Vent pipe cover

Abstract

A vent pipe cover having a double walled body for engaging the outermost surface of a vent pipe. The upper end of the body is capped and gas flow passages are provided by first apertures extending through an inner wall and second apertures extending through an outer wall. The apertures are generally formed in at least an upper portion of the body. The body comprises a length sufficient to provide adequate head space for the flow of gasses above the upper edge of the pipe. An insulator may be positioned between the inner and outer walls to reduce heat loss through the pipe. A flared skirt extending from the lower surface of the outer wall includes cutting lines to adapt the vent pipe cover to roofs of differing pitches. One or more deformable clips are used to releaseably engage an inner most surface of the pipe cover with the outermost surface of the vent pipe.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to covers or shields for roof vent pipes. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-walled vent cover having a capped end and vent openings extending through outer and inner walls.

BACKGROUND ART

U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,804 is directed to a roof vent pipe shield including an outer plastic cylinder and an inner plastic cylinder connected at one end by fusion bonded portions such that there is a space between the cylinders. A through passage extends through upper and lower open ends of the inner cylinder. A flared portion extends from the lower end of the outer cylinder for engagement with the roof. Cutting guide lines are provided on the inner surface of the flared portion to enable roofs of different pitches to be accommodated.

In use, the disclosed vent pipe shield is installed so that the outer cylinder is disposed outside of the vent pipe, and the inner cylinder is disposed inside the vent pipe. In this way, water, i.e., rain, is directed through the open passage and into the pipe interior, or onto the roof.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,505 is directed to a sewer vent deicer. The disclosed device includes a cap having a plurality of side apertures within the cap and an upper opening. The cap is mounted atop a tapered tube which houses a removable insulating sleeve. Air flowing into and through the side apertures decreases the air pressure, causing warmer air from within the pipe to flow upwardly to decrease the risk of the vent freezing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,611 is directed to a vent flashing assembly having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member adapted to fit within the vent pipe. A cap member, spaced from the outer tubular member, provides a gaseous flow path between the cap member and the tubular members.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,643 discloses an insulating sleeve adapted to fit over the outer surface of the vent pipe. Gasses within the pipe are vented to the atmosphere through an open end of the sleeve.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,724 discloses a plumbing stack vent cover having an integrally formed body and base. An interior section is adapted to extend into the stack vent and an exterior section extends above the stack vent. Gases are passed our of the pipe through an central axial opening.

Some of the references discussed above have an inner member adapted to fit within the vent pipe which effectively decreases the circumference of the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a vent pipe cover which does not narrow the outlet for passing gasses out of the vent pipe.

Many of the references discussed above include a central axial opening open to the atmosphere for venting gasses. However, the open-ended structures do not prevent small animals or other creatures from entering the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a vent pipe cover which resists passage of animals while effectively allowing gasses to vent.

In colder climates, problems in plumbing systems have been traced to ice clogging the vent pipe. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a vent pipe cover which decreases the risk of ice clogs.

Also in colder climates, the vent pipe may allow unnecessary heat loss from the building structure. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a vent pipe cover which minimizes heat loss through the vent pipe.

Thus, there exists a need for improvements in the operation and construction of vent pipe covers.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a vent pipe cover.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a vent pipe cover that may be at least partially insulated to retard heat loss through the plumbing system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a vent pipe cover that reduces intrusion of the elements, but does not hinder the functioning of the plumbing drain system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a vent pipe cover that lessens the encroachment of sticks, leaves, and animals into the plumbing drain system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to enhance the appearance of a protruding vent pipe.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in some exemplary embodiments by an apparatus including a body with a longitudinal axis and a central cavity. The body and the central cavity are closed at an upper end of the body. An inner wall, defining the central cavity, includes a plurality of first apertures in flow communication with the central cavity extending transversely to the axis. An outer wall, spaced from the inner wall, includes a plurality of second apertures extending transversely to the axis. The first apertures and the second apertures cooperate to form a plurality of flow passages to enable gasses within the central cavity to vent to outside the outer wall. The apparatus may comprise a plastic material.

The apparatus includes a flared skirt extending from the lower end of the outer wall. The skirt includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different pitches.

At least a lower portion of the inner wall is cylindrically shaped and dimensioned to fit around an outermost surface of a protruding pipe structure. The apparatus also includes at least one clip supported on the innermost surface of the inner wall and extending into the central cavity to releaseably engage the outermost surface of the protruding pipe structure.

In general, the first apertures are disposed in an upper portion of the inner wall and the second apertures may be disposed in an upper portion of the outer wall. In some embodiments, each of the first apertures are offset from the second apertures, so that none of the apertures are radially aligned. One or more of the apertures may include vane members to reduce encroachment of leaves, sticks, animals, insects, and the like into the vent pipe.

The apparatus may include an insulator disposed in the space between the outer wall and the inner wall to reduce heat loss through the vent pipe.

The apparatus may include a cap with a convex upper surface to facilitate the movement of precipitation.

In other embodiments, an apparatus comprises a cylindrical double-walled body having a longitudinal axis including a cylindrical inner wall, a cylindrical outer wall radially spaced from the inner wall defining a cylindrical space therebetween, a central cavity disposed along the axis inwardly of the inner wall, a plurality of first apertures extending through the inner wall transverse to the axis, a plurality of second apertures extending through the outer wall transverse to the axis, wherein the first apertures and the second apertures cooperate to provide a plurality of flow passages to enable gasses to flow from within the axial cavity to outside the outer wall, a cap member in circumferential sealing engagement with an upper end of the outer wall, wherein the cap member is operative to close an upper end of the cylindrical space and the axial cavity; and a flared skirt in supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall, wherein the skirt includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different pitches.

In other embodiments, a method is provided, wherein the method includes positioning a cylindrical double walled body of a pipe vent cover relative a protruding pipe structure so that at least a portion of the protruding pipe structure is received within a central cavity disposed along an axis of the body, and wherein at least an upper portion of the body is vertically disposed above an upper edge of the pipe structure; releaseably engaging an outermost surface of the pipe structure with at least one clip mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of an inner wall of the body and extending into the central cavity; and providing a plurality of flow passages for gasses within the pipe structure to be vented to the atmosphere, wherein the flow passages include a plurality of first apertures in flow communication with the central cavity extending transversely to the axis through at least an upper portion of an inner wall, and a plurality of second apertures extending transversely to the axis through the outer wall.

An exemplary method also includes cutting a flared skirt mounted in supporting connection with a lower edge of the outer wall of the body on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein the cutting line is selected according to a pitch of a roof.

An exemplary method also includes positioning an insulator in at least a portion of a space between the inner wall and the outer wall.

As will be appreciated, the foregoing objects and examples are exemplary and embodiments of the invention need not meet all or any of the foregoing objects, and need not include all or any of the exemplary features described above. Additional aspects and embodiments within the scope of the claims may be devised by those having skill in the art based on the teachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims, and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a vent pipe cover.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary embodiment taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of a vent pipe cover showing a vane extending in an aperture.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a vent pipe cover.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a vent pipe cover.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown therein an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 is generally referred to herein as a vent pipe cover adapted to fit over an exposed vent pipe 11 protruding through the roof 15 of a structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 10 comprises a generally double walled cylindrical body 12 having an outer wall 14 and an inner wall 16, defining an generally cylindrical space 17 therebetween. In the Figures, the outer wall 14 and inner wall 16 are illustrated as having generally equal thicknesses. The embodiment shown is merely illustrative and other constructions are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Inner wall 16 defines a central cavity 18 extending along a longitudinal axis 20. Body 12 is closed at its upper end by a cap 24 which also closes the upper end of the central cavity 18. In the exemplary embodiment, cap 24 includes a convex upper surface 26. In FIGS. 1 and 2, cap 24 is illustrated as not extending past the outer wall dimensions. Of course, this embodiment is merely exemplary and other embodiments may include a cap with an overhanging lip or flange 28 (FIG. 4). Cap 24 is also illustrated with the convex upper surface 26. In other embodiments, other configurations of cap 24 may be used. For example, cap 24 may include an upper surface having more or less curvature than what is illustrated.

A flared skirt 30 extends from a lower end of outer wall 14. In an exemplary embodiment, flared skirt 30 includes indicia 34 providing cutting lines so that apparatus 10 may be adapted for use with pipe vents extending from roofs of varying pitches. The indicia may be provided on an outer surface of the skirt 30 as shown, or alternately or in addition, on an inner surface, not shown.

In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 10 includes a plurality of first apertures 38 extending through the inner wall 16 in a manner generally transverse to axis 20. First apertures 38 are in flow communication with central cavity 18. A plurality of second apertures 40 extend through the outer wall 14 in a manner generally transverse to axis 20. In an exemplary embodiment, second apertures 40 are in flow communication with the cylindrical space 17 defined between outer wall 14 and inner wall 16. First apertures 38 and second apertures 40 cooperate to provide a plurality of flow passages for venting gases from within the central cavity to outside of the outer wall in a manner later described.

In an exemplary embodiment, first apertures 38 are generally disposed in an upper portion 42 of body 12. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the first apertures 38 and second apertures 40 are offset from one another. By “offset” it is meant that none of the first apertures 38 is radially aligned with any of the second apertures 40. Such an arrangement offers added protection against the encroachment of leaves or twigs into the central cavity, without restricting the flow of gasses through the apertures. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second apertures may be more or less randomly arranged. Thus, it is possible that one or more apertures may be radially aligned.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes at least one vane 58 extending into at least one second aperture 40. The vane deters the encroachment of twigs, leaves, insects, and the like without preventing the venting of gasses. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one vane extends in each of the second apertures. The vane 58 may comprise a wide array of configurations which perform the desired function. In other embodiments, vanes may extend in the first apertures as well.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary apparatus 10 also includes at least one clip 46 mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface 48 of the inner wall 16 and extending into the central cavity 18. The clip 46 may be a deformable steel spring member. Of course, the spring may comprise any construction that enables the apparatus to be releaseably engaged with the vent pipe. The clip 46 is adapted to engage the outermost surface 50 of the vent pipe when the apparatus is installed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the central cavity 18 is dimensioned so that at least a portion of the vent pipe 11 is received therein with minimal spacing between the outermost surface 50 of the vent pipe and the innermost surface 48 of the inner wall 16. In some prior vent pipe covers, a portion of the cover is adapted to fit inside the vent pipe which effectively reduces the diameter of the vent pipe. In the disclosed apparatus, the vent pipe cover is adapted to fit around the vent pipe to eliminate restriction of the vent pipe.

In some embodiments, the central cavity has a diameter of approximately 4 inches. The dimension of the central cavity 18 may be larger or smaller depending on the outer diameter of the pipe to be covered. Also, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of the body 12 may be approximately 6 inches, although the diameter may be larger or smaller depending on the particular application. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second apertures 38, 40 are generally ¼ inch in diameter, although apertures having other sizes are within the scope of the invention.

The body 12 has a height, H, that generally exceeds the height, h, of the protruding pipe structure. When the pipe vent cover is installed, the upper portion 42 of the body 12 extends beyond an upper edge 52 of the vent pipe. The difference in heights provides head space between the upper edge of the vent pipe and the cap 24 to enable gasses to vent from within the pipe, into the central cavity 18, and out the plurality of flow passages provided by the first and second apertures. Thus, the length of the body and the size and number of first and second apertures must adequately meet the ventilation requirements. The exemplary embodiment is also dimensioned to provide sufficient positive air flow for proper drainage of the system.

In an exemplary embodiment, an insulator 54 may extend in at least a lower portion of the cylindrical space 17. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator 54 is a separate component that can be easily inserted into the cylindrical space when the vent pipe cover is installed. In other exemplary embodiments, the insulator may be permanently affixed to the body 12. In other embodiments, the insulator may comprise a foamable substance. If the insulator extends into the upper portion 42 of body 12, the insulator must not adversely affect the flow of gasses from within the vent pipe to outside the outer wall through the flow passages defined by the first and second apertures.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary alternate embodiment of vent cover generally designated 10′. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a lower portion 60 of inner wall 16′ is dimensioned for a close adjacent relationship with the protruding pipe 11. However, the upper portion 62 of inner wall 16′ may deviate from the dimension of the lower portion. For example, the upper portion 62 of the inner wall may be sloped or otherwise encompass a greater diameter than the lower portion 60 to increase the volume of the head space. In other embodiments, the outer wall 14′ may comprise other than a cylindrical shape and still meet the requirements of the invention. Still other modifications will be apparent to those having skill in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, cap 24′ may include a curved surface 66 to directed moisture, such as formed by condensation, down toward pipe 11. Curved surface 66 may optionally include a nip 68 from which water droplets may fall. Of course, cap 24 as discussed earlier may be provided with a similar curved surface and/or nip.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body 12, cap 24, and flared skirt 30 comprise a unitary construction. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10, 10′ comprises a plastic material.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vent pipe cover 70 including a selectively replaceable upper member 72 that may be removably attached to a lower member 74. The upper member 72 includes an inner wall 76 having a plurality of first apertures 78 therethrough. Upper member 72 also includes an outer wall 80 having a plurality of second apertures 82 therethrough. First and second apertures 78, 82 provide for venting of the gases and sufficient air flow as previously described. Cap 84 effectively seals the body of the vent pipe cover 70 at an upper end as previously described. In a preferred embodiment, the upper member 72 may include a threaded surface 86 adapted to mate with a threaded surface 88 on the lower member 74. Of course, other methods of attaching the upper member 72 to lower member 74 are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Also, the threaded surfaces may be reversed than those shown. The upper member 72 generally defines the head space of the vent pipe cover 70. Thus, upper member 72 may be selectively replaced with an alternate upper member to supply a different volume of head space as is readily apparent. As in previously described embodiments, the number and dimensions of apertures 78 , 82 may be varied as required by the particular application.

In other exemplary embodiments, the pipe vent cover may include selectively removable plugs in the first and second apertures. The plugs may be retained or removed in accordance with the requirements of the particular application.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for covering a vent pipe. The exemplary method includes positioning the body 12 over a protruding pipe 11 so that at least a portion of the pipe is received within the central cavity 18. The body is positioned so that at least an upper portion 42 of the body is vertically disposed above an upper edge 52 of the pipe. The outermost surface 50 of the pipe is releaseably engaged with at least one clip 46 carried on the innermost surface 48 of the inner wall 16 of the body and extending into the central cavity 18. A plurality of flow passages are provided so that gasses within the pipe are enabled to be vented to the atmosphere. The flow passages include a plurality of first apertures 38 in flow communication with the central cavity 18 and a plurality of second apertures 40 extending through the outer wall 14.

An exemplary method also includes cutting a flared skirt 30 mounted in supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall 14 on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein the cutting line is selected according to the pitch of the roof.

An exemplary method includes positioning an insulator 54 in at least a portion of a cylindrical space 17 between the inner wall and the outer wall.

The length of the apparatus may vary based on state codes requiring vent pipes of different heights above roofs, and the diameters may be varied to fit all sizes of vent pipes.

Thus, the features and characteristics of the embodiments previously described achieve desirable results, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems and may attain one or more of the objectives stated above.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising: a body having a longitudinal axis and a central cavity extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the body and central cavity are closed at an upper end of the body; an inner wall of the body defining the central cavity, wherein the inner wall includes a plurality of first apertures extending therethrough generally transverse to the axis, wherein the first apertures are in flow communication with the central cavity; an outer wall of the body disposed from the inner wall to define a space therebetween, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of second apertures extending therethrough generally transverse to the axis, wherein the first apertures and the second apertures cooperate to form a plurality of flow passages to enable gasses within the central cavity to vent to outside the outer wall.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least a lower portion of the inner wall comprises a generally cylindrical shape dimensioned to fit around an outermost surface of a protruding pipe structure.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first apertures are disposed in at least an upper portion of the body.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 comprising: a flared skirt in supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall, wherein the skirt includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different pitches.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 comprising: at least one clip mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of the inner wall and extending into the central cavity, wherein the at least one clip is adapted to releaseably engage the outermost surface of the protruding pipe structure.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the second apertures are generally disposed in at least the upper portion of the body.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the body comprises a plastic material.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6 comprising: an insulator disposed in at least a portion of the space between the outer wall and the inner wall.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 comprising: at least one vane member extending in at least one of the second apertures.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the inner wall comprises a generally cylindrical shape along an entire length thereof and wherein the outer wall comprises a generally cylindrical shape along an entire length thereof.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein none of the first apertures is radially aligned with any of the second apertures.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 comprising: a cap member having a convex upper surface, wherein the cap member is operative to close the body and the central cavity at the upper end of the body.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the skirt, the body, and the cap member comprise a unitary construction.

14. Apparatus comprising: a cylindrical double-walled body having a longitudinal axis including: a cylindrical inner wall; a cylindrical outer wall radially spaced from the inner wall defining a cylindrical space therebetween; a central cavity disposed along the axis inwardly of the inner wall; a plurality of first apertures extending through the inner wall transverse to the axis; a plurality of second apertures extending through the outer wall transverse to the axis, wherein the first apertures and the second apertures cooperate to provide a plurality of flow passages to enable gasses to flow from within the axial cavity to outside the outer wall; a cap member in circumferential sealing engagement with an upper end of the outer wall, wherein the cap member is operative to close an upper end of the cylindrical space and the axial cavity; and a flared skirt in supporting connection with a lower end of the outer wall, wherein the skirt includes indicia defining lines along which the skirt should be cut to adapt the apparatus to roofs having different pitches.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 including: at least one clip mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of the inner wall, wherein the at least one clip is adapted to releaseably engage an outermost surface of a protruding pipe structure.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 comprising: an insulator disposed in at least a portion of the cylindrical space.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the first apertures are generally disposed within an upper region of the inner wall, wherein the second apertures are generally disposed within an upper region of the outer wall, and wherein none of the first apertures is radially aligned with any of the second apertures.

18. Method comprising: positioning a cylindrical double walled body of a pipe vent cover relative a protruding pipe structure so that at least a portion of the protruding pipe structure is received within a central cavity disposed along an axis of the body, and wherein at least an upper portion of the body is vertically disposed above an upper edge of the pipe structure; releaseably engaging an outermost surface of the pipe structure with at least one clip mounted in supporting connection with an innermost surface of an inner wall of the body and extending into the central cavity; and providing a plurality of flow passages for gasses within the pipe structure to be vented to the atmosphere, wherein the flow passages include a plurality of first apertures in flow communication with the central cavity extending transversely to the axis through an inner wall in at least an upper portion of the body, and a plurality of second apertures extending transversely to the axis through the outer wall.

19. Method according to claim 18 comprising: cutting a flared skirt mounted in supporting connection with a lower edge of the outer wall of the body on a selected cutting line on the skirt, wherein the cutting line is selected according to a pitch of a roof.

20. Method according to claim 19 comprising: positioning an insulator in at least a portion of a space between the inner wall and the outer wall.