Serviceable soffit vent

Abstract

An attic soffit ventilator for a dwelling having a removable filter. The soffit ventilator includes a frame having a plurality of louvers on one side, wherein the frame is fixed to the underside surface or soffit structure of a roof. The frame includes a side openings or slot for receiving a filter media. The filter media is inserted into the frame by sliding it into the frame from the side opening or slot. Further, the filter media can be removed, cleaned, and re-inserted into the frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 13 / 199,288 filed on Aug. 24, 2011.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is a system and device for ventilating the attic of a dwelling. More specifically, a serviceable soffit ventilator is provided having a removable and re-usable filter.BACKGROUND[0003]Excessive heat and moisture trapped in an attic or other space underneath the pitched roof of a structure can damage the roof, can damage the remainder of the structure and can promote mold and decay within the attic. To avoid these effects, the ambient air space between the roof and dwelling ceiling, referred to as the attic, must be constantly ventilated, and replaced with fresh contiguous outside ambient air.[0004]During daylight hours, the sun shining on the roof warms the deck surface, causing the deck to become warmer than the ambient air. The warm roof deck ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Further, the frame of the soffit vent is formed from one piece of galvanized steel and the filter is stamped from one piece of metal and includes more than 50% net free open surface area for the incoming air to pass into the attic space. In addition, the frame can be powder coated to insulate the metals from corrosion. Further, the device allows the user to remove, clean and reinsert the filter media. More specifical

Problems solved by technology

Excessive heat and moisture trapped in an attic or other space underneath the pitched roof of a structure can damage the roof, can damage the remainder of the structure and can promote mold and decay within the attic.

In addition, the enclosed attic space is vulnerable to wind gusting through roof and gable vents and entering the attic when the wind pressure is greater than the exhaust pressure of the ridge or roof exhaust vents.

This condition causes loose debris, dust, insulation materials and other disturbed materials resident in the attic to become airborne and randomly relocate within the attic space.

In most cases, this debris lands and stays on the attic side of the eave or soffit vent, blinding the filter component of the soffit vent and rendering said vent incapable of freely providing unrestricted necessary intake air.

Over time, and starting immediately after the instal

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