Energy-efficient skylight structure
OwnerJames Van Dameinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A skylight structure that is sealed at the room ceiling rather than at the roof membrane is provided by a fixture framework that contains light-diffusing panels sealed to the frame. The internal structure of the entire framework is sealed. The framework is hinged so that it may be opened for cleaning and replacing burned-out bulbs that may be mounted around the periphery of the ceiling hole. A light-transmitting tube of flexible material channels daylight from the translucent roof membrane to the hole in the ceiling. The fixture framework is fastened to the support joists of the ceiling and covers the hole in the ceiling.
Claims20
An energy-efficient skylight structure for attaching to a ceiling having a hole therein, said structure including a roof membrane of light translucent material, the improvement comprising:
- a framework being larger in size than the hole in the ceiling, said framework adapted to receive a light-diffusing panel;
- means for attaching the framework over the hole in the ceiling to support beams for the ceiling;
- gasket means between the framework and the ceiling for sealing the framework to the ceiling around the hole;
- a light-diffusing panel held by the framework;
- sealing means between the light-diffusing panel and the framework for sealing the perimeter of the light diffusing panel to the framework whereby the framework and panel cover seal the hole in the ceiling, thereby thermally insulating the room from the atmosphere on the other side of the panel, while permitting light to be transmitted therethrough;
- and
- a light-channeling means attached at one end to the ceiling around the opening on the side opposite the framework and at the other end around the light translucent material of the roof membrane, said light-channeling means comprising an on-site custom constructed light tube having an internal light reflective surface, said tube being formed of a cloth-like fabric coated at least on one side with light-reflective material, the fabric of the light tube being fixedly attached to rafters and ceiling joists, in a manner that provides the shortest path of travel for the light entering at the roof membrane to the light diffusing panel, which may be symmetrically located anywhere in the ceiling regardless of the location of roof support beams wherein said light tube of said light channeling means includes at least one zipper therein for access into said light tube for cleaning when necessary.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.