LOUVER VENT / DRYER VENT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

The present invention provides for an improved louver or dryer vent system constructed and arranged with distal mounted features and extendable mounting wings particularly suitable for securing into existing vent openings of buildings that are above ground level by positioning and mounting entirely within the interior of the building.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a building ventilation system which can be installed from the interior of the building. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a vent system can be installed without leaving the interior of the building.

Venting out of and into a building is very common. Many building systems require venting. These systems vary greatly in functionality and purpose and generally have venting to either dispel air, intake air, or a combination thereof. Additionally, various equipment installed within buildings also may need venting for various purposes.

As one example of equipment or systems that need venting, dryer vents, or louvers, are well known in the art. Clothes washers and dryers are very common in residential and other buildings. This is one example of a piece of equipment installed within a building walls but which needs to dispel or intake air. In this example, a dryer vent, or duct, is required for correct operation of drying clothes. Without a dryer vent, the clothes will not dry, at least, and at worst, the system can cause significant risk of fire.

Typical installation of a vent or opening requires a contractor to follow the following steps, generally speaking: 1) prepare materials and vent, 2) Route vent piping and vent location, 3) Drill and/or cut hole in exterior envelope of building, 4) Push and/or place venting through hole, 5) Go outside and install louver or other exterior equipment. This final step of other steps often requires accessing heights out of reach of typical installers. In this case a ladder is needed. In many cases, even more equipment is needed, such as in the case of taller or commercial buildings. Some buildings may require expensive equipment and installing an exterior louver can take days in preparing repelling equipment and the like to access heights.

Thus, there is a long-felt need in the art for a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed safely and easily from the interior of the building, without exiting the building or having to work from dangerous heights.

The disclosure herein provides these advantages and others as will become clear from the specification and claims provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the traditional installation process of vent caps, installers are required to work at dangerous heights on the exteriors of buildings, often several stories above ground. This process mandates the manual attachment of typically four screws to secure the vent cap, exposing workers to significant risk. These dangers are further exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, such as wintery weather, storms, and hurricanes, yet this risky procedure is a standard practice for every vent installation in every building.

The present invention provides novel benefits and significantly transforms this outdated method by enabling installation from inside the building. This pivotal shift in the installation process offers numerous benefits, which are, inter alia:

• • Enhanced Safety—By allowing installers to work from within the interior of a building, our product drastically reduces the risk of accidents and injuries associated with working at heights. This safety upgrade not only protects the installers but also alleviates the concerns and liabilities of employers; Efficiency
  • Improvement—Interior installation streamlines the process, making it faster and more efficient. This efficiency is a game-changer in the industry, reducing labor time and costs associated with traditional external installation methods;
  • Insurance and Workers' Compensation Benefits—The reduced risk inherent in our product's installation method potentially lowers insurance premiums and workers' compensation claims for companies. This financial benefit is a significant advantage for businesses seeking to minimize operational costs; and
  • Revolutionary Upgrade—The invention represents a fundamental shift in the industry, akin to the transition from iceboxes to freezers. It's not just an improvement; it's a complete reimagining of the installation process that sets a new standard in the field.

The present invention offers a safer, more efficient, and economically advantageous solution compared to the traditional external installation of vent caps. It represents a significant step forward in both safety and operational efficiency for the industry.

A louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use are presented. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a building ventilation system which can be installed from the interior of the building. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a vent system can be installed without leaving the interior of the building.

Thus, the present disclosure provides the state of the art with a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed safely and easily from the interior of the building, without exiting the building or having to work from dangerous heights.

The invention will be referred to as a louver vent system but includes dryer vent and other similar systems as will be known to those skilled in the art

Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provides for easier installation of a louver.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provides for easier installation of a dryer vent.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provides for easier installation of a building vent system.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provides a building envelope system for accessing exterior environments which can be installed without leaving the interior of the building.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provides a building envelope system for accessing exterior environments which can be installed from inside.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that is pre insulated.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are for new construction.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that is a retrofit kit for existing buildings.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed in existing buildings.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed from inside.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed without going to the outside of the building.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are safe.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to install.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are faster to install. [25] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that prevent using a ladder.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that includes wings to ensure a snug fit on the exterior surface.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a friction fit feature for fitting with close and tight tolerances.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a sealing feature on the exterior.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a control for extending wings on the opposite side of a building envelope.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a pre-fit pipe size for required building codes.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a pre-fit pipe size for recommended building conditions.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a nut and thread feature for tightening the system in place at the building envelope.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that include a nut and thread feature for tightening the system in place at the installation location.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to use.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to connect to the building.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to connect to auxiliary venting systems.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are easy to install.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are safe to install.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed by a single installer.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provide improved insulation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provide improved sealing as the sealing is pre-installed.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that provide improved sealing.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are accurate.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are quick and efficient.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are robust.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that saves time for a user.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that saves time for an installer.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be used by a do-it-yourself installer.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that are high quality.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be installed on a variety of surface types.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can be curved or turned.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a louver vent system, a dryer vent system, a self-sealing and installation system, and methods of use that can provide venting in different directions such as up, down, and the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a louver vent system comprising:

• • a main body having a proximal end and a distal end;
  • a vent cap positioned on said distal end, said vent cap having at least one vent cap cavity formed thereon;
  • a siding plate positioned on a proximal end of said vent cap;
  • a plurality of wings rotatably attached to said siding plate;
  • a plurality of treads formed on said main body commencing proximal to said siding plate and extending proximally on said main body and terminating before said proximal end of said main body;
  • a washer body;
  • a nut ring having a plurality of ridges formed thereon, said nut body configured for placement about said main body proximal to said washer body;
  • a duct pipe on said proximal end of said main body having an exhaust entrance constructed and arranged to receive an air exhaust house positioned about an outer circumference of said duct pipe and further arranged such that air travels through interior cavity 56 of said system; whereby said system is constructed and arranged to attach to a wall having a conventional air exhaust formed thereon.

In one embodiment the invention further includes screen material in said vent cap cavity.

In one embodiment, the vent cap and siding plate are a permanently affixed on to another.

In one embodiment the invention further includes screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings.

In one embodiment the invention further includes screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings and to secure said wings into position on an outside of surface of a wall in which said system is installed.

In one embodiment the invention further includes screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings and having screw heads accessible from said proximal end through washer cavities formed on said washer plate.

In one embodiment the invention further includes a screen positioned distal to said siding plate.

In one embodiment , the invention is method of installing a louver vent system, said method comprising the steps of; providing a louver vent system as disclosed herein;

• • configuring said system in a first configuration, said first configuration characterized in the retraction of said wings within a perimeter of said siding plate;
  • inserting said distal end of said system through an existing wall having a cavity or vent exhaust formed therein;
  • positioning said siding plate against an outer surface of said wall; positioning said washer body against an inner surface of said wall;
  • accessing screw heads with a screwdriver from said proximal end of said system through said washer cavities formed on said washer plate;
  • rotating said accessed screw heads until said wings impart a second configuration characterized by extension of said wings;

affixing a desired existing exhaust pipe about an outer circumeferral surface of said duct pipe.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a louver vent system consisting of:

• • a main body having a proximal end and a distal end;
  • a vent cap positioned on said distal end, said vent cap having at least one vent cap cavity formed thereon;
  • a siding plate positioned on a proximal end of said vent cap;
  • a plurality of wings rotatably attached to said siding plate;
  • a plurality of treads formed on said main body commencing proximal to said siding plate and extending proximally on said main body and terminating before a proximal end of said main body;
  • a washer body;
  • a nut ring having a plurality of ridges formed thereon, said nut body configured for placement about said main body proximal to said washer body;
  • a duct pipe on said proximal end of said main body having an exhaust entrance constructed and arranged to receive an air exhaust house positioned about an outer circumference of said duct pipe and further arranged such that air travels through interior cavity 56 of said system;
  • screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings and to secure said wings into position on an outside of surface of a wall in which said system is installed.

In one embodiment , the invention is method of installing a louver vent system, said method consisting of the steps of the steps of;

• • providing a louver vent system as disclosed herein;
  • configuring said system in a first configuration, said first configuration characterized in the retraction of said wings within a perimeter of said siding plate;
  • inserting said distal end of said system through an existing wall having a cavity or vent exhaust formed therein;
  • positioning said siding plate against an outer surface of said wall;
  • positioned said washer body against an inner surface of said wall;
  • accessing screw heads with a screwdriver from said proximal end of said system through said washer cavities formed on said washer plate;
  • rotating said accessed screw heads until said wings impart a second configuration characterized by extension of said wings;
  • affixing a desired existing exhaust pipe about an outer circumeferral surface of said duct pipe.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front perspective view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is front perspective view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is top view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side, partial cross section view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is rear perspective view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side, partial cross section view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 tr is rear perspective view according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As generally understood by the figures, FIG. 1 shows system 10 comprising component parts. For reference, system 10 has a distal end defined by vent cap body 14 and a proximal end defined by the entrance 54 to interior cavity 56 formed within the interior circumference of duct pipe 52. Further for reference, the system main body is intended to include the component portions in their entirety from vent cap 14 to duct pipe 52. Vent cap body 14 has a solid upper surface 12 and is constructed it arranged with vent filter cavities 16 and vent filters 18 positioned as shown within said cavities. Sliding plate 20 is constructed in arranged to have component wings nested with in sliding plate cavity 24. Each of the component wings are constructed and arranged on a pivot screw 23 that permit a user to extend wings 22 as demonstrated in FIG. 2 and retract wings 22 as demonstrated in FIG. 2. System 10 has a first or retracted wing configuration as in FIG. 1 and a second or extended wing configuration as in FIG. 2. During installation, wings 22 will be in the retracted configuration. A user will insert vent cap body 14 through an existing building vent cavity as is generally know. Sliding plate 20 will extend to the outside surface of said existing building vent cavity. Once system 10 is the position, a user will extend wings 22 into an extended configuration as demonstrated in each of FIGS. 2 and 4. This extended configuration will secure system 10 into position with vent cap body 14 positioned on the outside of a structure secured into position by wings 22. The remainder of system 10, will extend inward into said building. Tread body 28 has treads 30 includes a plurality of individual treads 30 about the circumference. Washer body 32, in use, will nest against the inner wall 35 of an existing building vent cavity as shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, washer cavities 26 provide access to pivot screws 23 and allow a use to tighten screws 23 from the inside of wall 35 using a screwdriver to access screw heads 26. This action snuggly secures system 10 into a fixed and installed position.

The body system 10 further has formed there on nut ring portion 38 with a plurality of ridges about the circumference said ridges being substantially perpendicular to washer body 32 and are constructed and arranged to position and secure washer body 32 into position. Nut ring portion 38 is positioned circumferally around treads 30 as shown in the figure.

One embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, system 10 further includes a screen portion 27 which is constructing it arranged to inhibit birds, insects, and other intrusive species from entering at the point where system 10 installed.

One embodiment, system 10 is formed of a single unitary piece that does not include the connected wings 23 and washer body 32.

As mentioned above, the system of the present invention is particularly suited for installing vent exhaust in areas we are outside access is difficult and/or dangerous. This would include buildings where are the access requires ladders, lift, or other such lifting implements in order to work on the outside of a building above ground level.

The system of the present invention is constructed and arranged such that vent cap body 14 will extend outward from wall 35 and will be secured into position by accessing screwheads 26 of screws 23 that will secure with tension wings 22 on the outside of wall 35. As generally understood, the movement of screws 23 are configured for the door function of extending wings 22 and providing the aforementioned attention to secure against wall 35.

As generally understood by the description and figures, the invention is used

• • providing a louver vent system as disclosed herein;
  • configuring said system 10 in a first configuration (FIGS. 1 and 3), said first configuration characterized in the retraction of said wings within a perimeter of said siding plate 20;
  • inserting said distal end, said distal end defined by vent cap body 14 of said system through an existing wall 35 having a cavity or vent exhaust as is commonly known, formed therein;
  • positioning said siding plate 20 against an outer surface of said wall 35;
  • positioning said washer body 32 against an inner surface of said wall 35;
  • accessing screw heads 26 with a screwdriver as is known from said proximal end of said system through said washer cavities 36 formed on said washer plate 32;
  • rotating said accessed screw heads 26 until said wings 22 impart a second configuration (FIGS. 2 and 4) characterized by extension of said wings 22;
  • affixing a desired existing exhaust pipe about an outer circumeferral surface of said duct pipe. The rotating of the access screws will provide the duel function of rotating the wings to the second or extended configuration and snuggly tightening the system in place in the aforementioned cavity or vent exhaust.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A louver vent system comprising: a main body having a proximal end and a distal end;a vent cap positioned on said distal end, said vent cap having at least one vent cap cavity formed thereon;a siding plate positioned on a proximal end of said vent cap;a plurality of wings rotatably attached to said siding plate;a plurality of treads formed on said main body commencing proximal to said siding plate and extending proximally on said main body and terminating before said proximal end of said main body;a washer body;a nut ring having a plurality of ridges formed thereon, said nut body configured for placement about said main body proximal to said washer body;a duct pipe on said proximal end of said main body having an exhaust entrance constructed and arranged to receive an air exhaust house positioned about an outer circumference of said duct pipe and further arranged such that air travels through interior cavity of said system; whereby said system is constructed and arranged to attach to a wall having a conventional air exhaust formed thereon.

2. The system of claim 1 further including screen material in said vent cap cavity.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said vent cap and siding plate are a permanently affixed on to another.

4. The system of claim 1 further including screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings.

5. The system of claim 1 further including screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings and to secure said wings into position on an outside of surface of a wall in which said system is installed.

6. The system of claim 1 further including screws constructed and arranged to impart said rotatable attachment of said wings and having screw heads accessible from said proximal end through washer cavities formed on said washer plate.

7. The system of claim 1 further including a screen positioned distal to said siding plate.

8. A method of installing a louver vent system, said method comprising the steps of; providing a louver vent system according to claim 6;configuring said system in a first configuration, said first configuration characterized in the retraction of said wings within a perimeter of said siding plate;inserting said distal end of said system through an existing wall having a cavity or vent exhaust formed therein;positioning said siding plate against an outer surface of said wall;positioned said washer body against an inner surface of said wall;accessing screw heads with a screwdriver from said proximal end of said system through said washer cavities formed on said washer plate;rotating said accessed screw heads until said wings impart a second configuration characterized by extension of said wings;affixing a desired existing exhaust pipe about an outer circumeferral surface of said duct pipe.