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 in said sheet member, said channels extending inwardly from said bottom surface, at least one channel being defined by first and second side walls and a bottom wall, each of said side walls and bottom wall being straight and planar, each of said side walls being angled so as to form an acute angle with said upper surface of said sheet member, 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 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 each of said side walls form an angle of between 75° and 88° with respect to said upper surface.  
   
   
       5 . The soffit structure of  claim 1  wherein said sheet member is formed of a metallic material.  
   
   
       6 . The soffit structure of  claim 3  wherein said metallic material is aluminum.  
   
   
       7 . The soffit structure of  claim 4  wherein said channels extend transversely of said sheet member.  
   
   
       8 . 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 in said sheet member, said channels extending inwardly from said bottom surface, at least one channel being defined by first and second side walls and a bottom wall, said at least one channel having a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of said side walls;    a cover member associated with said at least one channel, said cover member having a first end retained within said channel, and a cap portion located at a second end of said cover member.    
   
   
       9 . The soffit structure of  claim 8  wherein each of said side walls has an inwardly projecting portion designed to retain said first end of said cover member.  
   
   
       10 . The soffit structure of  claim 9  wherein said cap portion includes outwardly extending portions to cover said vent channels.  
   
   
       11 . The soffit structure of  claim 8  wherein said cover member has a plurality of apertures formed therein.