Vent protector device for exhaust vents of buildings

Abstract

Exhaust vent pipes of existing buildings often admit unwanted substances such as insects, dust, dirt, weather-derived moisture and airborne contaminants into the building when their exhaust function is not in use. A device for installation on such exhaust vent pipes to prevent this problem, in its simplest form comprises a pipe length of slightly larger circumference than the vent pipe, equipped at its upper end with a hinged cap and adapted at its lower end to fit over and partially jacket the upper end of the vent pipe and to be stably connected to that vent pipe. Preferably the upper end of the device is constructed so that the pipe opening is angled downward from an upper high point or fulcrum on its circumference where the hinge of the cap is attached, whereby the cap, when closed, slants downward from the hinge which may either bisect the cap or occupy one portion of the rim of a unitary cap. In either case, the preferred cap, when closed, slants downwardly from the hinge and slightly overlaps the rim of the pipe. The basic device may be equipped with a hood of substantially greater elevation and circumference, which not only affords greater protection to the building interior when the exhaust vent pipe is not exhausting vapors but also protects the exhaust vent from tampering by birds and small animals and from severe weather effects. Two hood embodiments are shown, both equipped with (i) backflow means to prevent exhausted vapors from reentry into the building and (ii) suitably placed perforations that ensure that exhausted vapors pass outward. For inclusion in buildings to be erected in the future, the device is made integral with the vent pipe by extending the length of the latter and finishing the upper end with a hinged cap, with or without added hood means.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.