Off-ridge roof ventilation device

Abstract

An off-ridge ventilation device may include a hood configured to cover a roof opening, a tray coupled to the hood, a baffle, and a baffle plate coupled to the hood. The hood may include one or more (e.g., a plurality of) vents or openings and a cavity. The tray may extend at least partially into the cavity of the hood. 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 an ingress of debris. The baffle may be positioned between the baffle plate and the hood.

Description

OFF-RIDGE ROOF VENTILATION DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63 / 699,616, filed September 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference 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 hood configured to cover a roof opening, a tray coupled to the hood, a baffle, and a baffle plate coupled to the hood. The hood may include one or more vents and a cavity. The tray may extend at least partially into thecavity of the hood. The baffle plate may extend to support the baffle against the one or more vents to limit an ingress of debris through the ventilation device.

[0007] Optionally, the tray includes a first portion coupled to the hood, and a second portion extending from the first portion at a bend. The second portion may extend into the cavity of the hood. Extension of the second portion into the cavity may define a venting opening configured to be arranged over the roof opening. The second portion may extend parallel to the baffle plate.

[0008] Optionally, the hood includes a first section and a second section. The one or more vents may be defined along the first section. The second section may be solid without vents. The first section may curve at a first radius. The second section may curve at a second radius less than the first radius.

[0009] Optionally, the baffle plate includes a plurality of slots arranged in a row.

[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 seeming ends of the tray and the hood together.

[0012] Optionally, the baffle is formed from a nonwoven material.

[0013] In another example, an off-ridge roof ventilation device includes a hood configured to cover a roof opening and including 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. The first panel may extend at least partially into the cavity of the hood.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Optionally, the second panel extends to support die baffle against the hood, and the second panel includes a plurality of slots arranged in a row. The slots may be arranged along a lengthwise direction of the second panel.

[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.

[0018] Optionally, the hood defines a curved surface including a first section and a second section, and the openings arc defined along the first section. The first section may curve at a first radius. The second section may curve at a second radius less than the first radius.

[0019] Optionally, the first panel defines a tray including a first portion coupled to the hood, and a second portion extending from the first portion at a bend. The second portion may extend parallel to the second panel.

[0020] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows and may become apparent to those skilled in the art 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. 1-5 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.

[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 (e.g., a roof opening), may include an elongated body with opposing ends and a curved top surface 104 providing an aerodynamic profile, such as in a manner that the curved hood 102 provides superior resistance to wind uplift. The top surface 104 may curve between the opposing ends of the hood to create a cavity 106 (see FIG. 5). 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 108, 114 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 104. 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 the curved top surface 104 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 first section 124 may curve at a first radius 134 (see FIG. 3), and the second section 126 may curve at a second radius 136 less than the first radius 134. The second radius 136 may be less than 50% of the first radius 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 portion 142 and a second portion 144. The first portion 142 may be coupled to the hood, and the second portion 144 may extend from the first portion 142 at a bend 146. In examples, the first panel 140 may extend at least partially into the cavity 106 of the hood102 (see FIG. 5). For example, the second portion 144 may extend from the first portion 142 and into the cavity 106, such as the bend orienting the second portion 144 to extend towards the top surface 104. 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 a row (e.g., in a row between the side panels 108, 114). As shown, the slots may be arranged along a lengthwise direction of the second panel 148, such as towards the top surface 104.

[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. 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 be arranged over the roof opening (e.g., to face the roof opening). As shown, the first panel 140, which may be referred to as a throat panel, may be arranged frontward to the venting opening 164, with both the first panel 140 and the venting opening 164 extending across the hood 102. The first portion 142 of the first panel 140 may extend parallel to the venting opening 164. The second portion 144 of the first panel 140 may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the second panel 148 or baffle plate, although other configurations are contemplated. In examples, extension of the second portion 144 into the cavity 106 may define the venting opening 164.

[0035] Venting (e.g., of a ventilated space of a building) 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 of the second panel 148 and drop on first panel 140. Rain and / or snow may also flow along the sloped surface of the second portion 144 of the first panel 140 towards the first portion 142.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. In examples, the first panel 140 may be dished or include various lips to help retain any water or moisture within or on the first panel 140, preventing it from passing through the venting opening 164 and to the opening of the roof deck.

[0036] 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 theventilation 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.

[0037] 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 art 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 art 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.

[0038] 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.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

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

2. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein: the tray comprises a first portion coupled to the hood, and a second portion extending from the first portion at a bend; and the second portion extends into the cavity of the hood.

3. The roof ventilation device of claim 2, wherein extension of the second portion into the cavity defines a venting opening configured to be arranged over the roof opening.

4. The roof ventilation device of claim 2, wherein the second portion extends parallel to the baffle plate.The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the hood comprises a first section and a second section, the one or more vents defined along the first section, the second section being solid without vents.

6. The roof ventilation device of claim 5, wherein: the first section curves at a first radius; and the second section curves at a second radius less than the first radius.

7. The roof ventilation device of claim 1, wherein the baffle plate comprises a plurality of slots arranged in a row.

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

11. An off-ridge roof ventilation device comprising: a hood configured to cover a roof opening, the hood comprising a plurality of openings and a cavity; a first panel extending from the hood to partially cover the roof opening, the first panel also extending at least partially into the cavity of the hood; 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.

12. The roof ventilation device of claim 11, 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.

13. The roof ventilation device of claim 11, wherein the second panel extends to support the baffle against the hood, and wherein the second panel comprises a plurality of slots arranged in a row.

14. The roof ventilation device of claim 13, wherein the slots are arranged along a lengthwise direction of the second panel.

15. The roof ventilation device of claim 11, 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 11, 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 11, wherein the hood defines a curved surface comprising a first section and a second section, and wherein the openings are defined along the first section.

18. The roof ventilation device of claim 17, wherein: the first section curves at a first radius; and the second section curves at a second radius less than the first radius.

19. The roof ventilation device of claim 11, wherein the first panel defines a tray comprising a first portion coupled to the hood, and a second portion extending from the first portion at a bend.

20. The roof ventilation device of claim 19, wherein the second portion extends parallel to the second panel.

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