Abstract
The exhaust vent cover produces a few purposes: The exhausting of air, heat, dust, lint, fumes and other unwanted elements from the dwelling's interior to the dwelling's exterior. 1) Provides a mechanical way of preventing outside air, dirt etc. from entering the interior space/area by utilizing a mechanical flap that swings outward by air pressure, electrical motor or pneumatic control hooked to an on/off control switch. 2) Prevents birds, rodents and other small critters from entering the interior space/area. This exhaust cover is designed in three (3) parts: First part: is a molded plastic or metal hood cover with slots on sides. Second part: is an attachable frame with metal spikes surrounding the opening of the hood cover. Third part: a backdraft cover that opens outward can be made of metal or plastic, this cover which attaches with a hinge like mechanism at the top inside opening of the exhaust vent cover.
Claims
1. An exhaust vent cover comprising: a front having a sloped portion; sides connected the front, wherein the front and the sides are configured to form an opening; a mount to hold the front and the sides over an exhaust vent; a plurality of slots within the front and sides, wherein the slots are parallel and offset from each other; and a guard attachment connected to a bottom of the front and to each bottom of the sides to cover the opening, wherein the guard attachment includes a plurality of spikes, the spikes configured to converge downward and inward from the opening to form a funnel for air exiting the opening and to prevent entrance to the exhaust vent by birds or animals.
2. The exhaust vent cover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots are configured to direct air downwards towards the spikes.
3. The exhaust vent cover of claim 1, wherein the spikes are comprised of metal or plastic.
4. The exhaust vent cover of claim 1, wherein each of the spikes include a spaced portion to allow the air to flow through.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) In reference to FIG. 1 (Angle View) shows an overall view of dryer 1 vent cover with 3 Spike Guard attachment, 4 Spikes, 5 Slots on the Vent cover, and 6 Mounting holes.
(2) In reference to FIG. 2 (Front View) of 1 vent cover shows 6 mounting holes and direction, 2 Slots in vent cover, 3 Bird Guard attachment, 4 Bird Guard spikes.
(3) In reference to FIG. 3 (Side View) of 1 vent cover demonstrating the angular slope of the vent, 2 Slots on the side (openings), 3 Spike Guard attachment, 4 Spikes, 9 Flange profile which attaches the pipe, hose or duct which connects to the dryer or other component.
(4) In reference to FIG. 4 (Back View) of 1 vent cover with 6 Mounting holes, 9 Flange on vent cover for connecting pipe or hose or duct, 3 Bird Guard attachment, 4 Spikes on the attachment, 11 Back draft flap.
(5) In reference to FIG. 5 (Spike Guard Attachment) 3 with 4 Spikes illustrated to meet at the bottom forming a funneling shape and an enclosure to prevent birds and rodents from entering however, spikes may be reconfigured differently to be most effective for its purpose, 5 Holes for Mounting the Spike Guard to vent cover.
(6) In reference to FIG. 6 (Exploded View) of 1 Vent cover, 2 Slots (openings), 6 Mounting holes, 3 Spike Guard attachment, 4 Spikes, 5 Spike Guard Mounting Holes 11 Back draft flap and 14 Pipe, Hose or Duct that can be connected to 9 Flange.
(7) FIG. 7. Provides a perspective view of a dryer vent cover 1 according to another embodiment.
(8) FIG. 8. Depicts a top view of spike guard attachment 3 of this embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(9) The present invention is a result of my experience as a dryer and vent cleaning specialist for over the past 18 years. I have dealt with all the major vent covers and bird guards and have seen firsthand their limitations compared to the “Spike Guard Vent Cover”.
(10) FIG. 1 (Angle View) shows the sloping angle of 1 Vent Cover which is best designed to deal with snow, sleet and rain. This vent cover can be manufactured from plastic or metal. 2 Shows slots (openings) on sides of the vent cover. They serve as three main purposes: 1) allow outdoor air and high winds to have a self cleaning effect on Spike attachment; 2) to help dissipate hot humid air more efficiently; 3) to allow rain to wash lint and dirt from Spike Guard. 3 Spike Guard attachment can be manufactured from plastic, metal or a combination of both. The Spikes are illustrated pointing down into a conical shape but not limited to this pattern or design and can be reconfigured to the most effective and practical manner by those skilled in the art. 4 Spikes can be manufactured with stainless steel or ultra violet resistant plastic. 3 Spike Guard is removable 5 Spike Guard Component Mounting Holes for attaching and detaching to vent cover and for servicing access. 6 Vent Cover Mounting Holes for attaching vent cover to substrate wood, plastic, metal and concrete etc.
(11) FIG. 2 (Front View) of vent cover showing 6 Four Mounting Holes for Vent Cover, 2 Slots on front of cover, 3 Spike Guard and 4 Spikes.
(12) FIG. 3 (Side View) of vent cover showing 2 Slots, 6 Mounting Holes for Vent Cover, 3 Spike Guard and 4 Spikes, 9 Flange on vent cover for attaching to duct pipe or hose.
(13) FIG. 4 (Back View) of vent cover showing 6 Mounting Holes for Vent Cover, 9 Flange for connecting vent cover to exhaust pipe, hose or duct 11 Back draft damper open towards front of vent cover the top held in place by pivot that allows opening when air pressure is applied from component and closes back by gravity with the absence of air pressure thereby keeping rain, wind, insects out. 3 Spike Guard attachment, 4 Spikes.
(14) FIG. 5 (Spike Guard) attachment (to the vent cover) with spikes showing spikes in a downward conical shape that may be reconfigured by one skilled in the art in order to utilize the most effective position of spikes to achieve best air flow and allowing the outdoor elements such as wind, rain to keep clean while keeping birds and small animals from entering through and into the dryer vent cover.
(15) FIG. 6 (Exploded View) of dryer #1 vent cover and 3 Spike Guard, 11 Back draft damper attaches to dryer vent cover by pivot on top which swings outward when air pressure is applied by component in interior of building 14 Pipe Hose or Duct connects to 9 Vent Guard assembly.
(16) FIGS. 7 and 8 show different embodiments of dryer vent cover 1. As can be seen, spikes 4 may have a single portion that converges downwardly from spike guard attachment
