GB2176277A

GB2176277A - Ventilation duct

Info

Publication number: GB2176277A
Application number: GB08521189A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Frederick Gibson; David Bottomore
Original assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Current assignee: Glidevale Building and Products Ltd
Priority date: 1984-08-25
Filing date: 1985-08-23
Publication date: 1986-12-17
Also published as: DE3530016A1; GB2176277B; GB8521189D0; GB2167177B; GB2167177A; GB8521188D0

Abstract

The ventilation duct for use between first and second walls 9, 10 of a wall structure comprises a sleeve 2 adapted to define an air flow channel between an aperture of the first wall and and an aperture of the second wall. The sleeve comprises two telescopic portions so that it is adjustable in order to accommodate different distances between the apertures in the first and second walls. A flap 8 prevents the flow of moisture along the sleeve and ventilators 14, 16 are located at each end of the duct. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB2176277A 1

SPECIFICATION

Ventilation duct This invention relates to a ventilation duct.

According to the present invention there is provided a ventilation duct for use in ventilat ing between first and second walls of a wall structure, comprising a sleeve adapted to de fine an air flow channel between an aperture of the first wall and an aperture of the second wall, wherein the length of the sleeve is ad justable.

Advantageously the sleeve comprises first and second portions communicating with one another, and which are slidable relative to one another in order to adjust the length of the sleeve.

Preferably part of the length of the first and second po rtions overlap in close engagement with one another to restrict the ingress of air and moisture oetween the first and second portions.

The ventilation duct may desirably be pro vided with a flap which is adapted to engage one of the first and second walls so that moisture on the wall can run down the flap. It is preferred that the flap is provided on one of the first and second portions, and extends over the other of the portions. This helps to restrict the ingress of rnoisture between the first and second portions.

In one embodiment ihe first and second portion each comprises a substantially straight hollow member. This embodiment is particularly useful when adjustment in a horizontal direction is required.

In another embodiment the first and second portion each comprises a substantially L shaped hollow member. In this embodiment 105 ventilation between two apertures of a wall one arm of one of the L-shaped members is a close sliding fit with one arm of the other of the L-shaped members.

This embodiment is generally used when ad justment in a vertical direction is required.

Preferably the ventilation duct includes a re movable extension member which is a close sliding fit with both the first and second por tions, so that it can be disposed between the portions to provide increased length for the duct.

More preferably, the extension member is configured so that it is a close sliding fit with both ends of both the first and second por tions. To this end, opposing ends of the first and second portions may be of the same size.

This is particularly useful with L-shaped hollow members because it enables additional adjust ment of the length in either the horizontal or vertical direction.

Strengthening ribs may be provided on the sleeve in order to increase the rigidity of the duct.

The duct may be made of a plastics ma terial, for example, by vacuum forming or in- jection moulding.

In use, the first portion may be arranged so that it communicates with the aperture of the. first wall, and the second portion may be ar- ranged so that it communicates with the aperture of the second wall.

A ventilator may be provided in each of the apertures of the first and second walls; the first portion can be secured to the ventilator in the aperture of the first wall, and the second portion can be secured to the ventilator in the aperture of the second wall.

The first wall may, for example, be an outer wall of a cavity wall structure, and the second wall may be an inner wall.

It is preferred that the ventilator in the aperture of the first wall comprises a wall ventilator as described in our copending United Kingdom Patent Application of even date entitled ---Wallventilator and cavity wall ventilation system---.

It is preferred that the ventilator in the aperture of the second wall comprises a ventilator as described in our copending United Kingdom Patent Application No. 8519102 entitled -Ventilator for providing ventilation through an aperture in a panel---. To this, end, the crosssectional area of the air channel of the second portion can be different from the cross-sec- tional area of the air channel of the first portion, in order to accommodate different sized ventilators in each wall.

The present invention provides a ventilation duct capable of being disposed in wall structures having two walls spaced by a variety of distances. Furthermore, adjustment in the distance between the walls due to expansion or contraction can also be accommodated by the duct. The ventilation duct can also provide structure, where the vertical distance between the walls is variable.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of a ventilation duct accord ing to the invention, and two ventilators to which the duct can be secured; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the ventilation duct shown in Figure 1 in position in a wall structure; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the ventilation duct shown in Figure 1 in position in a wall structure; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation duct shown in Figure 1 in position in a wall structure; Figure-5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of ventilation duct shown in a cavity wall structure; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of ventilation duct according to the invention in a cavity wall structure; Figures 7 to 9 are elevations of a further embodiment of ventilation duct according to 2 GB2176277A 2 the invenfion; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of an extension member for use with the duct shown in Figures 7 to 9. 5 In Figures 1 to 4 a ventilation duct generally 70 designated 1 comprises a sleeve 2 having a first portion 3 and a second portion 4. The sleeve defines an air flow channel 5. The sleeve 2 has an overlapping part 6 where part of the length of the first portion 3 overlaps part of the length of the second portion 4. The first portion 3 and the second. portion 4 in the overlapping part 6 are in close engagement with one another inlorder to restrict the ingress of air and moisture ther- 80 ebetween.

The sleeve is provided with strengthening ribs 7 in order to increase the rigidity of the ventilation duct 1.

A flap 8 is provided on the first portion 3. The flap 8 is integrally formed with a formation 8a which extends completely round the circumference of the first portion. The flap 8 and formation Sa prevent the flow of moisture along the length of the sleeve 2.

The duct 1 is disposed in a wall structure having an outer wall 9 and- an inner wall 10, which define a cavity 11 therebetween. The walls 9 and 10 each comprise a plurality of courses of bricks 12 and 13 respectively.

An end 3a of the first portion 3 is received in an aperture provided in the outer wall 9, and an end 4a of the second portion 4 is received in an aperture provided in the inner wall 10. The aperture in the outer wall 9 may be of the same size as one of the bricks 12, and the aperture in the inner wall 10 may be larger than one of the bricks 13, but smaller than a standard building block.

A ventilator 14 is disposed in the aperture of the outer wall 9. Theventilator 14 may comprise a wall ventilator as described in our copending United Kingdom Patent Application of-even date entitled "Wall Ventilator and cavity wall ventilation system".

The end 3a of the aperture 3 is dimensioned so that it can receive the ventilator 14. A covering strip 15 is provided along an upper edge of the end 3a and extends over part of the top of the wall ventilator 14. The ventilator 14 and the first portion 3 are keyed into mortar 20, and the ribs 7 and the strip 15 assist with this function.

A ventilator 16 is disposed in the aperture of the inner wall 10. The ventilator 16 may comprise a ventilator as described in our copending United Kingdom Patent Application No. 8519102 entitled "Ventilator for providing ventilation through an aperture in a panel".

The end 4a of the portion 4 is dimensioned so that it will receive the ventilator 14. The second portion 4 is provided with a locatingformation 17 which helps with-the correct positioning of the seconq portion 4. The second portion 4 is keyed into the mortar 20 and the strengthening ribs 7 assist with this function.

The second portion 4 is dimensioned so that it has a larger cross-section than the first portion 3; this is necessary because the ventilator 16 is larger than the ventilator 14.

The ventilator 16 is provided with resiliently deformable arms 16a which can be deformed to position them within the second portion 4; the arms 16a engage the inner surface of the second portion 4 to clamp the ventilator 16 to the second portion 4. - The flap 8 extends from the first portion 3 to engage the inner wall 10 so that moisture runs from the wall over the surface 8b of the flap 8. The flap 8 extends over the second portion 4 and this helps to prevent ingress of moisture between the first and second por. tions 3 and 4.

The length of the overlapping part 6 is ad- justable by sliding the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 relative to one another; in this way the overall length of the sleeve 2 is adjustable. The first portion 3 and the second portion 4 can be dimensioned so that there is a predetermined frictional force between the portions which prevents them moving relatively unless a positive force is applied to overcome the frictional force.

An air flow path through the ventilation duct 1 is shown by the arrows A. Air flows from the external environment and enters the ventilator 14, through which it passes in order to enter the first portion 3 of the ventilation duct 1. The air then flows through the channel 5 from the first portion 3 to the second portion 4, and then through the ventilator 16 to the internal environment. It will be appreciated that the direction of air flow can be reversed.

In a modified embodiment the ventilator 14 and the first portion 3 can be integrally formed, and also the ventilator 16 and the second portion 4 can be integrally formed.

In Figure 5 a cavity wall structure comprises a first or outer wall 19 and a second or inner wall 20.- A ventilation duct 21 is shown- extending between the outer wall 19 and the inner wall 20.

The ventil tion duct 21 comprises a sleeve 30 having a first portion 22 and a second portion 23. The first and second portions 22 and 23 each comprises a hollow substantially L-shaped member. Each of the first and second portions 22 and 23 comprises arms 22a and 22b, and 23a and 23b respectively. The arm 22a of the first portion 22 communicates with the rear face 5 of one of the ventilators 14, which can be the same as the ventilator 14 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The ventilator 14 is arranged in the outer leaf 19.

The arms 22b and 13b of the first and sec- ond portions 22 and 23 are dimensioned so that the arm 23b can fit inside the arm 22b. The dimensions are such that the arms 22b and 23b are a close enough fit to prevent 3 GB2176277A 3 moisture either escaping from or entering the duct 21 between the arms 22b and 23b. The arms 22b and 23b can slide relative to one another so that the length of the ventilation duct 21 can be extended or shortened in order to cope with varying requirements. The arms 22b and 23b are dimensioned so that there is a predetermined frictional force between the portions which prevents them mov- ing unless a positive force is applied to overcome this frictional force.

The duct 21 is provided with a vermin grille 24 having a plurality of apertures 25 therein. The grille 24 is fitted in the end of the arm 23a, which projects into the inner leaf 20. The grille 24 helps to prevent the ingress of vermin and large insects.

When the grille 24 is provided, there is no need to use one of the ventilators 16 shown in Figures 2 to 4.

In Figure 5 the ventilator 14 is shown provided with a formation 26 projecting outwardly from the surface thereof. The formation 26 acts as a locating member for the ventilation duct 21 and is adapted to abut against the arm 22a of the first portion 22.

In Figure 6 a cavity wall structure comprises an outer wall 50 and an inner wall 51 defining a cavity 52 therebetween. One of said ventila- tors 14 is provided in the outer wall 50 and communicates with a first portion 53 of a ventilation duct 54.

The ventilation duct 54 comprises a sleeve 54a having the first portion 53 and a second portion 55 which can slide within the first por- tion 53 in order to alter the length of the duct 54. The second portion 55 communicates with the_ inner wall 51 of the cavity wall struc ture.

Both the first portion 53 and the second 105 portion 55 comprise a hollow substantially L shaped member, and are simil ar to the mem bers 22 and 23 shown in Figure -5. - - - The cavity wall structure forms part of a building and outside the building is disposed concrete floor 56. Within the building there is disposed floor board or chip board 57 on screed 58. The floor board or chip board 57 and the screed 58 engage the inner wall 51.

The screed is disposed upon a lightweight block 59, and beams 60 run transverse to the inner wall 5 1.

Damp proof courses 61 and 62 are provided in the inner and outer walls 50 and 51.

A cavity tray 63 is provided above the duct 54 and is dimensioned so that it extends over the top of the duct 54. The cavity tray 63 is preferably slightly larger than the width of the duct 54.

The second portion 55 of the duct 54 is provided with a vermin grille (not shown) similar to the vermin grille 24 provided on the duct 21 shown in Figure 5. Again, when a vermin grille is provided the ventilator 16 shown in Figures 1 to 4 can be dispensed a 110 with.

The cavity wall structure shown in Figure 6 provides ventilation from an external environment to a region underneath the floor of a building.

Figures 7 to 10 show schematically a ventilation duct 70 having a hollow extension 71.

The duct 70 comprises two substantially Lshaped members 72 and 73. The Lshaped member 72 has portions 72a and 72b while the L-shaped member 73 has portions 73a and 73b. The portions 72a and 72b extend substantially transverse to one another, and the portions 73a and 73b extend substantially transverse to one another. The members 72 and 73 are similar to the members 22 and 23 shown in Figure 5.

The extension member 71 comprises two coaxial portions 71a and 71b. As shown in Figures 7 to 9 the portion 7 1 a is a close fit within the portion 73b and the portion 72a. The portion 7 1 b is a close fit outside the portion 72b and the portion 73a. In addition, as shown in Figure 8 the portion 73b is a close fit outside the portion 72b. This arrangement enables the length of the duct 70 to be varied in a number of ways.

As shown in Figure 7 the duct can be arranged between the portions 72 and 73 so that the height of the duct 70 can be varied. As shown in Figure 8 the duct 70 can be slid over the portion 73a so that the length of the portion 73a can be varied, and as shown in Figure 9 the duct 70 can be slid within the portion 72a so that the length of the portion 72a can be varied.

The vermin grille may be removable from the duct. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 the vermin grille may be removed from the portion 72a and inserted in the portion 71b of the extension member 71.

Claims

1. A ventilation duct for use in ventilating between first and second walls of a wall structure, comprising a sleeve adapted to define an air flow channel between an aperture of the first wall and an aperture of the second wall, wherein the length of the sleeve is ad- justable.

2. A ventilation duct according to Claim 1 in which the sleeve comprises first and second portions communicating with one another, said first and second portions being slidable rela- tive to one another in order to adjust the length of the sleeve.

3. A ventilation duct according to Claim 2 in which part of the length of the first and second portions overlap in close engagement with one another to restrict the ingress of air and moisture between the first and second portions.

4. A ventilation duct according to any preceding claim further comprising a flap which is adapted to engage one of the first and second 4 GB2176277A 4 walls so that moisture on the walls can run down the flap.

5. A ventilation duct according to Claim 4 when dependent upon Claim 2 or 3 in which the flap is provided on one of the first and second portions, and extends over the other of the first and second portions.

6. A ventilation duct according to any of Claims 2 to 5 in which the first and second portion each comprises a substantially straight hollow member.

7. A ventilation duct according to any of Claims 2 to 5 in which the first and second portions each comprises a substantially L- shaped hollow member.

8. A ventilation duct according to Claim 7 in which one arm of one of one of the L-shaped members is a close sliding fit with one arm of the other of the L-shaped members.

9. A ventilation duct according to any of Claims 2 to 8 further comprising a removable extension member which is a close sliding fit with both the first and second portions so that it can be disposed between said portions to provide increased length for the duct.

10. A ventilation duct according to Claim 9 in which the extension member is configured so that it is a close sliding fit with each end of both the first and second portions. -

11. A ventilation duct substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Printed in the United Kingdom for Rer Majesty's Stationery Office, Dd 8818935, 1986, 4235. Published at The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings. London, WC2A 1 AY, from which copies may be obtained.