Method of and apparatus for fabrication of an insulated fluid storage unit

Abstract

A hot water heater includes a storage tank and an outer decorative shell spaced from the tank. A foam insulation fills a cavity between the tank and the shell and a bottom wall in the form of preassembled fiberglass belt. The belt is wrapped and secured about to the tank by an encircling compressing and centrally located band. The outer ends of the belts flare outwardly to a diameter in excess of the inner diameter of the shell. A flat, flexible plastic sheet has a narrow portion draped over the top of the tank and sides extended down and overlap the opposite sides of the belt. The lower ends of the sheet essentially covers the belt. The flexible plastic sheet has a slight angle between the tank top and the belt. The outer shell which has a diameter somewhat less than that of the flared belt is telescoped downwardly over the tank and sheet folds the apron into a circular configuration, compressing the belt tightly between the storage tank and the shell. The apron is then removed by grasping the top end and pulling longitudinally outwardly. The compressed fiberglass readily expands to maintain a firm seal with the adjacent shell after removal of the apron. Foam insulation material is then introduced into the cavity, and enters into and is interconnected with the fiberglass belt.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.