Patent ID: 7849644

Claim:
A system for closing and insulating an access opening to a first space, said system comprising: a generally vertical access opening, said access opening being within a wall that separates said first space from another space within a building and contacting a floor of said building; an existing structural frame within said wall, such that the combination of said structural frame and said floor circumscribes said access opening; a door placed within said existing structural frame for closing, but not sealing, said access opening; a closure for closing and sealing said access opening, said closure comprising: a protruding body portion, said protruding body portion being sized and shaped to fit within said existing structural frame to create a first seal between said protruding body portion and said existing structural frame when said protruding body portion is directed into said access opening; a flange portion integral to and extending laterally from said protruding body portion, said flange portion: having a perimeter the area inside of which is greater than the area of said access opening; having a continuous surface within said area; and being sized and shaped to directly contact a second surface about said existing structural frame to create a second seal between said flange portion and said existing structural frame; and a handle, said handle projecting from said protruding body portion at a side opposite said flange portion; wherein when said closure closes said generally vertical access opening, the combination of said first seal and said second seal substantially inhibits air from passing between said first space and said other space; and wherein said closure and said door can simultaneously close said access opening.