Energy conserving building structural elements normally called window or door frames

Claim 1

An improved energy conserving structural element normally used in combination with other structural components in a manner such that a relatively narrow air gap that should be thermally insulated is created between elements, said element comprising a structural member having thermal insulation means secured thereon the side therefore that will define the air gap, said insulation means comprising compressed expandable thermal insulation means having enveloping means retaining same in a compressed state, said enveloping retaining means being capable of being rendered inoperative so as to allow said insulation material to expand, said insulation material in its expanded state, having thickness to substantially fill said air gap, wherein the improvement comprises: means for recessing and enveloping said compressible expandable insulation into said structural elements outer periphery surface, said recess being used to substantially provide said envelope means; means for maintaining said compressible expandable insulation in a compressed mode in said recess enveloping means; and until said maintaining means is rendered inoperative.

Claim 7

A method for reducing heat transfer either direction through building wall structural components used to construct walls and form rough openings for structural elements such as door and window frames, wherein the method steps are as follows: construct a building wall using insulated construction lumber; forming the rough openings for energy conserving structural elements such as window and door frames; envelope compressed thermal insulation into a recess means provided in said structural elements outer periphery surface; install said structural element in said formed wall rough opening; and render said thermal insulations enveloping means inoperatable allowing said compressed thermal insulation to expand and substantually fill the air gap found between the wall rough opening components and the structural element; thereby improving the overall reduction of heat transfer through said building wall.

Claim 8

A method for reducing heat transfer either direction through building wall structural components used to construct walls and form rough openings for structural elements such as door and window frames, wherein the method steps are as follows: construct a building wall using insulated construction lumber; forming the rough openings for energy conserving structural elements such as window and door frames; envelope compressed thermal insulation into a recess means provided in said structural elements outer periphery surface; install said structural element in said formed wall rough opening; and render said thermal insulations enveloping means inoperatable allowing said compressed thermal insulation to expand and substantually fill the air gap found between the wall rough opening components and the structural element; thereby improving the overall reduction of heat transfer through said building wall.