AU2010202733A1

AU2010202733A1 - Device and method for retaining insulation

Info

Publication number: AU2010202733A1
Application number: AU2010202733A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tarek Alfakhrany; Derek Munn
Original assignee: CSR Building Products Ltd
Current assignee: CSR Building Products Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-30
Filing date: 2010-06-29
Publication date: 2011-01-20
Also published as: NZ586538A

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): CSR Building Products Limited Invention Title: INSULATION RETENTION DEVICE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RETAINING INSULATION TECNHICAL FIELD An insulation retaining device and a method of retaining insulation is disclosed. 5 BACKGROUND Insulation can be used in a number of areas of a building or structure, such as in the roof, walls and floors. Regions, such as the sub-floor of a structure, often require a device such as a saddle to be placed over a floor joist to hold the insulation in place. A 10 problem associated with such a saddle is that it needs to be placed over and on top of the floor joist prior to the flooring being installed. An alternative to a saddle, which allows insulation to be retro-fitted, is to secure the insulation to joists using fasteners, such as nails or screws. A problem with this is that the insulation becomes compressed around these fixture points, which can damage 15 and negate the benefits of the insulation. A further alternative for retro-fitting insulation, for example under a floor, is to use a pre-formed right-angled bracket. A problem associated with using such a bracket is that for the one job many different sized brackets may be required to complete the installation of the insulation. It may also be possible that none of the brackets are 20 correctly sized to hold the insulation in place. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 29106/10 - 3 SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE According to a first aspect, there is provided an insulation retaining device comprising an elongate body having opposite ends and incorporating a fixing region arranged to cooperate with at least one fixing element to secure the device to a support 5 member, and at least one region that is deformable under manual pressure so as to allow repositioning of at least one end of the body relative to said fixing region; wherein, in use of the device, the at least one end of the body is able to be positioned against the insulation so as to retain the insulation in position. Such a device may be used in a number of insulating regions of a building or 10 structure, with specific applications in regions where insulation may otherwise fall out due to gravity. Such regions include, but are not limited to: sub-floor arrangements; attics; roofs; and around skylights, etc. Once the retaining device is secured to the support member, the retaining device can be easily deformed to reposition at least one of the ends of the retaining device against the insulation, thereby retaining the insulation 15 in position between support members. In initial use, the end of the body can simply rest against the insulation with minimal (if any) deformation of the insulation, thereby holding it in place. Thus, the device provides a very simple-to-use and easy-to-deploy means for retaining insulation in a variety of situations. In one embodiment, the fixing region may include one or more apertures 20 arranged to receive one or more mechanical fasteners. The location of the one or more apertures can be varied to allow the retaining device to be secured to the support member at different points along its length. This allows the retaining device to accommodate both support members of various sizes, as well as insulation of differing thicknesses. 23250971 (GHMatters) 29i06/10 In one embodiment, the fixing region may be disposed intermediate the ends of the body. In one embodiment, the at least one region that is deformable under manual pressure allows repositioning of both ends of the body relative to said fixing region. When the retaining device is fixed intermediate of its ends, the retaining device may be 5 used to retain more than one piece of insulation. The retaining device may span the support, and each end of the retaining device can be repositioned to retain a respective segment of insulation. In one embodiment, the body may be formed as an elongate strip. In one embodiment, the body may be formed from metal strip. Having a small, thin metal strip 10 also makes the retaining device relatively easy to handle. It can also be lightweight to assist with the ease of handling. In one embodiment, the region that is deformable under manual pressure extends at least substantially along the length of the body. This allows the retaining device to be deformed at any point along its length, enabling a single retaining device to is be used in a variety of ways. For example, insulation comes in a variety of thicknesses, and the retaining device may need to be deformed to further degrees to engage insulation that is thinner. Support members are also available in various depths and widths which may also affect the position at which the retaining device may need to be deformed. 20 In one embodiment, the insulation is arranged to be located against an overlaying surface supported by one or more support members, wherein the retaining device is arranged to be secured to a respective one of the support members and the at least one end is arranged to be repositioned, under manual pressure, against the insulation so as to assist in retaining the insulation relative to the overlaying surface. 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 - 5 According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of retaining insulation relative to an overlaying structure supported by one or more support members, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing an insulation retaining device comprising an elongate body s having opposite ends and at least one region that is deformable under manual pressure so as to allow repositioning of at least one end of the body; b. positioning the insulation against the overlying structure; c. securing the insulation retaining device to a respective one of the support members; and 10 d. repositioning the at least one end of the retaining device against the insulation so as to assist in retaining the insulation relative to the overlying structure. Steps b - d may be performed in any order. For example, it is possible to fix the retaining device to one of the support members first, and then position the insulation 15 against the overlying structure prior to repositioning at least one end of the retaining device. It may also be possible to deform the retaining device prior to fixing it to a support member, etc. Furthermore, when one fixing point is used to attach the retaining device it may be rotated so that it is then in line with the support member. This thereby provides a 20 clear unobstructed space between the support members for the subsequent insertion of the insulation segments. The retaining device may then be rotated so that it extends substantially perpendicularly from the support member and is subsequently deformed, as required, to retain the insulation. 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 29106/10 - 6 Whilst the retaining device is arranged to be manually deformed, it is not limited in this way. It may also be possible to use an implement or tool, such as a hammer, to deform the retaining device into its position against the insulation. In one embodiment of the method, the insulation is able to be positioned 5 between two support members, whereby the method may comprise the further steps of: e. providing a plurality of said insulation retaining devices; and f repeating steps (c) and (d) so that the insulation retaining devices are secured to respective ones of the two support members and engage with the insulation at opposite sides thereof so as to retain the insulation relative to the 10 overlaying structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other embodiments which may incorporate some or all of the features as outlined in the Summary, a preferred embodiment will now be described, 15 by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an insulation retaining device, at least in part, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the insulation retaining device in-use, in a sub-floor scenario; 20 Figures 3a to 3d show the insulation retaining device in-use, in line with a support member; slightly rotated; rotated to a perpendicular position with respect to the support member; and of the device being deformed into a retaining position to hold the insulation in place, respectively; and Figures 4a and 4b show an insulation retaining device being used to hold 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 -7 insulation of various thicknesses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Referring to the Figures, there is shown an embodiment of an insulation 5 retaining device in the form of a strap 10. The strap 10 has an elongate body 12 with opposite ends 14 and 16. The strap 10 also has an aperture 18 for receiving a screw, pin, nail, fastener or the like (not shown) for securing to, for example, a support member such as a joist 20. The strap may be made of a deformable metal, such as aluminium, thin steel, copper, brass, lead etc. Alternatively, the strap may be made of a 10 plastic. In other embodiments, the strap 10 may be secured using other means, such as an adhesive or an inter-fitting projection integral in the body of the strap. It should also be noted that while Figures 1 and 2 show the strap 10 with a central fixing region 22, the fixing region need not be centrally located. 15 Figure 2 shows a strap 10 in use in a sub-floor arrangement. The strap 10 is secured to joist 20, thereby retaining insulation 24 between the joist 20 and bearers 26. As the strap is quite small and lightweight, it is easy to install. If the strap 10 is being installed prior to the insulation 24, it is easy for a user to hold one end of the ends while securing it to the joist 20. Once the strap 10 is secured, the insulation 24 can be put in 20 place, and the end or ends 14, 16 of the strap 10 can then be pushed towards the insulation so that it engages and retains the insulation in place. In this regard, and as shown in Figure 2, end or ends 14 and/or 16 are pushed so that they simply rest against the insulation 24 with minimal (if any) deformation of the insulation, thereby holding the insulation in place. There is little or no compression of the insulation as each strap 23250971 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 -8 is deformed only when required, and is therefore only deformed the amount required to retain the insulation. The strap thus provides a very simple-to-use and easy-to-deploy means for retaining insulation in a variety of situations. It should noted that it is also possible to deform the strap 10 prior to securing it s to the joist 20, and it is also possible to hold the insulation 24 in place between the joists prior to securing the strap to the joist. It can also be seen in Figure 2 that a single strap 10 can be used to retain two segments of insulation. This can minimise the number of straps that need to be used to complete the installation of insulation. 10 Referring now to Figures 3a to 3d, the strap 10 is shown with a single aperture 18, in the central fixing region 22. The strap is secured, via the aperture, to joist 20. This may be done when the strap is in line (parallel) with the joist, as shown in Figure 3a, or when the strap is perpendicular to the joist, as shown in Figure 3c. If the strap is secured perpendicularly to the joist, when a single fixing point is used, it may then be 15 rotated, as shown in Figure 3b, to become in line (parallel) with the joist, as shown in Figure 3a. As described above, the insulation may already be inserted between the joists and/or bearers when the strap is secured to the joist, or it may be inserted after the strap has been secured. Where insulation is being inserted after the strap 10 has been secured, it is 20 preferable to use a single fixing point so that the strap can be rotated to be in line with the joist, thus providing a clear, unobstructed space between the joists to facilitate and simplify insertion of the insulation segments, as shown in Figure 3a. The strap may then be rotated, as shown in Figure 3b, back so that it extends substantially perpendicularly from the joist, as shown in Figure 3c, and may be subsequently 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 - 9 deformed so that the ends 14 and 16 are positioned against the insulation to hold the insulation in place, as shown in Figure 3d. As the strap 10 has at least one region which is deformable, the strap 10 can also be deformed so as to engage and retain insulation 24 of various thicknesses 24a and s 24b, such as those shown in Figures 4a and 4b. It thus allows accurate positioning of the strap 10 against the insulation 24a or 24b, whilst not unduly compressing the insulation. It specifically allows the strap 10 to be deformed to varying degrees and, as shown in Figure 4a, accommodate thinner insulation segments 24a by deforming the strap further (i.e. to form a smaller angle 'A' with joist 20) than, for example, thicker 1o insulation segments 24b (i.e. to form a larger angle 'B' with joist 20), as shown in Figure 4b. It also allows for securing the strap to joists, bearers or other supporting members, of different sizes. Again, the strap thus provides a very simple-to-use and easy-to-deploy means for retaining insulation. The strap 10 is ideally suited to retaining insulation which is relatively 15 self-supporting, in that the insulation has limited sagging from fixing point to fixing point. Insulation with low stiffness, and significant sagging between fixing points, could also be used, but additional supporting means would be required, in conjunction with the strap. An advantage of the strap described above is that one strap can be used to hold 20 insulation of various thicknesses, be secured to joists of various depths and widths, and provide support for more than one segment of insulation. As the end/s of the strap, in initial use, simply rest against the insulation, there is minimal (if any) deformation of the insulation when it is held in place. A further advantage of the strap described above is that it is ergonomic and lightweight, making it easy to handle and install both retro 23250971 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 - 10 fitting and pre-installing. Again, the strap thus provides a very simple-to-use and easy to-deploy means for retaining insulation. The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present insulation retaining device. 5 While the device has been described with respect to particular illustrated embodiments, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as 10 illustrative and not restrictive. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence 15 or addition of further features in various embodiments. 2325097_1 (GHMatters) 291)6/10

Claims

1. An insulation retaining device comprising an elongate body having opposite ends and incorporating a fixing region arranged to cooperate with at least one fixing element to secure the device to a support member, and at least one region that is 5 deformable under manual pressure so as to allow repositioning of at least one end of the body relative to said fixing region; wherein, in use of the device, the at least one end of the body is able to be positioned against the insulation so as to retain the insulation in position. 10

2. An insulation retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing region includes one or more apertures arranged to receive one or more mechanical fasteners.

3. An insulation retaining device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing region is disposed intermediate the ends of the body. 15

4. An insulation retaining device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one region that is deformable under manual pressure allows repositioning of both ends of the body relative to said fixing region. 20

5. An insulation retaining device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body is formed as an elongate strip.

6. An insulation retaining device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the body is formed from metal strip. 23250971 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 - 12

7. An insulation retaining device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the region that is deformable under manual pressure extends at least substantially along the length of the body. 5

8. An insulation retaining device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation is arranged to be located against an overlaying surface supported by one or more support members, wherein the retaining device is arranged to be secured to a respective one of the support members and the at least one end is arranged to be 10 repositioned, under manual pressure, against the insulation so as to assist in retaining the insulation relative to the overlaying surface.

9. A method of retaining insulation relative to an overlaying structure supported by one or more support members, the method comprising the steps of: 1s a. providing an insulation retaining device comprising an elongate body having opposite ends and at least one region that is deformable under manual pressure so as to allow repositioning of at least one end of the body; b. positioning the insulation against the overlying structure; c. securing the insulation retaining device to a respective one of the support 20 members; and d. repositioning the at least one end of the retaining device against the insulation so as to assist in retaining the insulation relative to the overlying structure. 23250971 (GHMatters) 29/06/10 - 13

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insulation is positioned between two support members and the method comprises the steps of: e. providing a plurality of said insulation retaining devices; and f. repeating steps (c) and (d) so that the insulation retaining devices are s secured to respective ones of the two support members and engage with the insulation at opposite sides thereof so as to retain the insulation relative to the overlaying structure. 23250971 (GHMatters) 29106/10