Vent sealing device and system

#The present invention relates generally to vent protection devices, and more particularly to a vent sealing device and system which can be utilized to protect or replace damaged flashing.

#Roof structures typically have one or more openings to allow vents and other objects to extend through. For example, plumbing vents are typically required at all drainage points in a building so that air can displace water draining into the sewer system. During new construction of a building, a hole is cut into the roof structure and a vent pipe is then routed through the hole and connected to the building plumbing. In order to maintain a water-tight seal between the vent and the roof, flashing material (often made from lead) is used to surround the vent and mate with the roof. Unfortunately, squirrels and other rodents are often attracted to the lead flashing and tend to damage it with their claws and teeth. Over time, the damaged flashing can leak or otherwise provide a sub-nominal seal between the vent and roof. Moreover, as the top of the vent pipe is designed to be open to the air, it is common for small animals, rodents and insects to freely enter the vent and gain access to the building plumbing and/or the building itself.

#Accordingly, a need exists for a vent sealing device and system that is able to cure the above described deficiencies and which can be easily installed on a new or existing roof structure.

#Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

#FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a vent sealing device that is useful for understanding the embodiments disclosed herein.

#FIG. 1B is an exploded view of a vent sealing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

#While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

#FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a vent sealing device that is useful for understanding the embodiments disclosed herein. To this end, vent sealing device 10 can include an outer tube 20, an inner tube 30, a cap 40, and a screen 50.

#The outer tube 20 (i.e., first tubular member) acts to provide a barrier against exterior elements and can include an elongated hollow tubular section having a top end 20a, a bottom end 20b and an inner diameter that is greater than both a conventional plumbing vent 12 and conventional flashing 16. (See FIG. 2) Although illustrated as having a bottom portion that is perpendicular to the top, the lower end 20b of the outer tube 20 may be disposed at one or more angles to match the existing surface profile of the roof 18. (See FIG. 3)