Illuminated vent cap for an opening in a roof, wall, or other structure

Abstract

A vent cap that is configured for use in guarding an opening in a structure, such as an opening in a roof or a wall. The invention is particularly well suited for use on panels that have flats separated by one or more upstanding ribs. The inventive vent cap includes an internal light source that projects light in a desired direction—such as along a wall panel.

Having described my invention, I claim: 
     
         1 . An illuminated vent cap assembly for covering an opening in a panel having a first flat, a second flat, and an upstanding feature therebetween, comprising:
 (a) a hollow central portion;   (b) an entrance opening leading into said hollow central portion;   (c) an exit opening leading from said hollow central portion to a surrounding environment;   (d) a feature receiver configured to receive said upstanding feature lying between said first and second flats;   (e) a light source contained within said hollow central portion; and   (f) wherein said light source is positioned to project light out of said exit opening.   
     
     
         2 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a reflector positioned to focus light from said light source into a beam. 
     
     
         3 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (a) wherein said vent cap is installed on a vertical panel with said exit opening facing downward; and   (b) wherein said light source is positioned to project light downward through said exit opening.   
     
     
         4 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said feature receiver is a rib receiver. 
     
     
         5 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said feature receiver is a standing seam receiver. 
     
     
         6 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (a) wherein said entrance opening includes a flange;   (b) a panel-specific base mated to said flange; and   (c) wherein said panel-specific base includes a feature receiver.   
     
     
         7 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a battery providing electrical power to said light source. 
     
     
         8 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a solar panel providing electrical power to said battery. 
     
     
         9 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said feature receiver is a rib receiver. 
     
     
         10 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said feature receiver is a standing seam receiver. 
     
     
         11 . An illuminated vent cap assembly for covering an opening in a panel having an upstanding feature, comprising:
 (a) a hollow central portion;   (b) an entrance opening leading into said hollow central portion;   (c) an exit opening leading from said hollow central portion to a surrounding environment;   (d) a feature receiver configured to receive said upstanding feature lying on said panel;   (e) a light source mounted in said hollow central portion; and   (f) said light source projecting light out of said exit opening.   
     
     
         12 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a reflector positioned to focus light from said light source into a beam. 
     
     
         13 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 (a) wherein said vent cap is installed on a vertical panel with said exit opening facing downward; and   (b) wherein said light source is positioned to project light downward through said exit opening.   
     
     
         14 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said feature receiver is a rib receiver. 
     
     
         15 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said feature receiver is a standing seam receiver. 
     
     
         16 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 (a) wherein said entrance opening includes a flange;   (b) a panel-specific base mated to said flange; and   (c) wherein said panel-specific base includes a feature receiver.   
     
     
         17 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a battery providing electrical power to said light source. 
     
     
         18 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising a solar panel providing electrical power to said battery. 
     
     
         19 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said feature receiver is a rib receiver. 
     
     
         20 . The vent cap assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said feature receiver is a standing seam receiver.