US4658555A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Attic hatchway insulating cover
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-07-12
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Granted: 1987-04-21
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Expires: 2005-07-12
Abstract
Abstract An insulating cover provides a easily removed thermal barrier over a hatchway used for access to an attic or other unheated area located above a heated living space. A cap, besides providing thermal insulation, provides an insulated dome or pocket space above the hatch, this space being used to manipulate a hatch cover or folding stairway. The seating surface of the insulating cap interlocks with a deck member on the attic floor sufficiently to hold it in place while allowing seepage of air during closing of the hatch cover or folding stairway. It is well known that such closing of a folding stairway of common design can cause an air movement or air rain into the stairwell opening. Only materials with high thermal "R" value are used.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Steiner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:40
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/62; E04B1/74; E04B1/76; E04B1/78; E04B1/38; E04B1/541; E04F; E04F11/00; E04F11/02; E04F11/04; E04F11/06; E04F11/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
An insulating cover for an attic stairwell opening structure, said attic stairwell opening structure including a folding stairway and stairwell opening framework tied to attic joists, said insulating cover being separate from said attic stairwell opening structure, comprising: cover framework, separate from said building stairwell opening structure, for surrounding said stairwell opening framework and for being in abutment therewith from above, said cover framework having a rough upper face; a cap being seatable on said framework and removable therefrom, said cap having a raised deck portion and perimeter sidewalls extending therefrom, and including high "R" value insulating materials; and a seal being of a material selected from open cellular foam and fiberglass batt, extending along the bottom of said sidewalls of said cap, said seal being compressable to conform to the upper face of said framework wherein said seal face interlocks with said deck rough face whereby said seal permits the seepage of air during a closing of said folding stairway.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
An insulating cover for an attic stairwell opening structure, said attic stairwell opening structure including a folding stairway and stairwell opening framework tied to attic joists, said insulating cover being separate from said attic stairwell opening structure, comprising: cover framework, separate from said building stairwell opening structure, for surrounding said stairwell opening framework and for being in abutment therewith from above, said cover framework having a rough upper face; a cap being seatable on said framework and removable therefrom, said cap having a raised deck portion and perimeter sidewalls extending therefrom, and including high "R" value insulating materials; and a seal being of a material selected from open cellular foam and fiberglass batt, extending along the bottom of said sidewalls of said cap, said seal being compressable to conform to the upper face of said framework wherein said seal face interlocks with said deck rough face whereby said seal permits the seepage of air during a closing of said folding stairway.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The cover of claim 1 wherein said seal has a rough surface, said seal surface interlocking with said framework surface when said cap is in place to impede shifting thereof; and wherein said sidewalls establish a space within the cap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The cover of claim 2 wherein said cap is covered with reflective foil on its deck portion and on its perimeter sidewalls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cover of claim 3 wherein said seal is a fiberglass batt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cover of claim 4 wherein said cap is made of foam insulation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
150 words
An insulating cover for an attic stairwell opening, comprising: framework, surrounding said stairwell opening, said framework providing a flat deck surface having a rough upper face; a cap being seatable on said framework and removable therefrom, said and perimeter sidewalls extending therefrom, and being comprised of high "R" value insulating materials; and a seal extending along the bottom of said sidewalls of said cap, said seal being compressable to conform to the upper face of said framework and being intented to be interlocking matable therewith, said seal, being made of high "R" value insulating material; wherein said seal is a fiberglass batt and has a rough surface, said seal surface interlocking with said framework surface when said cap is in place to imped shifting thereof; and wherein said cap is made of foam insulation and is covered with reflective foil on its deck portion and on its perimeter side walls.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
150 words
An insulating cover for an attic stairwell opening, comprising: framework, surrounding said stairwell opening, said framework providing a flat deck surface having a rough upper face; a cap being seatable on said framework and removable therefrom, said and perimeter sidewalls extending therefrom, and being comprised of high "R" value insulating materials; and a seal extending along the bottom of said sidewalls of said cap, said seal being compressable to conform to the upper face of said framework and being intented to be interlocking matable therewith, said seal, being made of high "R" value insulating material; wherein said seal is a fiberglass batt and has a rough surface, said seal surface interlocking with said framework surface when said cap is in place to imped shifting thereof; and wherein said cap is made of foam insulation and is covered with reflective foil on its deck portion and on its perimeter side walls.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cover of claim 6 wherein said space between walls is filled with fiberglass insulation.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-04-20 | 1990-10-20 | 1991-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-20 | 1994-10-20 | 1995-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-20 | 1998-10-20 | 1999-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |