U.S. patent application number 12/139047 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-17 for attic soffit ventilation system.
Invention is credited to Lawrence J. Grubka.
Application Number | 20090311958 12/139047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41415229 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090311958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grubka; Lawrence J. |
December 17, 2009 |
Attic Soffit Ventilation System
Abstract
An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable
ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit is provided.
The system comprises a vent attached over an opening in the soffit.
The vent has a vent flange that extends through the soffit opening.
The vent is configured to allow air from an area exterior to the
building to enter through the soffit. A flow conduit is provided
having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture.
The lower portion is configured to align with and connect to the
vent flange. The extension portion of the flow conduit extends into
the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a
non-insulated attic space. Air from the area exterior to the
building can flow though the vent and through the flow conduit to
the attic space.
Inventors: |
Grubka; Lawrence J.;
(Westerville, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OWENS CORNING
2790 COLUMBUS ROAD
GRANVILLE
OH
43023
US
|
Family ID: |
41415229 |
Appl. No.: |
12/139047 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/366 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/366 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/02 20060101
F24F007/02 |
Claims
1. An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable
ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the system
comprising: a vent attached over an opening in the soffit, the vent
having a vent flange extending through the soffit opening, the vent
configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to
enter through the soffit; and a flow conduit having a lower
portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture, the lower
portion configured to align with and connect to the vent flange,
the extension portion of the flow conduit extending into the attic
to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a
non-insulated attic space; wherein air from the area exterior to
the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit
to the attic space.
2. The system of claim 1 in which vent flange has a rectangular
cross-sectional shape.
3. The system of claim 1 in which the flow conduit includes an
insertion portion connected to the extension portion.
4. The system of claim 3 in which the insertion portion of the flow
conduit includes a covering mechanism.
5. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism has a
substantially conical shape.
6. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism is
connected to the insertion portion of the flow conduit by
spacers.
7. The system of claim 6 in which the spacers form a gap between
the covering mechanism and the insertion portion of the flow
conduit.
8. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism is
connected to the insertion portion by a screen.
9. The system of claim 1 in which the lower portion of the flow
conduit has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
10. The system of claim 1 in which the flow conduit includes a
screen positioned over the attic aperture.
11. An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable
ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the system
comprising: a vent attached over an opening in the soffit, the vent
configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to
enter through the soffit; and a flow conduit having a lower
portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture, the lower
portion positioned above vent, the extension portion of the flow
conduit extending into the attic to the extent that the attic
aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space; wherein air
from the area exterior to the building can flow through the vent
and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
12. The system of claim 11 in which the flow conduit includes an
insertion portion connected to the extension portion.
13. The system of claim 12 in which the insertion portion of the
flow conduit includes a covering mechanism.
14. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism has a
substantially conical shape.
15. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism is
connected to the insertion portion of the flow conduit by
spacers.
16. The system of claim 15 in which the spacers form a gap between
the covering mechanism and the insertion portion of the flow
conduit.
17. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism is
connected to the insertion portion by a screen.
18. A method of enabling ventilation of a building having an attic
and a soffit, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
soffit opening in the soffit; providing a flow conduit having a
lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture; urging
the flow conduit through the soffit opening and into the attic to
the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated
attic space; providing a vent, the vent having a vent flange; and
attaching the vent to the soffit such that the vent flange extends
through the soffit opening and connects to the lower portion of the
flow conduit; wherein air from an area exterior to the building can
flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic
space.
19. The method of claim 18 in which the flow conduit includes an
insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion includes a
covering mechanism.
20. A flow conduit configured to enable ventilation of a building
having an attic and a soffit, the flow conduit comprising: a lower
portion positioned above an opening in the soffit; a transition
portion connected to the lower portion; an extension portion
connected to the transition portion and including an attic
aperture; wherein the extension portion of the flow conduit extends
into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned
in a non-insulated attic space; wherein air from the area exterior
to the building can flow through the opening in the soffit and
through the flow conduit to the attic space.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to building
construction materials. More particularly, the present invention
relates to building construction materials used in the ventilation
of building attics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Buildings, such as for example residential buildings, are
typically covered by a sloped roof. The interior portion of the
building located directly below the sloped roof forms a space
called an attic. If unventilated, condensation can form on the
interior surfaces within the attic. The condensation can cause
damage to various building components within the attic, such as for
example insulation, as well as potentially causing damage to the
building structure of the attic. Accordingly, it is known to
ventilate attics thereby helping to prevent the formation of
condensation. One example of a method of ventilating an attic
includes the positioning of ridge vents at the roof ridge, which is
the intersection of the uppermost sloping roof planes. The ridge
vents cooperate with eave vents, positioned in the eaves, to allow
a flow of air to enter the eave vents, travel through a space
between adjoining roof rafters to the attic, travel through the
attic and exit through the ridge vents. Some buildings include
insulation horizontally positioned on the lower portion of the
attic formed by ceiling joists. The positioning of the insulation
can result in the space between adjoining roof rafters being
blocked, thereby substantially preventing the flow of air from the
eaves to the attic.
[0003] It would be advantageous if an attic ventilation system
could cooperate with insulation positioned in the space between
adjoining roof rafters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to this invention there is provided an attic
soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a
building having an attic and a soffit. The system comprises a vent
attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent has a vent flange
that extends through the soffit opening. The vent is configured to
allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through
the soffit. A flow conduit is provided having a lower portion, an
extension portion and an attic aperture. The lower portion is
configured to align with and connect to the vent flange. The
extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the
extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated
attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow
through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic
space.
[0005] According to this invention there is also provided an attic
soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a
building having an attic and a soffit. The system comprises a vent
attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent is configured to
allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through
the soffit. A flow conduit is provided having a lower portion, an
extension portion and an attic aperture. The lower portion is
positioned above vent. The extension portion of the flow conduit
extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is
positioned in a non-insulated attic space. Air from the area
exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the
flow conduit to the attic space.
[0006] According to this invention there is also provided a method
of enabling ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit.
The method comprises the steps of providing a soffit opening in the
soffit, providing a flow conduit having a lower portion, an
extension portion and an attic aperture, urging the flow conduit
through the soffit opening and into the attic to the extent that
the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space,
providing a vent, the vent having a vent flange; and attaching the
vent to the soffit such that the vent flange extends through the
soffit opening and connects to the lower portion of the flow
conduit. Air from an area exterior to the building can flow through
the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
[0007] According to this invention there is also provided a flow
conduit configured to enable ventilation of a building having an
attic and a soffit. The flow conduit comprises a lower portion
positioned above an opening in the soffit. A transition portion is
connected to the lower portion. An extension portion connected to
the transition portion and including an attic aperture. The
extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the
extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated
attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow
through the opening in the soffit and through the flow conduit to
the attic space.
[0008] Various objects and advantages will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. It is
to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as defining the
limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view) partially in phantom, of a
building structure incorporating an attic soffit ventilation
system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the attic soffit ventilation
system of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the building structure
of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a portion of the
building structure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion portion of the
attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, of the insertion portion
of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG.
2.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG.
2.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG.
2.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, partially in phantom, of
a second embodiment of an attic soffit ventilation system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG.
1, one example of an attic soffit ventilation system, indicated
generally at 10, for use in providing an air flow to a building
attic. The ventilation system 10 is incorporated into a building
12. In the illustrated embodiment, the building 12 is a structure
of conventional construction, and includes an interior room 14, an
attic space 16 and a roof structure 18.
[0021] The interior room 14 has an exterior wall 20. The exterior
wall 20 is formed by the assembly of an interior wall covering 22,
wall frame 24 and an exterior wall covering 26. The exterior wall
20 is configured to separate the interior room 14 from an outdoor
area 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior wall covering
22 is made of drywall. In other embodiments, the interior wall
covering 22 can be made of other suitable materials. In the
illustrated embodiment, the exterior wall covering provides a
protective and aesthetically pleasing covering to the sides of the
building 12. The exterior wall covering 26 can be made of any
suitable materials, such as for example brick, wood, or vinyl
siding, sufficient to provide a protective and aesthetically
pleasing covering to the sides of the building 12. The wall frame
24 provides a support for other construction materials. In the
illustrated embodiment, the wall frame 24 is made from wood studs
connected into a framework. Alternatively, the wall frame 24 can be
made from other materials, such as for example metal studs,
sufficient to provide a support for other construction materials.
While the exterior wall 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed by the
assembly of the interior wall covering 22, wall frame 24 and the
exterior wall covering 26, it should be appreciated that the
exterior wall 20 can be assembled with other suitable materials and
with other suitable methods.
[0022] Referring again to FIG. 1, a wall plate 30 forms a top
portion of the exterior wall 20. The interior room 14 further
includes a ceiling 32 formed by a ceiling covering 34 attached to
ceiling joists 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling
covering 34 is made of drywall. Alternatively, the ceiling covering
34 can be made of other suitable materials, such as for example
tile, paneling and plaster. In the illustrated embodiment, the
ceiling joists 36 also function as attic floor joists.
Alternatively, the ceiling joists 36 and the attic floor joists can
be different components.
[0023] Insulation 40 is installed in the attic space 16 over the
ceiling 32 to insulate the interior room 14 of the building 12. In
the illustrated embodiment, the insulation 40 is loosefil
insulation. The loosefil insulation is made of glass fibers
although other mineral fibers, organic fibers and cellulose fibers
can be used. In one embodiment, the loosefil insulation 40 is
distributed over the ceiling 32 by a blowing wool distribution
machine that feeds the blowing wool pneumatically through a
distribution hose. In other embodiments, the loosefil insulation 40
can be distributed by other suitable methods. In yet other
embodiments, the insulation 40 can be other forms of insulation,
such as for example blankets or bats, sufficient to insulate the
interior room 14 of the building 12.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, the roof structure 18 includes a
roof deck 42 attached to roof rafters 44. Shingles 46 are attached
to the roof deck 42. In one embodiment, the roof rafters 44 and the
ceiling joists 36 can be provided as a pre-assembled roof truss
assembly. In other embodiments, the roof rafters 44 and the ceiling
joists 36 can be assembled at the construction site.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the roof structure 18 includes eaves 48
extending beyond the exterior wall 20. The eaves 48 include an
eaves interior space 50 and an underside, or soffit 52. The soffit
52 has a soffit exterior surface 54 and a soffit interior surface
56. A soffit opening 57 is provided in the soffit 52. The soffit 52
has a thickness TS. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness TS
of the soffit 52 is in a range from about 0.25 inches to about 2.0
inches. Alternatively, the thickness TS of the soffit can be less
than 0.25 inches or more than 2.0 inches.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the roof rafters 44 and the
ceiling joists 36 connect together with the wall plate 30,
typically at a spacing of about two feet between adjacent sets of
roof rafters 44 and ceiling joists 36. A rafter opening 58 is
formed between adjacent sets of roof rafters 44 and the ceiling
joists 36. The rafter opening 58 may vary in size depending upon
the size of the ceiling joists 36, the size of the roof rafters 44,
the spacing of the ceiling joists 36 and the roof rafters 44 and
the configuration of the connection between the ceiling joists 36
and the roof rafters 44. The rafter opening 58 has a rafter opening
dimension OD. In one embodiment, the rafter opening dimension OD is
in a range from about 2.0 inches to about 8.0 inches. In other
embodiments, the rafter opening dimension OD can be less than 2.0
inches or more than 8.0 inches. Referring again to FIG. 3, the
rafter opening 58 may be filled with insulation 40. In other
embodiments, the rafter opening 58 may be clear of insulation
40.
[0027] As discussed above, it is desirable to provide ventilation
from the outdoor area 28, through the eaves interior space 50,
through the rafter opening 58 and into the attic space 16, as
illustrated by the direction arrows in FIG. 1. Optionally, the
attic space 16 may be provided with a passive or motor driven fan
vent 60 to increase and/or control the rate of ventilation flow. In
other embodiments, the attic space 16 may be provided with ridge
vents (not shown) to increase and/or control the rate of
ventilation flow.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, an attic soffit ventilation system 10 is
provided for use in providing an air flow to a building attic 16.
The attic soffit ventilation system 10 is configured to extend from
the outdoor area 28 to the attic space 16 and provide for a flow of
ventilating air. The ventilation system 10 includes an exterior
vent 64, a flow conduit 66 and a covering mechanism 68.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, the exterior vent 64 includes an
upper vent surface 70, a lower vent surface 72, a plurality of vent
openings 74 and a vent flange 76. Optionally, the exterior vent 64
can be configured with a screen (not shown) extending substantially
across the upper vent surface 70 and configured to prevent insects
from entering the exterior vent 64. The exterior vent 64 is
configured to be attached to the soffit 52 such that vent flange 76
extends through the soffit opening 57, and the upper vent surface
70 of the exterior vent 64 contacts the soffit exterior surface 54.
The exterior vent 64 can be attached to the soffit exterior surface
54 by any suitable fastening mechanism, such as for example clips
screws or clamps. While the exterior vent 64 shown in FIG. 2
includes a plurality of vent openings 74 aligned in rows and
columns, it should be understood that any number of vent openings,
in any orientation, can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the
exterior vent 64 can be made of any suitable material such as for
example sheet metal or a polymer.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the vent flange 76 extends from the
upper vent surface 70 of the exterior vent 64 and forms a frame
which connects to and aligns the flow conduit 66. In the
illustrated embodiment, the vent flange 76 forms a rectangular
cross-sectional shaped frame. In other embodiments, the vent flange
76 can form other cross-sectional shapes suitable to connect to and
align with the flow conduit 66. The vent flange 76 has a flange
height FH. The flange height FH is configured to extend through the
soffit opening 57 a sufficient distance to connect to and align the
flow conduit 66. In the illustrated embodiment the flange height FH
is in a range of from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. In
other embodiments, the flange height FH can be less than about 1.0
inches or more than about 3.0 inches.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, the flow conduit 66 extends from
the upper vent surface 70 of the exterior vent 64, past the eaves
interior space 50, past the rafter opening 58, past the insulation
40 and into the attic space 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the flow
conduit 66 has a lower portion 80, a transition portion 82, an
extension portion 84 and an insertion portion 86. The lower portion
80 of the flow conduit 66 is configured to connect to and align
with the vent flange 76 of the exterior vent 64. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lower portion 80 is configured to be positioned
adjacent to the exterior surface of the vent flange 76. In other
embodiments, the lower portion 80 is configured to be positioned
adjacent to the interior surface of the vent flange 76. As shown in
FIG. 2, the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66 has a
rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the rectangular
shape of the vent flange 76. In other embodiments, the lower
portion 80 can have other cross-sectional shapes corresponding to
the cross-sectional shape of the vent flange 76. The lower portion
80 of the flow conduit 66 can connect to the vent flange with any
suitable fastening mechanism, such as for example screws, clips or
clamps. Alternatively, the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66
can be positioned adjacent to the vent flange 76 without any
fastening mechanism.
[0032] While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the
connection of one flow conduit 66 with the exterior vent 64, it
should be understood that more than one flow conduit 66 can be
connected to the exterior vent 64.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 2, the flow conduit 66 includes the
transition portion 82. The transition portion 82 is configured to
connect the lower portion 80 with the extension portion 84. In the
illustrated embodiment, the transition portion 82 has a rectangular
cross-sectional shape near the lower portion 80 and a substantially
round cross-sectional shape near the extension portion 84. In other
embodiments, the transition portion 82 can have any cross-sectional
shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower
portion 80 and another cross-sectional shape corresponding to the
cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 84.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the extension portion 84 extends from
the transition portion 84 to the insertion portion 86. The
extension portion 84 includes attic aperture 88. Referring again to
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extension portion 84 is
configured to extend a distance, substantially parallel to the roof
structure 18, sufficient to position the attic aperture 88 above
the insulation 40. In other embodiments, the extension portion 84
of the flow conduit 66 can extend a distance, in a direction
non-parallel to the roof structure 18, above the insulation 40.
Positioning the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66 above the
insulation 40 provides an improved flow of air from the outdoor
area 28 through the attic soffit ventilation system 10 to the attic
space 16. The extension portion 84 has a length LEP. In the
illustrated embodiment, the length LEP of the extension portion 84
is in a range from about 3.0 feet to about 6.0 feet. In other
embodiments, the length LEP of the extension portion 84 can be less
than about 3.0 feet or more than about 6.0 feet.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 2, the extension portion 84 has a
substantially round cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments,
the extension portion 84 can have other suitable cross-sectional
shapes, such as for example a square, oval or rectangular
cross-sectional shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the extension portion 84
fits within the rafter opening 58. Accordingly, the extension
portion 84 of the flow conduit 66 has a maximum diameter DEP
corresponding to the opening dimension OD of the rafter opening
58.
[0036] As shown in one embodiment of the flow conduit 66
illustrated in FIG. 2, the flow conduit 66 comprises a one-piece
segment and can be made of any material, such as for example
plastic, metal or fiberglass, suitable to extend from the exterior
vent 64 to the attic space 16 and provide for an air flow
therebetween. In other embodiments, the flow conduit 66 can
comprise segments of differing materials that can be readily
assembled into a flow conduit 66. As one example, the lower portion
80 and the transition portion 82 could be a substantially rigid
material while the extension portion 84 could be a material
flexible enough to navigate the rafter opening 58 yet rigid enough
to penetrate the insulation 40.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the flow conduit 66
includes an insertion portion 86. The insertion portion 86 includes
the covering mechanism 68 and at least one spacer 90. The insertion
portion 86 of the flow conduit 66 is configured to allow the flow
conduit 66 to be easily pushed through the insulation 40 such that
the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66 extends into the attic
space 16 while substantially minimizing the amount of insulation 40
that enters the attic aperture 88.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the covering mechanism 68 has
a substantially conical shape. The substantially conical shape of
the covering mechanism 68 is configured to provide ready
penetration of the insulation 40. In other embodiments, the
covering mechanism 68 can have other shapes suitable to provide
ready penetration of the insulation 40.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the covering mechanism 68 is
connected to the extension portion 84 by spacers 90. The spacers 90
have a length LS. As best shown in FIG. 6, the length LS of the
spacers 90 defines a gap 92 between the covering mechanism 68 and
the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66. The gap 92 between
the covering mechanism 68 and the attic aperture 88 is configured
to provide an adequate air flow through the attic aperture 88. In
the illustrated embodiment, the length LS of the spacers 90 is in a
range from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. In other
embodiments, the length LS of the spacers 90 can be less than 1.0
inches or more than about 3.0 inches.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, the attic soffit ventilation
system is installed by providing the soffit opening 57 in the
soffit 52. The soffit opening 57 is sized to allow the flow conduit
66 to be inserted from the outdoor area 28 through the soffit
opening 57. The insertion portion 86 of the flow conduit 66 is
urged through the rafter opening 58 and through any insulation 40
in the rafter opening 58. The flow conduit 66 continues to be urged
through the rafter opening 58 until the attic aperture 88 extends
above the insulation 40 and the lower portion 80 is adjacent the
soffit interior surface 56. Next, the exterior vent 64 is
positioned to cover the soffit opening 57 such that the soffit
flange 76 fits within the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66.
The exterior vent 64 is attached to the soffit 52 in any suitable
manner.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the flow
conduit 166 is illustrated. The flow conduit 166 includes an
extension portion 184 and an insertion portion 186. The extension
portion 184 includes attic aperture 188. The insertion portion 186
includes a covering mechanism 168. A screen 192 connects the
covering mechanism 168 and the extension portion 184. The screen
192 is configured to allow the flow of air through the flow conduit
166 while substantially preventing insulation from entering the
attic aperture 188. The screen 192 can have any mesh size suitable
for preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture 188. The
screen 192 can be connected to the extension portion 184 and the
covering mechanism 168 in any suitable manner, such as for example
clips, clamps, screws or adhesive.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a flow
conduit 266 is illustrated. The flow conduit 266 includes an
extension portion 284 and an insertion portion 286. The extension
portion 284 includes attic aperture 288. The insertion portion 286
includes a covering mechanism 268. As the flow conduit 266 is urged
through the insulation into the attic space, the covering mechanism
268 is adjacent the extension portion 284 in initial position P1.
Once the flow conduit 266 is in a final position, the covering
mechanism 268 is extended from initial position P1 to second
position P2. The extension of the covering mechanism from initial
position P1 to second position P2 can be initiated by any suitable
mechanism (not shown), such as for example, trip wires, springs
and/or levers. Once the covering mechanism 268 is in the second
position P2, the gap 292 is created between the covering mechanism
268 and the extension portion 284.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a flow
conduit 366 is illustrated. The flow conduit 366 includes an
extension portion 384 and an insertion portion 386. The extension
portion 284 includes attic aperture 388. The insertion portion 386
includes a covering mechanism 368. The covering mechanism 368
includes covering segments 369a and 369b. As the flow conduit 366
is urged through the insulation into the attic space, the covering
segments, 369a and 369b, of the covering mechanism 268 are
configured in a closed position P3. Once the flow conduit 366 is in
a final position, the covering segments, 369a and 369b, of the
covering mechanism 368 are opened to second position P4. Opening of
the covering segments, 369a and 369b, to second position P4,
exposes the attic aperture 388. The extension of the covering
segments, 369a and 369b, from initial position P3 to second
position P4 can be initiated by any suitable mechanism (not shown),
such as for example, trip wires, springs and/or levers.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a flow
conduit 466 is illustrated. The flow conduit 466 includes an
extension portion 484. The extension portion 484 includes attic
aperture 488. A screen 493 is positioned over the attic aperture
488 and connects to the extension portion 484. The screen 493 is
configured to allow extension portion to penetrate the insulation
in the rafter space while substantially preventing insulation from
entering the attic aperture 488. The screen 493 can have any mesh
size suitable for substantially preventing insulation from entering
the attic aperture 488. The screen 493 can be connected to the
extension portion 484 in any suitable manner, such as for example
clips, clamps, screws or adhesive.
[0045] In other embodiments (not shown), the covering mechanism can
be any device, structure or mechanism, such as for example a
sliding extendable collar having a cover plate, sufficient to
provide ready penetration of the insulation 40 and simultaneously
substantially preventing insulation from entering the attic
aperture.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternate embodiment of the
attic soffit ventilation system 510 is illustrated. In this
embodiment, the lower portion 580 of the flow conduit 566 is not in
contact with the soffit interior surface 556 and does not mate with
the exterior vent 564. The lower portion 580 of the flow conduit
566 is simply positioned a distance SD above the soffit interior
surface 556. The exterior vent 564 does not have a vent flange and
the exterior vent 564 does not extend through the soffit opening
557. Instead, the exterior vent 564 mounts to the soffit 552 and
allows a flow of air into the eaves interior space 550. The flow
conduit 566 then allows the flow of air in the eaves interior space
550 to flow through the flow conduit 566 into the attic space 516.
Optionally, the flow conduit 566 can be attached to the roof deck
542 in any suitable manner.
[0047] The principles and mode of operation of this invention have
been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be
noted that the attic ventilation system may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically illustrated and described without departing
from its scope.
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