Soffit structure

Abstract

A soffit structure which is a sheet member having an upper surface and bottom surface with a plurality of channels formed in the sheet members, the channels extending inwardly from the bottom surface and being defined by at least a pair of opposed side walls, with apertures formed in the side walls. The side walls are preferably angled slightly to provide a greater degree of protection for the apertures formed therein.

1 . A soffit structure comprising: 
 a sheet member having an upper surface and a bottom surface wherein said upper surface is designed to lie against a structural member of a building and the bottom surface is facing exteriorly of the building;    a plurality of channels formed is said sheet member, said channels extending inwardly from said bottom surface, at least one channel having a pair of opposed side walls, said at least one channel having a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of said side walls.    
   
   
       2 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein each of said channels has a pair of opposed side walls, each of said channels having apertures formed in at least one of said side walls.  
   
   
       3 . The soffit structure of  claim 2  wherein all of said side walls have apertures formed therein.  
   
   
       4 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one channel has a generally U-shaped configuration with a base portion extending between said side walls, each of said side walls extending inwardly and rearwardly to form an angle of between 75° and 88° with respect to said upper surface.  
   
   
       5 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein all of said channels have a generally U-shaped configuration comprised of a pair of opposed side walls and a bottom, each of said side walls extending inwardly and rearwardly at an angle of between 75° and 88° with respect to said upper surface, all of said walls having a plurality of apertures formed therein.  
   
   
       6 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein said channels each have a generally U-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       7 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein said sheet member is formed of a metallic material.  
   
   
       8 . The soffit structure of  claim 3  wherein said metallic material is aluminum.  
   
   
       9 . The soffit structure of  claim 5  wherein said channels extend transversely of said sheet member.