INSTANT CRAWLSPACE WINTERIZATION SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building. The apparatus comprises a first member having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening. A cover member has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material, the cover member is secured on a first side thereof to a first side of said first member. A thermal insulating layer is engageable with a second side of the first member for providing a weather barrier to cold air and pinch handles are disposed on the cover member for assisting in positioning the apparatus in such vent opening.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application and claims benefit from pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/585,440 filed Oct. 24, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to foundation crawlspace vents, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a system which enables a user to quickly winterize a foundation crawlspace vent without the need to go under the building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a problem with houses that have a crawlspace under the house. These crawlspaces unless properly winterized can be subject to wet and cold weather elements which permit moisture to get in the crawlspace enabling mold and fungus to grow therein.

Crawlspaces generally have vent covers that are used to close the vent openings to prevent unwanted critters from entering the crawlspace. These vent covers have openings therein which can be closed from the outside; however, even closing the vents is not always enough to keep the cold and other weather elements out. Basically all of these foundation vents are standard sizes which is substantially 16 inches by 8 inches. Often, there is a need to open the crawlspace to add additional insulation on the inside of the vents. The cold that gets into the crawl space can cause pipes to freeze, creating higher heating costs. Moisture can also enter these areas inciting a breeding ground for mold or fungus. Plastic vents that are frequently used repeatedly blow open during inclement weather making additional insulation necessary. Metal foundation vents and electronically controlled foundations are not always reliable after repeated uses.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a simple system which can provide the needed protection for crawlspaces so as to provide protection from the harsh weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building. The apparatus comprises a first member having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening. A cover member has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material, the cover member is secured on a first side thereof to a first side of said first member. A thermal insulating layer is engageable on a first side thereof with a second side of the first member for providing a weather barrier to cold air and a means is disposed on said cover member for assisting in positioning the apparatus in such vent opening. There is a first means disposed on the cover member for assisting in positioning the apparatus in such vent opening and a second means is disposed on a second side of such thermal insulating layer for assisting in positioning the apparatus in such vent opening.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for winterization of the vent opening of a crawlspace.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for winterization of the vent opening of a crawlspace which is a four layered product, having a metal bar, a rubber layer, a thermal layer and a plastic cover.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for winterization of the vent opening of a crawlspace which is installed from the outside of the building.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for winterization of the vent opening of a crawlspace which is easy to install and remove.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken across the lines of II-II.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing the first member with the insulating member on top.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art vent opening in a crawl space showing a vent cover in place as is generally found in crawl spaces vent openings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vent opening with the present invention placed in front of the vent cover to winterize the opening.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a bowed position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention showing the different parts of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus in a bowed position showing the different parts of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

Buildings are often constructed without basements having only a crawl space beneath the building. Generally the crawl space has vent openings disposed in various locations around the crawl space. Vent covers are placed in these vent openings to prevent unwanted critters from getting into the crawl space. These vent covers usually have openings therein to permit air to circulate in the crawl space. This works fine in buildings that are in temperate climates; however, when the buildings are located in areas where the winters produce temperatures that are consistently at or below freezing the cold air presents a problem.

Even in cases where the vent covers have a means for closing off the openings the cold air still gets into the crawl space and creates a problem with heating the building. It is more costly to heat the building because of the cold air that is in the crawl space and can possibly in some cases cause pipes to freeze. The present invention provides a means to winterize these vent openings by placing a thermal barrier in front of the vent cover thereby preventing cold air from having free access to the crawl space.

FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of the invention whereas FIGS. 5 through 8 show an alternate embodiment of the invention.

In a first aspect the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 5-8, provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building. The apparatus 10 comprises a first member 22 having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening. A cover member 24 which has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material is secured to a first side of the first member 22. A thermal insulating layer 26 is engageable on a first side thereof with a second side of such first member 22 for providing a weather barrier to the cold air. There is, further, a first means 32, disposed on the cover member 24 for assisting in positioning the apparatus 10 in such vent opening and a second means 34 is disposed on a second side of such thermal insulating layer for assisting in positioning such apparatus in the vent opening.

Such first means 32 includes pinch handles 32. Each pinch handle 32 is connected to a first end of a respective metal bar 34 that is disposed against the second side of the thermal insulating layer 26.

Each metal bar 34 also has a connection 36 with the cover member 24 which secures a second end of the bar to the cover member 24. When the pinch handles 32 are pinched together the metal bars 34 are pulled in slightly causing the entire unit to bow as seen in the drawing figures thereby making it easy to place the apparatus 10 into the vent opening in front of the existing vent cover. Once the apparatus 10 is placed in the vent opening the pinch handles 32 are pushed back and the unit seals against the sides of the vent opening.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material for said first member is a resilient material and that such resilient material is selected from a group including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber and polyurethane. It is presently preferred that such first member is either synthetic rubber or silicone rubber and even more preferred that it is synthetic rubber. Such first member 22 also has a silicone rubber seal 38 disposed on the periphery of the rubber seal 22.

The first predetermined size of the first member 22 is sufficient to cover such vent opening and seal against such inside surface of such wall area that surrounds such vent opening. The first predetermined size is larger that the second predetermined size, that is, the first member 22 is larger than the cover member 24.

The predetermined material used to form the cover member 24 is a plastic material and it is preferred that such plastic material is vinyl. However, such plastic could come from a variety of plastics. It is important that the plastic be strong enough to withstand wind and be somewhat pliant for ease in placing the apparatus 10 in the vent opening.

As stated previously the first means 32 and second means 34 for assisting in positioning the apparatus 10 in such vent opening includes pinch handles 32 and metal bars 34. The pinch handle(s) 32 are disposed on the cover 24 for installing the apparatus 10 from outside of such foundation. When the pinch handles 32 are pulled up or pinched together, they pull on metal bars 34 causing the apparatus 10 to bow just enough for the apparatus 10 to be easily placed in the vent opening. Once the apparatus 10 is placed in the vent opening such pinch handles 32 are pushed back so that the apparatus returns to it's original shape and the first member 22 seals against the inner wall of the vent opening. Thus, the installation or winterization of the vent opening takes only a few minutes and is done completely from the outside of the building without any need for getting into the crawl space. Similarly, in the spring when the cold weather has passed, the pinch handles 32 can be pinched together as before causing the unit to become bowed sufficiently so that the winterization system can be easily removed for storage until the next winter season.

It is presently preferred that such thermal insulating barrier 26 is selected from one of foam and fiberglass and even more preferred that such barrier is fiberglass. Such cover member 24 is secured to the first member 22 by means of an adhesive.

Such first and such second predetermined shapes are substantially identical and both the shape of the first member 22 and the cover member 24 are substantially rectangular. Although all of the discussion has been with vent openings which are generally a standard 16 inch by 8 inch opening, it is within the scope of the invention that if a crawlspace had a different shape or size vent opening such as a circular opening that the invention could be modified to adapt to the different shape or size without detracting from the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building. The apparatus 10 comprises a first member 2 having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening (not shown). A cover member 4 which has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material is secured to the first member 2. The cover member 4 includes a raised lip member 6 that is disposed around an outer periphery of the cover member 4 for engagement with an inner surface of such vent opening. A thermal insulating layer 8 is disposed intermediate the first member 2 and the cover member 4 for providing a weather barrier to cold air. There is, further, a means, generally designated 12, disposed on the cover member 4 for assisting in positioning the apparatus 10 in such vent opening.

Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus 10 which can provide virtually instant winterization to foundation crawlspace vents without the need for going under the home or building. Numerous winterization units can be installed in vents around the foundation of the home in a very short time. The apparatus adds thermal insulation to the opening and the plastic cover protects the insulation from getting wet when it rains. This three layered product provides the necessary protection from the elements. As stated previously, the apparatus is made to cover a standard vent opening which is generally a 16×8 inch rectangular opening but the apparatus can be modified to fit openings of different sizes or shapes.

As stated previously some buildings are built without basements having only a crawl space below such buildings. The crawl space structure has a plurality of vent openings left in the outer portion of the crawl space for the circulation of air. During construction these vent openings have a vent cover disposed therein to prevent any unwanted critters from entering the crawl space. FIG. 4 shows a vent cover in place in the vent opening. The vent covers have a plurality of openings therein for permitting free flow of air to the crawl space so as to prevent the buildup of any moisture inside the crawl space. However, in the winter months in areas where cold temperatures prevail the cold air enters the crawl space making it difficult or rather more costly to heat the building. The present invention provides an apparatus that is used to winterize these vent openings by providing a thermal barrier that is placed outside the vent covers thereby preventing the cold air from having free access to the crawl space. As is seen in FIG. 5 there is a vent opening having a vent cover disposed therein and an apparatus 10 disposed in front of such vent cover for providing a thermal barrier so as to prevent cold air from having free access to the crawl space.

FIGS. 5-8 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the pinch handles extend outwardly instead of having the pinch handles as shown in FIG. 2. However, both embodiments work the same. Each pinch handle is connected to a metal bar. When the pinch handles are pinched together the metal bars are pulled up causing the apparatus to be bowed as seen in FIGS. 6 and 8. The bowed apparatus fits easily into the vent opening. When positioned in the vent opening the pinch handles are released and pushed back so that the apparatus flattens out and fits securely against the sides of the vent opening thereby providing a thermal barrier to the cold air. In the spring when cold air is no longer a problem the pinch handles are pinched together and the unit is bowed again and is easily removed from the vent opening and stored until the following winter.

In still yet another alternate embodiment of the invention the pinch handles 32 are secured to the cover member 24 by means of an adhesive. In this embodiment there is no need for the metal bars since the cover member 24 is secured to such first member 22 and such first member is secured to the insulating layer 26, therefore, when the pinch handles 32 are pinched together the entire unit will be caused to bow.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for winterizing a vent opening in a crawl space of a foundation in a building, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first member having each a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for sealing against an inside surface of a wall area immediately adjacent such vent opening;

(b) a cover member having each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material, said cover member is secured on a first side thereof to a first side of said first member;

(c) a thermal insulating layer is engageable on a first side thereof with a second side of said first member for providing a weather barrier to cold air; and

(d) a first means is disposed on said cover member for assisting in positioning said apparatus in such vent opening.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first means for assisting in positioning said apparatus in such vent opening includes a pair of pinch handles for installing said apparatus from outside of such foundation.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said apparatus further includes a second means engageable with said first means and said cover member disposed on a second side of said thermal insulating layer for assisting in positioning said apparatus in such vent opening.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said second means for assisting in positioning further includes a pair of metal bars, each metal bar engageable on a first end thereof with a pinch handle and each metal bar is further engageable on a second end thereof with a connecting member for connecting said metal bar to said cover member.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material for said first member is resilient.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said first predetermined material for said first member is selected from a group including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber and polyurethane.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said first predetermined material for said first member is one of synthetic rubber and silicone rubber.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined size of said first member is sufficient to cover such vent opening and seal against such inside surface of such wall area surrounding such vent opening.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined size is larger that said second predetermined size.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined material of said cover member is plastic.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said plastic is vinyl.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said thermal insulating layer is selected from one of foam and fiberglass.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said insulating layer if fiberglass.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said cover member is secured to said first member by means of an adhesive.

15. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined shape is substantially rectangular.

16. The apparatus, according to claim 15, wherein said first predetermined shape and said second predetermined shape are similar.

17. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first means is secured to said cover member by means of an adhesive.

18. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first means includes a pair of pinch handles for installing said apparatus from outside such foundation.