AU704456B2 - Vent structure - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

0: too Name of Applicant: KENT WARNER *Actual Inventor(s): KENT WARNER Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

Invention Title:, "Vent Structure" Details of Associated Provisional Application: No: PN0991/95 filed 8 February 1995 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 1la VENT STRUCTURE This invention relates to a vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall. The vent structure is particularly suited for facilitating air flow to a sub-floor region of a masonry building.

In brick veneer buildings having a suspended timber floor, moisture or high humidity in the sub-floor region (ie the region between the ground and the timber floor) can cause decay of the flooring. For this reason, it is customary to provide for ventilation of the sub-floor region which allows airflow to and from the sub-floor so as to prevent i: excess moisture or humidity from occurring. One way in which the sub-floor ventilation can be achieved is to provide ventilator openings in the sub-floor portions of the external walls of the building. For example, one brick space in the external subfloor wall may be left vacant at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Where 15 the brick space ventilator openings are provided, it is often desirable to insert a form of vent structure in the space, having a mesh, grill or the like, to improve the aesthetic quality of the wall and, for example, to reduce access of rodents to the sub-floor region.

A popular form of vent structure presently utilised comprises a generally flat grill which is aligned with the external surface of the brick wall, and held in place by tabs which extend into the adjacent brick interstitial spaces. It has been found that these frontice piece type vent structures are difficult and time consuming to install, and that reduced airflow through the ventilation opening can result.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall comprising a grill provided with a plurality of airflow apertures, a first plate member coupled substantially perpendicularly to a first edge of said grill, and a support structure for, in use, supporting said first plate member in a substantially horizontal orientation, wherein said first plate member is constructed to support portions of an upper brick course adjacent an inner face of the wall with said grill substantially aligned with an outer face of the wall.

9602O8,p;oociua~w&erca-PA -2- Preferably the support structure comprises a second plate member extending substantially parallel to said first plate member from a second edge of said grill, opposed to said first edge. Opposed side wall members may also be provided, extending substantially perpendicularly from said grill and said first and second plate members such that said vent structure is in the form of a box having a substantially open face opposite said grill to allow airflow therethrough.

In one form of the invention, at least one rib is provided extending from said first plate member to said second plate member, to aid in supporting the first plate member when 10 a load is placed thereon.

Preferably, the first plate member is provided with a surface formation, such as a groove or recess, to facilitate adhesion of mortar or the like.

15 The invention also provides a vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall, comprising a box structure having exterior dimensions substantially of a building brick, the box structure comprising a front grill face having a plurality of airflow apertures formed therein, a substantially open rear face opposed to the front grill face for allowing airflow through the vent structure, a top face for supporting portions of an upper brick course, 20 in use, laid thereon, a bottom face opposed to said top face for supporting the vent structure, and a pair of opposed side faces extending between the top and bottom faces.

In a preferred form of the invention, at least one support rib is provided between the side faces and extending between the top and bottom faces of the vent structure for additional support of a load placed on the top face.

Where it is desirable to reduce the amount of material required to form the vent structure, the side faces and/or bottom face may be provided with cut-away portions or apertures for a substantial reduction in construction material without substantially reducing the strength of the vent structure. For example, the vent structure may be constructed by injection moulding of a plastics material, wherein such cut-away portions or apertures may be easily provided in the moulding of the vent structure.

%M'PA0P"*n4WIMammerza 9 o -3- Alternatively, the vent structure may be constructed from a metal sheet material.

The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a vent structure in a sub-floor portion of a brick wall; 10 Figure 2 is a froct perspective view of a vent structure according to the prior art; Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a vent structure according to one form of the present invention; 15 Figure 4 is a front view of a vent structure according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view through B-B of the vent structure shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a lengthwise cross-sectional view through the vent structure of Figures 4 and through A-A.

As mentioned above, it is generally desirable, where a suspended timber floor is provided in a brick veneer structure, to provide for ventilation of the sub-floor region, so as to prevent or reduce decay of the flooring through moisture or high humidity in the sub-floor region. Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates a portion of sub-floor brick wall 2 in relation to a suspended timber floor 4. The sub-floor region 6 which is enclosed by the brick wall 2 beneath the flooring 4 requires ventilation, for which purpose a ventilation opening 8 is provided. The ventilation opening 8 comprises a single brick space in a course of bricks between bricks 12 and 14, within which a vent structure 10 is placed. The course of bricks containing the ventilation open:ing 8 is W90W8,p\opcjcmwarncrcAp,3 4 beneath the level of the flooring 4, so as to allow airflow into and out of the sub-floor region 6. A subsequent upper course of bricks is then laid thereon, includi g bricks 16 and 18 which overlap the ventilation opening 8.

A vent structure 20 according to the prior art is illustrated in Figure 2, which is a generally flat frontice piece with a plurality of openings to allow airflow. The vent structure 20 of the prior art has sidewardly extending tabs 22 which extend into the interstitial spaces of bricks 12,14,16 and 18 to secure the vent structure 20 in the ventilation opening 8. The vent structure 20 is aligned with the external surface of the 10 brick wall, or very slightly recessed therefrom, for improved aesthetic quality. Since the prior art vent structure 20 is generally flat, its minimal depth requires the use of the tabs 22 for adequately securing the vent structure in place within the ventilation opening 8.

This arrangement can make the fitting of the vent structure 20 difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, the minimal depth of the prior art vent structure means that 15 a portion of the bricks 16,18 which overlap the ventilation opening 8 are unsupported adjacent the inner surface of the brick wall, further complicating the construction of the sub-floor wall portion 2. Often, this requires pieces of scrap timber or the like to be inserted in the ventilation opening 8 adjacent the wall inner surface, along with the vent structure 20, in order to support the upper brick course including bricks 16,18. These supporting portions of timber must then be removed following completion of the brick wall to allow proper airflow through the ventilation opening 8, which is also time consuming. Furthermore, mortar debris and the like can fall into the ventilation opening 8, behind the prior art vent structure 20, to also obstruct airflow.

A vent structure 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. The vent structure 30 comprises a front grill face 32 having a plurality of apertures 34 formed therein, separated by a plurality of columns 36.

The front grill face 32 is adapted to form the front, visible, portion of the vent structure which is, in use, aligned with the external surface of the sub-floor brick wall, or slightly recessed therefrom. The vent structure 30 comprises a rectangular box structure 9602W&p-,A pc4m,warn tap,4 with the front grill face 32 being one face thereof, opposed to an open back face 48 (Figures 5 and The box-like vent structure 30 is enclosed by the top and bottom faces 38 and 44, respectively, and opposed side faces 40,42, which extend perpendicularly from respective edges of the front grill face 32.

The vent structure 30 is constructed with external dimensions (ie height, width and depth) which are substantially the same as a building brick of the brick wall in which the vent structure 30 is to be included. In general, it is more important that the height and width of the vent structure 30, being the dimensions of the front grill face 32, 10 closely match those of the building bricks, whilst the depth dimension of the vent structure may be slightly less or greater than the building bricks (ie slightly less or greater than the thickness of the brick wall). However, the depth of the top face 38 should extend at least substantially past the midway depth of the brick wall, so as to enable sufficient support of portions of an upper course of bcks laid thereon (eg bricks 15 16,18 shown in Figure 1) adjacent the inner surface of the brick wall, with the front grill face 32 aligned with the outer surface of the wall. By providing the top face 38 which extends over a substantial depth of the brick wall, it becomes unnecessary, when using a vent structure according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, to utilise ad hoc support means such as scrap timber of the like, to support portions of the S. 20 upper c w ;e of bricks which overlap the ventilation opening. Not only does this obviate the need to remove such temporary supporting means after completion of the brick wall, but also provides a measure of protection from debris falling into the ventilation opening behind the front grill face 32.

The bottom face 44 of the vent structure 30 supports the vent structure in a way such that the front grill face 32 can extend substantially vertically when in position, with the top face 38 extending horizontally to allow portions of the upper course of bricks to be laid thereon. The side faces 40,42 which extend vertically between the top and bottom faces 38,44, from side edges of the front grill face 32, provide support for the top face 38, and generally strengthen the vent siructure 30. Additional strengthening and support of the top face 38 may be provided by one or more ribs 46 extending between the top and bottom faces 38,44, and positioned between the side faces 40,42. The rib 46 (best 96X=,ppcrcm~wrmcrxAp, I -6seen in the cross-section in Figure 5) is a plate-like member parallel to the side faces 40,42, and having a cut-out section from the back face 48 resulting in a C-shaped rib.

The rib 46 has the cut-out portion from the back face in order to reduce the amount of material required to construct the vent structure 30, and the side faces 40,42 may be similarly constructed, if required. The rib 46 is aligned with a column 36 of the grill.

As seen best in Figures 5 and 6, the columns 36 and apertures 34 forming the front grill face 32 of the vent structure may be slightly recessed from the front periphery of the vent structure 30, forming a peripheral frame 50. This arrangement is primarily for 10 aesthetic quality of the vent structure when installed, but also reduces the likelihood of mortar or other debris lodging in the apertures 34 during installation.

It is preferred that the vent structure 30 be manufactured from plastics material, such as UV stabilised polypropylene or the like, using injection moulding techniques.

15 Alternatively, pressed metal sheet material may be utilised, although this has been found to be slightly more expensive. If sheet metal is used as the construction material, it is less likely that strengthening ribs 46 would be required, and the cross-sectional profiles, such as of the peripheral frame 50 and columns 36, may differ from those shown in the drawings.

In a typical application, the width of the vent structure 30 may be of the order of 230 mm, the height 75 mm, and the depth of the order of 90 to 100 mm. In a construction of injection moulded plastics material, the front, top, bottom and side walls comprising the respective faces of the vent structure 30 may be approximately 2 mm thick, with a similar thickness for the strengthening ribs 46. The columns 36 of the grill may be, for example, about 4 mm in width and 2 mm thickness.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description of the invention, it may not be necessary for the vent structure in accordance with the present invention to take the form of a box-like structure as shown in the accompanying drawings. Support for the top face of the vent structure, and a load placed thereon by an upper course of bricks, may be provided by other suitable support means, such as a plurality of columns or the 960209,p-pAc'cm,wunerxcaap -7like extending beneath the top face 38, instead of the side walls 40,42, strengthening rib 46 and bottom face 44. Furthermore, even where the bottom face 44 is provided in the vent structure, it may contain cut-away portions or apertures in order to reduce the amount of material required for construction of the vent structure.

Although not shown in the drawings, the top, bottom, and/or side faces 38,44,40,42 may be provided with a surface formation, such as a groove recess or the like in order to facilitate adhesion of mortar to the vent structure surfaces when in situ in a brick wall.

10 The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presented by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting to the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires 15 otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

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I

Claims (14)

1. A vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall comprising a grille provided with a plurality of air-flow apertures, a first plate member coupled substantially perpendicularly to a first edge of said grille, and a support structure for, in use, supporting said first plate member in a substantially horizontal orientation, wherein said first plate member is constructed to support portions of an upper brick course adjacent an inner face of the wall with said grille substantially aligned with an outer face of the wall. eo

2. A vent structure as claimed in claim 1, wherin said support structure comprises a second plate member extending substantially parallel to said first plate member from a second sdge of said grille, opposed to said first edge. 15

3. A vent structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said support structure comprises 'at least one rib extending from said first plate member to said second plate member. i

4. A vent structure as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said support structure further comprises opposed side wall members extending substantially perpendicularly 20 from said grille and first and second plate members such that said vent structure is in the form of a box having a substantially open face opposite said grille to allow airflow therethrough.

A vent structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plate member is provided with at least one surface formation, such as a groove or recess, to facilitate adhesion of mortar.

6. A vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall, comprising a box structure having exterior dimensions substantially of a building brick, the box structure comprising a front grille face having a plurality of airflow apertures formed therein, a substantially open rear face opposed to the front grille face for allowing airflow through the vent structure, a top face for supporting portions of an upper brick course, in use, layed 96M*,p:pCf*.w fnCtX1P8 -9- thereon, a bottom face opposed to said top face for supporting the vent structure, and a pair of opposed side faces extending between the top and bottom faces.

7. A vent structure as claimed in claim 6, including at least one support rib extending between the top and bottom faces.

8. A vent structure as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the side faces have cutaway portions or apertures therein to reduce an amount of material required to form the vent structure.

9. A ient structure as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the bottom face is provided with cutaway portions or apertures to reduce an amount of material required to form the vent structure. 15

10. A vent structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein said top face is provided with at least one surface formation, such as a groove or recess, to facilitate adhesion of mortar.

11. A vent structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vent structure 20 is constructed from a plastics material.

12. A vent structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the vent structure is formed by injection molding.

13. A vent structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vent structure is constructed from metal sheet material.

14. A vent structure substantially as hereinbefore described. 96O2O8,popcmwaunetxNp9 10 A vent structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 8th day of February, 1996 KENT WARNER By his Patent Attorneys Davies Collison Cave o 0 •o. e4 *e

960208.p mopa w anetrxtp1 I ABSTRACT A vent structure for inclusion in a brick wall, comprising a box structure having exterior dimensions substantially of a building brick, the box structure comprising a front grille face having a plurality of airflow apertures formed therein, a substanrially open rear face opposed to the front grille face for allowing airflow through the vent structure, a top face for supporting portions of an upper brick course, in use, layed thereon, a bottom face opposed to the top face for supporting the vent structure, and a pair of opposed side faces extending between the top and bottom faces. *a. b t 4 y *n 9W278Lp\op jctm6WarnctXAPI