Building vents

Abstract

The present invention relates to vents for installation into buildings. There is a weep vent (21) for installation in an external wall of a cavity wall. The weep vent comprises a front face (23) having an outlet (25), a back face (27) having an opening (29), and a fluid flow conduit (31) defined between the opening (29) and the outlet (25), the front face (23) further comprising a front face inlet (33). The weep vent (21) further comprises an air flow conduit (35) extending between the front face inlet (33) and the outlet (25), where the fluid flow conduit (31) and air flow conduit (35) merge (37) before or at the outlet (25).

Description

[0001] Building Vents

[0002] Field

[0003] The present invention relates to weep vents for installation in walls.

[0004] Background

[0005] A common wall configuration in structures and housing comprises an internal wall, an external wall, and a hollow cavity between these two walls. These cavity walls provide numerous technical benefits, and when combined with appropriate venting to an external environment can inhibit the build-up of damp in both the internal and external walls.

[0006] Cavity trays are incorporated into cavity wall constructions where there are penetrations across the cavity, such as above window and door openings and abutments with a roof. These trays are generally fixed in place in the mortar of the internal cavity wall, are angled downwardly across the cavity and are mortared into place in the external wall. A gap called a weep hole is provided between adjacent bricks in the external wall through which water may travel. A weep vent is then usually positioned onto the upper surface of the cavity tray in the region in which it is passes through the external wall.

[0007] Weep vents comprise at least one opening on their front face, which when the weep vent is installed is aligned with the external side of the external wall. Further, these weep vents comprise at least one opening on their back faces, which when the weep vent is installed is aligned with the cavity side of the external wall. The pathways between these openings provides a route for humid air and water to exit the cavity. The problem with these existing designs, is that when there is a high external pressure (e.g. storm winds or winds at coastal locations), the exit of the water from the weep vent can be impeded. This causes the water to be retained in the cavity tray, where depths of water of up to ~ 25.4 mm have been observed in practice.

[0008] This retained water can cause damp issues in the immediate vicinity to the cavity trays. Further, due to it being unable to exit the cavity tray via the weep vent, the retained water may track in-between the cavity trays (where they are slotted together) and between the weep vents / cavity trays and surrounding masonry. Additionally, when a high external pressure occurs the retained water and / or wind pressure acting at the front face of the weep vent can prevent any humid air from exiting the property.

[0009] Vents are also installed in walls and roofs to primarily aerate of wall cavities and roof spaces respectively. Conventional vents comprise an open passageway that may be obstructed by internal baffles in an attempt to disrupt directional wind. As with the above-mentioned weep vents, high external pressure prevents the exit of air from these vents, which can lead to the build-up of moisture in these spaces as the retained air commonly has a high relative humidity. The present invention serves to address these issues or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0010] Summary of invention

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is a vent for installation in building, the vent comprising a front face having an outlet, a back face having an opening, and a fluid flow conduit defined between the opening and the outlet, the front face further comprising a front face inlet, the vent further comprising an air flow conduit extending between the front face inlet and the outlet, where the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge before or at the outlet.

[0012] Liquid water, gaseous water, or a combination of gaseous and liquid water may in addition pass through the fluid flow conduit.

[0013] The vent is preferably a weep vent, where the weep vent is for installation in an external wall of a cavity wall. The fluid flow conduit is preferably a water conduit.

[0014] The vent may be a brick vent. The vent may be a roof vent. The vent may be a circular vent. The outlet of the circular vent may be disposed circumferentially around the front face inlet.

[0015] A vent as defined allows more effective air flow from the back face which may be for example be present in the attic space of a building to the front face which is external of the building thereby improving air circulation without the need for example for any fan system.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the front face of a vent for installation in a building would be understood to be facing outwardly from the building when the vent is in an installed configuration, as the front face contains the outlet from which the fluid exits the vent and the function of a vent is to enable fluid to exit a building. Consequently, the back face would be facing into a building when the vent is in an installed configuration.

[0017] Counter to conventional weep vent designs, the present invention incorporates two conduits - being an air flow conduit and a fluid flow conduit - where the air flow conduit extends between the front face inlet and the outlet which are located on the same (front) face of the weep vent. The fluid flow conduit is preferably a water flow conduit. Further, the air flow conduit and fluid flow conduit merge before or at the outlet. As it would be understood that when the weep vent is in an installed configuration the outlet and front face inlet (by virtue of being on the front face of the weep vent) are located on the exterior of an external cavity wall, it would be further understood that both the outlet and front face inlet would be exposed to the wind. The air flow conduit merging with the fluid flow conduit before or at the outlet, prevents the wind from acting against the flow of water from the cavity. Therefore, water will flow from the weep vent freely, and dependant on the configuration of the air flow conduit and the intensity of the wind the air flow may induce increased flow rate in the water exiting the cavity.

[0018] Optionally, the air flow conduit is configured to direct airflow from the front face inlet to the outlet. The air flow conduit may be configured to direct the majority of the air from the front face inlet to the outlet. By virtue of the airflow conduit being specifically configured to direct airflow from the front face inlet to the outlet, air will inherently flow from the front face inlet, through the airflow conduit, and out of the outlet. Thus, airflow does not act against the flow of fluid through the fluid flow conduit, but rather drives the flow of fluid from the outlet.

[0019] The air flow conduit beneficially extends from the front face inlet towards the outlet such that airflow is directed from the front face inlet to the outlet.

[0020] Optionally, the air flow conduit is configured such that as the airflow travels from the front face inlet to the outlet it drives fluid along the fluid flow conduit to the outlet.

[0021] The air flow conduit may beneficially comprise a first portion and a second portion. The cross- sectional area of the second portion may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first portion.

[0022] The first portion may extend away from the front face inlet towards the back face in a first direction, and the second portion may extend towards the outlet of the front face in a second direction.

[0023] The first and second portions referred to here can be interpreted as longitudinally extending or cross-sections perpendicular to the length of the air flow. By at least a second portion of the air flow conduit having a smaller cross-sectional area than a first portion of the air flow conduit, when the vent is in an installed configuration, air flow from the first portion to at least the second potion generates a region of low pressure over the second portion of the air flow conduit. Should an aperture be located in the second portion of the air flow conduit, a region of low pressure could be created, inherently creating a suction effect and drawing air from the building through the aperture and into the air flow conduit. Should the second portion of the air flow conduit be located where the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge, a similar suction effect may be induced, for example drawing water out of the cavity. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of more than one portion of the air flow vent could be separately smaller or the cross-sectional area of the entire air flow vent could be linearly (or non-linearly) made smaller; thus inducing both of the detailed suction effects.

[0024] The second portion may beneficially be partially defined by a restriction intermediate the front face inlet and the location at which the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge.

[0025] The air flow conduit may beneficially taper between the restriction and the front face inlet.

[0026] By tapering the cross-sectional area to change the air flow conduit's cross-sectional area, the air flow through the portion of the air flow conduit that is tapering will remain smooth and thus air flow losses will be reduced.

[0027] The air flow conduit may beneficially taper from the restriction to the front face inlet.

[0028] The front face inlet may beneficially have a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet.

[0029] By configuring the front face inlet to have a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet, a larger volume of air is able to enter the front face inlet than the outlet. In an installed configuration, the wind would act equally over the front face inlet and outlet, and due to the ability for more air to enter the front face inlet air flow would be increased from the front face inlet to the outlet. The air flow conduit may beneficially be a venturi.

[0030] At least a part of the outlet may beneficially be defined by an external baffle that projects outwardly from the front face.

[0031] By partially obscuring the outlet, this external baffle inhibits wind from entering the outlet, without preventing water and wind from exiting the outlet. By inhibiting the wind from entering the outlet, air flow is promoted from the front face inlet to the outlet. The external baffle may be mounted relative to the outlet in a plurality of positions such that the extension of the baffle from the outlet can be adjusted. The external baffle may comprise a back portion for insertion over or into the merged passageway of the air flow conduit and fluid flow conduit, and a front portion arranged to project from the outlet, the front portion comprising opposing openings defining an air flow pathway therebetween. The opposing openings are beneficially generally perpendicular to the outlet.

[0032] The vent has a top and a bottom and the front face inlet may beneficially be arranged closer to the top than the outlet.

[0033] As water is denser than air, water inherently flows downward. Therefore, it is prudent to locate the front face inlet above the outlet, to ensure water does not flow against any wind that enters the front face inlet which would reduce the flow rate of the wind through the internal channel.

[0034] The vent may beneficially comprise an aperture in the air flow conduit for providing an air flow pathway between the opening and the air flow conduit.

[0035] By the air flow conduit comprising an aperture, which could be a hole, it is possible for air from the air flow conduit to exit the air flow conduit and pass to the back face of the vent - enabling air to enter the cavity when the weep vent is in an installed configuration - at a different location than where the air flow conduit and fluid flow conduit merge. Alternatively, or additionally, this aperture could enable air from the back face of the weep vent to enter the air flow conduit.

[0036] The vent may beneficially comprise a passage that extends from the aperture towards the opening of the back face.

[0037] By having a passage extending from the aperture towards the cavity side of the weep vent, the flow of air from the cavity to the air flow conduit can be controlled. For example, the passage could enable air to pass from the air flow conduit to the back face of the weep vent, whilst the fluid flow conduit could enable air to pass from the back face of the weep vent into the air flow conduit.

[0038] The passage may beneficially extend to the back face.

[0039] The aperture may beneficially be positioned closer to the top of the vent than to the bottom of the vent.

[0040] By locating the aperture adjacent to the front face inlet, when the weep vent is in an installed configuration a portion of the wind flowing into the air flow conduit can passively be directed into the aperture. This enables wind to pass into the cavity and ventilate the cavity wall. The vent may comprise a merged passageway that extends from the location at which the air flow conduit and fluid flow conduit merge, to the outlet. The merged passageway may have a cross sectional area at least equivalent to that of a cross sectional area of the fluid flow conduit at the merge location combined with a cross sectional area of the airflow conduit at the merge location.

[0041] The vent may comprise a pathway for air that extends from an additional inlet, on the front face of the vent, to the opening of the back face. The vent may comprise a cover for covering the additional inlet such that air cannot pass through the additional inlet. The cover may be a snap-off cover. The cover may be a sliding cover.

[0042] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is a weep vent for installation in an external wall of a cavity wall, the weep vent comprising a front face having an outlet, a back face having an opening, and a fluid flow conduit defined between the opening and the outlet, the front face further comprising a front face inlet, the weep vent further comprising an air flow conduit extending between the front face inlet and the outlet, where the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge before or at the outlet.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of illustration only with reference to the accompanying Figures where:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a weep vent and cavity tray installed in a cavity wall.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective isometric representation of a series of weep vents and cavity tray installed in a cavity wall.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a weep vent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective isometric representation of a weep vent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a weep vent according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a weep vent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective representation of a weep vent according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective representation of a weep vent according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective representation of a weep vent according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective representation of a baffle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective representation of a weep vent integrated into a cavity tray according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective representation of a brick vent according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective representation of a brick vent according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where a snap-off cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is also included.

[0057] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective representation of a circular vent according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a a circular vent according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective representation of a roof vent according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional representation of a roof vent according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In the first embodiment through to the fifth embodiment there is a vent being a weep vent for installation in a cavity wall, and a fluid flow conduit which is a water conduit. In the sixth embodiment there is a vent being a brick vent for installation in a wall of a building, and a fluid flow conduit being an aeration conduit and / or a water conduit. In the seventh embodiment there is a vent being a circular vent for installation in a wall of a building, and a fluid flow conduit being an aeration conduit. In the eight embodiment there is a vent being a roof vent for installation in a roof of a building, and a fluid flow conduit being an aeration conduit.

[0062] A cavity wall installation (1) is shown in Figure 1, comprising an internal wall (3), an external wall (5) and a cavity (7) between the internal (3) and external (5) walls. Into this void a cavity tray (11) is installed to collect any water that may track down inside the cavity (7), and for new builds the tray is retained in the mortar between bricks in both the inner and outer walls. To enable the water to exit the cavity (7), at least one weep vent (13) is installed on top of the region of the cavity tray (11) that sits in the external wall (5) allowing a pathway for the water to the exterior of the cavity wall installation (1). The cavity wall installation (1) is shown in an isometric perspective view in Figure 2. This perspective highlights how the weep vents (13) are spread along the external wall (5). It will be appreciated that the number and the spacing of the weep vents (13) are subject to each cavity wall installation (1).

[0063] An illustrative first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. A weep vent (21) is shown comprising a front face (23) having an outlet (25), a back face (27) having an opening (29), and a water conduit (31) defined between the opening (29) and the outlet (25). The front face (23) further comprises a front face inlet (33). The weep vent (21) further comprises an air flow conduit (35) extending between the front face inlet (33) and the outlet (25), where the water conduit (31) and air flow conduit (35) merge (37) before or at the outlet (25). The weep vent (21) further comprises an external baffle (39) that partially obscures the outlet (25). The air flow conduit (35) is defined by a wall (41, 51), where the wall (41, 51) comprises an aperture (43). The weep vent (21) further comprises a passage (47) that extends from the aperture (43) towards the opening (29).

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 - 4, a weep vent (21) according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a front face (23) and back face (27). When the weep vent (21) is in an installed configuration the front face (23) would be adjacent the exterior side of an external wall (5) of a cavity wall installation (1), whilst the back face (27) would be adjacent to the cavity (7) side of said external wall (5). The remaining external faces of the weep vent (21) can be defined by four solid surfaces, being two sides (61, 63), a top (65) and a bottom (67). These surfaces are in contact with the surrounding masonry and any fixturing material (e.g. mortar) when the weep vent (21) is in an installed configuration and serve to separate the weep vent (21) from these elements. When viewed in isolation of any other features, the exterior of the weep vent (21) can be defined as a rectangular cuboid.

[0065] Most of the front face (23) of the weep vent (21) is taken up by the front face inlet (33), adjacent to the top (65) of the weep vent (21), with the outlet (25) being located beneath this front face inlet (33) and taking up the remainder of the front face (23). Most of the back face (27) of the weep vent (21) is taken up by the opening (29) adjacent the bottom (67) of the weep vent (21.

[0066] The air flow conduit (35) is partially defined between the front face inlet (33) and the outlet (25) by a rear wall which has a first portion (41) extending away from the top (65) of the weep vent (21) into the body of the weep vent (21), a second portion (51) separated from the first portion (41) by the aperture (43) and extending from the first portion (41) of the rear wall and connecting to the bottom (67) of the weep vent (21) adjacent to the front face (23). The air flow conduct (35) is further partially defined by a front wall, which has a first portion (49) extending away from the bottom of the front face inlet (33) towards the aperture (43), before transitioning into a second portion (53) that extends away from the aperture (43) and connects to the first portion (49) adjacent to the outlet (25). Finally, the sides (61, 63) of the weep vent provide boundaries that fully define the shape of the air flow conduit (35). The first portion (49) of the front wall and the first portion (41) of the rear wall taper towards one another such that the cross-sectional area of the air flow conduit (35) reduces. This reduction in cross-sectional area ends where the aperture (43) is located in the rear wall (between the first (41) and second (51) portions). After the aperture (43), the second portion (53) of the front wall and second portion (51) of the rear wall curve around towards the outlet (25), forming an air flow conduit (35) that resembles a swans neck.

[0067] Partially obscuring the outlet (25) is an external baffle (39), that extends from above the outlet (25) and then downwards and away from the front face (23) of the weep vent (21). Parallel to this external baffle (39), a ridge (55) extends from the bottom of the front face (23) of the weep vent (21) to cause any water leaving the outlet (25) to exit the weep vent (21) away from the exterior face of the external wall (5), minimising the amount of water that paths along the exterior of the external wall (5) and reducing the risk of water travelling between the weep vent (21) and surrounding masonry.

[0068] The passageway (47) is defined by the top (65) and sides (61, 63) of the weep vent (21), in addition to the first portion (41) of the rear wall and a vent wall (57) that extends (parallel to the top (65) of the weep vent (21)) from the back face (27), adjacent to the second portion (51) of the rear wall.

[0069] The water conduit (31) is defined by the bottom (67) and sides (61, 63) of the weep vent (21), in addition to the vent wall (57) and second portion (51) of the rear wall of the air flow conduit (35). Between the ridge (55) and the end of the second portion (51) of the rear wall, the water conduit (31) merges with the air flow conduit (35), enabling any water in the water conduit (31) to pass into the air flow conduit (35) and exit the weep vent (21) through the outlet (25).

[0070] When installed in an external wall (5) of a cavity wall installation (1), the front face inlet (33) and outlet (25) are exposed to wind external to the cavity wall installation (1). The front face inlet (33) has a substantially larger cross-sectional area that the outlet (25), promoting airflow from the front face inlet (33) to the outlet (25). It should be noted that even if a grate or similar dividing feature were to be incorporated across the front face inlet (33) (i.e. to prevent wildlife and debris from entering the front face inlet) it would not reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the front face inlet (33). Therefore, airflow would not be inhibited by such a feature. Further, the external baffle (39) partially covering the outlet (25) deters airflow entering the outlet (25), further promoting flow from the front face inlet (33) to the outlet (25).

[0071] The aperture (43) is arranged in the air flow conduit (35) such that it is presented to the air flow path prior to the air flow path curving around the air flow conduit. Due to this location, the aperture (43) enables a portion of the wind flowing from the front face inlet (33) to the outlet (25) to be redirected into the cavity (7) via the passageway (47). The remainder of the air paths around the air flow conduit (35) and out of the outlet (25). Due to the water conduit (31) merging towards the end of the air flow conduit (35) (after the air flow conduit (35) has curved back towards the outlet 25) the air flow does not act against the flow of water and consequently water can flow freely from the outlet (25). Further, the merging point of the air flow conduit (35) and water conduit (31) occurs after the air flow conduit (35) has tapered inwardly (which reduces the cross-sectional area of the air flow conduit 35). This reduction in cross-section area leads to an increase in air flow speed in the area with reduced cross-sectional area, and as such induces a venturi effect, which may draw water out of the cavity (7). Higher wind speed may improve this venturi effect. An illustrative second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. A weep vent (71) comprising a front face (73) having an outlet (75), a back face (77) having an opening (79), and a water conduit (81) defined between the opening (79) and the outlet (75), the front face (73) further comprising a front face inlet (83), the weep vent (71) further comprising an air flow conduit (85) extending between the front face inlet (83) and the outlet (75), where the water conduit (81) and air flow conduit (85) merge (87) before or at the outlet (75). The weep vent (71) further comprises an external baffle (89) that partially obscures the outlet (75). The air flow conduit (85) is defined by a wall (91, 93), where the wall (91, 93) comprises an aperture (95).

[0072] The air flow conduit (85) of the second illustrative embodiment is arranged to generate suction at the merge point (87). As the merge point (87) is arranged facing towards the back face (77) air flow is induced between the back face (77) and the merge point (87). Due to the merge point (87) being located near to the outlet (75), this works against any external air (e.g. wind) passing into the outlet (75), preventing the external air from working against any water and air leaving the outlet (75).

[0073] An illustrative third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. A weep vent (101) comprising a front face (103) having an outlet (105), a back face (107) having an opening (109), and a water conduit (111) defined between the opening (109) and the outlet (105), the front face (103) further comprising a front face inlet (113), the weep vent (101) further comprising an air flow conduit (115) extending between the front face inlet (113) and the outlet (105), where the water conduit (111) and air flow conduit (115) merge (117) before or at the outlet (105). The weep vent (101) further comprises an external baffle (119) that partially obscures the outlet (105).

[0074] This third illustrative embodiment comprises an additional inlet (121) on the front face (103), above the front face inlet (113), that provides a pathway for air between the front (103) and back face (107) of the cavity vent (101) without requiring it to pass through the air flow conduit (115).

[0075] An illustrative fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 7 - 9. A weep vent is presented (201) comprising a front face (203) having an outlet (205), a back face (207) having an opening (209), and a water conduit (211) defined between the opening (209) and the outlet (205), the front face (203) further comprising a front face inlet (213), the weep vent (201) further comprising an air flow conduit (115) extending between the front face inlet (213) and the outlet (205), where the water conduit (111) and air flow conduit (115) merge (117) before or at the outlet (205). The weep vent (101) further comprises an external baffle (219) that partially obscures the outlet (205). The internal structure of the weep vent of the fourth embodiment (e.g. water conduit and air flow conduit) has a cross-section substantially similar to that of the third embodiment (as best shown by the cross-section of Figures 6) but may have a cross-section substantially similar to that of the first embodiment or second embodiment (as best shown by the cross-sections of Figures 3 and 5).

[0076] The additional inlet (221) and front face inlet (213) both include internal baffles (230) that segment their cross-sectional areas such that the ingress of flora and fauna is limited.

[0077] The external baffle (219) is insertable into or over, a merged passageway of the air flow conduit (115) and water conduit (111) and is extendable away from the front face (203) of the weep vent (201). The extendable nature of the external baffle (219) enables any water leaving the weep vent (201) to be expelled away from the front face (203) of the weep vent (201). As such water will not run down the exterior of the building (which may cause ingress of water into the building) thereby accommodating for protrusions in the front face of the building, for example where the outer wall skin is uneven or textured stone. The external baffle (219) is shown in a retracted position in Figure 7, and in an extended position in Figure 8.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the weep vent (201) is formed as three parts, being the extendable baffle (219), an insert (232) and an outer casing (234). This improves the manufacturability of the weep vent (201) when using conventional manufacturing techniques. However, other manufacturing methods (e.g. additive methods) may enable efficient manufacturing in one step.

[0079] An example of an extendable baffle (319) is shown in Figure 10. This extendable baffle (319) is compatible with for example the fourth embodiment but may be utilised with any other embodiment of the present invention. The extendable baffle (319) shown in Figure 10 comprises a hollow back portion (321) and a hollow front portion (324). The back portion (321) is shaped in accordance with, and is insertable into or over, a merged passageway of the air flow conduit (115) and water conduit (111). Thus the extendable baffle (319) effectively extends the length of this merged passageway. The hollow front portion has two opposing side outlets (326a, 326b), where these outlets (326a, 326b) are aligned such that any airflow acting upon one of the side outlets (326a, 326b) will pass through the front portion (324) of the extendable baffle (319) and out of the opposing side outlet (326a, 326b). Thus any airflow passing through the side outlets (326a, 326b) does not pass into the weep vent (201) and thus cannot act against the flow of water through the water conduit (111).

[0080] An illustrative fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 11. A weep vent (401) is presented comprising a front face (403) having an outlet (405), a back face (407) having an opening (409), and a water conduit (111) defined between the opening (409) and the outlet (405), the front face (403) further comprising a front face inlet (413), the weep vent (401) further comprising an air flow conduit (115) extending between the front face inlet (413) and the outlet (405), where the water conduit (111) and air flow conduit (115) merge (117) before or at the outlet (405). The weep vent (401) further comprises an external baffle (419) that partially obscures the outlet (405). The internal structure of the weep vent of the fifth embodiment (e.g. water conduit and air flow conduit) has a cross-section substantially similar to that of the third embodiment (as best shown by the crosssection of Figures 6), but may have a cross-section substantially similar to that of the first embodiment or second embodiment (as best shown by the cross-sections of Figures 3 and 5).

[0081] This fifth illustrative embodiment is integrated within a custom cavity tray (430), such that cavity tray and weep vent are installable as a single component. This reduces the time required to install a cavity tray and weep vent system. Instead of being integrated into the custom cavity tray (430) the weep vent (401) may instead be installable into the custom cavity tray (430), where the custom cavity tray (430) is configured to retain the weep vent (401) (for example by virtue of a channel that contains the weep vent). Whilst the weep vent (401) is integrated into one the side of the custom cavity tray (430) it may be installed or integrated at both sides, and / or at one or more locations along the length of the custom cavity tray (430). Thus custom cavity trays (430) of variable length can be readily produced.

[0082] An illustrative sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 12 - 13. A brick vent is presented (501) comprising a front face (503) having an outlet (505), a back face (507) having an opening (509), and a fluid flow conduit (111) defined between the opening (509) and the outlet (505), the front face (503) further comprising a front face inlet (513), the brick vent (501) further comprising an air flow conduit (115) extending between the front face inlet (513) and the outlet (505), where the fluid flow conduit (111) and air flow conduit (115) merge (117) before or at the outlet (505). The brick vent (501) further comprises an external baffle (519) that partially obscures the outlet (505). The internal structure of the brick vent of sixth embodiment (e.g. fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit) has a cross-section substantially similar to that of the third embodiment (as best shown by the cross-section of Figures 6) but may have a cross-section substantially similar to that of the first embodiment or second embodiment (as best shown by the cross-sections of Figures 3 and 5).

[0083] The sixth illustrative embodiment has an increased width, such that the external geometry of the brick vent (501) matches that of a brick enabling it to replace a brick (instead of being installed in the gap between two bricks that is traditionally filled with mortar). The brick vent (501) increases airflow and water relief by virtue of its increased width. The brick vent (501) may also be used primarily for ventilation purposes, where the fluid flow conduit (111) allows the egress of air from within the cavity. The air flow conduit (115) acts to draw air through the water conduit (111), whilst also preventing external air from passing into the outlet (505); which would otherwise act against the egress of air from the outlet (505).

[0084] In Figure 12 the additional inlet (521) is shown in an open (or unobstructed) configuration. Optionally, as shown in Figure 13, a (snap-off or sliding) cover (530) may be included with the brick vent (501) to obstruct the additional inlet (521); resulting in the additional inlet (521) being covered and as such in a closed (obstructed) configuration. When the cover (530) is positioned over the additional inlet (521) of the brick vent (501), all of the air acting on the front face (503) of the brick vent (501) will be channelled through the airflow conduit (115) to aid the flow of water or air (such as humid air) through the fluid flow conduit (111). When the cover (530) is removed the pathway for air will be open and air will not only be directed through the airflow conduit (115), but also a portion of the air will pass through the brick vent (501) such that fresh air may be introduced to the cavity. A cover (530) (snap-off or sliding) may be utilised with any of the embodiments of the present invention that incorporate additional inlet (521); which provides a pathway for air to flow from the front face (503) to the back face (507) of the vent (501).

[0085] An illustrative seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 14 - 15. A circular vent (601) is presented comprising a front face (603) having an outlet (605), a back face (607) having an opening (609), and a fluid flow conduit (611) defined between the opening (609) and the outlet (605), the front face (603) further comprising a front face inlet (613), the circular vent (601) further comprising an air flow conduit (615) extending between the front face inlet (613) and the outlet (605), where the fluid flow conduit (611) and air flow conduit (615) merge (617) before or at the outlet (605). The circular vent (601) further comprises an external baffle (619) that partially obscures the outlet (605).

[0086] The circular vent (601) is for installation in the wall of a building, where when installed the front face (603) is positioned adjacent the exterior of the building, whilst the back face (607) is oriented such that it faces towards the interior of the building. This wall may be the outer wall of a cavity wall. Whilst this vent (601) may be used to vent air from the cavity of a cavity wall, it may also be repurposed to vent air from any internal space, such as an occupied room of a building or mobile building. A separate inlet into the internal space may allow for the entry of air into the internal space, whilst one or more circular vents (601) allow air to be drawn out of the internal space. Thus circulation of air through the internal space is enabled without requiring additional air circulation devices (e.g. blowers or fans).

[0087] As can be seen in Figure 15 the merged passageway (632) (of the air flow conduit (615) and fluid flow conduit 611) has a cross-section equivalent to the combined cross-section of the air flow conduit (615) and fluid flow conduit (611) at the point of merging (617). As such there is no restriction on the airflow and / or water flow out of the air flow conduit (615) and / or fluid flow conduit (611) into the merged passageway (632). Furthermore, any turbulence generated by these flows is reduced. Any embodiment of the present disclosure may be modified such that the merged passageway (632) has a cross-section equivalent to the combined cross-section of the air flow conduit (615) and fluid flow conduit (611) at the point of merging (617).

[0088] The outlet (605) is circumferentially disposed around the front face inlet (613). This enables the vent (601) to be installed in any orientation whilst still driving water or air through the fluid flow conduit (611).

[0089] An illustrative eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 16 - 17. A roof vent is presented (701) comprising a front face (703) having an outlet (705), a back face (707) having an opening (709), and a fluid flow conduit (711) defined between the opening (709) and the outlet (705), the front face (703) further comprising a front face inlet (713), the roof vent (701) further comprising an air flow conduit (715) extending between the front face inlet (713) and the outlet (705), where the fluid flow conduit (711) and air flow conduit (715) merge (717) before or at the outlet (705). The roof vent (701) further comprises an external baffle (719) that partially obscures the outlet (705).

[0090] The roof vent (701) is for installation in the roof of a building and has a geometry is substantially similar to that of a conventional roofing tile. Therefore, the roof vent (701) can be installed when fitting a roof, or may be retrofitted to an existing roof, by the replacement of a roofing tile with the roof vent (701). The front face (703) of the roof vent (701) is positioned adjacent the exterior of the roof, whilst the back face (707) is oriented such that it faces into a roofing space, such as a loft.

[0091] The fluid flow conduit (711) allows the egress of air from within the roof space, whilst flow of air through the air flow conduit (715) acts to draw this air through the fluid flow conduit (711); whilst also preventing external air passing into the outlet (705), which would otherwise act against the egress of air from the outlet (705). Aspects of the invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and variations may be made according to the scope of protection defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims1. A vent for installation in a building, the vent comprising a front face having an outlet, a back face having an opening, and a fluid flow conduit defined between the opening and the outlet, the front face further comprising a front face inlet, the vent further comprising an air flow conduit extending between the front face inlet and the outlet, where the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge before or at the outlet.

2. A vent according to Claim 1 where the air flow conduit is configured to direct airflow from the front face inlet to the outlet.

3. A vent according to Claim 2 where the air flow conduit extends from the front face inlet towards the outlet such airflow is directed from the front face inlet to the outlet.

4. A vent according to any preceding claim where the air flow conduit is configured such that as the airflow travels from the front face inlet to the outlet it drives fluid along the fluid flow conduit to the outlet.

5. A vent according to Claim 1 where the air flow conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the cross-sectional area of the second portion is smaller than the cross- sectional area of the first portion.

6. A vent according to Claim 5 where the second portion is partially defined by a restriction intermediate the front face inlet and the location at which the fluid flow conduit and air flow conduit merge.

7. A vent according to Claim 6 where the air flow conduit tapers between the restriction and the front face inlet.

8. A vent according to Claim 7 where the air flow conduit tapers from the restriction to the front face inlet.

9. A vent according to any preceding Claim where the front face inlet has a larger cross- sectional area than the outlet.

10. A vent according to any preceding Claim where the air flow conduit is a venturi.

11. A vent according to any preceding Claim wherein at least a part of the outlet is defined by an external baffle that projects outwardly from the front face.

12. A vent according to any preceding Claim where the vent has a top and a bottom and the front face inlet is arranged closer to the top than the outlet.

13. A vent according to any preceding Claim where the vent comprises an aperture in the air flow conduit for providing an air flow pathway between the opening and the air flow conduit.

14. A vent according to Claim 13 where the vent comprises a passage that extends from the aperture towards the opening.

15. A vent according to Claim 14 where the passage extends to the back face.

16. A vent according to Claim 12 and any of Claims 13 - 15 where the aperture is positioned closer to the top of the vent than to the bottom of the vent.

17. A vent according to any preceding claim comprising a weep vent for installation in an external wall of a cavity wall, where the fluid flow conduit comprises a water flow conduit.

18. A vent according to any of claims 1-16 wherein the vent comprises a brick vent.

19. A vent according to any of claims 1-16 wherein the vent comprises a roof vent.

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