Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Exterior-type flashing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-10
2001-08-28
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Exterior-type flashing
C052S060000, C052S198000, C285S043000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279272
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to roofing flashing. More particularly, the invention relates to a flashing system for a plumbing stack vent pipe.
2. State of the Art
Vent pipes are typically provided in roofs of residential buildings to permit the escape of gas-phase materials. Indeed, most residential building codes require that building's sewer connections be provided with vents so that obnoxious and potentially hazardous fumes are not released into the building. These connections are typically achieved by extending a pipe through the roof so that it opens upwardly to the sky. A seal is placed around the outside of the pipe where it passes through the roof to prevent rainwater or other precipitation from entering the building. However, no provision is made to prevent rainwater from entering the pipe itself, the assumption being that since the pipe is connected to the sewage system, little harm is done in permitting leakage into the pipe.
A common boot-type flashing for sealing the space surrounding a vent pipe is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,559. The flashing consists of a sheet of aluminum or steel with a central opening sized to allow a vent pipe to pass through it, and a frustoconical rubber gasket which seals the space between the pipe and the sheet. The prior art vent pipe flashing works reasonably well most of the time. However, leaks can and do occur in these types of seals when the rubber gasket becomes loose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a vent pipe flashing system which is more reliable than the prior art systems.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a vent pipe flashing system which is inexpensive.
It is another object of the invention to provide a vent pipe flashing system which is easy to install.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a vent pipe flashing system which is aesthetically pleasing.
In accord with these objects which will be discussed in detail below, the vent pipe flashing system of the present invention includes a lower flange, a boot portion and a matching sleeve portion. According to a first embodiment, the boot portion is rubber, the sleeve portion is a metal tube having a diameter large enough to slide over the vent pipe and a length about one inch longer than the vent pipe. The top of the sleeve is crimped to hook over the top end of the vent pipe and the bottom of the sleeve is coupled to the boot preferably by crimping. According to a second embodiment, the boot portion comprises a rubber gasket having a skirt which seats atop the roof flange. The bottom end of the sleeve portion is crimped over the rubber gasket. The upper ends of the sleeve portion and the vent pipe are covered by a cap having an inverted U-section. According to either embodiment, multiple (telescoping) sleeve portions may be provided and (optionally) coupled to each other by crimping. According to either embodiment of the invention, the components are preferably color matched and made available in a variety of sizes to fit different size vent pipes.
One of the advantages of the invention is that the horizontal sealing required by the prior art gasket is replaced by a vertical sealing among the flange and the sleeve via the boot. This vertical sealing is less prone to separating as it is held in place by gravity, is not affected by expansion and contraction, and is aesthetically pleasing.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2985091 (1961-05-01), Hatcher
patent: 3313559 (1967-04-01), Kifer
patent: 5970667 (1999-10-01), Thaler
patent: 94-21872 (1994-09-01), None
Friedman Carl D.
Galgano & Burke
Porterie Bennett
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