Exhaust vent and utility termination for HVAC line sets and electrical wires

The present invention is directed to an exhaust vent assembly including a sleeve, a neck, a damper in the neck, a cap attached to the neck and a collar. The exhaust vent assembly may be configured without any tools and without any penetrative fasteners. The invention is further directed to a utility termination for HVAC line sets, electrical wires or the like. The utility termination includes a plastic sleeve, a plastic cover and a cap. The components for utility terminations may also be used to fabricate the exhaust vent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exhaust vent and a utility termination for HVAC line sets and electrical wires. More particularly, the invention relates to an exhaust vent for use on a flat roof for venting of a dryer, a bathroom, a kitchen or the like; and to a utility termination for use on a flat roof for HVAC line sets, electrical wires or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to exhaust vents and utility terminations for HVAC line sets, electrical wires or the like (hereafter “utility termination”) for use on flat roofs such as in multi-family residential construction, restaurants and commercial buildings.

Contractors often bring individually a dryer exhaust duct or a bathroom exhaust duct or a kitchen exhaust duct up through a flat roof individually using single wall galvanized steel ducts, e.g. 28 gauge galvanized steel. The termination of the duct is problematic because it needs to be weatherproof for protection of the exposed galvanized duct, flashed into the surrounding roof membrane, wind protected, insect or bird proof and still allow maximum design free air flow. All terminations on a flat roof must rise vertically some distance to satisfy code requirements for height above the roof to allow for protection from snow, rain pooling or debris being pulled into the duct. In the case of an exhaust duct, the exhaust vent requires a backdraft damper which necessities use of a separate and distinct assembly inserted into a field assembly of 90 degree sheetmetal elbows or using a typical sidewall vent adapted to a separate 90 degree elbow. This internal backdraft assembly, also known as a butterfly damper, diminishes the free air due to it being an independent assembly and consisting of two separate spring loaded wings folding inward from the centerline. These butterfly dampers restrict the free area more than an integral single plane backdraft damper. This field assembly is unsightly looking and creates many radial and longitudinal seams that need to be weatherproofed. Mastics for weatherproofing such seams are labor-intensive and subject to degradation over time. Mastics also look unsightly as they are different colors than the underlying metal duct and, therefore, present an unfinished appearance. Similarly, caulks for such seams are difficult to apply and paint over. Additionally, the application of all such seam coverings require the appropriate weather conditions to apply and dry the covering to a manufacturers' specifications. Moreover, these known assemblies use products from multiple manufacturers, require numerous field assembled joints and are labor intensive and expensive to install.

In the case of a clothes dryer exhaust vent, the 2015 International Mechanical Code (“IMC”) does not allow penetrative fasteners to be used. This is specified in section 504.4, page 5-32 stating that ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheetmetal screws or other fasteners that will obstruct the exhaust flow. Therefore, current industry practice is to use mastics or very short screws to keep the assembly together. However, such penetrative fasteners are contrary to the intent of the code.

In a dryer exhaust vent, the IMC specifically mandates that the termination of a dryer exhaust cannot obstruct the free area of the exhaust duct it serves and does not allow a screen on the termination of the duct. This is specified, for example, in the 2015 IMC at section 504.4, page 5-33, providing that a full opening in exhaust systems is considered to be an opening having no dimensions less than the diameter of the exhaust duct. The 2018 IMC goes further in defining acceptable openings as specified at section 504.4.1, page 49, stating that the passageway of dryer exhaust duct terminals shall be undiminished in size and shall provide an open area of not less than 12.5 square inches. Further, in a dryer exhaust vent assembly, the IMC does not allow a screen on the termination of the duct. This creates an opening for birds to nest in exhaust vent assemblies using an internal backdraft damper due to the damper being inset into the duct. Reference is made herein to different versions of the IMC as certain jurisdictions may not have adopted the latest version of the IMC.

Various types of exhaust venting terminations are known such as roof jacks, sidewall vent hoods and field assembled gooseneck type assemblies. These known venting solutions present problems in installation and use. Devices such as roof jacks require expensive separate roof curbs to be flashed into a roof and then the roof jack to be flashed into the curb in order to gain the required height above the flat roof. This is very labor intensive as each layer (curb) and then roof jack requires coordination and work by separate trades in sequential order. Side wall vent hoods require an exposed round duct to be run vertically above the roof and then turned 90 degrees to allow the side wall vent hood to be orientated properly. This type of assembly requires penetrative fasteners to hold the cap in place as well as weatherproofing. Field built gooseneck assemblies also require vertical rise duct which then need weatherproofing and numerous field assemblies to be combined into a functional exhaust vent. Field designed assemblies lack any consistency or quality control and vary greatly in their effectiveness and cost. Additionally, such devices may have passageways which diminish in size and thereby create back pressure decreasing the efficiency of the exhaust vent. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved exhaust vent.

HVAC units are installed on flat top roofs, primarily for office buildings and multi-unit residential buildings. The HVAC line sets are brought out through an opening in the roof and connected to the HVAC unit. Normally, there is a hole made in the roof through which the HVAC line sets or other electrical wires (hereafter collectively “line sets”) are pulled through for attachment to the HVAC unit. Presently, a roofing contractor makes a pitch pocket in the roof through which the line sets are pulled through as shown, for example, inFIG.11. A pitch pocket is generally a small curb like frame through which an HVAC mechanic runs the line sets and then the roofer fills the box with a flowable sealant. In other instances, when multiple line sets are used, the contractor may build a vault or metal curb which is fabricated to include a lid or cover. Further, in other devices the line sets must be bent and pulled through a 90 degree elbow which is difficult and time consuming. These prior art utility terminations have a number of problems, including that they are not made for ease of access for repair or for adding additional line sets.

The above and other shortcomings of known exhaust vents and utility terminations are addressed by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful exhaust vent.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide for a duct vent termination for use on a flat roof.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent for a dryer exhaust or a bathroom exhaust or a kitchen exhaust for use on a flat roof.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent for a dryer exhaust, bathroom exhaust, kitchen exhaust, or fresh air inlet for use on a flat roof which is light weight, simple in construction, does not require separate weatherproofing or painting and is easy to install.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent, preferably waterproof, that can be installed during construction prior to the roof membrane and which exhaust vent is weatherproof and can be flashed directly to by the roofer.

Another primary object of the invention is to allow commonly used round vent ducting to be weatherproofed and terminated without penetrative fasteners.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which allows common round duct risers to be insulated within an annular space created by a weatherproof sleeve of the exhaust vent.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which facilitates the installation of the exhaust vent from below a roof by virtue of using a sleeve which surrounds a duct wherein the sleeve has four mounting apertures at one end of the sleeve and which are aligned with four locking channels at the other end of the sleeve. This allows for multiple exhaust vent assemblies to be uniformly oriented in the same direction.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent having a neck and a sleeve wherein the neck may be mounted to the sleeve without tools and rotated 360 degrees on the sleeve in 90 degree increments. This tool-less adjustability allows an installer a large margin of error for code mandated clearances to other rooftop terminations or equipment as well as the ability to place the exhaust vent neck in the best position for the conditions on the roof.

Another primary object of the invention is to allow preexisting round ducts on a flat roof to be retrofitted with a weatherproof termination that counter-flashes and protects existing ducts without penetrative fasteners regardless of weather conditions.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which meets code requirements of no penetrative fasteners, including in the IMC. This is achieved by the exhaust vent of the invention which is easily installed or removed without tools, thereby providing for ease of cleaning and unobstructed duct access.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent having a cap which functions as a bird guard for dryer vent applications and which is easily removeable without tools.

Another primary object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust vent, especially useful for dryers, having a slightly oversized round duct long radius gooseneck termination which provides approximately 8% greater free area than using existing 90 or 45 degree metal fittings. This extra free area and seamless smooth internal surface may mitigate the friction loss of an internal damper and improve the installed performance of the underlying exhaust duct.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which is a color coordinated and having a horizontal female neck over a male sleeve, the neck and sleeve being connected by a twist lock mechanism.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which provides an elegant solution to duct cleaning and inspection from a roof. The exhaust vent includes a neck assembly having a backdraft damper integral to itself and is easily removed and reinstalled without tools or degradation of mastics or caulks.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent which reduces the labor and material costs associated with installing existing exhaust vents.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent having a seamless smooth solvent weldable surface which a roof membrane may be flashed to.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent having a larger internal backdraft damper protected from the elements and made more effective due to its eccentric position within the exhaust vent neck's internal elevated position and, therefore, being better protected from the wind.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an exhaust vent having a plastic internal eccentric backdraft damper within a plastic exhaust vent assembly, thereby not being as noisy as typical metal backdraft dampers within typical metal elbows.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide an entire corrosion proof nonmetallic exhaust vent assembly.

The exhaust vent of the invention comprises a sleeve, a neck, a damper in the neck, a cap attached to the neck and a storm collar. The invention may further utilize a bushing to provide further benefit to the exhaust vent.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a utility termination for line sets.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a utility termination for line sets which allow for ease in repair and in adding additional line sets.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a utility termination for line sets which has few parts, is easy to install, is easy to pull the line sets through, has an open 135 degree trough allowing for ease of bending the line sets, and works well in the field.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide for a utility termination for line sets which allows a contractor easy access to the line sets during connection of the line sets and thereafter provides a weatherproof enclosure for the line sets at the roof opening.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a utility termination for line sets which allows an installer to look down the vertical annular opening of a sleeve member to push or pull the line sets straight up.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a utility termination assembly for use on a flat roof comprising a plastic sleeve adapted to overlie an opening in the roof and having a flashing, a plastic annular body with a first part of a gooseneck, a plastic second part of a gooseneck adapted to attach to the first part of the gooseneck of the plastic sleeve, and a cap adapted to be attached to an outer end of the first and second gooseneck parts.

Another primary object of the invention is directed to a modular system that can be manufactured as a utility termination and exhaust vent components may be added during the manufacturing process to provide for an exhaust vent, thereby saving expense.

These primary and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present inventions are directed to exhaust vents and utility terminations for line sets.FIGS.1-10show the presently preferred embodiments of the exhaust vents of the invention. The utility terminations are shown inFIGS.12-21. The utility terminations utilize certain aspects of the exhaust vents and parts of the exhaust vents may be used to convert parts for a utility termination to an exhaust vent. The inventions will now be described in further detail.

Referring toFIG.1, there is shown the exhaust vent of the present invention. The exhaust vent is useful for exhaust terminations in flat roof construction for dryer exhaust, bathroom exhaust, kitchen exhaust and the like. The invention will be explained herein for convenience with respect to a dryer exhaust. However, the invention is applicable to vent exhausts from other applications.

Referring toFIG.1, there is shown a plan view of the exhaust vent10for a dryer exhaust. There is shown a flat roof R and a four inch galvanized steel duct D which is attached a dryer exhaust (not shown). The duct D may extend above the roof R generally from about 18 inches to about 42 inches as shown inFIG.2. In the presently preferred embodiment, the primary components of the invention comprise a sleeve12, a neck14, a cap16, a storm collar18, a damper20and a damper ring22. In certain applications of the invention, the exhaust vent assembly may include a bushing24. Each of these components will now be described in greater detail.

As seen generally inFIG.1, the round galvanized duct D will extend through the roof R, generally from about 18 inches to about 42 inches. In one preferred embodiment, sleeve12may be the same length as the length that the galvanized duct extends from the roof. The sleeve12may fit snuggly over the galvanized duct D or be spaced apart from duct D as shown inFIG.2, thereby providing a space S between sleeve12and duct D. One reason for having a space S between sleeve12and duct D is to allow for insulation I to be inserted in this space as partially shown inFIG.2. Another reason for leaving a space S is to allow for the use of a larger diameter neck14which provides more free space for air flow for venting, among other things, a dryer exhaust, thereby complying with IMC requirements. When a space between sleeve12and duct D is desired, it is preferred to use a bushing24as shown inFIGS.2and10and discussed hereafter.

Sleeve12is preferably made of plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). This provides for, among other things, lightweight construction, weatherproof construction, UV stabilized construction, simple installation and inexpensive manufacture. Referring toFIGS.1,2and3, sleeve12includes a plurality of apertures30as shown inFIGS.3and3Band a plurality of twist lock channels32as shown inFIGS.3and3Aand discussed hereafter. In a preferred embodiment, these are four apertures30and four twist lock channels32. The twist lock channels32comprise three segmented sections34,36and38. Apertures30are aligned with locking channels32to provide for consistently orienting the direction of the neck14when having a plurality of exhaust vents10. Specifically, when apertures30in a plurality of exhaust vents10are all positioned the same, e.g. oriented square to an exterior wall, all locking channels32of the multiple exhaust vents10will be in the same position for receiving neck14. This will allow for orienting all of the necks14in the same direction, if desired.

Sleeve12is secured to the galvanized duct D with a strapping band (not shown) or a plurality strapping bands. This provides for a nonintrusive connection of sleeve12to galvanized duct D. The strapping band is placed around the sleeve such that the strapping band will be laced through apertures30and engage the duct D, providing for a secure attachment of sleeve12to duct D.

Referring toFIGS.1,2,4,4A and4B, attached to sleeve12is a neck14. Neck14is preferably a gooseneck shape as shown in the figures and having opening40for attaching to sleeve12and opening42for attachment of cap16or cap16A. Neck14is preferably made of plastic such as PVC and HDPE and the interior surface is preferably seamless. Neck14is attached to sleeve12and includes means for attaching cap16or cap16A. Neck14includes inside thereof damper20and damper ring22. Referring toFIG.4B, neck14includes four lugs44extending outwardly from the inside of neck14and adapted to engage twist lock channels32. Lugs44will be inserted into the top portion34of twist lock channels32and neck14will be twisted or rotated such that lugs44end up at the bottom portion38of channels32, that is a female to male connection. This will secure neck14to sleeve12without the use of tools. It will also allow for the easy removal of neck14from sleeve12for cleaning duct D or for providing access to duct D. Referring toFIGS.4and4A, instructions for taking neck14off of sleeve12may be included on neck14. In the alternative, the attachment of neck14to sleeve12may be made by friction fit, adhesive or other known connection means.

Neck14includes inside thereof damper ring22, preferably eccentric in shape as shown inFIGS.2,2A,6and6A. As seen inFIGS.2and2A, damper ring22is attached at the bend in neck14and away from opening42. This allows for better air flow and for damper20to open within neck14. Damper ring22includes an exterior ring50and an interior ring52. Exterior ring50is tapered from the top to the bottom. Damper ring22further includes tabs54having slots56for receiving and connecting damper20by means of damper rod60as discussed below. Damper ring22further includes slots58for engaging lugs46which extend inwardly from the inside of neck14. Neck14further includes a plurality of posts47which may also hold damper ring22in place. Accordingly, damper ring22is secured inside neck14and damper20is secured to damper ring22by damper rod60in slots56. Damper20includes a hinge62which allows damper20to seat on lip53of interior ring52when the damper20is closed. When venting dryer exhaust through duct D, damper20will move to an open position as shown inFIGS.2and2A. When not venting, damper20seats on lip53of interior ring52to close off the exhaust vent system. While damper ring22is shown as a separate component of the exhaust vent assembly, it may be made integral with neck14without departing from the scope of the invention.

Additionally, other means for securing a damper in neck14may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, neck14may include two slots and damper20may include rods for mating in the slots. The damper, therefore, fits inside neck and is attached in neck by the rods engaging the slots. The exhaust airflow will open the damper allowing the exhaust air to exit through the vent. Similarly, when the exhaust device is not on, the damper will close to prevent inflow of air.

Neck14is adapted to be rotated on sleeve12360 degrees, in 90 degree increments based on the four lugs44and four twist lock channels32. This will allow a contractor installing the exhaust vent10to move the neck14to a preferred position, including taking into consideration other exhaust vents on the roof or other equipment on the roof.

Referring toFIGS.1,2and7, there is shown a cap16. Cap16serves to allow venting of the exhaust through a plurality of openings70and to prevent entry by birds or the like. Cap16is attached to neck14by screw threads45on neck14and corresponding threads72on cap16. In a presently preferred embodiment, cap16is generally cylindrically shaped with a flat end74. However, it is understood that other shapes may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Cap16is preferably made of plastic such as PVC or HDPE. Like the other components of exhaust vent10, cap16may easily be connected and removed from neck14without tools, simply by screwing cap16on or off. Cap16is preferably used for venting a dryer exhaust. Cap16in conjunction with neck14provides for a large area for exhaust emission, thereby meeting IMC requirements.

As an alternative to cap16and for other venting purposes, cap16may be replaced with cap16A as shown inFIG.8. Cap16A includes internal threads72A for attaching to neck14. Cap16A will include a screen80(partially shown) to prevent the entrance of insects or the like. The screen80may be of a material and size commensurate with the exhaust requirements. Cap16A is preferably made of plastic such as PVC or HDPE.

Referring toFIG.9, there is shown a storm collar18which fits over sleeve12and is held in place by a friction fit. Collar18is annular and includes an opening82for fitting over sleeve12and a sloped wall84. Collar18is adapted to be adjacent to the roof R and provides for protection from rain and the elements. Storm collar18is preferably made of plastic such as PVC or HDPE.

Referring toFIGS.2,2A,2B and10, there is shown a bushing24. As noted above, this bushing24is useful when a space S is desired between duct D and sleeve12. Bushing24includes an annular collar90and tabs92. Collar90includes a top94, bottom96, lip98, groove99, slots102and apertures104. Referring toFIG.2B, the bushing24is placed over duct D, top94seats on roof R, and tabs92extend upwardly and adjacent to the exterior wall of duct D and collar90engages the inside wall of sleeve12. Apertures30of sleeve12overlie groove99for allowing strapping to engage groove99. The bottom of sleeve12seats on lip98. Bushing24thereby creates space S between duct D and sleeve12. Referring toFIG.2A, the bushing24is secured adjacent the interior wall of sleeve12with tabs92extending downward on the outside wall of duct D. Collar90fits snuggly into sleeve12and lip98seats on top of sleeve12. This also provides for space S between duct D and sleeve12. Apertures104may be used to insert fasteners to secure bushing24into roof R, usually when retrofitting the exhaust vent to an existing structure. As noted above, insulation I may be inserted into space S to provide for an insulated exhaust vent, the insulation being partially shown inFIG.2. An insulated exhaust vent is especially useful when venting a dryer. Additionally, as stated above, this space S provides a larger neck14providing for greater airflow, thereby meeting the requirements of IMC.

As noted above in the preferred embodiment of exhaust vent10, all of the assembly components are plastic and the exhaust vent may be assembled without tools and without penetrative fasteners. The exhaust vent10may be made of a specific color with all of the components color coordinated. Besides the ease of installing exhaust vent10and the cost saving, the exhaust vent provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

As seen above, the present invention solves a number of problems of the prior art exhaust vents in a unique manner. For example, it weatherproofs and counter-flashes existing or new construction ducts for flat roofs. The exhaust vent10may be easily retrofitted on older projects; and it provides a back-draft damper and a bird proof assembly for dryer ducts on a flat roof. The plastic neck14is preferably one-piece having a uniform seamless radius throughout such that there is minimal restriction or friction on the air flow. The cap16or cap16A screws onto neck14such that no tools are required. For a bathroom exhaust, one may use cap16A as opposed to cap16. The caps16and16A are readily removable making cleaning easy. Additionally, cap16is believed to be self-cleaning due to its position being exposed to wind and rain, and there are no known self-cleaning dryer vent bird guards. The exhaust vent10is adjustable for different height exhaust ducts, e.g. the plastic sleeve12may be cut down for lower duct application. Due to the exhaust vent's light weight, it does not require additional duct support like field designed assemblies that exert leverage due to their weight cantilevering away from the vertical duct riser. Due to the plastic seamless construction, there are no screws in the air-stream, unlike conventional hoods that need to be fastened to the duct or metal venting.

A preferred embodiment of the utility termination is shown atFIGS.12-21.FIGS.12and12Ashow a presently preferred embodiment of the utility termination100on a flat roof R. Line sets LS are pulled through an opening O in roof R and which opening is covered and flashed by the utility termination100. The line sets are pulled through the utility termination and connected to an air conditioning unit AC. The line sets LS are preferably covered by insulation I. As discussed below, the line sets are easily pulled through the roof opening O and turned or bent to extend through the outlet of the utility termination and thereafter the utility termination is closed to cover the line sets to protect them from the environment. If work needs to be done to the line sets or if additional line sets are needed, the utility termination may be easily opened to undertake such work. The utility termination is made of a plastic material such as PVC or HDPE, preferably by injection molding.

Referring toFIGS.13-21, the utility termination100comprises a one-piece plastic sleeve110which sleeve has a flashing, an annular body and a first part of a gooseneck. There is a second part of a gooseneck or cover112which completes the gooseneck when attached to the first part of the gooseneck of sleeve110. Additionally, there is a cap114(FIG.18) or114A (FIG.19) through which the line sets exit. These components will now be discussed in further detail.

Referring toFIGS.13-16, the one-piece sleeve110comprises a flashing120, an annular body122and a first part of a gooseneck124. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve110is approximately about 16 inches in height, which handles most line sets and allows for ease in injection molding. The sleeve110is installed over an opening in a flat roof through which line sets are pushed and/or pulled through and thereafter attached to an HVAC unit or the like. The flashing120of sleeve110will cover the opening in the roof and is attached to the roof by fasteners such as screws which screws are inserted through apertures126in top wall128of the flashing. The bottom wall of the flashing120may include an annular slot130for receiving a rubber gasket132to further seal the utility termination to the roof, i.e. a waterproof seal. The annular body122is preferably at least the diameter of the opening in the roof. The annular body has an upper wall134which forms an opening136. When installed over a roof opening, the installer may look down into opening136to see the line sets and pull the line sets through the opening and bend them approximately 135 degrees in order that they exit over inside wall or trough138of the first part of the gooseneck124. Gooseneck124further includes side walls137and end wall139. Side walls137include apertures137A for receiving fasteners, e.g. screws, when connecting cover112thereon.

Referring toFIGS.13,14and17, there is a second part of a gooseneck or cover112which provides for a finished gooseneck when attached to the first part of a gooseneck124. After the line sets are pulled through the opening136and bent over wall138, the cover112is attached to the first part of gooseneck124to form the completed gooseneck and enclose the line sets in the utility termination and protect the opening O and inside of the utility termination from the outside elements. Cover112is attached to the first part of gooseneck124by suitable fastening means. The fastening means may be, for example, screws, friction fit and/or a snap-lock fit. Cover112has a partial sleeve140which extends over wall132of sleeve110and is attached thereto by friction fit; arcuate rails142with apertures142A which fit over sidewalls137of gooseneck124and attached thereto by fasteners such as screws. The end walls144and139provide means for attaching cap114which in a preferred embodiment is friction fit and a hose clamp HC as shown inFIG.20. End walls144and139include threads148which are used if the utility termination is converted to an exhaust vent.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, there are disclosed two embodiments of the cap which is attached to the gooseneck112,124, namely, caps114and114A. The caps114and114A are made of a thermoplastic elastomer such as Santoprene®. The cap114,114A is attached to the gooseneck after cover112is attached to sleeve110and the line sets are outside the utility termination. The cap is constructed to be adjusted to surround and enclose the line sets as discussed below.

Referring toFIGS.18A-18C, there is shown cap114. The cap114has a bottom wall150, side wall152and top wall154. Top wall154has an opening155which, as described below, may be adjustable in size for different size line sets. A first portion of cap114has a bellows shape B and a second portion has a frustoconical shape FC. The bellows shape provides for flexible movement of the cap in conjunction with the exiting line sets. Bottom wall150has an annular opening156for receiving completed gooseneck124,112. There is a vertical opening158in side wall152which allows the cap114to be pulled apart to surround and enclose the line sets. Thereafter the opening158in the side wall is closed by suitable fastening means such as, but not limited to, snap-fit pin and slot members160and162. Pin160has a ridge164which fits through opening166in slot member162, and ridge164locks the members160and162in a closed position. The cap114may be opened by pulling pins160and ridges164back through openings166. The frustoconical portion of side wall152includes thin walls168with a weakened portion169such as grooves or indentations or perforations. One or more of thin walls168of side wall152may be removed along weakened portion169to allow for the enlargement of opening155to accommodate different size line sets. By having the cap114split, the cap may be easily removed and reinstalled. This allows for ease of repair or the removal or addition of line sets.

Referring toFIG.19, there is shown an alternative cap114A. Cap114A is two-pieces170and172and preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The cap is connected by snap fit portions174and176. The cap may also be connected by using a fastener such as a screw. Each portion of the cap114includes a thin wall180with a weakened portion182such as grooves or indentations or perforations. One or more portions of wall180may be removed to allow for the enlargement of aperture184to accommodate different size line sets. By having the cap114A split, the cap may be removed and reinstalled. This allows for ease of repair or the removal or addition of line sets.

Referring toFIGS.12-21, use of the utility termination100will be explained in further detail. In a building having a flat roof with HVAC units on the roof, the line sets for connecting the HVAC unit are pushed and/or pulled though an opening in the roof. To protect the line sets from the environment and to be able to work on the line sets or add additional line sets, utility termination100provides a very functional and aesthetically pleasing termination. The utility termination is made of plastic and is light weight, durable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The utility termination is attached to the roof R over the opening in the roof by attaching sleeve110to the roof using screws through apertures126. Flashing120seals the utility termination to the roof and a gasket132may be used to further seal the utility termination. At this point, cover112and cap114are not attached. The installer may grasp the line sets and pull them through opening136in sleeve110and bend them approximately 135 degrees over wall138of gooseneck124. Thereafter, cover112is attached to sleeve110by partial sleeve140overlying wall132and arcuate rails142overlying side walls137. The gooseneck is now complete and cover112is connected to gooseneck124by friction fit and screws. Thereafter, cap114is attached to gooseneck124,112by friction fit and a hose clamp. The cap114is sized to fit the line sets by removing members168along weakened areas169. In attaching the cap114, it may be pulled apart to wrap around and surround the line sets, thereafter, it is attached to gooseneck124,112. Referring toFIGS.15and20, inside cap114may be a compression members190and192which compress on the line sets to further seal them in the utility termination. Cap114is then closed by the closure members160,162. If the line sets require to be worked on or add additional line sets, the utility termination100is easily disassembled by first removing cap114and then removing cover112.

The primary functional differences between the utility termination100of the invention and the exhaust vent10is in the gooseneck and the cap of the utility termination. The gooseneck in the exhaust vent will include a damper ring22, as shown inFIGS.6and15, in the gooseneck114with a damper20member, as shown inFIGS.5and15. Additionally, a different cap16as shown inFIG.7is used for the exhaust vent. Referring toFIG.15, for manufacturing purposes, a manufacturer may manufacture the parts for the utility termination and subsequently sell the utility termination; or the manufacturer may add a damper ring22and a damper20to the gooseneck of the utility termination and substitute a cap16for cap114of the utility termination, to be sold as an exhaust vent.

The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art form a part of the present invention and are embraced by the appended claims.