U.S. patent application number 14/511229 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-09 for vented panel assembly and method of forming the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Glenn J. Tebo. Invention is credited to Glenn J. Tebo.
Application Number | 20150096248 14/511229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49328201 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150096248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tebo; Glenn J. |
April 9, 2015 |
VENTED PANEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
Abstract
A wall system including one or more vented panels configured to
be coupled to one another to form one or more wall structures
and/or a roof structure of a building. Each vented panel may
include a semi-hollow body portion defining one or more passageways
therein. The one or more vented panels may be configured to fluidly
communicate with one another at least by way of the one or more
passageways defined therein, so as to provide continuous flow
pattern of air throughout the wall and/or roof structure. The
vented panels may be configured to provide a free flow of
ventilation air between adjacent walls structures and/or the roof
structure, thereby providing adequate ventilation of a
building.
Inventors: |
Tebo; Glenn J.; (Kingston,
NH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tebo; Glenn J. |
Kingston |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49328201 |
Appl. No.: |
14/511229 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2013/036361 |
Apr 12, 2013 |
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14511229 |
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61623269 |
Apr 12, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/302.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0866 20130101;
E04F 2203/04 20130101; E04D 13/17 20130101; E04B 2/42 20130101;
E04B 2/28 20130101; E04B 1/7069 20130101; E04F 13/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/302.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/70 20060101
E04B001/70; E04B 2/42 20060101 E04B002/42; E04B 2/28 20060101
E04B002/28 |
Claims
1. A vented panel assembly comprising: a first panel; a second
panel coupled to said first panel by way of at least one spacing
member positioned between said first and second panels, said at
least one spacing member having a first portion directly coupled an
interior surface of said first panel and a second portion directly
coupled to an interior surface of said second panel opposing said
interior surface of said first panel; and at least one passageway
defined by said opposing interior surfaces of said first and second
panels and said at least one spacing member positioned
therebetween, said at least one passageway configured to allow
movement of air between said first and second panels.
2. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of spacing members positioned between said first and
second panels, wherein said plurality of spacing members are spaced
equidistantly apart from one another.
3. The vented panel assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of passageways defined by said plurality of spacing
members and said opposing interior surfaces of said first and
second panels.
4. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one
spacing member is coupled to said first and second panels by an
adhesive
5. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one
spacing member is coupled to said first and second panel by one or
more fasteners.
6. The vented panel assembly of claim 5, wherein said one or more
fasteners is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws,
bolts and rivets.
7. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said opposing
interior surfaces of said first and second panels are spaced a
distance apart from one another ranging from 0.025 inches to 24
inches.
8. The vented panel assembly of claim 7, wherein said opposing
interior surfaces of said first and second panels are spaced a
distance apart from one another ranging from 0.5 inches to 12
inches.
9. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and
second panels and said at least one spacing member comprise one or
more materials configured to provide sufficient strength, rigidity
and/or durability to withstand forces placed thereupon.
10. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said vented panel
assembly is configured to serve as a portion of an upstanding wall
structure and/or a roof structure.
11. The vented panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
third panel coupled to said second panel by way of at least one
additional spacing member positioned between said second and third
panels, said at least one additional spacing member having a first
portion being directly coupled to an exterior surface of said
second panel and a second portion being directly coupled to an
interior surface of said third panel opposing said exterior surface
of said second panel.
12. The vented panel assembly of claim 11, wherein said opposing
exterior and interior surfaces of said second and third panels,
respectively, and said at least one additional spacing member
positioned therebetween define at least one additional passageway
configured to allow movement of air between said second and third
panels.
13. A wall structure comprising: a first vented panel assembly
comprising: a first panel; a second panel coupled to said first
panel by way of at least one spacing member positioned between said
first and said second panels, said at least one spacing member
having a first portion directly coupled an interior surface of said
first panel and a second portion directly coupled to an interior
surface of said second panel opposing said interior surface of said
first panel; and at least one passageway defined by said opposing
interior surfaces of said first and second panels and said at least
one spacing member positioned therebetween, said at least one
passageway configured to allow movement of air between said first
and second panels; and a second vented panel assembly coupled to
said first vented panel assembly, said second vented panel assembly
comprising at least one additional passageway configured to allow
movement of air within said second vented panel assembly; wherein
said passageways of said first and second vented panel assemblies
are coupled to one another and further configured to fluidly
communicate with one another to allow movement of air between said
first and second vented panel assemblies by way of said
passageways.
14. The wall structure of claim 13, wherein said first and second
vented panel assemblies form a single continuous structure.
15. The wall structure of claim 13, wherein said second vented
panel comprises: a third panel; and a fourth panel coupled to said
third panel by way of at least one additional spacing member
positioned between said third and fourth panels, said at least one
spacing member having a first portion directly coupled an interior
surface of said third panel and a second portion directly coupled
to an interior surface of said fourth panel opposing said interior
surface of said first panel; wherein said at least one additional
passageway is defined by said opposing interior surfaces of said
third and fourth panels and said at least one additional spacing
member positioned therebetween, said at least one additional
passageway configured to allow movement of air between said third
and fourth panels.
16. The wall structure of claim 15, wherein exterior surfaces of
said first and third panels of said first and second vented panel
assemblies, respectively, form a substantially planar first
exterior surface of said wall structure and exterior surfaces of
said second and fourth panels of said first and second vented panel
assemblies, respectively, form a substantially planar second
exterior surface of said wall structure.
17. The wall structure of claim 13, wherein said first and second
vented panel assemblies comprise one or more materials configured
to provide sufficient strength, rigidity and/or durability to
withstand forces placed thereupon.
18. A vented panel assembly comprising: a first panel; a second
panel coupled to said first panel by way of a first set of a
plurality of spacing members positioned between said first and
second panels, each of said first set of spacing members having a
first portion directly coupled an interior surface of said first
panel and a second portion directly coupled to an interior surface
of said second panel opposing said interior surface of said first
panel; a third panel coupled to said second panel by way of a
second set of a plurality of spacing members positioned between
said second and third panels, each of said second set of spacing
members having a first portion being directly coupled to an
exterior surface of said second panel and a second portion being
directly coupled to an interior surface of said third panel
opposing said exterior surface of said second panel; a first
passageway defined by said opposing interior surfaces of said first
and second panels and said first set of said spacing members
positioned therebetween, said first passageway configured to allow
movement of air between said first and second panels; and a second
passageway defined by said opposing exterior and interior surfaces
of said second and third panels, respectively, and said second set
of said spacing members positioned therebetween, said second
passageway configured to allow movement of air between said second
and third panels.
19. The vented panel assembly of claim 18, wherein said first,
second and third panels and said first and second sets of spacing
members comprise one or more materials configured to provide
sufficient strength, rigidity and/or durability to withstand forces
placed thereupon.
20. The vented panel assembly of claim 18, wherein said vented
panel assembly is configured to serve as a portion of an upstanding
wall structure and/or a roof structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2013/36361, filed Apr. 12, 2013, designating
the U.S. and claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/623,269, filed Apr. 12, 2012, the entire
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to panels for use
in construction of a structure, and, more particularly, to a vented
panel for use in building walls and/or roof of a structure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Adequate ventilation of a structure, such as a home, may
help prevent damage to the home. In particular, one know problem
associated with inadequate ventilation and/or insulation is the
excessive cost and potential harm associated with structural damage
caused by excessive ice buildup, which may occur particularly in
colder climates. Ice buildup may be caused by improper ventilation,
particularly in the roof structure of a home or building. For
example, beam-plank roof structures have been found to provide
little or no adequate degree of ventilation and this problem being
most attendant in roof structures exhibiting a significant degree
of pitch or peak, such as cathedral ceilings. Additionally,
substantially flat roof structures provide very little degree of
ventilation, which may result in the build-up of ice, and
potentially damage caused by the excessive weight placed upon the
roof structure by the ice build-up. Additionally, ice dams may
form, which, upon backing up under the shingles of a roof
structure, may cause interior ceiling damage. Additionally, ice
particles, including icicles, may form on the roof, which may
potentially damage windows, siding and/or landscape.
[0004] In warmer conditions, such as the summertime, inadequate
and/or improper ventilation may result in additional problems. For
example, radiant heat upon the roof structure may penetrate through
the roof and result in a heating effect to the home. In turn,
active cooling of the home may be required which may result in
extensive cooling (air conditioning) expenses. Additionally, undue
wear associated with the roofing materials may result.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will
be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments
consistent therewith, which description should be considered with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a vented panel
assembly consistent with the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vented panel assembly of
FIG. 1 in an assembled state;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the
assembled vened panel assembly of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembled vented panel assembly
of FIG. 1 illustrating air flow through the vented panel assembly;
and
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a wall
structure formed by at least two vented panel assemblies consistent
with the present disclosure illustrating air flow through the
vented panel assemblies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure is generally directed to a wall
system including one or more vented panel assemblies configured to
be coupled to one another to form one or more wall structures
and/or a roof structure of a building. The one or more wall
structures may provide interior and/or exterior walls of the
building and may be configured to provide structural support for
the building. Each vented panel assembly may include a semi-hollow
body portion defining one or more passageways therein. When one or
more vented panel assemblies are coupled to one another to form a
wall and/or roof structure, the one or more vented panel assemblies
may be configured to fluidly communicate with one another at least
by way of the one or more passageways defined therein, so as to
provide continuous flow pattern of air throughout the wall and/or
roof structure.
[0012] The vented panel assemblies may be configured to provide a
free flow of ventilation air between adjacent walls structures
and/or the roof structure, thereby providing adequate ventilation
of a building. The vented panel assemblies may be configured to
allow free flow of ventilation from various directions, while still
providing structural support to the building. The free and
continuous flow pattern of ventilation air may offset both thermal
gain and/or thermal loss conditions occurring along the roof and/or
exterior walls of the building. The vented panel assemblies may be
configured to allow at least the roof structure to remain
relatively cool in both cold and warm conditions, thereby resulting
in a decrease in ice formation in colder conditions and decrease in
penetration of radiant heat from the roof structure into the home
in warmer conditions.
[0013] Turning to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a vented panel
assembly 10 consistent with the present disclosure is illustrated
and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vented panel assembly of
FIG. 1 in an assembled state. Generally, the vented panel assembly
10 may include a first panel 12, a second panel 14 and a plurality
of spacing members 16 positioned therebetween. As shown, the first
and second panels 12, 14 may be coupled to one another by way of
the spacing members 16. As described in greater detail herein, the
spacing members 16 may provide one or more passageways (shown in
FIG. 3) extending along an interior of the vented panel assembly 10
between the first and second panels 12, 14 and permit air to
circulate between the first and second panels 12, 14.
[0014] The shape and/or size of the first and second panels 12, 14
may be based on a desired shape and/or size of the vented panel
assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first
and second panels 12, 14 are generally planar and rectangular in
shape, thereby forming a generally planar and rectangular vented
panel assembly 10. It is to be understood, however, that the first
and second panels 12, 14, and in turn the vented panel assembly 10,
may take a variety of regular and irregular geometric
configurations. For example, the first and second panels 12, 14 may
have generally square shapes, etc.
[0015] Similarly, the spacing members 16 may include a variety of
shapes and/or sizes. As shown, the spacing members 16 may be
generally rectangular in shape. It is to be understood, however,
that one or more spacing members 1 may take a variety of shapes,
including, but not limited to, a generally square shape,
cylindrical shape, pyramidal shape, irregular geometric shape,
etc.
[0016] Although the vented panel assembly 10 is shown including two
panels (first and second panels 12, 14) it should be noted that a
vented panel assembly consistent with the present disclosure may
include multiple panels and spacing members positioned between such
multiple layers. For example, the vented panel assembly may include
at least three panels, wherein spacing members are positioned
between adjacent panels.
[0017] The vented panel assembly 10 may be shaped and/or sized such
that it may be coupled to adjacent vented panel assemblies in order
to form a single continuous wall and/or roof structure of two or
more vented panel assemblies (shown in FIG. 5, for example). This
will be described in greater detail herein.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the
assembled vented panel 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, the first and second
panels 12, 14 may be coupled to one another by way of the spacing
members 16 positioned therebetween. More specifically, the first
and second panels 12, 14 may include interior surfaces 18, 20 and
exterior surfaces 22, 24, respectively, and the spacing members 16
may be directly coupled to the interior surfaces 18, 20 of the
first and second panels 12, 14, such that the interior surface 18
of the first panel 12 generally opposes the interior surface 20 of
the second panel 14. The first and second panels 12, 14 may be
spaced a distance D apart from one another. The distance D can vary
depending on the size of the spacing members 16. In one embodiment,
the distance D may range from 0.025 inches to 24 inches. In another
embodiment, the distance D may range from 0.5 inches to 12
inches.
[0019] As shown, the first and second panels 12, 14 may have a
thickness T.sub.1, T.sub.2. In one embodiment, the thickness
T.sub.1 and/or T.sub.2 may range from 0.05 inches to 24 inches. In
another embodiment, the thickness T.sub.1 and/or T.sub.2 may range
from 1 inch to 12 inches. Similarly, each spacing member 16 may
have a thickness T.sub.3. In one embodiment, thickness T.sub.3 may
range from 0.025 inches to 24 inches. In other embodiments, the
thickness T.sub.3 may range from 1 inch to 12 inches.
[0020] In an assembled state, the spacing members 16 may provide
one or more passageways 26 extending between the first and second
panels 12, 14. For example, at least a first spacing member 16(1)
and adjacent second spacing member 16(2) form a first passageway
26(1) between the interior surfaces 18, 20 of the first and second
panels 12, 14. At least the second spacing member 16(2) and a third
spacing member 16(3) form a second passageway 26(2). As described
in greater detail herein, the passageways 26 may be configured to
allow air to flow through the vented panel assembly 10. The number
of passageways 26 formed between the first and second panels 12, 14
may depend on the number of spacing members 16 included in the
vented panel assembly 10. Similarly, the size and/or shape of each
passageway 26 may vary depending on the size and/or shape of the
spacing members 16.
[0021] The first and second panels 12, 14 and spacing members 16
may include materials including, but not limited to, wood, carbon
fiber, polymers, resins, recycled materials, and combinations
thereof configured to provide strength, rigidity, and/or durability
required to withstand forces placed there upon. For example, a
vented panel assembly 10 consistent with the present disclosure may
be constructed so as to meet local building codes and requirements
such that the vented panel assembly 10 may provide structural
support of a building. For example, the vented panel assembly 10
may be configured to serve as a wall of a building sufficiently
strong to support a load thereon, such as, for example, a roof
structure or a floor of the building. Alternative (or in addition
to), the vented panel assembly 10 may be configured to serve as a
roof of the building.
[0022] The first and second panels 12, 14 may be configured to
prevent contaminants from entering an interior portion of the
vented panel assembly 10. For example, in the event the vented
panel assembly 10 is utilized as a wall structure that may be
exposed to the elements (e.g. exterior wall of a building, fence,
etc.), at least exterior surfaces 22, 24 of the first and second
panels 12, 14 may include a material configured to prevent the
elements from compromising the integrity of the vented panel
assembly 10, including the passageways 26 within. For example, in
one embodiment, the exterior surfaces 22, 24 may include a
waterproof material. Additionally, ends of the vented panel
assembly 10 may include any known means of preventing contaminants
and/or unwanted debris from entering the interior of the assembly
10. For example, a screen or other known component may be included
at the exposed ends of the assembly, wherein the screen may be
configured to prevent debris from entering the passageways 26 while
still allowing air to enter. In another embodiment, a vented drip
edge, for example, may be included in the edges.
[0023] A vented panel assembly consistent with the present
disclosure may be formed by any known methods generally understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in one
embodiment, a vented panel assembly may be manufactured in an
assembly line fashion. A first panel may be laid flat on a conveyer
and an adhesive, or equivalent, may be applied to an interior
surface of the first panel in a desired pattern upon which spacing
members may be directly coupled to the interior surface of the
first panel by of the adhesive. Pressure may be applied to the
spacing members in order to obtain adequate contact with the first
panel. An adhesive, or equivalent, may be applied to an exposed end
of the spacing members, upon which a second panel may be placed
against the spacers and pressure may be applied to the second panel
in a direction against the spacers and first panel. It should be
noted that, alternatively, or in addition to, any known fastening
means may be used to couple one or more spacing members to the
first and second panels. For example, nails, screws, bolts, rivets
and the like, or combinations thereof, may be used to directly
couple a spacing member to the first and/or second panels.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembled vented panel assembly
10 of FIG. 1 illustrating air flow through passageways 26. It
should be noted that internal features and/or surfaces are
illustrated in phantom in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment,
the vented panel assembly 10 may include a rectangular
configuration including a length L and a width W. In one
embodiment, the length L and width W may each range from 2 inches
to 48 feet. In another embodiment, the length L and width W may
each range from 1 foot to 24 feet.
[0025] As shown, a plurality of passageways 26 may be formed within
the vented panel assembly 10 by the spacing members 16. For ease of
description, four passageways 26(1)-26(4) are further described,
however, it should be noted that the vented panel assembly 10 may
include any number of passageways.
[0026] As shown, the vented panel assembly 10 may include at least
a first and a second passageway 26(1), 26(2) extending along an
entire length L of the vented panel assembly 10. The first and
second passageways 26(1), 26(2) may be configured to allow air to
flow in a direction, as indicated by the arrows, from one end of
the vented panel assembly 10 to another. The vented panel assembly
10 may further include at least a third and a fourth passageway
26(3), 26(4) extending along an entire width W of the vented panel
assembly 10. The third and fourth passageways 26(3), 26(4) may be
configured to allow air to flow in a direction, as indicated by the
arrows, from one end of the vented panel assembly 10 to
another.
[0027] A vented panel assembly 10 consistent with the present
disclosure may include a plurality of spacing members 16 having
generally uniform size and distribution. As shown, each spacing
member 16 is generally rectangular in shape and may be spaced
equidistantly apart from one another. It should be noted that, in
other embodiments, the spacing members 16 may have varying size in
a varying distribution.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a wall
structure 100 formed by at least two vented panel assemblies 10a
and 10b consistent with the present disclosure illustrating air
flow through passageways of the vented panel assemblies 10a and
10b. As shown, a first vented panel assembly 10a consistent with
the present disclosure may be shaped and/or sized such that it may
be coupled to an adjacent second vented panel assembly 10b in order
to form a single continuous wall structure 100. The first and
second vented panel assemblies 10a, 10b may be arranged in either
or both of sideways or end-to-end communication fashion such that
the passageways of the first and second assemblies 10a, 10b may
align with and fluidly communicate with one another.
[0029] As shown, when the first and second vented panel assemblies
10a, 10b are aligned and coupled to one another, associated
passageways may align and form single continuous passageways (e.g.,
but not limited to, first and a second passageways 28(1) and 28(2))
that may extend from one end of wall structure 100 (end of the
first vented panel assembly 10a) to an opposing end of the wall
structure 100 (end of the second vented panel assembly 10b). For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first and second
vented panel assemblies are aligned and coupled to one another, the
wall structure 100 may include at least a first and a second
passageway 28(1), 28(2) extending along an entire width W of the
wall structure 100. The first and second passageways 28(1), 28(2)
may be configured to allow air to flow in a direction, as indicated
by the arrows, from one end of the wall structure 100 to
another.
[0030] It should be noted that a wall structure 100 may include
more than two vented panel assemblies as shown. In other
embodiments, a wall structure may be formed from a plurality of
vented panel assemblies in a variety of configurations.
[0031] As previously described, a wall structure 100 formed by at
least two of the vented panel assemblies consistent with the
present disclosure may be used as an exterior (and/or interior)
wall of a building. Alternatively, or in addition to, the wall
structure 100 may be used as a roof of a building. In one
embodiment, a wall structure serving as a roof of a building may be
coupled to a wall structure serving as an exterior wall of the
building, such that passageways of the wall structures may be
aligned and communicate with one another, thereby allowing air to
flow and circulate between the exterior wall and roof
structures.
[0032] A wall structure having at least two vented panel assemblies
consistent with the present disclosure may be configured to provide
free flow of ventilation air between adjacent vented panel
assemblies, thereby providing adequate ventilation of a building.
The vented panel assemblies of the wall structure may be configured
to allow free flow of ventilation in various directions, while
still providing structural support to the building. The free and
continuous flow pattern of ventilation air may offset both thermal
gain and/or thermal loss conditions occurring along the roof and/or
exterior walls of the building. The vented panel assemblies may be
configured to allow at least the roof structure to remain
relatively cool in both cold and warm conditions, thereby resulting
in a decrease in ice formation in colder conditions and decrease in
penetration of radiant heat from the roof structure into the home
in warmer conditions.
[0033] According to one aspect consistent with the present
disclosure, there is provided a vented panel assembly. The vented
panel assembly includes a first panel and a second panel coupled to
the first panel by way of at least one spacing member positioned
between the first and second panels. The at least one spacing
member has a first portion directly coupled an interior surface of
the first panel and a second portion directly coupled to an
interior surface of the second panel opposing the interior surface
of the first panel. The vented panel assembly further includes at
least one passageway defined by the opposing interior surfaces of
the first and second panels and the at least one spacing member
positioned therebetween. The at least one passageway is configured
to allow movement of air between the first and second panels.
[0034] According to another aspect consistent with the present
disclosure, there is provided a wall structure. The wall structure
includes a first vented panel assembly. The first vented panel
assembly includes a first panel and a second panel coupled to the
first panel by way of at least one spacing member positioned
between the first and second panels. The at least one spacing
member has a first portion directly coupled an interior surface of
the first panel and a second portion directly coupled to an
interior surface of the second panel opposing the interior surface
of the first panel. The first vented panel assembly further
includes at least one passageway defined by the opposing interior
surfaces of the first and second panels and the at least one
spacing member positioned therebetween. The at least one passageway
is configured to allow movement of air between the first and second
panels of the first vented panel assembly.
[0035] The wall structure further includes a second vented panel
assembly coupled to the first vented panel assembly, wherein the
second vented panel assembly includes at least one additional
passageway configured to allow movement of air within the second
vented panel assembly. The passageways of the first and second
vented panel assemblies are coupled to one another and further
configured to fluidly communicate with one another to allow
movement of air between the first and second vented panel
assemblies by way of the passageways.
[0036] According to yet another aspect consistent with the present
disclosure, there is provided a vented panel assembly. The vented
panel assembly includes a first panel and a second panel coupled to
the first panel by way of a first set of a plurality of spacing
members positioned between the first and second panels. Each of the
first set of spacing members has a first portion directly coupled
an interior surface of the first panel and a second portion
directly coupled to an interior surface of the second panel
opposing the interior surface of the first panel. The vented panel
assembly further includes a third panel coupled to the second panel
by way of a second set of a plurality of spacing members positioned
between the second and third panels. Each of the second set of
spacing members has a first portion being directly coupled to an
exterior surface of the second panel and a second portion being
directly coupled to an interior surface of the third panel opposing
the exterior surface of the second panel.
[0037] The vented panel assembly further includes a first
passageway defined by the opposing interior surfaces of the first
and second panels and the first set of the spacing members
positioned therebetween. The first passageway is configured to
allow movement of air between the first and second panels. The
vented panel assembly further includes a second passageway defined
by the opposing exterior and interior surfaces of the second and
third panels, respectively, and the second set of the spacing
members positioned therebetween. The second passageway is
configured to allow movement of air between the second and third
panels.
[0038] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have
been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in
the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or
structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the
results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and
each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within
the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure
is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described
herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing
embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the
disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0039] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0040] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0041] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly
indicated to the contrary.
* * * * *