Soffit Vent

Abstract

A soffit vent for providing access to an interior space above a soffit via an opening in the soffit. The soffit vent includes a panel for covering the opening; and a panel retention mechanism for reversibly holding the panel in place over the opening. A method for installing the soffit vent is also included, as well as a kit for installing and/or retrofitting a soffit vent on a soffit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A soffit vent for providing access to an interior space above a soffit via an opening in the soffit, the soffit vent comprising:
 a) a panel for covering the opening; and   b) a panel retention mechanism for reversibly holding the panel in place over the opening.   
     
     
         2 . The soffit vent of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame covering boundary edges of the opening, wherein the panel retention mechanism includes at least one fastener or retention member for holding the panel in proximity to the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The soffit vent of  claim 2 , further comprising a pivoting or flexible connector for connecting one side of the panel to the soffit or to one side of the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The soffit vent of  claim 3 , wherein the pivoting connector is a hinge. 
     
     
         5 . The soffit vent of  claim 4 , wherein the hinge is a piano hinge. 
     
     
         6 . The soffit vent of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible connector is a cord or strap. 
     
     
         7 . The soffit vent of  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is a screw or bolt for connecting the panel to the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The soffit vent of  claim 7 , wherein the frame comprises an inner lip on one internal edge and the screw or bolt connects an edge of the panel to the lip. 
     
     
         9 . The soffit vent of  claim 2 , wherein the retention member is pivotably connected to the frame and pivots on an axis perpendicular to an outer surface of the soffit or the frame between a retention position and an open position. 
     
     
         10 . The soffit vent of  claim 1 , having sufficient width to permit an inspector to place his or her head inside the opening. 
     
     
         11 . The soffit vent of  claim 10 , wherein the width of the opening is at least about 9 inches. 
     
     
         12 . The soffit vent of  claim 1 , further comprising a heat activatable fire barrier connected to an inside surface of the panel. 
     
     
         13 . A method for retro-fitting an existing soffit to permit repeated visual inspection of an interior space above the soffit and structures contained therewithin, the method comprising:
 a) cutting the soffit to remove a portion thereof and provide an opening therein; and   b) covering the opening with a soffit vent panel having a reversible retention mechanism allowing the soffit vent to be removed from the opening, thereby permitting the visual inspection and allowing subsequent replacement of the soffit vent to cover the opening.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the opening has dimensions sufficient to permit an inspector to place his or her head inside the opening, thereby facilitating the visual inspection. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising providing a frame on at least a portion of the boundary of the opening. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the frame is provided on the entire boundary of the opening. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the reversible retention mechanism comprises at least one fastener or pivotable retention member for retaining the soffit vent within the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing one or more pivotable or flexible connectors between the frame and the panel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the connectors are hinges. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the connectors are cords or straps. 
     
     
         21 . A kit for installing a soffit vent of  claim 1 , the kit comprising the panel and panel retention mechanism recited in  claim 1  and a stencil for providing markings on the soffit to indicate dimensions of the opening to be cut into the soffit. 
     
     
         22 . The kit of  claim 21 , further comprising instructions for installing the soffit vent.