US20090311959A1

US20090311959A1 - Roof vent having elongated baffles and discharge channels

Info

Publication number: US20090311959A1
Application number: US12/483,818
Authority: US
Inventors: Wade Bryce Shepherd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Monier Inc; Boral Lifetile Inc
Priority date: 2008-06-13
Filing date: 2009-06-12
Publication date: 2009-12-17

Abstract

A roof vent construction which is comprised of an assembly including a cowl, a base, and a cowl retaining member. These elements provide a structure which provides cover for rain and discourages rain and/or debris from entering the vent underneath the cowl, but nevertheless allows for suitable ventilation as needed. One concept relates to the use of a vent structure having a base with ventilation and water/debris channeling features, combined with a cowl that has ventilation features, with the base and vent cooperating to provide particular ventilation paths that provide water drainage. This vent structure may be flat or profiled.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the full benefit and priority of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/061,336 entitled “Roof Vent Having Labyrinth Features,” filed Jun. 13, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction of roofing, it is known to provide roofs made of individual roofing elements. The elements can be flexible, such as asphalt shingles, or rigid, such as clay or concrete tiles.
It is also known to provide vents in the roofing structure to provide roof ventilation. However, providing such venting can introduce problems relating to the prevention of water being drawn in along with the ventilating airflow. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an improvement of such vents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide improvements over the prior art by providing an improved roof vent that includes improved ventilation features as well as improved aesthetic features.
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a roof vent assembly is provided for use in connection with an inclined roofing support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by the inclined roofing support structure. The roof vent assembly has an interior and an exterior and is configured to be placed into a position among the tiles. The roof vent assembly also defines a vented enclosure to facilitate ventilation of the support structure in either direction along a ventilation path portion that begins at a location within the inclined roofing support structure and continues into an interior cavity of the vented enclosure and then out of the vented enclosure to a location generally above and to the exterior of both the vented enclosure and the inclined roof support structure. The roof vent assembly further defines at least one water discharge opening. The roof vent assembly further comprises: A) a base member generally defining an interior side and an opposite exterior side, and including a generally planar base member body portion having an interior base side and an opposite exterior base side, the base member body portion itself including a plurality of elongate substantially parallel base member ventilation openings therethrough to facilitate airflow between the interior and exterior base sides, the base member also including a plurality of elongate base member baffles extending generally perpendicularly from the interior side of the generally planar base member body portion and extending substantially along the length of and adjacent to the base member ventilation openings, such that each elongate base member ventilation opening has one base member baffle proximate each of its elongate edges, the plurality of base member baffles positioned in pairs intermediate the each of the base member ventilation openings such that an elongate discharge channel is positioned intermediate each of the elongate base member ventilation openings, the elongate discharge channels defined at least partially by a pair of the base member baffles and an intermediate portion of the base member body portion, the discharge channels being in communication with the at least one water discharge opening to facilitate the discharge of water from within the discharge channels out of the roof vent assembly through the water discharge opening; and B) a cowl member defining an interior side and an opposite exterior side, and including a generally planar cowl body portion having an interior cowl side and an opposite exterior cowl side, the cowl member body portion including a plurality of elongate substantially parallel cowl member ventilation openings therethrough to facilitate airflow between the interior and exterior cowl sides, the cowl member also including a plurality of elongate cowl member baffles extending generally perpendicularly from the interior cowl side of the cowl member body portion and extending substantially along the length of and adjacent to the cowl member ventilation openings, such that each elongate cowl member ventilation opening has one cowl member baffle proximate each of its elongate edges. The base and cowl members are further relatively positioned such that their respective interior sides combine to at least partially define the roof vent assembly interior cavity and also positioned such that when the roof vent assembly is installed on an inclined roofing support surface, the elongate discharge channels are likewise inclined, and water falling directly downwardly substantially along a gravity axis under the influence of gravity may fall directly into the roof vent assembly through the elongate cowl member ventilation openings, downwardly into the elongate discharge channels, and be guided under the influence of gravity along the elongate discharge channels and out of the roof vent assembly via the water discharge opening. The base and cowl members are also relatively positioned such that at least a portion of the airflow when passing into the elongate cowl ventilation openings from the exterior of the roof vent assembly is directed laterally relative to the gravity axis, passes along a serpentine path past at least one cowl member baffle and at past least one base member baffle, and finally passes out of the roof vent assembly through at least one of the elongate base member ventilation openings.
In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofing support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by the inclined roofing support structure, the roof vent assembly having an interior and an exterior and configured to be placed into a position among the tiles and to define a vented enclosure to facilitate ventilation of the support structure in either direction along a ventilation path extending from the interior of the inclined roofing support structure, to the interior of the roof vent assembly, and finally to the exterior of the roofing support structure, the roof vent assembly comprising: A) a base member configured for being attached to and supported by the inclined roofing support structure, the base member including a generally planar base member body portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge when installed being substantially horizontally oriented and positioned downslope from the trailing edge, the base member also defining a plurality of base member ventilation openings and comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented base baffles, the base baffles extending upwardly from the base member and into the interior of the roof vent assembly, and being disposed adjacent opposite sides of each of the base member ventilation openings; and B) a cowl member configured for mounting substantially vertically above the base member so that the interior of the roof vent assembly is defined at least partially by at least the base and cowl members, the cowl member defining a plurality of cowl member ventilation openings therethrough and also comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented cowl baffles extending into the interior of the roof vent assembly, the cowl member ventilation openings also being disposed adjacent opposite sides of each of the cowl member ventilation openings. The cowl member is further configured to be mounted relative to the base member such that each of the cowl member ventilation openings are vertically offset from each of the base member ventilation openings when the vent assembly is installed on an inclined surface, and wherein at least a portion of water or debris entering at least one of the cowl member ventilation openings under the influence of gravity tends to be channeled between a pair of adjacent base baffles positioned below at least one of the cowl member ventilation openings to the horizontally oriented leading edge of the base member body portion, the leading edge being opposite the horizontally oriented trailing edge of the base member, the base member being installed on the inclined roofing support structure such that the leading edge is positioned downslope from the trailing edge.
Further, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by the inclined roofing support structure in a roofing support plane having a slope axis, the vent assembly configured to facilitate air ventilation along a path from extending from the interior of the inclined roof support structure, to an interior cavity defined by the vent assembly, and finally to an exterior environment, the roof vent assembly comprising: A) a base member configured for attaching to and being supported by the inclined roof support structure, the base member comprising: i) a substantially planar base floor portion defining a plurality of elongate base member ventilation openings and comprising an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, the lower side being configured for installation facing the inclined roof support structure; and ii) a plurality of elongate base baffle pairs extending from and perpendicular to the upper side of the floor portion, the base baffle pairs alternating in location relative to the base member ventilation openings such that each of the base baffle pairs are disposed intermediate two adjacent base member ventilation openings and each of the ventilation openings are disposed intermediate two adjacent baffle pairs, each of the base baffle pairs combining with a portion of the base floor portion to define elongate drainage channels having their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to the slope axis; and B) a cowl member configured for attachment relative to the base member, the cowl member comprising: i) a substantially planar cowl portion defining a plurality of elongate cowl member ventilation openings configured to be positioned generally above the elongate drainage channels when the cowl member is attached relative to the base member and the roof vent assembly is installed, the planar cowl portion comprising an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side, wherein the lower side is configured for being installed generally above the base floor portion; and ii) a plurality of elongate cowl baffle pairs extending from the lower side of the planar cowl portion, the cowl baffle pairs alternating in location relative to the base member ventilation openings such that each of the cowl baffle pairs is disposed intermediate two adjacent cowl member ventilation openings and each of the cowl member ventilation openings is disposed intermediate two adjacent baffle pairs, wherein: the base member and the cowl member define an interior cavity between the upper side of the base floor portion and the lower side of the planar cowl portion when the cowl member is attached relative to the base member, the base ventilation openings are configured to facilitate air flow between the interior cavity and the inclined roof support structure, the cowl ventilation openings are configured to facilitate air flow between the interior cavity and the exterior environment, and air flowing between the roofing support structure and the exterior environment flows along a serpentine path through the roof vent assembly, the serpentine path extending through each of the base member ventilation openings, above each of the base baffle pairs, below each of the cowl baffle pairs, and through the cowl member ventilation openings.
Therefore, it is an aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof structure.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roofing support structure, which includes at least one roof vent.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that includes improved rain exclusion features.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that includes improved wind exclusion features.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that includes improved aesthetic features.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that includes improved aesthetic features while at the same time including improved functional features.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that is economical to manufacture while still providing improved functional and aesthetic features.
It is a further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved roof vent that is economical to sell while still including improved functional and aesthetic features.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an embodiment 10 of the invention, showing the vent 10 in an installation environment, installed amongst flat roof tiles 100.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment 10 of the invention shown in FIG. 1, again in an installation environment.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the embodiment 10 of the invention disassembled and laid on an unlabeled flat display surface for viewing purposes.

FIG. 4 is another view of the embodiment 10 of the invention disassembled and laid on an unlabeled flat display surface for viewing purposes.

FIG. 5 is an upper plan view of the base according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 along the A-A line in FIG. 5 which illustrates the manner in which the vent assembly 10 is configured to provide improved air flow, given the limitations of a relatively thin and flat vent, while also providing improved water and debris resistance and control.

FIG. 7 is an more specific view of that above, which illustrates the manner in which the vent assembly 10 is configured to provide improved air flow. It should be understood that this figure is not necessarily to scale; deference should be given to the dimensions such as “0.5×, 1.0×” and the like which show one preferred set of relative dimensions intended to maximize appropriate airflow.

FIG. 8 is a view of the type of FIG. 7, except it shows another, “non-flat” embodiment 110 of the invention, having a cowl 120 and a base 130.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
General Construction and Operation
Generally described, the vent assemblies described herein include a base, which is attached relative to the supporting roof structure, and a cowl, which is attached to the base and covers a ventilation hole in the base.
In roof vents, the inventor has noted that in certain instances it is desirable to bring the leading edge of the vent cowl in line with the leading edge of adjacent field tiles. In so doing, a constant shadow line is created on the roof, improving aesthetic integration. However, this has been a challenge to the inventors because of the conflicting functional need to prevent wind driven rain entry through the vent.
One particular concept according to one embodiment of the present invention is to use internal labyrinths to afford this rain protection. This provides an improvement over the prior art by allowing the cap (a.k.a. “cowl”) to come to the leading edge of the vent, in-line with the leading edge of adjacent roof tiles. This enables a more aesthetic, integrated appearance on the roof.
Generally, there are two general types of vent assemblies that are included as embodiments of the present invention: a flat vent assembly, and a profiled vent assembly. Profiled vent assemblies may include, but are not limited to a “dual hump” vent assembly and a “triple hump” vent assembly. These assemblies are configured to be used with tiles that have the same general shape; such tiles will be recognized by one skilled in the art. However, it should be understood that various embodiments of the present inventions described herein could be used with other shapes of tiles. Furthermore, a concept shown in association with one vent assembly (e.g., a flat vent assembly) could be used with another vent assembly (e.g., a dual hump vent assembly).
A more detailed discussion is now made of the various embodiments of the vent assemblies of the present invention. By way of reference, it should be noted that the term “leading” edge is meant to indicate the edge of the tile or tile vent that faces “down” the roof towards the ground. This could also be termed the “lower” or “foot” edge. Conversely, a “trailing” edge is meant to indicate the edge of the tile that faces “up” the roof, away from the ground. This could also be termed the “upper” or “head” edge. In other words, the “leading” edge is positioned downslope (e.g., vertically below) from the “trailing” edge of any particular vent assembly. “Side” edges are the remaining edges that connect the two.
Flat Vent Assembly Having Vertically Oriented Baffles 10
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-7, which illustrate the use of one embodiment, a “flat” vent assembly 10 that includes a cowl 20 and a base 30.
Components of Roof Vent Assembly 10

- Cowl 20
  - Elongate cowl ventilation openings 22
  - Cowl baffles 25
  - Tabs 46
  - Vent front edge vent and discharge openings 47
- Base 30
  - Elongate base ventilation openings 32
  - Base baffles 35
  - Support nodules 37
  - Drainage (a.k.a., Discharge) channels 55
  - Supplemental ventilation openings 39

Particularly referencing FIGS. 1 and 2, a roof vent assembly 10 is shown in place on a supporting roof structure amidst a plurality of conventional flat tile members 100. As may be seen, the flat vent assembly 10 is shaped generally similarly to the flat tile members, so as to blend in as much as possible while still providing ventilation through the roof tile layer. It may be seen that this provides a venting challenge due to the relatively thin nature of the surrounding tiles 100. Supplemental vent and discharge openings 47, discussed in more detail elsewhere are shown in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are each pictorial views of the vent assembly 10 disassembled and laid on an unlabeled flat display surface for viewing purposes. The cowl 20 of the vent assembly 10 is shown upside down in FIGS. 3 and 4, exposing its interior surface, with its normally weather-exposed upper surface facing the unlabeled flat surface. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 30 is shown laid alongside the cowl 20, likewise with its interior surface exposed for purposes of discussion.
The components 20 and 30 above may be made of various materials without departing from the present invention. For example, they may be made of plastic or other suitable materials such as known in the art. They may be made by use of vacuum forming or injection molding processes. In the event that injection molding is used, due to the improved tolerances, snap-fitting connections may be used at suitable interconnection points for purpose of assembly. Alternately or additionally, glue may be used, particularly if material is used which may be vacuum formed. Additionally, fasteners (not shown) as known in the art such as rivets, screws, or the like may be used.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 4, the base 30 includes a substantially planar base panel member that defines a plurality of elongate, substantially parallel base ventilation openings 32 and a plurality of adjacent base baffles 35 (two baffles per opening, one along each long side of each of the elongate openings 32). These baffles 35 provide air and debris control and guidance as discussed elsewhere, and are generally vertically oriented (when installed) and extend upwardly and perpendicular from the surface of the base 30 with one such baffle adjacent and along each side of each base vent opening 32. In one embodiment, each base baffle 35 extends the length of the base vent opening 32 adjacent the particular base baffle 35.
The base 30 also includes a plurality of support nodules 37, which extend upwardly to provide support to the underside of the primary planar surface of the cowl 20 when the cowl is positioned atop the base 30. The base 30 also includes two supplementary ventilation openings 39 (see also FIG. 5) towards the head end of the base, to provide supplemental venting as needed. These ventilation openings may be seen to be positioned under the head lap of the next higher tile course when the vent is installed.
Cowl 20
Referring now particularly to FIG. 4, the cowl 20 includes a substantially planar cowl panel member that defines a plurality of elongate, substantially parallel cowl ventilation openings 22 through its upper surface. The cowl 20 also includes a plurality of vertically oriented cowl baffles 25 that extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the underside of the cowl's upper surface with one such baffle adjacent and along each long side of each elongate cowl vent opening 22.
In one embodiment, each cowl baffle 25 extends the length of a corresponding cowl vent opening 22 adjacent to the cowl baffle 25. It may be seen that short, unnumbered “end baffles” of sorts also extend along the short sides of the elongate cowl ventilation openings, as well as for the elongate base ventilation openings, except that for some of the elongate base ventilation openings the support nodules 37 do double duty.
In one embodiment, each of the elongated cowl ventilation openings 22 includes a screen-like barrier as shown. “Screen-like” as used below should be interpreted as providing a barrier which screens out debris while still facilitating air flow. This could include flat screen mesh with criss-crossing type barriers, flat screens having parallel slat-like barriers, louvers, or any other suitable material.
As shown in FIG. 3, the cowl also includes tabs 46, which serve to partially define the vent front edge vent and discharge openings 47, which as referenced in detail later are defined by both the cowl 20 and the base 30. It may be understood that these tabs as shown extend down and preferably contact the base (for support therefrom) and thus preferably the openings 847 are discrete and separate. However, it may be understood that due to manufacturing tolerance limitations this may not be exact, and there may be gaps between some of the tabs and the base. However, it may nevertheless be seen that substantially discrete openings 47 are nevertheless provided.
Air Flow and Debris Control
As may be understood, selection of the various vent hole and baffle sizes, positions, and relative locations is but one important feature of the present invention. This includes not only the various elongate baffles and vent holes, but also the ventilation openings 39, which are configured at least in part to balance the air flow into the bottom of the vent with the airflow out of the front edge of the vent through the vent front edge vent and discharge openings 47 (see FIG. 2). As may be understood the “total area in” of the ventilation openings is to be balanced relatively to the “total area out” (for a given air flow direction—flow out or in to the structure, which may differ depending on conditions).
Reference is now made particularly to FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate the manner in which the vent assembly 10 is configured to provide improved airflow, given the limitations of a relatively thin and flat vent, while also providing improved water and debris resistance and control.
The base ventilation openings 32 and the cowl ventilation openings 22 are positioned to be parallel to each other, but also vertically offset (relative to vertical planes, even when the vents are installed on an inclined surface) from each other when the cowl 20 is installed above the base 30. When so positioned, air flowing through the vent (between the outside of the vent assembly 10 and below the roofing supporting surface) flows along exemplary serpentine paths “SP” (see FIG. 7) defined by the plurality of baffles 25, 35 and ventilation openings 22, 32.
Exemplary flows “SP” along these serpentine paths are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It may be understood that the flow through the vent 10 can be along these paths in either direction, depending on whether air is tending to be flowing into or out of the vented structure.
This airflow feature, and the structure so providing it, is an important feature of the invention. An exemplary advantage is that water or debris that enters the vent assembly 10 through the cowl ventilation openings 22 tends to be substantially blocked from entering the base ventilation openings 32 by the vertically oriented cowl baffles 25 and base baffles 35.
The use of “drainage channels” (a.k.a. discharge channels) 55 is also a particular advantage of the invention. In the particular embodiment shown, for example in FIG. 7, each of the plurality of drainage channels 55 is defined by adjacent pairs of vertically oriented base baffles 35 (it way be understood that these and the other baffles 35 are “vertical” although their longitudinal axes are inclined) and an upper surface 54 of the base 30. As may be seen, the elongated cowl ventilation openings 22 through the upper, primary planar, surface of the vent assembly 10 are open to accepting rain falling directly downwardly, as well as open to accepting debris small enough to pass through the screens (or louvers) of the openings 22. Such water or debris entering from above into the interior cavity defined between the base 30 and the cowl 20 (through one or more of the cowl ventilation openings 35) is channeled (at least partially under the influence of gravity) into the drainage channels 55 which are positioned below the openings. In the vent's installed position, it may be understood that such channels are inclined (as is the entire vent) to direct this debris and water toward the leading edge 45 (see FIG. 4) of the vent assembly 10. The lower ends of these channels open into the front edge area of the vent assembly and out of the vent front edge vent and discharge openings 47 of the vent assembly (see FIG. 2), such that water and/or debris tends to be dumped onto the upper surface of the tile in the next course down. This allows the water or debris to escape onto the roof tile surface.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the vent front edge vent and discharge openings 47 are separated by tabs 46 extending downwardly from the leading edge 45 of the cowl 30, and the leading edge openings are defined by the base and the cowl leading edges. The tabs 46 are substantially in vertical alignment with the base ventilation openings 32 and, accordingly, are offset from the cowl ventilation openings 22. Positioning the tabs 46 to be substantially in vertical alignment with the base ventilation openings 32 discourages water and debris being blown “up” a roof from entering the base ventilation openings 32. In another embodiment, the base 30 may further define a leading wall adjacent each vent opening (not shown) to prevent entrance of wind driven rain and debris into the ventilation openings 32.
In addition, this embodiment further provides improved ventilation for warm moist air that may escape from below the roofing support surface (e.g., the attic). In particular, warm moist air that flows upwardly into the base ventilation openings 32 from below the roofing support surface may condense when it enters the vent assembly 10 if the temperature between the baffles 35, 25 of the vent assembly 10 is less than the temperature from the space below the roofing support surface. The condensation is channeled toward the leading edge 35 of the vent assembly 10 by the baffles 35, 25.
Dual Hump Vent Assembly Having Vertically Oriented Baffles 110
This embodiment contemplates the use of the general baffle and ventilation opening configurations above, adapted for use in a “dual hump” type of vent. It may be understood that this particular embodiment does not have the same space limitations as are present in the flat vent design, and thus only two ventilation openings, one in each “hump” may be required. Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a view of the type of FIG. 7, except it shows another embodiment 110 of the invention, having a cowl 120 and a base 130. As may be seen, this embodiment includes ventilation openings 122 similar in configuration to those found in the flat vent 10. As in that configuration, the ventilation openings 122, here, may also include a screen-like barrier such as flat screen mesh with crisscrossing type barriers, flat screens having parallel slat-like barriers, louvers, or any other suitable material. As may be seen, this embodiment likewise includes cowl baffles 125 and base baffles 135, both similar in configuration to those found in the flat vent 10. Adjacent pairs of vertically oriented base baffles 135 further define a plurality of drainage channels 155 that provide the same type of drainage capabilities as provided by the flat vent 10.

CONCLUSION

It should be understood that although certain configurations of vents have been shown for purposes of illustration, there are other alternative configurations that still manage to be covered by the present invention. For example, any other profiled (not flat) type of vent (such as a “triple hump” or “villa” profile) may likewise be provided and covered by the present invention.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofing support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by said inclined roofing support structure, said roof vent assembly having an interior and an exterior and configured to be placed into a position among said tiles and to define a vented enclosure to facilitate ventilation of said support structure in either direction along a ventilation path portion beginning from a location within said inclined roofing support structure, then into an interior cavity of said vented enclosure, then out of said vented enclosure, then to a location generally above and to the exterior of both said vented enclosure and said inclined roof support structure, said roof vent assembly defining at least one water discharge opening, said roof vent assembly comprising:

A) a base member generally defining an interior side and an opposite exterior side, and including a generally planar base member body portion having an interior base side and an opposite exterior base side, said base member body portion itself including a plurality of elongate substantially parallel base member ventilation openings therethrough to facilitate airflow between said interior and exterior base sides, said base member also including a plurality of elongate base member baffles extending generally perpendicularly from said interior side of said generally planar base member body portion and extending substantially along the length of and adjacent to said base member ventilation openings, such that each elongate base member ventilation opening has one base member baffle proximate each of its elongate edges, said plurality of base member baffles positioned in pairs intermediate said each of said base member ventilation openings such that an elongate discharge channel is positioned intermediate each of said elongate base member ventilation openings, said elongate discharge channels defined at least partially by a pair of said base member baffles and an intermediate portion of said base member body portion, said discharge channels being in communication with said at least one water discharge opening to facilitate the discharge of water from within said discharge channels out of said roof vent assembly through said water discharge opening; and

B) a cowl member defining an interior side and an opposite exterior side, and including a generally planar cowl body portion having an interior cowl side and an opposite exterior cowl side, said cowl member body portion including a plurality of elongate substantially parallel cowl member ventilation openings therethrough to facilitate airflow between said interior and exterior cowl sides, said cowl member also including a plurality of elongate cowl member baffles extending generally perpendicularly from said interior cowl side of said cowl member body portion and extending substantially along the length of and adjacent to said cowl member ventilation openings, such that each elongate cowl member ventilation opening has one cowl member baffle proximate each of its elongate edges,

said base and cowl members relatively positioned such that their respective interior sides combine to at least partially define said roof vent assembly interior cavity and also positioned such that when said roof vent assembly is installed on an inclined roofing support surface, said elongate discharge channels are likewise inclined, and water falling directly downwardly substantially along a gravity axis under the influence of gravity may fall directly into said roof vent assembly through said elongate cowl member ventilation openings, downwardly into said elongate discharge channels, and be guided under the influence of gravity along said elongate discharge channels and out of said roof vent assembly via said water discharge opening, and

said base and cowl members also relatively positioned such that at least a portion of said airflow when passing into said elongate cowl ventilation openings from the exterior of said roof vent assembly is directed laterally relative to said gravity axis, passes along a serpentine path past at least one cowl member baffle and at past least one base member baffle, and finally passes out of said roof vent assembly through at least one of said elongate base member ventilation openings.

2. The roof vent assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cowl member includes a plurality of tab members extending from said cowl member body portion towards said base member when said roof vent assembly is assembled, said tab members being in substantial alignment with said base member ventilation openings so as to discourage wind-driven rain from being blown up said roof and into said base member ventilation openings.

3. The roof vent assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said base member baffles, cowl member baffles, and said discharge channels are all elongate and have substantially parallel longitudinal axes.

4. The roof vent assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base member baffles, cowl member baffles, and said discharge channels are all elongate and have substantially parallel longitudinal axes.

5. A roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roofing support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by said inclined roofing support structure, said roof vent assembly having an interior and an exterior and configured to be placed into a position among said tiles and to define a vented enclosure to facilitate ventilation of said support structure in either direction along a ventilation path extending from the interior of said inclined roofing support structure, to the interior of said roof vent assembly, and finally to the exterior of said roofing support structure, said roof vent assembly comprising:

A) a base member configured for being attached to and supported by said inclined roofing support structure, said base member including a generally planar base member body portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge when installed being substantially horizontally oriented and positioned downslope from said trailing edge, said base member also defining a plurality of base member ventilation openings and comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented base baffles, said base baffles extending upwardly from said base member and into said interior of said roof vent assembly, and being disposed adjacent opposite sides of each of said base member ventilation openings; and

B) a cowl member configured for mounting substantially vertically above said base member so that said interior of said roof vent assembly is defined at least partially by at least said base and cowl members, said cowl member defining a plurality of cowl member ventilation openings therethrough and also comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented cowl baffles extending into said interior of said roof vent assembly, said cowl member ventilation openings also being disposed adjacent opposite sides of each of said cowl member ventilation openings,

wherein said cowl member is configured to be mounted relative to said base member such that each of said cowl member ventilation openings are vertically offset from each of said base member ventilation openings when said vent assembly is installed on an inclined surface, and

wherein at least a portion of water or debris entering at least one of said cowl member ventilation openings under the influence of gravity tends to be channeled between a pair of adjacent base baffles positioned below at least one of said cowl member ventilation openings to said horizontally oriented leading edge of said base member body portion, said leading edge being opposite said horizontally oriented trailing edge of said base member, said base member being installed on said inclined roofing support structure such that said leading edge is positioned downslope from said trailing edge.

6. The roof vent assembly of claim 5, wherein air, when flowing along said ventilation path from within said inclined roofing support structure to said interior of said roof vent assembly said then outside of said roof vent assembly, flows upwardly through said base member ventilation openings, above said base baffles, below said cowl baffles, and then upwardly through said cowl member ventilation openings to outside of said roof vent assembly.

7. The roof vent assembly of claim 5, wherein air, when flowing along said ventilation path from outside of said roof vent assembly to said interior of said roof vent assembly said then within said inclined roofing support structure, flows downwardly through said cowl member ventilation openings, below said cowl baffles, above said base baffles, and then downwardly through said base member ventilation openings into said roofing support structure.

8. The roof vent assembly of claim 5, wherein said base member and said cowl member cooperate to generally simulate a tile member within said flat roof tile structure, and wherein said leading edge of said base member is positioned such that water channeled by said base baffles tends to flow out atop other tiles positioned lower on said flat roof tile structure.

9. The roof vent assembly of claim 5, wherein said base member and said cowl member cooperate to generally simulate a “humped” tile structure.

10. The roof vent assembly of claim 5, wherein said base member and said cowl member cooperate to generally simulate a “dual humped” tile structure.

11. A roof vent assembly for use in connection with an inclined roof support structure and a plurality of tile members supported by said inclined roofing support structure in a roofing support plane having a slope axis, said vent assembly configured to facilitate air ventilation along a path from extending from the interior of said inclined roof support structure, to an interior cavity defined by said vent assembly, and finally to an exterior environment, said roof vent assembly comprising:

A) a base member configured for attaching to and being supported by said inclined roof support structure, said base member comprising:

i) a substantially planar base floor portion defining a plurality of elongate base member ventilation openings and comprising an upper side and a lower side opposite said upper side, said lower side being configured for installation facing said inclined roof support structure; and

ii) a plurality of elongate base baffle pairs extending from and perpendicular to said upper side of said floor portion, said base baffle pairs alternating in location relative to said base member ventilation openings such that each of said base baffle pairs are disposed intermediate two adjacent base member ventilation openings and each of said ventilation openings are disposed intermediate two adjacent baffle pairs, each of said base baffle pairs combining with a portion of said base floor portion to define elongate drainage channels having their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to said slope axis; and

B) a cowl member configured for attachment relative to said base member, said cowl member comprising:

i) a substantially planar cowl portion defining a plurality of elongate cowl member ventilation openings configured to be positioned generally above said elongate drainage channels when said cowl member is attached relative to said base member and said roof vent assembly is installed, said planar cowl portion comprising an upper side and a lower side opposite said upper side, wherein said lower side is configured for being installed generally above said base floor portion; and

ii) a plurality of elongate cowl baffle pairs extending from said lower side of said planar cowl portion, said cowl baffle pairs alternating in location relative to said base member ventilation openings such that each of said cowl baffle pairs is disposed intermediate two adjacent cowl member ventilation openings and each of said cowl member ventilation openings is disposed intermediate two adjacent baffle pairs,

wherein:

said base member and said cowl member define an interior cavity between said upper side of said base floor portion and said lower side of said planar cowl portion when said cowl member is attached relative to said base member,

said base ventilation openings are configured to facilitate air flow between said interior cavity and said inclined roof support structure,

said cowl ventilation openings are configured to facilitate air flow between said interior cavity and said exterior environment, and

air flowing between said roofing support structure and said exterior environment flows along a serpentine path through said roof vent assembly, said serpentine path extending through each of said base member ventilation openings, above each of said base baffle pairs, below each of said cowl baffle pairs, and through said cowl member ventilation openings.

12. The roof vent assembly of Clam 11, wherein said elongate base member ventilation openings, said elongate base baffle pairs, said elongate cowl member ventilation openings, and said elongate base baffle pairs are parallel to each other and lie substantially along said slope axis.

13. The roof vent assembly of claim 11, wherein said cowl member ventilation openings define louvers extending substantially normal to said slope axis.

14. The roof vent assembly of claim 11, wherein said cowl member further comprises screens disposed between said cowl member ventilation openings and said interior cavity.