U.S. patent application number 12/930405 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for flood vent.
Invention is credited to Lori Malitsky, Bob Piper, Roger Somers.
Application Number | 20120174501 12/930405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46454119 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120174501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malitsky; Lori ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
Flood vent
Abstract
A structurally adaptive flood vent device disposed to allow the
passage of both air and flood fluid through and existent structure,
in order to relieve buildup of excess water around a structure,
while concurrently affording protection from intrusion of foreign
matter. The instant design features constant aeration properties,
in conjunction with automatic operation toward relief upon the
onset of external structural flooding. Use of a door assembly which
is entirely removed in an automated process upon flooding is
featured.
Inventors: |
Malitsky; Lori; (Salem,
NH) ; Piper; Bob; (Goffstown, NH) ; Somers;
Roger; (Hudson, NH) |
Family ID: |
46454119 |
Appl. No.: |
12/930405 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.5 ;
405/87 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/02 20130101; E06B
2009/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.5 ;
405/87 |
International
Class: |
E02D 19/00 20060101
E02D019/00; E04F 17/04 20060101 E04F017/04; E04F 17/00 20060101
E04F017/00; E02B 7/00 20060101 E02B007/00 |
Claims
1. A dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
comprising: a frame assembly in communication a lower portion of a
structure; a door assembly, wherein the entirety of door assembly
is fully dynamic and wherein the door assembly is in removable
communication with the frame assembly and wherein the door assembly
further comprises: a screen assembly and a removably attached
screen assembly cover; and wherein the frame is disposed to be
attached to a foundation of a structure and wherein said
dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus allows
for a flow of fluids through the foundation; and, a lower portion
comprising a series of chambers disposed to trap air for
displacement of the door assembly upon the rising of liquid around
the frame assembly and door assembly.
2. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the lower portion of the door assembly further
comprises at least one baffle mechanism to divide the series of
chambers.
3. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 2 wherein the lower portion comprises a buoyant
material.
4. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the door assembly further comprises at least two
door post retaining devices.
5. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 4 wherein the frame assembly comprises at least two cam
latches, wherein the at least two cam latches are disposed to
retain the at least two door post retaining devices.
6. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 5 wherein the at least two cam latches fixedly retain the
at least two door post retaining devices upon normal operation
mode.
7. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 5 wherein the each of the at least two cam latches
comprises a release opening wherein said release opening is
disposed to allow the at least two door post retaining devices to
move first vertically and second horizontally through said release
opening upon flood operation mode.
8. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the frame assembly further comprises a set of
opposing ribs.
9. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 8 wherein the frame assembly further comprises a set of
opposing ribs located on the upper internal portion of said frame
assembly.
10. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 8 wherein the set of opposing ribs comprises at least
three rearward ribs and at least two forward ribs.
11. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 8 wherein the set of opposing ribs is disposed to retain
the door assembly via physical contact with the upper portion of
the door assembly.
12. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the frame assembly further comprises a series of
apertures disposed on a left side portion and a right side portion
of the frame assembly and wherein the series of apertures are
disposed for receiving a tethering mechanism.
13. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the screen cover assembly comprises at least two
latching mechanisms for mating with the door assembly.
14. The dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus
of claim 1 wherein the screen assembly is molded to the door
assembly.
15. A foundation venting system comprising: a frame assembly in
communication a lower portion of a structure and comprising: a set
of opposing ribs; a series of press fittings disposed to compress
and receive an engineered hole in foundation; and, a series of
apertures disposed for receipt of a tethering line; a door
assembly, wherein the entirety of door assembly is fully dynamic
and wherein the door assembly is in removable communication with
the frame assembly and wherein the door assembly further comprises:
a screen assembly; a removably attached screen assembly cover; a
set of door post retaining devices; and, a set of baffle defined
air retaining compartments composed of a buoyant material wherein
the frame is disposed to be attached to a foundation of a structure
and wherein said dynamically operational structural fluid control
apparatus allows for a flow of fluids through the foundation.
16. A structural drainage apparatus comprising: a support structure
comprising an outer frame disposed to be fitted substantially
within a foundation of an existing edifice, the outer frame member
comprising: an upper portion; a left side in communication with the
upper portion; a right side in communication with the upper
portion; and a lower portion in communication with the left side
portion and the right side portion; wherein the left side portion
and the right side portion comprise apertures for affixing to the
existing edifice; a door member comprising a screen member and a
screen cover member wherein the outer frame member is disposed to
removably receive the door mechanism and wherein the door mechanism
is disposed to receive the screen cover device and wherein the
lower portion of the door member is buoyant.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention, defined in several embodiments,
relates generally to multi-purpose vents for household and
industrial usage. Specifically, the present invention relates to
vents that allow the passage of both air and flood water, in order
to relieve buildup of excess water around a structure, while
concurrently affording intrusion protection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The utilization of venting systems for directing a buildup
of external fluid surrounding the lower particulars of an enclosed
structure, into the aforementioned structure, in order to relieve
stress from the foundation and allow for proper drainage and
removal of the fluid through an internal drainage system. As
illustrated in the state of the art, systems regularly include
apparatuses with moving parts, such as hinged or rotating
elements.
[0003] With the advent of major flooding issues throughout many
areas of the United States, national agencies such as Federal
Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), a flood insurance division of FEMA, have
set out to that building codes mandate that new and existing
structures install flood and air ventilation systems within the
foundations.
[0004] To date, within FEMA defined flood zones, in order to obtain
building permits and flood insurance for structures, whether newly
constructed or substantially renovated that incorporate crawl
spaces and/or unfinished basements, FEMA and the NFIP now require
the installation of flood vents. However, current designs in the
art either fail to operate automatically with the onset of flood
water or fail to allow for a fully cleared opening after the vent
function has occurred.
[0005] Within the state of the art, the concept behind the
utilization of flood vents finds basis in the reaching equilibrium
between the water pressure upon the exterior and the interior of
the foundation walls of the existent structure. In operation, as
flood water rises around the foundation of the structure, the flood
vent is designed to allow flood fluids to enter into the
foundation/crawlspace, so as to equalize water pressure on the
exterior and the interior of the foundation walls. In much the same
theory as an in-ground pool, if the fluid were to be evacuated from
the pool, the pressure of the surrounding underground area, against
the structure of the sides of the pool, may cause severe damage to
the structure of the pool walls, and in some cases total
catastrophic failure. Thus, the existence of the fluid within the
pool equalizes the pressure of the surrounding ground and the pool
water against the walls of the pool.
[0006] Therefore, it is understandably vital that flood water is
allowed to flow freely into and out of a foundation, crawl space or
other functional equivalent, in times of flooding, as if this
condition is not afforded for, the constant, unidirectional
pressure will eventually create great structural damage and given
time, even catastrophic failure.
[0007] Many concurrent designs of flood vents are disposed to allow
for the flow of flood water out of the existing structure.
[0008] However, such systems inherently fail when flood water
surrounding the edifice rise to the level wherein the internal and
external water levels reach equilibrium. Thus, in such an
equilibrium state, water can no longer be evacuated from the space
through the vent and the foundation area will become completely
flooded. Additionally, many systems incorporate screen mechanisms
which, upon operation in flood mode, allow for the accumulation of
debris and subsequent blockage of flow.
[0009] Thus, the ability to provide proper aeration and flood
relief, without creating restrictions to flow is tantamount.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly not
anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior
art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0011] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present design, an
apparatus disposed to allow the flow of fluids, particularly air
and water, into a structure. Under normal circumstances, the
instant system allows a flow of air which properly aerates the
lower portion of an edifice in order to maintain structural
integrity of the edifice. Under exigent circumstances, particularly
structural flooding, the instant apparatus allows for the flow of
water surrounding a structure, into a designated area within the
structure, for evacuation to a proper drainage system.
[0012] Additionally illustrated is a structural fluid control
system adapted for mounting within an exiting structure, or a newly
fabricated structure, particularly with the foundation thereof,
comprising a favorable lack of permanently connected moving parts,
to prevent blockage of flow. The instant apparatus and accompanying
design prevents failure through seizing by not incorporating any
rotational mechanical parts.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for
installation within a foundation wall for air ventilation and
passage of flood water is provided, wherein the system comprises a
frame assembly disposed for straightforward installation into a
foundation wall, wherein the foundation wall comprises a pre
fabricated assembly receptacle area.
[0014] Furthermore, the instant system may comprise a door
assembly, wherein the door assembly is design to be removably
attached to the frame assembly. The door assembly may include an
area disposed to house a screen in order to allow for air flow and
may be easily released in order to allow water into the structure.
The door assembly may also comprise one or many blowout panels.
[0015] The instant system may comprise a substantially "boxlike"
construction and may be manufactured from many materials including
polymers, metals and composites thereof.
[0016] Moreover, the instant system strives to comply with, or be
adaptable to, the following standards, including but not limited
to: [0017] FEMA/FIA Technical Bulletin TB 1-93 "Engineered Opening
Requirements"; [0018] American Society of Construction Engineers
(ASCE) 24-05 "Flood Resistant Design and Construction"; and [0019]
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Regulations 44 CFR 60.3;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0020] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front assembly view of the system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear assembly view of the system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the removable door
assembly, illustrating the screen assembly with the cover in place
and the door post retaining devices in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and, chambers to trap air or
other buoyant material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention comprises a dynamic foundation and
flood vent, disposed to allow a controlled flow of air for
ventilation purposes, and fluid, for drainage of flood waters and
such matter which may surround a commercial or residential
structure.
[0025] In one embodiment, the vent may include a dynamically
operational system comprising a frame assembly, designed to be
embedded into the side wall of the lower portion of a structure,
preferably a concrete or other such load bearing foundation.
Additionally, the system may comprise a dynamic door assembly,
wherein the door assembly comprises features which allow for both
airflow and relief of flooding around the lower portion or
foundation of an edifice. In operation, the lower portion of the
door assembly should enclose air or a similar gas, which is lighter
than water, or be substantially buoyant, such that upon flooding, a
slight amount of water should be allowed to lift the door assembly
in order to initiate the lift off process.
[0026] Referring to FIGs and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, the
dynamically operational structural fluid control apparatus 10
comprises a frame assembly 20 in communication a lower portion of a
structure, a door assembly 30, wherein the entirety of door
assembly is fully dynamic and wherein the door assembly 30 is in
removable communication with the frame assembly 20 and wherein the
door assembly 30 further comprises a screen assembly 40 and a
removably attached screen assembly cover 50; and wherein the frame
is disposed to be attached to a foundation of a structure and
wherein said dynamically operational structural fluid control
apparatus allows for a flow of fluids through the foundation. The
screen assembly 40 may be press fit, molded or inserted in to the
door assembly 30 and also may be composed of stainless steel.
[0027] The screen assembly 40 will allow airflow while preventing
intake of unwanted items such as waste mater traveling in the air,
animals, insects and other foreign matter, unwanted within the
interior of a structure. Furthermore, the instant design provides
great merit as the screen assembly 40 is attached to the door
assembly 30 and thus, when the door assembly 30 is automatically
jettisoned under flood conditions, the screen assembly 40 goes with
the door assembly 30. In this manner, blockage by foreign matter
during flooding conditions is vitiated, allowing continual, free
flow to the pumping area.
[0028] Thus the instant system allows for airflow to provide
aeration for the lower portion of the structure in order to
maintain a dry environment, in conjunction with affording the
passage of flood waters into the internal space in order to create
an equilibrium state and relieve stress on the structure. The door
assembly 30 further comprises at least two door post retaining
devices 31. The frame assembly comprises at least two cam latches
21 disposed to retain the corresponding post retaining devices 31
and fixedly retain the two door post retaining devices 31 in normal
operation mode. In additional embodiments, greater than two door
post retaining devices and corresponding cam latches may be
utilized.
[0029] The door assembly may also include a lower portion 32
comprising a series of chambers 33, retaining compartments 33 or
air chambers 33 in which air, other materials or other fluids which
are lighter than water, may be housed. Further, either in
cooperation or independently, the lower portion 32 chambers 33 may
be composed of buoyant materials or compositions, including but not
limited to such polymer based products as Styrofoam.RTM., and thus
allow for a floating affect.
[0030] The chambers 33 may be divided by a series of baffles 34 or
fins 34 and the chambers 33 and the baffles 34 may also be
intentional manufactured from a buoyant material.
[0031] Further discussing the operational modes of the instant
design, the vent door is disposed to be in the closed position at
all times, until a flood occurs. In this mode, as discussed above,
the screen assembly 40 There is a screened area on the door itself
with a with the screen assembly cover 50 that will allow airflow to
pass through while the flood door remains closed.
[0032] Next, in the event of a flood, as the flood water rises, it
will eventually rise to the level of the chambers 33 contained in
the lower portion 32 of the door assembly 30. As the flood water
continues to rise, the air in chambers 33 is unable to escape as
the flood water seals off the bottom openings in the chambers 33.
By design, an amount of the water will be able to flow and escape
through the bottom area of the door assembly 30 but the water will
continue to rise and begin to rise over the outside of the flood
vent door at a faster pace than the water that escapes through the
crevices between the door assembly 30 and the frame assembly
20.
[0033] As air is lighter than water and will have nowhere to
displace, the door assembly 30 will be forced to rise vertically
with the continued rising of the flood waters. As the water level
rises, the entrained air will be displaced in between baffles or
fins 34. The rise of fluid will inherently cause the door assembly
30 to rise within the cam latches 21. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2, each of cam latches 21 comprises a release opening 22. With the
onset of rising fluid, the release openings 22 are disposed to
allow the door post retaining devices 31 to break free of the
confines of the cam latches 21.
[0034] In operation, the door post retaining devices 31, and of
course the entirety of the door assembly 30 first move in vertical
component until door post retaining devices 31 reach the area of
the release opening 22. Thus, the door assembly 30 will rise in the
track of the cam latches 21 on each side of the frame assembly 20
and will move and inward as the flood water flows. This will
continue until the door assembly breaks free of the frame assembly
20 on the bottom. At this time, a horizontal component of motion
begins to be exhibited as the door post retaining devices 31 are
allowed to exit the release opening 22.
[0035] This will allow for free flow of flood waters into the crawl
space/foundation achieving the goal of allowing water to flow into
the crawl space/foundation. There will be no obstructions in the
opening as the entire door assembly 30 will wash into the crawl
space/foundation.
[0036] Thus, each of the individual cam latches 21 comprises a
release opening 22 wherein the release opening 22 is disposed to
allow the at least two door post retaining devices to move first
vertically and second horizontally through said release opening 22
upon flood operation mode.
[0037] The frame assembly may further comprise a set of opposing
ribs 23, located on the upper internal portion of the frame
assembly and disposed to removably retain the door assembly 30 via
physical contact with the upper portion of the door assembly 30.
The set of opposing ribs 23 may comprise at least three rearward
ribs and at least two forward ribs.
[0038] Addressing the retention of the upper portion of the door
assembly 30, the series of alternating or opposing ribs 23, retain
the upper portion of the door assembly during static mode.
Subsequently, with the onset of rising flood fluids and
simultaneous with the end of the horizontal component of motion
wherein the door post retaining devices 31 are allowed to exit the
release opening 22, the door assembly begins to fall away from the
opposing ribs 23, and thus free of the entirety of the frame
assembly. The door assembly will thus completely detach from the
frame and float freely, allow fluid to pass through the frame and
into the interior of the structure. In order to retain control of
the door assembly 30, the door assembly may be tether to the frame
in such a way as to allow the door assembly to freely release, but
not float away and become lost.
[0039] In daily or non-flooding operation, the door assembly 30 is
locked into place with the cam latches 21 in the bottom of the
frame assembly 20 and door assembly 30 and there is a small lip 26
at the very rear of the frame assembly 20, disposed to work in
conjunction with the opposing ribs 23, to keep the door assembly 30
from being pushed into the foundation by small animals or rodents,
until the occurrence of a flooding event. Additionally, the water
pressure will not allow the small lip 26 at the back of the frame
assembly 20 to interfere with the door assembly 30 operation. Thus,
the door assembly 30 cannot be pushed in as it must rise vertically
at a slight angle and falls away from top in order to release.
[0040] Additionally, to enhance secure mounting of the frame
assembly into the structure, the frame assembly may possess a
series of press fittings 24 which compress upon insertion into the
mechanical opening in the structure wall and expand in order to
retain the frame assembly within the mechanical opening. The frame
assembly may further comprise a series of apertures 25 disposed on
a left side portion and a right side portion of the frame assembly
and wherein the series of apertures 25 are disposed for affixing or
fastening the frame assembly 20 to a foundation and through the
given hole. Each side of the frame assembly 20 may further comprise
at least two apertures 25. Te frame may also comprise at least one
aperture 27 for receiving a tethering line. Consequently, the door
assembly 30 may also comprise at least one aperture 35, disposed to
receive the opposing side of the tethering line. Ergo, as the door
will be tethered, subsequent to the flooding event, the door
assembly may be recovered and reinstalled. Additionally, the
tethering device will be stainless steel.
[0041] As the flood waters recede, the water will be free to flow
out of the structure until the level of the water reaches the
lowest level of the opening of the frame. After that, the rest of
the flood water in the foundation may be pumped out and removed
from the structure. Also, the screen cover assembly may comprise at
least two latching mechanisms 51 for mating with the door
assembly.
[0042] Finally, the instant system may be made of many materials
including polymers, metals and composites thereof. In one
embodiment, the system may comprise a material with a rodent
resistant additive, as is particularly suited for polymeric
materials or plastics, which will deter rodents from chewing on the
door assembly 30, frame assembly 20 or constituent parts thereof.
Products made of metals will not have a rodent resistant additive.
The system may also be UV resistant.
[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
[0044] The Figures and the following description relate to
preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be
noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments
of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily
recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without
departing from the principles of what is claimed. For purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can
be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid obscuring the invention.
[0045] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular feature,
structure or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0046] Some embodiments may be described using the expression
"coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives. It should
be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for
each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using
the term "connected" to indicate that two or more elements are in
direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another
example, some embodiments may be described using the term "coupled"
to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or
electrical contact. The term "coupled," however, may also mean that
two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but
yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments
are not limited in this context.
[0047] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or
and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B
is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is
true (or present) and both A and B are true (or present).
[0048] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe
elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for
convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This
description should be read to include one or at least one and the
singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is
meant otherwise.
[0049] The figures and/or displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required
method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems
will be apparent from the description below. In addition, the
present invention is not described with reference to any particular
programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of
programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the
invention as described herein.
[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It
is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference
numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like
functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed
system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled
in the art will readily recognize from the following description
that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods
illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles described herein.
* * * * *