Patent Publication Number: US-4320604-A

Title: Heavily insulated shelter structure

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 971,597, filed Dec. 20, 1978, and now abandoned. 
    
    
     It has been found that above latitude 30° not much is to be gained from capturing and utilizing solar heat unless the shelter structure where it is to be used for internal heating is a heavily insulated building constructed primarily for this same purpose. 
    
    
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a view in prospective of my Heavily Insulated Shelter Structure. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is a corner view of one of my shelter structures posts shown in its several sections. 
    
    
     In describing these figures of the drawing it will be noted that the ground level is always numeral 22. 
     The building comprises four walls numbered 1, 2, 3, and 6, held in position by vertical posts, 11, the details of which (posts) are shown in FIG. 3. Along the upper portions of the posts is a horizontal beam 46 on which sits a series of trusses 15 holding up a peaked roof 29 and an innerfoam ceiling 16. 
     Each post 11 rests upon a buried footing 12. To each post is fastened side wall panels 3 or 1 or 2 or 6. 
     Essentially this is somewhat similar to what is known in Vermont as the pole barn, an inexpensive form a barn construction that dates back into the 1700&#39;s. 
     The big problem with solar energy structures up until the present has been their relatively high cost. But, this invention directly reduces the cost of shelter structures of all sizes and especially of smaller sizes that are to be used by their owners as suitable solar dwellings. 
     Moreover, below latitude 30°, is the summer problem of air conditioning. By using my foam lock U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,260 the air conditioning of my structure are most effective and economic. 
     This monolithic type building basically comprises four walls 1, 2, 3, and 6, a ceiling 16 and a basement floor 19 all held in place by wooden posts #11 and interlocked in the foam lock manner (see patent noted). Below ground these post are treated with creasote against decay. 
     The wooden floor 17 is fastened to the post 4 by spikes or bolts extending through cross numbers 36 and 45, the floor member is merely the customary tongue and groove material. 
     In like manner the ceiling 16 is held up and fastened safely to the under horizontal members of the wooden truss 15. 
     The space between floor 17 and the basement floor 19 is preferably utilized to contain a bank of sand or small pebbles. These are used as solar heat storage and provides the rest of the house with warmth when the sun is not shining. 
     Under certain circumstances the entire post is treated either with creasote or other chemical to slow or stop decay of the wood. The posts 11 can be thus produced in large quantities and all being interchangeable in the general erection (or installation) procedure. 
     Bolts not shown are used as fastening means whereby the ceiling panels 16 are fastened to the overhead truss number 15. Bolts also not shown anchor the under floor members 36 through to posts 11. 
     Lag screws can be used as well as bolts, and either of these can be made of plastic as well as metal.