Abstract:
Ridge vents configured to cover an open ridge of a roof and allow a flow of air to exit from the open ridge through the ridge vents are provided. The ridge vents include a center portion having a length and a plurality of grooves. Left and right portions are connected to the center portion. The center portion is configured to flex along it&#39;s length, thereby forming a ridge vent angle between the left and right portions. The formed ridge vent angle is configured to correspond with a slope between roof decks defining the open ridge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Design Applications No. 29/327,214, filed Oct. 31, 2008, and No. 29/332,162, filed Feb. 10, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Buildings, such as for example residential buildings, may be covered by a sloped roof. The interior portion of the building located directly below the sloped roof can form a space called an attic. If unventilated, condensation can form on the interior surfaces within the attic. The condensation can cause damage to various building components within the attic, including, but not limited to the insulation, as well as potentially causing damage to the building structure of the attic. Accordingly, it is known to ventilate attics thereby helping to prevent the formation of condensation. One example of a method of ventilating an attic includes the positioning of ridge vents at the roof ridge, which is the intersection of the uppermost sloping roof planes. The ridge vents can cooperate with eave vents, positioned in the eaves, to allow a flow of air to enter the eave vents, travel through a space between adjoining roof rafters to the attic, travel through the attic and exit through the ridge vents. 
         [0003]    Ridge vents can be positioned over an elongated opening formed between the uppermost sloping roof planes. The opening can allow hot air within the attic to escape the attic. Ridge vents can be provided in discrete sections that can be placed end-to-end over the opening. The discrete sections of the ridge vents can be flexed to conform to the shape of the sloping roof planes and attached to the roof planes via roof nails. It would be advantageous if ridge vents were easier to install. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with embodiments of this invention, there are provided ridge vents configured to cover an open ridge of a roof and allow a flow of air to exit from the open ridge through the ridge vents. The ridge vents include a center portion having a length and a plurality of grooves. Left and right portions are connected to the center portion. The center portion is configured to flex along it&#39;s length, thereby forming a ridge vent angle between the left and right portions. The formed ridge vent angle is configured to correspond with a slope between roof decks defining the open ridge. 
         [0005]    In accordance with other embodiments, there are also provided ridge vents configured to cover an open ridge of a roof and allow a flow of air to exit from the open ridge through the ridge vents. The ridge vents include a center portion having opposing ends. Each of the opposing ends has a plurality of projections, each having a plurality of legs that have a cross-sectional shape in the form of a “V”. The plurality of legs form sealing structures. Left and right portions are connected to the center portion. The plurality of legs of the plurality of projections are configured to nest against each other as the center portion of the ridge vent is flexed, thereby forming sealing structures at the end of the center portion of the ridge vent. 
         [0006]    In accordance with other embodiments, there are also provided methods for installing ridge vents over an open ridge of a roof and allow a flow of air to exit from the open ridge through the ridge vents. The methods include the steps of providing a ridge vent, the ridge vent having a center portion and a left and right portion connected to the center portion, the center portion having a length and a plurality of grooves, the grooves having a shallow dome-shaped cross-sectional shape, wherein the center portion is configured to flex along it&#39;s length, thereby forming a ridge vent angle between the left and right portions, flexing a first ridge vent to form a ridge vent angle, wherein the ridge vent angle is configured to correspond with a slope between roof decks defining the open ridge, positioning the first flexed ridge vent over the open ridge of the roof, fastening the first flexed ridge vent to the roof decks, flexing subsequent ridge vents, connecting the subsequently flexed ridge vents to the previously installed ridge vents, fastening the subsequently flexed ridge vents to the roof decks and covering the installed ridge vents with ridge shingles. 
         [0007]    Various objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a ridge vent shown installed on a portion of a roof in accordance with embodiments of this invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  shown installed on a portion of a roof. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrated in a flexed position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the bottom of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating a first nailing boss. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating projections positioned within the central portion. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an elevational view of a portion of the bottom of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating a second nailing boss. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a portion of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating a wing. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  connected to a second ridge vent. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating a second embodiment of the projections positioned within the central portion. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a portion of the ridge vent of  FIG. 1  illustrating a second embodiment of the wing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0020]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
         [0021]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
         [0022]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a ridge vent is provided. It will be understood the term “ridge” refers to the intersection of the uppermost sloping roof planes. The term “roof plane” is defined to mean the plane defined by a roof surface. The term “slope” is defined to mean the degree of roof incline expressed as a ratio of the rise in inches to the run of roof. The term “sheathing”, as used herein, is defined to mean exterior grade boards used as a roof deck material. The term “roof deck”, as used herein is defined to mean the surface installed over the supporting framing members to which the roofing is applied. The term “louvers” as used herein, is defined to mean a quantity of openings positioned in the ridge vent and used for ventilation purposes. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary ridge vent  10  is shown. Generally, the ridge vent  10  is configured to span a ridge opening  12  formed between opposing first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 , and allow a flow of air to travel through an attic and exit through the ridge vent  10 . 
         [0024]    Each of the first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 , is formed by a series of generally parallel, spaced apart rafters  18  (for purposes of clarity, only one rafter  18  is shown for each of the roof planes,  14  and  16 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the rafters  18  are connected at one end to a ridge board  22  and at the other end to a wall (not shown). In other embodiments, the ends of the rafters  18  can be connected to other desired components or structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the rafters  18  and the ridge board  22  are made from framing lumber, having sizes including, but not limited to 2 inches thick by 10 inches wide. Alternatively, the rafters  18  and the ridge board  22  can be made from other desired materials and have other desired sizes. 
         [0025]    The first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 , intersect with the ridge board  22  thereby forming slope angle α. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope angle α is approximately 120°. Alternatively, the slope angle α can be more or less than approximately 120°. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rafters  18  are covered by sheathing  24 . The sheathing  24  is configured to form an upper surface  28  of the roof planes,  14  and  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sheathing  24  is made of a wood-based material, including, but not limited to oriented strand board or plywood. In other embodiments, the sheathing  24  can be other desired materials. 
         [0027]    The upper surface  28  of the roof planes,  14  and  16 , supports a plurality of shingles  26 . The shingles  26  are attached to the upper surface  28  of the sheathing  24  by using any desired fasteners, including, but not limited to roofing nails (not shown). It should be understood that the shingles  26  can be any desired roofing material. 
         [0028]    While the ridge opening  12  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is formed by the structure of the rafters  18 , ridge board  22  and roof planes,  14  and  16 , it should be understood the ridge opening  12  can be formed by other structures or combinations of structures. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ridge vent  10  includes a center portion  32 , a left portion  34  and a right portion  36 . The center portion  32 , left portion  34  and the right portion  36  each have a top surface,  32   a ,  34   a  and  36   a , respectively and a bottom surface  32   b ,  34   b  and  36   b , respectively. The left portion  34  has a left edge  35  and the right portion  36  has a right edge  37 . 
         [0030]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is configured to flex, thereby allowing the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , to form a ridge vent angle β. The ridge vent angle β is configured to allow the bottom surfaces,  34   b  and  36 , of the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , to seat against the first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge vent angle β is the same angle as the slope angle α formed by the opposing rafters  18 . In other embodiments, the ridge vent angle β can be other angles suitable to allow the bottom surfaces,  34   b  and  36 , of the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , to seat against the first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 . As will be explained later in more detail, the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , of the ridge vent  10  are fastened to the roof planes,  14  and  16 , and portions of the ridge vent  10  are covered by a row of vent shingles  30 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ridge vent  10  spans the ridge opening  12  formed between the first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 , and allows a flow of exhaust air to travel through an attic and exit through the ridge vent  10 . The flow of the exhaust air is shown by the arrows A. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the ridge vent  10  is shown in a flexed position. The ridge vent  10  has a length L and a thickness T. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L is approximately 48 inches and the thickness is approximately 1.0 inches. Alternatively, the length L of the ridge vent  10  can be more or less than approximately 48 inches and the thickness T can be more or less than approximately 1.0 inches. 
         [0033]    The center portion  32  includes a plurality of optional grooves  38 . Generally, the grooves  38  are configured to provide sufficient flexibility to the center portion  32  to allow the ridge vent  10  to flex in a direction generally perpendicular to the length L of the ridge vent  10 , while also providing structural reinforcement to the center portion  32 . The combination of flexibility and structural reinforcement provided by the grooves  38  allows a controlled curvature of the ridge vent  10  as the ridge vent  10  is flexed. The controlled curvature provides the flexed ridge vent  10  with a smooth curvature when installed on a roof. However, configuring the ridge vent  10  to include the grooves  38  is optional and not necessary for the use of the ridge vent  10 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the grooves  38  are oriented to extend in a direction generally parallel to each other and parallel to the edges,  35  and  37 . Alternatively, the grooves  38  can have other orientations sufficient to allow the ridge vent  10  to flex in a direction generally perpendicular to the length L of the ridge vent  10 , while also providing structural reinforcement to the center portion  32 . The grooves will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  includes a plurality of projections  40  extending from the top surface  32   a  of the center portion  32 . The plurality of projections  40  are configured to nest against each other as the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is flexed, thereby effectively sealing the end of the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10 . The projections  40  will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0036]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , have fastening apertures  42 . The fastening apertures  42  are spaced apart along the length L of the ridge vent  10 . The fastening apertures  42  are configured to allow a fastener (not shown) to be inserted into the fastening aperture  42  and held in the fastening aperture  42  after insertion, thereby allowing the installer to position the ridge vent  10  on the roof prior to securing the ridge vent  10  to the roof planes,  14  and  16 . In one embodiment, the fastener is a roofing nail. In other embodiments, the fastener can be other desired devices, including, but not limited to flat-headed screws. The aperture  42  has an internal diameter DA. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal diameter DA is approximately 0.120 inches corresponding to a roofing nail having a 12 gauge shank diameter. Alternatively, the internal diameter DA can be more or less than approximately 0.120 inches corresponding to roofing nails having other desired shank diameters. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , each have a nail line  44  (for purposes of clarity, only the nail line  44  on right portion  36  is shown). The nail line  44  extends along the length L of the ridge vent  10  and generally parallel to the edge  37 . The nail line  44  is configured to provide locations in which the installer can nail ridge vent shingles  30  to the ridge vent  10 . The installation of the ridge vent  10  and ridge vent shingles  30  will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the nail line  44  includes a plurality of images  46 . The images  46  include suggested nail insertion positions and instructions to the installer for installing ridge vent shingles over the ridge vent  10 . Alternatively, the nail line  44  can be void of any images or the nail line  44  can include any desired images. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the ridge vent  10  includes a left wing  48  and a right wing  50 . The left wing  48  is positioned on the top surface  34   a  of the left portion  34  at the left edge  35 . Similarly, the right wing  50  is positioned on the top surface  36   a  of the right portion  36  at the right edge  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wings,  48  and  50 , extend along the length L of the ridge vent  10 . Alternatively, the wings,  48  and  50 , can extend a desired distance that is shorter than the length L of the ridge vent  10 . Generally, the wings,  48  and  50 , are configured to assist in the flow of air through the ridge vent  10 . The flow of air through the ridge vent  10  will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , optionally the ridge vent  10  includes indicia  52  positioned on the top surfaces,  32   a ,  34   a  and  36   a  of the ridge vent  10 . For purposes of clarity, the indicia  52  is only shown on the right portion  36  and at one end of the center portion  32 . The indicia  52  can include a variety of desired messages, including, but not limited to product and company logos, promotional messages, installation instructions and product features. However, configuring the ridge vent  10  to include indicia  52  is optional and not necessary for the use of the ridge vent  10 . 
         [0040]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the ridge vent  10  includes a plurality of louvers  54 . In operation, the flow of air through the ridge vent  10  exits through the louvers  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the louvers  54  are arranged in a column and row configuration having a quantity of two columns and rows extending substantially along the length L of the ridge vent  10 . In other embodiments, the louvers  54  can be arranged in other desired configurations. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the louvers  54  are positioned such that an outward column is substantially adjacent an edge,  35  or  37 . In other embodiments, the louvers  54  can be positioned in other desired locations sufficient to allow the flow of air to exit the ridge vent  10  through the louvers  54 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the louvers  54  have a square shape. In other embodiments, the louvers  54  can have other shapes, including, but not limited to round or hexagonal shapes sufficient to allow the flow of air to exit the ridge vent  10  through the louvers  54 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the ridge vent  10  has an un-flexed width W extending from the left edge  35  to the right edge  37 . In the illustrated embodiment, the width W is approximately 14.35 inches. Alternatively, the width W can be more or less than approximately 14.35 inches. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bottom surface  32   b  of the center portion  32 , the bottom surface  34   b  of the left portion  34  and the bottom surface  36   b  of the right portion  36  are illustrated. As discussed above, the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  includes the grooves  38 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the grooves  38  extend substantially the length L of the ridge vent  10 , but somewhat shorter, and are substantially centered between the projections  40  located at the ends of the ridge vent  10 . The grooves have a length LG. In the illustrated embodiments, the length LG of the grooves  38  is approximately 46.0 inches. In other embodiments, the length LG of the grooves  38  may longer or shorter than approximately 46.0 inches. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the grooves  38  have a shallow, domed cross-sectional shape that extends the length LG of the grooves  38 . In other embodiments, the grooves  38  can have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to provide sufficient flexibility to the center portion  32  to allow the ridge vent  10  to flex while also providing structural reinforcement to the center portion  32 . It is also within the contemplation of this invention that the grooves  38  may have differing cross-sectional shapes. In still other embodiments, the grooves  38  may having cross-sectional shapes that vary along the length LG of the grooves  38 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the grooves  38  have a width WG. In the illustrated embodiment, the width WG of the grooves  38  is approximately 0.25 inches. Alternatively, the width WG of the grooves can be more or less than approximately 0.25 inches. 
         [0046]    Referring again to the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the ridge vent  10  has a quantity of six grooves  38 . Alternatively, the ridge vent  10  can have more or less than six grooves  38 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the plurality of projections  40  extend from the bottom surface  32   b  of the center portion  32 . As discussed above, the plurality of projections  40  are configured to nest against each other as the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is flexed, thereby forming a sealing structure for the end of the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the projections  40  have a cross sectional shape in the form of a “V” wherein the tip of the “V” points in a direction toward the groves  38 . In other embodiments, the projections can have other desired cross-sectional shapes and can be oriented in different directions sufficient to form a sealing structure by nesting against each other as the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is flexed, thereby effectively sealing the end of the center portion  32  of the ridge vent. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the projections  40  have two projection legs,  41   a  and  41   b , that intersect to form the “V” shape of the projection  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the projection legs,  41   a  and  41   b , have a same length LPL of approximately ⅜ inches. In other embodiments, the length LPL of the projection legs,  41   a  and  41   b , can be more or less than approximately ⅜ inches. In still other embodiments, the length LPL of the projection legs,  41   a  and  41   b , can be different from each other. While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  illustrates the projections  40  as having a “V” shape, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the projections  40  could have other desired shapes, including, but not limited to a “U” shape or a “W” shape. 
         [0049]    Referring again to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the projections  40  are positioned in rows and arranged such that the projections  40  of the inner most row straddle the projections  40  of the outer row. Alternatively, the projections  40  can be positioned in any desired quantity of rows and can be arranged in any desired configuration, sufficient to nest against each other as the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is flexed, thereby effectively sealing the end of the center portion  32  of the ridge vent. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the projections  40  have a projection length LP. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection length LP is approximately 1.0 inches. In other embodiments, the projection length LP can be more or less than approximately 1.0 inches. 
         [0051]    While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  illustrates a quantity of seven projections  40  positioned in the outer row and a quantity of six projections  40  positioned in the inner most row, it should be understood that any desired quantity of projections  40  can be used sufficient to nest against each other as the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10  is flexed, thereby effectively sealing the end of the center portion  32  of the ridge vent. 
         [0052]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , as the ridge vent  10  is flexed, the plurality of projections  40  form a sealed portion  60  at each end of the ridge vent  10 . The sealed portion  60  has a pre-sealed width SW. In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-sealed width SW is approximately 4.0 inches. However, the pre-sealed width SW can be other desired dimensions. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5  and as discussed above, the ridge vent  10  has a plurality of fastening apertures  42 , positioned in the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , and spaced apart along the length L of the ridge vent  10 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the fastening apertures  42  are defined by a plurality of first nailing bosses  62  and a plurality of second nailing bosses  64 . Generally, the first nailing bosses  62  are positioned near the ends of the ridge vent  10  and the second nailing bosses  64  are positioned within the interior of the ridge vent  10 , although such is not required. As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the first nailing bosses  62  include a cylindrical portion  66  and a plurality of gussets  68 . The cylindrical portion  64  is configured to extend from the bottom surfaces,  34   b  and  36   b , of the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , to the roof planes, thereby providing a solid support surface for seating the fastener. The cylindrical portion  66  has a diameter DCP. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter DCP of the cylindrical portion  66  is approximately 5/16 inches. Alternatively, the diameter DCP of the cylindrical portion  66  can be more or less than approximately 5/16 inches. 
         [0054]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the gussets  68  are configured to provide support for the cylindrical portion  66 . While the gussets  68  in the illustrated embodiment have a triangular shape, the gussets  68  can have any desired shape sufficient to provide support for the cylindrical portion  66 . In the illustrated embodiment, a quantity of four gussets  68  are provided for each cylindrical support  66 , it should be understood than any number of gussets  68 , sufficient to support the cylindrical portion  66 , can be provided. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the second nailing bosses  64  have a cylindrical portion  70  and are supported by a nailing baffle  72 . The cylindrical portion  70  is the same as the cylindrical portion  66  for the first nailing boss  62 . The nailing baffle  72  is configured to support the cylindrical portion  66 . Any desired number of second nailing bosses  64  can be used. 
         [0056]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the ridge vent  10  includes a plurality of edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  and interior baffles  82 . The edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to either the left or right edge,  35  or  37 , toward the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10 . The edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  are configured to provide structural support to the right and left edges,  35  and  37 , as well as providing structural support to the areas of the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , in which the louvers  54  are positioned. The edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  extend different lengths from the edges,  35  or  37 . In the illustrated embodiment, the edge baffles  80   a  extend a length LB 1  of approximately 1.75 inches and the edge baffles  80   b  extend a length LB 2  of approximately 2.50 inches. Alternatively the lengths LB 1  and LB 2 , can be other desired lengths sufficient configured to provide structural support to the right and left edges,  35  and  37 , as well as providing structural support to the areas of the left and right portions,  34  and  36 , in which the louvers  54  are positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the edge baffles  80   a  have the same length LB 1 . In other embodiments, the edge baffles  80   a  can be varying lengths. Similarly, it is also within the contemplation of this invention that the edge baffles  80   b  can have varying lengths. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the interior baffles  82  are oriented in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the grooves  38  and extend in a line along the length L of the ridge vent  10 . The interior baffles  82  are positioned between the grooves  38  and the louvers  54 . The interior baffles  82  are configured to provide structural support to the left and right portions,  34  and  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the interior baffles  82  have a length LB 3  of approximately 1.25 inches and have a distance DB between the interior baffles of approximately 2.00 inches. Alternatively the length LB 3  and the distance DB can be other desired dimensions sufficient configured to provide structural support to the left and right portions. While the interior baffles  82  in the illustrated embodiment are all shown to have the same length LB 3 , it is within the contemplation of this invention that the interior baffles  82  can have varying lengths. 
         [0058]    While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  illustrates the edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  and interior baffles  82  as straight members that are oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the edges,  35  and  37 , it is within the contemplation of this invention that the edge baffles,  80   a  and  80   b,  and interior baffles  82 . could be curved members or have curved portions and also could be oriented at a desired angle to the edges,  35  and  37 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the ridge vent  10  has a left wing  48  and a right wing  50  (for purposes of clarity,  FIG. 8  provides an enlarged view of the left wing  48 ). The left wing  48  extends in an upward direction and beyond the square-shaped profile created by the intersection of the left edge  35  and the top surface  34   a  of the left portion  34 . Without being bound by the theory, it is believed that as wind encounters one of the left or right wings,  48  or  50 , flowing in a direction toward the center portion  32  of the ridge vent  10 , the wing deflects the wind up and over the louvers  54 , creating an area of relatively lower pressure above the louvers  54 . The area of low pressure above the louvers  54  causes a lifting action thereby pulling air through the ridge vent  10  and out of the attic. Accordingly, the area of relatively lower pressure, caused by the wings,  48  and  50 , facilitates the exit flow of attic air through the ridge vent  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the left wing  48  has a length LW of approximately 0.375 inches. In other embodiments, the length LW can be more or less than approximately 0.375 inches sufficient to facilitate the exit flow of attic air through the ridge vent  10 . The left wing  48  forms a wing angle μ with the left edge  35 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wing angle μ is approximately 135°. In other embodiments, the wing angle μ can be more or less than approximately 135° sufficient to facilitate the exit flow of attic air through the ridge vent  10 . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a plurality of attachment fixtures  90  are connected to one end of the ridge vent  10 . A plurality of corresponding attachment receptacles  92  are positioned at the opposite end of the ridge vent  10 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the ridge vent  10  is connected to a second ridge vent  10 ′ by connecting the attachment fixtures  90  of ridge vent  10  to the corresponding attachment receptacles  92  of ridge vent  10 ′. The connection between the ridge vent  10  and the second ridge vent  10 ′ is configured to provide a quick, easy and gapless connection that can be accomplished without the use of special tools. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment fixtures  90  are pins and the attachment receptacles  92  are corresponding apertures. Alternatively, other desired structures, including, but not limited to dovetail joints, tongue and groove joints and tabs and slots, can be used. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the ridge vent  10  is installed over the ridge opening  12  in the following steps. First, a first ridge vent  10  is flexed thereby forming ridge vent angle β between the left and right portions,  34  and  36 . The ridge vent  10  is flexed until the ridge vent angle β is the same as the slope angle α formed by the opposing rafters  18 . Next, the flexed ridge vent  10  is positioned over the ridge opening  12  and fastened to the first and second roof planes,  14  and  16 . The first ridge vent  10  is installed such that the attachment fixtures  90  are positioned at the edge of the roof planes,  14  and  16 . The flexed ridge vent  10  is fastened to the roof planes,  14  and  16 , as discussed above. Subsequent ridge vents  10  are flexed in a similar manner and connected to the installed ridge vent until the ridge opening  12  is completely covered. Finally as shown in  FIG. 1 , a course of ridge vent shingles  30  is installed, in an overlapping manner, over the installed ridge vents  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge vent shingles  30  are installed over the ridge vents  10  using the nail lines  44  as nailing guides. Alternatively, other desired methods, including, but not limited to staples and adhesives, can be used to install the ridge vent shingles  30  over the ridge vents  10 . 
         [0062]    As discussed above, the ridge vent  10  is configured for several functions, including spanning a ridge opening  12  and allowing a flow of air to travel through an attic and exit through the ridge vent  10 . These functions are performed in an outdoor environment, with all of the elements of the weather. Accordingly, the ridge vent  10  is made of a material sufficient to provide both structural and weatherability features. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge vent  10  is made of a polypropylene material. Alternatively, the ridge vent  10  can be made of other polymeric materials sufficient to provide both structural and weatherability features. In other embodiments, the ridge vent  10  can be made of other desired materials or a combination of desired materials. 
         [0063]    In another embodiment of the ridge vent as shown in  FIG. 10 , the ends of the center portion  132  include a sealing web  193  in lieu of projections. The sealing web  193  extends from the top surface  132   a  of the center portion  132  and is configured to compress the folds of the sealing web  193  against each other as the center portion  132  of the ridge vent is flexed, thereby effectively sealing the end of the center portion  132  of the ridge vent. While the sealing web  193  is illustrated as having folds with sharp angles, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the folds can be rounded or have other desired shapes sufficient to seal the end of the center portion  132  of the ridge vent. 
         [0064]    In another embodiment of the ridge vent as shown in  FIG. 11 , the ridge vent has a wing  248  has the shape of a spoiler. In the illustrated embodiment, the wing  248  includes a stem  296  and an airfoil  297 . The stem  296  extends in an upward direction and beyond the square-shaped profile created by the intersection of the left edge  235  and the top surface  234   a  of the left portion  234 . The airfoil  297  is connected to the stem  296  at an desired angle in order to create the area of relatively lower pressure above the louvers. In the illustrated embodiment, the airfoil  297  has a substantially flat cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the airfoil  297  can have other desired cross-sectional profiles for producing desired aerodynamic effects. 
         [0065]    The principle and mode of operation of this shingle ridge vent has been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the shingle ridge vent may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.