IMPROVED VENTILATOR FOR VENTING COVERS

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application 61/035,345 filed on March 10, 2008, provisional application 61/059,757 filed on June 07, 2008, and non-provisional application 12/400,952 filed on March 10, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference for all that they disclose.

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

IMPROVED VENTILATOR FOR VENTING COVERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present relate in general to the field of ventilator apparatus and in particular to ventilator apparatus adapted to be used with a vehicle cover for items such as boats, automobiles, and any other object that is protected from the elements by the covering. Other embodiments of the invention relate in general to the field of adjustable poles for supporting items such as tents, boat covers, and canvas covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational vehicles such as boats and travel trailers are typically stored outdoors when not in use. Often, a cover is placed over the entire vehicle in order to protect it from elements of the weather such as rain, snow, sleet, ultraviolet rays, heat from direct sunlight, as well as dirt and dust from the outside air. In this regard, a simple cover is quite effective and yet an inexpensive alternative to indoor storage. In the prior art, the covers can comprise canvas, plastic and other generally non-porous materials. Obviously, a non-porous cover functions very well for its intended purpose. Neither dirt nor rain can penetrate the non-porous material and as a result the recreational vehicle is fairly well protected when not in use.

One problem with using a porous or non porous cover to protect a vehicle is moisture and mildew resulting from condensation and other sources. In a completely non porous cover, the condensation, in the form of moisture, is trapped inside the cover where it can penetrate every

unsealed surface of the covered vehicle and every electrical, mechanical and fabric component in the vehicle. In a very real sense, the trapped moisture is more damaging than the vehicle being left uncovered. An uncovered vehicle can dry out, but a covered vehicle with moisture trapped therewithin does not dry out and the vehicle is constantly exposed to the moisture which over a shortened period of time can cause a significant amount of damage.

The newer, breathable prior art materials allow some of the trapped moisture to escape, but not completely. Even with the breathable materials, moisture remains trapped inside the cover for a longer period of time than it would if the cover were removed and the vehicle allowed to air dry. It is to be noted that the moisture problem is not necessarily exclusive to the outdoors. Indeed, indoor storage, for example, where the air is not conditioned or otherwise dry, can experience high humidity. In such an environment, the moist air can damage a covered object or vehicle by becoming trapped under the cover.

In a commonly owned U.S. Patent issued to Gridley (U.S. Patent Number 6,938,631, incorporated by this reference for all that it discloses) on September 6, 2005, the applicant disclosed a new apparatus for venting a cover covering a vehicle. Such ventilation apparatus was configured so that so that air can freely pass in and out of the space inside of the cover.

While the applicant's prior art ventilation apparatus works well for its intended purposes, novel improvements to the apparatus have been developed and are disclosed herein.

To prevent water from pooling up on top of a boat cover (for example), the cover is typically supported by a support structure such as a pole. Prior devices used to support boat covers require both hands to adjust the height of the pole by holding the pole with one hand and turning a thumb screw with the other. Such a prior art configurations are awkward, heavier than necessary and more complex to use than need be.

What is needed is a new light weight support structure that can be easily adjusted to the desired height and secured in place using one hand.

Another needed improvement for a cover support structure is remote operation. Crawling under a cover and manually extending an adjustable support structure can be quite annoying, especially at the end of a long day. What is needed is an adjustable support structure that can be extended from a remote location (remote from the support structure - e.g. the side of a boat away from a support pole).

Another needed improvement concerns electronic features. Covers can fail, the climate changes, and the location of the cover may change. As a result, the environment under a cover continually changes for many reasons. Some environmental conditions may be undesirable and need to be "corrected." What is needed is a cover vent and/or support structure device that can monitor the cover and its environment to detect a predefined condition and perform a predefined task upon detection. Additional electronic features would include services such as tamper detection and theft detection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

The inventive ventilation device comprises a component assembly including a dome member, a first ventilator plate, a second ventilator plate and a nut. A simple hole of a predetermined size is made in the cover material and the ventilation device is associated with such hole. When covering a vehicle, the ventilation apparatus may be used with a pole to raise the cover up and away from the vehicle surface to enhance the circulation of air.

The dome comprises a top section and a depending shaft section. With a first ventilator plate already associated with the dome's top section, the depending base is fitted into the hole in the cover so that a first cover surface (the "outside" surface of the cover) is associated with a surface of the first ventilator plate. Next, a second ventilator plate is associated with the depending base from underneath the cover so that a second side of the cover (the "inside" surface of the cover) is associates with a surface of the second ventilator plate. A nut is then threaded onto the shaft to clamp the cover between the ventilator plates. Tightening of the nut is done by hand and when fully tightened the top and bottom ventilator plates form a secure association with each other and against the dome with the cover material firmly clasped between the ventilator plates.

One improvement of the design relates to making the first and second ventilator plates

"universal" so that either type of plate may be used on either the "inside" or "outside". Another improvement embodied by the present invention is to provide each ventilator plate with an improved clamping surface to better secure the ventilator to the cover.

It should be noted that the present invention allows air to past freely through the ventilator plates via aligned openings (vent holes) provided in the plates thereby ventilating the system. One improvement embodied by the present invention relates to reconfiguring the ventilator plate design to better enable the venturi affect caused by air moving across the vent holes thereby provide improved air flow between the "inside" and "outside" of the cover.

Some of the general objects of the invention are now briefly described. Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilator apparatus comprising a seam channel configured for receiving a cover seam to provide an even clamping force when installing the ventilator apparatus directly over a cover seam. Another principle object of the invention is to provide an improved ventilator apparatus configured with ventilator plates designed to provide aerodynamics features that better enable the venturi effect caused by wind moving across the apparatus' vent holes (by either natural wind or when the vehicle is in tow) thereby improving air flow between the "inside" and "outside" environment. Another general object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilator apparatus comprising ventilator plates with clamping features that provide a more secure association between the ventilator plates and the vehicle cover.

It is a further general object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilator apparatus comprising universal ventilator plates that may be used on either the "inside" or "outside" of the vehicle cover while providing protection from water entering through the vent holes and providing an improved venturi effect.

For the adjustable support structure, broadly speaking, a principle object is to provide an improved flip lock support apparatus having an adjustable height where such support structure is light weight and configured to be adjusted and secured using one hand. Another principle object of the invention is to provide a flip lock cover support apparatus having two pole sections in a telescoping configuration that can be secured at a desired height using one hand.

Yet another general object of the invention is to provide for an improved cover ventilator comprising a gear configured to interface with the gear teeth associated with a support structure where the gear is configured to be remotely activated using a crank.

Still another general object of the invention is to provide a support structure configured for being associated with a cover ventilator where the support structure comprises a crank system for remotely adjusting the height of the support structure.

Another general object of the invention is to provide a support structure comprising a pneumatic operated telescoping pole that allows the height of the support structure to be remotely adjusted using an air source.

Another general object of the invention is to provide a ventilator and/or support structure that is associated with an electronic module configured to perform a predefined set of electronically controlled functions. Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the invention showing a dome, a first ventilator plate and a second ventilator plate, and a nut; Fig. 2 is a front plan view, in cross section, of one embodiment of the present invention as it may appear in practice attached to a cover;

Fig. 3 is a front plan cross sectional view for one exemplary embodiment of the dome depicted in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the gusset-surface of a female ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a top view of the griping-surface of a female ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a side view of a female ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention showing a continuous gripping region;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a female ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regions separated by a seam channel;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in Fig. 5;

Fig. 10 is a top view of the gusset-surface of a male ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 is a top view of the griping-surface of a male ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a side view of a male ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention showing a continuous gripping region;

Fig. 13 is a side view of a male ventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regions separated by a seam channel;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in Fig. 11;

Fig. 16 is a plan cross sectional view of the nut of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 taken along the line 1--1 of FIG. 17; and, Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the nut of FIG. 1 and Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a side perspective view of modified ventilator dome configured with a jacking system for adjusting position of the ventilator relative to the support structure.

Fig. 19 is a side view of the device depicted in Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a front view of the device depicted in Fig. 18; Fig. 21 is a back view of the device depicted in Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is a top view of the device depicted in Fig. 18;

Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the device depicted in Fig. 18;

Fig. 24 is a side view of the device depicted in Fig. 18 with cover 502 removed;

Fig. 25 is an exploded view of the device depicted in Fig. 18; and

Fig. 26 is a side perspective view of a pusher plate associated with a spring, a o-ring, and a release, all associated with a support structure.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology. Various objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion taken in conjunction with the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

For the purposes of this document two or more items are "mechanically associated" by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical connection that may be releasable (snaps, rivets, screws, bolts, etc.) and/or movable (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.) Similarly, two or more items are "electrically associated" by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while the drawings may illustrate various electronic components of a system connected by a single line, it will be appreciated that

such lines may represent one or more signal paths, power connections, electrical connections and/or cables as required by the embodiment of interest.

Referring now to Fig. 1, an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the invention is presented. The ventilator (10) comprises a dome (12), a first ventilator plate (14), a second ventilator plate (16), and a nut (8). For the illustrated embodiments depicted in the figures, ventilator (10) can be generally envisioned to include an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is generally that portion of ventilator (10) that is located on the top or exterior side ("outside") of a cover (11) (see Fig. 2) and includes the top portion of the dome (12) and a first ventilator plate (14). The inner portion is generally that portion of ventilator (10) that is located on the under side or interior side ("inside") of the cover (11) (see Fig. 2) and includes part of the shaft portion of the dome (12), a second ventilator plate (16), and the securing nut (8). Thus, the dome (12) is common to the outer and inner portions of ventilator (10).

Referring now to Fig. 2, in the assembled view shown in Fig. 2, the cover material (11) is seen to include a hole there through with a main portion of the cover material (11) extending radially away from the hole and clamped between the opposed surfaces (15) and (17), of the first ventilator plate (14) and the second ventilator plate (16), respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 3, more details of dome (12) are considered. Dome (12) generally comprises a dome portion (12a) and a shaft portion (12b). Dome portion (12a) comprises a circular plate (18) having a curved umbrella like configuration such that the axial center is the uppermost portion and the outer surface curves in a downward direction as it extends away from the axial center. By way of further explanation, the upper surface (19) of circular plate (18) has a convex configuration while the under surface (20) has a concave configuration.

The dome portion (12a) serves in general to prevent rain and other elements from entering the cover through the air vents defined by the ventilator plates described later. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the domed configuration aids in such function by placing the outer edges of the dome on a plane substantially level, or slightly lower or higher than the air vents. Consequently, the outer diameter of circular plate (18) of dome portion (12a) is preferably, but not necessarily equal to the outer diameter of the ventilator plates (14) and (16). Accordingly, the shape of dome portion (12a) and its outer diameter is to be consistent with its intended function and is well within the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in this art. In addition, embodiments where circular plate (18) is replaced by other configurations (such as

polygonal configurations) fall within the scope of the present invention. A square dome, for example, would prevent the ventilator from rolling when being stored.

Dome (12) further includes a shaft portion (12b) that extends downwardly from the center of circular plate (18). For the presently preferred embodiment, dome portion (12a) and shaft portion (12b) actually comprise a single member, i.e. dome (12). Shaft portion (12b) includes a blind axial opening (24) suitably sized to receive a stand-off pole (22) (see Fig. 2). Blind axial opening (24) can be of a single diameter, tapered, or of stepped, multiple diameters to accept poles of different diameters. The opening is "blind" as it is closed at one end (i.e. the hold does not go all the way through). The outer diameter of shaft portion (12b) includes a first- shaft-diameter (23 a) and a larger second-shaft-diameter (23b) thereby defining a step or flanged surface (25) there between. In addition, one or more axial keys (26) extend along at least a portion the length of the smaller first-shaft-diameter (23 a) of shaft portion (12b). Screw threads (27) are provided at the bottom of the smaller first- shaft-diameter (23 a) configured for receiving nut (8). Both the threads and the axial keys may be integrally molded with shaft (12b). The function and characteristics of these features of shaft (12b) are further described below.

Referring now to Fig. 4 through Fig. 9, features of a first ventilator plate (14) are considered. For the purposes of this discussion, the first ventilator plate (14) may be consider and described as a female ventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments where the first and second ventilator plates are substantially identical (not male or female) fall within the scope of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that in the following exemplary embodiment description, the first ventilator plate (14) is used on the "outside" or as the outer portion ventilator plate as described above; however, the novel improvements to the ventilator plates allow such plates to be interchangeable so that either ventilator plate (14) or ventilator plate (16) may be used as the outer portion ventilator plate or inter portion ventilator plate.

Referring to Fig. 4 - 9, first ventilator plate (14) comprises two opposed surfaces defining a circular plate. For the presently preferred embodiment, the first ventilator plate (14) has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as that of the dome (12). One ventilator plate surface is referred to as the gusset-surface and can be best seen in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8. The opposing surface to the gusset-surface is referred to as the gripping-surface and can be best seen

in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. For the presently preferred embodiment, first ventilator plate (14) comprises circular venting section (35) which further defines a plurality of vent holes (30) that extend through the entirety of the venting section (35). Any number of holes may be used, however, for the presently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holes are used. The slightly thicker center portion (21) of the circular plate (18) is provided to furnish extra strength to the dome in the event that a pole (22) (as shown in phantom in Fig. 2) is used to raise the cover (11) up and off of the covered vehicle or other device being protected by cover (11). Of course, the circular plate (18) can be made sufficiently thick so that the center portion (21) has the same thickness as circular plate (18) in general. As noted above, further alternative embodiments include plate members that can be of a variable thickness and that having other than a circular configuration.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, air vent section (35) has a generally circular outer diameter (35a) and a generally circular inter diameter (35b). Vent holes (30) are defined by section (35) disposed between the outer diameter (35a) and the inter diameter (35b). Adjacent to the air vent section is generally circular shaft receiver (31) (Fig. 8) having a generally circular outer diameter of about (35b) and a generally circular inter diameter of (35 c). Shaft receiver (31) defines center opening (37) located at the center of first ventilator plate (14). Shaft receiver (31) is suitably sized to receive shaft portion (12b) so that the annular surface (or edge) of shaft receiver (31) associates with step (25) (Fig. 3) to provide a predefined gap (7) (Fig. 2) between circular plate (18) and first ventilator plate (14). One or more axial keyways (38) are provided along the inside wall of shaft receiver (31) where such axial keyways (38) are configured to receive one or more keys (26) (Fig. 3) in order to align the ventilator plate and prevent rotation of the ventilator plate relative to shaft portion (12b).

Preferably, but not necessarily, first ventilator plate (14) is glued or otherwise fixed to shaft portion (12b), but alternatively can be press fitted, fastened, or integrally formed with the shaft portion (12b) to maintain the first ventilator plate's relative position. As a further alternative, the dome (12) and first ventilator plate member (14) may be made as a single member.

Attention is now directed to the gusset- surface of first ventilator plate (14). As noted above, air vent section (35) defines a circular section that has a generally circular outer diameter (35a) and a generally circular inter diameter (35b). As best viewed in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, air vent

section (35) extends beyond the gusset-surface a predefined distance thereby defining vent height (45). Also depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, a plurality of gusset supports (32) extend radially outward from air vent section (35) and along the surface of first ventilator plate (14) toward the outer diameter of first ventilator plate (14). Such gusset supports (32) connect the surface of first ventilator plate (14) to the side of air vent section (35) thereby reinforcing the surface of first ventilator plate (14).

In addition, gusset supports (32) extend perpendicularly from the gusset-surface a predefined gusset height (43) (Fig. 6, Fig. 8). For the presently preferred embodiment, gusset height (43) is substantially equal too or less than the vent height (45). It should be noted, however, that greater gusset heights (43) fall with the scope of the present invention.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration improves air flow across vent holes (30) thereby providing an improved venturi feature. For such a configuration, when air flows across air vent section (35) (due to wind or the vehicle being in tow or other reasons), air flows along the concave under surface (20) creating a low pressure region above vent holes (30) thereby creating a suction effect which in turn improves air flow/exchange between the "inside" and "outside" of the cover.

As best seen in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, the gripping surface of the first ventilator plate (14) is considered. The gripping surface of first ventilator plate (14) includes an annular gripping- region (70) having an outer-gripping-diameter (72) and an inter-gripping-diameter (74). A plurality of gripping-strips (34) extend along the gripping region (70) from about the inter- gripping-diameter (74) to about the outer-gripping-diameter (72). Each gripping-strip (34) defines a series of alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridges extend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefined gripping-ridge -height. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, each adjacent gripping-strip is separated by an alignment-tooth (78) with the exception of the griping-strips that are adjacent to a seam-channel (36) (described later). For the present embodiment of the invention, each alignment-tooth (78) extends perpendicularly from the gripping surface to a predefined alignment-tooth-height. Preferably, the alignment-tooth- height is greater than the gripping-ridge-height thereby forming a raised section between each gripping-strip (34). For the presently preferred embodiment, the gripping surface of the first ventilator plate (14) comprises thirty gripping-strips (34).

Referring now to Fig. 5, the gripping surface of first ventilator plate (14) further defines seam-channels (36) free from gripping-strips (34). Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides of gripping-region (70) as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 so that gripping-strips (34) are divided into two equal gripping sections. It should be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may be use and their locations within the gripping region selected as desired for the application of interest. Seam-channels (36) have a predefined seam-channel- width (80) that is suitably sized to receive the seam of a cover that is to be used with ventilator (10). Such a configuration allows ventilator (10) to be installed directly over the seam of a cover while still providing a more even clamping force to the cover along gripping-region (70). Referring now to Fig. 10 through Fig. 15, features of a second ventilator plate (16) are considered. For the purposes of this discussion, the second ventilator plate (16) may be considered and described as a male ventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments where the first and second ventilator plates are substantially identical (not male or female) fall within the scope of the present invention. The second ventilator plate (16) comprises two opposed surfaces defining a circular plate.

One such surface is referred to as the gusset-surface and can be best seen in Fig. 10 and Fig. 14. The opposing surface to the gusset-surface is referred to as the gripping-surface and can be best seen in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15. For the presently preferred embodiment, the second ventilator plate (16) has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as that of first ventilator plate (14). Second ventilator plate (16) comprises circular venting section (55) which further defines a plurality of vent holes (50) that extend through the entirety of venting section (55). Any number of holes may be used, however, for the presently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holes are used. As can be seen in Fig. 15, air vent section (55) has a generally circular outer diameter (55 a) and a generally circular inter diameter (55b). Vent holes (50) are defined by air vent section (55) disposed between the outer diameter (55a) and the inter diameter (55b). Air vent section (55) further extends perpendicularly outward from the gripping-surface a predefined vent-section-height (80) (Fig. 12) forming a male-vent-section (83) (Fig. 15). The outer diameter (55a) distance is preferably slightly less than the circular outer diameter (35) for the first ventilator plate. Similarly, the vent-section-height (80) is preferably substantially equal to vent height (45) (Fig. 8) for the first ventilator plate. Such a configuration allows male-vent-section (83) to be received by the air- vent-receiver (85) (Fig. 9) defined by first ventilator plate (14).

Adjacent to the air vent section is generally circular shaft receiver (87) (Fig. 14) having a generally circular outer diameter of about (55b) and a generally circular inter diameter of (55 c). Shaft receiver (87) defines center opening (84) located at the center of second ventilator plate (16). Shaft receiver (87) is suitably sized to receive shaft portion (12b) so that the annular surface (or edge) of shaft receiver (87) associates with step (25) (Fig. 3) to provide a predefined gap (7) (Fig. 2) between circular plate (18) and second ventilator plate (16) when the second ventilator plate is used in the alternate configuration (i.e. second ventilator plate (16) is used as the "outside" ventilator plate). One or more axial keyways (58) are provided along the inside wall of shaft receiver (87) where such axial keyways (58) are configured to receive one or more keys (26) (Fig. 3) in order to align the ventilator plate relative to the other pieces and prevent rotation of the ventilator plate about shaft portion (12b).

Referring now to Fig. 14, attention is directed to the gusset-surface of second ventilator plate (16). As noted above, circular shaft receiver (87) has a generally circular outer diameter of about (55b) and a generally circular inter diameter of (55c). Adjacent to shaft receiver (87) is the air vent section defining air vents (50). Adjacent to air vents (50) is annular vent-wall (61) configured to prevent water and other materials from sliding across the gusset-surface and into vent-holes (50). A plurality of gusset supports (52) extend radially outward from shaft receiver (87), through the air vent- wall (61) and along the surface of second ventilator plate (16) toward the outer diameter of second ventilator plate (16). Such gusset supports (52) connect the surface of second ventilator plate (16) to the side of shaft receiver (87) and vent- wall (61) thereby reinforcing the surface of second ventilator plate (16).

Gusset supports (52) also extend perpendicularly from the gusset-surface a predefined gusset height (63). For the presently preferred embodiment, gusset height (63) is substantially equal too or less than the vent-wall-height (65). It should be noted, however, that greater gusset heights (63) fall within the scope of the present invention as long as air is allowed to freely flow across vent holes (50). As before, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that such a configuration improves air flow across vent holes (50) thereby providing an improved venturi feature.

As best seen in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15, the gripping surface of the second ventilator plate (16) is examined. The gripping surface of second ventilator plate (16) includes an annular gripping-region (90) having an outer-gripping-diameter (92) and an inter-gripping-diameter (94).

A plurality of gripping-strips (91) extend along the gripping region (90) from about the inter- gripping-diameter (94) to about the outer-gripping-diameter (92). Each gripping-strip (91) defines a series of alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridges extend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefined gripping-ridge -height. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15, each adjacent gripping-strip is separated by a non-gripping-strip section. Such non-gripping-strip sections form a channel defining alignment-teeth-receivers (97). For the presently preferred embodiment, the gripping-ridge-height for both ventilator plates is substantially equal so that the alignment-teeth (78) of first ventilator plate (14) are received by the alignment-teeth receivers (97) when ventilator (10) is assembled so that the gripping surface of both ventilator plates apply a more uniform and secure clamping force to cover (11). In addition, gripping-strips (91) are disposed at a point along the gripping-surface relative to axial keyway (58) that allows alignment-teeth (78) to align with the alignment-teeth-receivers (97) of first ventilator plate (14) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

Referring now to Fig. 15, the gripping surface of second ventilator plate (16) further defines seam-channels (56) free from gripping-strips (91). Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides of gripping-region (90) as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15 so that gripping-strips (91) are divided into two equal gripping sections. It should be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may be use and their locations within the gripping region selected as desired for the application of interest. Seam-channels (56) have a predefined seam-channel-width that is substantially equal to seam-channel-width (80) for the first ventilator plate (14). In addition, seam-channels (56) are disposed at a point along the gripping-surface at a point relative to axial keyway (58) that allows seam-channels (56) to align with seam-channels (36) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

As described above, when the second ventilator plate (16) is associated with shaft section (24) of the dome (12), the one or more keyways (58) orient second ventilator member (16) with first ventilator plate (14) such that the air vent holes (30) and air vent holes (50) are aligned providing a air flow path between the "inside" of the cover to the "outside".

Referring now to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, one exemplary fastening device is depicted. The fastening device is configured to secure and associate the second ventilator plate (16), the first ventilator plate (14), and dome (12) together. For the presently preferred embodiment, such fastening device is nut (8). Nut (8) comprises an internal screw thread (46) sized to mate with

the external threads (27) at the bottom of shaft portion (12b) (Fig. 3). A number of alternative fastening devices can be used in place of the illustrated screw threads. For example, a pin in association with a camming slot, a lever operated cam lock, and other like attaching means as are known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of oppositely disposed wings (47) extend from the outer diameter of the nut (8) to permit hand tightening. A hexagonal configuration can alternatively be used in lieu of wings (47). The clamping feature between the two ventilator plates and cover (11) is achieved by tightening nut (8) so that top annular surface (48) of the nut (8) bears against an annular surface defined by second ventilator plate (16) forcing the ventilator plates together. Yet another alternative embodiment for the fastening device comprises a magnetic material disposed in a protective material. In that spirit, Nut (8) may be composed of magnetic material or comprise magnetic material disposed in a protective material to protect the item being covered from scratches. When the item being covered is a vehicle, fastening device comprises a magnetic plate disposed in a protective housing. The protective housing is preferably configured for being securely associated with nut (8). Alternatively, the protective housing comprises inter threads (46) for receiving external threads (27). The magnetic plate and protective housing is appropriated sized for the application of interest.

Support Structure - Adjustable Ventilator Jack

Referring now to Fig. 18 through Fig. 25, one exemplary embodiment of an adjustable ventilator jack 500 is presented. As best seen in Fig. 24 (cover 502 has been removed), ventilator jack 500 comprises a modified dome (12) associated with a jack support (512). Jack support (512) may be integral to dome (12) or a separate component mechanically associated with dome (12). Jack support (512) is configured with a jack support interface configured to releaseably receive jack (504).

Jack (504) comprises a lever section (503) mechanically associated with a lever receiver (505). Lever receiver (505) is configured for receiving a leverage device such as a long bar. For the presently preferred embodiment, lever section (503) comprises a set of lever arms with each arm defining a lever surface (507), a leverage point (507e), and an opposing locking point (509). Locking points (509) are configured for being removably associated with locking point receivers (509a) defined by jack support (512). Additionally, lever arms of lever section (503) are suitably

sized for being received by jack support (512) as depicted in Fig. 24. As shown, such lever arms define an inter-arm-space that is wide enough to allow support pole (22) to pass between the lever arms.

Lever surfaces (507) for each arm are configured for pressing against plate surface (507a) of pusher plate (513). As depicted in Fig. 25, pusher plate (514) defines a generally rectangular shape with a hole (511) defined there through. Pusher plate (514) is suitably sized for fifing between the lever arms of lever section (503) and hole (511) is suitably sized for receiving support pole (22) as best seen in Fig. 25b.

Referring now to Fig. 24, Fig. 25, and Fig. 25b, hole (511) of pusher plate (513) is further suitably sized for receiving support pole (22) associated with a bias spring (514). The pusher plate (513) / bias spring (514) combination is configured for fitting inside jack support void (515).

For the presently preferred embodiment, adjustable ventilator jack (500) further includes jack release (524). Jack release (524) defines a substantially flat rectangular section with an inclined edge, (i.e. release (524r)), defined at one end and a release interface (524i) defined at the opposing end. Jack release (524) further defines a hole at the approximate center suitably sized for receiving support pole (22). Additionally, release interface (524i) is suitably sized for being mechanically associating with jack support (512) r-interface (524b) as best viewed in Fig. 24. The system my further include o-ring 518 configured for prevent liquid from running down support pole (22).

The operation of adjustable ventilator jack (500) is now considered. When no force is applied to lever receiver (505), bias spring (513) keeps pusher plate (514) in a substantially horizontal position. When a force is applied to lever receiver (505), and the force is in the "D" direction, leverage point (507e) presses down against a first end of plate surface (507a) compressing bias spring (513) and causing the opposing end of plate surface (507a) to rise in the U direction (i.e. pusher plate (514) is no longer substantially horizontal). When the force is removed from lever receiver (505), bias spring (513) forces the first end back level with the opposing end that by placing pusher plate (514) back to a substantially horizontal position. As such action is repeated, the pusher plate (514) will "climb" up support pole (22) thereby causing dome (12) to rise up support pole (22). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that jack release (524) does not have a bias spring to keep it horizontal. Thus, jack release (524) will

prevent dome (12) from sliding down support pole (12). Thus, when one wishes to cause dome (12) to travel down support pole (22), pressure is applied to release (524i).

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.