Abstract:
A novel roof vent in accordance with the present invention, utilizes a vent pipe communicating with a shroud, where the shroud compatibly fits over a ridge vent or a penetration on a roof. The vent pipe is extended above the roof, sufficiently so as to rise above the anticipated level of snow load that may be experienced in the locale of the application. The roof vent of the preferred embodiment includes trim panels that adjustably fits the roof pitch of the installation. In one version of the present invention, cosmetic dress may be used to allow the roof vent to blend with architectural requirements without impacting the functionality of the roof vent operation.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS   
       [0001]    The present application is and improvement on and is related to a Provisional Patent Application, No. 60/601,839, filed Aug. 16, 2004. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to roof vents, more specifically, roof vents that remain functional during periods of substantial snow loads. 
         [0004]    Roof venting is an issue more for colder climates owing to the potential for damage when snow loading occurs. Damage results from the situation where a poorly ventilated roof is allowed to trap heat thereby melting some of the snow residing on the roof itself. Snow melt will have a tendency to refreeze at times, especially as it migrates and accumulates near the lower roof edges. Once the ice starts to pile up in this manner, it can act like a dam and cause subsequent snow melt to accumulate in greater and greater quantities. The resulting water flows will seek the avenue of least resistance which in some cases the penetration of the roofing system (typically shingles) which leads to leaking through the roof deck and into the residence. Additionally, the water that pools during these events is subject to re freezing and if this happens it will expand. Water that is trapped in this fashion, creates a great deal of damage to roof systems when refrozen since it will fracture, or separate, or otherwise disrupt the protection afforded by the roofing system, again leading to leakage. 
         [0005]    This phenomenon has long been experienced in the Northern portions of the United States (as well as other parts of the world where the climate includes yearly snowfall) and over the years various strategies have been developed to help defeat the buildup of the damaging concentrations of ice. These efforts include the usage of attic insulation which retards the escape of heat into the attic which thereby influences the temperature of the roof. However, the implementation of insulation, even in applications where it is very efficient in retarding heat loss, has not been able to completely solve the historic ice buildup problems associated with modern roofing. The small amount of heat loss that does occur still is enough to generate the melting and freezing cycle, although it is understood that this process may be enhanced by the heat absorption that may occur by a roofing system on a sunny day, irrespective of outside temperatures. 
         [0006]    As a result, homebuilders and roofing contractors have turned to the use of venting as a method to further reduce the buildup of any heat sufficient to commence the melting of the snow loads. Roof vents used for this purpose come in many different forms but the function is common to all. By allowing for air flow within the area between the underside of the roof construction, and the top of the insulated living area of a home or building, (typically called the “attic”), the roof temperature is kept as close to the outside temperature as possible. Air flows from the eaves at the lower edges of the roof construction through the attic area, and out strategically placed venting disposed about the roof. 
         [0007]    The venting typically occurs via a drafting mechanism where the height and the pitch of the roof will generate negative pressure at intake vents located under the eaves. Airflow proceeds through the eave vents and then through the attic space and then out the roof vents wherever these may be located. The vents themselves may be point exhausts where they individually comprise through holes of various dimensions in the roof construction penetrating all the way into the attic space. As may be appreciated, these exhaust holes are covered appropriately to retain the protective properties of the roof although they do provide for an unimpeded path for the air flows. Typical of vents of this type are those that have a short vertical duct that is fastened to the roof and into the through hole. With the use of appropriate flashing and sealant materials, the dusting is made weatherproof as between it and the roof, and the vent is capped by shield that covers the duct in order to keep precipitation out while allowing a serpentine path for the air flows to exit. 
         [0008]    Another type of roof venting, ridge venting, is known and one example of this approach is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,184 where the ridge line formed at the top of a typical hip roof is used as the exit zone for the air flows. These ridge vents have the advantage of providing a very large venting area right at the peak of the roof construction. This will maximize the efficiency of venting under normal conditions and given the low profile design of the ridge vents, the cosmetics of such a system are obvious. 
         [0009]    Notwithstanding the success that the roof vents of various types have enjoyed with respect to reducing damage during periods of snow loads, there are occasions when this function breaks down. Particularly in those parts of the country where the snow loading ranges from moderate to heavy, it is possible for the snow levels on a roof to rise above the top of such prior art vents and prevent them from working as intended. Ironically, the same climatic condition that spawned the need for roof venting in the first instance can work to nullify the effects of the device at times. 
         [0010]    The potential for the described adverse effects can be appreciated when one considers the ridge vent shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,184. The low profile, while cosmetically pleasing, also allows the ridge vent to become entirely snowbound within a few inches of snow loading. At first some venting may still occur, even with snow completely covering the unit, given the interstitial space within the collected snow. But in many sections of the United States the snow loads will actually accrue to levels that will more than eliminate any potential venting through the snow and then, over time, the snow will compact and will further eliminate any potential for “breathing” underneath. 
         [0011]    In a way, the limitations of the prior art vents do prove the effectiveness of the concept of venting the roof. The applicant&#39;s own experience has resulted in the observation that blockage of the ridge vent, or any other roof vent for that matter, will quickly restore the damaging cycle of snow melts and ice buildup. 
         [0012]    There are roof vents known in the prior art where the devices employ a degree of vertical height that would, in part, elevate the venting above some snow loads. Units of this type appear to be focused on the advantages gained in drafting rather than providing a means to retain venting during periods of heavy snow. One such roof vent employs a rotating element at the top of a vertical duct. The finned element spins, about an axis, and when small amounts of wind impact it, it causes the finned portion to rotate and to generate a negative pressure condition interior to the roof. Units of this type are usually deployed on utility buildings such as barns or garages and are meant to reduce the tendency for hot air to accumulate in the upper reaches of such buildings. While the unit may have some effectiveness when confronting snow levels, the function of this device is unrelated to the strategic reduction of the roof temperature (and avoidance of ice dams) in a roof construction such as would be contemplated with the usage of the present invention. 
         [0013]    Other distinctions may be made between the prior art devices used as roof venting as may be more evident in the description of the preferred embodiment below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is comprised of a roof vent with an extended portion that exceeds anticipated snow loads in Northern climates. More particularly, the present invention comprises a collection part that compatibly connects to a through hole in a roof construction or engages with an existing roof vent, and which provides an exhaust part that extends well above anticipated snow loads and which provides increased drafting for the exhausting of air flows within a roof system. 
         [0015]    The present invention also comprises an improvement to existing ridge vents for the exhausting of airflows during periods of heavy snow loads. The present invention provides for a range of adjustments to fit a number of differing roof pitches without the need to trim or to supply an embodiment with custom sizing. 
         [0016]    The present invention also comprises an improvement in roof venting by increasing the drafting efficiency of ridge venting. 
         [0017]    These and other benefits of the present invention will be apparent in the description of the preferred embodiments herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a roof construction employing a conventional ridge vent. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a view of the roof construction of  FIG. 1  with a roof vent of the present invention installed thereon and over the existing conventional ridge vent. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the roof vent of the-present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a roof vent of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the roof vent of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the trim panels used within the roof vent of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the trim panels of  FIG. 6  shown in an alignment that would occur when they are in place and in use in the roof vent of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8(A)  is a side view of the trim panels of the present invention before assembly. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8(B)  is a side view of the trim panels of the present invention after assembly. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a roof vent of the present invention and as shown with a “rice hat” top, with the roof vent shown in the early stage of the installation process with the fitting of the trim panels. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the roof vent of  FIG. 9  shown as installed on a roof. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the trim panels as fitted to a roof with a steep pitch. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is affront elevational view of the trim panels of  FIG. 11  as fitted to a roof with a shallow pitch. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0031]    A new roof vent in accordance with the present invention overcomes the problems associated with roof venting that is rendered ineffective or totally useless in the face of substantial snow loads. While it should be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to many types of roof vents, the particular type of venting design used to illustrate the present invention will be the ridge type ventilation. Ridge vents can be used on different roof types as well, including gable roofs, hip roofs, gambrel roof, and combinations of these. In essence, a ridge vent is nothing more man a hole through the roof which allows the volume captured inside the area enclosed by the roof to vent to the outside. 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , a roof ventilation system of the prior art is shown as installed on roof  10 , in this case a gable roof, which includes shingles  12 , roof peak  14 , sidewall  16  and ridge vent  18 . As the name implies, the ridge vent is located on the ridge line formed at the top of the conventional style gable roof design. There is some natural symmetry in the appearance of the ridge vent since it is outwardly shaped with angles that roughly mimic the angles used for the roof construction. In this fashion the ridge vent tends to be less obvious and it can be colored (by paint or tint) to coordinate with the color of the shingles selected for the roof construction. 
         [0033]    The ridge vent of the prior art may be fabricated from plastic or metal, although it is typically formed as a one-piece construction. The roof construction allows for a gap at the ridge line which is sufficient to receive the anchor plate and thereafter allow the ridge vent to be fitted into the gap and fastened to the roof decking or joists. The gap provides an opening to the attic area underneath the roof which communicates with the area in between the anchor plates and with the vent portion of the ridge vent. The vent portion typically contains louvered or slotted openings throughout the length of the ridge vent and through these openings air flows emanating from the attic area are free to travel through the ridge vent and to the outside. Conversely, the cap and the recessed design of the vent portion serve to cover and protect the openings within the vent portion and keep the weather away from the interior components of the roof system and the attic area. 
         [0034]    The vent flanges are believed to assist in keeping debris and small animals from entering the ridge vent while providing structure that acts like flashing for the roofing system. 
         [0035]    Other variations on the ridge vent described above are known that include filters or screening in the vent portions or have different profiles. Generally speaking, these versions all utilize the gap in the ridge line of the roof construction as a convenient and efficient means for exhausting air contained within the attic area. Other variations include roof vents that may be fabricated from plastic, or that allow the venting system to be disguised by providing a surface for attaching shingles on top. 
         [0036]    Other types of roof vents are known, including those that are installed on point locations on the roof surface. These units are positioned somewhat mid-way between the ridge line and the lower edge of a roof field and several may be disposed about a given roof area. Most commonly, roof vents of this type have a vertical duct that is fitted into a through hole that is cut into the roof field. The vertical duct is integrated with a mounting assembly that secures it to the roof deck and that also typically provides a flashing for sealing the installation upon completion of the roofing system. Lastly, the unit also includes a top portion that, in somewhat similar fashion to the ridge vent, partially shields and covers the ducting from the elements and protects the roof components and the attic area from damage. Air flows are free to pass from the attic area through the ducting, and out the gap that has been left between the top of the roof vent and the top of the ducting. Additional enhancements are usually provided such as screening, to prevent debris and/or animals from entering the attic through the roof vent. 
         [0037]    With the foregoing in mind, a new roof vent of the present invention is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . Specifically, the roof vent  20  includes the vent pipe  22 , the vent pipe cap  24 , the vent pipe top  26 , the shroud  28 , the shroud end  30 , the shroud sidewall  32  and the mounting hinge  34 . In  FIG. 4  the vent port  40  can also be seen through phantom lines. 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the roof vent  20  of the present invention is shown as it would be oriented if it were installed on a roof and includes the vent cap support(s)  42 , the trim panels  50  and the mounting screws  52 . The trim panels  50  are shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 (A) and  8 (B) and each trim panel  50  includes the pivot end  60 , the pivot slot  62 , the trim end  64  and the trim bottom  66 . 
         [0039]    As may be appreciated at this point, the roof vent of the present invention comprises a shroud that acts as a enclosure for covering the area of the roof where the ridge vent is located (or if there is no ridge vent, where the roof has penetrations through to the attic area below). The vent pipe extends high enough above the rood peak to generate a draft that will exhaust the area under the roof and provide ventilation for such areas as are enclosed underneath the roof. As may be understood from the above, the vent pipe communicates directly with the area enclosed by the shroud (through the vent port) and to the outside environment by means of the vent top. Air flows can travel from the interior of the area enclosed by the roof (attic space), through the ridge opening, through the vent port into the area enclosed by the roof vent shroud and eventually through the vent pipe and the out through the vent top. Thus air flow communication is allowed between the area enclosed by the roof and the outside environment. 
         [0040]    The present embodiment is integrally related to the ridge vent and may be compatibly installed onto the ridge vent with a minimal of skills and without doing any damage to the roofing system or the ridge vent. With reference to  FIG. 9  the roof vent is oriented over the area on the roof where it is desirable to make the installation. The assembly is lowered into position as shown in  FIG. 9  until the trim panels, notably the trim panel bottoms, make contact with the roof. As can be understood the trim panels are interconnected at their respective pivot ends and are held together and to the shroud ends by means of the fasteners  80 . The fastener is kept loosened during this part of the process until the assembly is lowered completely at which point the trim panels will conform to the roof pitch as shown in  FIG. 9 . The fastener is then tightened and the trim panels are fixed in place. The mounting hinge is secured to the roof by means of mounting screws  70  which can be sunk into the roof deck or into any roof joist. In either event, the usage of screws to mount the roof vent to the roof is adequate in most cases and if a more robust attachment is needed, additional screws and a larger mounting hinge may be used. It is also noted that the mounting hinge is actually hinged at the point where it attaches to the shroud sidewall. This allows the mounting hinge to fit to the pitch of the roof in analogous fashion as the trim panels fit to the roof pitch. 
         [0041]    The roof vent assembly conforms to the roof components and the roof. The trim panels of the roof vent shroud so closely conforms to the roof and can be further sealed using caulking or other sealing of the area defined by the junction of the trim panel bottoms, the roof vent shroud sidewalks and the roof. In this fashion, the roof vent of the present invention maintains the protections afforded by the ridge vent and keeps the roof components and any enclosed attic area free from the effects of the weather and from the infiltration of small animals and the like. In addition, it is noted, although not shown, that most roof vents include a mesh or filter portion that is placed to keep debris and small animals from entering the vent structure. This is a feature that is well known in roof vents and is left for one skilled in the art to include in an installation of the present invention. 
         [0042]    The present embodiment is applicable to conventional ridge vents and may be compatibly installed onto the ridge vent with a minimal of skills and without doing any damage to the roofing system or the ridge vent. 
         [0043]    The capabilities of the roof vent of the present invention may be illustrated in part by examining the action of the trim panels. In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the trim panels are installed on roofs with differing pitches. In  FIG. 11  in particular, the roof has a high rise/run ratio resulting in a steep pitch. The trim panels are able to pivot at the pivot ends, notably by reason of the feet that they are interconnected by the fastener which extends through each of the pivot slots, thereby allowing them to rotate or pivot about the fastener. The pivot slot uniquely provides for both lateral and vertical adjustments of the trim panels as can be seen by its arcuate shape. When the trim panels are fitted onto a roof pitch that is less steep, such as that depicted in  FIG. 12 , then the trim panels pivot to match the new angle and again they end up conforming to the roof condition. In this fashion the roof vent of the present invention can be installed on any number of differing roof pitches without have to provide for customized shrouds or having to make trim cuts while in the field. 
         [0044]    The roof vent of the present invention may be fabricated from any materials that would accept the configuration described and perform under the anticipated parameters, that would be known to one skilled in the art. Specifically, the present embodiment is fabricated from a plastic resin, although it may easily be fabricated from metal which is coated with an appropriate finish to resist the elements. It would be possible to leave the finish of the roof vent in a primed condition so that it can be painted by the installer with a color calculated to match the rest of the roof or house color. 
         [0045]    In an alternate embodiment using metal for the roof vent, it should be grounded so as to prevent damage if it were hit by lightning. Plastic construction is obviously preferred in this instance since it would have the advantage of inhibiting the potential for a lightning strike. 
         [0046]    If should be readily understood that the size of the roof vent shroud exceeds the footprint of the ridge vent (or any other roof vent to which the teachings of the present invention may be applied) for the purposes of sealing off the underlying structure. The height of the roof vent is preferentially designed for 30 inches from the vent pipe port to the vent pipe top which has been shown to work adequately in actual use and for raising the exhaust ports above the anticipated snow loads that would occur in the northern climates. Taller units would certainly be expected to perform as well, or perhaps better given the additional drafting that would occur, although these would be well within the teachings of the invention herein. In yet another version of the present invention, the vent pipe may be supplied as a height-adjustable component, such as a pair of telescoping tubes, or as a part that may be cut to length to accommodate the installation and/or anticipated snow load conditions at a given site. 
         [0047]    Depending on the amount of the roof field that would require venting, it would be entirely feasible to install more than one roof vent of the present invention along the same, or several, ridge vents. This would have the effect of not only increasing the potential flow rates but it would also more evenly distribute the venting function across the roof field. The more even the distribution, the less likely there will be any variance in the roof temperatures and avoidance of any zones that might stay warm enough to defeat the purpose of the venting. Another method for increasing the effectiveness of the roof vent is to use a powered blower with the system to augment the natural drafting conditions. The blower could be triggered by a thermostatic control or it could be switched off and on manually. 
         [0048]    It should be understood that the teachings of the present invention are not strictly limited to the embodiments as disclosed herein. The benefits and features the invention can be applied to roof vents of differing types and in installations other than ridge venting. Such variations are well within the scope of one skilled in the art and are not expressly shown herein, but are understood to be within the scope of the invention, as may be allowed.