Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BAFFLED VENT FOR FLEXIBLE COVERS FOR OUTDOOR USE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[00001 ] This invention relates to ventilated covers, and in particular the
invention relates to the use of a baffled vent attached to the cover in order
to allow
natural outside drafts to pass through the unit in turn removing damaging
condensation.
[00002] The ventilated covers are intended for use particularly in outdoor
situations, and are typically employed with such various household items as
barbecues,
air-conditioner heat exchangers and condensers, patio furniture, as well as
with other
recreational items as boats and other watercraft, motorcycles, all terrain
vehicles,
snowmobiles, spare tire covers for sports utility vehicles, and so on.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[00003] Throughout North America, and elsewhere, many persons store
household items of various sorts outdoors. For example, in the northern parts
of North
America, household barbecues are quite often stored on the patio for the
barbecue
season. Indeed, many households keep a barbecue outdoors all year. In the
southern
parts of North America, just as in the north, barbecues and other household
items are
covered, but usually for different reasons.
[00004] Specifically, barbecues, air-conditioner heat exchangers and
condensers - which cannot be moved indoors or to other storage facilities in
any event -
and other seasonal household and recreational items such as those referred to
above, may
require to be covered for a variety of reasons. Typically, and in any event,
they are
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covered, especially during the winter seasons, to protect them from the
elements and
the environment. Rain, snow, blowing leaves, dust, sand and so on, must be
protected
against. So also must the incursion of insects and rodents be protected
against.
[00005] The existing covers on the market, when placed over an object
(e.g, a barbecue or air-conditioner) cover the unit entirely, not allowing air
to flow
around the unit. Fully covering any household items such as those described
above is
tantamount to an invitation to disaster. When condensation builds up within
the
confinement of the cover, it remains trapped because there is no airflow
through the
unit, which in turn begins to rust inside components. The condensation leads
to rusting
and mildew, as well as cobwebs, spider nests, and the like.
[00006] However, if the covered household or recreational items are
ventilated at the same time, then there is much less risk of any damaging
condensation,
rusting, mildew, cobwebs, spider nests, and the like, developing. This is
because air
can flow in and out of the shelter which is provided by a ventilated cover in
keeping
1 ~ with present invention, unlike prior art covers which are not ventilated
and which may
give rise to serious damage to the very household articles that they are
intended to
protect.
[00007] Even in the middle of winter, a sunny day may result in
significant air expansion within the interior of a cover over a household or
recreational
item. If the cover is ventilated, in keeping with present invention, then that
air can tZow
out of the cover, taking with it stale air and moisture. Then, in the evening,
as the sun
goes down, ambient air pressure equilibrium will cause airflow back into the
interior
of the cover, thereby replacing fresh air for the previous stale air that has
been expelled.
This is particularly likely to happen because, almost invariably, covers for
barbecues.
air-conditioner heat exchangers, and the like, are dark colored and therefore
will absorb
radiant heat from such as sunshine. Still further, by the presence of
ventilation in a
cover, the relative humidity inside and outside of the cover will remain
effectively at
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equilibrium, and thereby the chance of rust developing may be reduced. if not
precluded.
[00008] However, the elements - and particularly rain, snow, and wind
- are always present, and therefore it is not appropriate to ventilate a cover
merely by
the addition of a screen or a series of apertures formed in the material of
the cover.
[00009] Thus, the present invention provides for appropriate baffling to
preclude direct incursion of rain or snow as they maybe carried by the wind,
or insects
and the like, but so as to permit airflow into and out of the interior of a
cover when it
is placed over a household or recreational article as described above. The
details of
such construction are, of course, described hereafter.
[00010] Effectively, the inventors herein provided at least one vented
section which may be placed into a material cover - typically, a tarpaulin-
like material,
a rubberized material. or other suitable plasticized or rubberized fabrics
that have
sufficient flexibility to be folded when not in use, and sufficient sewability
or other
1 ~ adhesive characteristics that a cover for any designated household or
recreational item
of any shape may be constructed, as is well known to those in the cover
industry. In
addition, the vented section also incorporates a handle for easy removal or
adjustment
of the cover from the protected unit.
[0001 1 ] Because rain and snow typically fall more or less downwardly,
?0 certain improved embodiments of ventilated covers, and particularly the
baffled vent
intended for use with them, provide for additional protection against
downwardly
falling precipitation. In addition, the use of one or more baffled vents help
prevent
cover from being blown off by gusts of wind.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[00012] In accordance wath one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a baffled vent for attachment to material of a cover structure
intended for
outdoor use to cover an article.
[00013) The baffled vent has a grip portion and a vent portion mounted
to the grip portion. The vent portion has an inner side and an outer side and
has a
channel passing therethrough. The channel is in fluid communication with both
the
inner side and the outer side. A fluid flow constrictor is mounted to the vent
portion
within the channel.
[00014] A baffled vent in keeping with the present invention may have
a vent portion with an outer face, the outer face having an upper end and a
lower end
when the baffled vent is oriented in a generally vertical direction. The outer
face may
slope generally outwardly from the upper end to lower end.
[00015] A baffled vent in keeping with the present invention may also
have a peripheral portion around the periphery of the vent portion where the
peripheral
portion is adapted for attachment to the cover.
[00016] Still further, the vent portion may have a cap portion and a base
portion mounted to the cap portion. The base portion may have a base aperture
and the
channel may have an inner end and an outer end. The base aperture may be
positioned
at the inner end of the channel.
[00017] if so, the inner end of the channel may positioned proximate to
the inner side and the outer end may be positioned proximate to the outer
side. The cap
portion may have an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the cap
portion and
the base portion may define an outer aperture positioned at the outer end of
the channel.
2~ [00018] In that case, the outer end of the channel may be oriented
~enerallv downwardly when the baffled vent is oriented in a generally vertical
direction.
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[00019] The fluid flow constrictor may be positioned between the inner
end and the outer end of the channel. ..
[00020] The fluid flow constrictor may further be a member extending
from one of the cap portion and the base portion into the channel such that
the cross-
sectional area of the channel is reduced near the fluid flow constrictor.
[00021 ] Optionally, the vent portion may have a base portion and a cap
portion mounted to the base portion. The grip portion and the cap portion may
be
formed integrally with one another.
[00022] In addition, the cap portion may have an upper end and a lower
end when the baffled vent is oriented in a generally vertical orientation and
the grip
portion may be finger holds formed near the lower end of the cap portion.
[00023] The outer face of the cap portion may be optionally adapted to
receive a plaque or to have a logo molded therein.
[00024] The baffled vent may be flexible and molded from a material
1 ~ chosen from the group consisting of: flexible PVC, vinyl, rubber, and
mixtures thereof.
[00025] Another aspect of the present invention is a cover structure for
outdoor use to cover an article. The cover structure is made from a flexible
waterproof
material cut and sewn in a pattern so as to cover an intended article to be
covered. One
baffled vent as described above is placed in a region of the material so as to
be oriented
substantially vertically when the cover is in place over the intended article.
[00026] Typically, a cover which is in keeping with present invention will
be such that the baffled vent is secured to the flexible waterproof material
of the cover
at the peripheral margin of the baffled vent.
[00027] Still further, they may typically be two baffled vents secured to
the flexible waterproof material of the cover in regions which are opposed to
one
another when the cover is placed over an intended article.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[00028] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of
operation,
together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from
the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the
invention will
now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however,
that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not
intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention
will now
be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings
in
which:
[00029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of a
baffled vent for use in a cover in keeping with present invention;
[00030] Figure 2 is a side plan view of the baffled vent of Figure 1 as
seen from the outside of the cover;
1 ~ [00031 ] Figure 3 is a side plan view of the baffled vent of Figure 1 as
seen from the inside of the cover;
[00032] Figure 4 is a sectional end view of the baffled vent taken along
section A-A of Figure 2;
[00033] Figure ~ is a sectional side view of the baffled vent taken along
section B-B of Figure 2;
[00034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a baffled vent for use in a cover in keeping with present invention;
[00035] Figure 7 is a side view of the baffled vent of Fi~~ure 6:
[00036] Figure 8 is a end view of the baffled vent of Figure 6 as seen
from the bottom of the baffled vent:
[00037) Figure 9 is a top view of the baffled vent of Figure 6 as seen
from the onside of the cover:
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[00038] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a baffled vent for use in a cover in keeping with present invention;
[00039] Figure 11 is a side view of the baffled vent of Figure 10;
[00040] Figure 12 is a end view of the baffled vent of Figure 10 as seen
from the bottom of the baffled vent; and
[00041 ] Figure 13 is a top view of the baffled vent of Figure 10 as seen
from the ouside of the cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[00042) The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of
operation.
together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from
the following discussion.
[00043] A baffled vent which is particularly in keeping with the present
invention is shown at 10 in Figures 1 to ~. The baffled vent which is
illustrated has a
particular shape and embodiment which were chosen for purposes of utilization
of the
baffled vent in a particular design of cover which was made for a barbecue. It
will be
very clear from an understanding of the descriptions which follow that the
precise
configuration, shape, and size of the baffled vent are mere matters of choice
and design,
without bearing on the principles of the present invention as they are
described herein.
[00044] As seen in Figure 1, the baffled vent 10 has a cap portion 12 and
a base portion or base plate 14. Cap portion 12 and base portion 14 may be
collectively
referred to as the vent portion of baffled vent 10. Cap portion 1? has a face
plate 16
and side walls 18 extending inwardly from face plate 16 to meet base portion
14.
[00045] In the present embodiment. as shown in Fi~~ures 1 and 2. the
shape of face plate 16 is that of a stylized dame. Face plate 16 extends from
a narrow
upper or top end 20 to a wider bottom or lower end 2?. Lower end ?2 extends
between
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corners 24 and 26. Side wall 18 extends inwardly from face plate 16 to base
plate 14
around the periphery of face plate 16 from corner 24 to upper end 20 and
around to
corner 26.
[00046] Lower end 22, base plate 14 and side wall 18 at corners 24 and
26 define a generally rectangular outer or lower aperture 28. Outer aperture
28 has an
outer edge 30 along lower end 22. Outer edge 30 is composed of four curved
ridges
which serve as a grip 32. Grip 32 is adapted and sized to permit easy
insertion and
placement of four fingers of a user.
[00047] As seen in Figure 4, face plate 16 is further from base plate 14
at lower end 22 than at upper end 20. As a result, face plate 16 slopes
downwardly and
outwardly.
[00048) Base plate 14 is a flat plate that has the same stylized flame
shape as face plate 16 except that it is larger. As will be obvious to those
skilled in the
art, base plate 14 can have almost any shape. Base plate 14 is provided with
an inner
1 ~ or base aperture 34. Inner aperture 34 corresponds approximately to the
shape of the
upper half of face plate 16, although it does not extend beyond side walls 18.
Inner
aperture 34 has a horizontal lower edge 36 and a flame-shaped outer edge 38.
[00049] Face plate 16 has an inner face 40 and an outer face 42. Base
plate 14 has an inner face 44 and an outer face 46.
[00050] Inner face 36 of face plate 16. side walls 18 and outer face 38 of
base plate 14 define a channel 48 between outer aperture 28 and inner aperture
34 as
shown in Figure 4. A fluid flow constrictor or lip ~0 extends outwardly from
base plate
14 along lower edge 36 of inner aperture 34 so as to sharply reduce the cross-
sectional
area of channel 48 in this region. As a result, lip ~0 acts as a baffle to
restrict air flow
through channel 48 (as indicated by the arrows ~2 in Figure 4).
[00051 ] Outer face 42 of face plate 16 is provided with a logo region ~4.
It will be understood that the purpose of that region is to accommodate a
plaque bearing
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the name of a manufacturer thereon. Typically, the name is that of the
manufacturer of
the barbecue, air-conditioner heat exchanger or condenser, or other household
or
recreational item which is to be covered by a cover structure which
incorporates the
baffled vent 10, or typically two such baffled vents, as discussed hereafter.
[00052] However, it may also be possible that a logo which may be that
of the manufacturer may be molded directly into the baffled vent 10 in the
logo region
54 thereof.
[00053] A peripheral region 56 may also be formed around the periphery
of base plate 14. Such a region is be suitable for attachment to the cover.
[00054] It will be understood that the baffled vent should have a certain
amount of flexibility. Thus, it is desirable that the baffled vent will be
molded from a
suitable material such as flexible PVC, vinyl, rubber, and mixtures thereof.
[00055] It will be seen in Figure 4 that airflow through channel 48 may
follow arrows 52. However, this sense of the arrows -- that is, their
direction -- may be
also in the opposite direction than that which is shown, depending on whether
airflow
is into or out of the interior of a cover when it is in place over an article,
as discussed
above.
[00056] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown at
60 in Figures 6 to 9. Baffled vent 60 is made up of a cap portion 62 and a
base plate
64. Cap portion 62 is a curved enclosure that meets base plate 64 along the
curved
portion of a half oval shape. Cap portion 62 has an outer face 66, an inner
face 68, an
upper end 70 and a lower end 72. Lower end 72 extends downwards and outwards
from base plate 64. Lower end 72 and base plate 64 define a generally
semicircular
outer or lower aperture 74 which is exposed to the air outside the cover.
[00057] Base plate 64 is rectangular and is provided with an inner
aperture (not shown) similar to that of the preferred embodiment in that it
does not
extend beyond the edges of cap portion 62. A channel 76 extends between outer
CA 02452512 2003-12-09
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aperture 74 and the inner aperture. A fluid flow constrictor such as baffle 78
extends
outwards from base plate 64 to restrict airflow (as indicated by arrows 80)
between the
air outside the cover and the inside of the cover.
(00058] A further alternative embodiment of the present invention is
shown at 60 in Figures 10 to 13. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment
of
Figure 6, except that two cap portions 62 are affixed to a single base plate
64, each of
which has a channel 76.
[00059] It will be clearly understood that the baffled vent of the present
invention is particularly intended to be incorporated into a flexible
waterproof cover
which will be used outdoors to cover any intended article, typically a
household or
recreational item such as a barbecue, an air-conditioner heat exchanger or
condenser,
patio furniture, bicycles or motorcycles, or even larger item such as
vehicles, boats,
trailers, and the like. Because such covers will vary significantly in shape,
size, and
configuration. but each will incorporate at least one and typically two
baffled vents 10
1 ~ which are in keeping with the present invention, the specific appearance
of such a cover
will be well understood to those skilled in the art.
[00060] Accordingly, it will be understood that whenever a cover for
outdoor use to cover an article incorporates at least one baffled vent in
keepin~~ with the
teachings hereof, the baffled vent will be placed in a region of the flexible
waterproof
material which is cut and sewn to the desired configuration in such a location
that when
the cover is in place over an intended article, it will be oriented
substantially vertically.
[00061 ] The baffled vent is typically oriented and mounted to the cover
so that inner face 44 of base plate 14 faces the covered object and that
channel 48 is in
fluid communication with the air inside the cover via inner aperture 34. In
addition,
outer aperture 28 is in direct contact with the air outside the cover.
[00062] Typically, the baffled vent or handles 10 are secured to the
flexible waterproof material of the cover or cover structure at the peripheral
margin of
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the baffled vent or baffled vents. Typically, the baffled vents will be
located near the
upper part of a cover to allow rising hot air within the cover to escape
through the
vents.
[00063] It will also be understood that, especially when two baffled vents
are employed, they will typically be located in regions of the flexible
waterproof
material of the cover where they will be opposed one to another when the cover
is in
place over the intended article.
[00064] It will be understood from the above discussions that covers
which incorporate baffled vents in keeping with the present invention, and as
described
above, will serve all the purposes which had been noted above. In particular,
pressure
and relative humidity equilibrium can be reached between the interior of the
cover
incorporating at least one baffled vent in keeping with the present invention,
and the
ambient surrounding air temperature, relative humidity, and pressure. The use
of
baffled vents in a cover will help prevent the covers from being blown off the
articles
1 ~ as air that gusts into the bottom of the cover will flow through the cover
and return to
the outside via the vents. Moreover, the influx or incursion of debris such as
leaves or
twigs, as well as of insects, spiders, rodents, and the like, will be
precluded as a
consequence of the placement and configuration of the downwardly facin yr
channel 48
and the presence of the fluid flow constrictor ~0.
[0006~J As well, downwardly falling rain and snow which falls onto the
baffled vent or rolls onto the baffled vent from the cover will be directed
outwardly
from the baffled vent as it slopes down outer face 42 of face plate 16. In
addition.
lower aperture 28 faces downwardly. Thus, falling rain and snow will not
penetrate
inside the cover through channel 48.
[00066] In addition, the grip 32 allows a user to place his or her fingers
within lower aperture 28 to grasp the vented baffle and to lift or adjust the
cover. A
pair of baffled vents positioned on opposite sides of a cover allows the user
to use two
CA 02452512 2003-12-09
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hands to more easily move or adjust a cover. Where a cover is too large for a
single
person to use two baffled vents to lift (such as a cover for a boat or a
trailer), multiple
baffled vents may be placed around the cover allowing multiple persons to lift
or adjust
the cover.
[00067] Other modifications and alterations may be used in the desi~~n
and manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing
fiom the
spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
[00068] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,
unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations
such as
"comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated
integer or step or group of integers or steps but not to the exclusion of any
other integer
or step or group of integers or steps.
[00069] Moreover, the word "substantially" when used with an adjective
or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic;
e.'~..
substantially vertical is intended to mean perpendicular to a horizontal
orientation, or
near so, and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a general vertical
element or
orientation.
