US2367454A - Ventilator - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 16, 1945. E. L. WISEMAN 2,367,454

I VENTILATOR F iled Jan. 15, 1943 v IN VEN TOR. EA El. 4 WISE/1AA A A TTOPNEYS Patented Jan. 16, 1945 UNHTE D STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,367,454..

VENTILAT'OR Earl. L. Wiseman, University Heights, Ohio, as-

sig-nor to- The Swartwout Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation. of Ohio,

Application January15, 1943, Serial No. 4'7'2A 5'3 7 Claims.

This invention relates to roof ventilators, and more particularly to the plain stationary typ iof roof ventilator.

The purpose of such ventilators is broadly to facilitate the outflow of air, gases, fumes and the like from rooms and buildings; while excluding the ingress of weather such as rain, snow and sleet. Ordinarily; such ventilators are attached directly to the roofs of the buildings above the spaceto be ventilated. Reasons of economy suggest that the ventilators be spacedbut a reason-' able minimum height abovethe roof to conserve the length of the eduction pipe or stack leading; from the roof opening;

Since roofs have been and often are designed without regard to, or even knowledge" of the original and later arising problems of ventilation, and since roofs take an endless variety of shapes; flat, sloping, saw-toothed, gabled etc., and" since the location of ventilators is often, if not largely determined by the hot spot or other conditions: within the building, many'of' which have no relation to the shape of the roof, onemof the cardinal objects of my invention is to provide a ventilatorhaving universality of utility and efliciencyover a.

wide range and variety of roof configurationse Another object of my invention is to provide a" ventilator which will take the best advantage of." the wind and outside air currents to aid or accentuate the natural draft through the ventilators. As a complement to this object, it is a further object of my invention to provide against the impairment of the natural draft throughthe ventillator by the influence of the wind and. outside air currents. A further object is to exclude weather from entering the building or space to be'ventilated, and to prevent weather or weather conch.- tions from impairing the operation and effici'encv of the ventilator. Among, other things it is the object of. my invention to prevent the ventilator from freezing up, i. e., as by the collection of ice internally thereof or in. any manner which might. either impair its-function as a ventilator or'overload its structure. Another object is to. providev a ventilator from which birds, squirrels, and other small animals can be excluded without. elaborate and involvedscreening.

'With these objects, a further object is: to pro*-' vide a ventilator of simple, inexpensive and; rug-= ged construction, devoid of moving" parts except for such agencies as fans or am ere wherethe I taken on theline 2-4} Figure 1,,and Figure E i's a Preferably thedamper has a weight W on one side which tends to hold the other side upwardly fragmentary view of a part of Figure l showing the preferred relation of the marginal edge of the capto one of its supporting brackets prior to final attachment thereto.

In the preferred form of my invention, 1? provide a round stack or ed-uction pipe l, which while shown to-be' short in relationtoits diameter'may' have any desired length, and as is well understood in the'art will be; connected at its bottom to communicate-With the-roof opening through suitableconnecting, supporting ahd'flash-ing structure not shown. As will be-seen, I prefer to mount a damper 2 on an axis 3; which is journalled at its ends in bearings carried by the eduction pipe I'".

against a stop S to maintain the damper in its" closed position. A chain 0 permits opening of the dampermore or'lessas desired;

In this form of my invention and with particular regard tothe simplicity and ruggedness of construction, I'secureto the upper end of the pipe I preferably at three points circumferential-11y spaced there around, trapezoidal shaped rigid brackets B. These brackets may be'secured tothe' upper end of the pipe l as by rivets rat the lower ends of the longer of the parallel vertical sides of the brackets. Preferably theupper' end of the pipe I is stiffened by such-means; as the annular corrugation C.

A cap 5 preferably of conical form is positioned directly above and spaced away from the upper open end of'the eduction pipe I and overlies, i. e'. its marginal edge overhangs, the upper openingof the pipe whereby to exclude weather therefrom; The cap 5- rests upon and is secured to the upper sloping leg of, the brackets B so that the cap: is given a three point support and has removable attachment to these brackets preferably through nuts and bolts 6. As shown in Figure 3, I'prefer that the slope ofith'e upper legs. of each of the brackets be inclined a littl'emore steeply than the:

idle pitch of the conical. cap 5, 'so that edge of the cap tends to be spaced fromthe bracket as.

at 1-1 in Figure 3;. before the parts are secured. to

gether; In this way the parts are stressed in the course of their attachment with the result that the whole structure is given firmness and rigidity. Not only is the cap supported by the brackets, but also the cap in turn serves as an annular ring tying the brackets together and holding them upright against their tendency to tip or swing outwardly under the cantilever load of the storm band which is carried on the outwardly extending parts of the brackets.

The same brackets B support the annular storm band I0, which comprises not only the ordinary cylindrical portion II but also comprises in functional unity therewith, upper and lower inturned edges or baflie parts I2 and I3 which extend respectively inwardly and upwardly and inwardly and downwardly, terminating in circular edges approaching the diameter of the eduction pipe I. The baflie parts I2 and I3 ma each preferably be of frusto-conical form pitched substantially as shown in the drawing. The upper edge or baflie portion I2 of the storm band II extends inwardly and upwardly to a circular edge overhanging the marginal edgeof the cap and defining the top circular ultimate outlet opening I4 of the ventilator. This overlapping relation of the uppermost edge of the storm band taken with the balance of the construction and arrangement thereof guarantees the exclusion of weather entering the opening I4 from entering the open end of the eduction pipe I Rain entering the opening I4 of the ventilator will fall on the cap 5 and be diverted downwardly and outwardly upon the inturned edge or baffle I3 of the storm band II at a substantial distance radially outward from the eduction pipe. I and substantially below the level of the upper end of this pipe, as for example, in about the zone indicated by the numeral I5,

The relation of the conical bafile part I3 to the upper edge of the pipe I in regard to distance and slope is governed in a considerable measure with regard to the splashing of the rain falling from the cap 5 to the zone I5 so that the water falling on the part I3 will not splash into the upper open end of the pipe I. I have found the proportion and arrangement shown in'the drawing to be generally satisfactory in this respect as well as economical of material, but I suggest that where torrential rain storms are to be dealt with, that the cylindrical part of thestorm band and brackets be extended downwardly somewhat and the whole of the part or baffle I3 be lowered with respect to the upper edge of the pipe I, as indicated in the dotted lines L on the left side of Figure 1.

The part I3 at its lower and inward circular edge approaches contact with the outer cylindrical surface of the eduction pipe I and is preferably spaced therefrom only by such a narrow annular space or crack I6 as to permit the egress of rain or water forming snow or sleet entering the opening I4 at a rate sufficient to prevent overflow into the upper end of the pipe I. I prefer that the lower inner edge of the part I3 be substantially circular and substantially uniformly spaced from the outer surface of the pipe I. As a matter of manufacturing convenience and economy, Eco

metric precision is seldom practicable or necessary in this respect, and I find that the space It, while not being necessarily uniform all the way around the ventilator, is adequate to permit the egress of water therethrough if the opening defined by inner edge of the part I3 has just about a "good manufacturing tolerance in excess of the outside diameter of the pipe I. For example, if

the pipe I were one foot in outside diameter, 1

would design the hole defined by the inner edge of the part I3 to be about 12% inches diameter. This would give an easy tolerance for assembly and give a gross opening I6 of the order of about 2 to 4% of the cross-sectional area of the eduction pipe I. Of course where torrential storms are to be dealt with, the opening It can be increased or the inner edge of the part I3 may be notched or scalloped as at IT to permit the greater outflow of water.

The proximity of the lower edge of the part I3 I to the eduction pipe, its upward and outward slope therefrom, and its integral functional relation to the storm band as a whole excludes wind and outside air currents substantially entirely from the interior of the ventilator. In this way, I prevent cold down-drafts from working into the eduction pipe from below the storm band, and also maintain the ventilator weather-proof as against driving rains, or even upwardly blown spindrift which might otherwise get below storm bands of the type used in the prior art. Where ventilators embodying my invention are exposed merely to horizontal air currents those currents aid the natural draft as they aid the draft from a chimney with the added impetus of such influences as I believe tend to follow from the enlarged gross exterior of the ventilator. When the outside wind as shown by the arrow A has an upward inclination as is frequently given by a sloping roof, wind for the reasons above stated is prevented from entering the ventilator, and produces a substantial augmentation of the natural draft by virtue of the enlarged projected area of the ventilator as a whole, ta'ken substantially normal to the direction of the arrow A. In the form shown such a projected area is about twice as great as the cross-sectional area of the eduction pipe I. It should be noted that wind approaching the ventilator from the direction of the arrow A is not confronted with exposed lips or edges or other structural forms which tend to set up eddy currents or other energy wastinginfluences. On the contrary my ventilator prevents smooth continuous rounded surfaces which while diverting the wind so that its current encompasses the ventilator, does so in a manner that permits the fair maintenance of the wind velocity passing the ventilator as I have indicated roughly by the arrows a: and y with the result that the suction effect at and on the upper opening I 4 is much augmented. These advantages also persist as the wind currents take directions varying from that of the arrow A, since the smooth rounded exterior of the ventilator and eduction pipe does not unduly back up, trap or hinder the smooth flow of air on the windward side of the structure. The wind striking the lower bafile I3 of the storm band is guided smoothly along from its point of impact, flowing around the pipe I and/or flowing upwardly and around the cylindrical part II of the storm band, and in all events having a good velocity head on the lee side of the ventilator with the consequent enhanced rariiication of the air to leeward of the outlet opening I4 and in the direction of outflow therefrom.

Referring back to the construction of the ventilator, the lower baflle part I3 of the storm band is preferably secured as by detachable bolts and nuts III to the lower sloping legs of the brackets 13. The cylindrical part In of the storm band is secured, preferably by detachable bolts and nuts, to the outer vertical legs of the brackets B, having its lower edge overlapping the outer edge of the baflle I3 in air tight or wind proof relation. The cylindrical part I0 being thus firmly secured In the. structure at. three, preferably equally spaced; circumferentialipoints is in turn used as the-structure-l element-to sustain theu-pper part T2 of thestorm band which overlies it, and is attached by suitable removable metal screws or the like 20 at a plurality of points around the overlapping edges. The joint between these parts is also air tight or'wi'nd proof, so that the storm band as a whole H, II and I3 functionsaerodynamically as an integral unit.

The opening I l is preferably screened as by a screen 21 secured preferably by removable bolts and nuts to theupper and inner-edge of the part l2 as" at 22. Since the opening I4 is the only opening of any substantial size, the single circular screen 2| excludes from the whole interior of the device all nest making birds and animals of any size greater than the very smallest which might enter through the crack or space IS.

The arrangement of the parts above described permits ready assembly and removalof the parts and ready access to the interior of the ventilator for all purposes. The parts are mutually selfsupporting and reinforcing and the whole structure is given balance, simplicity and ruggedness in an economical construction It may be noted in passing that among other advantages of my invention there is this, that moisture entering the ventilator under conditions otherwise tending to form ice adjacent the drain opening I6 is prevented from freezing by the warm gases coming up through the pipe I, which tend to melt any ice that might form and otherwise clog the opening I6 and impair the drainage of the ventilator. In this way, my ventilator tends whichl're'spectively overlie the 'edgetof said'cap? and extend inwardly and. downwardly" to-close proximity" and rough fit with the exterior su-r faces of said pipe below the upper end. thereof, the proximity of said. lower edge to and its fit with said pipe substantially preventing imgress of wind. while permitting egress of water therebetween.

3. A ventilator comprising an. eduction pipe; a cap' spaced from and overlying the upper open, end of the said pipe, a storm band encompassing. the upper end of said pipe and said cap in spaced relation thereto and having inturnedv imperforate upper and. lower edge portions which respectively: overlie the marginal edge of said cap and extend obliquely to close proximity with the exterior surface of said pipe below the upperend thereof and inclined outwardly and upwardly from said surface, the proximity of said lower edge to said pipe substantially preventing ingress of wind therebetween While permitting egress of water therebetween, and means carried by the upper end of said pipe supporting said cap and said band.

4. A ventilator comprising an eduction pipe, a cap spaced from and overlying .the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising a part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding said cap in spaced relation thereto, the lower edge of said part lying at about the level of the upper end of said pipe, said storm band also to be self cleaning as against the formation of ice which might otherwise impair the drainage thereof.

The smooth rounded and unbroken exterior surface of my ventilator on all outside surfaces from the roof to the topmost opening I 4, viewed from every direction and angle permits my ventilator to function with high efficiency in association with a wide range of roof structures and designs and in response to wind and air currents from every point of the compass and through a wide range of vertical angles.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred form of my invention, changes, improvements and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the major precepts thereof, and I do not care to be limited in my patent claims to the preferred form or the details thereof, or in any manner other than by the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

1. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from and overlying the upper open end of the said pipe, and an annular storm band encompassing the upper end of said pipe and said cap in spaced relation thereto and having an inturned imperforate lower inclined edge portion extending inwardly and downwardly to close proximity with the exterior surface of said pipe below the upper end thereof, the proximity of said lower edge to said pipe substantially preventing ingress of wind while permitting egress of water therebetween.

2. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, an imperforate cap spaced from and overlying the upper open end of the said pipe, and an imperforate annular storm band encompassing the upper end of said pipe and said cap in spaced relation thereto and having inturned incomprising a lower inclined part joining the lower edge of said first part and sloping inwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipe below the end thereof and spaced therefrom at least at intervals only enough to permit egress of water therebetween, and brackets carried by the upper end of said pipe supporting said cap and said parts, said cap constraining said brackets against outward tipping movement induced by the cantilever load of said parts.

5. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from and overlying the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising a cylindrical part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding said cap in spaced relation thereto, the lower edge of said part lying substantially at the level of the upper end of said pipe, said storm band also comprising a lower substantially conical part joining the lower edge of said cylindrical part and sloping inwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipe and spaced therefrom at least at intervals only enough to permit egress of water therebetween, said storm band also comprising an upper bafile joining the upper edge of said cylindrical part and rising and extending inwardly to overlie the marginal edge of said cap, and brackets carried by the upper end of said pipe supporting said cap and said parts, said cylindrical part supporting said bafile.

6. A ventilator comprising a round eduction pipe, a cap spaced from and overlying the end of said pipe, an annular storm band comprising a cylindrical part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding said cap in spaced relation thereto, the lower edge of said part lying substantially at the level of the upper end of said pipe, said storm band also comprising a lower substantially conical part joining the lower edge of said cylindrical part and sloping inwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipe and spaced therefrom at least at intervals only enough to permit egress of water therebetween,

clined upper and lower imperforate edge portions said storm band also comprising an upper baflle joining the upper edge of said cylindrical part and rising and extending inwardly to overlie the marginal edge of said cap, brackets carried by the upper end of said pipe vertically supporting said cap and being horizontally supported thereby and said brackets supporting said parts, said cylindrical part supporting said bafile, said ventilator having no substantial opening to atmosphere other than defined by the inner edge of said upper bafile, and a screen disposed in said opening carried by the inner edge of said upper baflle.

'7. A ventilator comprising in combination a round eduction pipe, an annular storm band comprising a cylindrical part extending coaxially of said pipe and surrounding the upper end of said pipe in spaced relation thereto, said storm band also comprising a lower substantially conical part joining the lower edge of said cylindrical part and sloping inwardly and downwardly to substantial contact with said pipe below the upper end thereof and spaced therefrom only enough to permit egress of water therebetween, means for excluding weather from entering the said upper end of said pipe, and means supported by the end of said pipe and connected with said first named means for supporting said storm band.

EARL L. WISEMAN.

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