CA2933257C - Insulated attic hatch - Google Patents
Insulated attic hatch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2933257C CA2933257C CA2933257A CA2933257A CA2933257C CA 2933257 C CA2933257 C CA 2933257C CA 2933257 A CA2933257 A CA 2933257A CA 2933257 A CA2933257 A CA 2933257A CA 2933257 C CA2933257 C CA 2933257C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- insulation
- outer frame
- frame
- central panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B5/00—Doors, windows, or like closures for special purposes; Border constructions therefor
- E06B5/01—Trap-doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G21/00—Preparing, conveying, or working-up building materials or building elements in situ; Other devices or measures for constructional work
- E04G21/14—Conveying or assembling building elements
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
An attic access assembly includes an outer frame which attaches to a ceiling around an attic opening. A central insulated panel fits within and seals the outer frame and includes an insulation pocket defined by a flexible barrier extending upward from the central insulated panel.
Description
INSULATED ATTIC HATCH
.. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a sealed and insulated attic access door.
Background
.. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a sealed and insulated attic access door.
Background
[0002] Building codes typically require attic access that meets certain size, sealing and thermal resistance requirements. Typical attic access doors are poorly insulated and sealed.
There is a need in the art for better or alternative solutions.
Summary Of The Invention
There is a need in the art for better or alternative solutions.
Summary Of The Invention
[0003] In one aspect, the invention may comprise an attic access assembly comprising an outer frame adapted to sealingly attach to a ceiling and a central insulated panel adapted to fit within the outer frame and comprising an insulation pocket defined by a flexible barrier extending upward from the central insulated panel.
[0004] In another aspect, the invention may comprise an insulated panel for use in an attic access assembly, the panel comprising an insulation pocket defined by a flexible barrier extending upward from the insulated panel. In one embodiment, the flexible barrier comprises a plastic sheeting, such as polyethylene sheeting. The flexible barrier is preferably impermeable to air and/or water vapour.
[0005] In another aspect, the invention may comprise a method of finishing an attic opening, comprising the steps of:
(a) installing an outer frame adjacent an interior finish and a ceiling joist;
(b) installing an insulated panel comprising weatherstripping to engage within the outer frame and an insulation pocket defined by a flexible barrier extending upward from the insulated panel; and (c) filling the insulation pocket with an insulating material.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00061 The following drawings form part of the specification and are included to further demonstrate certain embodiments or various aspects of the invention. In some instances, embodiments of the invention can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in combination with the detailed description presented herein. The description and accompanying drawings may highlight a certain specific example, or a certain aspect of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that portions of the example or aspect may be used in combination with other examples or aspects of the invention.
[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention assembled and installed in a ceiling.
Detailed Description 100081 The invention relates to an attic access assembly, one embodiment of which is shown in Figure 1.
[0009] Conventional wood frame construction comprises roof trusses having joists (J) which run longitudinally between vertical walls to form the ceiling. Drywall (D) or other interior finishes are attached to the underside of the roof joists (J).
[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly (10) comprises an outer frame (12) which is installed to frame the attic opening. The frame may comprise an extruded plastic or metal piece having a profile which allows insertion of the frame between the interior finish (D) and a roof joist (J). An upper portion (14) of the profile may abut the joist (J) and form a groove which is adapted to retain an insulation dam (20) vertically. The insulation dam is conventionally a thin sheet of plywood or OSB, and functions to retain insulating material which is placed between and over top of the joists away from the attic opening, as is well known in the art. A lower portion of the profile, or a separate extruded piece (16) which interlocks with the main extrusion (12), may comprise a retaining shoulder (18). Preferably a perimeter weatherstripping seal (22) sits on the shoulder (18), facing upwards.
[0011] A central panel (30), which is preferably a rigid insulated panel, is framed with a panel frame (32) which is adapted to install within the outer frame (12) and rest on the shoulder (18) against the perimeter seal (22). Weatherstripping (34) which may comprise conventional plastic or elastomer trim is installed around the panel frame (32) to seal the outside of the panel frame against the inside of the outer frame (12).
[0012] The central panel features an upwardly extending insulation pocket, formed by a flexible barrier (40), which is preferably formed from plastic sheeting used as a vapour barrier in residential construction. 6 mil polyethylene sheeting is particularly suitable. The flexible barrier may be attached to the central panel or panel frame in any suitable manner. It is convenient to insert one end of the barrier between the panel (30) and the panel frame (32) [0013] The flexible insulation pocket may be filled with an insulating material, such as fiberglass batt insulation. The insulation pocket is sized such that the barrier (40), when filled with insulation, will abut against the insulation dam around the entire perimeter of the pocket, thereby creating an effective insulating barrier.
[0014] In one embodiment, the insulated panel (30) comprises steel or fiberglass door material which comprises rigid panels sandwiching an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene foam, as described in US Patent No. 7089704. Such material typically has an insulating value of about R12. A fiberglass batt having insulation value of about R60 (approximately 12" or 30 cm thick) can be placed in the insulating pocket, giving the attic access assembly a combined R72 rating. As well, the perimeter of the opening is well sealed with the weatherstripping.
Definitions and Interpretation [0015] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-11 various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0016] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or = characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.
[0017] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably,"
"preferred," "prefer,"
"optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.
[0018] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase "one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.
[0019] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.
[0020] The term "about" can refer to a variation of k 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range.
Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.
(a) installing an outer frame adjacent an interior finish and a ceiling joist;
(b) installing an insulated panel comprising weatherstripping to engage within the outer frame and an insulation pocket defined by a flexible barrier extending upward from the insulated panel; and (c) filling the insulation pocket with an insulating material.
Brief Description of the Drawings [00061 The following drawings form part of the specification and are included to further demonstrate certain embodiments or various aspects of the invention. In some instances, embodiments of the invention can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in combination with the detailed description presented herein. The description and accompanying drawings may highlight a certain specific example, or a certain aspect of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that portions of the example or aspect may be used in combination with other examples or aspects of the invention.
[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention assembled and installed in a ceiling.
Detailed Description 100081 The invention relates to an attic access assembly, one embodiment of which is shown in Figure 1.
[0009] Conventional wood frame construction comprises roof trusses having joists (J) which run longitudinally between vertical walls to form the ceiling. Drywall (D) or other interior finishes are attached to the underside of the roof joists (J).
[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly (10) comprises an outer frame (12) which is installed to frame the attic opening. The frame may comprise an extruded plastic or metal piece having a profile which allows insertion of the frame between the interior finish (D) and a roof joist (J). An upper portion (14) of the profile may abut the joist (J) and form a groove which is adapted to retain an insulation dam (20) vertically. The insulation dam is conventionally a thin sheet of plywood or OSB, and functions to retain insulating material which is placed between and over top of the joists away from the attic opening, as is well known in the art. A lower portion of the profile, or a separate extruded piece (16) which interlocks with the main extrusion (12), may comprise a retaining shoulder (18). Preferably a perimeter weatherstripping seal (22) sits on the shoulder (18), facing upwards.
[0011] A central panel (30), which is preferably a rigid insulated panel, is framed with a panel frame (32) which is adapted to install within the outer frame (12) and rest on the shoulder (18) against the perimeter seal (22). Weatherstripping (34) which may comprise conventional plastic or elastomer trim is installed around the panel frame (32) to seal the outside of the panel frame against the inside of the outer frame (12).
[0012] The central panel features an upwardly extending insulation pocket, formed by a flexible barrier (40), which is preferably formed from plastic sheeting used as a vapour barrier in residential construction. 6 mil polyethylene sheeting is particularly suitable. The flexible barrier may be attached to the central panel or panel frame in any suitable manner. It is convenient to insert one end of the barrier between the panel (30) and the panel frame (32) [0013] The flexible insulation pocket may be filled with an insulating material, such as fiberglass batt insulation. The insulation pocket is sized such that the barrier (40), when filled with insulation, will abut against the insulation dam around the entire perimeter of the pocket, thereby creating an effective insulating barrier.
[0014] In one embodiment, the insulated panel (30) comprises steel or fiberglass door material which comprises rigid panels sandwiching an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene foam, as described in US Patent No. 7089704. Such material typically has an insulating value of about R12. A fiberglass batt having insulation value of about R60 (approximately 12" or 30 cm thick) can be placed in the insulating pocket, giving the attic access assembly a combined R72 rating. As well, the perimeter of the opening is well sealed with the weatherstripping.
Definitions and Interpretation [0015] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for Date Recue/Date Received 2022-08-11 various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0016] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or = characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility between the two, or it is specifically excluded.
[0017] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably,"
"preferred," "prefer,"
"optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.
[0018] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase "one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.
[0019] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.
[0020] The term "about" can refer to a variation of k 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range.
Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.
6
Claims (18)
1. An attic access assembly comprising:
an outer frame adapted to attach to a ceiling and frame an attic opening; and a panel subassembly comprising:
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
an outer frame adapted to attach to a ceiling and frame an attic opening; and a panel subassembly comprising:
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer frame defines a groove adapted to receive an insulation dam around a perimeter of the insulation pocket, and wherein the insulation pocket is sized such that the flexible barrier abuts against the insulation dam when the insulation pocket is filled with insulation.
3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the central panel comprises an insulating foam material.
4. The assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plastic sheeting comprises polyethylene sheeting.
5. The assembly of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising at least one weather stripping seal for sealing at least part of the panel subassembly to the outer frame.
6. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the panel subassembly further comprises: a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame; and at least one weatherstripping seal that seals the panel frame to the outer frame.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one weatherstripping seal is retained in a groove formed in the panel frame.
8. A panel subassembly for use in an attic access assembly comprising an outer frame framing an attic opening, the panel subassembly comprising:
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
9. The subassembly of claim 8, wherein the central panel comprises an insulating foam material.
10. The subassembly of claim 8 or 9, further comprising at least one weatherstripping seal for sealing at least part of the panel subassembly to the outer frame.
11. The subassembly of any one of claims 8-10, further comprising a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, and at least one weatherstripping seal for sealing the panel frame to the outer frame.
12. The subassembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one weatherstripping seal is retained in a groove formed in the panel frame.
13. The subassembly of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the plastic sheeting comprises polyethylene sheeting.
14. A method of finishing an attic opening, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching an outer frame to a ceiling to frame the attic opening; and (b) installing a panel subassembly comprising:
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
(a) attaching an outer frame to a ceiling to frame the attic opening; and (b) installing a panel subassembly comprising:
a central panel adapted to fit within the outer frame;
a flexible barrier defining an insulation pocket extending upwardly from the central panel, wherein the insulation pocket has a top opening having a horizontal width at least coextensive with a horizontal width of the central panel, and wherein the flexible barrier comprises plastic sheeting; and a panel frame framing the central panel and adapted to fit within the outer frame, wherein an end of the flexible barrier is inserted between the panel frame and the central panel, whereby the flexible barrier is attached to the central panel.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the panel subassembly further comprises at least one weatherstripping seal that seals the panel subassembly to the outer frame.
16. The method of claim 14 or 15, further comprising the step of filling the insulation pocket with an insulating material.
17. The subassembly of any one of claims 8-13, wherein the outer frame defines a groove adapted to receive an insulation dam around a perimeter of the insulation pocket, and wherein the insulation pocket is sized such that the flexible barrier abuts against the insulation dam when the insulation pocket is filled with insulation.
18. The method of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the outer frame defines a groove adapted to receive an insulation dam around a perimeter of the insulation pocket, and wherein the insulation pocket is sized such that the flexible barrier abuts against the insulation dam when the insulation pocket is filled with insulation.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2933257A CA2933257C (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2016-06-16 | Insulated attic hatch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2933257A CA2933257C (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2016-06-16 | Insulated attic hatch |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2933257A1 CA2933257A1 (en) | 2017-12-16 |
| CA2933257C true CA2933257C (en) | 2023-08-15 |
Family
ID=60655908
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2933257A Active CA2933257C (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2016-06-16 | Insulated attic hatch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2933257C (en) |
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2016
- 2016-06-16 CA CA2933257A patent/CA2933257C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2933257A1 (en) | 2017-12-16 |
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