Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Specified terranean relationship – With waterproofing means; e.g. – covering – coating – or lamina
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-28
2001-04-10
Chilcot, Richard (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Specified terranean relationship
With waterproofing means; e.g., covering, coating, or lamina
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212831
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related generally to insulation covering and, more particularly, to coverings for enclosing insulation on the foundation of a building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The installing insulation against the walls and foundations of building structures is well known in the art. Insulation is used to hold heat within a building thereby making heating systems more efficient while at the same time preventing moisture from damaging the walls of a structure.
Recent changes in several state and local building codes have mandated the use of an insulation covering that protects the insulation used on foundations. Such protective covering must extend from the top of the foundation to a certain distance below ground level. An example of a protective covering used to protect foundation insulation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,766 (Blackmore). While the protective covering in Blackmore protects the face of the insulation layer, no protection is afforded or even suggested for the edge of the insulation that is exposed at the edge of the foundation wall at, for example, a window recess. The same shortcoming is present in U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,548 (Rehbein) which discloses a foundation insulating skirt that protects the face of the insulation while leaving the edge exposed.
A corner piece used to protect the edge of an insulation barrier where two pieces of insulation form a right angle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,058 (Patton). Although the device in Patton protects the insulation edge when the edge foundation forms a right angle, it does not suggest ways of protecting the edge of a layer of insulation that is exposed because of a window recess or the end of the foundation wall forming any angle other than 90°. An insulation protective covering that would allow for the insulation on the foundation of a building, including all insulation edges to be completely enclosed would be an important improvement in the art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a method and system of protecting insulation that overcomes some of the shortcomings of the prior art.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method and system of protecting insulation that does not leave any portion of the insulation exposed to environmental elements such as rain, sleet and snow.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method and system of protecting insulation that is easy to attach.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method and system of protecting insulation that is aesthetically pleasing. How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and from the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention involves a method for enclosing a layer of insulation covering a building foundation having a vertical edge, where the layer of insulation has front, back and edge surfaces, the method comprising: (1) placing the back surface of the layer of insulation against the foundation such that the edge surface of the insulation is aligned with the edge of the foundation; (2) covering the front surface of the layer of insulation with a first protective cover; and (3) enclosing the edge surface and parts of the front and back surface of the insulation with a second protective cover by positioning a back overlap portion of the second protective cover between the back of the layer of insulation and the foundation and a front overlap portion of the second protective cover between the front of the layer of insulation and the first protective cover, whereby all surfaces of the layer of insulation are enclosed.
In one embodiment of the invention, the protective covers are made of polyvinylchloride. In still another embodiment, the layer of insulation and both protective covers extend below ground level.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first protective cover is attached to the foundation. In a specific version of such embodiment, nails are used to attach the first protective cover to the foundation.
In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the second protective cover has a “J-shaped” edge. In yet another embodiment the layer of insulation is in sheet form. In still another embodiment, the front protective cover has an “L-shaped” edge.
The invention also involves an improved system for protecting insulation covering a building foundation having a vertical edge where the insulation has front and back surfaces and an edge surface aligned with the edge of the foundation and a first protective sheathing covering the front portion, the improvement comprising a second protective cover surrounding the edge surface of the insulation and overlapping the front and back surfaces of the insulation. In one embodiment of the improved system, the second protective cover has a “J-shaped” edge.
In another embodiment of the system, the protective covers are made of polyvinylchloride. While in a preferred embodiment, the layer of insulation and both protective covers extend below ground level.
In a more preferred embodiment of the system, the first protective cover is attached to the foundation. In a specific version of this embodiment, nails are used to attach the first protective cover to the foundation.
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patent: 4335548 (1982-06-01), Rehbein
patent: 4409766 (1983-10-01), Blackmore
patent: 4711058 (1987-12-01), Patton
patent: 4815244 (1989-03-01), Harrington
patent: 5360295 (1994-11-01), Isacksen
patent: 5535556 (1996-07-01), Hughes, Jr.
patent: 5713696 (1998-02-01), Horvath et al.
patent: 5749182 (1998-05-01), Vavrinak
patent: 6122887 (2000-09-01), Massett et al.
Chilcot Richard
Jansson & Shupe & Munger Ltd.
Wisconsin Poured Wall Products
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