U.S. patent application number 11/096778 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for low profile roof vent.
Invention is credited to Carolina O'Hagin.
Application Number | 20060223437 11/096778 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36658927 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060223437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Hagin; Carolina |
October 5, 2006 |
Low profile roof vent
Abstract
A roof vent has a body with a flange removably mountable
adjacent a roof surface and a base attached to a distal end of the
flange and disposed between two side walls, where the base and the
side walls define a compartment therebetween. The compartment is
disposed in an area beneath the roof surface when the flange is
mounted to the roof surface, wherein the base extends at an angle
relative to the flange to direct water that enters the compartment
toward the distal end of the flange and onto the roof surface. An
opening in the body allows airflow between the compartment and the
area beneath the roof surface outside the body. A cover is
removably mountable over the flange so that the roof vent has a low
profile relative to the roof surface. The cover has a surface and
at least one opening configured to substantially allow airflow
between the compartment and an area above the roof surface.
Inventors: |
O'Hagin; Carolina;
(Sebastopol, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
36658927 |
Appl. No.: |
11/096778 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/366 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101; E04D
13/17 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/366 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02; F24F 13/08 20060101 F24F013/08 |
Claims
1. A roof vent comprising: a flange extending between a proximal
end and a distal end, the flange removably mountable adjacent a
roof surface; a base attached to the distal end of the flange and
disposed between two side walls, the base and side walls defining a
compartment therebetween, the compartment disposed in an area
beneath the roof surface when the flange is mounted to the roof
surface, wherein the base extends at an angle relative to the
flange to direct water that enters the compartment toward the
distal end of the flange and onto the roof surface; and a cover
removably mountable over the flange, the cover having at least one
opening configured to substantially allow airflow between the
compartment and an area above the roof surface.
2. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the cover is louvered.
3. The roof vent of claim 2, wherein the louvered cover includes
multiple fins positioned across the openings and oriented at a
desired angle relative to a the cover surface.
4. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the base directs water back
onto the roof surface via the force of gravity.
5. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the cover and flange define a
drain at the distal end when the cover is mounted to the
flange.
6. The roof vent of claim 1, further comprising a baffle attached
to the base, the baffle configured to further prevent water that
enters the compartment from exiting the compartment by passing into
an area beneath the roof surface outside the compartment.
7. The roof vent of claim 1, wherein the body has an opening that
substantially allows airflow between the compartment and an area
beneath the roof surface outside the body.
8. The roof vent of claim 7, wherein the opening is covered by a
grill.
9. A roof vent, comprising: a body removably mountable to a roof
surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an
area beneath the roof surface, the body defining a channel therein
and having a base extending generally at an angle relative to the
roof surface, the body also having an opening that substantially
allows airflow between the channel and an area beneath the roof
surface outside the body, wherein the base is configured to
substantially prevent the flow of water into the area beneath the
roof surface outside the body.
10. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the base is generally
planar.
11. The roof vent of claim 9, wherein the opening is filtered to
prevent the ingress of particulate matter from the channel into the
area beneath the roof surface outside the body.
12. The roof vent of claim 9, further comprising: a cover having a
surface and defining at least one opening therein, the cover
removably attached to the body, the cover being filtered to prevent
the ingress of particulate matter from above the roof surface into
the channel, the cover and body defining a drain therebetween.
13. The roof vent of claim 12, wherein the filtered cover includes
at least one fin positioned across the at least one opening and
oriented at an angle relative to the cover surface to substantially
allow airflow between an area above the roof surface and the
channel.
14. The roof vent of claim 9, further comprising a grill disposed
over the opening to substantially prevent the ingress of
particulate matter from the channel into the area beneath the roof
surface outside the body.
15. The roof vent of claim 14, wherein the grill comprises wire
mesh.
16. A roof vent, comprising: a body removably mountable to a roof
surface so that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an
area beneath the roof surface, the body having a base extending
generally at an angle relative to the roof surface to direct a
fluid that enters the body onto the roof surface; a cover removably
attached to the body and defining a drain therebetween, the cover
defining at least one opening therein, the cover oriented generally
parallel to the roof surface; and means for substantially allowing
airflow between an area beneath the roof surface outside the body
and an area above the roof surface.
17. The roof vent of claim 16, wherein the roof vent has a low
profile when mounted to the roof surface.
18. The roof vent of claim 17, wherein the cover extends no more
than approximately 1/2 inch above the roof surface.
19. A method for venting a roof, comprising: cutting an opening of
a desired size in a roof surface; providing a roof vent comprising
a body defining a channel and having a flange and a base angled
relative to the flange; attaching the roof vent to the roof surface
so that the flange is adjacent the roof surface and the channel is
in communication with the opening, where a substantial portion of
the body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface;
positioning a vent cover over the flange, the cover and flange
defining a drain therebetween; and fastening the vent cover to the
flange.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover is louvered.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover is positioned so that
the roof vent has a low profile relative to the roof surface.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the cover so that
the roof vent has a low profile includes positioning the cover so
it extends no more than about 1/2 inch above the roof surface.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the roof vent
includes inserting the roof vent through the opening so the flange
rests on top of the roof surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present embodiments generally relate to roof vents, and
more particularly to a roof vent that minimizes the ingress of
water into a building while allowing airflow through the roof.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Roof vents are employed as integral parts of a useful roof
design. Roof vents are most often used for keeping the attic space
of a building cooler and allowing "hothouse" gases to escape.
[0005] To do this, the vent provides a passage for air to flow out
of a house, building, warehouse, attic or otherwise unventilated
room or area to the outside and vice-versa. However, a desirable
roof vent must also inhibit the entry of liquid, particulate
matter, and vermin, such as rain and rodents, into the ventilated
room. Additionally, a low-profile roof vent that fits discretely
onto an angled roof is also desirable. Accordingly, a need exists
for an improved roof vent providing adequate airflow into and out
of a building, while preventing the ingress of water, particulate
matter, and vermin into the building, and while fitting discretely
onto a roof surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one disclosed embodiment, a roof vent is
provided comprising a flange extending between a proximal end and a
distal end, where the flange is removably mountable adjacent a roof
surface. The roof vent also comprises a base attached to the distal
end of the flange and disposed between two side walls, where the
base and the side walls define a compartment between them. The
compartment is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface when
the flange is mounted to the roof surface, wherein the base extends
at an angle relative to the flange to direct water that enters the
compartment toward the distal end of the flange and onto the roof
surface. The roof vent also comprises a cover that is removably
mountable over the flange. The cover has at least one opening
configured to substantially allow airflow between the compartment
and an area above the roof surface.
[0007] In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a roof vent
comprises a body removably mountable to a roof surface so that a
substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area beneath the
roof surface. The body defines a channel therein and has a base
extending generally at an angle relative to the roof surface. The
body also has an opening that substantially allows airflow between
the channel and an area beneath the roof surface outside the body.
The base is configured to substantially prevent the flow of water
into the area beneath the roof surface outside the body.
[0008] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a roof vent is
provided comprising a body removably mountable to a roof surface so
that a substantial portion of the body is disposed in an area
beneath the roof surface. The body has a base extending generally
at an angle relative to the roof surface to direct a fluid that
enters the body onto the roof surface. The roof vent also comprises
a cover removably attached to the body and defining a drain between
the cover and the body. The cover defines at least one opening
therein and is oriented generally parallel to the roof surface. The
roof vent also comprises means for substantially allowing airflow
between an area beneath the roof surface outside the body and an
area above the roof surface.
[0009] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for
venting a roof is provided, comprising cutting an opening of a
desired size in a roof surface. The method also comprises providing
a roof vent comprising a body that defines a channel and has a
flange and a base angled relative to the flange. The method further
comprises attaching the roof vent to the roof surface so that the
flange is adjacent the roof surface and the channel is in
communication with the opening, where a substantial portion of the
body is disposed in an area beneath the roof surface. The method
additionally comprises positioning a vent cover over the flange,
wherein the cover and the flange define a drain therebetween, and
fastening the vent cover to the flange or the roof surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top, front and side perspective view of one
embodiment of a roof vent.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear, top and side perspective view of the roof
vent shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front, top and side view of a body of the roof
vent shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of the body shown in FIG. 4.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow-chart illustrating one embodiment for a
method of venting a roof.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the roof vent shown in FIG. 1
installed on a roof.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a roof
vent installed in a roof surface.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing showing the airflow provided
by one embodiment of a roof vent.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the operation of one
embodiment of a roof vent when exposed to water.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a roof vent 100. The
roof vent 100 preferably comprises a body 10 and a cover 20, which
are further described below.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the body 10 preferably extends
between a proximal end 10a and a distal end 10b. The body 10 also
has a flange 12 extending between a proximal end 12a and a distal
end 12b. Side walls 14a, 14b extend generally between the proximal
end 10a and the distal end 10b, and between the flange 12 and a
base 16, which itself extends from the proximal end 10a to the
distal end 10b. The base 16 connects to the distal end 12b of the
flange 12.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the body 10 has a length L, a
width W and a height H. Preferably, the length L is between about
thirty inches and about fifty inches, the width W is between about
five inches and about ten inches, and the height H is between about
five inches and about ten inches. In one embodiment, the length L
is about thirty-eight inches, the width W is about seven inches and
the height H is about 8.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the
base 16 is generally planar. However, the base can have other
suitable shapes, such as stepped or curved. One of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the vent 100 can
vary somewhat widely, depending on the amount of ventilation
desired and the number and sizes of the vents in the roof.
[0023] The side walls 14a, 14b and base 16 define a channel or
compartment 18 therebetween having a width W'. In one embodiment,
the width W' increases from the proximal end 10a to the distal end
10b. In another embodiment, the width W' decreases from the
proximal end 10a to the distal end 10a. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4, the width W' is generally uniform. The width
W' is preferably between about four inches and about ten inches. In
one embodiment, the width W' is about five inches.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 12 extends over a length L',
which is shorter than the length L of the body 10. Preferably, the
length L' is between about twenty-five inches and about thirty-five
inches. In one embodiment, the length L' is about thirty-two
inches. The flange 12 extends at an angle .alpha. relative to the
base 16. Preferably, the angle .alpha. is between about five
degrees and about twenty degrees. In one embodiment, the angle
.alpha. is about twelve degrees.
[0025] As best shown in FIG. 4, the flange 12 preferably has a
plurality of openings 12c, each of which can be sized as needed to
receive a fastener (not shown) therein. For example, the openings
12c can be sized to receive bolts, screws, or nails. The flange 12
can thus be fastened to a roof surface R (see FIG. 7) via the
openings 12c.
[0026] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the side
walls 14a, 14b extend between the proximal end 10a and the distal
end 10b, and generally between the flange 12 and the base 16. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side walls 14a, 14b have portions
15a, 15b, with edges 15a', 15b', that extend between the proximal
end 10a of the body and the proximal end 12a of the flange 12.
Accordingly, the side walls 14a, 14b and the base 16 extend a
distance X beyond the proximal end 12a of the flange 12.
Preferably, the distance X is between about five inches and about
ten inches. More preferably, the distance X is about six
inches.
[0027] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, a grill 30 is disposed at the
proximal end 10a of the body 10. The grill 30 extends between the
edges 15a', 15b' of the side wall portions 15a, 15b, and from a
baffle 40, which is attached to the base 16, to the proximal end
12a of the flange 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the grill 30
is made of mesh wire. However, the grill 30 can have other
configurations suitable for allowing airflow through the proximal
end 10a of the body, while preventing large matter from crossing
therethrough. For example, in another embodiment (not shown), the
grill 30 can be a surface with a plurality of openings defined
therein. The grill 30 is preferably fastened to the edges 15a',
15b' in any suitable manner. For example, the grill 30 can be
fastened to the side wall portions 15a, 15b via brackets, an
adhesive, clamps, screws, or nails. In the illustrated
configuration, the lower end of the grill 30 is secured to the
upper edge of the baffle 40. In another configuration, the lower
end of the grill 30 is secured to the base 16 at or near the lower
edge of the baffle 40. In either of these embodiments, the baffle
40 is configured to substantially prevent liquid from flowing out
of the proximal end 10a of the body 10.
[0028] The baffle 40, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, extends
between the edges 15a', 15b' of the side wall portions 15a, 15b a
height Y above the base 16. Preferably, the height Y is between
about 0.25 inches and two inches. More preferably, the height Y is
between about 0.5 inches and one inch. In one preferred embodiment,
the height Y is 0.75 inches.
[0029] As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roof vent
100 has a cover 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20
extends substantially along the entire length L' of the flange 12
and the width W of the body 10, such that the cover 20 is
substantially supported by the flange 12.
[0030] The cover 20 preferably has a surface 20a that defines at
least one opening 22 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the
cover 20 has two openings 22. However, the cover 20 can have any
suitable number of openings. In one embodiment, the opening 22 can
extend substantially the entire length and width of the cover 20.
In another embodiment, the opening 22 can extend over a portion of
the length or width of the cover 20.
[0031] Preferably, the cover 20 is filtered to substantially allow
airflow through the cover 20, but substantially prevent the passage
of larger matter therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the
cover 20 is louvered and has multiple fins 24 positioned across the
openings 22. In one embodiment, the fins 24 are angled relative to
the surface 20a. However, other suitable configurations can be used
to provide a filtered cover 20. In one embodiment (not shown), a
wire mesh screen can be disposed over the openings 22. In another
embodiment (not shown), the openings can be sufficiently small to
allow airflow through the cover 20, but substantially prevent the
passage of larger matter therethrough.
[0032] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 20 has a recessed
edge 26, so that the distal end 12b of the flange 12 extends
forward of the recessed edge 26 when the cover 20 is positioned
over the body 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed edge
26 is curved. However, the recessed edge 26 can have other shapes,
such as rectangular. Preferably, the recessed edge 26 defines a
drain 28 between the cover 20 and the distal end 12b of the flange
12 when the cover 20 is disposed over the body 10. The drain 28
preferably has a height Z and a width substantially equal to the
width W' of the base 16. The height Z of the drain 28 is defined by
a vertical distance between the base 16 and recessed edge 26 at the
distal end 10b of the body 10. In one embodiment, the height Z is
between about 0.25 inches and about one inch. However, the drain 28
can have other dimensions suitable for draining water from the
compartment 18. Moreover, the height Z and width of the drain 28
are preferably sized to allow water to flow therethrough but
substantially prevent the entry of large matter therethrough into
the compartment 18.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface 20a of the cover 20
defines at least one hole 20b around the periphery of the cover 20
sized to receive a fastener therethrough for fastening the cover 20
to the flange 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 20a
has a plurality of holes 20b, which align with the openings 12c in
the flange 12. In one embodiment, a fastener can be inserted
through the hole 20b in the cover and the opening 12c to fasten the
cover 20 and the flange 12 to the roof surface R. In another
embodiment, one or more first fasteners can be used to fasten the
cover 20 to the flange 12, and one or more second fasteners can be
used to fasten the flange 12 to the roof surface R (See FIG.
7).
[0034] The body 10 and cover 20 of the roof vent 100 are preferably
made of metal. In one embodiment, the body 10 and cover 20 can be
made of sheet metal such as stainless steel. However, the roof vent
100 can be made of any suitable materials for roof vents that can
withstand corrosion from water or damage from windblown objects. In
one embodiment, the flange 12, side walls 14a, 14b, and base 16 are
separate components fastened to each other via, for example,
brackets, welds, screws, or other suitable fasteners. In another
embodiment, the flange 12, side walls 14a, 14b and base 16 are
formed from a unitary sheet of metal via a suitable process, such
as stamping using a punch-press.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a method of installing
a roof vent, such as the roof vent 100 discussed above. One of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the method detailed
below can be used to install any number of roof vents 100 on a roof
surface R, as shown in FIG. 7. The method includes first forming 60
an opening 200 of a desired size in the roof surface R. In one
embodiment, the opening 200 is formed by cutting an existing roof.
In another embodiment, the opening 200 can be formed by allocating
an open area of the desired size in a roof surface to be installed,
such as during the construction of a new building. Preferably, a
template (not shown) is used to form the opening 200. The template
preferably has a length slightly less than the length L' and a
width slightly greater than the width W'. The opening 200 is sized
so that the flange 12 can rest on top of the roof surface R (see
FIG. 8), preferably in a close or tight fit. In one embodiment, as
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the opening 200 may be formed with a
straight cut through the roof surface R (i.e., a cut that is
perpendicular to the plane of the roof surface R). In another
embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the opening 200 may be formed with a
beveled cut through the roof surface R, which cut preferably
conforms to the underside of the base 16.
[0036] The method also includes providing 62 a roof vent 100
comprising a body 10 that defines a channel 18, a flange 12, and a
base 16 angled relative to the flange, as described in the
embodiments above.
[0037] The roof vent 100 is preferably attached 64 to the roof
surface R so that the flange 12 is on top of the roof surface R and
the channel 18 communicates with the opening 200 (See FIG. 8). In
one embodiment, the body 10 of the roof vent 100 is inserted
through the opening 200 from above the roof surface R so that the
flange 12 is positioned on top of the roof surface R and a
substantial portion of the body 10 is disposed in an area beneath
the roof surface R.
[0038] The method also comprises positioning 66 the vent cover 20
over the flange 12, wherein the cover 20 and flange 12 define the
drain 28 therebetween, as discussed above. The vent cover 20 is
preferably fastened 68 to the flange 12, as discussed above. In one
embodiment, the vent cover 20 is also fastened to the roof surface
R with the flange 12 interposed therebetween.
[0039] In another embodiment (not shown), the roof vent 100 is
attached to the roof surface R so that the flange 12 is positioned
adjacent an underside of the roof surface R and fastened thereto.
In this embodiment, the cover 20 can be positioned on top of the
roof surface R over the opening 200 and secured to the roof surface
R, so that the drain 28 communicates with the opening 200.
Optionally, the cover 20 can also be secured to the flange 12. In
still another embodiment (not shown), the roof vent 100 is
installed so that the vent cover 20 is secured to an underside of
the roof surface R about the opening 200, and the flange 12 is then
secured to the vent cover 20.
[0040] In any of the embodiments discussed above, the junction
between the flange 12 and the roof surface R is preferably sealed
to substantially prevent water from entering through said junction
into the area beneath the roof surface R. In one embodiment, the
junction can be sealed using sealing glue or other similar
adhesive. In another embodiment, a seal strip can be disposed
between the flange 12 and the roof surface R. One of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that other suitable mechanisms can be
used to seal the junction between the flange 12 and the roof
surface R.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, once installed, the roof vent 100
advantageously allows airflow in both directions between an area
above the roof surface R and an area below the roof surface R
outside the body 10. For example, the roof vent 100 allows
substantial airflow A from an attic of a house to the area outside
of the house, and vice versa. Air flows through the openings 22 in
the cover 20, through the compartment 18, and through the grill
30.
[0042] The roof vent 100 also advantageously substantially prevents
the ingress of large matter through the roof vent 100 into the area
below the roof surface R. For example, the filtered openings 22 of
the cover 20 substantially prevent leaves, rodents, and the like
from entering the compartment 18 of the body. Additionally, the
grill 30 further substantially prevents the ingress of such large
matter from the compartment 18 into the area below the roof surface
R outside the body 10. Further, as discussed above, the drain 28 is
sized to allow the drainage of water from the compartment 18 but to
substantially prevent the ingress of large matter therethrough into
the compartment.
[0043] Still another advantage of the roof vent 100 is that it
efficiently drains a fluid F, such as water, that enters the roof
vent 100 while substantially preventing said fluid F from entering
the area below the roof surface R outside the body 10. When the
flange 12 is fastened to the roof surface R, the base 16, which is
angled relative to the flange 12, is inclined relative to the roof
surface R, as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, any fluid F, such as rain
water, which enters into the compartment 18 via the openings 22 in
the cover, is directed via gravity toward the drain 28 and back
onto the roof surface R. Additionally, since the length L of the
body 10 is greater than the length L' of the flange 12, a portion
of the base 16 is disposed distally from any of the openings 22,
which further prevents water that enters the compartment 18 at an
angle from passing into the area below the roof surface R outside
the body 10. Further, the baffle 40 provides an additional barrier
against the flow of water into the area below the roof surface R
outside the body.
[0044] Yet another advantage of the roof vent 100 is that is has a
low profile when installed on the roof surface R, as shown in FIGS.
8-10. As described above, the flange 12 is positioned adjacent the
roof surface R and attached thereto. In one embodiment, the flange
12 can be positioned substantially flush with the roof surface R.
The cover 20 is then fastened to the flange 12 and to the roof
surface R. The flange 12 and the cover 20 are thus generally
co-planar with the roof surface R and do not extend a significant
height above the roof surface. In one embodiment, once the roof
vent 100 is installed on the roof surface R, vent cover 20 extends
a distance in the range of between about 1/4 inch and about three
inches above the roof surface R. In another embodiment, the vent
cover 20 extends between about 1/4 inch and about two inches above
the roof surface R. In still another embodiment, the vent cover 20
extends between about 1/4 inch and about one inch above the roof
surface R. In yet another embodiment, the vent cover 20 extends no
more than about 1/2 inch above the roof surface R. Such a low
profile advantageously protects the roof vent 100 from high winds
and flying debris.
[0045] The various devices, methods and techniques described above
provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it
is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or
advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any
particular embodiment described herein. Also, although the
invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments
and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed
embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and
obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the
invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures
of preferred embodiments herein.
* * * * *