WO2005090697A1

WO2005090697A1 - Insulation hanger

Info

Publication number: WO2005090697A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000972
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Blagg
Original assignee: Kevin Blagg
Priority date: 2004-03-18
Filing date: 2005-03-15
Publication date: 2005-09-29
Also published as: GB0406100D0

Abstract

An insulation hanger comprising a footing for securing to a substrate, and a plurality of fixing portions for receiving insulation material. The fixing portions extend relative to the footing and are spaced relative to one another on the footing. The hanger is adapted to be rolled into a tape-like band.

Description

Insulation hanger

The present invention relates to an insulation hanger, more particularly, but not exclusively to an insulation hanger for securing sheet insulation material in place in wall construction.

Insulation hangers are widely used in industrial cladding and domestic wall construction, for securing insulation material to a substrate for heat insulation purposes. Insulation hangers are typically used to secure quilt or board type insulation material to a wall substrate before exterior or interior finishes can be applied.

A known form of insulation hanger consists of an elongate metal pin or stud extending from a base plate or footing. Typically, an array of said insulation hangers is secured to a substrate i a wall construction, for example by connecting the footing to the substrate using mechanical or chemical means, such that the pins extends from the substrate. The insulation material can then be mounted on the substrate by impaling the insulation material on the pins, for example by rolling out sheet insulation material down the face of the substrate.

There are a number of problems associated with the known hanger described above, hi certain cases, the hanger may not be suitable for use on specific types of substrate, for example external metal substrates. Also, it is often imperative to clean each hanger and the substrate prior to fixing, in particular if the hanger of to be affixed to a substrate using adhesive. The process of cleaning and affixing each hanger canbe labourious. Furthermore, certain adhesives require a curing time of up to 48 hours before insulation material can be mounted on an affixed hanger. Also, the nature of the hangers is such that the storage and carrying of the required number of hangers for a given array is often less than ideal, since they are prone to contamination and bending.

Additionally, the installation of adhesive based hangers can only take place in a limited range of environmental conditions. Typically, for example, an installation temperature in the range 5 °Cto 23 °C is required. Humidity is also relevant. This is inconvenient because the construction of buildings generally takes place in situations in which environmental control is difficult or simply not possible.

Adhesive installation also generally involves the use of resins, which canbe hazardous to the health, and as such imposes related health and safety requirements on the installation and other regulatory requirements on the disposal of the resulting waste canisters and the like. Furthermore, resins have a limited shelf life, typically between 6 months and a year.

The requirements associated with adhesive installation mean that contractors often use either too much or too little adhesive. Too much adhesive is inefficient and compounds safety issues. Conversely, too little adhesive can result in poor installations in wliich the insulation falls away over time, thus creating cold spots within a building's envelope.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved insulation hanger, which reduces the disadvantages referred to above.

According to the broadest aspect of the invention, there is provided an insulation hanger comprising a footing for securing to a substrate, and a plurality of fixing portions for receiving insulation material, the fixing portions extending relative to the footing wherein: the hanger is adapted to be rolled into a tape-like band.

Preferably, the fixing portions comprise elongate elements on which insulation material can be impaled, and may include an impaling end. The fixing portions maybe in the form of shards, pins or studs.

Preferably, the footing comprises an elongate strip of material.

hi apreferred embodiment, the fixingportions are adapted to be moved from a stowedposition to an extended position.

Conveniently, the fixing portions are formed from the same piece of material as the footing, and may be integral with the footing.

The footing may comprise a sheet material of any suitable dimension. In a preferred embodiment, the hanger is adapted to be rolled into a tape-like band.

In a further embodiment, the fixing portions comprise discrete elements attachable to the footing at desired positions.

The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a practicable alternative to known insulation hangers.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of an insulation hanger according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure2 is aschematic view ofaportion of an insulationhanger according to asecondaspectof the invention;

Figure 3 is view of the hanger shown in Figure 2, in an assembled state;

Figure 4 is view from the rear of the hanger shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a portion of an insulation hanger according to a third aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic view ofaportion of an insulation hanger according to a fourth aspect of the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a portion of an insulation hanger according to a fifth aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic view ofaportion of an insulation hanger according to a sixth aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of a portion of an insulation hanger according to a seventh aspect of the invention; and

Figure 10 is aschematic view of a portion ofan insulation hanger accordingto a eighth aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , a section of a length ofan insulation hanger according to a first embodiment ofthe invention is indicated generally at 10. The hanger consists ofan elongate body or strip 12 of indeterminate length. Thestrip 12definesabaseorfooting l4forsecuringto asubstrate, for example an interior skin of a wall construction.

The body also includes a plurality of fixing portions 16, two of which are shown in Figure 1 , provided for receiving insulation material, as described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the fixing portions 16 are in the form of shard-like projections having apiercing tip 18, forpiercing insulation material to be anchored to a substrate. The fixing portions 16 are arranged at a 300 mm spacing from one another and are each 150 mm long. In use, insulation material, for example insulation quilt or board, is impaled on the fixing portions 16 for securing the insulation material relative to a substrate.

In this embodiment, the hanger 10 is made from stainless steel. As can be seen from Figure 1 , the fixing portions 16 and footing 14 are formed from the same piece of material, for example by stamping or cutting the base material, with the fixing portions 16 integral to the footing 14. The fixing portions 16 are formed so as to be movable from a stowed position, in which the fixing portions 16 are substantially co-planar with the footing 14, to an extended position shown in Figure 1 , in which they extend substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the footing 14. For example, the region of the body at the transition of the footing 14 and fixing portion 16 maybe provided with fold lines or perforations.

The hanger 10 is adapted to be rolled into a tape-lilce band, similar to that of a tape measure band, in which the footing and fixing portions are coiled together. This is of particular advantage for storage and transportation of the hanger 10, reducing size and the risk of damage or contamination. When required, a length of the body 12 can be unrolled and cut free from the band, for use as anchor for insulation material as described below. The hanger 10 is ideally suited to be supplied, pre-rolled, in a dispenser, so that a length of the body 12 can be dispensed and cut free from a roll of the hanger 10, as required.

A typical use of the hanger 10 will now be described.

In use, a required length of the hanger 10 is positioned at a desired location, with the rear surface of the footing 14 placed adj acent a substrate to which the hanger 10 is to be attached, for example against the interior surface of a first skin of a wall construction

The footing 14 is then secured in place as desired, for example using chemical or mechanical fixing means, such as an adhesive, a plurality of screw-type fixings or staples. Once secured, the fixing portions 16 are moved from their stowed position to an extended position, ready to receive insulation material. Typically, the footing 14 will need to be secured to the substrate at its ends, as well as at intermediate positions along its length, e.g., at 1 m centres.

Insulation material is then impaled on the fixing portions 16, and is pushed against the footing 14, so as to be fixed relative to the substrate, effectively to form a further skin of the wall construction. Once mounted, the tips of the fixing portions may protrude from the insulation material, in which case they are cut off or bent so as not to protrude from the material. A further skin of the wall construction can then be applied or constructed, for example in the form ofan interior or exterior finish.

The above described embodiment includes a base or footing in the form ofan elongate strip. However, the footingmay consist of sheetmaterialof any desfred shape or dimension, for example a square or rectangular sheet, and may include an array of fixing portions as required.

Figures 2 to 4 show a section of a length of a hanger according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, indicated generally at 20. hi this embodiment, the footing is in the form ofan elongate strip of fabric 22, for example a reinforced nylon material. The hanger 20 also includes aplurality of discrete fixing elements 24, only one of which is shown in Figures 2 to 4. Each fixmg element 24 is adapted to be attached to the footing strip 22 at a desired position along its length, for example at 300 mm centres.

The fixing element 24 includes a rectangular base portion 26, having three fixing regions 28, 30, 32. Each fixing region 28, 30, 32 includes at least one triangular securing portion 34, adapted to pierce the footing strip 22, for securing the fixing element 24 on the footing strip 22. As can be seen clearly in Figure 2, fixing region 30 lies in a plane spaced from that of fixing regions 28 and 32, so that the footing strip 22 canbelocatedbetween the two planes. Hence, the fixing regions 28, 30, 32 are so formed to enable the fixing element 24 to be arranged on the footing strip 22 in the manner shown in Figures 3 and 4. A fixing portion, in the form ofan impaling spike 36 of 150 mm in length, extends from the base portion 26, for receiving insulation material.

To mount the fixing element 24 on the footing strip 22, fixing regions 28 and 32 are passed behind the footing strip so that fixing region 30 passes over the front of the footing strip 22. Starting from the top, i.e., with fixingregion 28, the securing portions 34 are each in turn pushed through the footing strip 22 to fixingly secure the fixing element 24 relative to the footing strip 22.

Once a desired number of fixing elements 24 have been secured on the footing strip 22, the hanger 20 can be used to fix insulation material relative to a substrate, in substantially the same manner as the hanger 10 described above with reference to Figure 1.

It will be appreciated that the fixing portions maybe in the form of shards, pins or studs, or other suitable form for receiving insulation material. The fixing portions maybe arranged at any suitable spacing from one another and be of any suitable length for receiving a specified depth of insulation material.

Figures 5 to 8 show further embodiments ofan insulationhanger, each comprising an elongate body or strip defining a base or footing, and a plurality of fixing portions as generally described previously. In the embodiments of figures 5 to 8, however, the corresponding fixingportions each comprise aplurality of fixing elements along a longitudinal length of the fixing portion to provide a plurality of fixing positions. Hence, the fixing portions are configured for allowing a sheet of insulation material, orthelike, tobefixed at any oneof aplurality of fixing positions. Thus, in operation, different thicknesses of insulation material may be installed and fixed at the most appropriate position. Similarly, multiple layers of insulation material maybe installed, each layer being fixed by a single fixing element at an appropriate fixing position.

Each further embodiment will now be described in more detail by way of example only. Referring to figure 5 , a further embodiment ofan insulation hanger is shown generally at 40. The hanger 40 comprises an elongate body or strip 42 defining abase or footing 44, and aplurality of elongate fixing portions 46 as generally described previously. Each fixing 46 portion comprises a plurality of fixing elements 48 along a longitudinal length of the fixing portion 46.

Each fixing element 48 comprises apair of generally spike shapedbarbs 50, formed at respective sides of the con'esponding fixing portion 46. The barbs 50 of each pair are arranged for folding out from the corresponding fixing portion 46, at generally similar but opposing acute angles such that a sharp end of each barb 50 points generally towards the hanger.

Hence, in operation, when a desired thickness of insulation material is impaled onto the fixing portion 46 it can subsequently be pushed over the barbs 50 of each fixing element 48, relatively easily until the insulation is in the correct position. However, once inposition, thebarbs 50 act to restrain removal of the insulation material and hence fix the insulation in position.

It will be appreciated that the barbs 50 would have similar utility if they were folded out from the corresponding fixing portion 46 in the same direction rather than opposing directions.

hi figure 6 , a further embodiment ofan insulationhanger is shown generally at 60. The hanger 60 comprises an elongate body or strip 62 defining abase or footing 64, and aplurality of elongate fixmg portions 66 as generally described previously. Each fixing 66 portion comprises aplurality of fixing elements 68 along a longitudinal length of the fixing portion 66.

The fixingportion 66 is similar to the fixing portion of the previous embodiment except that each fixing element 68 comprises a generally rectangular or square shapedbarb 70 formed generally at the transverse centre of the fixingportion 66. The barbs 60 are arranged for folding out from the corresponding fixing portion 66, at an acute angle such that a free end of each barb 70 points generally towards the base 64 of the hanger 60. The hanger 60 is further provided with a plurality of planar retainers 72 each having a narrow central aperture 74 configured to allow the retainer 72 to be slotted onto the fixing portion 66, in operation as illustrated by the dotted lines in figure 6. The aperture 74 is further configured such that, in operation, the retainer 72 canbe pushed over the barbs 70 in the direction of the base 64, by squeezing each barb 72 between walls of the aperture 74. However, the shape of the aperture 74 is also such that once a retainer 72 has been pushed over a particular barb 70 attempts to remove it from the fixing portion 66, result in the aperture 74 becoming obstructed by the barb 70. Thus the retainer 72 is restrained.

Hence, in operation, when a desired thickness of insulation material is impaled onto the fixing portion 66 it can subsequently be pushed over the barbs 70 and fixed in position by a corresponding retainer 72. It will be appreciated that even without the use of the retainer 72 the barbs 70 act to partially restrain removal of impaled insulation material.

In figure 6 every other barb 70 along the longitudinal length is shown folded in an opposite direction. It will be appreciated, however, that the barbs 70 would have similar utility if they were folded out in the same direction.

Jh figure 7 , a further embodiment ofan insulation hanger is shown generally at 80. The hanger 80 comprises aplurality of elongate fixingportions 82 eachhaving aplurality of fixmg elements 84 along its longitudinal length, and a barbed and spiked end 86.

Each fixing element 84 comprises a generally elongate aperture having a longitudinal axis generally ahgned with a longitudinal axis of the corresponding elongate fixing portion 82. Each aperture 84 has a length at least equal to the maximum width of the spiked end 86 of the fixing portion 82 and a width greater than the thickness of the fixing portion 82.

Hence, in typical operation, a desired thickness of insulation material is impaled onto the fixing portion 82 andpositioned as required. The insulation material is then secured inposition by bending the fixingportion 82 back on itself; twisting the sp.ked.end 86 into alignment with a corresponding aperture 84; passing the spiked end 86 through the corresponding aperture 84; and then twisting the spiked end 86 back out of alignment with the aperture 84 to retain the end 86 in position. Hence, the insulation material is secured in place by the bent fixing portion 82.

In figure 7 the fixing portion 82 is shown in a securedposition bent back on itself with the spiked end 86 retained in an aperture 84. The dotted lines illustrate an unsecured position.

In figure 8 , a further embodiment ofan insulation hanger is shown generally at 90. The hanger 90 comprises aplurality of elongate flxingportions 92 each having aplurality of circular fixing apertures 94 along its longitudinal length. Thehanger 90 is further provided with aplurality of retainer rods or wires 96.

Hence, in typical operation, desired thickness of insulation material is impaled onto the fixing portion 92. A retainer rod or wire 96 is then passed through a corresponding fixing aperture 94 to secure the insulation in place. The rod or wire 96 may be subsequently deformed to restrain it in the corresponding aperture 94.

Figures 9 and 10 show yet further embodiments of an insulation hanger, each comprising an elongate body or strip defining abase or footing, and a plurality of fixing portions having a spiked end as generally described previously. In the embodiments of figures 9 and 10, however, the fixing portions each comprise an alternative configuration of the spiked end arranged for allowing improved retention of the insulation material.

Infigure9 , afurther embodiment of an insulation hanger is shown generally at 100. Thehanger 100 con-Tprises a plurality of elongate fixing portions 102 each having a spiked end region 104 as generally described previously. However, each spiked end region 104 further comprises a generally central longitudinal split 106 dividing the end region 104 into two sections 108a, 108b. Hence, in operation, the two sections 108aand 108b. may each be folded in opposite directions froman impaling position 110 for impaling insulation material as shown in dotted lines on figure 9, to fonn a retention position 112 for retaining the insulation material as shown in solid lines figure 9.

In figure 10, a further embodiment ofan insulation hanger is shown generally at 120. The hanger 120 comprises a plurality of elongate fixing portions 122 each having a spilced end region 124 as generally described previously. However, each spiked end region 124 further comprises an angled tail split 126 defining a spilced tail region 128 extending from, and in the opposite direction to , the spilced end region.

Hence, in operation, each spilced end region maybe folded, along a single fold line 129, from an impaling position 130 for impaling insulation material as shown in dotted lines on figure 10, to form a retention position 132, in which the spilced end and tail regions 124, 128 extend in opposite directions from the corresponding fixing portion 122 for retaining the insulation material.

Claims

1. An insulation hanger comprising: a footing for securing to a substrate, and a plurality of fixing portions for receiving insulation material, the fixing portions extending relative to the footing and being spaced relative to one another on the footing wherein: the hanger is adapted to be rolled into a tape-lilce band.

2. A hanger as claimed in claim 1 , in which the fixing portions comprise elongate elements on which insulation material can be impaled.

3. A hanger as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the fixing portions include an impaling end.

4. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 , in which the fixing portions comprise one of shards, pins or studs.

5. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in wliich the footing comprises an elongate strip of material.

6. Ahangeras clahnedmanyprecedmgclaun,m be moved from a stowed position to an extended position.

7. A hanger as claimed m any preced g claim, ^ the same piece of material as the footing.

8. A hanger as claimed ώ any precedώg claim, m with the footing.

9. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the footing comprises a sheet material of any suitable dimension.

10. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 , in which the fixing portions comprise discrete elements attachable to the footing at desired positions.