Insulation and paneling apparatus and method

Claim 2

An improved insulation and paneling apparatus for enclosing a building having a building frame comprising: a first panel member supported by the building frame; at least one insulation batting disposed to extend substantially adjacent to the first panel member; a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface; fastener means for attaching the spacer member to a selected one of the first panel member and the building frame, the fastener means comprising: a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member before installation of the spacer member, the column members being shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the insulation by the column members, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member; and a plurality of fastener members attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; a second panel member supported on the first support surface; and attaching means for attaching the second panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the column members is a tube column having a channelway extending from an attachment end thereof to a tapered distal end thereof, and wherein each fastener member is disposed to extend through the channelway of a respective tube column, each of the tube columns attached at its attachment end to the spacer member.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spacer member has a plurality of fastener apertures and wherein each of the fastener members comprises a screw member having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a bolthead configuration, the second end being a self-drilling/self-tapping screw, the screw member being of a length determined to effect compressive force upon its respective tube column member when the screw member is disposed through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be attached.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spacer member has a plurality of fastener apertures and each of the fastener members comprises a screw member having a first end, a second end and a body portion, the first end having a bolthead configuration, the second end being configured as a drill bit, and the body portion having screw threads disposed in near proximity to the second end, the screw member being of a length determined to effect compressive force upon its respective tube column member when the screw member is disposed to extend through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be attached.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the spacer member has a plurality of fastener apertures and each of the fastener members comprises a nail member having a first end and a second end, the first end substantially having a nailhead configuration, and the second end tapered to a penetrating point, the nail member being of a length determined to restrain its respective tube column member when the nail member is disposed to extend through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be penetratingly attached by energy applied to the first end thereof.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each of the nail members is dimensioned to be received in the channelway of its respective tube column member by a friction fit so that the tube column member is supported by the nail member and extensive from the second support surface prior to the nail member being caused to be penetratingly attached.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein each of the fastener apertures of the spacer member is tubulated and each of the column members is connected to the tubulation of its respective fastener aperture.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein each of the column members is weldingly attached to the second support surface of the spacer member so that its respective channelway is substantially axially aligned with the respective fastener aperture.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the spacer member is a channel member having a first end and a second end, a portion of the first end being shaped to be receivable by the second end of another spacer member disposed in end-to-end alignment with the spacer member.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the second panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the attaching means is a clip which is fastened to the spacer member and positioned for attachment to the standing seam roof panel.

Claim 12

An improved insulation and paneling apparatus for enclosing a building having a building frame comprising: a first panel member supported by the building frame; at least one insulation batting disposed to extend substantilly adjacent to the first panel member; a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough; fastener means for attaching the spacer member to a selected one of the first panel member and the building frame, the fastener means comprising: a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member; and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; a second panel member disposed on the first support surface; and attaching means for attaching the second panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 13

An improved insulation and paneling apparatus for enclosing a building having a building frame comprising: a first panel member supported by the building frame; at least one insulation batting disposed to extend substantilly adjacent to the first panel member; a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough; fastener means for attaching the spacer member to a selected one of the first panel member and the building frame, the fastener means comprising: a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member; and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; a second panel member disposed on the first support surface; and attaching means for attaching the second panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the column members are shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the column members.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each of the column members is a tube column having a channelway extending from an attachment end thereof to a tapered distal end thereof, and wherein each fastener member is disposed to extend through the channelway of a respective tube column, each of the tube columns attached at its attachment end to the spacer member.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of the fastener members comprises a screw member having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a bolthead configuration, the second end being a self-drilling/self-tapping screw, the screw member being of a length determined to effect compressive force upon its respective tube column member when the screw member is disposed through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be attached.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of the fastener members comprises a screw member having a first end, a second end and a body portion, the first end having a bolthead configuration, the second end being configured as a drill bit, and the body portion having screw threads disposed in near proximity to the second end, the screw member being of a length determined to effect compressive force upon its respective tube column member when the screw member is disposed to extend through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be attached.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of the fastener members comprises a nail member having a first end and a second end, the first end substantially having a nailhead configuration, and the second end tapered to a penetrating point, the nail member being of a length determined to restrain its respective tube column member when the nail member is disposed to extend through one of the fastener apertures and caused to be penetratingly attached by energy applied to the first end thereof.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein each of the nail members is dimensioned to be received in the channelway of its respective tube column member by a friction fit so that the tube column member is supported by the nail member and extensive from the second support surface prior to the nail member being caused to be penetratingly attached.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 wherein each of the fastener apertures of the spacer member is tubulated and each of the column members is connected to the tubulation of its respective fastener aperture.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 wherein each of the column members is weldingly attached to the second support surface of the spacer member so that its respective channelway is substantially axially aligned with the respective fastener aperture.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 wherein the spacer member is a channel member having a first end and a second end, a portion of the first end being shaped to be receivable by the second end of another spacer member disposed in end-to-end alignment with the spacer member.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 wherein the second panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the attaching means is a clip which is fastened to the spacer member and positioned for seam rolling attachment to the standing seam roof panel.

Claim 24

An improved insulation and paneling method for enclosing a building having a building frame, comprising: attaching at least one first panel member to the building frame; disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation adjacent to the first panel member; supporting a second panel member a predetermined distance from the first panel member with a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, a plurality of column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface before installation of the spacer member, the column members being shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the insulation by the column members, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member; and attaching the spacer member to a selected one of the building frame and the first panel member by a plurality of fastener members attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member thereto.

Claim 25

An improved insulation and paneling method for enclosing a building having a building frame, comprising: attaching at least one first panel member to the building frame; disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation adjacent to the first panel member; supporting a second panel member a predetermined distance from the first panel member with a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, a plurality of column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface before installation of the spacer member, the column members being shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the insulation by the column members, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member; and attaching the spacer member to a selected one of the building frame and the first panel member by a plurality of fastener members attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member thereto.

Claim 26

The method of claim 22 wherein the second panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the second panel member is attached to the spacer member by forming a seam portion thereof in seaming engagement to at least one clip supported by the spacer member.

Claim 27

An improved insulation and paneling method for enclosing a building having a building frame, comprising: attaching at least one first panel member to the building frame; disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation adjacent to the first panel member; attaching at least one spacer member to a selected one of the first panel member and the building frame, the spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough, a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; and attaching at least one second panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 28

An improved insulation and paneling method for enclosing a building having a building frame, comprising: attaching at least one first panel member to the building frame; disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation adjacent to the first panel member; attaching at least one spacer member to a selected one of the first panel member and the building frame, the spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough, a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the first panel member in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame so that the column members are disposed between the spacer member and the first panel member, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the first panel member, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the first panel member and the building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; and attaching at least one second panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 29

The method of claim 24 wherein the second panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the second panel member is attached to the spacer member by rolling a seam portion thereof in seaming engagement to at least one clip supported by the spacer member.

Claim 30

An improved reroofing method for building a new roof over a previously existing roof supported by the underlying frame of the building, the method comprising: disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation over the previously existing roof; attaching at least one spacer assembly to a selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the spacer assembly comprising a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer assembly comprising a means of spacing the first support surface from the existing roof a predetermined distance, said means comprising a plurality of column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface before installation of the spacer member, the column members being shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the insulation by the column members, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the previously existing roof in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the first support surface being thereby disposed the predetermined distance from the previously existing roof, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and building frame by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member thereto; and attaching at least one panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 31

An improved reroofing method for building a new roof over a previously existing roof supported by the underlying frame of the building, the method comprising: disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation over the previously existing roof; attaching at least one spacer assembly to a selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the spacer assembly comprising a spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer assembly comprising a means of spacing the first support surface from the existing roof a predetermined distance, said means comprising a plurality of column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface before installation of the spacer member, the column members being shaped to penetrate a compressible material so that the characteristics of the insulation are substantially retained during the penetration of the insulation by the column members, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the previously existing roof in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the first support surface being thereby disposed the predetermined distance from the previously existing roof, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and building frame by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member thereto; and attaching at least one panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 32

The method of claim 26 wherein the panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the second panel member is attached to the spacer member by forming a seam portion thereof in seaming engagement to at least one clip supported by the spacer member.

Claim 33

An improved reroofing method for building a new roof over a previously existing roof supported by the underlying frame of the building, the method comprising: disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation over the previously existing roof; attaching at least one spacer member to a selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough, a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the previously existing roof in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the previously existing roof, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; and attaching at least one panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 34

An improved reroofing method for building a new roof over a previously existing roof supported by the underlying frame of the building, the method comprising: disposing at least one layer of compressible insulation over the previously existing roof; attaching at least one spacer member to a selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the spacer member having a first support surface and an opposite second support surface, the spacer member having a plurality of fastener apertures communicating therethrough, a plurality of discreet column members connected to the spacer member and extensive from the second support surface, each column member maintainable substantially in nonpenetrating engagement with the previously existing roof in the installed position of the spacer member, and a plurality of fastener members extendable through the fastener apertures and attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and the building frame, the first support surface being thereby disposed a predetermined distance from the previously existing roof, each fastener member attachable to the selected one of the previously existing roof and building frame at any location overlain by its corresponding fastener aperture in the spacer member by the application of energy to one end of the fastener member to cause attachment of the other end of the fastener member; and attaching at least one panel member to the spacer member.

Claim 35

The method of claim 28 wherein the panel member is a standing seam roof panel and wherein the second panel member is attached to the spacer member by rolling a seam portion thereof in seaming engagement to at least one clip supported by the spacer member.