GB2233440A

GB2233440A - Eaves ventilator

Info

Publication number: GB2233440A
Application number: GB8914294A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Bottomore; Colin Frederick Gibson
Original assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Current assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Priority date: 1989-06-22
Filing date: 1989-06-22
Publication date: 1991-01-09
Also published as: GB8914294D0

Abstract

An eaves ventilator (10) adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a fascia and a soffite comprises an elongate injection moulded ventilation member (12) having an integral first securing member (14) disposed along one edge thereof, and having an integral second securing member (16) disposed along an opposite edge thereof. The ventilation member (10) is provided with ventilation apertures (34). The first securing member (14) is adapted to be secured to the fascia. The second securing member (16) is adapted to be secured to the soffite via segments (24) which extend over the top of the soffite. <IMAGE>

Description

EAVES VENTILATOR This invention relates to an eaves ventilator. More particularly the invention relates to an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a gap between a soffite and another roof element, typically a fascia, in a roof structure.

This general type of ventilator has been known for some time. For example, in GB-A-2115920 there is described an elongate plastics extrusion which is disposed in a gap between a soffite board and a fascia board. The extrusion comprises a middle portion provided with a plurality of punched apertures with connecting means disposed along each edge of the middle portion.

The connecting means along one edge comprises a flange which lies flat against the fascia board; the flange is provided with apertures through which nails or screws can be passed in order to secure the flange to the fascia.

The connecting means along the other end comprises a generally U-shaped mouth which is adapted to receive the soffite board therein; the mouth extends continuously along the edge of the ventilator.

Many other soffite ventilators are constructed along the same principles as the ventilator described in GB-A2115920; two examples of specifications disclosing such ventilators are GB-A-2124266 and GB-A-2190740.

This general type of ventilator is subject to a number of problems.

The ventilator and the soffite board each comprise a cantilever in the sense that they are connected to the rest of the roof structure at one end only. The connection between the mouth and the soffite ventilator is not rigid and there is a certain amount of play between the two.

Although the mouth can be provided with a certain amount of resilience to grip the soffite board, the connection is never entirely rigid. In practice this results in the mouth being deflected downwardly by the soffite board.

The downward force on the soffite board also causes stresses at the join between the flange and the middle portion of the ventilator. This join must be strong enough to withstand these forces.

It would be possible in the prior art ventilators to eliminate these problems, but the solution requires the extrusion of a thicker material which would raise costs Significantly; in addition, the additional thickness would make it more difficult to punch the ventilation apertures.

The ventilation apertures in the prior art are typically provided by punching. This limits the minimum distance between the apertures to about 4mm for plastics materials.

In accordance with the invention the problems in the prior art can be solved by the provision of an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate injection moulded ventilation member having an integral injection moulded first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and an integral injection moulded second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to the fascia, and the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite.

Preferably the first securing member has a substantially flat surface arranged, in use, to be substantially flush with a side surface of the fascia.

Desirably the first securing member has a plurality of apertures therein through which fixing means can be passed, in order to secure the elongate member to the fascia.

Advantageously the second securing member comprises a first portion adapted to extend underneath the soffite, and a second portion adapted to extend over the soffite, whereby the soffite can be gripped between the first and second portions.

Preferably the distance between the first and second portions varies longitudinally of the second securing member.

Desirably the maximum distance between the first and second portions is greater than a preselected soffite thickness, and the minimum distance is less than said preselected soffite thickness.

The first portion may be substantially planar.

The second portion may be adapted to engage the soffite at at least two discrete positions spaced lontitudinally of the ventilator.

In one embodiment the second portion comprises a plurality of spaced segments arranged longitudinally of the ventilator.

In this embodiment each segment may be configured such that, substantially at its longitudinal mid-point, the distance between the segment and the first portion is at a maximum, and the segment extends downwardly on each side of the mid-point towards the first portion to define a gap between the second portion and the first portion on each side of said mid-point which is less than the preselected soffite thickness.

In another embodiment the second portion extends substantially continuously along the edge of the ventilation member.

In either embodiment the second portion is preferably resiliently deformable.

At least one strengthening member is preferably Provided between the first securing member and the second securing members Advantageously the ventilation member includes a plurality of ribs arranged in a row along the ventilator, and each ventilation aperture is defined between adjacent ribs.

Advantageously also, the height of the ribs is greater than the thickness of the ribs.

The height of the ribs is desirably at least twice the thickness of the ribs.

Preferably the thickness of each rib is less than substantially 2mm. More preferably the thickness of each rib is substantially equal to imam.

A baffle structure can be provided in each ventilation aperture between adjacent ribs. The baffle structure can provide a flyscreen to restrict the passage of insects and vermin. the baffle member may have a grid-like configuration similar to a mesh, or may comprise a plurality of spaced elongate formations.

The ventilation member may further include first and second spaced support members each support member being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ventilation member, and the support members may be secured to opposite ends of the ribs.

The first support member may be secured to the first securing member, and the second support member may be secured to the second securing member.

Part of the first support member may be spaced from the first securing member, whereby a plurality of apertures are defined between the first support member and the first securing member.

It is advantageous for these apertures to be in alignment with the second support formation. These apertures enable part of the injection moulding tool to extend through the apertures, so that the ventilator can be manufactured using a two-piece tool.

Selected ones of the ribs may be provided with greater thickness than the remaining ribs, whereby said selected ribs extend to and are integrally connected with the first securing member.

Each end of the ventilation member may be provided with a formation adapted to co-operate with a corresponding formation on an adjacent eaves ventilator, whereby the eaves ventilator can be connected to the adjacent eaves ventilator.

The formation on one end of the ventilation member may comprise a projection, and the formation on the other end of the ventilation member may comprise a recess.

The projection may be a dovetail shape projection, and the recess may be a dovetail shape recess.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate ventilation member having a first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having a second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element, the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, and the second securing member includes a first portion adapted to extend underneath the soffite, and a second portion adapted to extend over the soffite, whereby the soffite can be gripped between the first and second portions, wherein the distance between the first and second portions varies longitudinally of the second securing member.

The eaves ventilator according to this aspect of the invention may be provided with any combination of the features described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate ventilation member having a first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having a second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element, the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, and the ventilation member includes a plurality of ribs arranged in a row along the ventilator, each ventilation aperture being defined between adjacent ribs, the height of the ribs being greater than the thickness of the ribs.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate ventilation member having a first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having a second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element, and the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, said method comprising integrally forming said ventilation member, said first securing member and said second securing member in a single injection moulding process.

The provision of a one piece injection moulded ventilator has a number of advantages over the prior art.

The most unexpected advantage is that the ventilator can be made stronger, with greater ventilation area, out of much less material than has previously been possible.

For example, an injection moulded ventilator made in accordance with the present invention has less than half the material of any of the ventilators described in GB-A2115920. This is without any loss in ventilation area.

Moreover, the formation of the prior art ventilators involves the creation of a large percentage of waste material (eg 16% of the total) due to the need to punch out the holes.

The apertures in the ventilator according to the invention can be closer together than in the prior art, thereby enabling the length of the apertures to be reduced; this reduces the overall physical size of the ventilator.

The second securing member provides securement to the soffite which is at least as effective as in the prior art, but without the necessity for the second portion of the securing formation to extend continuously along the ventilator.

The height of the ribs between the ventilation apertures can be far greater than is feasible in the prior art (typically four times as great), thereby providing a strong bond between the ventilation member and the first securing member.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an eaves ventilator according to the invention; Figure 2 is a top view of an eaves ventilator according to the invention; Figure 3 is a side elevation of an eaves ventilator according to the invention; Figure 4 is a view on lines 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a roof structure incorporating an eaves ventilator according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the roof structure shown in figure 5.

In the drawings an eaves ventilator generally designated 10 comprises a elongate ventilation member 12, an elongate first securing member 14 and an elongate second securing member 16.

The first securing member 14 has a substantially planar surface 18 which is adapted to engage a fascia (not shown). The first securing member is provided with an aperture 20 through which fixing means (not shown) may be passed into the fascia; the fixing means may be, for example, a nail or screw.

The second securing member 16 comprises a first portion 22 and a second portion in the form of a plurality of segments 24; in the drawings only one segment is shown, but there would usually be four segments 24 along a typical length of the ventilator (ie a length of 800mm). The Segments 24 extend a greater distance from the first securing member 14 than the first portion 22.

The first portion 22 extends continuously along an edge of the ventilation member 12 and is adapted to extend underneath a soffite (not shown). The segments 24 are adapted to extend over the top of the soffite, whereby the soffite can be gripped between the first portion 22 and the segments 24.

Each segment 24 is resiliently deformable and has a middle part 24a and two end parts 24b and 24c. The middle part 24a is arranged at a spacing from the first portion 22 which is greater than the thickness of the soffite. The end parts 24b and 24c extend downwardly from the middle point 24a to a spacing from the first portion which is less than the thickness of the soffite. This ensures that each end part 24b and 24c engages the soffite and a good grip is maintained on the soffite.

A strengthening formation 26 is secured to the middle part 24a and is also secured to the first securing member 14 and the ventilation member 12.

The ventilation member 12 comprises two elongate spaced substantially parallel support members 28 and 30. A plurality of ribs 32 are arranged in a row between the support members 28 and 30. The height of the ribs 32 is greater than the thickness of the ribs 32. The ribs 32 define a plurality of ventilation apertures 34 therebetween.

If desired, a plurality of elongate baffles (not shown) can be provided between adjacent ribs 32 to form a flyscreen. The baffles may be arranged, for example, parallel to, or normal to the ribs 32.

Most of the ribs 32 are spaced from the first securing member 14 to define a gap 36 therebetween. However, a preselected number of the ribs, designated 32a, are provided with an increased height to enable them to be secured to the first securing member 14.

The ventilator 10 is injection moulded from a plastics material in a single process and is of integral construction.

During production of the ventilator 10, part (not shown) of the injection moulding tool (not shown) extends through the apertures 36 to form the top half of the ribs 32. Another part (not shown) of the injection moulding tool forms the bottom half of the ribs 32. The two halves are shown divided by a dashed line in Figure 4. When the ventilator 10 has been formed in the tool, the two parts of the tool can be withdrawn in opposite directions as indicated by arrows X and Y.

A dovetail recess 40 is provided at one end of the ventilator 10, and a dovetail projection 42 is provided at the other end of the ventilator 10. The projection 42 is sized to fit the recess 40, so that the ventilator 10 can be connected on each side to a further ventilator.

In figures 5 and 6 the eaves ventilator 10 is shown in a roof structure.

The roof structure is provided at the top of a cavity wall structure comprising inner and outer leaves 50 and 52 respectively, which define a cavity 54 therebetween. A wall plate 56 is provided at the top of the inner leaf 50 and is covered by insulation material 58 which extends into the cavity 54.

The roof structure is a pitched roof structure, which includes a plurality of joists 60 extending downwardly from a roof ridge (not shown).

A layer of sarking felt 62 is disposed over the joists 60. A plurality of roof battens 64 extend over the sarking felt 62 substantially transverse to the joists 60; the battens 64 are secured to the joists 60 by nails (not shown). A plurality of roof tiles 66 are arranged over the battens 64.

A soffite 68 extends from the outer wall 52, substantially transverse to thereto, underneath the lower ends of the joists 60. A fascia 70 is secured to the ends of the joist 60 underneath the sarking felt 62 and the roof tiles 66. A gutter 72 is secured to an external surface of the fascia 70.

A ventilator 74 is provided between the sarking felt 62 and the insulation material 58 to maintain a clear air passageway therebetween. The ventilator 74 is of the type disclosed in our United Kingdom patent no 2089968. This clear air passageway is desirable to ensure adequate ventilation to a roof space within the roof structure (this space is sometimes referred to as the loft space or the attic space).

It will be observed that there is a gap provided between fascia 70 and the end of the soffite 68 remote from the outer leaf 50. A plurality of said ventilators 10 are arranged end to end within the gap to provide ventilation through the gap.

The arrows A indicate an air flow path from the external environment to within the roof space. It will be appreciated that the direction of the arrows can be reversed.

In some embodiments the first securing member may be secured to an element other than the fascia. For example, the soffite could be secured to the fascia and the ventilation gap could be provided between the soffite and the brickwork at the top of the outer leaf; in this instance it should be noted that such brickwork is intended to be encompassed within the expression "roof element".

Claims

1. An eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate injection moulded ventilation member having an integral injection moulded first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having an integral injection moulded second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element, and the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite.

2. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 1, wherein the first securing member has a substantially flat surface arranged, in use, to be substantially flush with a side surface of the fascia.

3. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 2, wherein the first securing member has a plurality of apertures therein through which fixing means can be passed, in order to secure the elongate member to the fascia.

4. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the second securing member comprises a first portion adapted to extend underneath the soffite, and a second portion adapted to extend over the soffite, whereby the soffite can be gripped between the first and second portions.

5. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 4, wherein the distance between the first and second portions varies longitudinally of the second securing member.

6. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 5, wherein the maximum distance between the first and second portions is greater than a preselected soffite thickness, and the minimum distance is less than said preselected soffite thickness.

7. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 4,5 or 6, wherein the first portion is substantially planar.

8. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 4,5,6 or 7, wherein the second portion is adapted to engage the soffite at at least two discrete positions spaced longitudinally of the ventilator.

9. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of spaced segments arranged longitudinally of the ventilator.

10. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 9 when dependent upon Claim 6, wherein each segment is configured such that substantially at its longitudinal midpoint the distance between the segment and the first portion is at a maximum, and the segment extends downwardly on each side of the mid-point towards the first position to define a gap between the second portion and the first portion on each side of said mid-point which is less than the preselected soffite thickness.

11. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the second portion extends substantially continuously along the edge of the ventilation member.

12. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 4 to 11, wherein the second portion is resiliently deformable.

13. An eaves ventilator according to any of Claims 4 to 12, wherein at least one strengthening member is provided between the first securing member and the second securing member.

14. An eaves ventilator according to any preceding claim, Wherein the ventilation member includes a plurality of ribs arranged in a row along the ventilator, and each ventilation aperture is defined between adjacent ribs.

15. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 14, wherein the height of the ribs is greater than the thickness of the ribs.

16. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 14, wherein the height of the ribs is at least twice the thickness of the ribs.

17. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 14,15 and 16, wherein the thickness of each rib is less than substantially 2mm.

18. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 14,15 and 16, wherein the thickness of each rib is substantially equal to imam.

19. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the ventilation member further includes first and second spaced support members each support member being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ventilation member and the support members are secured to opposite ends of the ribs.

20. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 19, wherein the first support member is secured to the first securing member and the second support member is secured to the second securing member.

21. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 20, wherein part of the first support member is spaced from the first securing member, whereby a plurality of apertures are defined between the first support member and the first securing member.

22. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 20, when dependent upon claim 19 or 20, wherein the apertures between the first support member and the first securing member are in alignment with the second support member.

23. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein selected ribs are provided with greater thickness than the remaining ribs, whereby said selected ribs extend to and are integrally connected with the first securing member,

24. An eaves ventilator according to any preceding claim, wherein each end of the ventilation member is provided with a formation adapted to co-operate with a corresponding formation on an adjacent eaves ventilator, whereby the eaves ventilator can be connected to the adjacent eaves ventilator.

25. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 24, wherein the formation on one end of the ventilation member comprises a projection, and the formation on the other end of the ventilation member comprises a recess.

26. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 25, wherein the projection is a dovetail shape projection, and the recess is a dovetail shape recess.

27. An eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate ventilation member having a first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having a second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adopted to be secured to said other roof element, the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, and the second securing member includes a first portion adapted to extend underneath the soffite, and a second portion adapted to extend over the soffite, whereby the soffite can be gripped between the first and second portions, wherein the distance between the first and second portions varies longitudinally of the second securing member.

28. An eaves ventilator according to claim 27, wherein the maximum distance between the first and second portions is greater than a preselected soffite thickness, and the minimum distance is less than said preselected soffite thickness.

29. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the first portion is substantially planar.

30. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 27, 28 or 29 wherein the second portion is adapted to engage the soffite at at least two discrete positions spaced longitudinally of the ventilator.

31. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 27 to 30, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of spaced segments arranged longitudinally of the ventilator

32. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 31, when dependent upon Claim 28 wherein each segment is configured such that substantially at its longitudinal mid-point the distance between segment and the first portion is at a maximum, and the segment extends downwardly on each side of the mid-point towards the first portion to define a gap between the second portion and the first portion on each side of said mid-point which is less than the preselected soffite thickness.

33. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 27 to 30, wherein the second portion extends substantially continuously along the edge of the ventilation member.

34. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 27 to 33, wherein the second portion is resiliently deformable.

35. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 27 to 34, wherein at least one strengthening member is provided between the first securing member and the second securing member.

36. An eavès ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate ventilation member having a first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having a second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element, the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, and the ventilation member includes a plurality of ribs arranged in a row along the ventilator, each ventilation aperture being defined between adjacent ribs, and the height of the ribs being greater than the thickness of the ribs.

37. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 36, wherein the height of the ribs is at least twice the thickness of the ribs.

38. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 36 or 37, wherein the thickness of each rib is less than substantially 2mm.

39. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 36 or 37, wherein the thickness of each rib is substantially equal to lmm.

40. An eaves ventilator according to any one of Claims 36 to 39, wherein the ventilation member further includes first and second spaced support members each support member being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ventilation member, and the support members are secured to apposite ends of the ribs.

41. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 40, wherein the first support member is secured to the first securing member, and the first support member is secured to the second securing member.

42. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 41, wherein part of the first support member is spaced from the first securing member whereby a plurality of apertures are defined between the first support member and securing member.

43. An eaves ventilator according to Claim 42, wherein selected ones of the ribs are provided with greater thickness than the remaining ribs, whereby said selected ribs extend to and are integrally connected with the first securing member.

44. A method of forming an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another rooç element such as a fascia, said ventilator comprising an elongate injection moulded ventilation member having an integral injection moulded first securing member disposed along one edge thereof, and having an integral injection moulded second securing member disposed along an opposite edge thereof, wherein the ventilation member is provided with ventilation apertures arranged along the length thereof, the first securing member is adapted to be secured to said other roof element and the second securing member is adapted to be secured to the soffite, said method comprising integrally forming said ventilation member, said first securing member and said second securing member in a single injection moulding process.

45. An eavès ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another element such as a fascia, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

46. A method of forming an eaves ventilator adapted to be disposed in a roof structure in a gap between a soffite and another roof element such as a fascia, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.