Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Insulating insert; e.g. – filler in cavity in preconstructed...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-05-01
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Insulating insert; e.g., filler in cavity in preconstructed...
C052S202000, C049S463000, C049S465000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223490
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates generally to attic insulation systems, and more particularly to an insulation system designed to insulate a conventional ceiling entrance, or “scuttle hole”.
Scuttle holes exist in many buildings, especially in homes. These scuttle holes generally provide access to the storage space in the attic of a home through pull-down covers, many of which include a set of expandable stairs to allow easy access. However, attic insulation generally stops at the scuttle hole to allow access through the attic floor. Consequently, a significant amount of heat generally escapes through the scuttle hole opening.
Although existing insulating devices for scuttle holes are generally effective for the purposes intended, such devices are often difficult to transport and install. Furthermore, such devices are generally susceptible to heat leakage and are often difficult both to insert and remove when access to the scuttle hole is required.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a scuttle hole cover which is easy to transport.
It is another object of the invention to provide a scuttle hole cover which is easy to install.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a scuttle hole cover which greatly minimizes heat leakage.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a scuttle hole cover which is easy to selectively insert and remove as access to the attic is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a scuttle hole cover comprising a sleeve, and an insulating cap. The sleeve extends into the attic through the scuttle hole and includes a locking mechanism for locking an insulating cover in place. The insulating cap includes a mating locking mechanism, and when inserted into the sleeve, locks into place.
In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is inserted into the scuttle hole and extends into the attic in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sides of the hole. The sleeve preferably includes a flange which engages the ceiling abutting the scuttle hole. Preferably, the flange further comprises an angled section, which angles from a first section toward the ceiling when inserted to provide a more tight seal of the scuttle hole. A gasket or other type of weather stripping is also preferably positioned between the flange and the ceiling. A locking mechanisms that may comprise a series of molded indents or dimples extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the wall of the sleeve to provide a means for locking the insulated cover to the sleeve.
The insulating cover can be dimensioned to enclose the scuttle hole, and to press-fit into the sleeve. The raised sides of the insulating cover can include a series of locking channels or ridges for coupling the insulating cover to the molded indents or dimples in the sleeve. Preferably, the insulated cover includes at least one handle to simplify inserting and removing the cover from the scuttle hole.
The combination of an insertable sleeve and insulated cover provides a scuttle hole cover which is easy to install and easy to both remove and reinsert to provide selective access to the attic. The molded indent or dimple and locking channel provide a tight seal to provide a high insulating factor, and to minimize the amount of heat which escapes through the scuttle hole.
Other advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.
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Van Boxtel Neil
Wessley Robert
Cuomo Peter M.
Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Morris & Rieselbach, s.c.
White Rodney B.
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