Self-opening airtight roof vent system for grain storage devices

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12096723-B2
Application number	US-202117346373-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 14, 2021
Priority date	Jun 17, 2020
Publication date	Sep 24, 2024
Grant date	Sep 24, 2024

Abstract

A roof vent system for a grain storage device is disclosed. A roof vent including a lid is operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening. The lid is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. A bias member configured to apply an upward bias force to the lid to automatically move the lid to the open position. A control lever that is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The control lever is operably connected to the lid by a pull. When control lever is moved to the lower position with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position. A sealing member attached to the lid is configured to provide a seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

First claim

What is claimed:

1. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid; and
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a lever connected to the lid;
wherein when the lever is pulled down with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position;
wherein the lever is configured to extend beyond an edge of the roof panel.

2. A roof vent system for a grain storage device comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid;
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a sealing member attached to a bottom surface of the lid; and
wherein the sealing member is configured to provide a seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the seal is an airtight seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the seal is a completely airtight seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a pull having one end operably connected to the lid; and
wherein when the pull is pulled down with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position.

6. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid; and
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a pull having a first end and a second end;
wherein the first end of the pull is operably connected to the lid;
a control lever;
wherein the control lever is operably connected to the second end of the pull;
wherein the control lever is movable between an upper position and a lower position; and
wherein when the control lever is pulled down to the lower position with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position.

7. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid; and
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a pull having a first end and a second end;
wherein the first end of the pull is operably connected to the lid;
an over center lever;
wherein the over center lever is operably connected to the second end of the pull;
wherein the over center lever is movable between an upper position and a lower position; and
wherein when the over center lever is pulled down to the lower position with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position.

8. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel of the grain storage device;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid; and
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a lever connected to the lid;
a hinge member connected to the roof panel;
wherein the lever is connected to the hinge member at a pivot point;
wherein the roof panel includes ribs along sides of the roof panel;
an elongated member attached to and extending between the ribs; and
wherein the elongated member is positioned over the hinge member.

9. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;
a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;
a bias member;
the bias member operatively connected to the roof panel and the lid;
the bias member configured to apply a bias force to the lid; and
wherein the bias force of the bias member is configured to automatically move the lid to the open position;
a ring attached to the roof panel;
a lip attached to the lid; and
wherein when the lid is moved to the closed position, the ring is positioned within the lip.

10. A roof vent system for a grain storage device, comprising:
a roof panel;
the roof panel having an opening therein;

a lid operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening;
the lid configured to move between an open position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is at least partially uncovered by the lid, and a closed position, wherein the opening in the roof panel is covered by the lid;

a sealing member attached to a bottom side of the lid; and
wherein the sealing member is configured to provide a seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position;

a ring attached to the roof panel;
an actuator operably connected to the lid; and
a control system communicatively connected to the actuator;
wherein the control system is configured to cause the actuator to move the lid between the open position and the closed position in response to user input.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the sealing member is configured to provide an airtight seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the sealing member is configured to provide a completely airtight seal between the lid and the roof panel when the l

Assignees

• Sukup Mfg

Inventors

• West Connor Lee
• Poppen Bradley Allan
• Sauerbrei Andrew Joseph

Classifications

• A01F25/22 Primary

  Ventilating arrangements · CPC title

• B65D88/741 Primary

  aerating by ambient air through openings in the wall · CPC title