Patent ID: 7708625
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: B63J,F24F

Abstract:
1. A ventilation device comprising: a body defining an interior plenum and having at least two vertically-oriented sides, at least one side having an opening therein; at least one ventilation element removably coupled at least partially in the at least one opening; the ventilation element comprising a frame having a top portion, a bottom portion and two side portions, the ventilation element further comprising a flange having a portion extending outwardly from the frame and the outwardly extending portion coupling to an exterior surface of the body, and the ventilation element further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, vertically arranged blades disposed within the frame and between the side portions, each blade adapted to remove airborne water, transport the water to the bottom of the ventilation element without retaining the water and permit air to enter the plenum, the bottom portion provided with an opening located outside of the exterior surface of the body to allow removed water to exit the ventilation element; an exit in the body communicating with the plenum; a transition structurally supporting the body and coupled to the exit to establish a ventilation path through the ventilation element into the plenum, through the exit, and into the transition; a valve disposed within the ventilation path and comprising a sealing element that is displaceable in a direction of air flow between an opened position and a closed position, the closed position configured to watertightly seal the exit; and whereby water removed by the blades drains from the ventilation element and does not enter the plenum.