Abstract:
A water deflection system is provided for use with a wall mounting assembly, wherein the water deflecting system and the wall mounting assembly are suitable for mounting to a wall of a structure, such as a building. The wall mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a cover plate. The mounting plate and the cover plate of the wall mounting assembly are spaced apart from one another and/or provide sufficient clearance to allow for a downward flow of water therebetween. The water deflection system interrupts, channels, and/or directs this downward flow of water and safely diverts the water away from the region proximate to the top portion of the cut hole towards a region proximate to and/or below the bottom of the cut hole, thereby preventing the damage associated with water being introduced behind the siding. The water then harmlessly flows down the outside or exterior surface of the siding and/or drips onto the ground, thus never having a chance to penetrate into the cut hole and infiltrate the area around or behind the cut hole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The instant application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/147,305, filed Jun. 26, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application. Ser. No. 11/614,635, filed Dec. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,408,111, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/753,167, filed Dec. 22, 2005, the entire specifications of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    a. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a water deflection system and more particularly to a water deflection apparatus for use with wall mounting assemblies. 
         [0004]    b. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Buildings and other structures with siding overlays such as vinyl or aluminum siding are often provided with external fixtures which serve both functional and decorative purposes. For example lights, electrical outlets, dryer vents, hose bibs, and decorative items such as address numbers are often mounted on the outside of buildings and other structures with siding overlays. Due to the stepped and uneven surface of the siding, wall mounting assemblies are often used in conjunction with the siding to provide a flat surface on which to mount the external fixtures. 
         [0006]    It can be appreciated that a hole must be cut in the siding in order to install the wall mounting assemblies. The continuous surface of the siding is therefore interrupted and the water-shedding capability of the siding is compromised by water seeping into the cut hole. Thus, builders and contractors have recognized the need for a water deflection system that may be used in conjunction with a wall mounting assembly to deflect water that has seeped into the cut out and may be introduced behind the surface of the siding where rot or other damage may occur. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem, including those described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,081 to Bonshor and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US 2006/0213132 A1 to Bonshor; US 2006/0277857 A1 to Bonshor; US 2007/0044393 A1 to Bonshor; US 2007/004401 A1 to Bonshor; and US 2007/0175168 A1 to Bonshor, the entire specifications of all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved wall mount assemblies that overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, a water deflection system is provided for use with a wall mounting assembly, wherein the water deflecting system and the wall mounting assembly are suitable for mounting to a wall of a structure, such as a building. The wall mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a cover plate. The mounting plate and the cover plate of the wall mounting assembly are spaced apart from one another and/or provide sufficient clearance to allow for a downward flow of water therebetween. The water deflection system interrupts, channels, and/or directs this downward flow of water and safely diverts the water away from the region proximate to the top portion of the cut hole towards a region proximate to and/or below the bottom of the cut hole, thereby preventing the damage associated with water being introduced behind the siding. The water then harmlessly flows down the outside or exterior surface of the siding and/or drips onto the ground, thus never having a chance to penetrate into the cut hole and infiltrate the area around or behind the cut hole. 
         [0010]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposed of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall mount assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a second embodiment of a wall mount assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an exploded front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a third embodiment of a wall mount assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is an exploded front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a wall mount assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is an exploded front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a wall mount assembly according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a birdcage assembly of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of a birdcage assembly of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is an exploded front perspective view of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of the cover member of the wall mount assembly shown in  FIG. 21 ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the cover member of  FIG. 28 . 
       
    
    
       [0041]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or uses. 
         [0043]    Referring generally to the Figures, a wall mount assembly is shown in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention.  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a first embodiment of the wall mount assembly  30  as an exterior all-purpose wall mount,  FIGS. 6-10  illustrate a second embodiment of a wall mount assembly  130  as an exterior light fixture mount,  FIGS. 11-15  illustrate a third embodiment of a wall mount assembly  230  as an exterior electrical outlet mount,  FIGS. 16-20  illustrate a fourth embodiment of a wall mount assembly  330  as an exterior hose bib mount, and  FIGS. 21-29  illustrate a fifth embodiment of a wall mount assembly  430  as an exterior exhaust vent mount. 
         [0044]    The wall mount assemblies  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 , and  430 , respectively, can be mounted to a building (not shown) having a siding material (not shown) disposed thereon. The present invention is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a cement siding material (e.g., cement board); however, the present invention can also be practiced with other siding materials, such as vinyl (or other plastic materials) or aluminum (or other metal materials) siding materials. Additionally, wood type sidings, e.g., cedar shingles and/or the like, can also be used in conjunction with the present invention. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the wall mount assembly  30  generally comprises a base member  32  and a cover member  34 . 
         [0046]    The base member  32  includes a generally planar peripheral flange member  36  having a front surface  38  and a rear surface  40  and that extends along an outer periphery of the base member  32 . Inboard of the peripheral flange member  36 , an upstanding wall  42  extends along an inner periphery  44  and extends from the front surface  38  and away from the rear surface  40 . The wall  42  can define a panel area  43  comprising an aperture (not shown) for allowing throughput of material or objects when the base member  32  is mounted over a cut hole (not shown) in a building wall. Alternatively, the aperture (not shown) can be provided in the shown panel member area  43  that can be selectively trimmed (e.g., via hole patterns, perforations, and/or the like) to form several different types of apertures therein. 
         [0047]    The wall  42  is provided with at least one engagement surface  46  formed on an outer surface  48  thereof. The intended purpose of the engagement surface  46  is to selectively mate with an engagement surface  50  formed on an inner surface of a peripheral wall  52  of the cover member  34 . By way of a non-limiting example, multiple engagement surfaces  46 ,  50 , respectively, can be provided to allow variable depth placement of the cover member  34  relative to the base member  32 . By way of a non-limiting example, the engagement surfaces  46 ,  50 , respectively, can be formed as slots, tabs, and/or the like, such that the respective engagement surfaces are operable to easily engage and disengage from one another. 
         [0048]    The wall mount assembly  30  can be used to secure various fixtures to the building, such as light fixtures, house numbers, ornamental fixtures, and the like. When the wall mount assembly  30  is mounted to the building, the flange member  36  abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member  36  to create an aesthetic appearance. The cover member  34  can then be fastened to the base member  32  to create an ever greater aesthetic appearance. At least one aperture  54  (in various orientations and/or sizes) can be formed around the circumference of the flange member  36  for receiving fastening members (e.g., nails, screws, and/or the like), sealants, adhesives, and/or the like. Additionally, indicia  56  can be provided to provide an indexing function to properly orient the base member  32  before installation. The base member  32  can be any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like, depending upon the application of the wall mount assembly  30 . 
         [0049]    Disposed about the wall  42  is a water deflection system  58 . The water deflection system  58  is intended to deflect any water (e.g., rain) from infiltrating into the cut hole (not shown) and thus causing water damage in the wall surface of the building and surrounding areas. A trough  60  is provided to accumulate any water that is seeping or dripping down onto the upper regions of the base member  32  and prevent it from any further downward flow, e.g., into the aperture  43  and/or the cut hole (not shown). The trough  60  can include a back wall  60   a  and a pair of side walls,  60   b  and  60   c . In order to transport (e.g., passively) the accumulated water out of the trough  60 , a pair of ramp members  62   a ,  62   b , respectively, is provided on each side of the trough  60 . The trough  60  can be slanted towards the ramps  62   a ,  62   b , respectively, to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The ramps  62   a ,  62   b , respectively, can be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows over the ramps  62   a ,  62   b , respectively, onto ramps  64   a ,  64   b , respectively, which can also be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water, acted upon by gravity, then falls down elongated passageways  66   a ,  66   b , respectively, (defined by sidewalls  67   a ,  67   b , respectively) until reaching ramps  68   a ,  68   b , respectively. It should be noted that the sidewalls  67   a ,  67   b , respectively, preferably extend above the top of the trough  60  so as to ensure that no traveling water is able to spill or splash above the tops of the sidewalls  67   a ,  67   b , respectively. The ramps  68   a ,  68   b , respectively, can be slanted inwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. An optional angled surface  70  then allows the water to flow downwardly along a skirt member  72 . The skirt member  72  is defined by slanted backwall  74  and angled lower sidewalls  76   a ,  76   b , respectively. The skirt member  72  can be slanted outwardly (e.g., along backwall  74 ) to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows down the exterior of the siding material or onto the ground. In this manner, substantially all of any flowing water is kept away from the cut hole (not shown) and thus cannot infiltrate the building. It should also be noted that the cover member  34  is operable to hide or obscure the entire water deflection system  58 . Additionally, the precise degrees of each of the angles of the respective ramps, passageways, surfaces, and skirts is not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that the water is suitably allowed to flow passively outwardly and/or downwardly away from the cut hole (not shown) as described above. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-10 , the wall mount assembly  130  is very similar to the wall mount assembly  30  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and also generally comprises a base member  132  and a cover member  134 . 
         [0051]    The base member  132  includes a generally planar peripheral flange member  136  having a front surface  138  and a rear surface  140  and that extends along an outer periphery of the base member  132 . Inboard of the peripheral flange member  136 , an upstanding wall  142  extends along an inner periphery  144  and extends from the front surface  138  and away from the rear surface  140 . The wall  142  defines the area of a panel member  143  that is provided with at least one aperture  145  for receiving materials or equipment such as wires, cables, and/or the like. 
         [0052]    The wall  142  is provided with at least one engagement surface  146  formed on an outer surface  148  thereof. The intended purpose of the engagement surface  146  is to selectively mate with an engagement surface  150  formed on an inner surface of a peripheral wall  152  of the cover member  134 . By way of a non-limiting example, multiple engagement surfaces  146 ,  150 , respectively, can be provided to allow variable depth placement of the cover member  134  relative to the base member  132 . By way of a non-limiting example, the engagement surfaces  146 ,  150 , respectively, can be formed as slots, tabs, and/or the like, such that the respective engagement surfaces are operable to easily engage and disengage from one another. 
         [0053]    The wall mount assembly  130  can be used to secure various fixtures to the building, such as light fixtures, other electrical fixtures, and the like. When the wall mount assembly  130  is mounted to the building, the flange member  136  abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member  136  to create an aesthetic appearance. The cover member  134  can then be fastened to the base member  132  to create an ever greater aesthetic appearance. At least one aperture  154  (in various orientations and/or sizes) can be formed around the circumference of the flange member  136  for receiving fastening members (e.g., nails, screws, and/or the like), sealants, adhesives, and/or the like. Additionally, indicia  156  can be provided to provide an indexing function to properly orient the base member  132  before installation. The base member  132  can be any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like, depending upon the application of the wall mount assembly  130 . 
         [0054]    Disposed about the wall  142  is a water deflection system  158 . The water deflection system  158  is intended to deflect any water (e.g., rain) from infiltrating into the cut hole (not shown) and thus causing water damage in the wall surface of the building and surrounding areas. A trough  160  is provided to accumulate any water that is seeping or dripping down onto the upper regions of the base member  132  and prevent it from any further downward flow, e.g., into the aperture  145  and/or the cut hole (not shown). The trough  160  can include a back wall  160   a  and a pair of side walls,  160   b  and  160   c . In order to transport (e.g., passively) the accumulated water out of the trough  160 , a pair of ramp members  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, is provided on each side of the trough  160 . The trough  160  can be slanted towards the ramps  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The ramps  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, can be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows over the ramps  162   a ,  162   b , respectively, onto ramps  164   a ,  164   b , respectively, which can also be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water, acted upon by gravity, then falls down elongated passageways  166   a ,  166   b , respectively, (defined by sidewalls  167   a ,  167   b , respectively) until reaching ramps  168   a ,  168   b , respectively. It should be noted that the sidewalls  167   a ,  167   b , respectively, preferably extend above the top of the trough  160  so as to ensure that no traveling water is able to spill or splash above the tops of the sidewalls  167   a ,  167   b , respectively. The ramps  168   a ,  168   b , respectively, can be slanted inwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. An optional angled surface  170  then allows the water to flow downwardly along a skirt member  172 . The skirt member  172  is defined by slanted backwall  174  and angled lower sidewalls  176   a ,  176   b , respectively. The skirt member  172  can be slanted outwardly (e.g., along backwall  174 ) to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows down the exterior of the siding material or onto the ground. In this manner, substantially all of any flowing water is kept away from the cut hole (not shown) and thus cannot infiltrate the building. It should also be noted that the cover member  134  is operable to hide or obscure the entire water deflection system  158 . Additionally, the precise degrees of each of the angles of the respective ramps, passageways, surfaces, and skirts is not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that the water is suitably allowed to flow passively outwardly and/or downwardly away from the cut hole (not shown) as described above. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-15 , the wall mount assembly  230  is very similar to the wall mount assembly  30  shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and the wall mount assembly  130  shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , and also generally comprises a base member  232  and a cover member  234 . 
         [0056]    The base member  232  includes a generally planar peripheral flange member  236  having a front surface  238  and a rear surface  240  and that extends along an outer periphery of the base member  232 . Inboard of the peripheral flange member  236 , an upstanding wall  242  extends along an inner periphery  244  and extends from the front surface  238  and away from the rear surface  240 . The wall  242  defines the area of a panel member  243  that is provided with at least one aperture  245  for receiving materials or equipment such as electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, wires, cables, and/or the like. 
         [0057]    The wall  242  is provided with at least one engagement surface  246  formed on an inner surface  248  thereof (the previously described embodiments has their respective engagement surfaces disposed on an outer surface of their respective walls). The intended purpose of the engagement surface  246  is to selectively mate with an engagement surface  250  (shown in phantom) formed on an outer surface of a peripheral wall  252  of the cover member  234 . By way of a non-limiting example, multiple engagement surfaces  246 ,  250 , respectively, can be provided to allow variable depth placement of the cover member  234  relative to the base member  232 . By way of a non-limiting example, the engagement surfaces  246 ,  250 , respectively, can be formed as slots, tabs, and/or the like, such that the respective engagement surfaces are operable to easily engage and disengage from one another. 
         [0058]    The wall mount assembly  230  can be used to secure various fixtures to the building, such as electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, and the like. When the wall mount assembly  230  is mounted to the building, the flange member  236  abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member  236  to create an aesthetic appearance. The cover member  234  can then be fastened to the base member  232  to create an ever greater aesthetic appearance. At least one aperture  254  (in various orientations and/or sizes) can be formed around the circumference of the flange member  236  for receiving fastening members (e.g., nails, screws, and/or the like), sealants, adhesives, and/or the like. Additionally, indicia  256  can be provided to provide an indexing function to properly orient the base member  232  before installation. The base member  232  can be any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like, depending upon the application of the wall mount assembly  230 . 
         [0059]    Disposed about the wall  242  is a water deflection system  258 . The water deflection system  258  is intended to deflect any water (e.g., rain) from infiltrating into the cut hole (not shown) and thus causing water damage in the wall surface of the building and surrounding areas. A trough  260  is provided to accumulate any water that is seeping or dripping down onto the upper regions of the base member  232  and prevent it from any further downward flow, e.g., into the aperture  245  and/or the cut hole (not shown). The trough  260  can include a back wall  260   a  and a pair of side walls,  260   b  and  260   c . In order to transport (e.g., passively) the accumulated water out of the trough  260 , a pair of ramp members  262   a ,  262   b , respectively, is provided on each side of the trough  260 . The trough  260  can be slanted towards the ramps  262   a ,  262   b , respectively, to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The ramps  262   a ,  262   b , respectively, can be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows over the ramps  262   a ,  262   b , respectively, onto ramps  264   a ,  264   b , respectively, which can also be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water, acted upon by gravity, then falls down elongated passageways  266   a ,  266   b , respectively, (defined by sidewalls  267   a ,  267   b , respectively) until reaching ramps  268   a ,  268   b , respectively. It should be noted that the sidewalls  267   a ,  267   b , respectively, preferably extend above the top of the trough  260  so as to ensure that no traveling water is able to spill or splash above the tops of the sidewalls  267   a ,  267   b , respectively. The ramps  268   a ,  268   b , respectively, can be slanted inwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. An optional angled surface  270   a ,  270   b , respectively, then allows the water to flow downwardly along a skirt member  272 . The skirt member  272  is defined by slanted backwall  274  and angled lower sidewalls  276   a ,  276   b , respectively. The skirt member  272  can be slanted outwardly (e.g., along backwall  274 ) to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows down the exterior of the siding material or onto the ground. In this manner, substantially all of any flowing water is kept away from the cut hole (not shown) and thus cannot infiltrate the building. It should also be noted that the cover member  234  is operable to hide or obscure the entire water deflection system  258 . Additionally, the precise degrees of each of the angles of the respective ramps, passageways, surfaces, and skirts is not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that the water is suitably allowed to flow passively outwardly and/or downwardly away from the cut hole (not shown) as described above. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-20 , the wall mount assembly  330  is very similar to the wall mount assembly  30  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the wall mount assembly  130  shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , and the wall mount assembly  230  shown in  FIGS. 11-15 , and also generally comprises a base member  332  and a cover member  334 . However, this embodiment differs most significantly in that the base member  332  includes a first portion  332   a  and a second portion  332   b  that are selectively operable to mate with one another to form the base member  332 . In this manner, the wall mount assembly  330  can be easily fitted around an object that has already been installed and that can not be easily dismantled or can not fit through an aperture formed in the wall mount assembly  330 . 
         [0061]    The first portion  332   a  includes a generally planar peripheral flange member  336  having a front surface  338  and a rear surface  340  and that extends along an outer periphery of the first portion  332   a . Inboard of the peripheral flange member  336 , an upstanding wall  342  extends along an inner periphery  344  and extends from the front surface  338  and away from the rear surface  340 . The wall  342  defines the area of a panel member  343   a  that is provided with at least one cutout  345   a  for receiving materials or equipment such as water bibs, pipes, conduits, electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, wires, cables, and/or the like. 
         [0062]    The second portion  332   b  includes a plurality of tab members  332   c ,  332   d ,  332   e ,  332   f , respectively, that are intended to selectively mate with and/or be received in a complementary number of apertures  332   g ,  332   h ,  332   i ,  332   j , respectively, formed on the flange member  336 . In this manner, the first portion  332   a  and the second portion  332   b  can be joined together to form the base member  332 . Additionally, the second portion  332   b  also includes a panel member  343   b  that is provided with an area defining at least one cutout  345   b  for receiving materials or equipment such as water bibs, pipes, conduits, electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, wires, cables, and/or the like. When the first portion  332   a  and the second portion  332   b  are joined together, the cutouts  345   a ,  345   b , form an area defining an aperture  345  for receiving materials or equipment such as water bibs, pipes, conduits, electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, wires, cables, and/or the like. 
         [0063]    The wall  342  is provided with at least one engagement surface  346  formed on an inner surface  348  thereof (some of the previously described embodiments has their respective engagement surfaces disposed on an outer surface of their respective walls). The intended purpose of the engagement surface  346  is to selectively mate with an engagement surface  350  (shown in phantom) formed on an outer surface of a peripheral wall  352  of the cover member  334 . By way of a non-limiting example, multiple engagement surfaces  346 ,  350 , respectively, can be provided to allow variable depth placement of the cover member  334  relative to the base member  332 . By way of a non-limiting example, the engagement surfaces  246 ,  250 , respectively, can be formed as slots, tabs, and/or the like, such that the respective engagement surfaces are operable to easily engage and disengage from one another. 
         [0064]    The wall mount assembly  330  can be used to secure various fixtures to the building, such as water bibs, pipes, conduits, electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, and the like. When the wall mount assembly  330  is mounted to the building, the flange member  336  abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member  336  to create an aesthetic appearance. The cover member  334  can then be fastened to the base member  332  to create an ever greater aesthetic appearance. At least one aperture  354  (in various orientations and/or sizes) can be formed around the circumference of the flange member  336  for receiving fastening members (e.g., nails, screws, and/or the like), sealants, adhesives, and/or the like. Additionally, indicia  356  can be provided to provide an indexing function to properly orient the base member  332  before installation. The base member  332  can be any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like, depending upon the application of the wall mount assembly  330 . 
         [0065]    Disposed about the wall  342  is a water deflection system  358 . The water deflection system  358  is intended to deflect any water (e.g., rain) from infiltrating into the cut hole (not shown) and thus causing water damage in the wall surface of the building and surrounding areas. A trough  360  is provided to accumulate any water that is seeping or dripping down onto the upper regions of the base member  332  and prevent it from any further downward flow, e.g., into the aperture  345  and/or the cut hole (not shown). The trough  360  can include a back wall  360   a  and a pair of side walls,  360   b  and  360   c . In order to transport (e.g., passively) the accumulated water out of the trough  360 , a pair of ramp members  362   a ,  362   b , respectively, is provided on each side of the trough  360 . The trough  360  can be slanted towards the ramps  362   a ,  362   b , respectively, to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The ramps  362   a ,  362   b , respectively, can be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows over the ramps  362   a ,  362   b , respectively, onto ramps  364   a ,  364   b , respectively, which can also be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water, acted upon by gravity, then falls down elongated passageways  366   a ,  366   b , respectively, (defined by sidewalls  367   a ,  367   b , respectively) until reaching ramps  268   a ,  268   b ,  368   a ,  368   b , respectively. It should be noted that the sidewalls  367   a ,  367   b , respectively, preferably extend above the top of the trough  360  so as to ensure that no traveling water is able to spill or splash above the tops of the sidewalls  367   a ,  367   b , respectively. The ramps  368   a ,  368   b , respectively, can be slanted inwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. At this point, the remainder of the water deflection system  358  is formed on the second portion  332   b . When the two portions  332   a ,  332   b , respectively, are mated together, tab portions  369   a ,  369   b , respectively, formed on the ends of sidewalls  367   a ,  367   b , respectively, mate, abut against, or otherwise engage tab portions  369   c ,  369   d , respectively, formed on the second portion  332   b  to form a continuous or substantially continuous wall. An optional angled surface  370  then allows the water to flow downwardly along a skirt member  372 . The skirt member  372  is defined by slanted backwall  374  and angled lower sidewalls  376   a ,  376   b , respectively. The skirt member  372  can be slanted outwardly (e.g., along backwall  374 ) to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows down the exterior of the siding material or onto the ground. In this manner, substantially all of any flowing water is kept away from the cut hole (not shown) and thus cannot infiltrate the building. It should also be noted that the cover member  334  is operable to hide or obscure the entire water deflection system  358 . Additionally, the precise degrees of each of the angles of the respective ramps, passageways, surfaces, and skirts is not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that the water is suitably allowed to flow passively outwardly and/or downwardly away from the cut hole (not shown) as described above. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIGS. 21-29 , the wall mount assembly  430  differs significantly from the previously described wall mount assemblies. While wall mount assembly includes a base member  432 , the cover member  434  is quite different from those of the previously described wall mount assemblies, as it comprised a vent or exhaust hood, e.g., those used in connection with dryer vents. 
         [0067]    The base member  432  includes a generally planar peripheral flange member  436  having a front surface  438  and a rear surface  440  and that extends along an outer periphery of the base member  432 . Inboard of the peripheral flange member  436 , an upstanding wall  442  extends along an inner periphery  444  and extends from the front surface  438  and away from the rear surface  440 . The wall  442  defines the area of a panel member  443  that is provided with at least one aperture  445  for receiving materials or equipment such as electrical outlets, receptacles, plugs, wires, cables, and/or the like. However, this embodiment also includes a substantially annular flange member  445   a  (e.g., which is intended to penetrate through the cut hole formed in the wall of the building) extending rearward from the aperture  445 , e.g., for mating with an exhaust line emanating from a dryer. 
         [0068]    The wall  442  is provided with at least one engagement surface  446  formed on an inner surface  448  thereof (some of the previously described embodiments has their respective engagement surfaces disposed on an outer surface of their respective walls). The intended purpose of the engagement surface  446  is to selectively mate with an engagement surface  450  (shown in  FIG. 28 ) formed on an outer surface of a peripheral wall  452  of the cover member  434 . By way of a non-limiting example, multiple engagement surfaces  446 ,  450 , respectively, can be provided to allow variable depth placement of the cover member  434  relative to the base member  432 . By way of a non-limiting example, the engagement surfaces  446 ,  450 , respectively, can be formed as slots, tabs, and/or the like, such that the respective engagement surfaces are operable to easily engage and disengage from one another. 
         [0069]    As previously noted, the wall mount assembly  430  is primarily intended to be used as a dryer vent, exhaust vent, or hood vent that can be secured to a building. When the wall mount assembly  430  is mounted to the building, the flange member  436  abuts against the building surface, wherein the siding material can be overlaid on top of the flange member  436  to create an aesthetic appearance. The cover member  434  can then be fastened to the base member  432  to create an ever greater aesthetic appearance. At least one aperture  454  (in various orientations and/or sizes) can be formed around the circumference of the flange member  436  for receiving fastening members (e.g., nails, screws, and/or the like), sealants, adhesives, and/or the like. Additionally, indicia (not shown) can be provided to provide an indexing function to properly orient the base member  432  before installation. The base member  432  can be any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like, depending upon the application of the wall mount assembly  430 . 
         [0070]    As best seen in  FIG. 27 , disposed about the wall  442  is a water deflection system  458 . The water deflection system  458  is intended to deflect any water (e.g., rain) from infiltrating into the cut hole (not shown) and thus causing water damage in the wall surface of the building and surrounding areas. A trough  460  is provided to accumulate any water that is seeping or dripping down onto the upper regions of the base member  432  and prevent it from any further downward flow, e.g., into the aperture  445  and/or the cut hole (not shown). The trough  460  can include a back wall  460   a  and a pair of side walls,  460   b  and  460   c . In order to transport (e.g., passively) the accumulated water out of the trough  460 , a pair of ramp members  462   a ,  462   b , respectively, is provided on each side of the trough  460 . The trough  460  can be slanted towards the ramps  462   a ,  462   b , respectively, to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The ramps  462   a ,  462   b , respectively, can be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows over the ramps  462   a ,  462   b , respectively, onto ramps  464   a ,  464   b , respectively, which can also be slanted downwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water, acted upon by gravity, then falls down elongated passageways  466   a ,  466   b , respectively, (defined by sidewalls  467   a ,  467   b , respectively) until reaching ramps  468   a ,  468   b , respectively. It should be noted that the sidewalls  467   a ,  467   b , respectively, preferably extend above the top of the trough  460  so as to ensure that no traveling water is able to spill or splash above the tops of the sidewalls  467   a ,  467   b , respectively. The ramps  468   a ,  468   b , respectively, can be slanted outwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows downwardly along a skirt member  472 . The skirt member  472  is defined by slanted backwall  474  and angled lower sidewalls  476   a ,  476   b , respectively. The backwall  474  of skirt member  472  can be slanted outwardly to ensure that the water does not accumulate thereon. The water then flows down the exterior of the siding material or onto the ground. In this manner, substantially all of any flowing water is kept away from the cut hole (not shown) and thus cannot infiltrate the building. It should also be noted that the cover member  434  is operable to hide or obscure the entire water deflection system  458 . Additionally, the precise degrees of each of the angles of the respective ramps, passageways, surfaces, and skirts is not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that the water is suitably allowed to flow passively outwardly and/or downwardly away from the cut hole (not shown) as described above. 
         [0071]    The cover member  434  includes a vent portion  478  that allows exhaust to be vented out through the cover member  434 , and a flapper portion  479 . Flapper portion  479  includes mounting member  492  having aperture  496  and a substantially circular retainer member  480  having a T-shaped member  482  formed thereon, and that includes several tab members  484  intended to mate with slot members  486  formed on the peripheral surface of the aperture  496 . The retainer member  480  is intended to ensure that the flapper member  488  is not inadvertently drawn into the area of the flange  445   a . The flapper member  488  is also substantially circular with a pair of spindle or pin members  490   a ,  490   b , respectively, formed along a top surface thereof. The spindle members  490   a ,  490   b , respectively, are intended to rotatably engage a pair of corresponding mounting portions  492   a ,  492   b , respectively, formed on mounting member  492 . The mounting member  492  is intended to be received within the inner surface of the wall  452  and secured thereto by tabs  492   c ,  492   d , respectively, formed on an upper surface of the mounting member, with slots  498  formed in wall  452 . A birdcage member  494  defining a screen and having tab members  494   a ,  494   b , respectively, is held in place by mating with slots  492   e ,  492   f , respectively, formed on the lower surface of the mounting member  492 . That is, the birdcage member  494  is merely is held in place by one or more components resting thereupon. 
         [0072]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.