CA2775519A1 - Auxiliary vent cover - Google Patents
Auxiliary vent cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2775519A1 CA2775519A1 CA 2775519 CA2775519A CA2775519A1 CA 2775519 A1 CA2775519 A1 CA 2775519A1 CA 2775519 CA2775519 CA 2775519 CA 2775519 A CA2775519 A CA 2775519A CA 2775519 A1 CA2775519 A1 CA 2775519A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- auxiliary
- vent cover
- frame
- louvers
- cover
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
An auxiliary vent cover is mounted over an existing building vent assembly for keeping small birds and insects out of the vent assembly. The auxiliary vent cover is similar to conventional vent cover, and includes a frame and louvers rotatable in the frame. Openings are provided in the sides and bottom of the frame for venting air from between the covers when the auxiliary louvers are opened by the wind. Ribs on the interior of the sides and bottom of the frame prevent bird or insect access to the space between the vent covers.
Description
AUXILIARY VENT COVER
This invention relates to an auxiliary vent cover for use on a conventional dryer or other vent assembly for venting air and other fluids from a building.
Conventional dryer or household fan vent assemblies include a flexible, accordion duct connected to the dryer or fan, a thin-walled, metal pipe on the outer end of the duct for extending through the wall of a building and a vent cover mounted on the outer end of the metal pipe. The vent cover is usually a molded plastic body carrying a plurality of louvers, which are free to rotate between open and closed positions. When the dryer or fan is operating, the louvers pivot to open positions to discharge air and other fluids from the assembly and, when the dryer or fan is not in operation, the louvers fall back to the closed positions.
It has been found that under some windy conditions the louvers flap open and closed even when the dryer or fan is not operating. Moreover, it is not unusual for the louvers to become stuck in the partly opened position. In the absence of exhaust air pressure, open louvers permit the entry of insects such as bees or wasps and small birds into the vent assembly.
The present invention provides a solution to the above-described problem in the form of an auxiliary vent cover which prevents louver flapping even under strong winds.
In general terms, the vent cover of the present invention includes a frame and louvers which are similar to the frame and louvers of a conventional vent cover. The frame is defined by a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. The top, bottom and side walls flare outwardly and rearwardly from the front wall. The rear edges of at least some of the bottom and side walls have elongated notches extending along almost their entire length. The auxiliary vent cover is larger than a conventional vent cover so that when the auxiliary vent cover is placed over an existing wall-mounted vent cover, there is a space between the covers. A wind sufficiently strong to open the louvers of the outer auxiliary vent cover passes between the bottom and side walls of the two vent covers and is exhausted via the notches. Thus, flapping of the inner, conventional vent cover louvers is prevented.
The invention is described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:
Figure 1 is an exploded, isometric view of a conventional vent cover assembly and the auxiliary vent cover of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the auxiliary vent cover of Fig. 1 as viewed from the rear and one side; and Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the auxiliary vent cover of Figs.
1 and 2 in the use position covering a conventional vent cover.
With reference to Fig. 1, a conventional vent assembly indicated generally at includes a metal pipe 2 and a plastic cover 3 is connected to the outer end of the pipe 2 for mounting the assembly on the wall of a building (not shown). When the assembly is mounted on a wall, the pipe 2 extends through a hole in the wall into the building. A
flexible dryer or fan exhaust duct (not shown) is connected to the inner end 4 of the pipe
This invention relates to an auxiliary vent cover for use on a conventional dryer or other vent assembly for venting air and other fluids from a building.
Conventional dryer or household fan vent assemblies include a flexible, accordion duct connected to the dryer or fan, a thin-walled, metal pipe on the outer end of the duct for extending through the wall of a building and a vent cover mounted on the outer end of the metal pipe. The vent cover is usually a molded plastic body carrying a plurality of louvers, which are free to rotate between open and closed positions. When the dryer or fan is operating, the louvers pivot to open positions to discharge air and other fluids from the assembly and, when the dryer or fan is not in operation, the louvers fall back to the closed positions.
It has been found that under some windy conditions the louvers flap open and closed even when the dryer or fan is not operating. Moreover, it is not unusual for the louvers to become stuck in the partly opened position. In the absence of exhaust air pressure, open louvers permit the entry of insects such as bees or wasps and small birds into the vent assembly.
The present invention provides a solution to the above-described problem in the form of an auxiliary vent cover which prevents louver flapping even under strong winds.
In general terms, the vent cover of the present invention includes a frame and louvers which are similar to the frame and louvers of a conventional vent cover. The frame is defined by a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. The top, bottom and side walls flare outwardly and rearwardly from the front wall. The rear edges of at least some of the bottom and side walls have elongated notches extending along almost their entire length. The auxiliary vent cover is larger than a conventional vent cover so that when the auxiliary vent cover is placed over an existing wall-mounted vent cover, there is a space between the covers. A wind sufficiently strong to open the louvers of the outer auxiliary vent cover passes between the bottom and side walls of the two vent covers and is exhausted via the notches. Thus, flapping of the inner, conventional vent cover louvers is prevented.
The invention is described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:
Figure 1 is an exploded, isometric view of a conventional vent cover assembly and the auxiliary vent cover of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the auxiliary vent cover of Fig. 1 as viewed from the rear and one side; and Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the auxiliary vent cover of Figs.
1 and 2 in the use position covering a conventional vent cover.
With reference to Fig. 1, a conventional vent assembly indicated generally at includes a metal pipe 2 and a plastic cover 3 is connected to the outer end of the pipe 2 for mounting the assembly on the wall of a building (not shown). When the assembly is mounted on a wall, the pipe 2 extends through a hole in the wall into the building. A
flexible dryer or fan exhaust duct (not shown) is connected to the inner end 4 of the pipe
2.
The plastic cover 3 includes a generally rectangular frame 6 with an opening 7 therein. The opening 7 is normally closed by a plurality of louvers 8 pivotally mounted in the frame. When the dryer or fan is in operation, air from the dryer or fan passes through the conduit and the pipe 2, causing the louvers 8 to open for venting the air.
When the dryer or fan stops, the louvers 8 close to prevent birds or insects from entering the cover 3 and the pipe 2.
As mentioned above, the inventor has found that even when the dryer or fan is not operating, when there is a strong wind the louvers 8 flap open and closed.
Each time they close, the louvers 8 make a somewhat loud noise. Moreover, when the louvers 8 are open, insects can enter the cover 3.
The auxiliary vent cover of the present invention which is indicated generally at includes a plastic body 11 defined by a front wall 12, a top wall 13, a bottom wall 14 10 and side walls 15. Holes 16 are provided in the corners of the front wall 12 for receiving screws or other fasteners. As best shown in Fig. 2, the top wall 13, the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 flare outwardly and rearwardly from the front wall 12. A
rectangular frame 17 integral with the body 11 pivotally supports a plurality of louvers 18 for rotation between the open and closed positions illustrated in Figs. 2 and
The plastic cover 3 includes a generally rectangular frame 6 with an opening 7 therein. The opening 7 is normally closed by a plurality of louvers 8 pivotally mounted in the frame. When the dryer or fan is in operation, air from the dryer or fan passes through the conduit and the pipe 2, causing the louvers 8 to open for venting the air.
When the dryer or fan stops, the louvers 8 close to prevent birds or insects from entering the cover 3 and the pipe 2.
As mentioned above, the inventor has found that even when the dryer or fan is not operating, when there is a strong wind the louvers 8 flap open and closed.
Each time they close, the louvers 8 make a somewhat loud noise. Moreover, when the louvers 8 are open, insects can enter the cover 3.
The auxiliary vent cover of the present invention which is indicated generally at includes a plastic body 11 defined by a front wall 12, a top wall 13, a bottom wall 14 10 and side walls 15. Holes 16 are provided in the corners of the front wall 12 for receiving screws or other fasteners. As best shown in Fig. 2, the top wall 13, the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 flare outwardly and rearwardly from the front wall 12. A
rectangular frame 17 integral with the body 11 pivotally supports a plurality of louvers 18 for rotation between the open and closed positions illustrated in Figs. 2 and
3, respectively. The top wall 13 of the body 11 has a straight edge 20 parallel to the front wall 12 for tightly engaging the wall of a building (not shown) on which the vent cover 1 is mounted. An elongated notch 21 is provided in the rear edge of each of the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15. It will be appreciated that the notches could be replaced by slots or other openings in the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15. A
plurality of triangular ribs 23 are provided on the inner surface of each of the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15. The ribs 21 are spaced a short distance apart, for example one eighth inch for preventing insects and small birds entering the vent cover via the grooves 21.
In use, the auxiliary vent cover 10 is mounted on an exterior building wall over the regular vent cover 1. When the dryer or fan is operating, the louvers 8 and 18 open to discharge air from the building. When the dryer or fan is not operating, the louvers 8 and 18 remain in the closed position shown in Fig. 1. As mentioned hereinbefore, under windy conditions when using the vent cover 1 alone, the louvers 8 can flap open and closed. With the auxiliary vent cover 10, even under quite windy conditions, the louvers 8 remain closed. If the wind causes the louvers 18 to open as shown in Fig. 3, the wind passes between the ribs 23 and is discharged through the notches 21 in the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 of the cover 10. In other words, the auxiliary vent cover 10 relieves air pressure on the vent cover 3. Wind from the side or bottom of the auxiliary cover 10 can enter the cover creating pressure on the louvers 8 of the cover 3 and opening the louvers 18 allow air and other fluids to escape from the auxiliary cover.
plurality of triangular ribs 23 are provided on the inner surface of each of the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15. The ribs 21 are spaced a short distance apart, for example one eighth inch for preventing insects and small birds entering the vent cover via the grooves 21.
In use, the auxiliary vent cover 10 is mounted on an exterior building wall over the regular vent cover 1. When the dryer or fan is operating, the louvers 8 and 18 open to discharge air from the building. When the dryer or fan is not operating, the louvers 8 and 18 remain in the closed position shown in Fig. 1. As mentioned hereinbefore, under windy conditions when using the vent cover 1 alone, the louvers 8 can flap open and closed. With the auxiliary vent cover 10, even under quite windy conditions, the louvers 8 remain closed. If the wind causes the louvers 18 to open as shown in Fig. 3, the wind passes between the ribs 23 and is discharged through the notches 21 in the bottom wall 14 and the side walls 15 of the cover 10. In other words, the auxiliary vent cover 10 relieves air pressure on the vent cover 3. Wind from the side or bottom of the auxiliary cover 10 can enter the cover creating pressure on the louvers 8 of the cover 3 and opening the louvers 18 allow air and other fluids to escape from the auxiliary cover.
4
Claims (5)
1. An auxiliary vent cover for use on a primary vent cover of the type including a frame and louvers in the frame rotatable between closed and open positions, the auxiliary vent cover comprising an auxiliary frame for placing over a primary vent cover with a space therebetween, the auxiliary frame having a front wall with an opening therein, a top wall, a bottom wall and side wall; louvers in said auxiliary frame rotatable between open and closed positions; and openings in at least some of said bottom and side walls for discharging fluid from the space between the primary and auxiliary vent covers.
2. The auxiliary vent cover of claim 1, wherein said openings are notches in a rear edge of at least some of said bottom and side walls of the auxiliary frame.
3. The auxiliary vent cover of claim 2, including an elongated notch in each of said bottom and side walls of the auxiliary frame.
4. The auxiliary vent cover of claim 3, including a plurality of spaced apart ribs on inner surfaces of said bottom and side walls of said auxiliary frame for partially blocking access to the space between the cover for impeding or preventing entry of small birds and insects into such space.
5. The auxiliary vent cover of claim 4, wherein the ribs are triangular and parallel to each other.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201161457598P | 2011-04-28 | 2011-04-28 | |
| US61/457,598 | 2011-04-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2775519A1 true CA2775519A1 (en) | 2012-10-28 |
Family
ID=47087771
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2775519 Abandoned CA2775519A1 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2012-04-27 | Auxiliary vent cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2775519A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD925721S1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2021-07-20 | Spectrum Products Llc | Vent extender |
| US11506418B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2022-11-22 | Spectrum Products Llc | Vent extender |
-
2012
- 2012-04-27 CA CA 2775519 patent/CA2775519A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD925721S1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2021-07-20 | Spectrum Products Llc | Vent extender |
| US11506418B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2022-11-22 | Spectrum Products Llc | Vent extender |
| US11953226B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 | 2024-04-09 | Spectrum Products Llc | Vent extender |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20180427 |