Abstract:
The present invention relates to a reliable, efficient, and low cost ventilation system for storage covers that improves the distribution of air flow and improves aeration of the particulate material and the method of installing the same.

Description:
CONTINUATION IN PART 
     This application is a continuation-in-part from U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/449,765 to Donald Gaudet, Jr. and Aaron Gummer filed on Aug. 1, 2014. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a novel system for ventilating particulate piles covered by storage covers. 
     II. General Background 
     Various types of storage covers, configured in various arrangements, have been developed for covering piles or mounds of material, such as silage (animal feed), salt, sand, calcium carbonate, grain, and the like from the effects of weather, sun, water intrusion and/or insect or rodent infestations while said material is in outside storage. 
     Storage covers exist in various shapes, sizes and configurations. In a first arrangement of storage covers, these storage covers consist of a fabric tarp wherein the perimeter of the fabric tarp is secured to a retaining wall extending around the perimeter of the fabric tarp. The retaining wall is often made of a perforated metal that allows air flow between the outside environment and the covered pile. At the center of the fabric tarp, and connected to the fabric tarp, exists a lifting ring. After the storage cover is deployed and attached to the lifting ring, the lifting ring is raised and the particulate material is deposited through the lifting ring and under the storage cover. 
     In an alternative arrangement, particulate material is first deposited within the retaining wall. After the particulate material is deposited, the fabric tarp is then deployed over the particulate material, and the perimeter of the fabric tarp is secured to the retaining wall. In contrast to the above described arrangement, the fabric tarp is deployed over the particulate material after the particulate material is piled, and thus does not utilize a lifting ring to deposit particulate material beneath the storage cover. 
     In yet another type of arrangement of storage covers, the storage covers consist of a fabric tarp covering a pile of particulate material wherein the perimeter of the fabric tarp lays approximately parallel to the ground, and does not utilize a retaining wall. In this arrangement, the fabric tarp is deployed over the particulate material after the particulate material is piled, and also does not utilize a lifting ring to deposit particulate material beneath the storage cover. 
     Particulate material covered by storage covers often suffer from the problems of mold growth, moisture migration, and insect or rodent infestation. Aeration of the particulate pile is a method of preventing and/or remedying these problems. Aeration requires a mechanical system that moves air through the particulate pile. A common aeration method in particulate piles covered by a storage cover is to use fans installed at the base of the particulate pile to create suction airflow underneath the storage cover. However, this method does not result in creation of air flow through the height of the pile and instead concentrates the air flow at the base of the pile. 
     In some aeration methods, aeration pipes are attached to aeration fans wherein the aeration pipes are placed at the base of the particulate pile and extend towards the center of the particulate pile. In some instances additional aeration pipes are also placed on top of the particulate material (and underneath the storage cover). However, even the use of these additional aeration pipes does not result in an adequate air flow throughout the height of the particulate pile. Thus, the problem of providing adequate distribution of aeration air to the particulate material of a pile continues to exist. The present invention provides a reliable, efficient, and low cost ventilation system for storage covers that improves the distribution of air flow and improves aeration of the particulate material. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention contemplates a vent comprising a vent body; a mesh layer removably attached to said vent body wherein said mesh layer is movable from an attached to a detached position and wherein when said mesh layer is in said attached position, said mesh layer at least partially covers said vent body; and a flap attached to said vent body wherein said flap is movable from an opened position to a closed position and wherein when said flap is in said closed position, said flap covers said mesh layer. 
     The present invention further contemplates a method for installing comprising the steps of providing a vent wherein said vent comprises: (i) a vent body wherein said vent body comprises a perimeter; (ii) a mesh layer removably attached to said vent body wherein said mesh layer is movable from an attached to a detached position and wherein when said mesh layer is in said attached position, said mesh layer at least partially covers said vent body; and (iii) a flap attached to said vent body wherein said flap is movable from an opened position to a closed position and wherein when said flap is in said closed position, said flap covers said mesh layer; providing a tarp body; placing said vent on top of said tarp body; attaching said perimeter of said vent body to said tarp body; moving said flap to at least a partially open position; moving said mesh layer to at least a partially detached position; removing a portion of said vent body to expose a portion of said tarp body; removing a portion of said exposed tarp body; and moving said mesh layer into said attached position. 
     The present invention further contemplates a kit for ventilating a storage cover comprising a vent wherein said vent comprises: (i) a vent body wherein said vent body comprises a perimeter, (ii) a mesh layer removably attached to said vent body wherein said mesh layer is movable from an attached to a detached position and wherein when said mesh layer is in said attached position, said mesh layer at least partially covers said vent body; and (iii) a flap attached to said vent body wherein said flap is movable from an opened position to a closed position and wherein when said flap is in said closed position, said flap covers said mesh layer, tape; and a cutting device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals. 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a particulate pile surrounded by a retaining wall and covered by a storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of a particulate pile covered by a circular-shaped storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 3  shows an interior plan view of a particulate pile, outfitted with aeration pipes and fans, covered by a circular shaped storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view of a particulate pile surrounded by a retaining wall and covered by an oval-shaped storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 5  shows a front view of a particulate pile covered by an oval-shaped storage cover having vents wherein the perimeter of the storage cover lays on the ground. 
         FIG. 6  shows a plan view of a particulate pile covered by an oval-shaped storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 7  shows an interior plan view of a particulate pile, outfitted with aeration pipes and fans, covered by an oval-shaped storage cover having vents. 
         FIG. 8A  shows the pathway of aeration air through a particulate pile covered by a storage cover without vents. 
         FIG. 8B  shows the pathway of aeration air through a particulate pile covered by a storage cover with vents. 
         FIG. 9A  shows a plan view of a vent comprised of a single opening covered by mesh. 
         FIG. 9B  shows a plan view of a vent comprised of multiple openings covered by mesh. 
         FIG. 10  shows a close-up view of a vent attached to the tarp body of a storage cover. 
         FIG. 11A  shows a vent with a flap in the rolled-up position. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a vent with a flap in the rolled-down positions. 
         FIG. 12  shows a vent with a flap held in place by a frame and further comprising a flap front cover. 
         FIG. 13  shows a vent with a flap held in place by a frame and further comprising a flap fastener. 
         FIG. 14  shows a vent with a flap held in place by a frame with triangular frame legs. 
         FIG. 15  shows a vent with a flap in the closed position covering the vent opening. 
         FIG. 16  shows a plan view of a vent comprising a solid vent body and a removably attached mesh layer wherein the flap is lifted to expose the mesh layer. 
         FIG. 17  shows a plan view of a vent comprising a solid vent body and a removably attached mesh layer wherein the mesh layer is lifted to expose the solid vent body. 
         FIG. 18  shows a plan view of a vent prior to installation. 
         FIG. 19  shows the placement of a vent onto a tarp body. 
         FIG. 20  shows the attachment of the vent to the tarp body using tape. 
         FIG. 21  shows the vent taped to the tarp body. 
         FIG. 22  shows the lifting of the flap to expose the mesh layer. 
         FIG. 23  shows the flap in a fully rolled-up position and exposing the mesh layer. 
         FIG. 24  shows the lifting of the mesh layer to expose the vent body. 
         FIG. 25  shows the mesh layer fully lifted and exposing the vent body. 
         FIG. 26  shows the cutting away of the vent body to expose the tarp body. 
         FIG. 27  shows the installed vent after the both the vent body and tarp body have been cut away. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Ventilation System 
     Storage covers  10  for covering particulate piles can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, are made from a variety of materials, and often are designed to specific customer specifications.  FIG. 1  shows a side view of a particulate pile surrounded by a retaining wall  12 , secured by angle iron braces  14 , and covered by a circular-shaped storage cover  10 .  FIG. 4  shows a side view of an alternative configuration wherein a particulate pile is surrounded by a retaining wall  12  and covered by an oval-shaped storage cover  10 .  FIG. 5  shows yet another alternative configuration wherein the storage cover  10  is secured to the ground rather than a retaining wall  12 . 
     The retaining wall  12  can be solid or perforated (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 ). When the retaining wall  12  comprises perforations  16 , this allows for air to flow through the retaining wall  12 . The tarp body  18  may be made from a variety of materials. However, usually the tarp body  18  is made from a water-proof, non-permeable fabric, such as polyvinylchloride or polyethylene, that protects the particulate material from rain, moisture and weather, but does not allow air to flow through the tarp body  18 . 
     It is advantageous to aerate a covered particulate pile to prevent molding, moisture migration, and insect or rodent infestation. To aerate a particulate pile, aeration fans  15  may be installed along the perimeter of the storage cover  10  (as can be seen in  FIGS. 1-7 ) to draw air out of the particulate pile. The aeration fans  15  can be of any of the types and sizes known in the art, and are generally selected based on customer specifications. For example, a Grain Guard™ galvanized vane axial or centrifugal aeration fan (sold by Ag Growth International) may be used. Generally, aeration fans  15  are installed every 20-30 feet, but may be installed closer together or farther apart. 
     In an attempt to draw air from the interior of the particulate pile, rather than from just the perimeter of the pile (where the fans are located), aeration pipes  30  are attached to the aeration fans  15  and positioned on the ground prior to depositing the particulate material. Aeration pipes  30  are generally made from perforated corrugated polyethylene pipe, but pipes made of metal and other types of plastics and materials known in the art may also be utilized. Aeration pipes  30  of various diameters may also be used with aeration pipes  30  generally being 12-24 inches in inner diameter. 
     The aeration pipes  30  can be configured in various arrangements. For example,  FIG. 7  depicts aeration pipes  30  in a T-shaped arrangement with an aeration pipe stem  32  attached to an aeration fan  15  and two aeration pipe arms  34  attached to, and extending away from, the distal end of the aeration pipe stem  32 . The length of the aeration pipe stem  32  and each of the two aeration pipe arms  34  depend on the size of the particulate pile and customer specifications. In one example, the aeration pipe stem  32  is 60 feet in length and the pipe arms are each 40 feet in length. In this configuration, air is drawn through the distal ends of the aeration pipe arms  34  and through the perforations in the lengths of the aeration pipes  30  in an attempt to more uniformly pull air from the bottom of the particulate pile. 
     An alternate configuration of aeration pipes  30  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In this configuration, single aeration pipe  30  is attached to an aeration fan  15  and extends towards the center of the particulate pile. In this configuration, air is drawn through the distal end of the aeration pipe  30  and through the perforations in the lengths of the aeration pipes  30  in an attempt to more uniformly pull air from the bottom of the particulate pile. Again, the length of the aeration pipes  30  will depend on the size of the particulate pile and customer specifications, but, in one example, the aeration pipes are each 100 feet in length. However, even with the use of theses aeration pipes  30 , air flow is still concentrated at the bottom of the pile rather than throughout the height of the pile. 
     The present invention incorporates a vent  17 , or multiple vents  17 , within the tarp body  18  of the storage cover  10 . We speculate that this increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the aeration of the particulate pile by creating air flow pathways that extend from the vents  17  (located at or near the top of the pile) to the fans (located at or near the bottom of the pile). Thus, we speculate that the present invention will advantageously provide aeration through the height of the particulate pile and not at just the base of the particulate pile. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 8A , when a solid tarp body  18 , without vents  17 , is used while aerating a particulate pile, air enters through the perforations  16  of the retaining wall  12 , and then during aeration, the aeration fans  15  pull the air through the aeration pipes  30  and out of the pile. However, in this arrangement, air only flows through the base of the particulate pile (as depicted by the arrows in  FIG. 8A ). However, when the vents  17  of the present invention are incorporated into the storage cover  10 , we speculate that the vents  17  will provide an additional source of aeration air. As shown in  FIG. 8B , in this embodiment during aeration, we speculate that the aeration fans  15  pull air from the top of the pile to the base of the pile and through the aeration pipes  30  and out of the pile. Thus, by utilizing the vents  17  of the present invention, we speculate that a more even distribution of aeration air is created that will flow through a greater area of the particulate material. 
     The number of and location of the vents  17  incorporated into the tarp body  18  may vary based on customer preferences. As one example,  FIG. 3  shows eight vents  17  placed so that they are located between the aeration pipes  30  when viewed in the plan view. While  FIG. 3  shows one vent  17  between each aeration pipe  30 , more or less vents  17  could be utilized and the vents  17  could alternatively be located above the aeration pipes  30 . Additionally, the vents  17  can be placed at various distances from the center of the tarp body  18 . In one example, the vents  17  are between 5 and 30 feet from the center of the tarp body  18 . As another example,  FIG. 7  shows four vents  17  placed so that they are located between the aeration stems  34  when viewed in the plan view. Again, greater or fewer vents  17  could be utilized, and may be placed in various locations, depending on the customer&#39;s specifications. In one example, the vents  17  are between 5 and 15 feet from the longitudinal center line of the oval-shaped tarp body  18 . We speculate that there will be a better distribution of aeration air through the particulate pile if the vents  17  are not directly above the aeration pipes  30  (or, in other words, if the vents  17  are offset from the vertical plane created by the length of the aeration pipes  30 ). 
     The vents  17  themselves may also exist in various configurations. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the vent  17  may comprise a single vent opening  92 . In one example, the vent opening  92  is rectangular in shape and is approximately 7 feet by 6 feet. In another example, the vent opening  92  is between 25 and 100 square feet in area. However, the vent openings may be larger or smaller depending on the size of the particulate pile and customer specifications. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9B , the vent  17  may comprise multiple vent openings  92 . These vent openings  92  may be square, rectangular, circular or another shape. In one example, the vent openings  92  are each square in shape and are 1 to 2 feet by 1 to 2 feet in size with approximately 6 inches between each vent opening  92 . Additionally, the vent openings  92  (whether single or multiple) may be covered by a mesh layer  94 . Various types of meshes known in the art can be used for the mesh layer  94 . In one example, the mesh layer  94  is made of TenCate Nicolon® 47719 fabric. We speculate that this mesh layer  94  will serve to keep the particulate material from escaping out of the vents  17  of the storage cover  10 . 
     Because the vents  17  may provide a pathway for rain, moisture and other weather to enter the particulate pile (which is undesirable), it is advantageous to also incorporate a method of covering the vents  17  when inclimate weather is expected. One embodiment for covering the vents  17  is using flaps  1101 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . The flaps  1101  can be made of the same or a different material than the tarp body  18 . As an example, the flaps  1101  may be made from polyvinylchloride or polyethylene.  FIG. 11A  shows a flap  1101  for covering the vent opening  92  wherein the flap  1101  is shown in the rolled-up position. 
     The top of the flap  1101  is connected at the flap seam  1102  to the area surrounding the vent (also referred to as the vent body  90 ). The flap  1101  can be connected to the vent body  90  by sewing, gluing, heat sealing or using other attachment methods known in the art. The flap  1101  can be rolled-up to allow air to enter the particulate pile, and, alternatively, when inclimate weather is expected, the flap  1101  can be un-rolled to cover the vent opening  92 , as shown in  FIG. 11B , thus preventing rain, moisture or other weather from entering the particulate pile. Additionally a method of securing the flap  1101  in the rolled-up position (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, zippers, grommets and zip-ties, etc.) may also be utilized. 
     The vent opening  92  may also be completely or partially surrounded by a flap fastener  1108  to secure the flap  1101  to the vent body  90  when in the rolled-down position, and to keep out rain, moisture and other weather. The flap fastener  1108  may comprise hook and loop fasteners, zippers, grommets and zip-ties, or other fastening methods known in the art. The vent  17  may also utilize ropes  1104  to divert rain, moisture and other weather away from the vent opening  92 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , a length of rope  1104  can be placed (by either attaching to the vent body  90  or embedding it within or under the vent body  90 ) alongside the vent opening  92  to divert rain away from the vent opening  92  and keep moisture out of the particulate pile. Also, the flap  1101  may comprise a flap pocket  1106  at the edge of the flap  1101  opposite the flap seam  1102 . A weighted object such as a dowel or pipe may be placed in this flap pocket  1106 . The dowel or pipe in the flap pocket  1106  will provide weight to aid in keeping the flap closed against the vent body  90  when the flap  1101  is in the closed or rolled-down position, and can also aid in easily rolling up the flap  1101  when the flap  1101  is in the rolled-up position. 
     Another embodiment for covering the vents  17  is shown in  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment a triangular prism shaped frame  1204  is placed around the vent opening  92  and the flap  1101  is attached to the frame  1204  so that the flap  1101  extends over at least a portion of the vent opening  92 . The frame  1204  may alternatively be in the shape of a cube, cuboid or another shape. Specifically the flap  1101  shown in  FIG. 12  is comprised of a first side flap piece  1205 , a second side flap piece  1206 , a top flap piece  1207  and a front flap cover  1202 . The first side flap piece  1205  and the second side flap piece  1206  are attached to the parallel sides of the triangular prism shaped frame  1204  and the top flap piece  1207  is attached to the top face of the triangular prism shaped frame  1204 . The front flap cover  1202  is attached along one edge to the triangular prism shaped frame  1204 . This allows the front flap cover  1202  to be placed in the open position (thereby allowing air to enter the pile through the vent  17 ) or the closed position (thereby blocking rain, moisture and weather from entering the pile through the vent  17 ).  FIG. 12  shows the front flap cover  1202  in between the opened and closed position. Further, the front flap cover  1202  can be secured in the open position by attaching the front flap cover  1202  to the top flap piece  1207  using hook and loop fasteners or any fastening methods known in the art. 
       FIG. 13  shows an alternate frame  1204  and flap  1101  design. In this embodiment, the frame  1204  is U-shaped and comprised of a first frame leg  1208 , a second frame leg  1209  and a frame center  1210 . The frame  1204  is placed adjacent to the vent body  90  so that it extends outward from the vent body  90 . In one example, the frame  1204  is placed so that it is perpendicular to the vent body  90 . The first side flap piece  1205  and the second side flap piece  1206  are attached to the first frame leg  1208  and the second frame leg  1209  respectively, and the top flap piece  1207  is connected to the frame center  1210 . Thus, the U-shaped frame  1204 , adjacent to the vent body  90  and extending outward from the vent body  90 , holds the flap  1101  away from the vent opening  92  and allows air to enter the particulate pile. In one example, the first and second frame legs  1208 ,  1209  are each 12 inches in height and the frame center  1210  is 8 feet in length. However, the frame  1204  may be larger or smaller size. 
     Alternatively, the first frame leg  1208  and the second frame leg  1209  may be triangular in shape or may take another alternative shape. An exemplary frame  1204  with triangular-shaped first and second frame legs  1208 ,  1209  is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Due to the shape of the frame  1204  (and the flap  1101  covering the frame  1204 ) we speculate that the flaps  1101  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  will prevent most rain, moisture and other weather from entering the vent opening  92 . However, to further prevent rain, moisture and other weather from entering the vent opening  92  in severe weather, the flap  1101  can be secured in the closed position. For example, in the configuration of  FIG. 12 , the front flap cover  1202  can be placed in the closed position and fastened to the frame  1204  and/or vent body  90  using hook and loop fasteners or any other fastening method known in the art. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 13  can be constructed so that the first frame leg  1208  and the second frame leg  1209  are removably connected to the first side flap piece  1205  and the second side flap piece  1206 , thus allowing the first and second frame legs  1208 ,  1209  to be disconnected from the first and second flap pieces  1205 ,  1206  and placed parallel to the vent body  90 . By disconnecting and laying the first and second frame legs  1208 ,  1209  parallel to the vent body  90 , it allows the top flap piece  1207  to collapse and cover the vent opening  92 , further preventing rain, moisture and other weather from entering the vent opening  92  in severe weather. The frame  1204  with the first and second legs  1208 ,  1209  disconnected from the first and second flap pieces  1205 ,  1206  is shown in  FIG. 15 . Alternatively, the vent  17  can be constructed so that the frame  1204  is completely removable from the first side flap piece  1205 , the second side flap piece  1206  and the top flap piece  1207 . Optionally, after collapsing the top flap piece  1207 , the top flap piece  1207  can further be secured to the vent body  90  using hook and loop fasteners or any fastening methods known in the art. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the vent  17  is a separate and distinct piece from the tarp body  18  to allow for the vent  17  to be installed after a storage cover  10  is deployed. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the vent  17  is comprised of a solid vent body  90  wherein a flap  1101  is attached to the top of the vent body  90  at the flap seam  1102 . The flap  1101  can be connected to the vent body  90  at the flap seam  1102  by sewing, gluing, heat sealing or using other attachment methods known in the art. As with the previously described embodiments, the flap  1101  can be in the rolled-up position or the rolled-down position.  FIG. 16  shows the flap  1101  partially rolled-up. Additionally a method of securing the flap  1101  in the rolled-up position (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, zippers, grommets and zip-ties, etc.) may also be utilized. 
     The vent  17  may further comprise a flap fastener  1108  along the perimeter of the vent body  90  and along the perimeter of the underside of the flap  1101  so that the flap  1101  may be removably attached to the vent body  90  if desired. The flap fastener  1108  may comprise hook and loop fasteners, zippers, grommets and zip-ties, or other fastening methods known in the art. The vent  17  may also utilize ropes  1104  to divert rain, moisture and other weather away from the vent opening  92 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , a length of rope  1104  can be placed (by either attaching to the vent body  90  or embedding it within or under the vent body  90 ) substantially parallel to the side edges of the vent body  90  to divert rain away from the center of the vent  17  and keep moisture out of the particulate pile. 
     This embodiment of the vent  17  may further comprise a mesh layer  94 . In this particular embodiment the mesh layer  94  is removably attached over the solid vent body  90  (in contrast to a previously described embodiment, the vent  17  of this embodiment does not comprise a vent opening  92  until after it is attached to the storage cover  10 , as is described in detail below). The configuration of this embodiment allows the vent  17  to be more easily installed on an already deployed storage cover  10 , as is described in detail below. 
       FIG. 17  shows the mesh layer  94  partially detached to expose the vent body  90  underneath. The vent  17  may further comprise mesh fasteners  1701  secured to the perimeter of the underside of the mesh layer  94  and to the vent body  90  so that the mesh layer  94  may be attached to or detached from the vent body  90 . The mesh fasteners  1701  may comprise hook and loop fasteners, zippers, grommets and zip-ties, or other fastening methods known in the art. 
     Method of Installing the Ventilation System 
     In one method of installing a vent  17  of the present invention (wherein the vent  17  is comprised of the vent body  90  enclosing the vent opening  92  and any vent flaps  1101  or frame  1204 ), the vent  17  is taken to the approximate location on the storage cover  10  where the vent  17  is to be installed. An opening of approximately the same shape, but a smaller area, as the vent body  90 , is then cut out of the tarp body  18 . The vent  17  is then placed either on top of or underneath the newly created opening so that perimeter of the vent body  90  can be attached to the inner edge of the newly created opening, and thereby creating a vent seam  1002  around the perimeter of the vent body  90  that connects the vent body  90  to the tarp body  18 . This attachment can be performed by sewing, gluing, heat sealing or any other attachment method known in the art. The attachment of a vent  17  to the tarp body  18  is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     In another method of installing a vent  17  of the present invention, the vent opening  92  is created by cutting an opening out of the tarp body  18  using scissors, a knife or any other cutting device. In this situation, the tarp body  18  and the vent body  90  are one in the same. The flap  1101  (and to the extent desired, ropes  1104  and flap fatteners  1108 ) is then attached to the area of the tarp body  18  surrounding the newly created vent opening  92  by sewing, gluing, heat sealing or using any other attachment method known in the art. If a mesh layer  94  is desired, the mesh layer  94  is attached to the newly created vent opening  92 . 
       FIGS. 18-27  depict yet another method of installing a vent  17 . This method may utilize the vent  17  embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . We speculate that the vent  17  embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  will allow for easier installation of a vent  17  on an already deployed storage cover  10 . However, the embodiment of  FIGS. 16 and 17  may be used in connection with a storage cover  10  that has not already been deployed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , a vent  17  having the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17  is utilized. Then, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the vent  17  is placed on top of the tarp body  18  at the location where ventilation is desired. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the edges of the vent body  90  are attached to the tarp body  18  using tape  2001  such as 4 inch wide cross linked butyl, polyethylene backed tape (alternatively, the edges of the vent body  90  can be attached to the tarp body  18  by sewing, gluing, heat sealing or using any other attachment method known in the art).  FIG. 21  depicts the vent  17  attached using tape  2001  to the tarp body  18 . Optionally, it may be desirable to also utilize double sided tape along the perimeter of the underside of the vent body  90  to further secure the vent body  90  to the tarp body  90 . 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the flap  1101  is lifted to expose the mesh layer  94  underneath.  FIG. 23  shows the flap  1101  in the fully rolled-up position to fully expose the mesh layer  94 . The mesh layer  94  is then detached to expose the vent body  90  underneath. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 26 , a portion of the vent body  90  is cut away, using scissors, a knife or any other cutting device known in the art, to create a vent opening  92 . The vent body  90  may be cut to create a vent opening  92  in various shapes or sizes. However, we speculate that it will be advantageous to remove as much of the vent body  90  located inside the mesh fasteners  1701  as possible, as this will allow the maximum amount of ventilation through the vent opening  92 . Then, the portion of tarp body  18  that is exposed through the vent opening  92  is also cut out to expose the particulate to the atmosphere and allow ventilation. The portions of the vent body  90  and tarp body  18  that have been cut out may then be discarded. 
     After the vent opening  92  is created and the desired portion of the tarp body  18  removed, the mesh layer  94  may be reattached to the vent  17  via the mesh fasteners  1701  so that the mesh layer  94  fully covers the vent opening  92 , thus keeping the particulate material from escaping out of the vent opening  92  of the storage cover  10 . The flap  1101  may then be reattached to the vent  17  via the flap fasteners  1108  to prevent rain, moisture and other weather from entering the vent opening  92 . Alternatively, if rain, moisture or other weather is not a concern, the user may decide not to reattached the flap  1101 . 
     We speculate that the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16-17  and installed using the method shown in  FIGS. 18-27 , will be particularly useful when installing a vent  17  within a storage cover  10  that is already deployed. As previously discussed, it is advantageous to install vents  17  near the top of the storage cover  10  to increase the air flow through the height of the particulate pile. However, installing these vents  17  at the top of the deployed storage cover often results in the installation persons be exposed to high winds and inclimate weather during installation. Because the vent  17  is attached first, before removing a portion of the tarp body  10 , it will prevent the user from having to carefully line up the vent  17  so that it correctly aligns with an opening previously made in the tarp body  10 , a task that we speculate would be very difficult in windy conditions or inclimate weather. 
     Additionally, we speculate that the vent  17  embodiment of  FIGS. 16 and 17  wherein the mesh layer  94  and flap  1101  are located above the solid vent body  90  (and thereby the vent body  90  creates a flat, smooth bottom surface) will allow for easier to transportion and placement of the vent  17  at the top of the storage cover  10 . However, in an alternate installation method, the vent opening  92  may be created prior to attaching the vent  17  to the storage cover  10 .