication is allow between the attic
space and the outside environment. The tee redirects the exhaust
exiting from the vent pipe portion in order to keep the elements
from entering into the roof vent and into the attic space. The tee
and the tee ends act as the end of the vent pipe in this fashion
and are really extensions of the vent pipe. Either the tee ends, or
if the tee were to be eliminated leaving a vertical vent pipe as
the sole structure above the shroud, the truncated vent pipe, may
be termed the vent pipe exhaust for the purposes of identifying
where the air flows exit the roof vent.
[0041] The present embodiment is integrally related to the ridge
vent in this type of application and may be compatibly installed
onto the ridge vent with a minimal of skills and without doing any
damage to the roofing system or the ridge vent. In practice, the
anchor plate 50 is first secured on top of the bottom leg 24 of the
ridge vent. The anchor plate is merely located within the channel
area defined by the bottom leg and the top leg, and then flat
screws are installed through the fastener holes in the anchor
plate, then the ridge vent, through the shingles, and into the roof
deck and/or joists.
[0042] This leaves the anchor rod projecting upwards from the ridge
vent with the anchor eye in a position to engage the "J" hook. The
anchor rod may be connected to the anchor plate by several means
(not shown) including the peening over of the lower end of the
anchor rod once it passes through a compatible hole in the anchor
plate. Another method is to weld the end of the anchor rod directly
to the anchor plate, although this reduces the flexibility of the
anchor rod and may introduce low tolerance for the positioning the
"J" hook and shroud for engagement with the anchor eye. In any
event, it is desired to have the anchor rod and eye affixed to the
anchor plate in a way that retains the whole roof vent to the roof
under all anticipated exterior conditions.
[0043] The roof vent shroud essentially forms a housing which
covers a portion of the ridge vent. As mentioned above, the anchor
plate is fastened to the roof via screws, and the orientation of
the roof vent shroud is necessary to align the cut out 64 with the
overall profile of the ridge vent and to seat the roof vent shroud
compatibly with the angle of the roof peak. In order to complete
the installation, it is necessary to secure the "J" hooks to the
corresponding anchor eyes and then tighten down the wing nuts on
the "J" hook ends, which are threaded for this purpose. As might be
appreciated, placing the roof vent shroud over the ridge vent and
the anchor plates in this fashion would be very difficult to
achieve since the installer cannot see how the alignment is
progressing. In the present embodiment, however, the roof vent of
the present invention would include doors or removable panels that
would allow the "J" hooks to be visible and accessible for the
engagement with the anchor eyes.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 4, the roof vent is shown with the inner
pipe portion 66 revealed in phantom inside the roof vent shroud.
Further, the inner pipe portion has the vent pipe holes 70 disposed
about its length. While the bottom end of the inner pipe portion is
preferably left open so as to accept air flows, the vent pipe holes
serve the same purpose and minimize the resistance to air flows
that are captured and routed through the system. In addition, vent
pipe holes may be added to the underside of the tee ends 44 for the
purpose of allowing condensate to drain from the tee ends which are
angled downwardly towards their ends which helps to promote such
drainage.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows an anchor plate 50 of the present invention
with the base plate 72 and the fastener holes 74. As indicated
above, the anchor rod and anchor eye project upward from the anchor
plate. The base plate is comprised of a high service steel that
will serve to distribute the loads that are placed on the roof vent
as a result of weather and snow loads. This is necessary to prevent
the roof vent from shifting position or loosening. In addition,
several fastener holes assist in ensuring that the holding power of
several screws is used to make the anchor plate fast to the
roof
[0046] Lastly, FIG. 6 shows a cutaway portion of the present
invention, as shown in FIG. 3, with the airflows "A" that originate
from the attic area. As can be seen, these air flows are able to
progress through the ridge opening and through the ridge vent, and
then through the roof vent of the present invention. Thus the roof
vent allows for continued functioning of the ridge vent even when
it would otherwise be blocked by snow loads.
[0047] The roof vent of the present invention may be fabricated
from any materials that would accept the configuration described
and perform under the anticipated parameters, that would be known
to one skilled in the art. Specifically, the present embodiment is
fabricated from a plastic resin, although it may easily be
fabricated from metal which is coated with an appropriate finish to
resist the elements. It would be possible to leave the finish of
the roof vent in a primed condition so that it can be painted by
the installer with a color calculated to match the rest of the roof
or house color.
[0048] In an alternate embodiment using metal for the roof vent, it
should be grounded so as to prevent damage if it were hit by
lightning. Plastic construction is obviously preferred in this
instance since it would have the advantage of inhibiting the
potential for a lightning strike.
[0049] It should be readily understood that the size of the roof
vent shroud exceeds the footprint of the ridge vent (or any other
roof vent to which the teachings of the present invention may be
applied) for the purposes of sealing off the underlying structure.
The height of the roof vent is preferentially designed for 30
inches from the peak to the vent pipe exhaust (whether this is the
tee ends or the top of the vent pipe if the tee is installed),
which has been shown to work adequately in actual use and for many
of the anticipated snow loads that would occur in the northern
climates. Taller units would certainly be expected to perform as
well, or perhaps better given the additional drafting that would
occur, although these would be well within the teachings of the
invention herein. In yet another version of the present invention,
the vent pipe may be supplied as a height-adjustable component,
such as a pair of telescoping tubes, or as a part that may be cut
to length to accommodate the installation and/or anticipated snow
load conditions at a given site.
[0050] The doors that would be located on the roof vent shroud
would preferentially be spring loaded so as to ensure the unit
remains secure and protected from the elements.
[0051] It would be feasible to lengthen the anchor rod and place
the anchor eye closer to the "J" hooks or conversely, to lengthen
the "J" hooks to better reach the anchor eyes. This would be a
matter of choice and preference in efforts to improve the ease of
installation of the device.
[0052] Turning now to another embodiment of the present invention,
FIGS. 7 and 8 reveal a roof vent suited for the ridge vent type
applications. The preferred embodiment is disclosed as the roof
vent 70, with the vent pipe 72, the tee 74, the tee end(s) 76 and
the roof vent shroud 78. This embodiment further includes the apron
80, with the apron hinge 82, the apron base 84, the apron flange(s)
86, the ridge vent cutout 88 and the mounting holes 90. In
addition, there is noted a differential in the diameter of the vent
pipe, where the diameter is less at the lower end 92 of the vent
pipe 72, than it is at the upper end 94 of the vent pipe.
[0053] This embodiment utilizes the apron to good advantage in
fitting the roof vent to a particular roof. The pitch of roofs can
vary, which would be a concern when installing any equipment on a
roof. In the present case, the aprons are adjustable since they are
hinged and allowed to rotate about the apron hinge. Once the vent
pipe is held in a vertical and true position at the installation
point on the roof, the aprons can then be rotated through a number
of angles corresponding to different roof pitches, with a portion
of the aprons telescopically residing inside the shroud housing.
Once the correct angle for each apron is determined, the aprons can
be fixed by drilling a number of holes through the shroud and into
the portion of the apron residing within the shroud and then
installing screws into the shroud and then into the part of the
apron that resides inside the shroud, thus fixing the aprons in
place. Other methods for fixing the aprons in place relative to the
shroud can be used as well, and would be known to one skilled in
the art.
[0054] The roof vent of the present embodiment also provides for
installation on top of the ridge vent, using the ridge vent cutout
area on the apron to assist in making the fit. The aprons have
flanges extending from the sides of the apron base and with the
mounting holes thereon, the roof vent assembly can be mounted to
the roof using the appropriate screws. The flange also provides a
surface for flashing the roof vent to further ensure that no leaks
develop. With this version of the roof vent embodiment, the
installation requirements are minimized and the benefits of the
previously discussed embodiment are obtained. The variation in the
diameter of the vent pipe, increasing in size as it goes from the
lower end of the vent pipe to the upper end of the vent pipe,
increases the volume of the air flow that is contained within the
vent pipe as per its cross section at each of the two points. In so
doing, a pressure differential is created, in favor of the reduced
volume at the upper end of the vent pipe, which will promote the
acceleration of the airflow through the roof vent.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 9, a modified version of the alternate
embodiment is shown where the roof vent 100, is fitted with a "rice
hat" top 102. This is a conventional style of venting that is used
on roof application and the benefits of the present invention are
compatible with this type of style.
[0056] Similarly, the version of the alternate embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 is a cosmetic modification that incorporates the roof vent
of the present invention. Notably, the roof vent 110 is given an
exterior treatment as a cupola in order to match the design
treatment of a user's building. The roof vent includes the cupola
sidewalls 112, the roof 114, and the cupola vents 116. As may be
appreciated, the structure of the roof vent as shown in FIGS. 7 and
8, is incorporated into the interior of this design approach. The
cupola treatment is a facade that allows the roof vent to operate
as described herein since the cupola vents provide communication to
the atmosphere. The object is to stylize the roof vent in order to
meet architectural expectations without impacting the functionality
of the roof vent concept.
[0057] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the roof vent of the alternate
embodiment is shown as having been installed over a pre-existing
vent pipe. In this view, the interior portion of the aprons are
visible and it can be understood that when they are adjusted for
the angle of the roof pitch, they rotatably extend and contract as
the circumstance warrants. The portion of the apron residing within
the interior of the shroud, however, remains close to the bottom of
the shroud portion and it is in this area that the fixing of the
apron to the shroud is best accomplished using a screw as mentioned
above. The roof vent 120 in this application is positioned over the
pre-existing vent pipe 122 such that it extends into the interior
of the shroud 78 and upward into the vent pipe interior 126. The
pre-existing vent pipe top 124 remains enclosed within the vent
pipe 72 and contributes to the functionality of the device as will
be discussed. The diameter of the pre-existing vent pipe is less
than the diameter of the vent pipe of the present invention and
this gap allows the roof vent to operate in the same fashion
excepting for the physical presence of the pre-existing vent pipe.
It is believed that the combination of the pre-existing vent pipe
and the roof vent structure provides a mutually beneficial action
in promoting ventilation. For instance, when the pre-existing vent
pipe is exhausting volumes, it will induce a venturi effect that
will enhance the venting of the space underneath the roof that is
the object of the roof vent. Conversely, when the conditions are
such that the roof vent is producing a good exhausting effect, the
reverse principle is true for the beneficial effects on the venting
from the pre-existing vent pipe. This venturi function, when
combined with the induced pressure differential of the present
embodiment, further enhances and improves upon the venting
functions of the roof vent.
[0058] The roof vent of the present invention may also be
considered a seasonal accessory for the homeowner's roofing system.
It would be entirely possible for the home owner to leave the
anchor plate of the first embodiment affixed to the bottom leg of
the ridge vent, making sure that it is sealed properly, and if the
anchor rod was made removable such as threading it into the base
plate, or in the alternate, by providing a keyway or slot for
reversible engagement. In any event, the roof vent could be
deployed on the roof in advance of the winter season, remain
functional throughout the period of heavy snow loads, and then
removed when warranted. This would reduce any cosmetic detriments
associated with the size and location of the device on the roof of
a residence. The venting is therefore deployed, only when needed
for the protection of the roof system and when it is not desired,
it does not remain as a potential eyesore. In either embodiment,
consideration can be made in finishing the roof vent in a dark
color in order to gain some thermal advantage. By inducing
increased temperatures in the roof vent, the differential would
also promote the acceleration of airflows. Cosmetic prohibitions
may apply though, and the color selection of the product may be a
matter of choice on the part of the consumer.
[0059] Depending on the amount of the roof field that would require
venting, it would be entirely feasible to install more than one
roof vent of the present invention along the same, or several,
ridge vents. This would have the effect of not only increasing the
potential flow rates but it would also more evenly distribute the
venting function across the roof field. The more even the
distribution, the less likely there will be any variance in the
roof temperatures and avoidance of any zones that might stay warm
enough to defeat the purpose of the venting. In the case where
existing stand alone roof vents are in place, the teachings of the
present invention may be modified to allow installation of a new
roof vent of the type described herein, but with appropriate
modifications for anchoring the unit to the stand alone and for
orienting the vent pipe appropriately in a vertical alignment.
Another method for increasing the effectiveness of the roof vent is
to use a powered blower with the system to augment the natural
drafting conditions. The blower could be triggered by a
thermostatic control or it could be switched off and on
manually.
[0060] It should be understood that the teachings of the present
invention are not strictly limited to the embodiments as disclosed
herein. For instance, the cosmetic treatments given to the
preferred embodiment are not exclusive and any other dress may be
reasonably applied to the roof vent in accordance with the
teachings herein. The benefits and features the invention can be
applied to roof vents of differing types and in installations other
than ridge venting. Such variations are well within the scope of
one skilled in the art and are not expressly shown herein, but are
understood to be within the scope of the invention, as may be
allowed.
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