GB1604919A

GB1604919A - Ventilator

Info

Publication number: GB1604919A
Application number: GB1150878A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: GREENWOOD AIRVAC VENTILATION
Current assignee: GREENWOOD AIRVAC VENTILATION
Priority date: 1978-03-22
Filing date: 1978-03-22
Publication date: 1981-12-16
Also published as: NL7902263A; FR2420639A1; FR2420639B1; DE2910877A1

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A VENTILATOR (71) We, GREENWOOD AIRVAC VENTI LATION LIMITED, a British Company of P.O.

Box 3, Brookside Industrial Estate, Rustington, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 3LH, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to a ventilator and to a kit of parts for forming a ventilator.

When a ventilator is to be mounted in or on a wall the ventilator can be built integrally into the wall during the construction thereof, or may subsequently be mounted in or on the wall after construction of the wall has been completed. If this latter expedient is to be adopted the bricklayer constructing the wall must leave an aperture in the wall of appropriate dimensions. It is past experience that when bricklayers are instructed to leave apertures of appropriate dimensions in a wall, it is only seldom that the aperture left in the constructed wall have precisely the desired dimensions. Thus if it is proposed to insert previously manufactured ventilators into such openings it is often necessary either to provide packing around the ventilator or to enlarge the aperture before the aperture can accommodate the ventilator.

In order to overcome this particular difficult it has been proposed to provide a kit of parts for forming a ventilator, the kit of parts being manufactured in a factory, and the ventilator being formed, on site, from the kit of parts. In this way various components from the kit of parts may, if necessary, be cut to size when actually forming the ventilator.

The present invention relates to a ventilator of this general type.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a ventilator comprising two substantially vertical louvre support members supporting a substantially horizontally extending louvre member, each said louvre support member including, in an upper region of a substantially vertical portion thereof, a vertical face engaging or immediately adjacent a vertical face of said louvre member, and including means to retain the upper portion of the louvre member in position, and each said support member including a horizontally extending arm which is substantially rigid, said arm terminating in an inclined finger engaging a recess defined by the louvre member, the louvre member and the louvre support member being so dimensioned and shaped that with the louvre member mounted on the louvre support member with said finger engaged in said recess at least one of said members is under stress or tension to ensure a firm joint between the members.

Preferably said finger is downwardly in dined.

Conveniently, the finger may be split longitudinally into two parts which are splayed apart to increase the grip of the finger on the louvre.

Advantageously, said face of the louvre member engages the uppermost region of the vertical portion of the louvre support member and the louvre member also engages a further downwardly inclined finger provided at the uppermost end of the vertical portion of the louvre support member, said uppermost region of the vertical portion and said further finger constituting said means engaging an upper portion of the louvre member.

Conveniently spring-clip or snap-fastener means may be provided to embrace the free ends of the said uppermost downwardly inclined finger and the portion of the louvre adapted to engage said uppermost downwardly inclined finger.

In one embodiment of the invention, an abutment is formed on the surface of said further downwardly inclined finger against which engages the louvre member and a corresponding abutment is formed in this said portion of the louvre member which engages the abutment on the further finger.

In another embodiment of the invention, said louvre supporting member is provided with an additional downwardly inclined finger extending from a point intermediate the ends of the vertical portion, a further recess being defined on the louvre which accommodates this additional downwardly inclined finger. Preferably, this additional downwardly inclined finger and the said recess are provided with inter-engaging detent means.

Conveniently, a channel member may be provided slidingly engaging and retaining the said vertical portion of the louvre support member. Grub or self-tapping screws or the like may be provided which secure the vertical support member in position within the channel. If the louvre support member is formed of engineering plastic, as is preferred, it is preferred that the channel is provided slidingly engaging and retaining a portion of the louvre support member. The expanding type connectors may comprise split spigots integrally formed with the support member which can be snapped into appropriate apertures in the channel.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming a ventilator, said kit of parts comprising a plurality of louvre support members, and at least one louvre member, each said louvre support member including in a region thereof which is, in use, an upper region of a substantially vertical portion thereof, a vertical face to engage or lie immediately adjacent a vertical face of the louvre member, and including means to retain the upper portion of the louvre member in position the support member also including an arm which, in use, extends horizontally, said arm being substantially rigid and terminating in an inclined finger adapted to engage a recess defined by the louvre member, the louvre member and louvre support member being so dimensioned and shaped that when the louvre member is mounted on the louvre support member with said finger engaged in said recess at least one of the members is under stress or tension to ensure a firm joint between the members.

Preferably the kit of parts also comprises a channel adapted to accommodate the louvre support members, and conveniently the channel, the louvre support members and the louvres are all formed as extrusions of a material such as aluminium, but the louvre support members may be formed of engineering plastics material.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ventilator in accordance with the invention; Figures 24 are enlarged side elevational views of parts of the ventilator of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of a second embodiment of a ventilator; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a part of the ventilator of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of a support for use in another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8 shows part of a modified support.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, one embodiment of a ventilator in accordance with the present invention comprises two channel members 1, 2, which may be extruded from aluminium or the like, the channel members being adapted to be secured to a wall with their longitudinal axes vertical, the channels being located on either side of an aperture (not shown) left in the wall when the wall is constructed. Each channel member 1, 2 comprises two parallel arms 3, 4 and a perpendicular web 5. A front channel 6 is defined between the arms 3, 4 and the web 5.

A second rear channel 7 is formed behind the web 5. The web 5 of the channel may be provided with apertures or slots adapted to receive screws to enable the channel member readily to be mounted in position.

Mounted within each front channel 6 is a plurality of louvre support members 8. Each such louvre support member 8 is a portion cut from an aluminium extrusion. Each louvre support member 8 comprises a vertical portion 9 dimensioned to be received slidably within one of the said front channels 6. The said vertical portion 9 of the louvre support member 8 may be provided with a horizontal aperture 10 therein to accommodate a self-tapping screw or grub screw which can be engaged with the web 5 of the channel member 3 securely to fix the said vertical portion 9 of the louvre support member 8 in position. Alternatively, the louvre support members 8 may be mounted in position with self-piercing rivets. At its lower end the louvre support member 8 is provided with a horizontally forwardly extending arm 11 that terminates in a downwardly inclined or deflected finger 12. At its uppermost end the support member 8 is provided with a downwardly inclined or deflected finger 13 that is substantially parallel to the downwardly deflected finger 12 on the horizontal arm 11, and the vertical portion 9 is also provided with a third downwardly inclined or deflected finger 14, this third downwardly deflected finger 14 being intermediate the horizontal arm 11 and the second downwardly deflected finger 13, but being closer to the second downwardly deflected finger 13 than to the horizontal arm I I.

As indicated above a plurality of the louvre support members 8 are mounted in each front channel 6, and the louvre support members 8 are mounted in pairs, one support member 8 of each pair being located in each channel 6, and both the support members 8 of each pair being on the same level. The support members 8 may be individually positioned in each channel 6 by means of the self-tapping or grub screws or self piercing rivets. If necessary, spacing members (not shown) may be inserted in the channel 6 between the support members 8 to ensure that the support members have a predetermined spacing.

Louvre blades 15 are provided which are each supported by the support members 8 comprising one of said pairs of support members 8. Each louvre blade 15 is constituted as an extrusion of aluminium or the like and is preferably of uniform crosssection throughout its length. The louvre blade comprises a planar portion 16 which is adapted to contact the downwardly deflected finger 12 on the horizontal arm 11 and also the said third downwardly deflected finger 13. The louvre blade 15 is adapted to extend downwardly beyond the downwardly deflected finger 12 provided on the horizontal arm 11 and is also provided with an upwardly directed lip 17 at its lowermost free edge. This lip 17 defines a gutter 18 adapted to direct the flow of any water, such as rain, falling on the louvre blade.This minimises the cascading effect which can be experienced when louvres receive a heavy rainfall and water cascades from one blade to the next. The planar portion 16 of the louvre blade 15 extends adjacent the said third downwardly deflected finger 14 and a further portion 19 of the louvre blade extends upwardly immediately adjacent the vertical portion 9 of the support member 8 between the third downwardly deflected finger 14 and the second downwardly deflected finger 13.

The louvre blade is also provided with a downwardly directed portion 20 which lies immediately adjacent the undersurface of the said second downwardly deflected finger 13.

A spring clip 21 or the like is preferably provided which is clipped or snapped onto the adjacent free ends of the said second downwardly deflected finger 13 and the portion 20 of the louvre adapted to lie immediately adjacent the second downwardly deflected finger 13. This serves to secure the two components together. Figure 2 illustrates one particular arrangement of the finger 13, portion 20, and spring clip 21, the spring clip being moulded from a resilient plastics material, or preferably being formed from steel with a plastic cover.

The louvre surface of the louvre blade 15 is provided with two rearwardly and upwaredly extending flanges 22, 23 which define recesses or pockets 24, 25 adapted to accommodate firstly the downwardly deflected finger 12, provided on the horizontal arm 11 and secondly said third downwardly deflected finger 14. The louvre blade 15 and the support member 8 are so dimensioned and shaped that when the said downwardly extending fingers 12, 14 are located within the said pockets 24, 25 either the louvre blade 15 or the support member 8 or both are placed under stress or tension. This may be achieved by angling the downwardly deflected finger 12 provided at the free end of the horizontal arm 11 so that the axis of this finger 12 is not precisely aligned with that of the pocket 24 as is shown in Figure 3.

Alternatively the length of the horizontal arm 11 may be selected so that the downwardly deflected finger 12 at the end of the horizontal arm 11 is not aligned with the pocket 24. In any event the arrangement is such that one or both of the members is placed under stress or tension when the finger 12 is introduced to the pocket 24 and this serves to ensure that a firm connection is provided between the louvre 15 and the louvre supporting assembly 8, thus minimising or completely eliminating rattles and vibrations which may be caused by wind or the like. In previous proposed ventilators adapted to be assembled on side it has been necessary to provide complex arrangements of bolts or the like to minimise such rattles.

It is to be appreciated that the said third downwardly deflected finger 14 may be provided with a detent or abutment 26 on the lower surface thereof, and the rearwardly and upwardly extending flange 23 defining the recess 25 to accommodate said third downwardly deflected finger 14 may be provided with a corresponding detent or abutment 27, the detents or abutments being adapted to inter-engage when the louvre 15 is located in position on the support 8, thus increasing the firmness with which the louvre is held in position.

It is to be appreciated that whilst so far the invention has been described with reference to a completed ventilator, the invention also relates to a kit of parts forming such a ventilator. The kit of parts would comprise two channel members 1, 2, or one channel member intended to be sawn or cut to appropriate lengths, a plurality of the louvre support members 8, a plurality of spacing members adapted to support louvre supporting members in the channel, if such spacing members are to be utilised, a plurality of louvre members 15, or one member intended to be cut into lengths to form the louvre members, and a plurality of the spring or snap clips.

In assembling a ventilator from such kit of parts initially two channel members 1, 2 of appropriate length will be screwed or otherwise secured to a wall on either side of a ventilation opening already formed in the wall, and subsequently the louvre support members 8 will be mounted in the channels 6 and secured in the desired positions with the louvre support members 8 being located in horizontally aligned pairs, that is to say with each support member in one channel having a corresponding support member at the same level in the other channel. The louvre members 15 will be cut if necessary, to have precisely the desired size, and then the louvre members 15 will be mounted on the louvre support members 8.The downwardly deflected fingers 12, 14 on the support members are inserted into the pockets 24, 25 as the louvre members 15 are moved into position, and consequently either the louvre 15 or the louvre support member 8, or both are placed under stress or tension, thus ensuring that the louvres are firmly mounted in position and minimising or obviating any rattles. The spring clips 21 or snap clips are also placed in position.

It will be appreciated that a kit of parts as above described may be utilised in forming a ventilator having virtually any desired size.

If a ventilator in accordance with the invention is to be mounted over a wide aperture or over a series of adjacent apertures three or more vertical support channels may be provided, each louvre member being mounted on a louvre support member provided in each channel. The central channel or channels may extend across the aperture, merely being fixed to the wall above and below the aperture.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the invention which comprises a ventilator including channel members I as in the embodiment described above and louvre member 15'.

A row of equally spaced apertures 28 are provided in the web 5 of each channel 1 and a plurality of support member 8' are provided. Each support member 8' is moulded from an engineering plastics material, that is to say a plastics material which is very strong but which is still slightly flexible. Examples of such plastics materials are polycarbonates and some acrylics. Each support member 8' has a vertical portion 9' which has on its rear surface, split rivets or spigots 29 which have tapering or conical mushroom heads 30. The heads 30 of the split spigots 29 can be pressed through the apertures 28, the two parts of the spigot being pressed towards one another by the action of the tapering mushroom heads 30 on the apertures 28. When the head of a spigot 30 has passed through the aperture 28, the spigot 29 returns to its original shape thus securing the member 8' in position.

Each support member 8' has a horizontal arm 11' which supports a terminal downwardly inclined or deflected finger 12' which co-operates with a pocket defined by the louvre blade 15', as in the embodiment described above. To provide a very strong frictional grip the finger 12' may be bifurcated or split as shown in Figure 8, the split portions of the finger 12' being splayed outwardly so that the fingers firmly engage the louvre 15'.

The support member 8' has, at the upper end of the vertical portion 9' a downwardly inclined or deflected finger 13', which corresponds with the finger 13 of the embodiment described above. The louvre blade 15' has a planar portion 16' and an upturned lip 17' at the lower edge thereof which defines a gutter 18'. At the upper end of the planar portion 16' of the louvre member 15' there is a vertical portion 19' adapted to lie against the vertical portion 9' of the support member 8'.

The vertical portion 19' of the louvre terminates in a downwardly deflected portion 20' which is adapted to lie adjacent the finger 13'. The portion 20' of the louvre blade 15' may be secured to the finger 13' by means of a spring clip 21' or the like. To improve the rigidity of the support member 8' a triangular reinforcing web 41 is provided, this web having a flat surface 32 adapted to support at least part of the planar region 16' of the louvre member 15'.

Whilst Figure 5 illustrates one part of a ventilator in accordance with this particular embodiment of the invention it is to be appreciated that a plurality of the channel members 1 may be provided which support a plurality of the louvre members 15'. It is envisaged that in utilising this embodiment of the invention louvre members 15' of a predetermined length may be utilised to form very long louvres since each support member 8' may support the two ends of adjacent louvre members 15', the resultant ventilator having the appearance of a ventilator with very long louvre members.

Figure 7 is a side view of a support member of a further embodiment of the invention, the support member 8" having split spigots 29", a reinforcing web 31" and a finger 12" provided at the end of a horizontal portion 11", this finger 12" being accommodated within a pocket 24" defined by louvre member 15". The louvre member 15" has a vertical portion 19" which is adapted to lie adjacent the vertical portion 9" of the suppot member 8". The vertical portion 19" terminates with a downwardly directed porton 20" which is adapted to lie adjacent to downwardly inclined finger 13" provided at the top of the vertical portion 9" of the support member 8". A right angle step or abutment 32 is formed in the upper surface of the downwardly inclined portion 20" and a corresponding step or abutment 33 is formed in the under surface of the downwardly inclined finger 13".

When the louvre member 15" is in position the two steps or abutments engage to ensure that the louvre is held firmly in position. The portion 20" and finger 13" may also be provided with external grooves 34 to accommodate a spring clip 21" which secures the components together.

It is to be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 either the louvre blade or the support member is placed under stress or tension when the ventilator is assembled as illustrated in Figure 7, and similar considerations apply to the ventilator illustrated in Figure 5, and the modifications illustrated in Figure 8. Whilst the split finger 12' illustrated in Figure 8 has been described as being a modification of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 it is to be appreciated that a similar split finger may be provided on the support member illustrated in Figure 7.

The channel members 1 may be formed of any suitable material and may, if desired, be formed of a plastics materiaL In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figure 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings, the louvre member engages a support member by means of a pocket adapted to accommodate the downwardly directed finger of the support member at the end of the horizontal arm of the support member, and also engages the support member by the engagement of a downwardly deflected portion of the louvre member (which is at the end of the vertical portion of the louvre member) with the uppermost downwardly deflected finger of the support member.It is to be considered that this downwardly deflected finger of the support member defines, with the vertical portion of the support member, a recess or detent, and the combination of the downwardly deflected portion of the louvre blade and the vertical portion of the louvre blade define a corresponding detent. Of course, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 additional interlocking detents are also provided.

From the above description it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a kit of parts which can be readily utilised to construct a ventilator, the kit of parts comprising the channels, the louvre blade support members, and the louvre blades. It is to be appreciated that the kit of parts may be provided in a completely disassembled condition although, in certain circumstances, it may be preferable to provide a kit of parts comprising the support channels and louvre blade support members already integrally connected together, the assembly comprising the channels of the louvre blade support members being secured in position and the louvre blades finally being mounted in position on the support members.

While the invention has been described with reference to embodiments in which the louvres are provided with upwardly turned lips at their lower edges to form a channel to prevent the cascading effect occurring, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to this particular feature, and the invention would be of value with louvre blades having downwardly turned lips.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A ventilator comprising two substantially vertical louvre support members supporting a substantially horizontally extending louvre membe , each said louvre support member including, in an upper region of a substantially vertical portion thereof, a vertical face engaging or immediately adjacent a vertical face of said louvre member, and including means to retain the upper portion of the louvre member in position, and each said support member including a horizontally extending arm which is substantially rigid, said arm terminating in an inclined finger engaging a recess defined by the louvre member, the louvre member and the louvre support member being so dimensioned and shaped that with the louvre member mounted on the louvre support member with said finger engaged in said recess at least one of said members is under stress or tension to ensure a firm joint between the members.

2. A ventilator according to claim 1, wherein said finger is downwardly inclined.

3. A ventilator according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the finger is split longitudinally into two parts which are splayed apart.

4. A ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said face of the louvre member engages the uppermost region of the vertical portion of the louvre support member, and the louvre member also engages a further downwardly inclined finger provided at the uppermost end of the vertical portion of the louvre support member said uppermost region of the vertical portion and said further finger constituting said means engaging an upper portion of the louvre member.

5. A ventilator according to claim 4, wherein spring clip or snap fastener means are provided to engage the free ends of the uppermost downwardly inclined finger and the portion of the louvre adapted to engage said uppermost downwardly inclined finger.

6. A ventilator according to claim 4, or claim 5, wherein an abutment is formed on the surface of said further downwardly inclined finger against which engages the louvre member and a corresponding abutment is formed in this said porton of the louvre member which engages the abutment on the further finger.

7. A ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the louvre supporting member is provided with an additional downwardly inclined finger extending from a point intermediate the ends of the vertical portion, a further recess being defined on the louvre which accommodates this additional downwardly inclined finger.

8. A ventilator according to claim 7,

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. It is to be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 either the louvre blade or the support member is placed under stress or tension when the ventilator is assembled as illustrated in Figure 7, and similar considerations apply to the ventilator illustrated in Figure 5, and the modifications illustrated in Figure 8. Whilst the split finger 12' illustrated in Figure 8 has been described as being a modification of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 it is to be appreciated that a similar split finger may be provided on the support member illustrated in Figure 7. The channel members 1 may be formed of any suitable material and may, if desired, be formed of a plastics materiaL In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figure 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings, the louvre member engages a support member by means of a pocket adapted to accommodate the downwardly directed finger of the support member at the end of the horizontal arm of the support member, and also engages the support member by the engagement of a downwardly deflected portion of the louvre member (which is at the end of the vertical portion of the louvre member) with the uppermost downwardly deflected finger of the support member.It is to be considered that this downwardly deflected finger of the support member defines, with the vertical portion of the support member, a recess or detent, and the combination of the downwardly deflected portion of the louvre blade and the vertical portion of the louvre blade define a corresponding detent. Of course, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 additional interlocking detents are also provided. From the above description it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a kit of parts which can be readily utilised to construct a ventilator, the kit of parts comprising the channels, the louvre blade support members, and the louvre blades. It is to be appreciated that the kit of parts may be provided in a completely disassembled condition although, in certain circumstances, it may be preferable to provide a kit of parts comprising the support channels and louvre blade support members already integrally connected together, the assembly comprising the channels of the louvre blade support members being secured in position and the louvre blades finally being mounted in position on the support members. While the invention has been described with reference to embodiments in which the louvres are provided with upwardly turned lips at their lower edges to form a channel to prevent the cascading effect occurring, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to this particular feature, and the invention would be of value with louvre blades having downwardly turned lips. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A ventilator comprising two substantially vertical louvre support members supporting a substantially horizontally extending louvre membe , each said louvre support member including, in an upper region of a substantially vertical portion thereof, a vertical face engaging or immediately adjacent a vertical face of said louvre member, and including means to retain the upper portion of the louvre member in position, and each said support member including a horizontally extending arm which is substantially rigid, said arm terminating in an inclined finger engaging a recess defined by the louvre member, the louvre member and the louvre support member being so dimensioned and shaped that with the louvre member mounted on the louvre support member with said finger engaged in said recess at least one of said members is under stress or tension to ensure a firm joint between the members.

8. A ventilator according to claim 7,

wherein the additional downwardly inclined finger and the corresponding recess are provided with inter-engaging detent means.

9. A ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a channel member is provided slidingly engaging and retaining a portion of the louvre support member.

10. A ventilator according to claim 9, wherein grub or self-tapping screws or selfpiercing rivets are provided which secure the support member in position.

11. A ventilator according to claim 9, wherein the channel is provided with a plurality of apertures and the louvre support member is provided with a plurality of expanding type connectors engaging said apertures to secure the louvre support member in position.

12. A ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is formed as an extrusion of aluminium.

13. A ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support member is formed of an engineering plastics material.

14. A kit of parts for forming a ventilator according to claim 1, said kit of parts comprising a plurality of louvre support members, and at least one louvre member, each said louvre support member including in a region thereof which is, in use, an upper region of a substantially vertical portion thereof, a vertical face to engage or lie immediately adjacent a vertical face of the louvre member and including means to retain the upper portion of the louvre member in position, the support member also including an arm which, in use, extends horizontally, said arm being substantially rigid and terminating in an inclined finger adapted to engage a recess defined by the louvre member, the louvre member and louvre support member being so dimensioned and shaped that when the louvre member is mounted on the louvre support member with said finger engaged in said recess at least one of the members is under stress or tension to ensure a firm joint between the members.

15. A kit of parts according to claim 14, also comprising a channel adapted to support the louvre support members.

16. A kit of parts according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the channel or louvre support members of the louvres are all formed of aluminium extrusions.

17. A kit of parts according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the louvre support members are formed of engineering plastics material.

18. A ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

21. A ventilator substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings as modified by Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A kit of parts according to claim 14 for forming a ventilator according to any one of claims 19 to 21.