CA2385131C - Vent closure flap and method of assembly - Google Patents
Vent closure flap and method of assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2385131C CA2385131C CA2385131A CA2385131A CA2385131C CA 2385131 C CA2385131 C CA 2385131C CA 2385131 A CA2385131 A CA 2385131A CA 2385131 A CA2385131 A CA 2385131A CA 2385131 C CA2385131 C CA 2385131C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- closure flap
- vent closure
- vent
- strip
- assembling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1486—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by bearings, pivots or hinges
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
- F24F2013/146—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with springs
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Exhaust Silencers (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
- Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)
Abstract
A vent closure flap is taught with a spring strip configured to assist the body in resuming the closed position. The spring strip may have a bend to assist the body in resuming the closed position. Stiffening strips perpendicular to the spring strip may be provided. Also provided are methods for assembling a vent closure flap.
Description
Vent Closure Flap and Method of Assembly FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the art of vent closures and methods for assembling same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vent ducts which lead exhaust, such as lint and moisture from clothes dryers or moisture from a bathroom, to the exterior of a building, terminate with a cap or closure assembly which restricts outside air from entering the vent duct.
Generally the duct exits are fitted with either a hinged rigid closure plate or a rubber sheet like flap. These have an open exhaust discharge position and a closed position which relies on gravity for closure. Some hinged closures include costly coil torsion springs to assist flap closure. Other hinged closures are constructed from spring steel, thus requiring separate front and rear faces, and a hinge gap, as discussed in more detail below.
In the winter hinged plates may be prone to freezing due to moisture from exhaust air and low ambient temperatures. As the hinge ages, it may deteriorate due to oxidization. Hinges are also prone to sticking in open or closed positions due to particulate build up from exhaust air, thus allowing outside air into the duct and into the building.
With the use of prior art hinged plates, even a small amount of unwanted matter such as lint can cause problems of vent blockage and/or vent-plate sticking in an open position letting cold air come into the vent line and the building's interior.
Flaps which are made from rubber like materials alone are typically single layer and are prone to tearing at their fixed point due to constantly fluctuating open and closed motion. These flaps tend to flutter like a flag in the wind, transmitting noise into the building. This type of flap also requires a baffle to create a maximum open position which restricts air flow.
Both types of closures thus create noise when closing which can echo back into the building. Also, due to their dependence on gravity and the change in performance due to weathering, both types of vent closures are unreliable and prone to failure.
Failure of these flaps in the open position cause buildings to lose heat, thus reducing thermal efficiency and creating an inlet for noise. Failure of these flaps in a closed position causes moisture buildup. Thus, for example, a blocked duct exhausting from the clothes dryer may allow moisture to trickle back into the dryer or at least prevent the clothes dryer from achieving optimum drying operation. Any of this can cause the homeowner to assume, wrongly, that the dryer's motor and/or heater components needs replacement, and extra service calls are wasted because of the wrong diagnosis as to the cause of clothes not being satisfactorily dried.
Even without the waste and expense of service calls, the homeowner wastefully attempts to correct the problem by repetitive dryer cycles, with a consequent great waste and cost of electricity and/or gas. The temptation for a serviceman to replace motor and/or heater components has no doubt led to needless replacement of parts, and needless service, all of course at the homeowner's expense.
Also, lint buildup can be so extensive in the form of an upstream backup into the interior ductwork, as to cause a fire hazard when the buildup reaches close to the dryer's heater element.
When bathroom, kitchen, or other building exhaust duct plates experience hinge failure, the plate may remain stuck in a closed position, preventing proper exhaust function, or may remain stuck in an open position, thus allowing outside air to travel into the building, which impairs heating, cooling and insulation efforts.
U.S. patent no. 3,292,658 to Scaramucci teaches a check valve with a hinge structure. A reinforcing member made of a flexible material such as nylon or metallic spring serves to increase the tensile strength of the hinge spring means..
The hinge spring means is of a relatively complex circular structure, which increases the cost and chance of failure of the spring, and creates a region receptive to lint or other materials, Which may block the function of the spring.
U.S. patent no. 4,304,265 to Sell teaches a spring-biased flap valve for chemical pumps. Sheet metal like portions provide a spring return of the flap valve.
The design taught by Sell is relatively complex, expensive, and provides a hinge gap which is_receptive_to blockage. The sheet metal portions, extend in length and width along the entire body, and thus add to the expense and weight of the unit. The use of Teflon for the external faces of Sell renders the flap valve noisy, and thus unsuitable for domestic use.
U.S. patent no. 4,449,549 to Weck teaches a shutter device for air conduits. A
rubber elastic lamellae is partly coded on its external surface with plates for reinforcement. Like Scaramucci and Sell, the design of Weck.provides a gap receptive to blockage and impairment of the hinge. Weck does not teach any spring.
. U.S. -patent no. 4,823,836 to Bachmann et al. teaches dampers comprised of three leaf springs for sealing. As with the reinforcing members of Sell and Scaramucci, the leaf springs of. Bachmann et al. extend the entire length and Width of the closure.
Bachmann et al. does not provide any closure body apart from the leaf springs.
The noise that one would expect with the damper Bachmann et al. renders his design 30- unsuitable for domestic use.
This invention relates generally to the art of vent closures and methods for assembling same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vent ducts which lead exhaust, such as lint and moisture from clothes dryers or moisture from a bathroom, to the exterior of a building, terminate with a cap or closure assembly which restricts outside air from entering the vent duct.
Generally the duct exits are fitted with either a hinged rigid closure plate or a rubber sheet like flap. These have an open exhaust discharge position and a closed position which relies on gravity for closure. Some hinged closures include costly coil torsion springs to assist flap closure. Other hinged closures are constructed from spring steel, thus requiring separate front and rear faces, and a hinge gap, as discussed in more detail below.
In the winter hinged plates may be prone to freezing due to moisture from exhaust air and low ambient temperatures. As the hinge ages, it may deteriorate due to oxidization. Hinges are also prone to sticking in open or closed positions due to particulate build up from exhaust air, thus allowing outside air into the duct and into the building.
With the use of prior art hinged plates, even a small amount of unwanted matter such as lint can cause problems of vent blockage and/or vent-plate sticking in an open position letting cold air come into the vent line and the building's interior.
Flaps which are made from rubber like materials alone are typically single layer and are prone to tearing at their fixed point due to constantly fluctuating open and closed motion. These flaps tend to flutter like a flag in the wind, transmitting noise into the building. This type of flap also requires a baffle to create a maximum open position which restricts air flow.
Both types of closures thus create noise when closing which can echo back into the building. Also, due to their dependence on gravity and the change in performance due to weathering, both types of vent closures are unreliable and prone to failure.
Failure of these flaps in the open position cause buildings to lose heat, thus reducing thermal efficiency and creating an inlet for noise. Failure of these flaps in a closed position causes moisture buildup. Thus, for example, a blocked duct exhausting from the clothes dryer may allow moisture to trickle back into the dryer or at least prevent the clothes dryer from achieving optimum drying operation. Any of this can cause the homeowner to assume, wrongly, that the dryer's motor and/or heater components needs replacement, and extra service calls are wasted because of the wrong diagnosis as to the cause of clothes not being satisfactorily dried.
Even without the waste and expense of service calls, the homeowner wastefully attempts to correct the problem by repetitive dryer cycles, with a consequent great waste and cost of electricity and/or gas. The temptation for a serviceman to replace motor and/or heater components has no doubt led to needless replacement of parts, and needless service, all of course at the homeowner's expense.
Also, lint buildup can be so extensive in the form of an upstream backup into the interior ductwork, as to cause a fire hazard when the buildup reaches close to the dryer's heater element.
When bathroom, kitchen, or other building exhaust duct plates experience hinge failure, the plate may remain stuck in a closed position, preventing proper exhaust function, or may remain stuck in an open position, thus allowing outside air to travel into the building, which impairs heating, cooling and insulation efforts.
U.S. patent no. 3,292,658 to Scaramucci teaches a check valve with a hinge structure. A reinforcing member made of a flexible material such as nylon or metallic spring serves to increase the tensile strength of the hinge spring means..
The hinge spring means is of a relatively complex circular structure, which increases the cost and chance of failure of the spring, and creates a region receptive to lint or other materials, Which may block the function of the spring.
U.S. patent no. 4,304,265 to Sell teaches a spring-biased flap valve for chemical pumps. Sheet metal like portions provide a spring return of the flap valve.
The design taught by Sell is relatively complex, expensive, and provides a hinge gap which is_receptive_to blockage. The sheet metal portions, extend in length and width along the entire body, and thus add to the expense and weight of the unit. The use of Teflon for the external faces of Sell renders the flap valve noisy, and thus unsuitable for domestic use.
U.S. patent no. 4,449,549 to Weck teaches a shutter device for air conduits. A
rubber elastic lamellae is partly coded on its external surface with plates for reinforcement. Like Scaramucci and Sell, the design of Weck.provides a gap receptive to blockage and impairment of the hinge. Weck does not teach any spring.
. U.S. -patent no. 4,823,836 to Bachmann et al. teaches dampers comprised of three leaf springs for sealing. As with the reinforcing members of Sell and Scaramucci, the leaf springs of. Bachmann et al. extend the entire length and Width of the closure.
Bachmann et al. does not provide any closure body apart from the leaf springs.
The noise that one would expect with the damper Bachmann et al. renders his design 30- unsuitable for domestic use.
U.S. patent no. 5,355,910 to Gies et al. teaches a two layered flap. Gies et al. does not teach any spring. Gies et al. provides a hinge gap, which is vulnerable to blockage and thus impairment of function.
U.S. patent no. 5,194,038 to Klomhaus et al. similarly teaches a one way air valve, without a spring. Also like Gies et al., Klomhaus et al. teaches a spring design having a gap which is vulnerable to blockage and thus impairment of function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a vent flap and method is provided which addresses the problems inherent in conventional vent flap assemblies. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vent closure flap comprises a body configured for attachment to a proximal side of a vent outlet, the body extending lengthwise from the proximal side to a distal side, wherein a spring strip is configured to assist the body in resuming the closed position.
The body is configured to assume a closed position in an absence of exhaust pressure, assume an open or partially open position during exhaust pressure, and resume the closed position upon removal of exhaust pressure.
The spring strip may have a bend to assist the body in resuming the closed position.
The spring may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material. In an embodiment, the spring extends from the proximal side to a distal side of the vent closure flap.
In another embodiment, the invention further provides a stiffening strip. The stiffening strip may be perpendicular to the body. A stiffening strip may be located at the distal side of the body. A stiffening strip may be located at the proximal end of the body.
The body may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
The stiffening strip may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material. The body may be flexible.
The invention also provides methods for assembling vent closure flaps of the present invention, comprising configuring a flexible body to be sized to cover a vent outlet.
A method may comprise: (a) configuring a flexible body to twice a size required to cover a vent outlet; (b) applying an adhesive to an inner face of the body;
and (c) folding the body along a center line to form a body configured to a size required to cover a vent outlet.
In a further embodiment, the method for assembling a vent closure flap further comprises affixing a spring strip lengthwise along the body. The method may further comprise bending the spring strip to assist the body in resuming a closed position.
The method may further comprise affixing a stiffening strip perpendicular on the body. A stiffening strip may be affixed at a distal side of the body. A
stiffening strip may be affixed at a proximal end of the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is side view of a vent box and closure plate of the prior art;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of a closure flap of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a partial breakaway view of a closure flap of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention provides a novel and advantageous flexible vent duct flap.
As shown in prior art Figure 1, the vent duct 34 is typically one which leads exhaust substance from associated equipment such as a clothes dryer interior of a building wall 36, for venting discharge to the exterior of the wall 36.
Conventionally, the vent duct outlet 32 is connected to and extends outwardly of the wall 36, and the outlet 32 has a movable closure plate 38, the plate 38 being movably supported by hinge 39 between a substance-discharge position 40, which permits the exhaust substance to be discharged through the vent duct outlet 32, and a closed (vertical) position (not shown) against the outlet 32's mounting panel 41, providing a loosely held closure of the vent duct outlet 32.
A protective termination box 30 is shown, comprising an enclosure formed by panel means having one or more openings sized to block entry from the wall 36;
exterior, inwardly toward the associated clothes dryer equipment, of matter of any size significantly larger than the particles of exhaust substance (typically small lint fragments and moisture condensate) for which the box 30 is provided.
Other hinged vent plates of the prior art are known. For example, where the duct exhaust opening is essentially circular in cross-section, a circular vent plate with a hinge running through its center line and moveably attaching the plate to the duct exhaust opening is know.
The vent flap of the present invention protects a vent duct of a type which leads exhaust substance such as lint and moisture being conveyed from a clothes dryer, kitchen, bathroom or building generally, for venting discharge to the exterior of a building's wall, the vent duct outlet having a movable closure flap which can flexibly move from a substance-discharge position and a closed position.
The present invention as shown in exploded Figure 2 and partial breakaway Figure 3. Closure flap 10 comprises a folded body for which can be made of neoprene or any rubber like substance. Inserted within the folded body is an upper stiffening strip 12 and a lower stiffening strip 13, which facilitate a seal on the duct when the flap is closed. Also enclosed in the folded main body is spring strip 14.
Spring strip 14 is located medially and lengthwise in relation to body 20. "Strip" is used herein to refer to a long narrow piece, by which is meant the strip is substantially the length of the body and is significantly narrower in width than the body. Spring strip 14 has a bend 16 which facilitates complete closure of the flap.
The top 18 of the flap is fixed above the duct opening to the exterior by any conventional means (not shown) such as a metal strip screwed, spot welded, or otherwise fixed over top 18.
The main body 20 may be constructed from any materials which meet the application requirements for restriction of flow (exhaust air or granular solids). The body material may be neoprene for non-corrosive air exhaust. Other materials, including EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, or polycarbonate sheet (for high impact application, granular solids) may be used. Construction materials are not limited to the listed materials.
In production, the main body 20 may be cut to twice the desired finished length.
Adhesive is applied, generally by spray, to inner face 22. Brush or roller applied adhesives or tapes (including double sided tape), or other fasteners known in the art may be used. Adhesive is selected per application for suitability with construction materials and resistance to low/ high temperature variance.
After adhesive is applied to the inner face 22, the components are positioned, and the main body 20 is completed by folding along its half along fold line 24 and compressed with a light weight roller. The adhesive covered inner face 22 can bond instantly and the finished assembly may be immediately put into service.
The pre-stressed spring strip 14 may be constructed from tempered steel,'stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys or polymer material. Stiffening strips 12, 13, may be constructed from any rigid material, usually but not limited to, light gauge sheet metal. Two pieces, upper strip 12 and lower strip 13, are sufficient for most applications, but more may be added if required. These strips 12, 13, are added to maintain the shape of the body 20.
In some cases, the main body material alone may provide sufficient flexibility and memory resilience that the pre-stressed spring strip 14 and/ or stiffening springs 12, 13 need not be installed.
The use of a spring strip in place of a hinge renders the product free of the risks associated with hinge freeze up or obstruction, discussed above. The use of a softer, flexible rubber like main body in place of a hard plastic body provides for a gentler opening and closing action, lower noise and improved durability. The configuration of the spring strip and the stiffening strips provides for a excellent seal when there is no exhaust pressure. The invention provides all the benefits associated with spring steel hinges while minimizing the quantity of spring steel required to be used, thus minimizing cost and product weight.
The present invention also has the benefit of being simple in design and construction. The present invention provides further benefits over the prior art, which should be considered, both as to their individual benefit, and to what may be 'considered to be also their synergistic benefit toward the invention as a whole. Such features include:
(a) Easy to use and to install;
(b) Certainty as to operation and protective effects;
(c) Economical assembly and installation;
(d) No adverse effect on exhaust duct or flap-closure operability;
(e) Virtually problem free once installed;
(f) Long lasting, with minimal or no maintenance;
(g) Factory installed or sold separately as a replacement piece;
(h) Does not rely on gravity for closure - may be installed in any orientation;
(i) Rubber-like body retains temperature, thus there is less condensation, and less risk of freeze-up;
(j) Spring assistance provides constant back pressure;
(k) Movement of flap is proportional to exhaust pressure - no cyclic loading/
unloading of pressure and thus no cyclic loading/ unloading of fan motor, resulting in greater efficiency;
(I) The spring strip is enclosed in a water tight and air tight assembly, and not subject to corrosion;
(m) Withstands weathering;
(n) Quiet in operation; and (o) Provides spring action with minimal use of spring steel materials.
Thus, it will be appreciated that as a result of the present invention, a highly effective improved vent closure flap and method, are provided by which the principle objective, among others, is completely fulfilled. It is contemplated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the preceding description and accompanying drawings, that modifications and/or changes may be made in the illustrated embodiments without departure from the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit and scope of the present invention be determined by reference to the appended claims.
U.S. patent no. 5,194,038 to Klomhaus et al. similarly teaches a one way air valve, without a spring. Also like Gies et al., Klomhaus et al. teaches a spring design having a gap which is vulnerable to blockage and thus impairment of function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a vent flap and method is provided which addresses the problems inherent in conventional vent flap assemblies. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vent closure flap comprises a body configured for attachment to a proximal side of a vent outlet, the body extending lengthwise from the proximal side to a distal side, wherein a spring strip is configured to assist the body in resuming the closed position.
The body is configured to assume a closed position in an absence of exhaust pressure, assume an open or partially open position during exhaust pressure, and resume the closed position upon removal of exhaust pressure.
The spring strip may have a bend to assist the body in resuming the closed position.
The spring may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material. In an embodiment, the spring extends from the proximal side to a distal side of the vent closure flap.
In another embodiment, the invention further provides a stiffening strip. The stiffening strip may be perpendicular to the body. A stiffening strip may be located at the distal side of the body. A stiffening strip may be located at the proximal end of the body.
The body may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
The stiffening strip may be constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material. The body may be flexible.
The invention also provides methods for assembling vent closure flaps of the present invention, comprising configuring a flexible body to be sized to cover a vent outlet.
A method may comprise: (a) configuring a flexible body to twice a size required to cover a vent outlet; (b) applying an adhesive to an inner face of the body;
and (c) folding the body along a center line to form a body configured to a size required to cover a vent outlet.
In a further embodiment, the method for assembling a vent closure flap further comprises affixing a spring strip lengthwise along the body. The method may further comprise bending the spring strip to assist the body in resuming a closed position.
The method may further comprise affixing a stiffening strip perpendicular on the body. A stiffening strip may be affixed at a distal side of the body. A
stiffening strip may be affixed at a proximal end of the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is side view of a vent box and closure plate of the prior art;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of a closure flap of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a partial breakaway view of a closure flap of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention provides a novel and advantageous flexible vent duct flap.
As shown in prior art Figure 1, the vent duct 34 is typically one which leads exhaust substance from associated equipment such as a clothes dryer interior of a building wall 36, for venting discharge to the exterior of the wall 36.
Conventionally, the vent duct outlet 32 is connected to and extends outwardly of the wall 36, and the outlet 32 has a movable closure plate 38, the plate 38 being movably supported by hinge 39 between a substance-discharge position 40, which permits the exhaust substance to be discharged through the vent duct outlet 32, and a closed (vertical) position (not shown) against the outlet 32's mounting panel 41, providing a loosely held closure of the vent duct outlet 32.
A protective termination box 30 is shown, comprising an enclosure formed by panel means having one or more openings sized to block entry from the wall 36;
exterior, inwardly toward the associated clothes dryer equipment, of matter of any size significantly larger than the particles of exhaust substance (typically small lint fragments and moisture condensate) for which the box 30 is provided.
Other hinged vent plates of the prior art are known. For example, where the duct exhaust opening is essentially circular in cross-section, a circular vent plate with a hinge running through its center line and moveably attaching the plate to the duct exhaust opening is know.
The vent flap of the present invention protects a vent duct of a type which leads exhaust substance such as lint and moisture being conveyed from a clothes dryer, kitchen, bathroom or building generally, for venting discharge to the exterior of a building's wall, the vent duct outlet having a movable closure flap which can flexibly move from a substance-discharge position and a closed position.
The present invention as shown in exploded Figure 2 and partial breakaway Figure 3. Closure flap 10 comprises a folded body for which can be made of neoprene or any rubber like substance. Inserted within the folded body is an upper stiffening strip 12 and a lower stiffening strip 13, which facilitate a seal on the duct when the flap is closed. Also enclosed in the folded main body is spring strip 14.
Spring strip 14 is located medially and lengthwise in relation to body 20. "Strip" is used herein to refer to a long narrow piece, by which is meant the strip is substantially the length of the body and is significantly narrower in width than the body. Spring strip 14 has a bend 16 which facilitates complete closure of the flap.
The top 18 of the flap is fixed above the duct opening to the exterior by any conventional means (not shown) such as a metal strip screwed, spot welded, or otherwise fixed over top 18.
The main body 20 may be constructed from any materials which meet the application requirements for restriction of flow (exhaust air or granular solids). The body material may be neoprene for non-corrosive air exhaust. Other materials, including EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, or polycarbonate sheet (for high impact application, granular solids) may be used. Construction materials are not limited to the listed materials.
In production, the main body 20 may be cut to twice the desired finished length.
Adhesive is applied, generally by spray, to inner face 22. Brush or roller applied adhesives or tapes (including double sided tape), or other fasteners known in the art may be used. Adhesive is selected per application for suitability with construction materials and resistance to low/ high temperature variance.
After adhesive is applied to the inner face 22, the components are positioned, and the main body 20 is completed by folding along its half along fold line 24 and compressed with a light weight roller. The adhesive covered inner face 22 can bond instantly and the finished assembly may be immediately put into service.
The pre-stressed spring strip 14 may be constructed from tempered steel,'stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys or polymer material. Stiffening strips 12, 13, may be constructed from any rigid material, usually but not limited to, light gauge sheet metal. Two pieces, upper strip 12 and lower strip 13, are sufficient for most applications, but more may be added if required. These strips 12, 13, are added to maintain the shape of the body 20.
In some cases, the main body material alone may provide sufficient flexibility and memory resilience that the pre-stressed spring strip 14 and/ or stiffening springs 12, 13 need not be installed.
The use of a spring strip in place of a hinge renders the product free of the risks associated with hinge freeze up or obstruction, discussed above. The use of a softer, flexible rubber like main body in place of a hard plastic body provides for a gentler opening and closing action, lower noise and improved durability. The configuration of the spring strip and the stiffening strips provides for a excellent seal when there is no exhaust pressure. The invention provides all the benefits associated with spring steel hinges while minimizing the quantity of spring steel required to be used, thus minimizing cost and product weight.
The present invention also has the benefit of being simple in design and construction. The present invention provides further benefits over the prior art, which should be considered, both as to their individual benefit, and to what may be 'considered to be also their synergistic benefit toward the invention as a whole. Such features include:
(a) Easy to use and to install;
(b) Certainty as to operation and protective effects;
(c) Economical assembly and installation;
(d) No adverse effect on exhaust duct or flap-closure operability;
(e) Virtually problem free once installed;
(f) Long lasting, with minimal or no maintenance;
(g) Factory installed or sold separately as a replacement piece;
(h) Does not rely on gravity for closure - may be installed in any orientation;
(i) Rubber-like body retains temperature, thus there is less condensation, and less risk of freeze-up;
(j) Spring assistance provides constant back pressure;
(k) Movement of flap is proportional to exhaust pressure - no cyclic loading/
unloading of pressure and thus no cyclic loading/ unloading of fan motor, resulting in greater efficiency;
(I) The spring strip is enclosed in a water tight and air tight assembly, and not subject to corrosion;
(m) Withstands weathering;
(n) Quiet in operation; and (o) Provides spring action with minimal use of spring steel materials.
Thus, it will be appreciated that as a result of the present invention, a highly effective improved vent closure flap and method, are provided by which the principle objective, among others, is completely fulfilled. It is contemplated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the preceding description and accompanying drawings, that modifications and/or changes may be made in the illustrated embodiments without departure from the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments only, not limiting, and that the true spirit and scope of the present invention be determined by reference to the appended claims.
Claims (36)
1. A vent closure flap comprising a body configured for attachment to a proximal side of a vent outlet, said body extending lengthwise from said proximal side to a distal side of the vent outlet, and a spring strip configured to assist said body in reassuming said closed position, said spring strip extending from a proximal side of said body to a distal side of said body, wherein the folded body is configured to assume via the spring strip the closed position in an absence of the exhaust pressure, and assume the open or partially open position in the presence of the exhaust pressure, and reassume the closed position upon removal of the exhaust pressure.
2. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body comprises a flexible material.
3. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said spring strip has a bend to assist said body in reassuming said closed position.
4. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said spring strip is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
5. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a stiffening strip disposed perpendicular to said spring strip on said body.
6. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 5, wherein said stiffening strip is a first stiffening strip located at said distal side of said body.
7. The vent closure flap as claimed in claims 6, wherein said vent closure flap further comprises a second stiffening strip located at said proximal side of said body.
8. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said body is constructed from a material selected from neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
9. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein said stiffening strip(s) is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
10. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said spring strip is located substantially parallel to a transverse axis bisecting said body.
11. A vent closure flap comprising a flexible body configured for attachment to a proximal side of a vent outlet, said body extending continuously lengthwise from said proximal side to a distal side of the vent outlet, and a spring strip configured to assist said body in reassuming said closed position, said spring strip extending from a proximal side of said body to a distal side of said body, wherein the folded body is configured to assume via the spring strip the closed position in an absence of the exhaust pressure, and assume an open or partially open position in the presence of the exhaust pressure, and reassume the closed position upon removal of the exhaust pressure.
12. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 11, wherein said body comprises a flexible material.
13. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said spring strip has a bend to assist said body in reassuming said closed position.
14. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said spring strip is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material
15. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a stiffening strip disposed perpendicular to said spring strip on said body.
16. The vent closure flap as claimed in claim 15, wherein said stiffening strip is a first stiffening strip located at said distal side of said body.
17. The vent closure flap as claimed in claims 16, wherein said vent closure flap further comprises a second stiffening strip located at said proximal side of said body.
18. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein said body is constructed from a material selected from neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
19. The vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein said stiffening strip(s) is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
20. A method for assembling a vent closure flap comprising:
(a) forming a body to be sized for covering a vent outlet; and (b) affixing a spring strip lengthwise along said body.
(a) forming a body to be sized for covering a vent outlet; and (b) affixing a spring strip lengthwise along said body.
21. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 20, further comprising bending said spring strip to assist said body in reassuming a closed position relative to a vent duct outlet.
22. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 21, further comprising affixing a first stiffening strip on said body.
23. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 22, further comprising affixing said first stiffening strip at a distal side of said body and perpendicular to said spring strip.
24. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 22, further comprising affixing a second stiffening strip at a proximal end of said body and perpendicular to said spring strip.
25. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein said spring strip is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
26. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein said stiffening strip is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
27. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein said body is constructed from a material selected from neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
28. A method for assembling a vent closure flap comprising:
(a) forming a flexible body to at least twice a size required to cover a vent outlet;
(b) applying an adhesive to an inner face of said body;
(c) folding said body along a center line to form a body configured to a size required to cover said vent outlet; and (d) affixing a spring strip lengthwise along said body.
(a) forming a flexible body to at least twice a size required to cover a vent outlet;
(b) applying an adhesive to an inner face of said body;
(c) folding said body along a center line to form a body configured to a size required to cover said vent outlet; and (d) affixing a spring strip lengthwise along said body.
29. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 28, further comprising bending said spring strip to assist said body in reassuming a closed position relative to a vent duct outlet.
30. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 29, further comprising affixing a first stiffening strip on said body.
31. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 30, wherein said first stiffening strip is affixed at a distal side of said body and perpendicular to said spring strip.
32. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in claim 31, further comprising affixing a second stiffening strip at a proximal end of said body and perpendicular to said spring strip.
33. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein said spring strip is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
34. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein said stiffening strip is constructed from a material selected from tempered steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, metal alloys and polymer material.
35. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein said body is constructed from a material selected from neoprene, EPDM, SBR, cross-linked polyethelyne, microcellular urethane, solid rubber, open cell polyurethane foam, copolyester, acetate, and polycarbonate sheet.
36. A method for assembling a vent closure flap as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein said spring strip is positioned substantially parallel to a transverse axis bisecting said body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2385131A CA2385131C (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2002-05-07 | Vent closure flap and method of assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2385131A CA2385131C (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2002-05-07 | Vent closure flap and method of assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2385131A1 CA2385131A1 (en) | 2003-11-07 |
| CA2385131C true CA2385131C (en) | 2012-04-24 |
Family
ID=29410085
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2385131A Expired - Lifetime CA2385131C (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2002-05-07 | Vent closure flap and method of assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2385131C (en) |
-
2002
- 2002-05-07 CA CA2385131A patent/CA2385131C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2385131A1 (en) | 2003-11-07 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20220509 |