Off-ridge roof ventilation device

Abstract

An off-ridge ventilation device may include a tray, a hood extending from the tray to cover a roof opening of a roof deck, a baffle, and a baffle plate positioned at least partially between the tray and the hood. The hood may include one or more (e.g., a plurality of) vents or openings. The tray may extend from the hood to partially cover the roof opening. The baffle plate may extend (e.g., from the hood between the hood and the tray) to support the baffle against the one or more vents to limit ingress of debris. The baffle may be positioned between the baffle plate and the hood.

Description

Attorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01OFF-RIDGE ROOF VENTILATION DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 699,574, filed September 26, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to a roof ventilation device, and more particularly, to a ventilation device for placing over an opening off the ridge of a roof deck.BACKGROUND

[0003] An off-ridge roof ventilation device is usually positioned over an opening in a roof (e.g., that leads to an attic or other space of a building). For various reasons, the opening is defined off the roof’s peak or ridge, such as based on ventilation requirements, building design, etc.

[0004] Some off-ridge roof ventilation devices include a hood with a front opening to allow circulation of outdoor and indoor air through an opening in the roof deck and the front opening. The front opening is often covered by a screen to prevent small animals or debris from entering the ventilation device. Such devices are disadvantageous in high wind situations, because, for example, rain and / or snow can pass through the front opening and reach the ventilated space through the opening in the roof deck.

[0005] Accordingly, there is an established need for an off-ridge roof ventilation device, which reduces (e.g., completely eliminates) wind driven rain and / or snow, even in high wind situations. The off-ridge roof ventilation device should preferably also be aerodynamic and prevent small animals and / or debris from entering the ventilation device without a need for a screen.SUMMARY

[0006] In one example, an off-ridge ventilation device includes a tray, a hood extending from the tray to cover an opening of a roof deck, a baffle, and a baffle plate positioned at least partially between the tray and the hood. The hood may include one or more vents. The baffle plate may14918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01 extend to support the baffle against the one or more vents to limit ingress of debris through the one or more vents.

[0007] Optionally, the baffle plate includes a plurality of slots defined therethrough to facilitate airflow through the one or more vents, the baffle, and the plurality of slots. The plurality of slots may define at least a first row of slots and a second row of slots.

[0008] Optionally, the baffle is formed from a nonwoven material.

[0009] Optionally, the one or more vents include a plurality of perforations along a first section of the hood. The hood may include a second section that is solid without vents or openings, and wherein the first section is positioned over the tray. The first section and the second section may define a curved surface of the hood.

[0010] Optionally, the baffle plate includes a first edge and a second edge, the first edge attached to the hood proximate the one or more vents, the second edge resting on the tray.

[0011] Optionally, the roof ventilation device includes a side panel securing ends of the tray and the hood together

[0012] In another example, an off-ridge roof ventilation device includes a hood configured to cover a roof opening of a roof deck, the hood comprising a plurality of openings, a first panel extending from the hood to partially cover the roof opening, a second panel extending from the hood and positioned between the hood and the first panel, and a baffle configured to limit ingress of debris through the openings, the baffle positioned between the hood and the second panel.

[0013] Optionally, the first panel is coupled to the hood at a first location, and the second panel is coupled to the hood at a second location different than the first location.

[0014] Optionally, the second panel extends to support the baffle against the hood, and the second panel includes a plurality of slots arranged in multiple rows. The multiple rows may be arranged along a lengthwise direction of the roof ventilation device.

[0015] Optionally, the first panel defines a tray including a first edge coupled to the hood, and a second edge including a lip.

[0016] Optionally, the second panel includes a first edge attached to an underside of the hood, and a second edge resting on the first panel.

[0017] Optionally, the roof ventilation device includes a pair of side panels closing respective ends of the roof ventilation device, the pair of side panels attached to the hood and the first panel.24918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01

[0018] Optionally, the hood defines an arc surface having a first arc length, and the openings arc defined along a second arc length less than the first arc length. The second arc length may be greater than 50% of the first arc length.

[0019] Optionally, the second panel includes a second plurality of openings, and the second plurality of openings have a different shape than the openings of the hood. The openings of the hood may be perforations, and the openings of the second panel may be slots.

[0020] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in pail in the description that follows and may become apparent to those skilled in the ail upon examination of the specification and will be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure will be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. One skilled in the art may understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure will advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an off-ridge roof ventilation device.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of an off-ridge roof ventilation device.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of an off-ridge roof ventilation device.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an off-ridge roof ventilation device.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an off-ridge roof ventilation device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIGS. 1-4 are various views of an off-ridge roof ventilation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation device 100 includes configurations to cover an opening of a roof deck, such as, for example, to limit ingress of debris (e.g., water, animals, insects, dirt, particulates, etc.). The ventilation device 100 is also configured to allow egress of air from a ventilated space (e.g., the attic of a building, etc.), such as to provide a desired ventilation characteristic (e.g., net free ventilation area, airflow, etc.). For example, the ventilation device 100 may provide a desired ventilation of a ventilated space while also providing resistance to entry of wind driven rain or other debris into the ventilated space.34918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01

[0027] In examples, the ventilation device 100 includes a hood 102. The hood 102, which is configured to cover an opening in the roof deck, may include an elongated body with left and right ends and a curved top surface providing an aerodynamic profile, such as in a manner that the curved hood 102 provides superior resistance to wind uplift. The ventilation device 100 may include a left-side panel 108 and a right-side panel 114. The left-side panel 108 may be attached to the left end of the hood 102 to close the left end of the hood 102 (e.g., using a Pittsburgh seam). Similarly, the right-side panel 114 may be attached to the right end of the hood 102 to close the right end of the hood 102 (e.g., using a Pittsburgh seam).

[0028] In examples, the hood 102 may include various flanges, such as front, rear, and side flanges, to secure the hood 102 and ventilation device 100 to the roof deck. In examples, the side panels may include or form at least portions of the flanges. For instance, each side panel may form the side flanges and portions of the front flange and / or the rear flange.

[0029] To provide a desired airflow or ventilation, the hood 102 includes one or more vents, such as a plurality of openings or perforations 120 (hereinafter “openings” for sake of convenience without intent to limit). The openings 120 may include various shapes or configurations to provide a desired ventilation characteristic. For example, the openings 120 may be holes, slots, slits, or otherwise to allow airflow through the top surface. In examples, the hood 102 includes a first section 124 and a second section 126. The first section 124 and the second section 126 may define an arc surface 130 of the hood 102. For instance, the second section 126 may be convex and rearward-sloped, while the first section 124 may be convex and frontward-sloped. The openings 120 may be formed along the first section 124, and the second section 126 may be solid without vents or openings. In examples, the arc surface 130 may have a first arc length 134 (see FIG. 3). In such examples, the openings 120 may be defined along a second arc length 136 less than the first arc length 134. The second arc length 136 may be greater than 50% of the first arc length 134, although other configurations are contemplated.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the ventilation device 100 includes a first panel 140 extending from the hood 102 (e.g., to partially cover the opening in the roof deck). The first panel 140 may define a tray including a first edge 142 and a second edge 144. The first edge 142 may be coupled to the hood 102, and the second edge 144 may include a lip 146. The lip 146 may be attached to or formed by the first panel 140 to extend towards the hood 102 (e.g., at a right angle to the first panel 140 and inward towards the hood 102). The lip 146 may have a low profile or44918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01 height, such as to allow a relatively large air space. The hood 102 may extend from the first panel 140 or tray to cover the opening of the roof deck. The first section 124, through which the openings 120 are defined, may be positioned over the first panel 140. The left and right-side panels 108, 114 may be attached to the first panel 140 (e.g., using a clinch lock attachment). In this manner, the side panels may secure ends of the first panel 140 and the hood 102 together.

[0031] In examples, the ventilation device 100 includes a second panel 148 extending from the hood 102 and positioned (e.g., at least partially) between the hood 102 and the first panel 140. The second panel 148 may include a second plurality of openings 150, such as defined therethrough to facilitate airflow. The openings 150 may have a different shape or configuration than the openings 120 of the hood 102. For example, the openings 120 of the hood 102 may be perforations, whereas the openings 150 of the second panel 148 may be slots, although other differing configurations are contemplated. In examples, the slots may be arranged in multiple rows (e.g., at least a first row of slots and a second row of slots, three rows of slots, four rows of slots, etc.). As shown, the multiple rows may be arranged along a lengthwise direction of the ventilation device 100, such as between the side panels.

[0032] The second panel 148 may be coupled to the hood 102. For instance, the second panel 148 may include a first edge 154 attached to an underside of the hood 102, such as proximate the openings 120 or vents. The second panel 148 may include a second edge 156 opposite the first edge 154. The second edge 156 may rest on or against the first panel 140 or tray (see FIG. 5). In some examples, the first panel 140 may be coupled to the hood 102 at a first location, with the second panel 148 coupled to the hood 102 at a second location different than the first location.

[0033] In examples, the ventilation device 100 includes a baffle 160. The baffle 160 may be formed from or of a nonwoven material, although other configurations are contemplated. The baffle 160 may be positioned to limit ingress of debris through the openings 120 or vents of the hood 102. For example, the baffle 160 may be positioned between the hood 102 and the second panel 148. The second panel 148 may extend to support the baffle 160 against the openings 120 or vents of the hood 102. In this regard, the second panel 148 may be referred to as a baffle plate. Once positioned against the openings or vents, air may flow through the openings 120 of the hood 102, through the baffle 160, and through the openings 150 of the second panel 148.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, a venting opening 164 may be defined on a bottom side of the ventilation device 100 and configured to face the roof opening. As shown, the first panel 140,54918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01 which may be referred to as a throat panel, may be arranged frontward and parallel to the venting opening 164, with both the first panel 140 and the venting opening 164 extending across the hood 102. Venting of the ventilated space may occur when air flows through the venting opening 164, through the openings 150 of the second panel 148, through the baffle 160, and through the openings 120 of the hood 102. In case rain and / or snow is driven through the openings 120 of the hood 102, the rain and / or snow will fall on the second panel 148. The rain and / or snow may be then further mitigated and / or retained by the first panel 140. For example, the rain and / or snow may flow along the sloped surface of the second panel 148 to a lower edge (e.g., the second edge 156) of the second panel 148 and drop on first panel 140. From there, the rain and / or snow can flow out of the ventilation device 100 through the openings 120 of the hood 102, and any remaining humidity inside the hood 102 can eventually evaporate. The lip 146 at the end of the first panel 140 may help retain any water or moisture within the first panel 140, preventing it from passing through the venting opening 164 and to the opening of the roof deck.

[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the ventilation device 100 may be placed on a roof deck 170 to cover a roof opening 172 (e.g., an opening of the roof deck 170). When positioned, the venting opening 164 may be in fluid communication with the roof opening 172. The first panel 140 may engage the roof deck 170, such as to close the roof opening 172, give the ventilation device 100 a strong attachment to the roof deck 170, or both. In examples, the ventilation device 100 may provide a sealing of the roof opening 172, such as to comply with best roofing industry practices. For instance, at least some of the flanges (e.g., a rear flange) may be attached to the roof deck 170 and covered by shingles. Other flanges may be placed above or adjacent to the shingles (e.g., left, right, and front flanges not covered by shingles). When the ventilation device 100 is installed, air may be vented from an interior of a building through the ventilation device 100, such as through the openings 150 of the second panel 148, through the baffle 160, and through the openings 120 of the hood 102.

[0036] The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present system and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art64918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01 to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the ail so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

[0037] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments, or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments, and / or processes or be separated and / or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems and methods.74918-5547-7099\l

Claims

Attorney Docket No. P320244.W0.01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An off-ridge roof ventilation device comprising: a tray; a hood extending from the tray to cover an opening of a roof deck, the hood comprising one or more vents; a baffle; and a baffle plate positioned at least partially between the tray and the hood, the baffle plate extending to support the baffle against the one or more vents to limit ingress of debris through the one or more vents.

2. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the baffle plate comprises a plurality of slots defined therethrough to facilitate airflow through the one or more vents, the baffle, and the plurality of slots.

3. The roof ventilation device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots define at least a first row of slots and a second row of slots.

4. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the baffle is formed from a nonwoven material.

5. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the one or more vents comprise a plurality of perforations along a first section of the hood.

6. The roof ventilation device of claim 5, wherein the hood comprises a second section that is solid without vents or openings, and wherein the first section is positioned over the tray.

7. The roof ventilation device of claim 6, wherein the first section and the second section define a curved surface of the hood.84918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.

018. The roof ventilation device of claim 1 , wherein the baffle plate comprises a first edge and a second edge, the first edge attached to the hood proximate the one or more vents, the second edge resting on the tray.

9. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, further comprising a side panel securing ends of the tray and the hood together.

10. An off-ridge roof ventilation device comprising: a hood configured to cover a roof opening of a roof deck, the hood comprising a plurality of openings; a first panel extending from the hood to partially cover the roof opening; a second panel extending from the hood and positioned between the hood and the first panel; and a baffle configured to limit ingress of debris through the openings, the baffle positioned between the hood and the second panel.

11. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, wherein the first panel is coupled to the hood at a first location, and wherein the second panel is coupled to the hood at a second location different than the first location.

12. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, wherein the second panel extends to support the baffle against the hood, and wherein the second panel comprises a plurality of slots arranged in multiple rows.

13. The roof ventilation device of claim 12, wherein the multiple rows are arranged along a lengthwise direction of the roof ventilation device.

14. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, wherein the first panel defines a tray comprising a first edge coupled to the hood, and a second edge comprising a lip.94918-5547-7099\lAttorney Docket No. P320244.W0.0115. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, wherein the second panel comprises a first edge attached to an underside of the hood, and a second edge resting on the first panel.

16. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, further comprising a pair of side panels closing respective ends of the roof ventilation device, the pair of side panels attached to the hood and the first panel.

17. The roof ventilation device of claim 10, wherein the hood defines an arc surface having a first arc length, and wherein the openings are defined along a second arc length less than the first arc length.

18. The roof ventilation device of claim 17, wherein the second arc length is greater than 50% of the first arc length.

19. The roof ventilation component of claim 10, wherein the second panel comprises a second plurality of openings, and wherein the second plurality of openings have a different shape than the openings of the hood.

20. The roof ventilation component of claim 19, wherein the openings of the hood are perforations, and wherein the openings of the second panel are slots.104918-5547-7099\l

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