Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Disparate sheet lamina between exposed surfaces of wall,...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-26
2001-07-10
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Disparate sheet lamina between exposed surfaces of wall,...
C052S406100, C052S406200, C052S412000, C052S741400, C277S645000, C428S192000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256956
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a sealing and insulating wrap for windows, doors and sliders and more specifically to a wrap which is moisture and air tight and easily and consistently installed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Windows, doors and sliders are generally insulated by stuffing fiberglass insulation, cut to size, between the jamb of a window or door and the frame in which they are to be installed. However, the fiberglass alone does not provide protection against moisture from seeping into the window or door frame making the wood susceptible to wood rot. Sealing to date is accomplished imperfectly by caulking the frame after the window or door is installed. This caulking material itself is subject to deterioration and does not provide a moisture tight barrier. Water leakage, due to improper sealing is the primary cause of wood rot.
Fiberglass and methods for installing fiberglass is also unwieldy, imprecise and unpredictable. For example, first the window or door unit is installed, then the unit is shimmed and then the insulation material is packed around the unit between the jambs and the building frame. As a consequence, because there are currently no standards for installing such products, the quality of the finished installation varies from one installer to another. Once a building is completed and the inside finish work is completed there is not a way for the owner or inspector to determine the quality of installation or insulation.
Although wraps for foundation sills are known, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,235 to Vergnano, similar to the current materials and methods for sealing and insulating windows and doors, these wraps are not moisture tight and will not over time protect the insulating materials from moisture and thereby render the wood susceptible to wood rot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a moisture and air tight wrap for windows. doors and sliders.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders with improved vapor barrier characteristics.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders that is easily and quickly installed.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders that facilitates consistent, high quality installation.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders that facilitates shimming.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders which provides added value for the contractor and manufacturer.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a wrap for windows, doors and sliders which provides longer term value to the building owner.
A preferred embodiment of the moisture and air tight wrap of this invention for windows, doors and sliders, having improved installation and sealing characteristics, comprises: a moisture and air tight barrier comprising a capsule portion and a flange portion; and insulating material substantially encapsulated in the capsule portion. The wrap preferably comprises a moisture resistant gasket fixed to the flange portion.
The barrier comprises a sheet of plastic of which a portion is folded over on itself and sealed in place, thereby forming the capsule. In another preferred embodiment, the barrier comprises two sheets of plastic, having one or more corresponding edges, sealed together along one or more of the edges, thereby forming the capsule. The wrap may also comprise a tube into which the insulation materials are inserted.
The capsule is preferably adapted to sit between a jamb of the window or door and an opening in which the window, door or slider, respectively, is installed. The capsule may also be adapted to compress under a pressure exerted by shims without degrading the moisture or air tightness of said wrap. In turn, the gasket is preferably adapted to sit between an exterior trim of the window, door or slider and an exterior wall of an opening in which the window, door or slider, respectively, is installed.
Another preferred embodiment of the moisture and air resistant wrap of the invention for windows, doors and sliders, comprises: an insulating material; a moisture and air resistant capsule which substantially encapsulates the insulating material therein; a sealing flange, flexibly joined with the means for encapsulating; and a moisture resistant gasket fixed to the flange. The capsule is adapted to fit between a frame of an opening in which the window, door or slider is installed and a jamb of the window, door or slider, and the sealing flange is adapted to wrap around an exterior edge of the frame and to be fixed to an exterior surface of the frame. The gasket may comprise a weather tight foam strip having an inward facing surface on which an adhesive is provided. The capsule is preferably capable of compressing under the pressure exerted by a shim without degrading the moisture and air resistance of the capsule.
The preferred method of the invention for installing a moisture and air resistant wrap for windows, doors or sliders, into an opening comprising an interior perimeter, having a length, and an exterior surface, comprises the steps of: providing a length of wrap comprising a moisture and air resistant capsule which substantially encapsulates insulating materials therein; a sealing flange, flexibly joined with the means for encapsulating; and a moisture resistant gasket fixed to the flange; cutting one or more pieces of the wrap so that, together, the cut pieces total a length at least as long as the length of the interior perimeter; fixing the cut pieces of the wrap to the exterior surface, proximate the interior perimeter, along the gasket of the cut pieces; pressing the capsule of the cut pieces into the opening so that the capsule of the cut pieces lies against the inner perimeter. The ends of the cut pieces preferably overlap to some extend. The gasket may be fixed to the exterior surface by any suitable means including pressing a pressure sensitive adhesive provided on an inward facing surface of the gasket against the exterior surface and/or stapling the gasket in place against the exterior surface.
Another preferred method of the invention for installing a moisture and air resistant wrap for windows, doors or sliders, into an opening comprising a sill, a header, two or more jack studs and an exterior surface, comprising the steps of: providing a length of said wrap comprising a moisture and air resistant capsule which substantially encapsulates insulating materials therein; a sealing flange, flexibly joined with the means for encapsulating; and a moisture resistant gasket fixed to the flange, wherein the wrap has a first and second opposing vertical edge; cutting a first piece of the wrap longer than the sill of said window, door or slider opening, respectively, and cutting a slit between the capsule and said sealing flange inward from each of the vertical edges; cutting a second piece to match the first piece; cutting a third and fourth piece, longer than the jack stud and each having two ends, and slitting back the capsule at the ends to expose a portion of the insulating material, and trimming off the exposed insulating material of each end; fixing the sealing flange of the first piece to the exterior surface along the gasket proximate the sill; fixing the sealing flange of the third piece to the exterior surface along the gasket proximate a first of the jack studs; fixing the sealing flange of the fourth piece to the exterior surface along the gasket proximate a second of the jack studs; fixing the sealing flange of the second piece to the exterior surface along the gasket proximate the header; pressing the capsule of the first, second, third and fourth pieces into the opening so that the capsule of the first piece along the sill, the second piece lies along the header and the third and fourth pieces lie along the first and second jack studs, respectively.
This invention is the result of e
Kent Christopher T.
Mirick O'Connell DeMallie & Lougee LLP
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