Collapsible air vent closure

A collapsible air vent closure is disclosed comprising a frame having a frame aperture. A closure is mounted to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. A movable vent wall having a vent orifice is interposed between the frame and the closure. The vent orifice provides an air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the open position. The closure inhibits the air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to ventilation of a structure and more particularly to an improved collapsible air vent closure for a structure such as a recreational vehicle, boat or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ventilation is the process of supplying or removing air by mechanical or natural means to a structure. This process is required for the removal of such impurities as products of human respiration and perspiration as well as gaseous products of combustion from stoves, combustion heaters and the like. Although carbon monoxide contents of 1% or more in the air are not harmful, somewhat higher levels of carbon monoxide present significant health hazards to occupants of enclosed structures.

Natural ventilation is the result of wind action. A slight positive pressure is developed on the windward side of a structure relative to the pressure on the leeward side. Recreational and other vehicles contain air vent openings to facilitate the entry of fresh air into the vehicle. These openings are typically located on a top horizontal surface and on side vertical surfaces. Since the action of the wind is variable being dependent upon wind speed and direction as well as vehicle speed and direction relative to the wind, the control of the amount of air admitted to a structure or a vehicle presents a problem to those skilled in the art. Another problem associated with establishing and maintaining ventilation in a structure is the intrusion of precipitation by means of the air ventilation flow path.

Various types of air vent devices have been used by the prior art for venting and/or circulating air. The air vent devices of the prior art are found in building structures, boats, airplanes, land vehicles and the like. Many of the air vent devices of the prior art were located in a roof of a recreational vehicle, boat or the like.

The typical air vent device located in a roof of a recreational vehicle, boat or the like comprised a frame having a frame aperture. A screen was located within the frame aperture for ventilating the recreational vehicle, boat or the like. A closure was pivotably attached to the frame for movement between an open and a closed position.

When the closure was in the closed position, the closure was moved to be generally parallel to the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like to close the frame aperture. When the closure was in the open position, the closure was angularly disposed relative to the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like to open the frame aperture. Unfortunately, the closure had to be closed during inclement weather to avoid precipitation form entering the recreational vehicle, boat or the like.

To overcome the requirement of closing the closure during inclement weather, some in the prior art have provided air vent covers for covering the air vent device located in the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like. Several air vent covers are shown in the following United States Patents.

U.S. Pat. No. 787,997 to R. Taylor et al. discloses a diffusion box having a flange adapted to be secured in position within the wall or other part of a car. An inner plate or door has return ends pivotally connected at its lower portion to the box. A series of recesses or depressions are located in an edge of one of the ends. A flat metal spring has one end secured to the upper portion of the box. The other end of the flat metal spring projects to cooperate with the recesses or depressions in the end portion of the plate or door.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,944,321 to W. L. C. Huxter discloses and automatic ventilator for exhausting foul air from vehicles comprising an upstanding stack adapted for mounting upon the vehicle and provided with an air passage communicating with the interior of the vehicle. A hood is pivotally mounted upon the stack and includes a cap portion normally seatable upon the top edge of the stack to close the air passage therethrough. A vane portion is associated with the cap portion and is disposed with respect to the normal wind of motion of the vehicle to be shiftable rearwardly by the impact of the air through which the vehicle moves and to effect to unseating of the cap portion with respect to this stack when the vehicle is in motion.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,460,604 to B. B. Simcox discloses a ventilator adapted to be tensionally and rotatably held in a circular hole in an enclosing wall of a vehicle. A cylindrical portion of flexible material has an outside dimension which is slightly larger than the hole in the vehicle wall and has a cut away portion extending from its inner end towards its outer end so that the inner end of the cylindrical portion can become pressed for insertion into the hole. A cap member closes the outer end of the cylindrical portion and has portions thereof extending outwardly beyond the outer surface of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has means projecting outwardly from its inner end for normally preventing the ventilator for moving entirely out of the hole. The cylindrical member has a projection intermediate its inner end and its exterior surface to prevent inward or out word movement of the ventilator relative to the enclosing wall except when the cylindrical member is compressed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,383 to L. L. Perry et al. discloses an operating roof vent of plastic such as translucent resin for mounting in a vent opening of a roof. An inner one piece combination screen and garnish member telescopically mates with an outer one piece cowl member. A combination one piece cover and hinge closes the cowl member, with the hinge being secured to the cowl member to provide for swinging opening and closing of the cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,911 to A. C. Hart discloses a multi-directional vent for the ventilation opening of a vehicle including a vent frame having a vent cover pivoted at its front side to the frame and having an air intake opening in the front of the vent cover. A door is pivoted to the vent cover to selectively close or open the vent cover intake opening. Gear and bell crank operators are provided to pivot the cover about its hinge connection to the frame and to pivot the door about its hinge connection to the cover. The frame is screened and the operators extend through the screen to enable operation from inside the vehicle. With the door open and the vent cover closed a conventional scoop type operation is provided. With the door closed and the vent cover open a conventional pivoted ventilation operation is provided. With both the door and vent cover open ventilation is provided in all directions when the vehicle is at rest, and when in motion a venturi effect is achieved to extract air from the interior of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,263 to C. W. Titterud discloses a dry vent permiting ventilation of motor homes, travel trailers, or the like, while blocking entrance of rain and small animals through the ventilation duct. The dry vent hereof is especially designed for installation on existing ceiling ports, without modification of the port or the port cover. The dry vent includes a pair of opposed water-blocking sidewalls interconnected by a front structure comprising a pair of spaced apart louvres that define an inwardly, upwardly directed air passing channel.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,769 to S. A. Milks discloses a power roof vent fan assembly having a motor and fan mounted in a body spanning an opening in the roof of an enclosure. The motor is mounted in H-shaped cross brace assembly having reinforcing ribs for vibration dampening. A shroud is secured to the body which supports a screen and includes a trim flange which forms a pocket in conjunction with the body. A bezel is telescopically received within the pocket and secured to the lower surface of the roof. A cover is provided over the top end of the assembly which is hinged on one end and adapted to be opened and closed by a cover lifting mechanism located within the pocket. The fan motor is controlled by a speed control switch located within the pocket. The pocket in which the switch is retained includes ventilation openings for aiding heat dissipation from the switch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,047 to M. Citron discloses a ventilator door and fan control assembly for use with a range hood which for use in a recreational vehicle wherein there is a plate associated with said ventilation door to open and close the door that is activated by a cable controlled by an operator handle mounted on the range hood within a switch holder and guide. The operator handle and the switch holder and guide are adapted to receive a conventional fan switch and simultaneously activate or deactivate a fan with the opening or closing of the ventilator door.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,425 to T. A. Kelly discloses a hingeless ventilator having a frame attachable to a wall of a compartment about an aperture therein, an opening in the frame alignable with the aperture. A closure member is swingable against a side of the frame for opening and closing the opening. A guide members is fixed to and instanding from an opposite side of the frame beyond opposite ends of the opening. A spring rod mounting is located on opposite ends composite rollers riding on the guide members and connected under tension to the closure member for selectively positioning the closure member relative to the frame. Each of the roller assemblies has an antifriction bushing journalled on the spring rod and in and bonded to an elastomeric collar engaging an adjoining guide member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,377 to P. J. Mochel et al. discloses a recreational vehicle vent with a streamlined body having a forward fixed riser and a movable cover which, when closed, forms a smooth continuous aerodynamic surface together with the fixed riser. The cover is movably mounted to the vent frame by means of a pair of transversely extending crossed links at the front and a second independent pair of transversely extending crossed links at the back. The two link pairs are independently operated by geared actuators so that either the front of the cover or the back of the cover can be independently lifted or both can be lifted together.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,215 to B. D. Crider et al. discloses a vent cover for vehicles equipped with roof vents raisable and lowerable from within the vehicle by rotating a crank. The cover includes a dome formed by a top wall, sidewalls that depend from the top wall, and a venturi cone member secured to an underside of the top wall. A vent base mounted to the roof of the vehicle has upstanding sidewalls so that air molecules exiting the vehicle must flow upwardly to pass over the top of the sidewalls and then downwardly to enter the atmosphere external to the vehicle. The air molecules are forced to flow downwardly after they have passed over the top of the vent base sidewalls by the sidewalls that depend from the top wall of the dome. The cooperative shape of the venturi cone member, the walls that depend from the top wall of the dome, and the upstanding sidewalls of the vent base creates a constricted area above the upstanding sidewalls where upwardly flowing air molecules must change their path of travel to flow downwardly. The constriction forces the air molecules to flow at a high rate of speed, creating a venturi effect that efficiently pulls stale air, smoke, fumes, and the like out of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,791 to J. T. Humphrey et al. discloses a vented window assembly for any manner of vehicle or vessel. The window assembly has a unitary piece of glass with an opening defined therein. A vent assembly is mounted in the opening and is sealingly engaged with the glass. The vent assembly includes an operable vent which is selectively positioned between an opened position and a closed position. The vent is rotatable relative to the glass so that the vent can act as a forced air or exhaust vent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,972 to P. D. Van Belle discloses a roof fixture for ventilating and illuminating the interior space of the vehicle or boat. The fixture includes a blower mounted over a ventilating opening in the roof. An outer cover is mounted to the exterior of the roof over the blower, thereby protecting the fixture and the interior of the vehicle from the elements. A mounting plate is attached to the interior of the roof over the ventilating opening. The central portion of the plate includes a plurality of exhaust openings and a recessed area which receives a lamp for illuminating the interior space. A plurality of damper flaps are attached to the exterior side of the plate, each flap overlying an exhaust opening. When the blower is on, the flaps lift upwardly to permit air flow from the interior space of the vehicle, through the exhaust openings, and out a vented portion of the cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,551 to G. A. Oremland discloses a trunk ventilating device that operates to elevate or reduce the temperature of the vehicle trunk or trunk-like area. The device will accommodate a conventional rear deck of an automobile and provides a sealing aspect between the occupant area and the trunk area with the use of louvers that are made operational upon demand by the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator may initiate a dash mounted control switch that operates a high speed fan capable of drawing air from the occupants seating area into the otherwise sealed trunk area providing the proposed temperature elevation or reduction. Louvers are gravity or spring biased. It includes an aperture covering so as to prevent items from entering the trunk or engaging the rotating fan. A separate embodiment encompasses the use of a remotely located fan for areas lacking a definable trunk area for the purpose of transferring conditioned air from one part of the vehicle to another. Transfer duct includes a fan without louvers for purposes of pushing conditioned air, such as from the foot well of the occupant's area to an otherwise unconditioned portion of the rear of the vehicle in either a temporary or permanent fashion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,385 to J. T. Humphrey et al. discloses a vent assembly for any manner of vehicle or vessel. The vent assembly includes a vent which is operable between selective open positions and a closed position. The vent is rotatable relative to a panel through which the vent is disposed so that the vent can act as a forced air vent or exhaust vent.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,147 to M. D. Thomas discloses a vent cap cover for a recreational vehicle which allows for dry air entry during rainy conditions. The vent cap cover allows easy observation of the vent cap and maximum air and light availability. Easy maintenance, cleaning and repairs of the vent cap from the exterior of the RV is possible by simply opening the upper, transparent section of the vent cap cover.

The air vent covers solved the requirement of closing the closure of an air vent device during inclement weather to avoid precipitation form entering the recreational vehicle, boat or the like. Unfortunately, these air vent covers provided a large profile extending upwardly from the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure that overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides a significant advantage to the ventilating art.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure having a closure that may remain open during inclement weather to avoid precipitation form entering the recreational vehicle, boat or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure having a closure that may be moved to be generally parallel to the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like to close the frame aperture when the closure was in the closed position.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure that presents a lower profile, a lower overall height and less wind resistance in the closed position than the non-collapsible air vents of the prior art.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure that is easy to install by an unskilled operator.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved collapsible air vent closure that is economical to purchase and install.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improved collapsible air vent closure for enabling the flow of air through a partition aperture defined in a partition. The collapsible air vent closure comprises a frame having a frame aperture with frame mount mounting the frame with the frame aperture communicating with the partition aperture. A closure is pivotably mounted by a closure pivot to the frame for pivoting the closure between a closed position and an open position. A vent wall defines a vent orifice interposed between the frame and the closure. A vent wall mounting movably mounts the vent wall for providing an air flow path between the vent orifice and the frame aperture and the partition aperture when the closure is in the open position. The closure inhibits the air flow path between the vent orifice and the frame aperture and the partition aperture when the closure is in the closed position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIG. 1is an isometric view of a collapsible air vent closure5of the present invention located on a partition10with collapsible air vent closure5shown in an open position. In the open position, the collapsible air vent closure5enables the flow of air between an inner side11and an outer side12of the partition10through a partition aperture14defined in the partition10. In this example, the partition10is shown as a roof16of a structure18shown as a land vehicle18. However, it should be understood that the partition10is only representative of one type of structure and it should be understood that the collapsible air vent closure5of the present invention may be used on various types of structures including fixed structures or moveable structures such as a recreational vehicle, a boat, a building structure or the like.

FIG. 2is a view similar toFIG. 1with the collapsible air vent closure5shown in a closed position. In the closed position, the collapsible air vent closure5inhibits the flow of air between the inner side11and the outer side12of the partition10through the partition aperture14. Furthermore, the collapsible air vent closure5presents a lower profile, a lower overall height and less wind resistance in the closed position. The collapsible nature of the present invention provides a significant advantage and improvement over the non-collapsible air vents of the prior art.

FIGS. 3 and 4are enlarged isometric views of the collapsible air vent closure5in the open position as shown inFIG. 1. The collapsible air vent closure5comprises a frame20having a frame aperture23defined within the frame20for permitting air flow therethrough. The frame20includes a frame base24for securing the frame20to a frame mount40. The frame mount40mounts the frame20to the partition10with the frame aperture23communicating with the partition aperture14to allow air flow therethrough.

A closure50includes a closure wall60pivotably mounted to the frame20by a closure pivot70. The closure50is pivotable between the open position as shown inFIG. 1and the closed position as shown inFIG. 2. A vent wall80defines a vent orifice84for permitting air flow therethrough. The vent wall80is interposed between the frame20and the closure50. A vent wall mounting90pivotable and slidably mounts the vent wall80relative to the frame20. A coupling100interconnects the vent wall80to the closure50for moving the vent wall80upon movement of the closure50. The vent orifice84defined in the vent wall80enables an air flow between the inside11and the outside12surfaces of the recreational vehicle18when the closure50is moved into the open position. The air flow path between the inside11and the outside12surfaces of the recreational vehicle18extends from the vent orifice84through the frame aperture23to the partition aperture14.

FIGS. 5 and 6are enlarged isometric views of the collapsible air vent closure50in the closed position as shown inFIG. 2. The closure50forms a seal with the frame20when the air vent closure50is in the closed position. The seal between the closure50and the frame20inhibits air flow between the inside11and the outside12surfaces of the recreational vehicle18.

FIGS. 7–17are various views of the collapsible air vent closure5ofFIGS. 1–6. The frame mount40comprises an inner frame mount41and an outer frame mount42for engaging with the inner side11and the outer side12of the partition10, respectively. The inner frame mount41has an inner flange43for mounting to the inner side11of the partition10. The inner flange43supports an inner sleeve45to extend through the partition aperture14defined in the partition10. The inner sleeve45defines a frame mounting aperture47for enabling air flow through the partition aperture14defined in the partition10.

The outer frame mount42has an outer flange44for mounting to the outer side12of the partition10. The outer flange44supports an outer sleeve46to extend from the outer side12of the partition10. The outer sleeve46receives the inner sleeve45in a telescopic engagement. The telescopic engagement between the inner sleeve45and the outer sleeve46enables the frame mount40to accommodate for various thickness of the partition10. After the inner sleeve45is secured to the inner side11of the partition10, the inner sleeve45may be trimmed to be in accordance with the outer sleeve46. The outer sleeve46defines a distal end48having a plurality of mounting holes49.

The frame20defines a proximal end21and a distal end22. The frame base24is disposed in proximity to the proximal end21of the frame20. The frame base24comprises a groove25located on the proximal end21of the frame20and a plurality of holes26located adjacent to the groove25.

The groove25is adapted to receive the distal end48of the outer sleeve46to position the collapsible air vent closure5upon the frame mount40. When the collapsible air vent closure5is positioned upon the frame mount40, the plurality of holes26of the frame20are aligned with the plurality of mounting holes49of the outer sleeve46of the frame mount40. A plurality of threaded fasteners27extend through the plurality of aligned holes26and49and threadably engage with the inner flange43of the inner frame mount41for securing the frame20to the frame mounting40. Although the frame base24has been shown to be secured to the frame mounting40by fasteners27, it should be understood that various devices may be used for securing the frame20to the frame mounting40.

The securing cooperation of the frame base24with the outer sleeve46facilitates the installation of the collapsible air vent closure5of the present invention. The inner frame mount41and the outer frame mount42may be secured independently to the inner side11and the outer side12of the partition10. Thereafter, the collapsible air vent closure5may be positioned on the frame mount40and secured by the fasteners27. The securing cooperation of the frame base24with the outer sleeve46enables the same collapsible air vent closure5to be used with frame mounting40having different sizes and/or shapes to accommodate for different sizes and/or shapes of the partition aperture14.

The frame20comprises a frame wall30having sidewalls31and32, an end wall33and a front wall34. The frame wall30terminates in the distal end22of the frame20. The distal end35of the frame wall30defines a frame sealing surface36. Preferably, the frame sealing surface36includes a resilient gasket located on the distal end22of the frame wall30.

The closure50has a closure base52defining a closure sealing surface56. The closure base52may be provided with a transparent or translucent window58for enabling the transmission of light through the partition aperture14defined in the partition10. The closure wall60extends from the closure base52. The closure wall60comprises sidewalls61and62an end wall63and a front wall64extending from the closure base52.

In this example, the closure wall60extends downwardly from the closure base52for covering the frame wall30when the closure50is in the closed position as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. The closure sealing surface56engages with the frame sealing surface36for inhibiting the air flow path between the vent orifice84defined in the vent wall80and the frame aperture23and the partition aperture14. The closure wall60covers the frame wall30to provide addition protection from inclement weather when the closure50is in the closed position.

FIGS. 15 and 16are isometric views of the collapsible air vent closure5in the open position and the closed position with the closure50being removed from the drawing for the purpose of illustration. In this example, the closure pivot70is shown as a hinge for pivoting the closure50between the open position and the closed position.

The collapsible air vent closure5includes a mechanical drive72for pivoting the closure50between the open position and the closed position. In this example, the mechanical drive comprises an arm73connected to the closure50by a slotted bracket79located intermediate the sidewall61and62of the closure50.

FIG. 17is a bottom isometric view of the collapsible air vent closure5in the open position. The arm73extends from a drive box76operated by a crank78. The rotation of the crank78by an operator moves the closure50between the open position as shown inFIG. 13and the closed position as shown inFIG. 14.

The vent wall80comprises a first and a second sidewall81and82with an endwall83interposed between the first and second sidewalls81and82. The vent orifice84is defined in the vent endwall83. In this example, the vent orifice84including a plurality of vent orifices defined in the vent endwall83for providing vent area commensurate with an area of the frame aperture23. Preferably, the vent orifice84comprises a plurality of louvers for enabling air to pass through the vent orifice84. A large mesh86is mounted in the vent orifice84to inhibit the intrusion of larger objects such as leaves, twigs, large insects, rodents and the like into the recreational vehicle18.

The vent wall mounting90comprises the first and second sidewalls81and82being movably mounted relative to the frame20. In this example, the vent wall mounting90comprises plural vent wall pivot pins91and92for pivotably mounting the vent wall80to the frame20. The vent wall pivot pins91and92engage with elongated slots37and38defines in the sidewalls31and32of the frame wall30. The plural vent wall pivot pins91and92cooperate with the elongated slots37and38for pivoting the vent wall80about a pivot axis substantially parallel to and spaced from the pivot axis of the closure pivot70. The elongated slots37and38enable the plural vent wall pivot pins91and92to pivot about and to longitudinally move relative to the frame20.

A coupling100interconnects the vent wall80with the closure50for moving the vent wall80in accordance with the pivoting of the closure50. The coupling100interconnects the endwall83of the vent wall80with the endwall63of the closure50. In this example, the coupling100is shown as a hinge interconnecting the vent wall80with the closure50for pivoting the vent wall80in accordance with the pivoting of the closure50. The coupling100pivots the vent wall80about a pivot axis substantially parallel to and spaced from the pivot axis of the closure pivot70and the vent wall pivot pins91and92.

The pivoting of the closure50on the closure pivot70results in a pivoting and a longitudinal movement of the vent wall80. The pivoting of the closure50on the closure pivot70causes a rotational movement of the vent wall80about the coupling100relative to the closure50. The pivoting of the closure50on the closure pivot70causes a combined rotational and linear movement of the vent wall pivot pins91and92relative to the frame20. This combined rotational and linear movement is due in part to the spaced apart, parallel relationship between the pivot axis of the closure pivot70and the pivot axis of the vent wall pivot pins91and92and the pivot axis of the coupling100.

Furthermore, the spaced apart, parallel relationship between the pivot axes enabling the closure50to be inclined relative to the frame20when the closure50is in the open and enables the closure50to be generally parallel relative to the frame20when the closure50is in the closed position. The generally parallel relationship between the frame20and the closure50presents a lower profile, a lower overall height and less wind resistance which is a significant advantage of the collapsible air vent closure5of the present invention.

As best shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, plural stops39extend outwardly from the sidewalls31and32of the frame wall20. Plural stops89extend inwardly from the sidewalls81and82of the vent wall80. The plural stops89of the vent wall80engage with the plural stops39of the frame wall20to limit the opening movement of the vent wall80relative to the frame20.

FIGS. 18–22are various views of a second embodiment of the collapsible air vent closure5A. The second embodiment of the collapsible air vent closure5A is substantially similar to the first embodiment of the collapsible air vent closure5ofFIGS. 3–17with similar parts labeled with similar reference numeral.

FIG. 18is an isometric view of the collapsible air vent closure5A in the open position with the closure50being removed from the drawing for the purpose of illustration. The closure pivot70A includes a mechanical drive72A for pivoting the closure50A between the open position and the closed position.

In this example, the mechanical drive comprises plural arm73A and74A connected to the closure50by slotted brackets79located in proximity to the sidewall61and62of the closure50. The plural arm73A and74A are secured to a rotatable shaft75A extending through a drive box76A operated by a crank78A. The rotation of the crank78A by an operator moves the closure50between the open position and the closed position. The plural arms73A and74A apply an equal force to opposed sidewalls61and62of the closure50as well as stabilize the closure50on the closure pivot70A in both the open position and the closed position.

The collapsible air vent closure5A includes an air unit110. The air unit110comprises an upper horizontal support120secured to the frame20. The upper horizontal support120defines a recess122for receiving an electric motor124having a motor shaft126.

The air unit110comprises a lower horizontal support130secured to the upper horizontal support120. The lower horizontal support130defines a circular aperture132for accommodating a fan blade134. The fan blade134is secured to the motor shaft126for rotating the fan blade134within the circular aperture132in accordance with the rotation of electric motor124.

FIGS. 20–22are side sectional views of the collapsible air vent closure5A in a closed position, an intermediate position, and a fully open position. The closure pivot70A includes the slotted bracket79for receiving the arms73A and74A for moving the closure50between the open position and the closed position.

FIG. 20is a side sectional view of the collapsible air vent closure5A in a closed position.

In the closed position the closure sealing surface56engages with the frame sealing surface36for sealing the air vent closure50to the frame20. The seal between the air vent closure50and the frame20inhibits the air flow path between the vent orifice84defined in the vent wall80and the frame aperture23and the partition aperture14. The closure wall60overlaps and covers the frame wall30to provide addition protection from inclement weather.

FIG. 21is a side sectional view of the collapsible air vent closure5A in an intermediate position. The operation of the crank78A moves the closure50from the closed position shown inFIG. 20into the intermediate position shown inFIG. 21. The partial opening of the closure50permits air flow path between the vent orifice84and the partition aperture14.

FIG. 22is a side sectional view of the collapsible air vent closure5A in a fully open position. A further operation of the crank78moves the closure50from the intermediate position shown inFIG. 21into the fully open position shown inFIG. 22. The fully open position of the closure50permits maximum air flow path between the vent orifice84and the partition aperture14. The engagements of the plural stops89of the vent wall80with the plural stops39of the frame20limits the fully open position of the closure50.

FIGS. 23 and 24are bottom and side views of the collapsible air vent closure5A illustrating a lower horizontal support130having a screen140secured thereto. The screen140comprises a peripheral frame142supporting a screen mesh144. A plurality of rotatable tabs146extend outwardly from the peripheral frame142for securing the peripheral frame142to the lower horizontal support130.

Preferably, the screen mesh144is finer than the large mesh86mounted in the vent orifice84to inhibit the intrusion of small objects such as small insects, knags, bugs, ants, mosquitoes and the like into the recreational vehicle18. The screen140is removably mounted to the lower horizontal support130for cleaning, repair and the like.

FIG. 25is an enlarged bottom isometric view of the screen140secured to the lower horizontal support130of the collapsible air vent closure5A. Each of the rotatable tabs146includes a base151and a projection151. The rotatable tabs146are rotatable about an axis extending through the base151for moving the projection into and out of engagement with the peripheral frame142of the screen140.

FIG. 26is an enlarged side view of a portion ofFIG. 25illustrating the rotatable tab146securing the screen140of the lower horizontal support130of the of the collapsible air vent closure5A. The rotatable tabs146is rotated about an axis extending through the base151for moving the projection into engagement with the peripheral frame142to secure the screen140to the lower horizontal support130.

FIG. 27is a view similar toFIG. 26illustrating the rotatable tab146releasing the screen140from the lower horizontal support130of the lower horizontal support130of the of the collapsible air vent closure5A. The rotatable tabs146is rotated about an axis extending through the base151for moving the projection out of engagement with the peripheral frame142to permit removal of the screen140from the lower horizontal support130.

The present invention provides an improved collapsible air vent closure5having a closure50that may remain open during inclement weather to avoid precipitation form entering the recreational vehicle, boat or the like. The improved collapsible air vent closure5has a closure that may be moved to be generally parallel to the roof of the recreational vehicle, boat or the like to close the frame aperture23when the closure50is in the closed position. The improved collapsible air vent closure5presents a lower profile, a lower overall height and less wind resistance in the closed position than the non-collapsible air vents of the prior art.