[0001] The present invention relates in general to a ventilator for providing ventilation
to a building, and in particular but not exclusively to a ventilator for use in the
region of a door or window frame.
[0002] It is desired to provide ventilation to a building or other structure in order, for
example, to ensure an adequate air flow for people in the building, to provide combustion
air for fuel-burning heating appliances, and to minimise condensation. In addition
to rapid ventilation such as openable windows and mechanical extractors, it is desired
to provide background ventilation giving a constant and relatively low level air flow.
In particular, background ventilation helps to reduce the build up of water vapour
causing condensation which can lead to mould growth, and helps avoid the build up
of dust, airborne pollutants and odours. It is desired that this background ventilation
is effected by means which are secure, particularly in ground floor and other easily
accessible locations, which are controllable and which are located so as to avoid
undue draughts which may affect comfort in occupied rooms. To meet this need for background
ventilation, ventilators known as trickle ventilators are commonly provided in the
region of a door or window.
[0003] Typical trickle ventilators may be installed between a window pane and a surrounding
window frame, requiring part of the window pane to be cut away. This type of trickle
ventilator is complicated, expensive and difficult to install and has a significant
visual impact. Overframe ventilators are known which are conveniently located between
a window frame and a surrounding building structure, typically between the top of
the window frame and a supporting lintel, although other configurations are also possible.
However, known overframe or overhead trickle ventilators are considered to be expensive,
bulky, complicated in design, and to still make a significant visual impact.
[0004] An aim of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide a
ventilator which overcomes at least some of the problems discussed above. Preferably,
it is desired to provide a ventilator that is simple and convenient in construction
and with minimal visual impact, whilst maintaining adequate air flow in a secure,
controllable and draught-free manner.
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a ventilator for use in cooperation
with a frame member of a building structure, comprising a plate member arranged to
lie in use in a spaced-apart relation from the frame member thereby defining a ventilation
air gap between said plate member and the frame member.
[0006] Also according to the present invention there is provided an overframe trickle ventilator,
comprising: a plate member configured to be locatable in use close adjacent a frame
member of a building or other structure and spaced apart therefrom so as to define
a ventilation air gap between the plate member and the frame member.
[0007] Preferably, the plate member is arranged to extend in use across at least a substantial
portion of the depth of the frame member. Ideally the ventilator provides an air gap
which extends from inside to outside the building structure across said frame member.
Ideally said plate member is arranged to lie substantially parallel to said frame
member, said plate member or at least a substantial portion thereof preferably being
planar. Preferably, said plate member comprises a thin sheet, suitably of substantially
constant thickness, and suitably of a rigid material.
[0008] Preferably, said ventilator is for use with a frame such as a door or window frame,
although the term frame member is also intended to cover any other suitable part of
a building or other structure. Preferably, the ventilator is located above an uppermost
horizontal portion of a door or window frame. In this orientation, said plate member
is preferably arranged operatively to lie in a substantially horizontal plane.
[0009] Preferably, said plate member is maintained in said spaced-apart relation by one
or more spacer means. The spacer means acts to maintain the plate member in use at
a predetermined separation from the frame member. Preferably, said spacer means is
arranged to extend in use between said plate member and said frame member. Ideally,
said spacer means extends between said plate member and an opposing surface of said
frame member, said opposing surface preferably being a surface operatively facing
and/or substantially parallel to said plate member. Said spacer means preferably supports
said plate member above said frame member.
[0010] In one embodiment said spacer means comprises a plurality of spacer leg means arranged
at intervals across and/or along said plate member. Preferably, said spacer leg means
are located on a surface of said plate means operatively arranged to face said frame
member. Conveniently, said leg means are permanently located on or are formed integral
with said plate member.
[0011] Said spacer means preferably comprises means for securing said ventilator to the
frame member. Preferably, said spacer means comprises guide apertures for receiving
fixing means, such as a screw or equivalent. Preferably, said guide apertures each
extend through said plate member and through or optionally between said spacing means
such that said fixing means may contact the frame member. Preferably, the fixing means
penetrates the frame member through the plate member and the spacing means.
[0012] Preferably, said ventilator is provided with deflector means for location toward
an outside of said building structure. Said deflector means preferably comprises a
deflector located along an outside edge of said plate member. Said deflector operatively
inhibits liquid, for example rain water, entering said ventilation air gap. Preferably,
said deflector is formed integral with said plate member at an angle thereto, preferably
about 45°.
[0013] Preferably, said ventilator comprises an insect screen, ideally comprising a mesh
screen. Said insect screen is preferably located in use across said air gap, suitably
in the region of an outside edge of said plate member.
[0014] Preferably, an inside edge of said plate member is provided with an air flow direction
means for directing air leaving said air gap. Preferably, said direction means directs
said air flow through an angle, suitably of the order of about 90°, such that, for
example, air is directed downwardly from the ventilator to reduce condensation on
the panes of a window. Preferably, said direction means comprises one or more wall
members, including a first wall member arranged at about 90° with respect to said
plate member. Preferably, said first wall member is formed at or near an inside edge
of said plate member, preferably to lie substantially vertical in use. Preferably,
said first wall member meets a return wall member arranged to lie substantially parallel
to said plate member and return between said first wall member and, operatively, toward
said frame member. Preferably, said first wall member or ideally said return wall
member define an outlet from said air gap. Ideally, said plate member, said first
wall member and said return wall member are together configured such that said outlet
is not normally visible in use.
[0015] Preferably, said first wall member and/or said return wall member is coupleable to
the frame member. In one embodiment the return member is arranged such that a portion
thereof is fixable to the frame member. Additionally or alternatively, the return
member is arranged to rest in use on the frame member. In this configuration the return
member maintains the plate member in the spaced apart relationship from the frame
member. In one embodiment the return member acts in cooperation with the spacer means
to maintain the plate member at a predetermined separation from the frame member.
[0016] Preferably, said ventilator is provided with control means for controlling air flow
through said air gap. Preferably, said control means comprises closure means for closing
said air gap. Further preferably, said closure means is variable to progressively
limit said air flow between minimum and maximum states. Ideally, said control means
is provided in the region of said outlet, preferably in the form of a closure member
cooperating with said outlet. Preferably, said closure member is arranged to be slidable
across said outlet, ideally to vary the effective aperture of said outlet.
[0017] Preferably, said ventilator is provided with baffle means arranged to lie within
said air gap. Preferably, said baffle means limits direct air flow through said air
gap, preferably to avoid strong draughts and reduce noise. Conveniently, said baffle
means comprises a plurality of baffle members arranged to lie in said air gap between
said plate member and said frame member. Preferably, said baffle members overlap,
and conveniently each baffle member is arranged at an angle across said air gap. Suitably
the angle is in the range 10° to 90° with respect to one edge of the plate member,
preferably in the range 20° to 60° and ideally of the order of 27.5° or 45°.
[0018] In one embodiment the spacer means and the baffle means are combined. That is, the
spacer means for maintaining the plate member at a predetermined separation from a
frame member is configured so as to inhibit direct air flow through the air gap. In
one embodiment the spacer means comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart plate members
having a plurality of baffle members arranged therebetween. The spacing means is suitably
configured so as to extend across a major portion of the width of the plate member
from the inside edge to the outside edge.
[0019] Further preferably, said ventilator comprises insulation means for limiting an effective
length of said ventilator. Said insulation means is preferably arranged to lie within
said air gap to inhibit air flow therethrough. Said insulation means preferably comprises
one or more insulation pads ideally arranged to substantially fill a section of said
air gap.
[0020] Preferably, a liquid-impermeable means, for example a flexible sheet material, is
provided to lie in use across said frame member. Preferably, said sheet inhibits moisture
such as rain water or condensation reaching said frame member from said air gap.
[0021] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same
may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a ventilator and a building structure;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view showing a ventilator in use;
Figure 3 is a more detailed cross sectional view of the ventilator;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the ventilator;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the ventilator of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a plan view of an outlet closure member;
Figure 7 is a partial perspective cut away view of the ventilator; and
Figure 8 is an elevation view of the ventilator in use.
[0022] The preferred embodiment will be described with reference to an overframe trickle
ventilator intended for use with a frame member of a building structure. Referring
to figure 1, a building structure is shown including, for example, a wall 1 of brick
or other building material having a window 2 installed therein. Typically, an aperture
such as window or door is provided with a frame 3 including a frame member 4. It is
known to provide permanent trickle ventilation through the window panes or through
the window frame 3, but this significantly increases the cost and bulk of the window
2 and has an unappealing visual aspect.
[0023] Referring to figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the ventilator 10 is shown for location
in use adjacent a frame member 4 of the building structure 1, in this case the upper
horizontal frame member 4 of the window 2. For clarity, the ventilator 10 is shown
separated from the window 2, ready to be lowered into position along the dashed lines
shown.
[0024] Referring now to figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the ventilator 10 is shown in
a preferred location in use. The ventilator 10 is located above the lateral member
4 of the frame 3, and between the frame 3 and the remainder of the building structure
1 such as a lintel. The ventilator 10 defines an air gap over the window frame 3 of
a size to provide adequate background ventilation, for example of the order of 4000
to 8000mm
2.
[0025] The ventilator 10 comprises a plate member 11 arranged to lie substantially parallel
to an opposing face 4a of the lateral frame member 4. The air gap is thereby conveniently
defined between the plate member 11 and the face 4a. Advantageously, a simple and
cost effective structure is obtained.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the plate member 11 extends across the frame member
4 from an inside edge 11a to an outside edge 11b. A rainwater deflector 12 is formed
along the outside edge of the plate member 11. For example, rainwater running down
the exterior surface of the building structure 1 reaches the deflector 12 and is directed
away from the air gap. A seal 5 may be used to inhibit water ingress above the plate
member 11. Suitably the seal 5 is a flexible silicone material.
[0027] A fly screen and insect barrier 13 is conveniently provided in the region of an inlet
to the air gap, such as in the form of a mesh screen.
[0028] A plurality of baffles 14 are provided to slow air passing through the air gap and
thereby inhibit unwanted draughts and noise.
[0029] A liquid impermeable membrane such as a plastics material sheet 15 may be provided
to line the upper surface 4a of the frame member so that any moisture that does get
carried in to the air gap does not contact the frame member.
[0030] Conveniently, the plate member 11 is supported in relation to the frame member 4
by any suitable means. As shown in more detail in figure 3, spacers 16 are provided
having a central aperture 16a for receiving a fixing means such as a screw. The ventilator
10 is thereby securely located in relation to the frame member 4. Ideally, the ventilator
is located to the frame member prior to installation of the window frame. Spacers
16 allow quick, simple and low cost installation of the ventilator in relation to
the frame such as window frame 3.
[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the plate member 11 is supported in use by the baffles
14, and the baffles 14 and the spacer 16 may be combined in a single structure. Further,
the spacer and/or the baffles may be formed integral with the plate member 11.
[0032] The interior edge 11a of the plate member 11 is provided with a facing wall 17, ideally
perpendicular thereto. A lower portion of the facing wall 17 is provided with a return
wall 18 conveniently defining an outlet 19. Walls 17 and 18 provide a visually attractive
interior presentation for the ventilator 10, such that the outlet 19 is not normally
visible to people within the building. To this end, return wall 18 and outlet 19 may
be recessed behind facing wall 17.
[0033] The return wall 18 meets an interior wall 20 to complete the interior portion of
the ventilator 10. If desired, the interior wall 20 can be fixed to the frame 4. As
shown in figure 3, the plastics material sheet 15 is conveniently adhered to the interior
wall 20 which ideally is arranged to, in use, stand proud of the frame member 4 providing
a run-off slope to the sheet 15.
[0034] As shown in figure 2, the facing wall 17 is conveniently dimensioned to allow the
interior presentation of the ventilator 10 to be at least partially hidden by interior
decoration 6 within the building structure, such as timber surrounds or plasterboard.
[0035] An alternate embodiment of the ventilator will now be described with reference to
Figure 4. Like components to the embodiment described above have been given like reference
numerals.
[0036] As shown in Figure 4, a combined baffle and spacer structure 14a is provided which
suitably comprises a pair of thin sheets of material 141, 142 such as polycarbonate
plastics material having strengthening ribs 14 arranged perpendicularly therebetween.
Desirably, the combined structure may be extruded in this form. The combined structure
is strong, lightweight and rigid and the ventilator is quick to manufacture and assemble.
The combined baffle and spacer structure 14a is conveniently secured to the plate
member 11 by any suitable means, including, for example, adhesive.
[0037] The insect screen 13 is incorporated into the baffle structure 14a. Suitably, the
insect screen 13 is provided across the air gap supported by the baffle structure,
ideally by being mounted across one end of the baffle structure 14a, suitably adhered
thereto.
[0038] In the embodiment of Figure 4 the interior wall 20 is provided with a continuation
portion 20a conveniently arranged substantially perpendicular thereto. The continuation
portion 20a rests in use on the frame member 4 to assist in the secure location and
support of the ventilator 10. The ventilator 10 may be fixed to the frame member via
the interior wall 20 and/or the continuation wall 20a. The continuation wall 20a ideally
acts in cooperation with the baffle structure 14a. Suitably the ventilator 10 is secured
to the frame member 4 using fixing means such as adhesive, or as shown in Figure 4,
a screw or equivalent 16b through the plate member 11 and the baffle structure 14a.
[0039] In a further preferred arrangement (not shown) the facing wall 17 is arranged to
lie flush with the interior edge of the frame 4, i.e. depending to meet wall 20a directly.
In this embodiment the outlet aperture 19 is provided in the facing wall 17. The facing
wall 17 may be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plate member 11, or alternatively
may be arranged at an angle thereto, ideally at an acute angle, such that the outlet
19 formed in the facing wall 17 is directed downwardly and outwardly away from the
ventilator 10. It is desirable that air leaving the ventilator is directed downwardly
in order to, for example, minimise condensation occurring on a window.
[0040] Ends caps (not shown) may be provided to cover one or both ends of the ventilator
10, inhibiting an unwanted air gap if the ends of the ventilator are left exposed
when installed, and providing an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
[0041] Referring now to figures 5 and 6, a preferred arrangement of baffles 14 may be seen,
which in this embodiment comprise plate members arranged perpendicular to the plane
of the plate member 11 and depending therefrom, arranged at an angle of around 27.5°
to the air flow across the ventilator. Other angled configurations are possible, such
as of the order of 45°. The baffles suitably overlap such that no direct air flow
is possible.
[0042] As shown in figure 2, a closure member 21 is provided in the region of outlet 19
to variably limit the effective area of the outlet 19 and thereby control the air
flow. Conveniently, the closure member 21 is arranged to slide laterally over the
outlet 19.
[0043] Referring to figure 6, the closure member 21 is provided with a screw thread retaining
means 23 for cooperation with a corresponding guide aperture 22, by means of which
the closure member 21 may be retained in a desired position in relation to outlet
19.
[0044] Referring now to figure 7, the ventilator 10 may be produced in any desired length
to fit any suitable frame member. Where it is desired to limit the maximum air flow
through the ventilator 10, insulation pads 24 are provided to effectively block the
air gap. As shown in figure 7, insulation pads 24 may be provided at either end of
the ventilator 10 and may be used to support the ventilator in relation to the frame
member 4.
[0045] The ventilator 10 may be manufactured from any suitable material including, for example,
galvanised mild steel, extruded aluminium or plastics material such as UPVC. As shown
in figure 8, the ventilator 10 is dimensioned so as to be slim, aesthetically pleasing
and unobtrusive, whilst maintaining adequate background ventilation and meeting performance
criterior such as good security. The ventilator 10 may be manufactured to fit exactly
the width of the frame member 4, such as by being cut to length. Alternatively, standard
lengths of the ventilator 10 may be provided and coupled together as desired. Also,
a filler member may be used to complete any gap left at either end of a standard length
ventilator. The filler member may take any suitable form, but suitably is arranged
to follow the profile of the plate member 11 including, as desired, the profile of
the rain deflector 12 and the facing wall 17. The filler member may be secured to
the ventilator 10 by any suitable means such as by having a portion of the filler
member received in a slot through the plate member 11 such that the filler member
is slideably adjustable with respect of the plate member 11. In the preferred embodiments,
the effective height of the ventilator 10 is of the order of 10mm to 30mm. This height
is of equivalent order to the mortar spacing commonly used between each course of
bricks. Thus, the ventilator 10 neatly follows the natural lines of a building, giving
an attractive appearance.
[0046] In a further embodiment, (not shown), the plate member 11 is assembled from at least
two parts such that the ventilator 10 may be installed above an existing frame member
4 by laterally inserting the portions of the plate member from inside and outside
the building respectively.
[0047] Further, where it is desired to provide a consistent aesthetic element within a building
structure, a blanking version of the ventilator is provided having a consistent outward
appearance to the ventilator described above, with the addition of means for permanently
blocking the air gap. For example, the return wall 18 is formed without an outlet
aperture 19.
[0048] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently
with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which
are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0049] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,
abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed,
may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such
features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0050] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,
abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of
equivalent or similar features.
[0051] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The
invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed
in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings),
or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process
so disclosed.
1. A ventilator (10) for use in cooperation with a frame member (4) of a building structure,
comprising:
a plate member (11) arranged to lie in use in a spaced apart relation from the frame
member (4) thereby defining a ventilation air gap between said plate member and the
frame member.
2. A ventilator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member (11) is configured to
lie in use substantially parallel to the frame member.
3. A ventilator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising spacer means (16) for maintaining
said plate member (11) at a predetermined separation from the frame member.
4. A ventilator as claimed in claim 3, wherein said spacer means (14,16) protrudes substantially
perpendicularly from said plate member and is arranged to lie operatively between
said plate member (11) and the frame member.
5. A ventilator as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein said spacer means (16) comprises
means for securing said ventilator to the frame member.
6. A ventilator as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, comprising air flow direction means
(17-20) for directing air leaving said air gap.
7. A ventilator as claimed in claim 6, wherein said air flow direction means comprises
a wall member (17) depending at a predetermined angle from said plate member (11)
across said air gap.
8. A ventilator as claimed in claim 6, wherein said air flow direction means includes
a closeable outlet (19).
9. A ventilator as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 comprising baffle means (14) arranged
to lie operatively in the air gap between said plate member (11) and the frame member
(4) to inhibit direct air flow through the air gap.
10. A ventilator as claimed in claim 9, wherein said baffle means (14a) is configured
to maintain the plate member at a predetermined separation from the frame member.