Patent Publication Number: US-2011072750-A1

Title: Insulation system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a novel and unique insulation system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for insulating fabric or non-fabric structures, and a methods of constructing and using same. 
     The prior, but not necessarily relevant, art is exemplified by: 
     Kuhl et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,791; 
     Fligg U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,651; and 
     Burdic U.S. Patent Application Publication US2004/0003563. 
     Frequently, it is necessary to insulate or further insulate a steel framed structure that is covered on the outside with a flexible fabric stretched over the framework and tensioned. The initially-installed insulation lays at the top side of the lower chord in most cases. When wind moves across the building, it creates a bellowing action that can move or shift the insulation system, and possibly displace or dislodge the individual battings if they are not fixed in place. 
     The present invention solves this problem in an economical fashion. 
     It is a desideratum of the present invention to avoid the animadversions of the prior art and conventional roofing insulation techniques, and to provide a novel and unique easy-to-use insulation system which can be used for all types of building structures, including fabric structures. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a system for insulating a roof structure, comprising, in combination: a plurality of purlins forming part of said roof structure; a plurality of steel bands affixed to said purlins forming a strap platform; each said steel bands having a plurality of holes therein; one or more battings disposed on said strap platform formed by said plurality of steel bands; a plurality of first stick-pins and mating first locking washers for securing said batting to said steel bands of said strap platform; and each said first stick-pin passing through an associated one of said holes in said steel bands, and through said batting, and secured thereto by an associated one of said first locking washers. 
     The present invention also provides a method of insulating a roof structure, comprising, the steps of: stretching a plurality of steel bands adjacent purlins of said roof structure to form a strap platform; securing said steel bands to said purlins; forming a plurality of holes in each of said steel bands; placing one or more battings on said strap platform formed by said plurality of steel bands; passing a first stick-pin through an associated one of said holes and through said batting; and placing a first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said batting to said steel band. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method wherein tensioned steel bands are installed with screws to the purlins of a roof framework to form a strap platform. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein battings are attached to the bands by punching holes in the band, and using stick-pins with locking washers. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein, when the locking washers are set, the battings will compress locally and be held in compressed condition. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein, after placing the locking washer on an associated stick-pin to secure the batting to the steel band, the stick pin is bent over to hold the locking washer in position. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein coiled insulation fastening bands may also be used on the purlins as well as in the wall areas. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein there can also be installed on top of the batting a plastic sheet for vapor protection, and optionally a plastic sheet below for a finished ceiling. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type wherein the bands can run in any direction through the building, with attachments to whatever member is convenient with the insulation attached to them. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an insulation system and method of the above-described type including a support system for securing insulation into various types of building structures, including designs of the fabric structure type, where conventional insulation methods do not work. 
     Other objects, advantages, features and modifications of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent specification with its accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side elevational view, partly in section, of a steel band contiguous with a purlin in accordance with first preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows the  FIG. 1  embodiment with a screw type fastener securing the band to the purlin. 
         FIG. 3  shows the  FIG. 2  embodiment with two battings positioned thereon. 
         FIG. 4  shows the  FIG. 3  embodiment with stick-pins and locking washers securing the battings in place. 
         FIG. 5  shows the  FIG. 4  embodiment with a plastic vapor protection sheet positioned on the battings. 
         FIG. 6  shows the  FIG. 5  embodiment with stick-pins and locking washers securing the plastic sheet in place. 
         FIG. 7  shows the  FIG. 6  embodiment in relation to upper and lower purlins. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , there is shown the sequence of installing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows a side elevational view, partly in section, of a steel band  10  contiguous with a purlin  11  in accordance with first preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows the  FIG. 1  embodiment with a screw type fastener  12  securing the band  10  to the purlin  11 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the  FIG. 2  embodiment with two battings  13  and  14  positioned thereon. 
       FIG. 4  shows the  FIG. 3  embodiment with first stick-pins  15  and  16  and locking washers  17  and  18 , respectively, securing the battings  13  and  14  in place. 
       FIG. 5  shows the  FIG. 4  embodiment with a plastic vapor protection sheet  19  positioned on the battings  13  and  14 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the  FIG. 5  embodiment with second stick-pins  20  and  21  and second locking washers  22  and  23 , respectively. securing the plastic sheet  19  in place. 
       FIG. 7  shows the  FIG. 6  embodiment in relation to the lower purlin  11  and an upper purlin  24 . 
     The bands  10  are tensioned tightly, and are screwed at every rafter. 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, 1″ steel bands  10  are installed with screws  12  to the purlins  11  of the framework to form a strap platform. As many steel bands  10  are used as is necessary to support the size of the battings  13  and  14 , which may, for example, be 4″″ to 9″ thick. 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, the bands  10  may be spaced apart between 24″ to 40″, but approximately 36″ is preferred, to form a strap or steel band platform. The battings  13  and  14  are attached to the bands  10  by punching holes in the band  10 , and using stick-pins  15  and  16  with locking washers  17  and  18 , respectively. 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, when the locking washers are set, the battings  13  and  14  will compress and be held in compressed condition. 
     After placing the first locking washer on an associated first stick-pin to secure said batting to said steel band, the first stick pin is bent over to help hold the locking washer in position. 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, coiled insulation fastening bands may also be used on the purlins as well as in the wall areas. 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, to the above-described strap platform with battings, there can also be installed the plastic sheet  19  for vapor protection, and optionally a plastic sheet below for a finished ceiling. 
     The bands  10  can run in any direction through the building, with attachments to what ever member is convenient with the insulation attached to them. 
     The present invention thus provides a support system for securing insulation into various types of building structures, including designs of the fabric structure type, where conventional insulation methods do not work. 
     While the foregoing describes only exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention covers all variations, modifications and changes thereof which will occur to those persons skilled in the art and to other persons after having been exposed to the present patent application.