Patent ID: 9744828
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: B60H,F16K,Y10T

Claim:
1. An apparatus for use in venting a compartment in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a housing which at least partially defines an air flow passage, a valve element which is movable from a closed condition to an open condition to enable air to flow through the air flow passage, the valve element having an inner surface facing the air flow passage when the valve element is in the closed condition, the valve element having an outer surface opposite the inner surface and facing away from the air flow passage when the valve element is in the closed condition, wherein the valve element further includes a recess in the inner surface, wherein the recess extends diagonally across the inner surface towards a middle of a lower peripheral edge; and a straight spring wire which is deflected as the valve element moves from the closed condition toward the open condition and is effective to urge the valve element toward the closed condition, the straight spring wire extending in a straight line from the housing to the inner surface of the valve element when the valve element is in the closed condition, wherein the straight spring wire extends through the recess.