# US 9,435,116 B2 · Systems and methods for insulating attic openings

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- Number: US 9,435,116 B2
- Document ID: US9435116B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/880,969
- Filed: 2015-10-12
- Published: 2016-02-04
- Granted: 2016-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2001-12-21
- Assignees: James B. Melesky
- Applicants: James B. Melesky
- Inventors: James B. Melesky
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9435116B2

## CPC

- E06B 3/70: Door leaves (wing frames E06B3/04)
- E04B 1/66: Sealings ({damp-proof courses E04B1/644; fire-proof sealings E04B1/948;} additions of anti-leak properties to plaster C04B; bituminous sealing masses C08L95/00; sealings for hydraulic engineering work in general E02B3/16; against ground humidity or ground water E02D31/02; coverings against rain or other precipitations of the atmosphere E04D)
- E04B 1/74: Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection (forms of, or arrangements in, rooms for influencing or directing sound E04B1/99); Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls (fire protection E04B1/94; elements chiefly adapted for structural purposes E04C1/00 - E04C3/00; chiefly adapted for surface coverings E04F13/00; as underlayers for floor coverings E04F15/18; closures for wall or like openings E06B)
- E04B 1/7608: {comprising a prefabricated insulating layer, disposed between two other layers or panels}
- E04B 1/7654: {comprising an insulating layer, disposed between two longitudinal supporting elements, e.g. to insulate ceilings}
- E04B 9/001: {characterised by provisions for heat or sound insulation}
- E04B 9/003: {with movable parts, e.g. pivoting panels, access doors}
- E04F 11/06: collapsible, e.g. folding, telescopic
- E04F 19/08: Built-in cupboards; Masks of niches; Covers of holes enabling access to installations ({inspection openings in bathtub aprons A47K3/1615; covers for electrical distribution boxes H02G3/14; movable ceiling parts E04B9/003; removable wall partitions E04B2/74; } clean-out doors of chimneys F23J)
- E06B 3/08: Constructions depending on the use of specified materials (E06B3/24 takes precedence)
- E06B 3/263: Frames with special provision for insulation
- E06B 5/01: Trap-doors
- E04B 1/76: specifically with respect to heat only (heat insulation in general F16L59/00)
- E04B 2001/742: {Use of special materials; Materials having special structures or shape}
- E04D 13/1618: {with means for fixing the insulating material between the roof covering and the upper surface of the roof purlins or rafters}
- E04H 9/16: against adverse conditions, e.g. extreme climate, pests
- E06B: FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES (shades or blinds for greenhouses A01G9/22; curtains A47H; lids for car boots or bonnets B62D25/10; skylights E04B7/18; sunshades, awnings E04F10/00)
- E04B: GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of opening in walls, floors or ceilings E06B1/00; {electromagnetic shielding H05K9/0001})
- E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B)
- E04D: ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS (coverings of outer walls by plaster or other porous material E04F13/00)
- E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D)

## Abstract

A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, that generally provides an air seal, thermal insulation and/or acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, an opening in a generally vertical wall, a hatch, or a pull down ladder. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An insulating cover assembly comprising:
a continuous frame having spaced side walls and spaced end walls, said frame defining a frame opening extending therethrough;
a removable closure member, said removable closure member including:
an upper portion forming flanges:
said flanges extending laterally outward relative to said depending central portion;
said flanges being sized and shaped to engage an upper surface of each of said side walls and end walls to create a continuous seal with said frame when said removable closure member is positioned on said frame in covering relationship with respect to said opening defined by said frame; and
ends of said flanges extending beyond the outer perimeter of said frame when said removable closure member is positioned on said frame in covering relationship with respect to said opening defined by said frame;
a downward extending border extending from said flanges, said downward extending border being adjacent to, parallel to, and in contact with, said outer perimeter of said frame along substantially all of said downward extending portion, wherein said downward extending border engages said side walls and said end walls of said frame along said outer perimeter of said frame to create a continuous seal with said side walls and said end walls when said removable closure member is positioned on said frame in a covering relationship with respect to said frame opening;
wherein said closure member is completely detached from said frame when said continuous seal is broken.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 1 wherein said flanges and said upper surfaces include mating male and female connectors.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 2 wherein said flanges include said male connectors.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 2 wherein said upper surfaces include said male connectors.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 2 wherein said male and female connectors are arranged continuously over said flanges and said upper surfaces.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 2 wherein said male and female connectors are arranged in discrete areas of said flanges and said upper surfaces.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 6 wherein said discrete areas comprise said end walls.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The insulating cover assembly of claim 6 wherein said discrete areas comprise said side walls.