Pluming vent cover

[0001] My invention generally relates to a cover for vents which protrude from the exterior surface of building roofs. In particular this invention relates to a cover for a gas pluming vent which is custom shaped either on or off-site to conform to the slope and pitch of a particular roof. My pluming vent cover can be a three component device, with a lowermost base, a middle component which covers the pipe comprising the pluming vent, and a third component which forms an elevated cap. However, my preferred pluming vent cover comprises a cone-like base and an upper pyramidal cap.

[0002] My pluming vent cover is preferably made by (i) initially severing and folding a stiff steel or copper sheet to form a modified cone; and (ii) cutting and folding the cap. Preferably my pluming vent cover also comprises one longitudinal hem along the cone shaped base. The two edges forming the hem folds back upon themselves and remain in the folded position, because of the stiffness of the metal sheet. Two intersecting straps attach to the top of the cone-shaped base with pop rivets; pop rivets also fasten the small cap to the straps' respective central mid-lines.

[0003] As discussed infra, the prior art does not disclose a rigid pluming vent cover which does all of the following simultaneously:

• [0004] (i) prevents rains and elements from entering the roof through the pluming vent,
• [0005] (ii) provides a more attractive appearance than a conventional vent pluming pipe, or
• [0006] (iii) is easily custom fit on site along its lower edge to conform to the pitch and slope of a particular roof, as well as to the number or thickness of roof tiles.

[0007] For example, U.S. Pub. No. U.S. 2003/0054754 (McKee) discloses a passive venting device which comprises a base member and an attachment portion. There is also a vent structure for gas and other vapors to pass, as well as a cover mounted to the base, to permit gas and vapor to the outside. There is a baffle which obstructs precipitation from the roof exterior, as well as a ventilation pathway spaced from the roof. This path allows installation of thick shingles or tiles on a roof, which abut the device without interfering with ventilation. However, the baffle is not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, and the bottom edge is not custom-shaped to fit the roof's slope and pitch quickly on or off-site.

[0008] U.S. Pub. No. U.S. 2003/0104779A1(Marts et al.) discloses a security cover for a ventilation duct. This apparatus prevents solid, liquid or gaseous material from entering the vent. Several baffles form a convoluted path for materials entering or leaving the vent. However, this security cover does not necessarily cover all heights of plume vent pipes and cannot be shaped to fit a specific slope and pitch of a particular roof.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,700 (Blair) discloses a roof jack which has a planar roof covering with a central upstanding frusto-conical section. This conical section includes stepped graduated portions, with the region between each graduated portion flexing to accommodate differences in roof pitch. The entire device is made of polypropylene-synthetic rubber polymer and is produced by a single vacuum formed operation. However, there is no provision for a stiff rigid cover which is custom fit on or off-site along a bottom edge to fit a specific roof slope and pitch.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,924 (Mantyla et al.) discloses a passive venting device for a building which comprises a base with a vent for gases to and from the building. There is also an attachment coupled to the vent and a gas permeable screen to prevent objects from passing through the vent. The gas permeable screen is spaced from the attachment structure vertically away from the roof.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,052 B1 (Larson) discloses a soffit vent comprising a base with opposing elongated edges and a pair of parallel flanges extending upwardly. There is a vent zone in the base and attachment flanges formed by portions of the base. U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,392 (Henderson) discloses a one-sided roof vent with two ends. One end has a base cross section while the second end has a thickness of at least twice that of the base cross section. An optional pivot point permits the device to conform to the structure, along with a baffle or cover filer to prevent entry by environmental particles.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,704 B1 (Wilson) discloses an air vent apparatus for lighting devices. A staked chevron is symmetrically located within the air vent housing of the device. Numerous variations in the length of chevron vanes, vane angle and the pitch function are for a optimal vent for articles such as movie projects, arc lamps, and laser devices. However, this device is not a functional vent cover which is quickly custom-shaped on or off-site to fit the slope or pitch of a specific roof.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,712 B1 (Lyons et al.) discloses a vent cover assembly with a vent cap covering the vent apertures and an assembly extending around the vent cap and vent. In one embodiment the protective structural features allows air flow into and from the vent cap. In another embodiment, there is an attachment base with semi-cylindrical parts which connect to the attachment base. The base is made of sheet metal or other flame-retardant materials.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,585 (Evora) discloses a sleeve protector for venting pipes. It contains a tube attached at one end to a flat portion at the angle which follows the roof slope. There is also a protector cap mounted on the other end of the tube with annular spaced clamps which attach to ribs on the outside tube wall. The sleeve protector is installed by placing the hollow cylinder portion over the pipe. The attached flat portion protects against leaks in areas where the roof and pipe meet. Then the cap member inserts inside the pipe as completely as possible. Clamps interlock with the ribs, thereby protecting the pipe against accidental or intentional tampering.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,273 B1 (Villela) discloses a tile vent which covers the opening of an undulating roof ridge. The tile vent includes vent slots for air exhaust, as well as reinforcing stiffeners to support ridge tiles places over the ridge opening. The tile vent includes two integral panels which oppose each other, with the top portion of each panel attached to a ridge board and the bottom portion attached to the actual roof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,343 (Castillo et al.) discloses a similar tile roof vent which covers the ridge opening of an undulating tile roof. The vent in this invention includes two opposing panels, and each panel comprises a hard plastic sheet, each with an upper portion and a lower portion. The underside of the lower portions each attach to an air permeable mat. The lower portions are also reinforced by stiffeners and contain vent holes for exhausting air.

[0016] Design patents for roof vent covers disclose what appear to be non-functional embossed or raised designs on what appear to be either the pluming vent cover or the pluming vent pipe. For example, Des. 428,130 (Zirk) discloses a copper roof vent cover with what appears to be a cap which rests directly upon either the actual vent pipe. Des. 428,484 (Zirk) also discloses a copper roof vent cover which has a circular ornamental design as an integral part of the roof cover. Des. 259,208 (McCullough) discloses an ornamental design for a roof vent, but the design is apparently an integral decorative feature of the actual vent and not a separate roof vent cover per se. These features add no specific function to the vent covers, unlike my pending invention.

[0017] In addition to the preferred embodiment, in other embodiments my pluming vent cover conceals other kinds of roof vents on commercial as well as residential structures. In still other embodiments my pluming vent cover conceals sewer pipes and other protruding pipes and vents of diverse structures.

[0018] The present invention comprises an integral pluming vent cover with two rounded metal straps, an upper pyramidal cap and a cone-shaped base in the preferred embodiment. The present invention also comprises the method by which a visually attractive pluming vent cover is custom cut and folded into the appropriate shape either on-site or off-site. In the preferred embodiment, the initial stiff but bendable steel or copper sheet is severed and then folded into a pluming vent cover for any roof pitch, slope, tiles, or dimensions and shapes of pluming vent pipes. In addition to low materials and labor cost, as well as on-site custom fits, my pluming vent cover conceals the unattractive common plume vent pipe, its rubber flashing and base, which are routinely installed upon residential building roofs.

[0019] Currently on pluming vents, a flashing seals the interface between the pipe and the roof with a rubber washer and steel or plastic base, and the entire assembly creates an unsightly appearance. This result occurs is because the residential pluming vent is generally three different colors which differ from the color of the roofing materials. The actual pluming vent pipe is often painted black to camouflage the unsightly pipe, washer and base from the casual observer. Unfortunately, this paint exposed to the weather eventually cracks and peels, leaving the pluming vent even more unsightly.

[0020] For steel roofs, my pluming vent cover is preferably fabricated from a flat steel sheet for a consistent and attractive appearance. The flat steel sheet is initially marked or scored for cutting and bending into a cone-shaped base with one longitudinal hem. In my preferred embodiment, the pluming vent cover forms an approximate cone-shape from the metal sheet with an additional sheet hooked to either side. After my pluming vent cover is riveted to two rounded straps and a cap, it is placed over the pluming vent pipe. In other embodiments, my pluming vent cover comprises three components in addition to two rounded straps.

[0021] Each pluming vent cover is cut to roof specifications and caulked at all its points of contact with roofing shingles. The exact point at which each pluming vent cover is cut to fit each roof pitch is marked on the steel sheet, or other materials sheet, during cover construction, either on or of f-site. As roof pitches differ and roofing shingles each have their own slope, this base cut accounts for the slope. Preferably, the cut along the bottom ovoid continuous edge of the cone-shaped base is oval from the front to the posterior longitudinal hem at the cover posterior. The ovoid shape allows the cover to tightly abut the roof shingles.

[0022] In addition to the preferred steel or copper sheets, the roofer can use sheets with an embossed, raised, glazed, or enameled surface. Please see FIG. 11. In addition to a pleasing appearance, my pluming vent cover prevents the sun from drying the rubber washer which fits between the roof flashing and the polyvinyl chloride pluming vent pipe. My pluming vent cover has the added advantage of preventing rain, melting ice and snow from flowing into the pipe and then into the building. The pluming vent cover also prevents debris such as leaves and dirt from lodging within the pluming vent pipe and thereby preventing gas from escaping.

[0023] My pluming vent cover can also comprise panels which prevent snakes, insects and rodents from entering pluming vent pipes. These screens are cut from conventional window screen materials and fasten to the both the upper pyramidal cap and lower cone shaped base with small pop rivets 40. FIG. 11. In this embodiment my pluming vent cover is also effective for preventing small animals from entering sewer pipes.

[0024] Accordingly, it is the goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover which is economical to produce.

[0025] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover on or off-site which is easily adapted to closely fit the slope, pitch and shingles of each individual roof.

[0026] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover which prevents the sun from drying the rubber washer encircling the pluming vent pipe.

[0027] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover which prevents animals from entering crawl spaces within a building through a pluming vent pipe.

[0028] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover which prevents precipitation and debris from clogging the pluming vent pipe.

[0029] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance to a pluming vent cover which camouflages the pluming vent pipe, washer and base.

[0030] It is another goal of this invention to provide a pluming vent cover which matches or complements the color and materials of the roof materials and/or shingles.

[0031] Another goal of my invention is to match the material used for the pluming vent cover with the same material which forms the roof.

[0032] These and other features and advantages of my pluming vent cover will become apparent in the attached figures and detailed description of the preferred embodiment and other embodiments, infra.

Introduction

[0044] As seen in FIG. 1 of the preferred embodiment, my pluming vent cover 1 easily fits over a conventional pluming vent 54 located on either an angled or horizontal roof surface 64. A cone-shaped base 5 which is approximately 32 inches in diameter is required for a four inch plume vent pipe 54a which is approximately four inches in height.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, preferred pluming vent cover 1 comprises a cone-shaped base 5. Attached to upper circular continuous edge 8 of cone-shaped base 5 are first and second rounded metal straps 6, 7 respectively. Strap 6 attaches by its first and second respective ends 6a, 6b to upper circular edge 8 with upper pop rivets 9a, 9b. Strap 7 attaches by third and fourth ends 7a, 7b respectively to upper circular continuous edge 8 with upper pop rivets 9c, 9d respectively (generically upper pop rivets 9). Each respective end 6a, 7a respectively opposes its counterpart 6b, 7b respectively at approximately 180 degrees along upper continuous circular edge 8.

[0046] Preferred pluming vent cover 1 also comprises a separate upper pyramidal cap 10a which forms a shallow rounded pyramidal cross-section with an apex 40. Upper pyramidal cap 10a is attached to each rounded strap 6, 7 by four pyramidal pop rivets 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d respectively (generically pyramidal pop rivets 30). Caps 10 of other shapes and sizes are also within the scope of my invention. Pluming vent cover 1 can be enameled, glazed, or bear an embossed design 75. Please see FIG. 11.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment cone-shaped base 5 forms a hollow approximate cone shape, which however, does not taper to a point but instead comprises a circular continuous upper edge 8. Cone-shaped base 5 is approximately eight inches in ovoid diameter at continuous lower ovoid edge 11 which rests upon roof 64. However other embodiments of my pluming vent cover 1 comprise continuous lower edges which are not ovoid in shape. Upper circular continuous edge 8 is preferably approximately five inches in diameter, but need not be circular in other embodiments. Cone-shaped base 5 in the preferred embodiment is approximately fifteen inches in maximum perpendicular height from lower ovoid edge 11 to upper continuous circular edge 8. Stiff flexible metal sheet 13, of which cone-shaped base 5 is made, is approximately one millimeter in thickness.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, cone-shaped base 5 has an interior base surface 13a and an exterior base surface 13b, each of which correspond respectively to the exterior and interior surfaces of flexible metal sheet 13. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, along shorter longitudinal length 14 (approximately 13.5 inches and corresponding to upper side of roof 64) of cone-shaped base 5 is longitudinal hem 16. Longitudinal hem 16 comprises a first sheet edge 18a and a second sheet edge 18b. First sheet edge 18a bends backward upon itself, as does second sheet edged 18b after severing to form cone-shaped base 5.

[0049] The roofer manually flattens each bent sheet edge 18a, 18b to form continuous longitudinal hem 16. The stiffness of metal sheet 13 (of which cone-shaped base 5 is made) maintains flattened longitudinal hem 16 in place without requiring mechanical fasteners or other attachments. Cone-shaped base 5 can be of other dimensions, shapes and sizes in other embodiments. Other embodiments need not comprise longitudinal hem 16, but they require mechanical fasteners or appropriate adhesives.

First and Second Rounded Metal Straps 6, 7 in the Preferred Embodiment

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, attached to upper circular continuous edge 8 is first rounded metal strap 6. First rounded metal strap 6 is approximately eight inches in length when fully extended, one inch in width and one millimeter in thickness. Each first rounded metal strap 6 has a first strap end 6a, a second strap end 6b, an upper first surface 6c and a lower first surface 6d. First rounded metal strap 6 attaches to upper circular continuous edge 8 with a first upper pop rivet 9a at first strap end 6a and a second upper pop rivet 9b at second strap end 6b. Each respective upper pop rivet 9a, 9b attaches through first and second upper rivet apertures 20a, 20b respectively within first rounded metal strap 6, as well as congruent first and second strap apertures 21a, 21b respectively within cone-shaped base 5.

[0051] Riveted first strap end 6a opposes riveted second strap end 6b along upper circular continuous edge 8 at approximately 180 degrees. First rounded metal strap 6 is preferably made of the same metal sheet material as that used for cone-shaped base 5, and each strap 6 is greater in length than width. However, in other embodiments first rounded metal strap 6 can be of other lengths, widths, thickness, and materials with appropriate flexibility and stiffness.

[0052] Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, also attached to upper circular continuous edge 8 is second rounded metal strap 7. In the preferred embodiment, second rounded metal strap 7 is also approximately eight inches in its fully extended length, one inch in length and one millimeter in thickness. Each second rounded metal strap 7 has a third strap end 7a, a fourth strap end 7b, an upper second surface 7c and a lower second surface 7b. Second rounded metal strap 7 attaches to upper circular continuous edge 8 with third pop rivet 9c at first strap end 7a and fourth pop rivet 9d at second strap end 7b.

[0053] Each third and fourth pop rivet 9c, 9d respectively inserts through third and fourth rivet apertures 22a, 22b respectively within metal strap 7, and congruent third and fourth cone apertures 23a, 23b respectively within hollow cone-shaped base 5. Riveted third strap end 7a opposes riveted fourth strap end 7b along upper circular continuous edge 8 at approximately 180 degrees. FIG. 4. Second rounded metal strap 7 is preferably of the same metal sheet material as that used to create cone-shaped base 5. However, in other embodiments second rounded metal strap 7 can be of other lengths, widths and thickness, as well as made with other materials with appropriate flexibility and stiffness.

[0054] As best seen in FIG. 5, first rounded strap end 6a is approximately 90 degrees along upper circular continuous edge 8 from adjoining third and fourth rounded strap ends 7a, 7b respectively. Third rounded strap end 7a is also approximately 90 degrees from first and second rounded strap ends 6a and 6b respectively. Each rounded metal strap 6, 7 has maximum vertical height in its bent configuration at first and second central strap points 6e, 7e respectively. At points 6e, 7e each strap 6, 7 respectively contacts the other, with first rounded strap 6a crossing over second rounded strap 7 at midpoints 6e, 7e. However, in other embodiments second rounded metal strap 7a can cross over first rounded metal strap 6, and rounded metal straps 6, 7 can adjoin each other at other angles along upper continuous circular edge 8.

[0055] First and second rounded metal straps 6, 7 are preferably made from flat metal sheets 13 which are the same color and materials as cone-shaped base 5. However, in other embodiments rounded metal straps 6, 7 can be other colors, bear diverse embossed designs, and comprise glazed or enamel finishes. FIG. 11. In other embodiments there are additional rounded metal straps which attach to upper continuous circular edge 8. Also in other embodiments, diverse mechanical or other attachments replace pop rivets. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

Upper Pyramidal Cap 10a in the Preferred Embodiment

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, attached to first and second rounded metal straps 6, 7 respectively is upper pyramidal cap 10a. Upper pyramidal cap 10a is circular in horizontal cross-section, and forms a shallow approximately rounded pyramidal in three dimensions. Cap 10a has a lower continuous pyramidal edge 34 of approximately 30 inches circumference, and cap 10a is approximately four inches in perpendicular height through pyramidal apex 40. Lower continuous pyramidal base edge 34 has a diameter of approximately ten inches, and is approximately one millimeter in thickness. However, in other embodiments an upper cap 10 can be of other shapes, sizes and thickness.

[0057] As best seen in FIG. 4, upper pyramidal cap 10a has an upper exterior surface 10b and a lower interior surface 10c. As seen in FIG. 3, approximately three inches above lower continuous pyramidal edge 34 are four equidistantly spaced first, second, third and fourth pyramidal pop rivets 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d respectively (generically pyramidal pop rivets 30). First and third pyramidal pop rivets 30a, 30c respectively attach first rounded metal strap 6 to upper pyramidal cap 10a. Similarly, second and fourth pyramidal pop rivets 30b, 30d respectively attach rounded metal strap 7 to upper pyramidal cap 10a. All pop rivets 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d fit within upper pyramidal pop rivets apertures (not seen). In other embodiments, first and second rounded straps 6, 7 attach to upper pyramidal cap 10 by diverse mechanical devices or adhesives.

[0058] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, rigid first and second rounded metal straps 6, 7 define a pre-determined spaced interval 95 between upper pyramidal cap 10a and upper continuous circular edge 8. This interval is approximately four and one-half inches in height in the preferred embodiment. The material of which rounded metal straps 6, 7 are made must be sufficiently stiff to support upper pyramidal cap 10a at this height. However, this same material must also be sufficiently flexible to manually bend to the desired rounded strap configuration.

[0059] The roofer creates upper pyramidal cap 10a by severing an appropriately sized circular section 60 from a stiff metal sheet. FIG. 6. The roofer then cuts a straight line to the center point 60a of circular section 60 (i.e., a radius), thereby forming first and second circular component longitudinal edges 60b, 60c respectively. FIG. 3. The roofer then folds circular component longitudinal edge 60b over circular component longitudinal edge 60c. FIG. 8. He or she thereby forms continuous longitudinal seam 60d which is continuously straight from circular lower edge 34 to cap apex 40. FIGS. 3 and 9. Continuous longitudinal seam 60d is held in this overlapping alignment by a single seam pop rivet 61, through first and second congruently aligned seam pop rivet apertures 61a, 61b (not seen). Please see FIGS. 3 and 9. However, in other embodiments there are additional pop rivets 61 or other kinds of mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

[0060] The operator creates a pluming vent cover 1 as follows:

Cone-Shaped Base 5

[0061] The roofer begins with one flat metal sheet 13 which he or she marks for severing according to roof specifications to create cone-shaped base 5. FIG. 6. The roofer severs metal sheet 13 along these marks, so metal sheet 13 becomes a modified integral metal piece with a first sheet edge 18a and a second sheet edge 18b. FIG. 7. If stiff metal sheet 13 is sufficiently large, then more than one cone-shaped base 5 can be cut from one stiff metal sheet 13. If pluming vent cover 1 is not created on-site, a manufacturer uses a single large metal sheet to produce numerous cone-shaped bases 5 which are not yet folded or comprising longitudinal hems 16. This approach is recommended for numerous buildings which are uniform in roof design, slope pitch, shingle thickness and arrangement (such as row houses or a housing development with one roof plan and identical roof materials and shingles).

[0062] In the best mode and on-site, the roofer next bends first sheet edge 18a backwards upon itself to form a first bent edge width of approximately ⅝ (five-eighths) inch. FIG. 7. He or she then bends second sheet edge 18b backwards upon itself to create a second bent edge width of approximately ⅜ (three-eighths) inch. Please see FIG. 8. Second bent edge 18b is then hooked around first bent sheet edge 18a along their entire respective longitudinal lengths, thereby forming longitudinal hem 16. FIGS. 5, 8 and 9.

[0063] An important advantage of this technique is the absence of rough metal edges on which the roofer can injure himself or herself. Each bent sheet edge 18a, 18b forms an exposed first exterior longitudinal fold 19a or a second interior longitudinal fold 19b respectively. These longitudinal folds 19a, 19b are sufficiently rounded and have a sufficiently smooth surface that the roofer's fingers will not catch on a jagged severed metal edge. FIG. 5.

Attachment of Rounded Metal Straps 6, 7 and Upper Pyramidal cap 10a

[0064] The roofer next takes two originally straight stiff metal straps 6, 7, and manually bends each strap 6, 7 to the appropriate rounded configuration for attachment to both upper pyramidal cap 10a and cone shaped base 5. Please see FIG. 9. He or she next attaches both metal straps 6, 7 with upper pop rivets 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d respectively to upper circular continuous edge 8. FIG. 9. He or she then attaches upper pyramidal cap 10a to first and second metal straps 6, 7 using pyramidal pop rivets 30a, 30b, 30c, 30b. FIG. 10. However, in other embodiments more or fewer pop rivets are satisfactory, as are other mechanical fasteners and adhesives.

[0065] The operator then places the entire pluming vent cover 1 over pluming vent pipe 54a, base 54b, roof flashing 54c and washer 54d along roof 64. Please see FIG. 1. As best seen in FIG. 2, the length of cone-shaped base 5 from ovoid continuous base edge 11 to upper continuous circular base edge 8 is greater along lower roof side 55a than upper side 64a. The operator places caulk 70 to seal ovoid continuous base edge 11 to roof 64, as well as to abutting shingles 64a in appropriate cases. FIG. 1. In other embodiments the operator places a screen panel 80 along upper circular edge 8 prior to placement along roof 64. FIG. 11.

[0066] Preferably, the diameter of lower continuous ovoid edge 11 is approximately 28 inches for a pluming vent pipe 54a which is approximately three inches in length. Similarly, lower continuous ovoid base edge 11 has an approximate 32 inch diameter when pluming vent pipe 54a is approximately four inches in length. The trimming of lower continuous ovoid edge 11 to fit roof 64 does not fit a straightforward ratio, but instead empirically results in lower ovoid continuous edge 11 extending different distances from upper continuous circular edge 8. The exact points along which cone-shaped base 5 is severed to fit each roof pitch is marked upon the original stiff metal sheet 13. As roof pitches vary and roofing shingles contribute their own slope, the initial sheet metal measurement for a correctly aligned lower ovoid continuous edge 11 should accommodate these variables.

[0067] The above is a description for the preferred embodiment of my pluming vent cover 1, as well as the best mode of its application. However, those skilled in the art may envision other possible variations with the invention's scope, by changing the dimensions and shapes of its components. According, since my invention is possible in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Instead, the embodiments described herein are considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be included therein.