Insulated fabric pocket panels

Abstract

Insulated Fabric Pocket Panels were designed to provide safe, economical, portable energy saving insulation for the interior living spaces of un-insulated or under insulated structures. The embodiments inserted into the fabric pocket panel include the following but not limited to either one layer of double bubble reflective foil insulation (15), an insulation bundle (25) or foil radiant barrier (28) inserted inside the pocket. The insulated fabric pocket panels insulate against heat and cold transfer through perimeter interior surfaces from outside weather. Heat and cold are reflected out of the interior of the structure to the outside environment. The reflective foil on the interior side of the panel reflects heated furnace air or cooled air conditioning air away from interior surfaces back into the interior or center of the rooms. Furnaces or air conditioners do have to heat or cool the interior finished wall surfaces. Only the air is heated or cooled. This process uses less energy, saves money, and protects the environment. Due to climate change, rising oil prices, stagnated wages and an increase in low-wage earners, environmental experts have said that within the next ten to fifteen years 30% of all Americans will not be able to heat or cool their residences. No American family should have to choose between heating or cooling their residence and buying food or medication(s). These panels are essential to middle class families, the elderly and disabled on fixed incomes, and poverty stricken families because they reduce energy use, save money and help protect the environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/942,968, filed Jun. 8, 2007

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to an energy saving interior insulation system, specifically to insulated fabric pocket panels.

2. Prior Art

Buildings and vehicles (hereinafter structures) have either limited insulation in perimeter walls or none at all. Traditional forms of insulation include: fiberglass batt insulation, cellulose, Styrofoam, rock wool, and spray in foam insulation. The insulation is inserted into the stud cavities of the walls. It is expensive to retrofit insulation into the wall cavities in existing structures. Tenants or leaseholders do not have these two traditional insulation options available to them if the landlord does not utilize them. These traditional insulation options are expensive due to laws requiring installation by insulation contractors. Contractors charge high fees and price owners, leaseholders and tenants (hereinafter dwellers) out of the market.

Dwellers are forced to live in structures that are cold in the winter and hot in the summer. They also suffer high utility costs.

Insulated fabric pocket panels are unique in that they are inexpensive and portable as compared to traditional forms of insulation. The user can remove the panels and hanging hardware and transport them to a new location. The insulation embodiments of my insulated pocket fabric panels include a fabric pocket panel, and an insulation product such as one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation, a finished insulation bundle or foil radiant barrier The insulation is inserted inside the fabric pocket. Insulated fabric pocket panels are used on the interior side of finished perimeter walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors of the structure. Fabric pocket panels with foil radiant barrier are used on finished interior room dividing wall surfaces of structures.

The patent search found only one patent that proposed insulating the interior of a structure's finished wall surfaces. This insulation device for residential and commercial structures and similar heated structures was proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,492. The device has an inner-portion and outer-portion insulating pad to fit inside a typical entrance or window framing creating a thermal barrier. The immediate finished wall surface is used for the placement of Velcro to fasten the thermal barrier around the door and window's finished framing and the window. The thermal barrier only insulates this immediate area when it is connected to the Velcro strip. No other areas of the interior finished wall surfaces are covered and insulated.

In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no invention has been patented that resembles in regard to embodiment, function and/or application to my invention Insulated Fabric Pocket Panels.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to an interior insulation system comprised of insulated fabric pocket panels with insulation options of one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation, an insulation bundle or foil radiant barrier inserted inside the pocket.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective front view of the fabric pocket panel constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a lateral cross section taken generally along the lines of 1B of FIG. 1A. constructed with one layer of double bubble reflective foil insulation inserted inside the fabric pocket panel in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a lateral cross section of the fabric pocket panel constructed with an insulation bundle inserted inside the fabric pocket panel in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a lateral cross section of the fabric pocket panel constructed with foil radiant barrier inserted inside the fabric pocket panel in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a view of structure from above showing perimeter walls.

FIG. 3B is a view of a structure from above showing perimeter walls and a room divider wall.

FIG. 4A is a frontal view of an interior wall with a fabric pocket panel hanging on the wall, hanging hardware, and air space created by 1″ by 2″ wood trim every 16 inches.

FIG. 4B is a lateral cross section of a finished perimeter wall, 1″ by 2″ wood trim for an air space, a fabric pocket panel with an insulation bundle is inserted inside the pocket of the fabric panel.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

FIG. 1A

• • 10 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 11 is a hanging grommet and washer
  • 12 is a double fold fabric hem

FIG. 1B

• • 13 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 14 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 15 is one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation
  • 16 is laminated reflective foil
  • 17 is laminated reflective foil

FIG. 2A

• • 18 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 19 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 20 is laminated reflective foil
  • 21 is laminated reflective foil
  • 22 is double bubble two-sided foil insulation
  • 23 is double bubble two-sided foil insulation
  • 24 is regular plastic 1″ bubble packing wrap
  • 25 is a finished insulation bundle

FIG. 2B

• • 26 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 27 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 28 is foil radiant barrier

FIG. 3A

• • 29 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 30 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 31 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 32 is a exterior perimeter wall
  • 33 is a structure view from above

FIG. 3B

• • 34 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 35 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 36 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 37 is an exterior perimeter wall
  • 38 is a room divider wall
  • 39 is a door opening
  • 40 is a door opening
  • 41 is a structure view from above

FIG. 4A

• • 42 is a hanging grommet and washer
  • 43 is a fabric pocket panel
  • 44 is a ceiling line of wall
  • 45 is hanging hardware
  • 46 is air space of 1″ by 2″ wood trim 16″ on center
  • 47 is a floor line of wall
  • 48 is a frontal view of interior wall

FIG. 4B

• • 49 is cold or hot air in outside environment reflected back outside by the reflective foil covering
  • 50 is a wall stud framework
  • 51 is exterior siding
  • 52 is interior dry wall
  • 53 is a 1″ by 2″ wood trim 16″ on center for air space
  • 54 is the back side of the fabric pocket panel
  • 55 is laminated reflective foil
  • 56 is laminated reflective foil
  • 57 is the front side of fabric pocket panel
  • 58 is cool or warm air inside room reflected by laminated reflective foil back into the center of the room
  • 59 is a finished insulation bundle inside the fabric pocket panel
  • 60 is a finished insulated fabric pocket panel hanging on an interior finished wall with an insulation bundle inside the pocket
  • 61 is a finished perimeter stud wall with exterior siding and dry wall on the interior side of the wall structure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A, 2A, 4A, AND 4B

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, an insulated fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is comprised of a fabric pocket panel constructed with an insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) inserted inside the pocket.

A fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is constructed by folding the fabric over inside out with the left and right sides sewn together. The top of the fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is folded into a double-fold hem 12 (FIG. 1A) and stitched to secure it. A double-fold fabric hem 12 (FIG. 1A) is made at the top of the fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) to provide strength to hold the hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A). The hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A) reinforce the hook hole. The grommets and washers 11 evenly support the weight of fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) when hung.

The fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is turned right side out. Metal hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A) are attached to the front double-fold fabric hem 12 (FIG. 1A). A 6″ to 10″ spacing is made between the finished grommets. Closer spacing provides a more controlled upper edge. When the grommets are spaced farther apart, the upper edge of the panel may droop between the grommets. Metal hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A) are aligned with the grommets on the front double-fold hem 12 (FIG. 1A). and attached to the back or rear double-fold hem.

The preferred embodiment also includes an insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) 61 (FIG. 4B) is inserted inside the fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) 43 (FIG. 4A) 59 (FIG. 4B). The best mode of making the insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) is connecting the following elements but not limited to: one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation 22 (FIG. 2A) is placed on the work table, one layer of regular 1″ plastic bubble wrap 24 (FIG. 2A) is placed on top of the first layer 22 (FIG. 2A), and a second layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation 23 (FIG. 2A) is placed on top of the second layer of regular 1″ plastic bubble wrap 24 (FIG. 2A). The three layers 22, 24, and 23 (FIG. 2A) can be attached together with adhesives, hot glue or foil tape. Foil tape is preferred.

Air space must be inserted between the each layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation 22 and 23 (FIG. 2A) to prevent the laminated reflective foil 20 and 21 (FIG. 2A) from sticking together. Air space can be made of various materials such as but not limited to wooden lath, plastic roman shade rib slides or regular 1″ inch plastic bubble wrap 24 (FIG. 2A). Regular 1″ inch plastic bubble wrap material 24 (FIG. 2A) is preferred as it allows the insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) to be rolled for transport to new location without being disassembled.

The preferred embodiment also includes an air space between the finished perimeter stud wall 61 (FIG. 4B) and the finished fabric pocket panel 59 (FIG. 4B) to prevent condensation and mold from forming on the wall. The preferred mode of creating an air space is through the use of 1″ by 2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) The 1″ by 2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) 53 (FIG. 4A) is attached in an upright vertical position to the stud wall structure every 16 inches on center 46 (FIG. 4A) with wood screws. The length of the 1″×2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) 53 (FIG. 4B) is based upon the length of the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) and 60 (FIG. 4B). The 1″ by 2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) and 53 (FIG. 4B) can be easily removed from the wall and the screw holes can be filled with spackle.

Operation—FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B

Traditional insulating materials such as fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, and Styrofoam absorb the flow of heat and cold and slows its movement. The flow or transfer of heat and cold is not stopped. Eventually the heat and cold enter into the structure causing an increase in heating and cooling costs. The laminated reflective foil on the double bubble two-sided foil insulation reflects the flow or transfer of heat and cold away from the surface of the insulation.

The manner of using the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) and 59 (FIG. 4B) in a normal manner by hanging the insulated pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) and 59 (FIG. 4B) on commercial, custom or hand-made hanging hardware 45 (FIG. 4A) on exterior perimeter walls 29, 30, 31, and 32 (FIG. 3A) 34, 35, 36, 37 (FIG. 3B). The fabric on the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) provides an aesthetically pleasing fabric cover with fabric that can be matched to any décor. The fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) also protects and conceals the laminated reflective foil 20 and 21 (FIG. 2A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B).

An insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) 59 (FIG. 4B) is inserted inside the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) creating a finished insulated fabric panel 59 (FIG. 4B). The insulation bundle 59 (FIG. 4A) provides doubled R-value due to the two layers of double bubble two-sided foil insulation. As shown in FIG. 4B, the finished insulated pocket panel 60 insulates against heat and cold transfer through the finished exterior perimeter wall 61 into the interior room of a structure. The laminated reflective foil 55 (FIG. 4B) on the double bubble two-sided foil insulation reflects heat and cold 49 (FIG. 4B) back through the finished exterior perimeter wall 61 (FIG. 4B) of the structure to the outside environment.

The laminated reflective foil 56 (FIG. 4B) on the interior room side of the double bubble two-sided foil insulation reflects heated furnace air or cooled air conditioner air 58 (FIG. 4B) away from interior wall surfaces back into the center of the rooms. The furnace air is not cooled by cold walls. The air conditioner air is not warmed by warm or hot walls. The furnace and air conditioner heat or cool only the air inside the room saving energy.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A

Additional Embodiments

Additional embodiments of size and shape: insulated fabric pocket panels 10 (FIG. 1A) 43 (FIG. 4A) are made to cover from the ceiling to the floor. However, the width and length of the panel also varies based on size of the interior surface to be covered. Double bubble two-sided foil insulation 15 (FIG. 1B) comes in roll widths of 16 inches, 24 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches wide. The width and length of the door panel also varies based on size of the interior door surface to be covered. Door panels are attached to the interior side of doors.

FIGS. 1A and 1B

Alternative Embodiments

An alternative embodiment FIGS. 1A and 2A includes but are not limited to the following: one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation 15 (FIG. 1B) inserted inside the fabric pocket panel 13 and 14 (FIG. 1B) and a fabric pocket panel 26 and 27 (FIG. 2B) with foil radiant barrier inserted inside and used for interior room dividing walls.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the insulated fabric pocket panels become evident:

1. The insulated fabric pocket panels provide an economical and portable energy-saving insulation system for interior living spaces of structures.

2. The double bubble two-sided foil insulation is reflective with higher thermal R-values for a single layer and doubled R-value for insulation bundles.

3. The laminated reflective foil on the double bubble two-sided foil insulation and foil radiant barrier reflects conductive, convective, and radiant heat transfer.

4. The furnace or air conditioner air do not have to heat or cool the interior surfaces of the structure. Only the interior air is heated or cooled.

5. The double bubble two-sided foil insulation is constructed of foil and plastic with air bubbles inside making it safe for installation in the interior living space of a structure.

6. Plastic and foil construction is resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, fungus, moisture, humidity, condensation, and nesting of pests.

7. There is no release of toxic or carcinogenic insulation particles to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts as compared to fiberglass thermal batt insulation.

8. No special tools, clothing or protective equipment is necessary for handling or installation.

9. An insulation contractor is not needed to install the insulated fabric pocket panels.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader can see that the preferred, additional, and alternative embodiments can be used to insulate interior walls, windows, ceilings, floors and door surfaces of a structure. Insulated fabric pocket panels can be used in the following alternative structures but not limited to: residential, rental homes, apartments, commercial buildings, basements, new and retrofit buildings, pole barns, steel buildings, garage doors, post frame buildings, barns, dog kennels, warehouses, storage units, mobile homes, motor homes, campers, camper trailers, tents, and cabin boats.

Alternative options for steel doors include sealing the top of the fabric pocket panel with Velcro tape (hook and loop tape). Magnets and magnetic tape are sewn to the insulated fabric pocket panel with a crisscross stitch over the tape or magnet. Magnet sash rods can also be used to attach insulated fabric pocket panels to steel doors.

Alternative options for wooden doors include using the following hardware such as but not limited to: door hangers, sash rods or magnetic tape. If the structure is occupied by permanent occupants, the panels can be attached to a wooden door by mounting screws and washers, magnets or magnetic tape connected to the door with screws for more durability; sash rods with hanging brackets and hook and loop tape (Velcro).

Alternative options for existing drapery products or window treatments include but not limited to: insulated fabric pocket panels are custom made to the various sizes of the area to be insulated. Each thermal slider panel and vertical blind can be inserted inside a custom-made insulated fabric pocket panel and closed at the top with hook and loop tape (Velcro). Insulated fabric pocket panels can also be used on existing drapery products or window treatments that include but not limited to: roman shades, grommet-topped drapes, drapes, shutter louvers, and thermal slider panels.

Alternative fabric embodiments for the insulated fabric pocket panels include but not limited to: denim, twill, canvass, fire-retardant fabric or canvass, oil cloth, drapery fabrics, jacquard weave drapery fabrics, upholstery fabrics, muslin and drapery fabric with insulating fabric-flocked acrylic foam backing.

The above-listed preferred and alternative embodiments provide specific descriptions but should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present embodiments.

Claims

1. The insulated fabric pocket panel of a type comprising a double bubble two-sided foil insulation inserted inside the fabric pocket wherein said insulation reflects heat and cold back through the exterior wall structure and into the outside environment.

2. The insulated fabric pocket panel of claim 1 wherein said insulation is used on the interior living spaces of said interior structure on finished walls, windows, ceilings, doors, and floors.

3. The insulated fabric pocket panel of claim 1 can also be comprised of an insulation bundle or foil radiant barrier inserted inside the fabric pocket.

4. The double bubble two-sided foil insulation of claim 1 wherein said insulation has two-sided reflective foil laminated on a double bubble plastic layer.

5. The insulation of claim 1 wherein said laminated reflective foil reflects heat and cold away from the surface of said laminated reflective foil and said structure.

6. The insulation of claim 1 is inserted into the pocket of a fabric pocket panel creating said insulated fabric pocket panel.

7. The insulated fabric pocket panel of a type comprising a double bubble two-sided foil insulation inserted inside wherein said insulation reflects heated furnace air or cooled air conditioner air away from finished interior structure surfaces back into the center of the room of said structure.

8. The insulation of claim 6 wherein said insulation reflects furnace air away from cold interior structure surfaces and said furnace air is not cooled by cold interior surfaces or absorbed into said cold interior structure surfaces

9. The insulation of claim 6 wherein said insulation reflects air conditioner air away from warm or hot walls and is not warmed or heated by said warm or hot interior surfaces or absorbed into said interior structure surfaces.

10. The insulation of claim 6 wherein said insulation reflects furnace and air conditioner air into the center of said interior structure and only heats or cools said air not interior structure surfaces.

11. Double bubble two-sided foil insulation, an insulation bundle or foil radiant barrier inserted inside the pocket panel wherein said insulation is safe to use in interior living spaces said insulation is constructed of foil, plastic or a combination thereof.

12. The insulation of claim 10, wherein said insulation is safe insulation as there is no release of insulation particulates to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts as compared to fiberglass thermal batt insulation.

13. The insulation of claim 10, wherein said insulation does not require special clothing or protective equipment is necessary for handling or installation of said insulation.