Improved breather and breather lining

Description

1 / 21 Enhanced vent and vent lining for the field.

[0001] This disclosure describes improved vents, including improved vent compartments that enclose a vent membrane. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vents are used in closed containers to allow gas that may be generated inside the closed container to be vented to ensure that the pressure inside the closed container does not exceed a limit value above which there is a risk of breaching the closed container and its seals.

[0003] Vents generally include a vent compartment that houses a vent membrane and protects that membrane from impact or contamination. The integrity of the vent membrane is crucial to the vent's functioning, ensuring that foreign species, such as particles and liquids, do not enter a closed container through the vent, while simultaneously ensuring that gases flow out of the closed container through the vent, thus preventing dangerous pressures within the closed container. Furthermore, in at least some applications, such as when the closed container is a battery or an electronic enclosure, the vent membrane also provides specificity to allow gases generated within the closed container to escape, while minimizing the entry of other gases, such as water vapor.Any damage to the vent membrane severely reduces the vent membrane's ability to provide any specificity and may result in vent failure.

[0004] Consequently, vents need to balance the ease of gas flow through the vent compartment while minimizing the entry of liquids and particles to maintain vent membrane performance. Furthermore, liquid water in Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 38 / 70 2 / 21 Contact with the vent membrane at least reduces the effectiveness of the vent membrane and therefore it is desirable to minimize the retention of liquid water within a vent compartment after immersion or contact with liquid water, which requires larger orifices through which liquid water can flow out of the vent compartment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved vents, with improved vent compartments that protect the vent membrane from damage and from contact with liquids and particles, while maximizing the functionality of the vent membrane.

[0006] In addition, pests can be attracted into the vent compartment and, in at least some cases, can damage the vent membrane, impairing at least the functionality of the vent membrane and may lead to the need to replace the entire vent.

[0007] Consequently, there is a need for improved vents and vent compartments that at least reduce the entry of pests into the vent compartments.

[0008] At least some aspects of this disclosure are intended to address at least partially at least one of the problems above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, a vent is provided comprising a vent compartment, the vent compartment comprising an upper portion and a base portion and at least one external orifice, the base portion comprising a vent orifice covered by a membrane within the vent compartment, the upper portion being fixed to the base portion such that a channel is formed from the at least one external orifice to the vent orifice through the membrane, such that, Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 39 / 70 3 / 21 during use, gas can flow from the vent hole through the membrane to at least one external hole through the channel, wherein at least one opening is defined between the upper portion and the base portion within the channel between the at least one external hole and the vent hole and the at least one opening has a minimum dimension of less than 0.6 mm.

[0010] The channel may be defined between the base portion and the top portion. At least one portion of the channel may be defined between the base portion and the top portion. Consequently, during use, gas may flow from the vent orifice to at least one external orifice along the channel through at least one opening between the base portion and the top portion. The channel may be a pathway along which fluids may flow. The vent compartment may comprise a plurality of channels. A channel may extend from the vent orifice to each of at least one external orifices. Typically, each channel of the plurality of channels passes through at least one opening. Each channel of the plurality of channels may include an opening of at least one of the openings. Each channel of the plurality of channels may pass through at least one opening.Consequently, it will be understood that any path from the vent hole to any of the at least one external hole must pass through an opening of at least one vent hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one opening may correspond to a narrowing of the channel between the base portion and the upper portion. At least one opening may correspond to the narrowest point or portion of the channel. At least one opening may correspond to the point or portion of the channel defined between the base portion and the upper portion that has the smallest separation between the base portion and the upper portion. At least one opening may be defined adjacent to the vent orifice. At least one opening may be defined adjacent to the external orifice. At least one opening may be defined halfway between the orifice of Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 40 / 70 4 / 21 vent and the external opening.

[0012] At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.55 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.5 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.45 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.4 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.35 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.3 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.25 mm.

[0013] At least one opening is dimensioned to prevent pests from entering the vent membrane from outside the vent compartment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the minimum dimension of the at least one opening is the dimension of the at least one opening that has the smallest extent. Consequently, the minimum dimension of the at least one opening may be referred to as the smallest dimension of the at least one opening. In embodiments where the at least one opening has a non-uniform cross-section, the at least one opening is configured to prevent pests from entering through the at least one opening along the entire extent of the at least one opening.

[0014] At least one opening may extend in at least one direction. At least one opening may be a crack. The crack may extend in at least one direction. At least one opening may extend at least partially around the vent hole. The vent hole may be circular. At least one opening may extend at least 30 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend at least 45 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend at least 60 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend at least 90 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend at least 120 degrees around the vent hole. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 41 / 70 5 / 21 vent. At least one opening may extend at least 180 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend at least 270 degrees around the vent hole. At least one opening may extend substantially around the vent hole.

[0015] In embodiments where at least one opening extends in at least one direction, at least one opening may be configured to provide enhanced passage of liquid water through at least one opening. Consequently, during use, when the vent is immersed in or exposed to liquid water, any liquid water that reaches the vent membrane can be easily drained out of the vent.

[0016] At least one opening may be configured to prevent pests from entering the vent compartment or the vent membrane within the vent compartment. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension that prevents or reduces pests from entering the vent compartment. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension that prevents or reduces pests from entering the vent membrane within the vent compartment. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension smaller than a maximum pest dimension, so that the pest cannot pass through at least one opening.

[0017] The pest may include insects. Insects may include ants, flies, beetles, or the like. In particular, the pest may be an ant, such as Monomorium intrudens, for example. Monomorium intrudens has been found to enter vents and bite the vent membrane to gain access to the closed container. Monomorium intrudens are found in China, India, Japan, and the USA. A person skilled in the art will understand that the vent of the present aspect would be effective in preventing the entry of any pest of suitable size and that Monomorium Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 42 / 70 6 / 21 intrudens is used in this document as an example of a pest.

[0018] Previous solutions aimed at preventing pests from entering vent compartments to protect the vent membrane housed within include the use of additional metal components as a barrier to pests, since they typically cannot or are unable to penetrate metal components to reach the interior of the sealed container. However, the use of metal components or meshes increases the costs involved for the vent, extends the bill of materials, and increases the complexity of vent integration and assembly. Furthermore, the combination of plastic and metal materials presents additional challenges under temperature changes due to the significantly different coefficients of expansion of the materials involved.

[0019] In contrast, the vents of the present aspect include at least one opening between an upper and a lower portion that has a minimum dimension smaller than the maximum dimension of the pest, and there is no requirement that the vent lining include metallic components. As a result, the pest cannot pass through at least one opening. Consequently, the vent of the present aspect cannot comprise any metal or metallic components.

[0020] For example, Monomorium intrudens typically has a head about 0.3 mm wide, and therefore, to prevent the entry of this pest, at least one opening must be appropriately sized. Consequently, in embodiments where at least one opening has a minimum dimension of less than 0.3 mm, at least one opening is smaller than the typical width of the head of Monomorium intrudens, and therefore Monomorium intrudens cannot pass through at least one opening. Consequently, the vent membrane is protected from the pest.

[0021] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.24 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 43 / 70 7 / 21 less than 0.22 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.2 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.18 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.16 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.14 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.12 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.1 mm.

[0022] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.6 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.6 mm to 0.05 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.6 mm to 0.1 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.6 mm to 0.2 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.5 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.4 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.3 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.25 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0023] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.24 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.24 mm to 0.05 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.25 mm to 0.1 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be from 0.25 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0024] The upper portion may comprise an upper crest and at least one opening may be defined between the upper crest and the base portion. The upper crest may extend from the upper portion towards the base portion. The upper crest may not contact the base portion where at least one opening is defined. The upper crest may contact the base portion and at least one opening may be defined by at least one indentation in the upper crest and base portion.

[0025] The base portion may comprise a base crest and at least one opening may be defined between the upper portion and the crest of Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 44 / 70 8 / 21 base. The base crest may extend from the base portion towards the upper portion. The base crest may not contact the upper portion, where at least one opening is defined. The base crest may contact the upper portion and at least one opening may be defined by at least one indentation in the base crest and in the upper portion.

[0026] The upper portion may comprise an upper crest and the base portion may comprise a base crest. The upper crest may be configured to cooperate with the base crest to thus define the opening between the upper crest and the base crest. The upper crest may extend towards the base crest and the base crest may extend towards the upper crest, so that at least one opening is defined between the upper crest and the base crest. The upper crest may extend towards the base portion and the base crest may extend towards the upper portion, so that at least one opening is defined between the sides of the upper crest and the base crest.

[0027] The upper portion may comprise a plurality of upper crests. Each upper crest of the plurality of upper crests may be curved. Each upper crest of the plurality of upper crests may define an arc. Each upper crest of the plurality of upper crests may define portions of the same circle. Each upper crest of the plurality of upper crests may be linear. The plurality of upper crests may define a regular shape, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc. The base portion may comprise a plurality of base crests. Each base crest of the plurality of base crests may be curved. Each base crest of the plurality of base crests may define an arc. Each base crest of the plurality of base crests may define portions of the same circle. Each upper crest of the plurality of upper crests may be linear.The plurality of upper ridges can define a regular shape, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc. The upper portion can... Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 45 / 70 9 / 21 comprise a plurality of upper ridges and the base portion may comprise a plurality of base ridges and the plurality of upper ridges may cooperate with the plurality of base ridges to define at least one aperture.

[0028] The upper crest may be annular. The base crest may be annular. Both the upper crest and the base crest may be annular. The base crest may have a smaller radius than the upper crest. Consequently, the base crest may be positioned within the upper crest. The base crest may have a larger radius than the upper crest. Consequently, the upper crest may be positioned within the base crest. The upper crest and the base crest may be concentric or substantially concentric around the vent hole.

[0029] Typically, the upper crest and the base crest may have the same or similar shape. For example, the upper crest and the base crest may be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The upper crest and the base crest may have equal or similar dimensions. The upper crest and the base crest may have different dimensions. The upper crest and the base crest may be concentric or substantially concentric.

[0030] At least one opening may comprise a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may be arranged around the vent hole. The plurality of openings may be arranged regularly around the vent hole.

[0031] The plurality of openings can be defined between the upper crest and the base crest.

[0032] In a second aspect, a closed container is provided comprising a container wall, the container wall defining an enclosed space and separating the interior of the closed container from the exterior of the closed container, the container wall comprising an orifice within which a vent, according to the first aspect, is installed. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 46 / 70 10 / 21

[0033] The closed container can be a compartment. The closed container can be an electronic compartment or an electronic enclosure. The electronic compartment can be part of an electronic device. The closed container can be a compartment of an acoustic device.

[0034] The enclosed container may be an electronic compartment used in automotive applications. For example, the electronic compartment may be a control unit, a lighting device, a sensor device, or similar.

[0035] The enclosed container may be an electronic compartment used in external applications, such as mobile communication electronic installations or stations, solar cells or solar panels,

[0036] The closed container can be a compartment for a battery. The closed container can be a battery pouch.

[0037] To avoid doubt, the characteristics of the vent in the first aspect are characteristics of the vent in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0039] Figure 1: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3: a horizontal cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4: an image of Monomorium intrudens;

[0043] Figure 5: an image of a vent membrane damaged by a Monomorium intrudens;

[0044] Figure 6: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment; Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 47 / 70 11 / 21

[0045] Figure 7: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 9: a cross-sectional view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 10: a view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 11: a view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 12: a view of a vent, according to one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 13: a side view of with a modality; cross-section of a vent, according to

[0052] Figure 14: a perspective view of a vent, according to one embodiment, with a cut-off section;

[0053] Figure 15: a side view of a vent, according to one embodiment; and

[0054] Figure 16: a perspective view of a vent, according to one embodiment, with a cut-off section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Although the creation and use of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be incorporated into a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways of making and using the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[0056] To facilitate understanding of this invention, some terms are defined below. The terms defined in this document have Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 48 / 70 12 / 21 meanings as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art in areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as a, an, or the are not intended to refer only to a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology described herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but its use does not delimit the invention except as described in the claims.

[0057] Vents, which are used to allow ventilation of closed containers so that the pressure inside them is maintained within acceptable levels, are frequently subjected to physical challenges that can disrupt or impair their performance. For example, liquids or particles can come into contact with the vent membranes, which normally provide selectivity for the gases that can pass into or out of the closed container through the vent, and impair the performance of these vent membranes. Consequently, it is important to prevent, whenever possible, the entry of foreign species to maintain vent performance. However, it is also necessary to allow the free passage of gases through the vent compartment to ensure that gases can flow freely out of the closed container.

[0058] It is important to emphasize that the dimensions shown in the Figures should not necessarily be considered to scale or proportion and should not be interpreted as such unless specifically described as such. EXAMPLE 1

[0059] With reference to Figure 1, a vent 1 comprises a vent liner 2 and a vent membrane 4 (acting as a membrane), the vent liner 2 comprises an upper portion 6 and a lower portion 8 (acting as a base portion). The lower portion 8 comprises a central orifice 10 (acting as an orifice). Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 49 / 70 13 / 21 of vent) and four external holes (e.g., 12) arranged around the central hole 10. The vent membrane 4 extends through and occludes the central hole 10 and is positioned within the vent liner 2. The upper portion 6 has an upper ridge 14 that extends towards the lower portion 8, and an opening 16 is formed between the upper ridge 14 and the lower portion 8. The upper ridge 14 extends around the central hole 10, and the opening 16 extends around the central hole 10. The minimum distance between the upper ridge 14 and the lower portion 8 (i.e., the minimum distance of the opening 16) is 0.5 mm.

[0060] A path 18 (acting as a channel) is formed from the outer orifices 12 to the central orifice 10, so that gas can flow from the central orifice 10, through the vent membrane 4, through the opening 16 and out of the outer orifices 12. Consequently, during use, the gases generated inside a closed container, within which the vent 1 is installed, can flow from inside the closed container along the path out of the outer orifices 12. EXAMPLE 2

[0061] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a vent 20 comprises a vent liner 22 and a membrane 24, the vent liner 22 comprising an upper portion 26 and a base portion 28. The base portion 28 comprises a central orifice 30 (acting as a vent orifice) and six external orifices (e.g., 32) arranged around the central orifice 30 in the side wall 34 of the base portion 28. The membrane 24 extends through and occludes the central orifice 30 and is positioned within the vent liner 22. The upper portion 26 has an upper ridge 36 that extends towards the base portion 28. The base portion 28 comprises a base ridge 38. The base ridge 38 extends towards the upper portion 26. An opening 40 is formed between the upper ridge 36 and the base ridge. 38. The upper ridge 36 extends around the central hole 30, and the opening 40 extends around the central hole 30. A Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pages 50 / 70 14 / 21 upper crest 36 is annular and extends around the central hole 30 and includes spacers 41. The base crest 38 is annular and extends around the upper crest 36. The minimum distance between the upper crest 36 and the base crest 38 (i.e., the minimum distance from the opening 40) is 0.22 mm.

[0062] A way 42 (acting as a channel) is formed from the outer orifices 32 to the central orifice 30, so that gas can flow from the central orifice 30, through the membrane 24, through the opening 40 between the upper crest 36 and the base crest 38 and out of the outer orifices 32. Consequently, during use, the gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 20 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the way out of the outer orifices 32.

[0063] In addition to the challenges of liquids and particles, pests that manage to access the vent membrane can damage it and thus access the interior of the sealed container. For example, Monomorium intrudens (see Figure 4) is a species of ant found in China, India, Japan and the USA that damages vent membranes, resulting in damaged vent membranes, such as the one shown in Figure 5.

[0064] The path from vent 20 of the external orifices 32 through the vent lining 22 to the membrane 24 that a pest must follow includes opening 40. Consequently, pests larger than 0.22 mm cannot pass through opening 40, and thus the membrane 24 is protected from the pest. For example, pests such as Monomorium intrudens cannot reach the membrane 24.

[0065] Consequently, the vent membrane 24 is protected against damage caused by pests and other species, as well as liquids such as water and particles, while at the same time allowing sufficient gas flow out of a closed container within which the vent 20 is installed. EXAMPLE 3

[0066] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a vent 50 Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 51 / 70 15 / 21 comprises a vent compartment 52 and a vent membrane 54 (acting as a membrane). The vent compartment 52 comprises a cover 56 (acting as an upper portion), a base 58 (acting as a base portion), a vent hole 60, and eight external holes (e.g., hole 62) arranged around the vent hole 60. The vent membrane 54 extends over and occludes the vent hole 60. The cover 56 comprises a cover crest 64 (acting as an upper crest) extending towards the base 58. The base 58 comprises a base crest 66 extending towards the cover 56. The crest side of the cover 64 contacts the crest side of the base 66.The base crest 66 comprises a plurality of indentations 68 on the side of the base crest 66 that contacts the side of the cap crest 64 and forms a plurality of openings 70 between the base crest 66 and the cap crest 64. The minimum dimension of each opening of the plurality of openings 70 is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0067] A channel is formed from the outer orifices 62 to the vent orifice 60, so that gas can flow from the central orifice 60, through the vent membrane 54, through the plurality of openings 70 between the crest of the cap 64 and the crest of the base 66 and out of the outer orifices 62. Consequently, during use, the gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 50 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel out of the outer orifices 62.

[0068] As described above for Example 2, providing openings with a minimum dimension of 0.2 mm prevents pests from entering the vent compartment 52 up to the vent membrane 54, thus preventing damage to the vent membrane 54. EXAMPLE 4

[0069] Figure 8 shows an alternative vent 80 comprising a vent compartment 82 and a membrane of Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 52 / 70 16 / 21 vent 84 (acting as a membrane). The vent compartment 82 comprises a cover 86 (acting as an upper portion), a base 88 (acting as a base portion), a vent hole 90, and eight external holes (e.g., hole 92) arranged around the vent hole 90. The vent membrane 84 extends over and occludes the vent hole 90. The base 88 comprises a base crest 94 extending towards the cover 86. The base crest 94 forms an opening 96 between the base crest 94 and the cover 86. The minimum dimension of the opening 96 is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0070] A channel is formed from the outer orifices 92 to the vent orifice 90, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 90, through the vent membrane 84, through the opening 96 between the cap 86 and the base crest 94 and out of the outer orifices 92. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 80 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel out of the outer orifices 92.

[0071] As described above for Example 2, providing openings with a minimum dimension of approximately 0.2 mm prevents pests from entering the vent compartment 82 up to the vent membrane 84, thus preventing damage to the vent membrane 84. EXAMPLE 5

[0072] Figure 9 shows an alternative vent 100 comprising a vent compartment 102 and a vent membrane 104 (acting as a membrane). The vent compartment 102 comprises a cover 106 (acting as an upper portion), a base 108 (acting as a base portion), and a vent hole 110. The vent membrane 104 extends over and occludes the vent hole 110. The base 108 comprises a base crest 112 extending towards the cover 106. The cover 106 comprises a crest Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 53 / 70 17 / 21 of the cover 114 extending towards the base 108. An opening 116 is formed between the crest of the base 112 and the crest of the cover 114. The minimum dimension of the opening 116 is approximately 0.22 mm.

[0073] A channel is formed from the opening 116 to the vent hole 110 through the vent membrane 104, so that gas can flow from the vent hole 110, through the vent membrane 104 and out of the opening 116 between the crest of the cap 114 and the crest of the base 112. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 100 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel out of the opening 116.

[0074] As described above for Example 2, the provision of openings with a minimum dimension of 0.22 mm prevents pests from entering vent compartment 102 up to vent membrane 104, thus preventing damage to vent membrane 104. EXAMPLE 6

[0075] Figure 10 shows an alternative vent 120 comprising a vent compartment 122 and a vent membrane 124 (acting as a membrane). The vent compartment 122 comprises a cover 126 (acting as an upper portion), a base 128 (acting as a base portion), and a vent hole 130. The cover 126 comprises a cover crest 132, and the base 128 comprises a recessed portion 134. The cover crest 132 extends adjacent to the recessed portion 134, and an opening 136 is defined between the cover crest 132 and the recessed portion 134. The minimum dimension (or smaller dimension) of the opening 136 is approximately 0.20 mm.

[0076] A channel is formed from the outside of vent 120 to the vent orifice 130 through the vent membrane 124, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 130, through the vent membrane 124 to the outside of the vent orifice 120 through the opening 136. Consequently, during use, the gases generated inside Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 54 / 70 18 / 21 a closed container within which vent 120 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel out of opening 136.

[0077] As described above for Example 2, the provision of openings with a minimum dimension of 0.20 mm prevents pests from entering vent compartment 122 up to vent membrane 124, thus preventing damage to vent membrane 124. EXAMPLE 7

[0078] With reference to Figure 11, a vent 140 comprises a vent compartment 142 and a vent membrane 144 (acting as a membrane). The vent compartment 142 comprises a cover 146 (acting as an upper portion), a base 148 (acting as a base portion), and a vent orifice 150. The cover 146 comprises a cover crest 152 and the base 148 comprises a base crest 154. An external orifice 156 is defined between the cover crest 152 and the base 148, and an opening 158 is defined between the base crest 154 and the cover 146. The minimum dimension (or smaller dimension) of the opening 158 is approximately 0.22 mm.

[0079] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 140 to the vent orifice 150 through the vent membrane 144, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 150, through the vent membrane 144 to the outside of the vent 140 through the opening 158. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 140 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel to the outside orifice 156.

[0080] The vent 140 further comprises a fastener 160 configured to secure the vent 140 to an orifice in a compartment (not shown) in order to secure the vent 140 to the compartment. EXAMPLE 8

[0081] With reference to Figure 12, a vent 170 comprises a vent compartment 172 and a membrane 174. The compartment Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 55 / 70 Vent 172 comprises a cover 176 (acting as an upper portion), a base 178 (acting as a base portion), and a vent hole 180. The cover 176 comprises a first cover crest 182 and a second cover crest 184. A first opening 186 is defined between the first cover crest 182 and the base 178, and a second opening acting as an external hole 188 is defined between the second cover crest 184 and the base 178. The minimum dimension (or smaller dimension) of the first opening 186 is approximately 0.25 mm.

[0082] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 170 to the vent orifice 180 through the vent membrane 174, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 180, through the vent membrane 174 to the outside of the vent 170 through the first opening 186 and the second opening 188. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 170 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel to the outside of the second opening 188.

[0083] The vent 170 further comprises a screw fastener 190 configured to fix the vent 170 to a hole in a compartment (not shown) thereby fixing the vent 170 to the compartment. EXAMPLE 9

[0084] A vent 200 (as shown in Figures 13 and 14) comprises a vent compartment 202 and a membrane 204 (Figure 14). The vent compartment 202 comprises an upper part 206 (acting as an upper portion), a base 208 (acting as a base portion), and a vent hole 210. The top 206 comprises four upper ridges 212 evenly spaced around the perimeter of the top 206. Each upper ridge 212 is substantially rectangular. The base 208 comprises a base wall 214 extending around the perimeter of the base 208 and comprising base wall recesses 216, each base wall recess 216 being configured to receive an upper ridge 212. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 56 / 70 20 / 21 and three sides of the substantially rectangular upper crest 212 are adjacent to one side of the base wall recess 216, so that a space 218 (acting as an opening) is defined between an upper crest 212 and the corresponding base wall recess 216 along three sides of the upper crest 212.

[0085] The minimum dimension of space 218, corresponding to the distance between each of the three sides of an upper ridge 212 and the adjacent side of the base wall recess 216, is 0.25 mm. Consequently, a pest cannot pass through space 218.

[0086] Membrane 204 extends through vent hole 210 to occlude vent hole 210.

[0087] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 200 to the vent orifice 210 through the vent membrane 204, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 210, through the vent membrane 204 to the outside of the vent orifice 200 through the space 218. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 200 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel to the outside of the space 218. EXAMPLE 10

[0088] A vent 230 (as shown in Figures 15 and 16) comprises a vent compartment 232 and a membrane 234. The vent compartment 232 comprises an upper part 236 (acting as an upper portion), a base 238 (acting as a base portion), and a vent hole 240. The top 236 comprises four upper ridges 242 evenly spaced around the perimeter of the top 236. Each upper ridge 242 is substantially rectangular. The base 238 comprises a base wall 244 extending around the perimeter of the base 238 and comprising base wall recesses 246, each base wall recess 246 being configured to receive an upper ridge 242, such that the upper ridge contacts the base wall recess. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 57 / 70 21 / 21 base and two sides of the substantially rectangular upper crest 242 are adjacent to one side of the base wall recess 246, so that a space 248 (acting as an opening) is defined between an upper crest 242 and the corresponding base wall recess 246 along both sides of the upper crest 242.

[0089] The minimum dimension of space 248, corresponding to the distance between each of the three sides of an upper ridge 242 and the adjacent side of the base wall recess 246, is 0.27 mm.

[0090] Membrane 234 extends through vent hole 240 to occlude vent hole 240.

[0091] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 230 to the vent orifice 240 through the vent membrane 234, so that gas can flow from the vent orifice 240, through the vent membrane 234 to the outside of the vent 230 through the space 248. Consequently, during use, gases generated inside a closed container within which the vent 230 is installed can flow from inside the closed container along the channel to the outside of the space 248.

[0092] Although approved embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be readily apparent that many and varied alterations and modifications in the form, design, structure and arrangement of parts can be made to other embodiments without departing from the invention, and it will be understood that all such alterations and modifications are contemplated as embodiments as part of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 58 / 70

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. A vent comprising a vent compartment, characterized by the vent compartment comprising an upper portion and a base portion and at least one external orifice, the base portion comprising a vent orifice covered by a membrane within the vent compartment, the upper portion being fixed to the base portion such that a channel is formed from the at least one external orifice to the vent orifice, through the membrane, so that, during use, gas can flow from the vent orifice through the membrane to the at least one external orifice through the channel, wherein at least one opening is defined between the upper portion and the base portion within the channel between the at least one external orifice and the vent orifice, and the at least one opening has a minimum dimension of less than 0.6 mm.

2. Vent, according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum dimension of at least one opening is less than 0.3 mm.

3. Vent, according to claim 1, characterized by a minimum dimension of 0.3 mm to 0.05 mm.

4. Vent, according to any previous claim, characterized in that at least one opening extends at least partially around the vent hole.

5. Vent, according to any previous claim, characterized by the upper portion comprising an upper crest and at least one opening being defined between the upper crest and the base portion.

6. Vent, according to claim 5, characterized by the upper ridge extending from the upper portion towards the base portion.

7. Vent, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the upper crest not coming into contact with the base portion, where at least one opening is defined. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 59 / 70 2 / 2 8. Vent, according to any previous claim, characterized in that the base portion comprises a base crest and at least one opening is defined between the upper portion and the base crest.

9. Vent, according to claim 8, characterized by the crest of the base extending from the base portion towards the upper portion.

10. Vent, according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the upper portion comprises an upper crest and the base portion comprises a base crest, and the upper crest is configured to cooperate with the base crest to thereby define the opening between the upper crest and the base crest.

11. Vent, according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper crest is annular and the base crest is annular and the upper crest and the base crest are concentric around the vent orifice.

12. Vent, according to claim 11, characterized in that the base crest has a smaller radius than the upper crest or the base crest has a larger radius than the upper crest.

13. Vent, according to any previous claim, characterized in that at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings.

14. Vent, according to claim 13, characterized by a plurality of openings being arranged around the vent hole, optionally, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged regularly around the vent hole.

15. Vent, according to any one of claims 13 to 14 when dependent on any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the plurality of openings being defined between the upper crest and the base crest. Petition 870250093017, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 60 / 70

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