U.S. patent application number 13/529206 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for roof vent.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Rossetta. Invention is credited to Daniel Rossetta.
Application Number | 20130344796 13/529206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49774818 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130344796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rossetta; Daniel |
December 26, 2013 |
ROOF VENT
Abstract
A roof vent is provided that exhibits simplicity of
construction, ease of installation, durability, and effectiveness.
The roof vent may be made of metal. In one embodiment, components
of the roof vent include Z-shaped support members, a vent cap that
attaches to the Z-shaped members, and end caps that attach to the
Z-shaped members. In one embodiment, the vent cap attaches to and
extends between first and second Z-shaped members, the vent cap
having edge flanges that extends inwardly at an acute angle
relative to the vent cap and project downwardly so as to deflect
downward wind and rain. In another embodiment, at least one
adjustable closure is coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing
venting action and protecting against penetration of wind, rain,
etc.
Inventors: |
Rossetta; Daniel; (San Jose,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rossetta; Daniel |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49774818 |
Appl. No.: |
13/529206 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/52 20130101;
E04D 13/174 20130101; F24F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/365 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/20 20060101
F24F013/20; E04B 1/70 20060101 E04B001/70 |
Claims
1. A roof vent comprising: first and second Z-shaped members, each
Z-shaped member comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a
middle portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion,
wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the middle
portion; a vent cap attached to and extending between the first and
second Z-shaped members, the vent cap comprising edge flanges that
extend inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent cap and
project downwardly so as to deflect downward wind and rain; and at
least one end cap ajoining the Z-shaped members and the vent cap
for enclosing a space above the roof.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein perforations are formed in at
least part of the bottom portion of the Z-shaped members.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the
Z-shaped members comprises an edge lip that extends upwardly toward
the top portion of the Z-shaped members.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roof vent is a roof ridge
vent shaped so as to follow contours of a roof ridge.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent cap comprising an
apex, a first portion extending downwardly from the apex in one
direction, and a second portion extending downwardly from the apex
in an opposite direction.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end cap comprising a
chevron-shaped closure portion, a first flange portion configured
to underlie the vent cap, and a second flange portion configured to
underlie a final roofing material.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vent cap
and the end cap comprises an applied finished that simulates
roofing material.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one adjustable
closure coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing venting action
and protecting against penetration of wind and rain.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustable closure is
configured to at least partially close at least some of said
perforations.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the closure member comprises
perforations, and wherein the closure member and the Z-shaped
member are coupled such that a degree of registration of
perforations of the closure member and the Z-shaped member is
adjustable.
11. A roof vent comprising: first and second Z-shaped members, each
Z-shaped member comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a
middle portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion,
wherein perforations are formed in at least part of the middle
portion; a vent cap attached to and extending between the first and
second Z-shaped members; at least one end cap adjoining the
Z-shaped members and the vent cap for enclosing a space above the
roof ridge; and at least one adjustable closure coupled to a
Z-shaped member for reducing venting action and protecting against
penetration of wind and rain.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the closure member is
configured to at least partially close at least some of said
perforations.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the closure member comprises
perforations, and wherein the closure member and the Z-shaped
member are coupled such that a degree of registration of
perforations of the closure member and the Z-shaped member is
adjustable.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the vent cap comprises edge
flanges that extend inwardly at an acute angle relative to the vent
cap and project downwardly from the vent cap so as to deflect
downward wind and rain.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein perforations are formed in
at least part of the bottom portion of the Z-shaped member.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bottom portion of the
Z-shaped member comprises an edge lip that extends upwardly toward
the top portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the roof vent is a roof
ridge vent shaped so as to follow contours of a roof ridge.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the vent cap comprising an
apex, a first portion extending downwardly from the apex in one
direction, and a second portion extending downwardly from the apex
in an opposite direction.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the end cap comprising a
chevron-shaped closure portion, a first flange portion configured
to underlie the vent cap, and a second flange portion configured to
underlie a final roofing material.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the vent cap
and the end cap comprises an applied finished that simulates
roofing material.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vent cap and the Z-shaped
members are configured such that the edge flanges of the vent cap
engage the top portions of the Z-shaped members, with the top
portions of the Z-shaped members in a protruding position.
22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the vent cap and the
Z-shaped members are configured such that the edge flanges of the
vent cap engage the top portions of the Z-shaped members, with the
top portions of the Z-shaped members in a protruding position.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to roof vents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A known roof vent is described in U.S. Patent Application
2001/0052207, incorporated herein by reference. As described
therein, a continuing problem in roof construction techniques is
how to ventilate the crawlspace (commonly in the form of an attic)
properly to prevent the buildup of excessive heat. Improperly
ventilated roofing decreases the life span of the roof itself
because the built-up heat in effect cooks the roofing material.
Sunlight heats the exposed portion of the roof which in turn heats
the underside of the roof and the crawlspace. If the heat in the
area underneath the roof is not allowed to escape efficiently, the
temperature on the underside of the roof can exceed 300 degrees
Fahrenheit. At this temperature, especially over an extended period
of time, the roofing material can sometimes crystallize or deform
resulting in leaks or other structural deficiencies.
[0003] The roof vent described in the foregoing patent publication
may be improved upon in various aspects, such as simplicity of
construction, ease of installation, durability, and
effectiveness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0004] The present invention may be further understood from the
following Detailed Description in conjunction with the appended
drawing figures. In the drawing:
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a roof vent.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a Z-shaped member that may be used in
a roof vent such as that of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a diagram of another Z-shaped member that may be
used in a roof vent such as that of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Summary
[0009] A roof vent is provided that exhibits simplicity of
construction, ease of installation, durability, and effectiveness.
The roof vent may be made of metal. In one embodiment, components
of the roof vent include Z-shaped support members, a vent cap that
attaches to the Z-shaped members, and end caps that attach to the
Z-shaped members. In one embodiment, the vent cap attaches to and
extends between first and second Z-shaped members, the vent cap
having edge flanges that extends inwardly at an acute angle
relative to the vent cap and project downwardly so as to deflect
downward wind and rain. In another embodiment, at least one
adjustable closure is coupled to a Z-shaped member for reducing
venting action and protecting against penetration of wind, rain,
etc.
[0010] Description
[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the ridge vent
system 100 is made up of three major components.
[0012] The first piece is a Z-shaped member 101, also called the "Z
rail." The installation of the ridge vent system typically involves
the installation of two of these Z rail units, installed on
opposite sides of the ridge that will be vented. In FIG. 1, a roof
section 109 of a roof 107 is exposed and has openings (e.g., holes
or slots) formed therein.
[0013] The unit 100 may be built of metal that has been pre-painted
to extend life span, protecting against deterioration of the steel.
In practice, the Z rail 101 may be formed in ten foot long
sections.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 2, in one illustrative embodiment, the Z
rail 201 has a solid one inch flange 202 on the top or upper side
followed by a ninety degree bend downward. From the upper ninety
degree bend downward a portion 204 of the metal is perforated with
a more or less continuous array of one eighth inch holes 206
staggered three sixteenth inches apart. The measurement from the
top ninety degree bend to the lower ninety degree bend in the
opposite direction may be one and a quarter inches. This one and a
quarter inch section of the Z rail is perforated as described. The
second ninety degree bend is opposed to the first and has at least
one row 206 of one eighth inch holes spaced across the bottom edge
of the ninety degree bend to allow any water that may get in to
escape outward. The bottom edge 206 of the Z rail may otherwise be
solid with a one quarter inch upward facing flange 203 bent at an
eighty degree angle. The foregoing dimensions, as well as other
dimensions set forth herein, should be understood to be both
approximate and illustrative only.
[0015] It will further be understood that the term "Z-shaped" as
used herein is not to be construed in an exact sense but rather
allows for the sloped part of the Z to be upright instead of
sloped.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 3, in a further embodiment, the Z rail
unit 301 is provided with a secondary piece of metal, or closure
member, that is shaped like an L and functions as a closure member.
It may measure one and three sixteenths inches high with a one half
inch ninety degree bend on the top. The one and three sixteenths
inch side 307B may be perforated with an array of one eighth inch
holes (not shown) staggered three sixteenths inches apart The one
half inch flange 307B on the top side of the L is optional.
However, it has been found to gives the metal support and helps to
keep the unit in alignment. The closure member 307 rests against
the inside back portion 304 of the Z rail. The closure member 307
is attached to the front Z rail using, for example, a pin 305 that
is fastened securely to the closure member 307 and passes through a
small slit (not shown) in the Z rail. The pin 305 is configured so
that the pin will slide left and right or up and down but will not
travel through the slit on the Z rail. Moving the pin slightly in
one direction or the other will move the closure member 307,
causing the holes in the Z rail to be open or partly or fully
closed. The openings 306 in the Z rail can be of different
configurations such as slits, louvers, or holes as long as they are
small enough to keep out wind driven rain, weather, insects,
vermin, etc. The closure member (secondary piece of metal) 307 that
moves to close off the openings can also have slits or holes as
long as the openings coincide with the openings on the Z rail so
that when they are opposed to each other and when one of the units
is moved the openings in the other will be open or closed.
[0017] Operation of the closure member may be manual, as shown, or
may be automated by use of one or more motors, control electronics,
communications electronics fired or wireless), etc.
[0018] Referring again to FIG. 1, the second piece is called the
"end cap." The end cap 105 may be made of metal or pre-painted
metal to resist deterioration and extend the life span of the unit,
The end cap 105 has a Z-shaped cross section. The end cap 105 may
be solid metal. The top edge 105A may be two and three quarters
wide by fourteen inches long, with a bend across the top of the two
and three quarter inch side to allow the end cap 105 to be bent and
installed over different roofing pitches. The top edge 105A also
has a one half inch fold on each side 105D of the top edge 105A to
allow the end cap 105 to attach to the Z rail 101. The mid section
105B of the end cap may be solid metal, one and a quarter inches in
height. In one embodiment, an inverted "V-shaped" section cut (not
shown) is formed at the midpoint for metal forming purposes to
allow for the proper roof angle alignment. The bottom flange or
edge 105C may be two inches wide and fourteen inches long. The
bottom flange 105C is fastened to the roofing material to close and
seal the end of the ridge venting system so that rain, insects,
vermin, etc. cannot get in. Following installation, the bottom
flange 105C may be covered by roofing material, such as a ridge
shingle (not shown).
[0019] The end cap section 105 may optionally be covered with a
decorative coating, such as stone coating or a stone chip coating.
Such coatings are produced, for example, by the 3M Corporation as
well as other suppliers. Typically, granules are embedded in a UV
resistant acrylic polymer that bonds them to the metal substrate.
These granules may be the same granules found on asphalt shingles.
This type of stone coating or stone chip coating can be found on
stone coated, or stone-chip coated metal tile roofs. This finish
option gives the ridge cap a look and texture similar to that of
the actual asphalt shingle and allows the ridge cap the ability to
match the texture and colors of the asphalt shingles.
[0020] Referring still to FIG. 1, the third piece of the ridge vent
system is called the ridge vent cap, or simply vent cap. The vent
cap 103 may be made of pre-painted metal to extend the life span of
the unit, protecting against deterioration of the metal. The vent
cap 103 may be manufactured in ten foot long sections that can be
cut and installed into smaller sections as required. In one
embodiment, the vent cap 103 is fourteen inches wide with a bend
centered seven inches from each side to create a ridge line. Along
each of the long edges of the vent cap, the metal is bent at an
angle under and downward. The bend 103A may be about a half inch in
length, for example, and the angle between the bend and the main
portion of the vent cap may be such that, when installed, the bend
103A is positioned at about a 45 degree angle with respect to
vertical. The bend 103A is designed to force wind-driven rain
downward onto the roof surface 107 prior to reaching the
perforation holes 206 located in the Z rail 201, as previously
described. The vent cap 103 is attached by screws, rivets, or
similar fasteners that will penetrate through and attach the ridge
cap to the upper, or top, one inch flange 202 of the perforated Z
rail, Alternatively, the ridge cap may be attached with a self
puncturing device that will penetrate the upper and lower edge of
the vent cap section and the top one inch flange of the Z rail,
thereby attaching the two units together.
[0021] The vent cap 103 may be made in various colors to match
existing roof colors. Like the end caps, the vent cap section can
also be covered with a coating, such as a stone coating or a stone
chip coating.
[0022] Note that, although the roof vent is especially suitable for
use as a ridge roof vent, the same construction or similar may also
be used on flat roofs or other types of roofs other than ridged
roofs.
[0023] When the vent cap is installed with the Z rails and end caps
they become a water tight venting system that allows the warm air
inside the attic to escape out through the vent system. Typical air
conditioning costs may be significantly reduced. This system
requires no power to operate and has no moving parts. The venting
system is made of metal or pre-painted metal so it does not require
the use or installation of any other ridge shingles to shed or
resist the infiltration of water into or through the vented
opening. The vent system can also be removed and reinstalled again
after the roof has been replaced. A vent system made from metal, as
described in the foregoing description, has numerous benefits to
the consumer, such as: [0024] 1) Class A fire rated [0025] 2)
Increases the lifespan of the roof [0026] 3) Does not require a
separate ridge shingle. [0027] 4) Longer lifespan (than plastic)
[0028] 5) Improved ventilation throughout the attic [0029] 6)
Lowers cooling cost [0030] 7) Does not require power to operate
[0031] 8) No moving parts (quiet, makes no sound) [0032] 9)
Reusable
[0033] It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof.
The foregoing description is therefore to be regarded as
illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is
defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and
all changes which some within the range of scope of equivalents
thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *