FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to vent assemblies and, more particularly, to vent assemblies for venting exhaust from a structure.
SUMMARY
In some embodiments, the invention provides an exhaust vent assembly for a structure including a base supportable on the structure and defining an exhaust outlet and a cover having a first end pivotably connected to the base for pivoting movement relative to the base between a closed position, in which the cover extends across the outlet and a second end of the cover contacts the base substantially preventing exhaust flow through the outlet, and an opened position, in which the second end of the cover is moved away from the outlet to allow exhaust flow through the outlet. The cover can have an arcuate exterior surface extending substantially from the first end toward the second end and a raised lip extending along the second end of the cover.
In other embodiments, the present invention provides an exhaust vent assembly for a structure including a base supportable on the structure, defining an exhaust opening, having an interior periphery surrounding the opening to at least partially define an interior region adjacent to the opening, and having a rim extending outwardly from the interior periphery. The vent assembly can also include a cover having an outermost perimeter. The cover can be connected to the base and be pivotable between a closed position, in which the outermost perimeter is positioned substantially within the interior region, and an opened position, in which at least a portion of the outermost perimeter is positioned outside of the interior region. The vent assembly can further include a windbreak including a lip positioned along a portion of the outermost perimeter of the cover and a recess positioned along the rim adjacent to the lip when the cover is in the closed position to prevent unintended opening of the cover.
Also, the present invention provides an exhaust vent assembly for a structure including a base supportable adjacent to the structure and having a raised rim defining an outlet of an exhaust flow channel and a cover moveably secured to the base for movement relative to the base between a closed position, in which the cover extends across the outlet substantially preventing exhaust flow through the outlet, and an opened position, in which the cover is moved away from the outlet to allow exhaust flow through the outlet. The vent assembly can also include a windbreak operable to prevent wind from moving the cover toward the opened position. The windbreak can include a first contour on the raised rim and a second contour on an adjacent edge of the cover.
In addition, the present invention provides a method of venting exhaust from a structure, the method comprising the acts of providing a base defining an outlet for exhaust from a conduit, the conduit extending from a structure, pivoting a cover relative to the base in response to exhaust pressure from the conduit between a closed position, in which the cover extends over the outlet, and an opened position, in which a distal edge of the cover is moved away from the outlet to allow exhaust flow from the outlet, and directing wind across a windbreak and away from the distal edge of the cover to prevent wind from moving the cover toward the opened position.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vent assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention prior to being mounted on a wall of a structure.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vent assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the cover in an opened position.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the vent assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the cover in a closed position.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a base of the vent shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a cover of the vent shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the cover shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
In addition, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “lower”, “up,” “down,” etc.) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. The elements of the present invention can be installed and operated in any orientation desired. In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.
FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a vent assembly 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vent assembly 20 can be used to provide a conduit for exhaust gas through a structural barrier (e.g., from inside a building to outside a building). For the purpose of this description, “exhaust” will include the material conducted through vent assembly 20, and “wall 22” will include the structural barrier through which the vent assembly 20 provides a conduit. However, it should be appreciated that the structural barrier can, in other embodiments, be a door, window, roof, among other things.
The vent assembly 20 can have an “opened” state which enables exhaust to flow from inside to outside the building through wall 22, and a “closed” state which prevents this flow. In some embodiments, the “opened” state can also enable reverse flow (i.e., flow in the opposite direction (e.g., from outside to inside the building)). Similarly, the “closed” state can also prevent reverse flow in some embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vent assembly 20 can include a duct 24 which can provide a closed conduit for exhaust produced by an appliance or other machine, for example. In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1, the duct 24 can be elongated and cylindrical in shape having a distal end (not shown) and a proximal end 26. Such embodiments can include a deformable sleeve 28 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the duct 24; the basic cylindrical shape of the sleeve 28 can be maintained by a helical reinforcement 30. Alternatively, the reinforcement 30 can comprise a set of rings spaced axially along the sleeve 28. The reinforcement 30 can be formed of metal, plastic, or another suitable material. Similarly, the material which forms the deformable sleeve 28 can constitute a wide range of materials ranging from naturally existing to man-made and, in some embodiments, can provide thermal insulation between the exhaust within the duct 24 and the environment surrounding the duct 24.
It is acknowledged that the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates only one particular construction of a duct 24, while conduits of various sizes, shapes, and materials can provide similar utility in the present invention. For example, the duct 24 could alternatively include polyvinyl chloride piping, a metal chute, or an elastic hose, among other things. The duct 24 can be secured to an exhaust outlet of an appliance or other machine (not shown) with one or more fasteners (not shown). In some embodiments, the fasteners and/or the distal end of the duct 24 can provide a seal between the exhaust outlet of the appliance and the duct 24. Suitable fasteners can include but are not limited to: zip ties, adjustable collars, brackets, screws, bolts, etc. Alternatively or in addition, some type of adhesive (e.g., tape, glue, caulk, solder, braze, etc.) can be used to secure the distal end of the duct 24 to the exhaust source.
The proximal end 26 of the duct 24 can be attached to a duct adaptor or extension 32 as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the duct 24 and the adaptor 32 can together define a flow channel for the exhaust. The duct adaptor 32 can also provide a fitting to connect the duct 24 to a vent assembly 34, which will be described in greater detail below. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the adaptor 32 can have substantially the same cylindrical shape as the duct 24 and can be connected to the proximal end 26 of the duct 24 at a distal end 36 of the adaptor 32. The distal end 36 of the adaptor 32 can be secured to the proximal end 26 of the duct 24 with the use of one or more suitable fasteners 38 and/or adhesive as discussed above in reference to the connection of the distal end of the duct and an exhaust outlet.
The proximal end (not shown) of the adaptor 32 can be connected to a vent opening 40 such that the adaptor 32 extends substantially perpendicularly from the vent 34, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The proximal end of the adaptor 32 can include slots or similar elements which can be positioned to receive tabs, hooks, or the like on the vent 34, in order to secure the adaptor 32 to the vent 34. These elements will be described in greater detail below. Alternatively or in addition, tabs, hooks, or the like can be positioned on the proximal end of the adaptor 32 in order to be received by corresponding slots or similar elements on the vent 34. In a further embodiment, the adaptor 32 can be secured to the vent 34 by means described above with reference to the connection between the duct 24 and the exhaust outlet.
The adaptor 32 can be rigid or flexible, can have any of a number of shapes and sizes, and can be formed of a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to those discussed above with respect to the duct 24. In the event that the proximal end 26 of the duct 24 and the vent opening have different cross-sectional areas or shapes, the adaptor 32 can be designed to compensate for the differences. For example, the adaptor 32 can have a distal end 36 that corresponds to the cross-sectional area and shape of the duct 24 and a proximal end that corresponds to the cross-sectional area and shape of the vent opening. In some embodiments, the adaptor 32 can be formed from a rectangular sheet of metal having two opposite ends that can be connected to form a cylinder. Each of the opposite ends can be provided with folds such that when the opposite ends are brought together to form the cylinder, the folds of one engage and catch those of the opposite to retain the cylindrical shape. The adaptor 32 and duct 24 of a particular embodiment can be formed of the same or different materials and can be connected in a manner that is the same as or different from that in which the duct 24 is attached to the exhaust outlet. In a further embodiment, the adaptor 32 can be integrally formed with the duct 24. In a still further embodiment, the adaptor 32 can be integrally formed with the vent 34.
As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the vent assembly 34 can include a frame or base 42 having a front face 44 and a rear face 46. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the base 42 according to some embodiments, in which the outlet or opening 40 is positioned (connecting the front and rear faces 44, 46) to enable exhaust to exit the flow channel through the vent 34. The opening 40 can have a generally circular shape as shown in the illustrated embodiments. However, the opening 40 can be any other shape or size that accommodates the exhaust flow and/or the proximal end of the ducting that the vent provides an outlet for. In some embodiments, the base 42 can be formed of any plastic or moldable synthetic material in a single piece construction. Alternatively, certain elements of the base 42 (to be discussed in detail below) can be formed separately and molded together or connected by other means. In other embodiments, the base 42 can be cast shaped or formed from a wide variety of other natural and/or man-made materials.
As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the base 42 can include flanges 48 and tabs 50 that surround the opening 40 and can extend substantially perpendicularly from the rear face 46. In some such embodiments, the flanges 48 and tabs can be integrally formed with the base 42. The flanges 48 can provide a guide for the connection of the proximal end of the duct adaptor 32 to the base 42. Alternatively or in addition, the flanges 48 can provide structural support for the adaptor 32 and/or assistance in maintaining the connection between the vent 34 and the adaptor 32. The tabs 50 can be positioned to be received in slots (not shown) in the proximal end of the adaptor 32 in order to maintain the connection between the components. In other embodiments, retaining elements such as hooks, clips, and/or other fasteners can take the place of the tabs 50. Alternatively or in addition, the flanges 48 or another part of the base 42 can include apertures to receive tabs or any other similar retaining elements provided in the proximal end of the adaptor 32. As discussed above, in other embodiments, the adaptor 32 and the vent 34 can be connected, secured, and/or sealed by other means.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the opening 40 in the base 42 can be surrounded by an interior surface 52 that is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the surface 52 can include bosses 54 for screws, nails or the like so that the vent 34 can be mounted to the wall 22. In a further embodiment, the surface 52 can be shaped to correspond to the surface on which it is to be mounted. In a still further embodiment, the bosses 54 can be provided on another part of the base 42. Alternatively, integral fasteners can be provided for securing the base 42 to the wall 22. Also visible in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the interior surface 52 of the vent assembly 34 can include a laterally-extending ridge 56 that is positioned below the opening 40 and which can project substantially perpendicularly from the surface 52. The function of the ridge 56 will be discussed in greater detail below.
As illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5, inner walls 58 can surround the surface 52 forming an interior periphery and can be oriented from the surface 52 in a direction that is at an angle to the inner surface 52. The inner walls 58, together with the interior surface 52 can at least partially form a three-dimensional interior region 60. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the interior region 60 defined by the surface 52 and inner walls 58 can be substantially the shape of a rectangular prism. In some embodiments including the illustrated embodiment, a rim 62 can extend outward at an angle from the inner walls 58. Further, as seen most clearly in FIG. 5, outer walls 64 can extend back from the rim 62 to complete the frame of the opening 40. Other embodiments of the vent assembly do not require that a rim 62 or outer walls 64 surround the interior region 60. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a rim 62 can extend from only one of the inner walls 58 of the base 42.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 42 can include minor protrusions 66 on the interior surface 52 and apertures 68 at upper corners of the interior region 60 between the interior surface 52 and the inner walls 58. In other embodiments, the minor protrusions 66 and apertures 68 can be positioned in other locations within the inner region 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the base 42 can include a contour that extends along a portion of the inner wall 58 and/or rim 62. In some embodiments, the contour can be a laterally-extending recess 70 positioned between the inner wall 58 and the rim 62, and below the ridge 56. The functions of the recess 70, along with those of the minor protrusions 66 and apertures 68, will be discussed in greater detail below.
As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, in addition to the base 42, the vent assembly 34 can include a door or cover 72 having an outermost perimeter 74 that is designed to fit substantially within the interior region 60 of the base 42. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the cover 72, according to some embodiments, can have a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the front or rear, and as such can include an inner face 76 and an outer face 78. As will be described in further detail later, in some embodiments, the inner face 76 can generally be in fluid contact with exhaust from the duct 24, while the outer face 78 can generally be in fluid contact with outside air or wind.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, according to some embodiments, the cover 72 can have a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the front or rear, and as such can include a top edge 80, a bottom edge 82, and two side edges 84, which are circumscribed by the outermost perimeter 74. In some embodiments, the cover 72 can be formed of any plastic or moldable synthetic material in a single piece construction. Alternatively, elements of the cover 72 can be formed separately and molded together or connected by other means. In other embodiments, the cover 72 can be cast or formed of a wide variety of other natural and/or man-made materials and can take any of a number of shapes.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the vent assembly 34 in “opened” and “closed” positions or positions, respectively. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the state of the vent 34 can depend on the position of the cover 72 with respect to the base 42. In the vent assembly 34 of FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover 72 is connected to the base 42 and can pivot with respect to the base 42. Specifically, posts 86 can extend from the side edges 84 along the top edge 80 of the cover 72 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. In some such embodiments, the posts 86 can extend through the apertures 68 in the base 42, such that the apertures 68 retain the cover 72 and allow pivoting movement of the cover 72 about its top edge 80. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the posts 86 can extend from the side edges 84 at a location slightly below the top edge 80, in which case the cover 72 would rotate about an axis slightly below the top edge 80. In a further embodiment, the apertures 68 can be replaced with blind holes in which the posts 86 are retained.
The posts 86 of some embodiments can include stops 88 that can extend from the cover 72 a distance along the posts 86 and can have a greater diameter than the apertures 68. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the post stops 88 can compensate for any gap between the inner walls 58 of the base 42 and side edges 84 of the cover 72 in order to substantially prevent lateral movement of the cover 72 with respect to the base 42. In a similar fashion, minor protrusions 66 provided on the front face 44 of the base 42 can compensate for any gap that may exist between the cover 72 and the base 42, in order to prevent oscillation and accompanying noise. In the illustrated embodiment, the minor protrusions 66 are provided along the top of the interior surface 52 to stabilize the top edge 80 of the cover 72. Alternatively or in addition, minor protrusions 66 can be provided at other locations on the base 42 or cover 72 within the interior region 60 to serve the same purpose. In other embodiments, foam or another similarly elastically deformable material can be provided alone or in combination with the elements discussed above in order to restrict and/or dampen the movement of the cover 72 with respect to the base 42. Alternatively or in addition, such material can be provided in some embodiments to form a seal between the cover 72 and the base 42 in the “closed” position.
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of the cover 72 according to some embodiments. As is evident from this perspective, in some embodiments, the cover 72 can have a contoured shape such that the inner face 76 is concave (FIG. 8) and the outer face 78 is convex (FIG. 6). Further, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the cover 72 can be arcuate in shape and can be centered about a line (not shown) that runs laterally between the side edges 84 about half the distance between the top edge 80 and the bottom edge 82. In some embodiments, the contoured shape of the inner face 76, can more efficiently allow the cover 72 to rotate or pivot away from the “closed” and maintain an “opened” position when sufficient pressure of the exhaust flowing through the ducting contacts the inner face 76.
As most clearly visible in FIGS. 2 and 7, in some embodiments, the side edges 84 of the cover 72 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the contoured face 76, 78. In such embodiments, when the vent 34 is in a “closed” position, the side edges 84 can be in contact with the interior surface 52 and substantially parallel to the inner walls 58 of the base 42. As discussed above with respect to the contoured inner face 76 of the cover 72, the side edges 84 can also more efficiently allow the cover 72 to rotate away from the “closed” position and maintain an “opened” position.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the vent assembly, a rounded lip 90 can extend laterally along the bottom edge 82 of the outer face 78 of the cover 72. As the illustrated embodiment shows, the lip 90 can correspond to a rounded depression 92 that can extend laterally along the bottom edge 82 of the inner face 76. Also in some embodiments, a strip of foam 94 or a similar elastically deformable material can be adhered to the inner face 76 of the cover 72 in the depression 92 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the foam 94 can muffle the sound of the vent 34 closing. Alternatively or in addition, the foam 94 can at least partially form a seal with the laterally-extending ridge 56 on the interior surface 52 of the base 42 when the vent 34 is “closed”.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the bottom edge 82 of the cover 72 is positioned within rim 62 of the base 42 (i.e., within the interior region 60) in the “closed” position. This particular arrangement of elements can help to ensure that wind, birds and small animals can not move the cover 72 to open the vent 34. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess 70 in the base 42 can direct air currents flowing around outside the vent 34 to prevent them from opening the vent 34. The lip 90 on the outer face 78 of the cover 72 and/or the contour of the outer face 78 can perform the same function alone, or in combination with the recess 70. As such, the outer face 78 of the cover 72, the recess 70, and/or the lip 90 can serve as a windbreak 96 for the vent assembly 34. In other embodiments, the windbreak 96 can include a protruding ledge on the upper edge of the recess 70 that guides air currents away from the bottom edge 82 of the cover 72. In further embodiments the foam 94, and in still further embodiments, the ridge 56 on the interior surface 52 of the base, can also prevent outside air currents from moving the cover 72 from the “closed” position. Thus, the shape of the front face 44 of the base 42, the outer face 78 of the cover 72, and the position of these elements with respect to each other can prevent the vent 34 from being opened from outside.
As discussed briefly above, the shape of the inner face 76 of the cover 72, alone, or in conjunction with the side edges 84, can facilitate the opening of the vent 34 from inside (i.e., in order for exhaust to be vented). A certain amount of fluid (i.e., exhaust) pressure against the concave inner face 76 of the cover 72 can break the seal between the laterally-extending ridge 56 and the foam 94, if necessary and cause the cover 72 to rotate against gravity into an “opened” position. Further, in some embodiments, these elements, alone, or in combination with the strip of foam 94 positioned adjacent the bottom edge 82 of the cover 72 can prevent the cover 72 from closing prematurely or from oscillating severely due to pressure fluctuations. Thus, the shape of the inner face 76, the side edges 84 of the cover 72, and the position of these elements with respect to each other can allow the vent 34 to be opened efficiently from inside.
As discussed above, corresponding designs of the base 42 and cover 72 can allow the vent assembly 34 to switch between “opened” and “closed” positions within a particular pressure level window. In summary, a design such as that of the illustrated embodiment, can enable a vent 34 to maintain a “closed” position until exhaust pressure builds to a certain level (regardless of the air currents outside the vent), at which point, the vent 34 opens and remains in an “opened” position until the exhaust pressure decreases to a certain level, and the vent 34 closes to prevent reverse flow.
Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20090280737
