Ventilation – Having outlet airway – Along roof ridge
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-18
2001-03-20
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3744)
Ventilation
Having outlet airway
Along roof ridge
C052S199000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203424
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a venting apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a roof venting apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The ventilation of roof structures is of vital importance in connection with both residential and commercial construction. In particular, constant, efficient, and safe ventilation of roof structures, and the materials used in the construction of roof structures, is necessary for a wide variety of reasons. Indeed, both the long term structural stability and efficiency of roof structures can be dramatically impacted by the presence or absence of effective roof ventilation systems.
Roof ventilation systems function to permit the movement of air across the obverse of a roof structure. Typically, air enters along one edge of the roof structure and exits through a centrally located vent. In residential construction, air normally enters through apertures positioned along the lower edge of the eves. The air then travels along the underside of the roof structure and exits via an aperture, or apertures, at the ridge of the roof. Depending on the architectural configuration and size of the structure, the edge and central apertures can be individual units or extend continuously along the relevant portions of the structure. Movement of the air from the edge to the center of the roof structure can be passive or facilitated by a mechanical means.
Effective ventilation can have several positive results. Of particular importance is the positive impact of gradual cooling and heating of the roof structure in response to changes in ambient environmental conditions. For example, by assisting to gradually increase or decrease the temperature of a roof structure during the winter months water damage resulting from snow and ice is decreased if not avoided. Likewise, during summer periods effective ventilation assists in the cooling of the entire structure. Fortuitously, these effects also reduce the occurrence of mildewing or rotting of the wood or other material functioning as a supporting or underlying material. In turn, this result can assist to significantly extend the effective life span of all the materials used to form roof structures.
Several apparatus are currently available for use as coverings for the central, or ridge, vents utilized in connection with commercial and residential construction. Although effective in some circumstances, they suffer from several operational and structural deficiencies. For example, due to a lack of effective baffling, wind and airborne materials often are able to penetrate through these coverings and, thus, enter the commercial or housing structure. Likewise, animals are frequently able to enter through those coverings which are currently available. The entry of high velocity wind, airborne particulate material, or animals can result in significant internal damage to the structure and materials contained therein.
A need exists for a venting apparatus which is simple in construction and does not suffer from the limitations of prior art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a venting apparatus that does not suffer from the foregoing disadvantages and limitations.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a venting apparatus that is simple in construction and compact in design.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a venting apparatus that is easy to install and maintain.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a venting apparatus that is easily and economically produced, and readily assembled.
Other general and specific objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
The venting apparatus of the invention is generally characterized by at least two side panel elements, at least two support elements, and a mesh side element. The venting apparatus of the invention is configured for use in connection with both residential and commercial architectural structures. More particularly, the venting apparatus of the invention is configured to be positioned on the roof of virtually any architectural structure and provide ventilation therefor.
At least two side panel elements are employed in the venting apparatus of the invention. Typically, the venting apparatus of the invention incorporates two of the side panel elements in juxtaposition to each other. Each of the side panel elements has a first surface and a second surface. Generally, the side panel elements have a substantially rectilinear lengthwise configuration and a substantially rectilinear cross-sectional configuration. As a result of this configuration, the side panel elements generally have at least two ends and at least two sides. In the currently preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the side panel elements has a series of apertures. Generally, these apertures are located in close proximity to at least one of the ends and at least one of the sides of each of the side panel elements. When assembled for use, the side panel elements are joined together by a flexible joining element. The flexible joining element can be porous if desired.
At least two support elements are attached to the side panel elements described above. One of the support elements is attached to one of either of the first or second surfaces of one of the side panel elements. The other of the support elements is attached to one of either of the first or second surfaces of the other of the side panel elements. Preferably, the support elements are attached to the side panel elements such that they will both be on the same sides of the side panel elements and, thus, extend in the same direction. This configuration is desired so that the support elements can provide mechanical support to lift the side panels above the roof structure upon which the venting apparatus of the invention is positioned for use.
Like the side panel elements, the support elements have a substantially rectilinear lengthwise configuration and a substantially rectilinear cross-section configuration. In addition, each of the support elements have at least three sets of opposing external surfaces. An aperture extends though each of the support elements. More particularly, this aperture extends between one of the sets of opposing external surfaces. Generally, the aperture in the support elements is sized and shaped so that it is substantially congruent with those apertures in the side panel elements. When the apparatus of the invention is assembled for use, the apertures in the support elements and those in the side panel elements are co-axially positioned.
The mesh side element is connected to the support elements such that it extends between the space from one of the support elements to the other of the support elements. Typically, the mesh side element has a porous configuration. Indeed, the mesh side element can be constructed from the same material used to form the flexible joining element note above. As discussed in greater detail below, the mesh side element acts as a both baffle and a mechanical barrier.
The invention accordingly comprises the steps and apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts adapted to effect such steps, as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, the scope of the invention being indicated in the accompanying claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2868104 (1959-01-01), Honholt et al.
patent: 5149301 (1992-09-01), Gates
patent: 5352154 (1994-10-01), Rotter et al.
patent: 5458538 (1995-10-01), MacLeod et al.
patent: 5803805 (1998-09-01), Sells
patent: 5902432 (1999-05-01), Coulton et al.
Borrelli Damon J.
Joyce Harold
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