Abstract:
A self-adjusting trailer skirting system provides an insulated and aesthetic appearance to an elevated structure and includes a series of modular panels, each of which having a bottom section slideably connected within an upper panel. An interior of each panel can be filled with foam insulation. The outer edge of each panel can include a flange such that each panel can be interlocked to adjacent panels. Each panel system can also include an interior spring to keep the panel sections forced apart and against grade. The upper portion is fastened into place while the spring forces the lower portion of the panel against the nearby grade.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to skirting for open structures, and in particular, to a self-adjusting insulated skirting panel system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With the recent hike in energy costs, many are reexamining their home energy usage in an effort to save on the family budget. For many homes, the heating and cooling bill is one (1) of the largest components of the household budget. These same budget worries affect those living in mobile homes. Many people resort to the use of skirting placed around the bottom perimeter of the mobile home in order to eliminate heat loss or heat gain. These skirting systems are often custom applied and may utilize conventional insulation to further the heat insulation properties of the skirting. 
     Unfortunately, mobile homes are often prone to settling over time causing buckling or gaps within the skirting system, which results in an un-aesthetically pleasing appearance. It requires almost constant readjustment and realignment and often results in gaps or damage to the insulation surface. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for trailer skirting that addresses the concerns as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a skirting system that can easily adjusted, is aesthetically pleasing and provides for increased insulation. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to provide a self-adjusting insulated skirting panel and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed skirting panel can include an upper panel having an exterior surface, a laterally spaced apart interior surface, and an interstitial space disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; a lower panel slidably connected to the upper panel, the lower panel having an exterior surface, a laterally spaced apart interior surface, and an interstitial space disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; an upper insulating panel disposed within the upper panel interstitial space extending longitudinally from an upper end to proximate a lower end of the upper panel; and, a lower insulated panel disposed within the lower panel interstitial space extending longitudinally from proximate an upper end to a lower end of the lower panel; wherein the lower panel moves longitudinally relative to the upper panel. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed skirting panel system can include a plurality of interconnecting skirting panels, each skirting panel can include an upper panel having an exterior surface, a laterally spaced apart interior surface, and an interstitial space disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; a lower panel slidably connected to the upper panel, the lower panel having an exterior surface, a laterally spaced apart interior surface, and an interstitial space disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; an upper insulating panel disposed within the upper panel interstitial space extending longitudinally from an upper end to proximate a lower end of the upper panel; a lower insulated panel disposed within the lower panel interstitial space extending longitudinally from proximate an upper end to a lower end of the lower panel; wherein the lower panel and the upper panel move longitudinally relative to one another. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosed self-adjusting insulated skirting panel can be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize after reading the present disclosure. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in any particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a self-adjusting insulated skirting panel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the self-adjusting insulated skirting panel; 
         FIG. 3  is a pictorial diagram of the self-adjusting insulated skirting panel  10  depicted in an installed state upon an elevated structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the self-adjusting insulated skirting panel taken along section line I-I of  FIG. 3 ; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the self-adjusting insulated skirting panel taken along section line II-II of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  self-adjusting insulated skirting panel 
               15  upper panel 
               20  lower panel 
               25  exterior surface 
               30  first travel path arrow 
               35  connection tongue 
               40  connection groove 
               45  interstitial space 
               50  interior surface 
               55  insulating panel 
               60  spring mechanism 
               65  elevated structure 
               70  lower bearing surface 
               75  mounting surface 
               80  surrounding grade 
               85  ground mounting plate 
               90  securing spikes 
               95  “C”-shaped channel 
               100  fasteners 
               105  second travel path arrow 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of the described embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only certain configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     It can be appreciated that, although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated elements, steps or functions without precluding one (1) or more unstated elements, steps or functions. Relative terms such as “front” or “rear” or “left” or “right” or “top” or “bottom” or “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature or region to another element, feature or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It should also be understood that the sizes and relative orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale, and in some instances they have been exaggerated for purposes of explanation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , disclosing a self-adjusting insulated skirting panel (herein generally described as a “panel”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the present disclosure, the panel  10  is intended for use when skirting a lower opening of a mobile structure, such as a mobile home, recreational vehicle or the like. However, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the panel  10  may be used for other purposes, such as elevated decks, permanent homes, crawlspace openings and the like, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the panel  10  can include an upper panel  15  and a lower panel  20 . The overall dimensions of the panel  10  can be approximately twelve inches (12 in.) wide and five feet (5 ft.) tall with the upper panel  15  and the lower panel  20  each being approximately two-and-a-half feet (2½ ft.) tall. It should be noted that the panel  10  is capable of being trimmed to the exact size needed in the field using common tools such as saws, knives, and the like. Additionally, the teachings of the panel  10  can be adapted to panels of other sizes, both larger and smaller, and as such, the aforementioned dimensions should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. It is envisioned that the upper panel  15  and the lower panel  20  can be manufactured of a layered or “sandwich” design with an exterior surface  25  made of a durable material such as polyvinyl chloride. Such a material can withstand extreme environmental elements such as extreme temperatures, wetness, and the rays of the sun. However, other materials such as aluminum, steel, fiberglass and the like, can also be considered, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. 
     The lower panel  20  can be of a slightly smaller width and depth when compared to the upper panel  15 , and as such allows for travel in and out of the upper panel  15  as depicted by a first travel path arrow  30 . Further description of the motion afforded by the first travel path arrow  30  will be provided herein below. Also visible in  FIG. 1  is a connection tongue  35 , which connects to a connection groove  40  (only partially visible in  FIG. 1 ) on adjacent panels to provide for the inherent stability of multiple panels  10  connected in a linear format. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , this figure shows the interlocking and overlapping nature of the upper panel  15  in relation to the lower panel  20 . The overall depth of the panel  10  is approximately one-and-a-half inches (1½ in.) thick. An interstitial space  45  is formed between the exterior surface  25  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and an interior surface  50  (only partially shown in this FIG. due to illustrative limitations) in both the upper panel  15  and the lower panel  20 . The interstitial space  45  can be filled with an insulating panel  55  in both the upper panel  15  and the lower panel  20 . 
     The insulating panel  55  can be made of STYROFOAM™ or similar material to provide thermal insulating properties. The use of the exterior surface  25 , the insulating panel  55 , and then the interior surface  50  can provide the layered or “sandwich” construction as aforementioned described. The lower section of the upper panel  15  as well as the upper section of the lower panel  20  is void of the insulating panel  55 . 
     The void can be filled with a spring mechanism  60 . This spring mechanism  60  can self-adjust from a minimum height of approximately one inch (1 in.) to a maximum of nine inches (9 in.). During initial installation of the panel  10 , the spring mechanism  60  can be placed at approximately four inches (4 in.) of compression. Thus as expansion, contraction, settling, upheaval, and other forces happen over time, the panel  10  will maintain a constant aesthetically pleasing appearance due to the self-adjusting nature of the spring mechanism  60  and can accommodate movement depicted by the first travel path arrow  30  ( FIG. 1 ) of up to approximately four inches (+/−4 in.). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , multiple panels  10  can be installed in an interlocking manner between a lower bearing surface  70  and a mounting surface  75  as provided on the elevated structure  65 . The field customizable nature of the panel  10  allows for easy adaptation of the exterior height and width dimensions as necessary to fit any and all specific installation. Varying heights of surrounding grade  80  can be easily accommodated during initial installation of the panel  10  and allows for self-regulation as well as when the surrounding grade  80  moves up or down in relation to the elevated structure  65 . It is envisioned that the panel  10  can be installed during initial construction or placement of the elevated structure  65  or can take place years later during remodeling or refurbishment projects. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 4 , a sectional view of the panel  10  as shown along a line I-I of  FIG. 3 . This view depicts the construction of the lower bearing surface  70 . A ground mounting plate  85  is placed into the surrounding grade  80  in flush or nearly flush position. It is envisioned that the ground mounting plate  85  can be made of pressure treated lumber or similar material that can withstand wetness, rot, insects and other hazards present in such an environment. The ground mounting plate  85  can be held in place by securing spikes  90  which are driven through the ground mounting plate  85  and into the surrounding grade  80  in a standard sequence spacing arrangement. 
     A “C”-shaped channel  95  having integrated drain holes can be mounted to the ground mounting plate  85  in an inverted basis. It can be secured in place using fasteners  100 , such as nails or screws. The mounting feature afforded by the lower bearing surface  70  allows for the insertion of the lower panel  20  where it is maintained in place due the spring nature of the spring mechanism  60  ( FIG. 2 ). A similar mounting arrangement can be provided on the mounting surface  75  ( FIG. 3 ) or can be directly fastened to the mounting surface  75  ( FIG. 3 ) to suit specific installation requirements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a sectional view of the panel  10  as shown along a line II-II of  FIG. 3 . This figure shows the junction between two (2) adjacent panels  10 . One (1) edge of one (1) panel  10  can include a connection tongue  35  while the opposite side of another panel  10  can include the connection groove  40 . The connection tongue  35  and the connection groove  40  can be placed in contact with one another and remain so by a physical friction fit method. Minor movement, as depicted by a second travel path arrow  105 , allows for minor movement of the multiple panels  10  to account for thermal expansion, settling, measurement error and the like. In any event, the union formed by the connection tongue  35  and the connection groove  40  can eliminate pass through gaps between adjacent panel  10  thus ensuring aesthetic visual appeal as well as a junction which will enhance the thermal capabilities of the panel  10  as well as prohibit animals from passing through. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present panel  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The present panel can be installed and utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the panel  10 , it can be installed as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
     Installation of the panel  10  can begin by placement of the ground mounting plate  85  in a vertically plumb position beneath the mounting surface  75  of an elevated structure  65 . It can then be fastened into place by periodic placement and driving of securing spikes  90  into the surrounding grade  80 . Next, the “C”-shaped channel  95  can be placed along the centerline of the ground mounting plate  85  and secured with the fasteners  100  as necessary. A similar installation in an inverted manner can occur on the mounting surface  75 , if required. The installer can then measure the distance between the “C”-shaped channel  95  and the respective upper mounting surface as provided by the mounting surface  75 . This distance can then be used to cut the panel  10  to the necessary size. However, the panel  10  would then be first compressed approximately four (4) inches and half of the measured distance would be cut from the distal end of the upper panel  15  and the other half would be cut from the distal end of the lower panel  20 . This equal cutting arrangement would maintain a matching centerline junction of the panel  10  resulting in increased visual appeal. At this point in time, the panel  10  is ready to be placed into final position. 
     The user can then compress the upper panel  15  and the lower panel  20  together and place them within the “C”-shaped channel  95 , as required. Upon release, the panel  10  will expand as necessary to fill the void. This same process is repeated with the adjacent panel  10 , with the added step of sliding the newly placed panel  10  up against the previously placed panel  10  and engaging the connection tongue  35  and connection groove  40  as shown in  FIG. 5 . This process then continues in a cyclical manner until the entire area under the elevated structure  65  is enclosed and protected. Such placement provides increase visual appeal, physical protection against animals, and an increased thermal barrier for the elevated structure  65  resulting in lower heating and cooling costs. 
     The foregoing embodiments of the disclosed self-adjusting insulated skirting panel have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles, configurations, and modifications of the invention can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure upon reading the specification and that the embodiments of the assembly shown and described are for the purposes of clarity and disclosure and to limit the scope. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.