CA2719848A1 - Soffit ventilation system and apparatus with fire suppression means - Google Patents
Soffit ventilation system and apparatus with fire suppression means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2719848A1 CA2719848A1 CA2719848A CA2719848A CA2719848A1 CA 2719848 A1 CA2719848 A1 CA 2719848A1 CA 2719848 A CA2719848 A CA 2719848A CA 2719848 A CA2719848 A CA 2719848A CA 2719848 A1 CA2719848 A1 CA 2719848A1
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- Prior art keywords
- soffit
- vent
- ventilation apparatus
- area
- closure mechanism
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- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 230000001629 suppression Effects 0.000 title description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000009435 building construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001186 cumulative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003195 fascia Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage ; Sky-lights
- E04D13/15—Trimming strips; Edge strips; Fascias; Expansion joints for roofs
- E04D13/152—Trimming strips; Edge strips; Fascias; Expansion joints for roofs with ventilating means in soffits or fascias
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
- A62C2/06—Physical fire-barriers
- A62C2/12—Hinged dampers
- A62C2/14—Hinged dampers with two or more blades
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
- F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
- F24F11/76—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by means responsive to temperature, e.g. bimetal springs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F7/00—Ventilation
- F24F7/02—Roof ventilation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
- F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
- F24F11/33—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to fire, excessive heat or smoke
- F24F11/35—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to fire, excessive heat or smoke by closing air passages
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
In one aspect, a soffit ventilation apparatus is provided. The soffit ventilation apparatus comprises a soffit panel member portion, at least one vent opening through the soffit panel member portion; and a vent closure mechanism which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire, flames or heat.
The vent closure mechanism is in a normally open position providing ventilation through the at least one vent opening. When actuated, the vent closure mechanism moves to a closed position and closes the at least one vent opening. A system aspect is also provided.
The vent closure mechanism is in a normally open position providing ventilation through the at least one vent opening. When actuated, the vent closure mechanism moves to a closed position and closes the at least one vent opening. A system aspect is also provided.
Description
"SOFFIT VENTILATION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS WITH FIRE
SUPPRESSION MEANS"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to soffit ventilation assemblies and, in a preferred embodiment, provides a soffit vent assembly with a fire suppression means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In architecture, the underside of a structural component, such as a beam, arch, staircase, or cornice is often referred to as a soffit. In building construction the underside of a roof eave, i.e. the material forming a ceiling from the top of an exterior house wall to the outer edge of the roof, is likewise referred to as the soffit. Soffit material is typically screwed or nailed to rafters known as lookout rafters or lookouts for short. Soffit exposure profile (from wall to fascia) on a building's exterior can vary from a few inches to three feet or more, depending on construction. It can be non-ventilated or ventilated.
Soffit ventilation may be provided by fenestrating the soffit panels with a pattern of small openings such as holes or slots to enable breathing through said soffit, as is illustrated in Figure 1. Some examples of perforate and/or foraminous soffit panels for ventilation are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,086--Dunn; U.S.
Pat.
No. 5,937,592--Tamlyn; U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,375--Zaccagni; andU.S. Pat. No.
6,026,616--Gibson. These include variations in the material that is used to permit a ventilation flow, differences as to whether the perforate material extends over the whole soffit area or only localized vents, and variations in the shapes of openings, such as holes versus slots.
One advantage of venting the soffit is that of improving air circulation in the attic or other spaces under the roof to thereby significantly reduce cooling costs. Moreover, proper air flow between the soffit area and the attic space is necessary for reducing excess humidity and heat, which have been known to deteriorate roofing and structural components. Poor attic ventilation in colder climates can cause frost and condensation to form on the underside of a roof, thereby adding excess humidity to the attic area. Soffit vents are ideal for drawing cool fresh air into the attic as the hot, humid stale air is exhausted through ridge, gable or turbine vents positioned higher up on the roof.
Recently, however, there has been a movement away from soffit ventilation in the residential housing industry due to concerns about fire safety and the increased risk of attic fires because of the possibility of hot embers or flames entering an attic area through the openings in a soffit vent or the perforations in a soffit panel. Whether there is a concern about wildfires or increased fire risk due to houses being built closer together (sometimes only providing a few feet between the eaves of adjacent roofs), many newer houses are now being build without soffit vents. This is unfortunate because, although the risk of fire spreading across closely spaced adjacent houses is reduced, overall attic ventilation suffers.
What is desired therefore is a novel system and apparatus which provides the benefits of soffit ventilation without the associated risks of fire spreading through such ventilation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a corner portion of a residential building showing the roof, eave, outer wall and a prior art soffit panel ventilated by slotted openings;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a residential building showing the roof, eave, outer walls and a generally solid soffit area which is ventilated by a pair of soffit vent assemblies of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the soffit vent assembly shown in an open (ventilated) position;
Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the soffit vent assembly of Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is cross-section view of the soffit vent assembly of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 and being exposed to a source of heat; and Figure 6 is cross-section view of the soffit vent assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 shown in a closed position.
SUPPRESSION MEANS"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to soffit ventilation assemblies and, in a preferred embodiment, provides a soffit vent assembly with a fire suppression means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In architecture, the underside of a structural component, such as a beam, arch, staircase, or cornice is often referred to as a soffit. In building construction the underside of a roof eave, i.e. the material forming a ceiling from the top of an exterior house wall to the outer edge of the roof, is likewise referred to as the soffit. Soffit material is typically screwed or nailed to rafters known as lookout rafters or lookouts for short. Soffit exposure profile (from wall to fascia) on a building's exterior can vary from a few inches to three feet or more, depending on construction. It can be non-ventilated or ventilated.
Soffit ventilation may be provided by fenestrating the soffit panels with a pattern of small openings such as holes or slots to enable breathing through said soffit, as is illustrated in Figure 1. Some examples of perforate and/or foraminous soffit panels for ventilation are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,086--Dunn; U.S.
Pat.
No. 5,937,592--Tamlyn; U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,375--Zaccagni; andU.S. Pat. No.
6,026,616--Gibson. These include variations in the material that is used to permit a ventilation flow, differences as to whether the perforate material extends over the whole soffit area or only localized vents, and variations in the shapes of openings, such as holes versus slots.
One advantage of venting the soffit is that of improving air circulation in the attic or other spaces under the roof to thereby significantly reduce cooling costs. Moreover, proper air flow between the soffit area and the attic space is necessary for reducing excess humidity and heat, which have been known to deteriorate roofing and structural components. Poor attic ventilation in colder climates can cause frost and condensation to form on the underside of a roof, thereby adding excess humidity to the attic area. Soffit vents are ideal for drawing cool fresh air into the attic as the hot, humid stale air is exhausted through ridge, gable or turbine vents positioned higher up on the roof.
Recently, however, there has been a movement away from soffit ventilation in the residential housing industry due to concerns about fire safety and the increased risk of attic fires because of the possibility of hot embers or flames entering an attic area through the openings in a soffit vent or the perforations in a soffit panel. Whether there is a concern about wildfires or increased fire risk due to houses being built closer together (sometimes only providing a few feet between the eaves of adjacent roofs), many newer houses are now being build without soffit vents. This is unfortunate because, although the risk of fire spreading across closely spaced adjacent houses is reduced, overall attic ventilation suffers.
What is desired therefore is a novel system and apparatus which provides the benefits of soffit ventilation without the associated risks of fire spreading through such ventilation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a corner portion of a residential building showing the roof, eave, outer wall and a prior art soffit panel ventilated by slotted openings;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a residential building showing the roof, eave, outer walls and a generally solid soffit area which is ventilated by a pair of soffit vent assemblies of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the soffit vent assembly shown in an open (ventilated) position;
Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the soffit vent assembly of Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is cross-section view of the soffit vent assembly of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 and being exposed to a source of heat; and Figure 6 is cross-section view of the soffit vent assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 shown in a closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is to be had to Figures 2 - 6 in which identical reference numbers identify similar components.
One embodiment of a soffit vent assembly 10, moveable between an open (ventilated) and a closed (non-ventilated) position, is shown mounted in the soffit area S of a building B (see FIG. 2). With the exception of the soffit vent assemblies 10, and so as to reduce the risk of attic fires being started through the soffit ventilation system, the soffit exposure profile S of the building B is closed and unventilated, preferably by means of solid, non-perforated soffit panel members 14.
Preferably, the solid soffit panel members 14 are made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Soffit vent assembly 10 preferably includes a soffit panel member portion 16 which is of similar or identical dimensions as the solid soffit panel members 14 and does not itself provide for any ventilation. Unlike the soffit panel members 14, however, the soffit panel member portion 16 has at least one vent opening 18 therethrough. Preferably, the soffit panel member portion 16 is made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Preferably, the vent opening 18 is located as illustrated in Figures 2 -6 and the cross-sectional area of the vent opening 18 is at least as much as the cumulative cross-sectional area of the small openings (i.e. the holes or slots) in at least one conventional prior art soffit panels of similar dimensions as the soffit panel member portion 16, so as to provide the same (or greater) amount of ventilation through the soffit vent assembly 10 as would otherwise be provided by a prior art vented soffit panel.
In one preferred embodiment the cross-sectional area of the vent opening 18 is in the range of 19.6 to 38.5 square inches (e.g. the vent opening 18 approximates a 5 to 7 inch diameter circular opening). Even more preferably, soffit panel member portion 16 has a cross-sectional area of 96 square inches (e.g.
approximating a 12 inch by 8 inch rectangle). Yet even more preferably, mounting members 19 are provided to assist in the placement and mounting of the soffit vent assembly 10 within the soffit area S (such as mounting to or between lookout rafters).
Soffit vent assembly 10 further comprises a vent closure mechanism which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire F, flames or heat so as to close the vent opening 18 during instances of fire F and place the vent assembly 10 into the closed position (see FIGS. 5 - 6), thereby preventing the 15 intrusion of embers and flames through the assembly 10 and into the attic of the building B (with the soffit panel member portion 16 and any solid soffit panel members 14 closing off any remaining portions of the soffit area S).
Preferably, vent closure mechanism 20 is made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Vent opening 18 and vent closure mechanism 20 can be provided in 20 various embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, vent opening 18 is comprised of paired semi-circular openings 18a, 18b positioned with their bases adjacent a support bar 22 as more clearly shown in FIGS. 3 - 4 and forming a generally circular vent opening 18. In another embodiment (not shown) vent opening 18 is comprised of paired rectangular openings. In yet another embodiment (also not shown), vent opening 18 is a single rectangular opening.
Preferably, a section of conduit 24 is provided to position vent opening 18 some distance above soffit panel member portion 16 and allow for the vent closure mechanism 20 to be recessed therewithin and thereby be out of view when the soffit vent assembly 10 is positioned in the soffit area S of a building (see FIGS.
2-6). More preferably, support bar 22 and conduit section 24 are made of metal or other fire resistant material. Even more preferably a screen or louver (not shown) is provided to cover the entry to the conduit 22, so as to reduce or eliminate entry of animals or insects into the attic of a building B via the vent openings 18a, 18b while still maintaining airflow and ventilation therethrough.
In the preferred embodiment, vent closure mechanism 20 further comprises paired vent covers 30a, 30b, which are of suitable dimensions (i.e.
substantially semi-circular) to fully cover the paired semi-circular openings 18a, 18b when the soffit vent assembly 10 is in the closed position (see FIG. 6). In the preferred embodiment, vent covers 30a, 30b are pivotally mounted by their bases to the support bar 22 in a conventional manner, as shown in FIGS. 3 - 6, so as to be pivotable between a generally open state (see FIGS. 3 - 5) and a generally closed state (see FIG. 6). In another embodiment (not shown), the paired vent covers are substantially rectangular to fully cover paired rectangular openings. In yet another embodiment (also not shown), a single rectangular vent cover is provided to substantially cover a single rectangular vent opening.
Reference is to be had to Figures 2 - 6 in which identical reference numbers identify similar components.
One embodiment of a soffit vent assembly 10, moveable between an open (ventilated) and a closed (non-ventilated) position, is shown mounted in the soffit area S of a building B (see FIG. 2). With the exception of the soffit vent assemblies 10, and so as to reduce the risk of attic fires being started through the soffit ventilation system, the soffit exposure profile S of the building B is closed and unventilated, preferably by means of solid, non-perforated soffit panel members 14.
Preferably, the solid soffit panel members 14 are made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Soffit vent assembly 10 preferably includes a soffit panel member portion 16 which is of similar or identical dimensions as the solid soffit panel members 14 and does not itself provide for any ventilation. Unlike the soffit panel members 14, however, the soffit panel member portion 16 has at least one vent opening 18 therethrough. Preferably, the soffit panel member portion 16 is made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Preferably, the vent opening 18 is located as illustrated in Figures 2 -6 and the cross-sectional area of the vent opening 18 is at least as much as the cumulative cross-sectional area of the small openings (i.e. the holes or slots) in at least one conventional prior art soffit panels of similar dimensions as the soffit panel member portion 16, so as to provide the same (or greater) amount of ventilation through the soffit vent assembly 10 as would otherwise be provided by a prior art vented soffit panel.
In one preferred embodiment the cross-sectional area of the vent opening 18 is in the range of 19.6 to 38.5 square inches (e.g. the vent opening 18 approximates a 5 to 7 inch diameter circular opening). Even more preferably, soffit panel member portion 16 has a cross-sectional area of 96 square inches (e.g.
approximating a 12 inch by 8 inch rectangle). Yet even more preferably, mounting members 19 are provided to assist in the placement and mounting of the soffit vent assembly 10 within the soffit area S (such as mounting to or between lookout rafters).
Soffit vent assembly 10 further comprises a vent closure mechanism which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire F, flames or heat so as to close the vent opening 18 during instances of fire F and place the vent assembly 10 into the closed position (see FIGS. 5 - 6), thereby preventing the 15 intrusion of embers and flames through the assembly 10 and into the attic of the building B (with the soffit panel member portion 16 and any solid soffit panel members 14 closing off any remaining portions of the soffit area S).
Preferably, vent closure mechanism 20 is made of metal or other fire resistant material.
Vent opening 18 and vent closure mechanism 20 can be provided in 20 various embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, vent opening 18 is comprised of paired semi-circular openings 18a, 18b positioned with their bases adjacent a support bar 22 as more clearly shown in FIGS. 3 - 4 and forming a generally circular vent opening 18. In another embodiment (not shown) vent opening 18 is comprised of paired rectangular openings. In yet another embodiment (also not shown), vent opening 18 is a single rectangular opening.
Preferably, a section of conduit 24 is provided to position vent opening 18 some distance above soffit panel member portion 16 and allow for the vent closure mechanism 20 to be recessed therewithin and thereby be out of view when the soffit vent assembly 10 is positioned in the soffit area S of a building (see FIGS.
2-6). More preferably, support bar 22 and conduit section 24 are made of metal or other fire resistant material. Even more preferably a screen or louver (not shown) is provided to cover the entry to the conduit 22, so as to reduce or eliminate entry of animals or insects into the attic of a building B via the vent openings 18a, 18b while still maintaining airflow and ventilation therethrough.
In the preferred embodiment, vent closure mechanism 20 further comprises paired vent covers 30a, 30b, which are of suitable dimensions (i.e.
substantially semi-circular) to fully cover the paired semi-circular openings 18a, 18b when the soffit vent assembly 10 is in the closed position (see FIG. 6). In the preferred embodiment, vent covers 30a, 30b are pivotally mounted by their bases to the support bar 22 in a conventional manner, as shown in FIGS. 3 - 6, so as to be pivotable between a generally open state (see FIGS. 3 - 5) and a generally closed state (see FIG. 6). In another embodiment (not shown), the paired vent covers are substantially rectangular to fully cover paired rectangular openings. In yet another embodiment (also not shown), a single rectangular vent cover is provided to substantially cover a single rectangular vent opening.
Actuating means is provided to move or actuate the vent closure mechanism 20 from the (normally) open position to the closed position. In the preferred embodiment, actuating means is a tensile member 36, such as a tension coil spring, connected at each end 36a, 36b to one of the vent covers 30a, 30b and across the support bar 22, and a fusible link 38 positioned to keep the vent closure mechanism 20 in the open position. Tensile member 36 functions as a source of stored mechanical energy to actuate the vent closure mechanism 20 to the closed position when the vent assembly 10 is actuated by the presence of fire F, flames or heat (i.e. tensile member 36 will be in a normal, non-stretched condition when vent assembly 10 is in the closed position and in a stretched condition when vent assembly 10 is in the open position). In another embodiment (not shown) and wherein the vent assembly has a single vent opening, tensile member 36 is connected to a single vent cover at one end and to another suitable part of the vent assembly (such as the section of conduit) at its other end.
At least one temperature sensitive fusible link 38 is provided to maintain the vent assembly 10 in a normally opened position during normal (i.e.
non-fire) temperatures, maintain tension within the tensile member 36 and prevent the vent assembly 10 from moving to the closed position. Suitable fusible links, having a "break-apart" temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or greater are manufactured by Elsie Manufacturing of Waterloo, Indiana. In the preferred embodiment, the fusible link 38 is rated to "break-apart" at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, however, depending on the exact type of fire protection sought, higher or lower rated fusible links may be employed.
At least one temperature sensitive fusible link 38 is provided to maintain the vent assembly 10 in a normally opened position during normal (i.e.
non-fire) temperatures, maintain tension within the tensile member 36 and prevent the vent assembly 10 from moving to the closed position. Suitable fusible links, having a "break-apart" temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or greater are manufactured by Elsie Manufacturing of Waterloo, Indiana. In the preferred embodiment, the fusible link 38 is rated to "break-apart" at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, however, depending on the exact type of fire protection sought, higher or lower rated fusible links may be employed.
Preferably an internal shoulder or rim portion 40 is provided within the section of conduit 24 to maintain the vent covers 30a, 30b in the closed position while said covers 30a, 30b remain subjected to the forces of the tensile member 36, thereby keeping the vent assembly 10 in the closed position until manually reset to the open position. In another embodiment (not shown), the shoulder portions are replaced with suitable stops or other means to prevent over-rotation of the vent cover(s) and keep them in a closed position.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, vent assembly 10 is normally in the open position (FIGS. 2 - 5) installed in the soffit area S, thereby providing ventilation to the attic area of a building B through the vent opening 18 only. During fire F conditions (FIG. 6) vent closure mechanism 20 is actuated to place the vent assembly 10 in a closed position (FIG. 6) thereby preventing entry of flames, heat and fire embers through the vent opening. Advantageously, the remainder of the soffit area S is also closed or covered by either the soffit panel member portion 16 or solid soffit panel members 14, likewise preventing or reducing the risk of fire. In case of fire, vent closure mechanisms 20 is actuated by temperature sensitive fusible link 38 breaking apart at the selected temperature (e.g. 165 degrees Fahrenheit) thereby causing the release of stored mechanical energy in the tensile member 36 which pivots the vent covers 30a, 30b to the closed position (see FIG. 6, arrows C) and maintains them in said closed position until manually reset by pivoting the vent covers 30a, 30b back to the open position and replacing the broken fusible link 38 with a new one.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, vent assembly 10 is normally in the open position (FIGS. 2 - 5) installed in the soffit area S, thereby providing ventilation to the attic area of a building B through the vent opening 18 only. During fire F conditions (FIG. 6) vent closure mechanism 20 is actuated to place the vent assembly 10 in a closed position (FIG. 6) thereby preventing entry of flames, heat and fire embers through the vent opening. Advantageously, the remainder of the soffit area S is also closed or covered by either the soffit panel member portion 16 or solid soffit panel members 14, likewise preventing or reducing the risk of fire. In case of fire, vent closure mechanisms 20 is actuated by temperature sensitive fusible link 38 breaking apart at the selected temperature (e.g. 165 degrees Fahrenheit) thereby causing the release of stored mechanical energy in the tensile member 36 which pivots the vent covers 30a, 30b to the closed position (see FIG. 6, arrows C) and maintains them in said closed position until manually reset by pivoting the vent covers 30a, 30b back to the open position and replacing the broken fusible link 38 with a new one.
The vent assemblies 10 advantageously provide ventilation to an attic area of a building B while also providing fire suppression means in case of fire F by being actuated to a closed position when ambient temperatures adjacent the soffit area S reach a predetermined threshold level that is indicative of such fire F
(e.g.
165 degrees Fahrenheit). The use of non-ventilated soffit panels 14 in addition to the vent assemblies 10 in a soffit area reduces the fire risk further while proper ventilation is still possible through the vent opening 18 during normal (non-fire) conditions.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the invention as described herein will be possible without falling outside the scope of the invention.
(e.g.
165 degrees Fahrenheit). The use of non-ventilated soffit panels 14 in addition to the vent assemblies 10 in a soffit area reduces the fire risk further while proper ventilation is still possible through the vent opening 18 during normal (non-fire) conditions.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the invention as described herein will be possible without falling outside the scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A soffit ventilation apparatus, moveable between an open ventilated position and a closed non-ventilated position, comprising:
a soffit panel member portion;
at least one vent opening through the soffit panel member portion; and a vent closure mechanism which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire, flames or heat;
wherein the vent closure mechanism is in a normally open position providing ventilation through the at least one vent opening; and wherein, when actuated, the vent closure mechanism moves to a closed position and closes the at least one vent opening.
a soffit panel member portion;
at least one vent opening through the soffit panel member portion; and a vent closure mechanism which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire, flames or heat;
wherein the vent closure mechanism is in a normally open position providing ventilation through the at least one vent opening; and wherein, when actuated, the vent closure mechanism moves to a closed position and closes the at least one vent opening.
2. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the soffit panel member portion and the vent closure mechanism are made of fire resistant materials.
3. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claims 1 to 2 wherein the cross-sectional area of the at least one vent opening is substantially in the range of 19.6 to 38.5 square inches.
4. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claims 1 to 3 further comprising mounting members to assist in the placement and mounting of the soffit vent assembly within a soffit area.
5. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claims 1 to 4 wherein the vent closure mechanism further comprises:
a support bar positioned substantially within each of the at least one vent openings and dividing each of the at least one vent openings into a set of paired openings;
a plurality of vent covers pivotally mounted to the support bar and pivotable between a normally generally open state and a generally closed state, said vent covers being of suitable dimensions to fully cover said paired openings when moved to the generally closed state; and actuating means which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire, flames or heat to move the plurality of vent covers from the generally open state to the generally closed state.
a support bar positioned substantially within each of the at least one vent openings and dividing each of the at least one vent openings into a set of paired openings;
a plurality of vent covers pivotally mounted to the support bar and pivotable between a normally generally open state and a generally closed state, said vent covers being of suitable dimensions to fully cover said paired openings when moved to the generally closed state; and actuating means which is responsive to, and actuated by, the presence of fire, flames or heat to move the plurality of vent covers from the generally open state to the generally closed state.
6. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 5 wherein the paired openings are generally of semi-circular shape.
7. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 5 wherein the paired openings are generally of rectangular shape.
8. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claims 5 to 7 wherein the actuating means comprise:
a tensile member connected to each of the vent covers and able to actuate the vent closure mechanism to the closed position when the actuating means is actuated; and a fusible link positioned to keep the vent closure mechanism in the open position.
a tensile member connected to each of the vent covers and able to actuate the vent closure mechanism to the closed position when the actuating means is actuated; and a fusible link positioned to keep the vent closure mechanism in the open position.
9. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 8 wherein the tensile member is a tension coil spring.
10. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fusible link has a break-apart temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or greater,
11. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a section of conduit to position vent opening above the soffit panel member portion.
12. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 11 wherein the vent closure mechanism recessed within the section of conduit.
13. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a screen to cover the entry to the section of conduit.
14. The soffit ventilation apparatus of claim 12 further comprising an internal shoulder within the section of conduit.
15. A soffit ventilation system for a soffit area of a building, comprising:
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 1 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 1 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
16. A soffit ventilation system for a soffit area of a building, comprising:
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 5 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 5 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
17. A soffit ventilation system for a soffit area of a building, comprising:
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 8 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 8 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
18. A soffit ventilation system for a soffit area of a building, comprising:
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 11 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
at least one soffit ventilation apparatus according to claim 11 installed in the soffit area; and solid, non-perforated soffit panel members installed in the remaining soffit area.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2719848A CA2719848A1 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2010-11-02 | Soffit ventilation system and apparatus with fire suppression means |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2719848A CA2719848A1 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2010-11-02 | Soffit ventilation system and apparatus with fire suppression means |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2719848A1 true CA2719848A1 (en) | 2012-05-02 |
Family
ID=46020969
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2719848A Abandoned CA2719848A1 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2010-11-02 | Soffit ventilation system and apparatus with fire suppression means |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2719848A1 (en) |
-
2010
- 2010-11-02 CA CA2719848A patent/CA2719848A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20131104 |