U.S. patent application number 11/367286 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for vent pipe cover.
Invention is credited to Michael D. Grassman.
Application Number | 20060211356 11/367286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37010997 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060211356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grassman; Michael D. |
September 21, 2006 |
Vent pipe cover
Abstract
A vent pipe cover having a double walled body for engaging the
outermost surface of a vent pipe. The upper end of the body is
capped and gas flow passages are provided by first apertures
extending through an inner wall and second apertures extending
through an outer wall. The apertures are generally formed in at
least an upper portion of the body. The body comprises a length
sufficient to provide adequate head space for the flow of gasses
above the upper edge of the pipe. An insulator may be positioned
between the inner and outer walls to reduce heat loss through the
pipe. A flared skirt extending from the lower surface of the outer
wall includes cutting lines to adapt the vent pipe cover to roofs
of differing pitches. One or more deformable clips are used to
releaseably engage an inner most surface of the pipe cover with the
outermost surface of the vent pipe.
Inventors: |
Grassman; Michael D.;
(Shreve, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER & JOCKE, L.P.A.
231 SOUTH BROADWAY STREET
MEDINA
OH
44256
US
|
Family ID: |
37010997 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367286 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60594152 |
Mar 15, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23J 2213/50 20130101;
F23J 13/08 20130101; F23J 2900/13005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/004 |
International
Class: |
F23J 13/08 20060101
F23J013/08 |
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis and a
central cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the
body and central cavity are closed at an upper end of the body; an
inner wall of the body defining the central cavity, wherein the
inner wall includes a plurality of first apertures extending
therethrough generally transverse to the axis, wherein the first
apertures are in flow communication with the central cavity; an
outer wall of the body disposed from the inner wall to define a
space therebetween, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of
second apertures extending therethrough generally transverse to the
axis, wherein the first apertures and the second apertures
cooperate to form a plurality of flow passages to enable gasses
within the central cavity to vent to outside the outer wall.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least a lower portion
of the inner wall comprises a generally cylindrical shape
dimensioned to fit around an outermost surface of a protruding pipe
structure.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first apertures are
disposed in at least an upper portion of the body.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 comprising: a flared skirt in
supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall, wherein
the skirt includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt
should be cut to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different
pitches.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 comprising: at least one clip
mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of the
inner wall and extending into the central cavity, wherein the at
least one clip is adapted to releaseably engage the outermost
surface of the protruding pipe structure.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the second apertures are
generally disposed in at least the upper portion of the body.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the body comprises a
plastic material.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 comprising: an insulator disposed
in at least a portion of the space between the outer wall and the
inner wall.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 comprising: at least one vane
member extending in at least one of the second apertures.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the inner wall comprises
a generally cylindrical shape along an entire length thereof and
wherein the outer wall comprises a generally cylindrical shape
along an entire length thereof.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein none of the first
apertures is radially aligned with any of the second apertures.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 comprising: a cap member having
a convex upper surface, wherein the cap member is operative to
close the body and the central cavity at the upper end of the
body.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the skirt, the body,
and the cap member comprise a unitary construction.
14. Apparatus comprising: a cylindrical double-walled body having a
longitudinal axis including: a cylindrical inner wall; a
cylindrical outer wall radially spaced from the inner wall defining
a cylindrical space therebetween; a central cavity disposed along
the axis inwardly of the inner wall; a plurality of first apertures
extending through the inner wall transverse to the axis; a
plurality of second apertures extending through the outer wall
transverse to the axis, wherein the first apertures and the second
apertures cooperate to provide a plurality of flow passages to
enable gasses to flow from within the axial cavity to outside the
outer wall; a cap member in circumferential sealing engagement with
an upper end of the outer wall, wherein the cap member is operative
to close an upper end of the cylindrical space and the axial
cavity; and a flared skirt in supporting connection with a lower
end of the outer wall, wherein the skirt includes indicia defining
lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to
roofs having different pitches.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 including: at least one clip
mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of the
inner wall, wherein the at least one clip is adapted to releaseably
engage an outermost surface of a protruding pipe structure.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 comprising: an insulator
disposed in at least a portion of the cylindrical space.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the first apertures are
generally disposed within an upper region of the inner wall,
wherein the second apertures are generally disposed within an upper
region of the outer wall, and wherein none of the first apertures
is radially aligned with any of the second apertures.
18. Method comprising: positioning a cylindrical double walled body
of a pipe vent cover relative a protruding pipe structure so that
at least a portion of the protruding pipe structure is received
within a central cavity disposed along an axis of the body, and
wherein at least an upper portion of the body is vertically
disposed above an upper edge of the pipe structure; releaseably
engaging an outermost surface of the pipe structure with at least
one clip mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface
of an inner wall of the body and extending into the central cavity;
and providing a plurality of flow passages for gasses within the
pipe structure to be vented to the atmosphere, wherein the flow
passages include a plurality of first apertures in flow
communication with the central cavity extending transversely to the
axis through an inner wall in at least an upper portion of the
body, and a plurality of second apertures extending transversely to
the axis through the outer wall.
19. Method according to claim 18 comprising: cutting a flared skirt
mounted in supporting connection with a lower edge of the outer
wall of the body on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein
the cutting line is selected according to a pitch of a roof.
20. Method according to claim 19 comprising: positioning an
insulator in at least a portion of a space between the inner wall
and the outer wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.19(e) of Provisional Application 60/594,152 filed Mar. 15,
2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to covers or shields for roof vent
pipes. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-walled
vent cover having a capped end and vent openings extending through
outer and inner walls.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,804 is directed to a roof vent pipe
shield including an outer plastic cylinder and an inner plastic
cylinder connected at one end by fusion bonded portions such that
there is a space between the cylinders. A through passage extends
through upper and lower open ends of the inner cylinder. A flared
portion extends from the lower end of the outer cylinder for
engagement with the roof. Cutting guide lines are provided on the
inner surface of the flared portion to enable roofs of different
pitches to be accommodated.
[0004] In use, the disclosed vent pipe shield is installed so that
the outer cylinder is disposed outside of the vent pipe, and the
inner cylinder is disposed inside the vent pipe. In this way,
water, i.e., rain, is directed through the open passage and into
the pipe interior, or onto the roof.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,505 is directed to a sewer vent deicer.
The disclosed device includes a cap having a plurality of side
apertures within the cap and an upper opening. The cap is mounted
atop a tapered tube which houses a removable insulating sleeve. Air
flowing into and through the side apertures decreases the air
pressure, causing warmer air from within the pipe to flow upwardly
to decrease the risk of the vent freezing.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,611 is directed to a vent flashing
assembly having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member
adapted to fit within the vent pipe. A cap member, spaced from the
outer tubular member, provides a gaseous flow path between the cap
member and the tubular members.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,643 discloses an insulating sleeve
adapted to fit over the outer surface of the vent pipe. Gasses
within the pipe are vented to the atmosphere through an open end of
the sleeve.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,724 discloses a plumbing stack vent
cover having an integrally formed body and base. An interior
section is adapted to extend into the stack vent and an exterior
section extends above the stack vent. Gases are passed our of the
pipe through an central axial opening.
[0009] Some of the references discussed above have an inner member
adapted to fit within the vent pipe which effectively decreases the
circumference of the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in the
art for a vent pipe cover which does not narrow the outlet for
passing gasses out of the vent pipe.
[0010] Many of the references discussed above include a central
axial opening open to the atmosphere for venting gasses. However,
the open-ended structures do not prevent small animals or other
creatures from entering the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in
the art for a vent pipe cover which resists passage of animals
while effectively allowing gasses to vent.
[0011] In colder climates, problems in plumbing systems have been
traced to ice clogging the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in
the art for a vent pipe cover which decreases the risk of ice
clogs.
[0012] Also in colder climates, the vent pipe may allow unnecessary
heat loss from the building structure. Thus, there exists a need in
the art for a vent pipe cover which minimizes heat loss through the
vent pipe.
[0013] Thus, there exists a need for improvements in the operation
and construction of vent pipe covers.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a vent
pipe cover.
[0015] It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide
a vent pipe cover that may be at least partially insulated to
retard heat loss through the plumbing system.
[0016] It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide
a vent pipe cover that reduces intrusion of the elements, but does
not hinder the functioning of the plumbing drain system.
[0017] It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide
a vent pipe cover that lessens the encroachment of sticks, leaves,
and animals into the plumbing drain system.
[0018] It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enhance
the appearance of a protruding vent pipe.
[0019] Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made
apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and
the appended claims.
[0020] The foregoing objects are accomplished in some exemplary
embodiments by an apparatus including a body with a longitudinal
axis and a central cavity. The body and the central cavity are
closed at an upper end of the body. An inner wall, defining the
central cavity, includes a plurality of first apertures in flow
communication with the central cavity extending transversely to the
axis. An outer wall, spaced from the inner wall, includes a
plurality of second apertures extending transversely to the axis.
The first apertures and the second apertures cooperate to form a
plurality of flow passages to enable gasses within the central
cavity to vent to outside the outer wall. The apparatus may
comprise a plastic material.
[0021] The apparatus includes a flared skirt extending from the
lower end of the outer wall. The skirt includes indicia defining
lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to
roofs having different pitches.
[0022] At least a lower portion of the inner wall is cylindrically
shaped and dimensioned to fit around an outermost surface of a
protruding pipe structure. The apparatus also includes at least one
clip supported on the innermost surface of the inner wall and
extending into the central cavity to releaseably engage the
outermost surface of the protruding pipe structure.
[0023] In general, the first apertures are disposed in an upper
portion of the inner wall and the second apertures may be disposed
in an upper portion of the outer wall. In some embodiments, each of
the first apertures are offset from the second apertures, so that
none of the apertures are radially aligned. One or more of the
apertures may include vane members to reduce encroachment of
leaves, sticks, animals, insects, and the like into the vent
pipe.
[0024] The apparatus may include an insulator disposed in the space
between the outer wall and the inner wall to reduce heat loss
through the vent pipe.
[0025] The apparatus may include a cap with a convex upper surface
to facilitate the movement of precipitation.
[0026] In other embodiments, an apparatus comprises a cylindrical
double-walled body having a longitudinal axis including a
cylindrical inner wall, a cylindrical outer wall radially spaced
from the inner wall defining a cylindrical space therebetween, a
central cavity disposed along the axis inwardly of the inner wall,
a plurality of first apertures extending through the inner wall
transverse to the axis, a plurality of second apertures extending
through the outer wall transverse to the axis, wherein the first
apertures and the second apertures cooperate to provide a plurality
of flow passages to enable gasses to flow from within the axial
cavity to outside the outer wall, a cap member in circumferential
sealing engagement with an upper end of the outer wall, wherein the
cap member is operative to close an upper end of the cylindrical
space and the axial cavity; and a flared skirt in supporting
connection with a lower end of the outer wall, wherein the skirt
includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt should be cut
to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different pitches.
[0027] In other embodiments, a method is provided, wherein the
method includes positioning a cylindrical double walled body of a
pipe vent cover relative a protruding pipe structure so that at
least a portion of the protruding pipe structure is received within
a central cavity disposed along an axis of the body, and wherein at
least an upper portion of the body is vertically disposed above an
upper edge of the pipe structure; releaseably engaging an outermost
surface of the pipe structure with at least one clip mounted in
supporting connection with an innermost surface of an inner wall of
the body and extending into the central cavity; and providing a
plurality of flow passages for gasses within the pipe structure to
be vented to the atmosphere, wherein the flow passages include a
plurality of first apertures in flow communication with the central
cavity extending transversely to the axis through at least an upper
portion of an inner wall, and a plurality of second apertures
extending transversely to the axis through the outer wall.
[0028] An exemplary method also includes cutting a flared skirt
mounted in supporting connection with a lower edge of the outer
wall of the body on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein
the cutting line is selected according to a pitch of a roof.
[0029] An exemplary method also includes positioning an insulator
in at least a portion of a space between the inner wall and the
outer wall.
[0030] As will be appreciated, the foregoing objects and examples
are exemplary and embodiments of the invention need not meet all or
any of the foregoing objects, and need not include all or any of
the exemplary features described above. Additional aspects and
embodiments within the scope of the claims may be devised by those
having skill in the art based on the teachings set forth
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] The features and inventive aspects of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed
description, claims, and drawings, of which the following is a
brief description:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment
of a vent pipe cover.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary embodiment
taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a vent pipe cover showing
a vane extending in an aperture.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of a vent pipe cover.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional exploded view of an alternate
embodiment of a vent pipe cover.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-2,
there is shown therein an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
according to the invention and generally designated by the
reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 is generally referred to herein
as a vent pipe cover adapted to fit over an exposed vent pipe 11
protruding through the roof 15 of a structure.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 10 comprises a
generally double walled cylindrical body 12 having an outer wall 14
and an inner wall 16, defining an generally cylindrical space 17
therebetween. In the Figures, the outer wall 14 and inner wall 16
are illustrated as having generally equal thicknesses. The
embodiment shown is merely illustrative and other constructions are
contemplated within the scope of the invention.
[0039] Inner wall 16 defines a central cavity 18 extending along a
longitudinal axis 20. Body 12 is closed at its upper end by a cap
24 which also closes the upper end of the central cavity 18. In the
exemplary embodiment, cap 24 includes a convex upper surface 26. In
FIGS. 1 and 2, cap 24 is illustrated as not extending past the
outer wall dimensions. Of course, this embodiment is merely
exemplary and other embodiments may include a cap with an
overhanging lip or flange 28 (FIG. 4). Cap 24 is also illustrated
with the convex upper surface 26. In other embodiments, other
configurations of cap 24 may be used. For example, cap 24 may
include an upper surface having more or less curvature than what is
illustrated.
[0040] A flared skirt 30 extends from a lower end of outer wall 14.
In an exemplary embodiment, flared skirt 30 includes indicia 34
providing cutting lines so that apparatus 10 may be adapted for use
with pipe vents extending from roofs of varying pitches. The
indicia may be provided on an outer surface of the skirt 30 as
shown, or alternately or in addition, on an inner surface, not
shown.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 10 includes a
plurality of first apertures 38 extending through the inner wall 16
in a manner generally transverse to axis 20. First apertures 38 are
in flow communication with central cavity 18. A plurality of second
apertures 40 extend through the outer wall 14 in a manner generally
transverse to axis 20. In an exemplary embodiment, second apertures
40 are in flow communication with the cylindrical space 17 defined
between outer wall 14 and inner wall 16. First apertures 38 and
second apertures 40 cooperate to provide a plurality of flow
passages for venting gases from within the central cavity to
outside of the outer wall in a manner later described.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, first apertures 38 are generally
disposed in an upper portion 42 of body 12. Also, in an exemplary
embodiment, the first apertures 38 and second apertures 40 are
offset from one another. By "offset" it is meant that none of the
first apertures 38 is radially aligned with any of the second
apertures 40. Such an arrangement offers added protection against
the encroachment of leaves or twigs into the central cavity,
without restricting the flow of gasses through the apertures. In
exemplary embodiments, the first and second apertures may be more
or less randomly arranged. Thus, it is possible that one or more
apertures may be radially aligned.
[0043] With particular reference to FIG. 3, in an exemplary
embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes at least one vane 58
extending into at least one second aperture 40. The vane deters the
encroachment of twigs, leaves, insects, and the like without
preventing the venting of gasses. In an exemplary embodiment, at
least one vane extends in each of the second apertures. The vane 58
may comprise a wide array of configurations which perform the
desired function. In other embodiments, vanes may extend in the
first apertures as well.
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary apparatus 10
also includes at least one clip 46 mounted in supporting connection
with an innermost surface 48 of the inner wall 16 and extending
into the central cavity 18. The clip 46 may be a deformable steel
spring member. Of course, the spring may comprise any construction
that enables the apparatus to be releaseably engaged with the vent
pipe. The clip 46 is adapted to engage the outermost surface 50 of
the vent pipe when the apparatus is installed.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the central cavity 18 is
dimensioned so that at least a portion of the vent pipe 11 is
received therein with minimal spacing between the outermost surface
50 of the vent pipe and the innermost surface 48 of the inner wall
16. In some prior vent pipe covers, a portion of the cover is
adapted to fit inside the vent pipe which effectively reduces the
diameter of the vent pipe. In the disclosed apparatus, the vent
pipe cover is adapted to fit around the vent pipe to eliminate
restriction of the vent pipe.
[0046] In some embodiments, the central cavity has a diameter of
approximately 4 inches. The dimension of the central cavity 18 may
be larger or smaller depending on the outer diameter of the pipe to
be covered. Also, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of the
body 12 may be approximately 6 inches, although the diameter may be
larger or smaller depending on the particular application. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first and second apertures 38, 40 are
generally 1/4 inch in diameter, although apertures having other
sizes are within the scope of the invention.
[0047] The body 12 has a height, H, that generally exceeds the
height, h, of the protruding pipe structure. When the pipe vent
cover is installed, the upper portion 42 of the body 12 extends
beyond an upper edge 52 of the vent pipe. The difference in heights
provides head space between the upper edge of the vent pipe and the
cap 24 to enable gasses to vent from within the pipe, into the
central cavity 18, and out the plurality of flow passages provided
by the first and second apertures. Thus, the length of the body and
the size and number of first and second apertures must adequately
meet the ventilation requirements. The exemplary embodiment is also
dimensioned to provide sufficient positive air flow for proper
drainage of the system.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, an insulator 54 may extend in at
least a lower portion of the cylindrical space 17. In an exemplary
embodiment, the insulator 54 is a separate component that can be
easily inserted into the cylindrical space when the vent pipe cover
is installed. In other exemplary embodiments, the insulator may be
permanently affixed to the body 12. In other embodiments, the
insulator may comprise a foamable substance. If the insulator
extends into the upper portion 42 of body 12, the insulator must
not adversely affect the flow of gasses from within the vent pipe
to outside the outer wall through the flow passages defined by the
first and second apertures.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary alternate embodiment of vent
cover generally designated 10'. In the exemplary embodiment, at
least a lower portion 60 of inner wall 16' is dimensioned for a
close adjacent relationship with the protruding pipe 11. However,
the upper portion 62 of inner wall 16' may deviate from the
dimension of the lower portion. For example, the upper portion 62
of the inner wall may be sloped or otherwise encompass a greater
diameter than the lower portion 60 to increase the volume of the
head space. In other embodiments, the outer wall 14' may comprise
other than a cylindrical shape and still meet the requirements of
the invention. Still other modifications will be apparent to those
having skill in the art.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 4, cap 24' may include a curved
surface 66 to directed moisture, such as formed by condensation,
down toward pipe 11. Curved surface 66 may optionally include a nip
68 from which water droplets may fall. Of course, cap 24 as
discussed earlier may be provided with a similar curved surface
and/or nip.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the body 12, cap 24, and flared
skirt 30 comprise a unitary construction. In an exemplary
embodiment, the apparatus 10, 10' comprises a plastic material.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vent pipe
cover 70 including a selectively replaceable upper member 72 that
may be removably attached to a lower member 74. The upper member 72
includes an inner wall 76 having a plurality of first apertures 78
therethrough. Upper member 72 also includes an outer wall 80 having
a plurality of second apertures 82 therethrough. First and second
apertures 78, 82 provide for venting of the gases and sufficient
air flow as previously described. Cap 84 effectively seals the body
of the vent pipe cover 70 at an upper end as previously described.
In a preferred embodiment, the upper member 72 may include a
threaded surface 86 adapted to mate with a threaded surface 88 on
the lower member 74. Of course, other methods of attaching the
upper member 72 to lower member 74 are contemplated within the
scope of the invention. Also, the threaded surfaces may be reversed
than those shown. The upper member 72 generally defines the head
space of the vent pipe cover 70. Thus, upper member 72 may be
selectively replaced with an alternate upper member to supply a
different volume of head space as is readily apparent. As in
previously described embodiments, the number and dimensions of
apertures 78 , 82 may be varied as required by the particular
application.
[0053] In other exemplary embodiments, the pipe vent cover may
include selectively removable plugs in the first and second
apertures. The plugs may be retained or removed in accordance with
the requirements of the particular application.
[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for
covering a vent pipe. The exemplary method includes positioning the
body 12 over a protruding pipe 11 so that at least a portion of the
pipe is received within the central cavity 18. The body is
positioned so that at least an upper portion 42 of the body is
vertically disposed above an upper edge 52 of the pipe. The
outermost surface 50 of the pipe is releaseably engaged with at
least one clip 46 carried on the innermost surface 48 of the inner
wall 16 of the body and extending into the central cavity 18. A
plurality of flow passages are provided so that gasses within the
pipe are enabled to be vented to the atmosphere. The flow passages
include a plurality of first apertures 38 in flow communication
with the central cavity 18 and a plurality of second apertures 40
extending through the outer wall 14.
[0055] An exemplary method also includes cutting a flared skirt 30
mounted in supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall
14 on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein the cutting
line is selected according to the pitch of the roof.
[0056] An exemplary method includes positioning an insulator 54 in
at least a portion of a cylindrical space 17 between the inner wall
and the outer wall.
[0057] The length of the apparatus may vary based on state codes
requiring vent pipes of different heights above roofs, and the
diameters may be varied to fit all sizes of vent pipes.
[0058] Thus, the features and characteristics of the embodiments
previously described achieve desirable results, eliminate
difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems,
solve problems and may attain one or more of the objectives stated
above.
[0059] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are for
descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of
examples and the invention is not limited to the details shown and
described.
[0060] In the following claims any feature described as a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means
capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be deemed
limited to the particular means shown in the foregoing description
or mere equivalents thereof.
[0061] Having described the features, discoveries and principles of
the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated,
and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful
structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,
systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and
relationships are set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *