U.S. patent application number 09/768757 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-25 for modular-tarp building-roof/wall shielding & system.
Invention is credited to Bettencourt, Joseph A..
Application Number | 20020095898 09/768757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25083392 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020095898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bettencourt, Joseph A. |
July 25, 2002 |
Modular-tarp building-roof/wall shielding & system
Abstract
An environmentally conservative and more cost-effective
apparatus and method for protecting architectural-building
construction work in progress from potential damaging effects of
rain-storms, temporarily sealing-off exposed roof and wall
structures from penetration by water; -heretofore only facilitated
by use of awkward to handle disposable plastic-film sheets or
general use tarpaulins. The new specialized tarp-system employs a
modular array of prefabricated rectangular tarp-panels fabricated
from flexible imperforate light-weight/high-streng- th material
sized both for easy one-man handling which proportional dimensions
are quickly and easily assembled over exposed-framing of a
building. Each identical tarp-panel and optional ridge-panel
employs either a linear anchoring-strip device, or a plurality of
spaced apart perimeter and field-area grommethole reinforced
points, either of which accepting easily removable nail or screw
fasteners. Abutting modular tarp-panels can be readily assembled as
necessary via interconnecting tarp-panel perimeter edges optionally
provided with integral weather-flaps configured to close-over the
linear-rows of incrementally installed fasteners. The tarp-panels
thus become interdependent from wind displacement, and their
imperforate interlocking design can also (similar to, but not to be
confused with the preferably lighter weight linear retention
devices employed upon the weatherizing flaps) be facilitated via
use of tongue-&-groove interlock, cleat-zipper, or
hook-&-loop type couplings; making the tarp-panels readily
avulsable when weather clears, allowing rapid disassembly for
stacking and stowing in rolled-bundles for future reuse.
Inventors: |
Bettencourt, Joseph A.;
(Encinitas, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph A. Bettencourt
515 N. Willow Springs Drive
Encinitas
CA
92024
US
|
Family ID: |
25083392 |
Appl. No.: |
09/768757 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.05 ;
52/127.8; 52/506.01; 52/90.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 2021/248 20130101;
E04G 21/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/506.05 ;
52/506.01; 52/90.1; 52/127.8 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00; E04B
009/00 |
Claims
VI.) What is claimed of proprietary inventive origin is:
1.) A modular tarp-panel assembly for temporarily protecting
otherwise vulnerably exposed building roof and wall areas from
ambient weather; said apparatus comprising: a flexile tarp-panel
with a perimeter of four parallelpied side margins each including a
perimeter anchoring-strip means arranged proximally along each of
said four side margins for incremental installation of nail or
screw fasteners into existing spaced apart provisional roof-rafters
floor-joists or wall-studs and surrounding a central field area
employing at least one anchoring-strip also enabling attachment to
existing incrementally spaced apart provisional roof-rafters
floor-joists or wall-studs via a plurality of nail or screw
fasteners; and whereto, two first right-angle adjoining said
margins each include a strip-fastener member means, and two second
right-angle adjoining said margins each include a strip-fastener
means, said first and said second right-angle margin arrangements
being thereby configured as to enable said first side margins to
engangingly cooperate with a mating said second side margin portion
of an abutting said modular tarp-panel, and said second side
margins to engangingly cooperate with a mating said first side
margin portion of an abutting said modular tarp-panel, thereby in
aggregate forming an interdependent assemblage of said
tarp-panels.
2.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-1,
wherein said mating strip-fasteners can be of the conventional
commercially available interlocking tongue-&-groove type.
3.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-1,
wherein said mating strip-fasteners can be of the conventional
commercially available interlocking cleat-zipper type.
4.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-1,
wherein said mating strip-fasteners can be of the conventional
commercially available interlocking hook-&-loop type.
5.) A weather-tight modular tarpaulin assembly providing convenient
temporary weatherizing of otherwise vulnerably exposed building
roof and wall areas; said apparatus comprising: a variable
plurality of flexile tarp-panels for manual installation according
to surface-area of building portion to be protected, said
tarp-panels being applied directly upon exposed building frame
structure via a linear anchoring means provided along each of four
side perimeter margins and including at least one field-area linear
anchoring means, for attachment via screws or nails into
provisional uniformly spaced apart roof-rafters floor-joists or
wall-studs; a marginal weather-flap means thereto arranged
outwardly from each lower and adjoining said right-angle perimeter
margins, whereby an abutting upper said perimeter margin portion of
a lower positioned said tarp-panel is thus overlaped, and also
whereby the pitched end of an abutting said tarp-panel is also
overlapped via a said weather-flap means; thereby rendering all
abutting said margins of aggregate said assembled tarp-panels
effectively sealed from ambient weather and wherein nine assembled
said tarp-panels form a plot.
6.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said field-area linear anchoring means of each individual
said tarp-panel includes a discrete full length sub/weather-flap
which opening edge portion is directed downwardly as to facilitate
pitched roof water runoff action over said field-area linear anchor
means.
7.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said tarp-panels are made from a commercially available
polymer-sheet or fabric like canvas or rip-stop type material
capable of preventing seepage of water therethrough.
8.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said tarp-panels are fabricated via well known
machine/heat-sealed or machine-sewn construction.
9.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said linear anchoring means is a continuous reinforcement
tape like anchoring-strip permanently affixed to the tarpaulin
material, and through which is inserted a conventional screw or
nail fastener device.
10.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said linear anchoring means is a plurality of reinforcement
grommets uniformly spaced apart corresponding to the standard
building-code intervals for roof-rafters floor-joists and
wall-studs, and through each of which can be inserted a
conventional nail or screw fastener device.
11.) The tarpaulin anchoring grommets according to claim-10,
wherein said grommets are a plurality of male into female type
snap-fasteners having coaxial center-holes through which can be
inserted a single screw or nail fastener.
12.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said weather-flap member portion extends downward from said
upper tarp-panel and over horizontally spaced apart
anchoring-grommets and user installed nail or screw fasteners
thereto, and including a linear strip-fastener means arranged
proximally along said weather-flap's lowermost thereby protecting
said incremental anchoring point means from passage of
moisture.
13.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said strip-fastener means comprises interfacing
commercially available hook-&-loop type strip portions.
14.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said strip-fastener means comprises interfacing
extruded-polymer linear male into linear female type strip
portions.
9.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said linear anchoring means is a continuous reinforcement
tape like anchoring-strip permanently affixed to the tarpaulin
material, and through which is inserted a conventional screw or
nail fastener device.
10.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said linear anchoring means is a plurality of reinforcement
grommets uniformly spaced apart corresponding to the standard
building-code intervals for roof-rafters floor-joists and
wall-studs, and through each of which can be inserted a
conventional nail or screw fastener device.
11.) The tarpaulin anchoring grommets according to claim-10,
wherein said grommets are a plurality of male into female type
snap-fasteners having coaxial center-holes through which can be
inserted a single screw or nail fastener.
12.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said weather-flap member portion extends downward from said
upper tarp-panel and over horizontally spaced apart
anchoring-grommets and user installed nail or screw fasteners
thereto, and including a linear strip-fastener means arranged
proximally along said weather-flap's lowermost thereby protecting
said incremental anchoring point means from passage of
moisture.
13.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said strip-fastener means comprises interfacing
commercially available hook-&-loop type strip portions.
14.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said strip-fastener means comprises interfacing
extruded-polymer linear male into linear female type strip
portions.
15.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-4,
wherein said strip-fastener means is a conventional commercially
available cleat-zipper type device which is merged or avulsed via a
slide-clasp device.
16.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-2,
wherein said linear weather-flap securing means is a plurality of
spaced apart conventional commercially available male-&-female
snaps.
17.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-2,
wherein is provided an elongate roof-ridge weatherizing ridge-panel
of siamesed configuration whereby a linear strip-fastener means is
arranged along both laterally opposed longitudinal margins thereof,
and configured to engage with a mating linear strip-fastener means
located along the upper perimeter edge of uppermost positioned said
tarp-panels; thereby acting to at once intermediately adjoin the
upper pitched margins of both oppositely pitched tarp-panels.
18.) The modular weatherizing tarpaulin according to claim-2,
wherein said tarp-panels can be of either rectangular or square
format configuration viewed in plan-view.
19.) The temporary modular tarpaulin according to claim-2, wherein
said tarpaulin material includes a fire-resistant exterior
substrate enabling like deployment during non-inclemental weather
conditions as well, by providing advantage of shroud like direct
overlaying protection for relatively inflammable wood-shingle roof
and wood-siding building structures vulnerable to airborne
embers.
20.) A modular reusable weather-tight tarpaulin deployment system
facilitating convenient temporary covering of otherwise openly
exposed building roof and wall areas; said tarpaulin deployment
system comprising: installing a variable plurality of flexile
parallelpied tarp-panels according to surface-area of building
portion to be protected, said tarp-panels being applied directly
over exposed building frame structure via integral linear anchoring
means corresponding to standard interval spacing for roof-rafters
floor-joists and wall-studs conventional screw or nail anchoring
fasteners, and wherein field-area of individual said tarp-panels
includes one or more horizontal linear-flaps with flapped edge
directed downwardly as to facilitate water runoff over field area
situated said anchoring means, thereby resisting dislocation of
said tarp-panel by wind; and, providing perimeter margins with
proximal weather sealing means thereto along two adjacent
right-angle sides, whereby the lower linear margin portion of an
upper positioned said tarp-panel includes an overlapping
weather-flap covering over an abutting lower positioned said
tarp-panel's upper linear mating strip-fastener portion, while one
adjacent opposing generally pitched end of said tarp-panel also
includes a contiguous overlapping weather-flap covering over an
abutting laterally positioned tarp-panel's lateral linear mating
strip-fastener means portio; said system thereby rendering all
adjoining perimeter edges of dependently assembled said tarp-panels
sealed from penetration by rain.
Description
I.) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] 1. Field of Invention:
[0002] This invention relates to exteriorly protective coverings
for architectural structures, and more specifically it relates to
those types of water or fire protective tarp like coverings that
are made of flexible material which can be compactly rolled or
folded for efficient storage.
[0003] 2. Relevant Prior-Art:
[0004] Heretofore, contractors such as those engaged in
installation of new or replacement roofing, would during the threat
of inclement-weather, necessarily resort to the application of a
generally accepted polyethylene-film (usually about 6-mill gauge
sheeting) popularly known as Visqueen.RTM.. However, such 20
ft-wide.times.100 ft-long (2,000 sq.ft) rolled-sheet material can
be ungainly awkward to install since there are no prepared
anchor-points, so batten-boards must be applied over the
plastic-film to better hold it in place, a procedure which becomes
increasingly difficult with the addition of wind, -often acting to
rip the protective sheeting from areas being protected after the
workmen leave the site. Considerable costly interior water damage
thus results if unfinished roof or wall areas become exposed, which
can be financially and structurally destructive, and quite
troublesome to the building owner. Plus, when the need for
protecting the building from inclement-weather has passed and work
proceeds, the Visqueen.RTM. becomes largely wasted trash to deal
with; since it cannot be very effectively reused unless extreme
care is exercised, because the old hold-down points where anchoring
nails have penetrated would thus leak-through water if reused.
Moreover, especially when considered on a national scale of gross
non-reusage, owing to its bulk this refuse becomes a significant
environmental waste issue.
[0005] The alternate use of heavier-gauge tarpaulins, such are
commercially available in various 2-dimensional sizes, through
retail-stores such as the national store-chain HomeDepot.RTM., were
also found to be an impractical solution to protecting incompleted
building construction owing that these general-use tarps lack
provision for preventing water-seepage in between the adjoining
tarp panels; and securing grommets often included around at least
part of their perimeter margins, are only arranged at spaced apart
intervals facilitating tie-down points for ropes or bungee-cord
hook-on's.
[0006] Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art
regarded as germane to this disclosure, chronologically for example
U.S. Pat. No. 2,848,233(filed: 12/1956) contemplates a huge (aprox.
360 ft..times.164 ft, comprising twelve tarp-panels) flexible but
light-weight tarpaulin assembly deployed horizontally to cover over
an athletic-field as a water-repellent apparatus during inclement
weather, and employs 1-foot overlapping perimeter joints utilizing
a marginally elongated flap-structure juxtaposing in cooperation
with an marginally elongated receiving-pocket of the adjacent
tarp-panel. However, the perimeter weather-seal provisions of this
embodiment are not capable of creating a reliably weather-tight
seal if an effort were made to utilize this tarpaulin (normally
staked to the ground at random intervals via perimeter aligning
grommets) upon a vertical-wall or pitched-roof; since water can
seep in around the pocket-flap type perimeter seal.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,480,069(filed: 5/1968) is shown an
existing vertical-wall highrise structure of unfinished open square
grid-pattern beam construction, being temporarily clad either with
fire-resistant treated canvas or water-proof rip-stop polymer-sheet
material. These light-weight flexible panels are suspended
vertically between the buildings structural girders in order to
protect construction-workers from adverse weather; the perimeter
margins of the panels overlapping to block passage of wind and
rain. However, there is no provision for adapting the panels in a
manner suitable for application directly upon buildings constructed
with standard closely spaced apart vertical wall-studs and pitched
roof-rafter structures.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,8858,364(filed: 4/1973) is shown a
reusable protective temporary skeletal wall and roof structure
assembly in combination with modular flexible panels, that are
outset from direct contact upon the exterior of a building to which
fresh masonry has been applied; thereby enabling the interior-space
of the temporary weather-tight structure to be heated, so as to
accelerate drying of the wet masonry. The modular panels attach to
the bolted together scaffolding-like structure via special
spring-clip devices; enabling the assembly to be carefully
disassembled and stored until needed for another such job.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,474(filed: 3/1997) is shown a
temporary workshop shelter-building such as may be installed within
or without of an existing building under construction for example,
and generally comprises a conventional 2x4-timber framework to
which is applied a sheathing of Visqueen. This patent sets forth a
special entry/exit portal employing a flexible flap like zippered
closure apparatus, and does not therefore address the notion of
weatherizing in a way which would enable reusing the sheathing in
future work sites.
[0010] Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent
review, there is determined an environmentally conscious need for
an improved form of apparatus to which these patents have been
largely addressed. The instant inventor hereof believes their
improved environmentally conservative (reusable) weather-proofing
system and apparatus thereof commercially referred to as the
SINGLE-SHINGLE.TM. or SHIELDEX.TM. currently being developed for
production under auspices of the Bettencourt-Mfg./Mkt.Co., exhibits
certain advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion
of this instant disclosure.
II.) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A.) in view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier
invention art, it is therefore important to make it pellucid to
others interested in the art that the object of this invention is
to provide a temporary albeit reusable modular-panel array capable
of securely interlocking along their respective overlapping
perimeter margins in a manner assembling into a weather-tight
envelope for shielding a building's unfinished roof or wall
structural areas during construction, reconstruction, or repairs
such as reroofing are being conducted upon the building within.
Additionally, it has been found that my modular tarp-panels also
facilitate successful assembly of a temporary-structure, perhaps
even having no actual foundation, -substantially in the manner of a
tent. Constructed upon cleared open ground using 2.times.4's and
2.times.6's for a skeletal-framework having vertical-framing as
well as a single or double-pitched roof-framing; such a
temporary-structure can be readily -erected to stage operations
such as a woodmill, etc., serving while constructing the actual
permanent-building.
[0012] Because of the particular modular parallelpied configured
tarp-panel dimensioning necessarily employed by the panels in this
disclosure, my imperforate non-porous flexible weather-resistant
paneling system is intended primarily for use upon conventional
wood-framed structures having substantially consistent standardized
building-code spacing of roof-rafters and wall-studs (ie-
consistently 16-inches or consistently 24-inches center-to-center);
although the invention disclosure can be adapted to similarly
configured metal-frame buildings employing consistant rafter or
stud spacing intervals, as well as concrete buildings having wooden
roof-trestling. My protective coverage modular tarp-panel system is
considered suitable for use even upon substantially flat-top roofs,
where rainwater tends to pool; however, a minimal water runoff
roof-slope of 1/4"-in-12"/pitch is preferred if obtainable, and
1"-in-12" still more desirable in negating any such pooling
condition.
[0013] Although various different modular paneling dimensions are
possible within the purview of my modular installation system, it
has been found that a basic prefabricated modular tarp-panel unit
dimension of- 9 ft.times.12 ft, or 10 ft.times.16 ft, enables eight
such tarp-panels installed together around a single central
tarp-panel to thereby form one so-called unitized "plot" area of at
least 970 sq.ft(nominal) to 1,440 sq.ft. The advantage of handling
such modular sizes becomes apparent in terms of basic ease of
man-handling, especially appreciated during windy or gusty
conditions; or, when one-man installation is required when weather
suddenly turns bad, and co-workers have already left the work-site.
The tarp-panels are made of water-seepage proofed machine-sewn
canvas, or more preferably of an inherently water-seepage
impervious polymer sheeting material, preferably employing the well
known factory machine/heat-sealing method of seam fabrication
common to the construction of water-beds for example.
[0014] B.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set
forth a weatherizing tarpaulin article of modular tarp-panel design
for protecting unfinished walls and roofing areas according to
preceding item-A, wherein is included an essential perimeter
interconnection apparatus preferably having a proximal weather
sealing device thereto. The perimeter interconnecting apparatus
enables individual modular (thus identical) tarp-panels to be
intimately joined in a unique weather-tight interposing fashion, by
employing what is generally referred to as a strip-fastener type of
mating device. The strip-fastener can be of several linear
configurations extending along both the generally referred to upper
positioned and lower positioned margins, as well as along the
right-angle oriented left and right lateral end margins of each
tarp-panel.
[0015] Also considered essential to the tarp-panel configuration is
an anchoring-strip device, which is preferably a linear tape-like
device arranged proximal the strip-fasteners employed along all
four marginal sides; and the anchoring-strip can also comprise a
plurality of incrementally spaced apart anchoring points,
preferably based upon multiples of 8-inch center-to-center spacing;
and thereby, divisibly (by increments of 8-inches) adapting to both
the already mentioned 16-inch or 24-inch spacing of existing wall
and roof members. Although these anchoring points can be made of a
locally reinforced appliance, such as a permanently bonded
thicker-guage of linear tape like material referred to generally
herein as an "anchoring-strip" through which a nail or screw
fastener can be driven; it is also possible that the anchoring
points be special grommets through which is driven a securing
device such as a substantially conventional nail or screw fastener,
preferably via self-tapping screws driven by a conventional
hand-portable electric-screwgun, capable of automatically
presenting (feeding) successive screws. Also, particularly along
perimeter areas where my tarp-panels abut, it is preferred that
perimeter bonded tape like anchoring-strips or a linear array of
reinforcement grommets be employed, enabling a nail/screw fastener
to be easily driven simultaneously through both the thus
self-aligning male and female portions of the snap-together
grommets; but most preferably, simply via the perimeter
reinforcement anchoring-strips, which facilitate easier
non-critical alignment installation upon the building's existing
spaced apart roof-rafter (or equivalent floor-joist) or wall-studs,
thereby providing a rapidly installed strongly integrated assembly.
However, for purposes of wording herein, the term anchoring-strip
is to be considered broadly referring to a linear means by which to
attain an accumulative anchoring procedure; which can be more
specifically defined as to particular type of anchoring-strip where
considered appropriate.
[0016] In order to better resist dislocation by wind, the
field-areas (that portion of my tarp-panels residing within the
perimeter margin portions) preferably also include at least one
field-area reinforcement tape like anchoring-strip member, or
horizontal row of incremental anchoring devices, and more
preferably plural (preferably four for a 9 ft-high.times.12 ft-wide
tarp-panel) horizontally parallel tiered rows of such additional
(that is, in addition to the requisite perimeter anchoring points)
incremental anchoring reinforcement points, preferably in the form
of linear-reinforcement anchoring-strips. These anchoring-strips
can be made from a fiberglass-tape like material, or merely
fabricated from approximately 11/4-inch wide vinyl or other flexile
polymer material compatible with the primary tarp-panel polymer
material, yet of substantially thicker guage to perhaps {fraction
(1/16)}th inch thickness; -thereby serving as a device by which to
distribute local attachment-point stress-loads (such as can be
caused by the force of strong winds) evenly along regions where the
anchoring-strips are employed). It is preferred that these
linear-reinforcement anchoring-strip devices be factory applied via
a continuous heat-sealing bonding (or via alternate chemical
adhesive or cementing) procedure both along the tarp-panel
perimeter regions, as well as within the field area.
[0017] A somewhat less preferred method of achieving anchoring of
the tarp-panels, is via substantially conventional single-hole
grommets (preferably made from heat-sealed plastic rings which
preferably circularly-overlap both sides of the tarp-panel
material). Although more costly to fabricate than the afore
described linear-reinforcement anchoring-strips, these rows of
grommets or anchoring-strips each best include a likewise
horizontally linear-flap oriented with the flapped (opening) edge
of the flap leg directed downward as to thereby facilitate water
runoff to readily wash over those field-area situated grommets.
Alternately, the field-area anchoring grommets can be constructed
with an elastomeric (preferably neoprene-rubber) fillet spanning
within the grommet body, thereby making need for a protective
linear horizontal flap non-critical and essentially an optional
provision; -since penetration of a nail/screw is thereby made
tightly enough as to negate passage of water. The
elastomeric-fillet can include a tiny pilot-hole (smaller than the
nail/screw fastener's cross-section), or made unperforated with
perhaps only a central reference-dimple for nail placement if
preferred.
[0018] Abutting modular (ie- identically interchangable)
tarp-panels can be readily added generally in only one of two
180-degree rotationally possible orientations (although there is
generally considered a non-invertable exterior-side vrs. an
inward-facing side of orientation as well), preferably including
interposing tarp-panel edges provided with integral linear-flaps
configured to close-over the linear-rows of anchoring-strips or
optional incremental fasteners (grommets). These optional linear
weather-flaps which extend along two of the four perimeter margins,
are preferably sealed-down from wind-extend along two of the four
perimeter margins, are preferably sealed-down from wind-lifting via
integral strip-fasteners; while another optional type of
sub/weather-flap is also preferably provided over the field-area
anchoring-strip members, and the mouth of these sub/weather-flaps
is also preferably closed via a strip-fastener. All of these
weatherizing flaps are made readily avulsable (strip-fasteners
manually undone) when weather allows, allowing extrication of the
nail or- screw anchoring devices, whereupon the tarp-panels are
carried away for stacking and stowing in rolled-bundles for future
reuse. The strip-fasteners can be of several linear arranged
commercially available types; -such as hook-&-loop,
tongue-&-groove polymer zipper or segmented cleat-zipper
(usually assisted via by a slide-clasp), or even a plurality of
conventional male-&-female snap-fasteners (not recommended for
the laterally arranged weather-flap members, owing the water can
blow-in to such an elongated-pocket like formation).
[0019] Besides usage in protecting a building under partial
construction during inclement weather, my tarpaulin system of
modular tarp-panels also finds utility value in protecting
buildings during non-inclement weather conditions, by providing a
fire-resistant protective shroud particularly over an entire
building (such as a dwelling or cabin) constructed of highly
inflammable shingle wood-roof and/or wood-shingle type siding.
These types of building structures are considered most vulnerable
to airborne embers (versus tile-roofed stucco-walled buildings).
Accordingly, the exterior surface of my flexile tarp-panels can be
fabricated with a thin aluminum-foil like metalizing substrate (or
other equivalent nonflammable coating), which resultant composite
material is sufficiently durable as to be likewise reusable in most
cases (even after mild exposure to an environmental fire
condition). Still another use of my modular interposing tarp-panel
apparatus and system of installation resides in its optional use as
a convenient tenting-apparatus, enabling a building or dwelling to
be covered-over for fumigating purposes; thereby obviating the need
for traditionally huge ungainly cumbersome tarpaulins.
[0020] C.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set
forth a reusable weatherizing (ie- weather-tight) tarpaulin system
of modular tarp-panels protective of unfinished walls and roofing
areas according to preceding items- A&B, by which to weatherize
a building's otherwise vulnerably exposed (such as during
construction, remodeling, reroofing, etc.) pitched roof and
vertical wall areas. This involves installing a plurality of the
flexile tarp-panels according to the surface-area of the building
portion to be protected, the tarp-panels being applied directly to
the exterior of the exposed building frame structure
pitched-rafters or vertical wall-studs via a plurality of
reinforcement grommets spaced apart corresponding to standard
center-to-center spacing of existing wall-studs or roof-rafters and
arranged in horizontally parallel rows. The grommets thus serving
as anchor point locations by which to receive a conventional nail
or screw fastener, and wherein the field-area of individual
tarp-panels preferably include one to four horizontal linear-flaps
with their flapped edge opening being directed substantially
downwardly as to effectively facilitate water runoff over the
field-area situated grommets; which anchoring procedure thus serves
to also very strongly resist the dreaded dislocation of the
tarp-panels by force of wind.
[0021] Once the first tarp-panel is thus positioned the
installer(s) can apply neighboring modular tarp-panels in virtually
any determined convenient direction from there. For example,
preferably beginning at the uppermost roof-peak, the installer lays
the first tarp-panel horizontally across several of the the
downwardly slopping roof-rafters (a 16-foot tarp-panel would thus
span nine roof-rafters typically spaced apart at 24-inch intervals)
a few inches below the roof-peak. Once the preferred four corner
anchor points have been installed, the installer can proceed to
extend out the coverage in a manner whereby generally speaking the
horizontal lower linear weather-seal portion of an upper positioned
tarp-panel includes an overlapping weather-flap covering an
interfacing lower positioned tarp-panel's upper horizontally mating
linear weather-seal portion. Also, adjacent opposing pitched or
vertical side-to-side ends of the tarp-panels include an
overlapping weather-flap and interfacing linear-seal arrangement as
well. Plus, to prevent any water flowing beneath the tarp-panels
along the roof-peak region, a preferred narrow ridge-panel
aproximately 24-inches wide by preferably 16-feet long, made of the
same sheeting material as the tarp-panels, is rolled-out along the
roof-ridge (roof peak) to facilitate opposite installation of the
uppermost tarp-panels where linear strip-fasteners such as a
conventional tongue-&-groove, conventional heavy-duty
mechanical cleat-zipper, or conventional hook-&-loop type
device (popularly known as VELCRO.RTM.) are joined to secure an
abutting seal. Hence, the completed assembly system renders all
adjoining perimeter edges sealed weather-tight from rain
penetration (the tongue-&-groove type zip-seal being the most
effective).
[0022] Alternately, the tarp-panels can optionally be of a
pre-rolled 6 ft.times.30-40 ft (nominally) parallelpied
configuration, whereby a lone installer could quickly and easily
deploy each tarp-panel down via gravity from a roof-peak,
straddling a pair of rafters and down aside the wall, thereby
horizontally span only three of the roof-rafters and five of the
wall-studs; still to be finalized by installation of the previously
described capping-strip. However, as a practical matter, since
positioning of roof-rafters and wall-studs is not necessarily
coincidental, it is much preferred that the arrangement of the
tarp-panels be laid-out in the previously explained horizontal
rather than vertical format of orientation.
[0023] In any case, my preferred flexile modular tarp-panels are
defined as having a perimeter of four parallelpied side margins,
each including a proximal anchoring-strip (or grommets spaced apart
along 8-inch intervals corresponding to the 16"/roof-rafter and
24"/wall-stud nominal centers) surrounding a central field area
employing at least one anchoring-strip (or again, -grommets spaced
apart along 8-inch linear intervals corresponding to the
16"/roof-rafter and 24"/wall-stud nominal centers). The first two
right-angle adjoining margins each include a male strip-fastener
member, while the second two right-angle adjoining margins both
include a female strip-fastener member; thereby enabling the first
two perimeter side margins to mechanically cooperate with a mating
second side margin portion of an abutting modular tarp-panel, and a
second side margin to likewise cooperate to mechanically engage
with a like first side margin portion of another abutting modular
tarp-panel, thereby forming an interdependent assemblage of such
tarp-panels.
III.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS
[0024] The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will
become fully apparent, along with various advantages and features
of novelty residing in the present embodiments, from study of the
following description of the variant generic species embodiments
and study of the ensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein
indicia of reference are shown to match related matter stated in
the text, as well as the claims section annexed hereto; and
accordingly, a better understanding of the invention and the
variant uses is intended, by reference to the drawings, which are
considered as primarily exemplary and not to be therefore construed
as restrictive in nature; wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1, is a pictorial perspective-view showing a portion of
a building's unfinished roof and supporting wall structures upon
which is being overlaid my weatherizing system of specialty
tarp-panels;
[0026] FIG. 2, is a plan-view of a flat grid-pattern plot of my
tarp-panels, showing how eight of my tarp-panels are generally
arranged in sequence to surround a ninth tarp-panel, this
arrangement being generally preferred in conjunction with my use of
linear zip-locking tongue-&-groove type avulsable
strip-fastener margins;
[0027] FIG. 3, is an alternate flat-pattern plot of my tarp-panels,
showing how my tarp-panels can also be arranged in a
staggered-pattern array, considered generally more suitable for use
optionally in conjunction with my linear hook-&-loop type
avulsable strip-fastener margins;
[0028] FIG. 4, is an enlarged oblique pictorial-view favoring the
left perimeter-edges of two tarp-panels, here showing the
arrangement of interposing tarp-panel margin portions as they are
installed upon a conventionally pitched roof, and wherein a
phantom-outlined folded-back portion of the uppermost tarp-panel is
shown enabling fastener access through the grommets normally
covered by the horizontal weather-flap;
[0029] FIG. 5, is a detail plan-view of the grid-pattern
substantially according to FIG. 2, which better reveals the
cooperative contiguously interposing arrangement showing the
central tarp-panel within an overall plot surround of eight
marginally adjoining fragmented tarp-panel intersectional
portions;
[0030] FIG. 6, is an alternate oblique pictorial-view to FIG. 4,
wherein is shown an arrangement of generic-variant tarp-panels in
combination with a linear/strip-fastener device of the continuous
conventional cleated-zipper type, and wherein the lower/left-corner
portion of the upper positioned tarp-panel is shown uplifted for
visual clarity;
[0031] FIG. 7, is a detail cross-sectional elevation-view typical
of a horizontally extending margin, showing the arrangement of
interposing tarp-panel margin portions employing the
tongue-&-groove interlock method, as they are normally oriented
upon a conventionally pitched roof just prior to their intimate
assembly;
[0032] FIG. 8, is an alternate detail cross-sectional
elevation-view typical of a vertically extending margin, showing
the interposed arrangement of tarp-panel margin portions employing
the hook-&-loop impingement method, as they are normally
oriented across plural roof-joists just prior to their intimate
assembly;
[0033] FIG. 9, is a 6.times.-enlargement showing a detail of the
assembled preferred male/female-grommet features, as were shown
separated in FIGS. 7&8; while also revealed is a thin flexile
aluminum-clad outward facing substrate option, which enhancement
thus enables alternate use as a fire protection apparatus effective
against ambient air-borne embers and radiation from nearby burning
objects.
[0034] FIG. 10, is a greatly enlarged transverse cross-section view
detailing an exemplified embodiment of the optional combination
manual slide-clasp relative to the slidably engaged
tongue-&-groove portions of a strip-fastener.
IV.) ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES
[0035] 10--overall building framing structure
[0036] 11,11',11"--roof portion, roof-rafters, rafter-webs
[0037] 12--ridge-beam
[0038] 13--header-beam
[0039] 14--ceiling-joists
[0040] 15--diagonal-bracing
[0041] 16'/16"--walls (left/right)
[0042] 17,17'--wall -studs, corner-stud
[0043] 18,18'--perimeter-reinforcement anchoring-strip,
incremental-marker
[0044] 19,19'--field-reinforcement anchoring-strip,
incremental-marker
[0045] 20,20',20"--tarp-panel (modular unit), exterior-surface
side, underside-surface
[0046] 21,21'/21"--ridge-panel (modular unit), opposed longitudinal
half portions (left/right)
[0047] 22'/22"--strip-fastener cleated-zipper type:
member-A/member-B
[0048] 23,23',23"--strip-fastener: zip-seal type, slide-clasp,
upper/slide-paw, lower/slide-paw
[0049] 24,24',24",24F--slide-clasp pull-tang, pull-lanyard,
pull-snare, finger entry ref.-arrow
[0050] 25,25'--zip-seal male tongue portion, mounting-flanges
[0051] 26,26'--zip-seal female groove portion, mounting-flanges
[0052] 27,27',27"--strip-fastener: Hook-&-loop type, hook-strip
portion, loop-strip portion
[0053] 28,28',28"--weather-flap member, sub/weather-flap,
mounting-seam
[0054] 29--finishing fold-seam
[0055] 30,30'--plain grommet, male/female grommet assembly
[0056] 31,31'--grommet male-barb portion, annular-flange
[0057] 32,32'--grommet female-barb portion, annular-flange
[0058] 33,33',33",33D,33N--exemplified screw-head, driving-slot,
screw-threads, self-drill, nail
[0059] 34--action ref.arrow
[0060] 35--metalized-substrate
[0061] 36--water-flow sheding action ref.-arrow
IV.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0062] Initial reference is given by way of FIG. 1, wherein is
exhibited an overall skeletal framing structure 10, which could be
either the framework for an exemplified temporary-structure or the
exemplified framework of an existing conventionally constructed
permanent building perhaps in the midst of being remodeled. In any
case, the exemplified roof portion 11 is typically comprised of
multiple transverse roof-rafters 11' generally of nominal
2".times.6" or 2".times.8" cross-section) typically staged along
currently standard Building-code 16-inch or 24-inch
center-to-center spacing intervals, creating a longitudinal
roof-peak or crest along a longitudinal ridge-beam 12, while at the
outer ends of the downwardly pitched roof-rafters 11' and multiple
ceiling joists 14 thereunder is a longitudinal header-beam 13
supporting the roof upon vertical perimeter-walls 16' and 16"
formed by vertical corner-studs 17 and multiple vertical
load-bearing wall-studs 17' (as typically staged along standard
16-inch centers). Note that some building roofs are almost
horizontally-flat (having only minimal pitch for water drainage),
and most modern flat or pitched roof structures are generally
entirely sheathed-over with 4 ft.times.8 ft plywood-panels, while
others are sheathed (unshown) with 1.times.4-inch(nominally)
longitudinal(extending horizontally in length) battens spaced
tiered vertically apart about every 4-inches (to promote good
wood-shingle aeration); over which either natural wood or
composition shingles, or slate or jspanish-tile is ultimately
installed. Note also, there is a small trend toward use of
light-weight metal framing members instead of wooded framing
members; however, such choice of materials does not significantly
alter application of my invention as it is being set forth herein,
since conventional self-tapping hold-down fasteners will likewise
secure into the thin-guage metal members as well.
[0063] Thus FIG. -1 is showing how the user/installer of my
temporary modular tarp-panel invention 20 generally commences
installation by lifting 19 them individually to the roof (or
exposed ceiling region if the roof is not yet present), laying them
down quickly, often in anticipation of inclement-weather, in a
preferably descending manner via the non-staggered grid-like
(edge-overlapping as a generic variant embodiment) pattern
arrangement represented in FIG. 2. With the first course of
tarp-panels being set in place, the preferably long-narrow
ridge-panels 21 are also preferably secured in place in a manner
commensurate with procedures set forth for the main tarp-panels,
with both lateral half portions of the flexile ridge-panels being
configured according to the example set forth in FIG. 7 (excepting
that no optional field area weather-flap 27 is used) the
ridge-panels being of siamesed configuration; -that is, the
ridge-panel 21 includes dual opposed longitudinal margins 21' &
21" made to mate compatibly with the particular type of
strip-fastener employed by the main tarp-panels being installed
along both opposed pitchings of the roof-rafters 11'. Here, the
marginal corners of each tarp-panel meet in a four-way intersection
both along a given horizontally extending course of tarp-panels
such as comprising exemplified panels-A/B/C, and between the
contiguously descending courses comprising panels-D/E/F and
likewise further adjoining panels-G/H/I. This preferred panel
layout configuration has been found to be very successfully
implemented in combination with the tongue-&-groove type of
linear strip-fastener device (ref. FIG. -7); which is quite
imperforate and basically equivalent in design principle to the
commercially available but generally smaller ZipLoc.RTM. type of
packaging strip-fastener closure device (affording a substantially
hermetically- sealed envelope, as when employed within a frost-free
refrigerator environment for example). Alternately however, my
temporary tarp-panels may also be installed according to the
staggered-pattern arrangement of FIG. 3 wherein the overlapping
(via optional weather-flap portions 27) corners along a given
horizontal course generally cooperate in the resultant manner of a
three-way intersection; which configuration has been found to be
most suitable for use in conjunction with the hook-&-loop
(Velcro.RTM.) type of linear strip-fastener device. Thus while
intermittently spaced-apart tarp-panel joining devices such as
male-female/snap-fasteners can be substituted, it is much preferred
that a continuous linear type of strip-fastener be employed (ie-
tongue-&-groove zipper, cleat-zipper, or hook-&-loop
types), as such devices afford a superior degree of moisture
barrier to migration of rain-water which is often accompanied with
gusting-wind, which can otherwise manage to find circuitous
entrance for water.
[0064] Reference to FIG. 4 shows the overall assembled relationship
of the four interacting zipper type zip-sealing portion elements
herein conveniently referred to as: T/MF(top/male-female),
B/M-F(bottom/male-female), L/M-F(left/male-female),
R/MF(right/male-female); -whereto for each individual tarp-panel 20
there are necessarily the cooperating strip-fasteners, preferably
two male/linear-tongue strip-fastener members 25 and two
female/linerar-groove strip-fastener members 26, in any case
arranged consistently as may be preferred only one along each of
the four tarp-panel margins. The placement orientation of these
cooperative elements being critical to the successful
juxtapositioning of successive tarp-panels, whereby one achieves a
totally cohesive integration of tarp-panel "E" in FIG. -2 for
example. In other words, each tarp-panel is fully modular
(virtually identical) relative to any other tarp-panel in the
system; thereby critically facilitating total interchangability of
the tarp-panels relative to one another.
[0065] In view of this requirement, it is fro example preferred
that only the female strip-fastener female/linear-groove member be
located along the tarp-panel's uppermost perimeter margin portion,
basically because if walked upon, it tends to be more durable than
the single relatively protruding male/linear-tongue portion.
However, the juxtapositioning of the male and female members at the
generally verticalized left and right tarp-panel margins are rather
inconsequential, owing that they must be in any case opposite;
-that is, if the left-margin carries a female/linear-groove member
26, then the right-margin necessarily has to carry a
male/linear-tongue member 25 (and conversely). Accordingly, if the
tarp-panel's top-margin carries a female/linear-groove 26, then the
bottom-margin necessarily has to carry a male/linear-tongue 25. It
is also intended that the optional substitution of hook-&-loop
type strip-fasteners (Ref. FIGS. 6 & 7) be considered so
constructed at the discretion of the production factory according
to engineering design orientation preference.
[0066] There remain subtle, however vital other differences which
are to become herein more evident and understood as important
iterations of my invention. For example, FIG. 5 (typical of
protective-tarp "E" in FIG. 2) indicates how the various optional
weatherizing weather-flaps 28 arranged within the field of the
protective-tarps, are in any case necessarily arranged as to
effectively shed water (action ref.-arrow 36) over the many
individual optional grommet anchor points 30. The optional use of
male 31 into female 32 grommets serves to more conveniently
facilitate the physical positioning of the interposing (or
overlapping) of tarp-panel portions intimately together, prior to
becoming more imperforately joined together via exemplified
marginal (proximal the perimeter) strip-fasteners 23. Once a number
of these grommets are joined substantially according to FIGS.
6,7,8, a nail 33N or more preferably a screw 33 (preferably driven
in by a modern self-feeding screw-gun) can be inserted through the
central pilot hole of a grommet and into the respective adjoining
existing roof-rafter 11' (or wall-studs 17 or ceiling-joists 14);
which procedure is repeated onward preferably at each of the
remaining grommet locations. If grommet devices are employed in the
tarp-panel construction, the actual number of such grommet securing
points being dependent upon the time available to complete the job,
and the severity of inclement weather being anticipated). Again, it
is noted that the uppermost tarp-panels are laid over the lower
positioned tarp-panels, as to achieve proper cascading gravity
drainage of water from tarp to tarp. Even in the case where a
substantially flat (approximately horizontal) roof or structurally
exposed upper-floor or porch area is being weatherized, the
installer always tries to install the tarp-panels in a cascading
manner, as to gain every possible drainage advantage.
[0067] Reference to FIG. 6 reveals the optional arrangement of
discrete tarp-panels 20 having dual diagonally opposed right-angle
orientations of strip-fasteners, here in the form of conventional
heavy-duty industrial type cleated-zipper members 22' and 22"; the
arrangement being like that of the zip-seal type strip-fasteners,
-whereby a plurality of tarp-panels can be thus dependently
assembled as in FIG. 2 for example.
[0068] Next, FIG. 7 depicts the proximal positioning of two
adjoining tarp-panels relative to a ceiling-joist 14 (or its
floor-joist equivalent), whereto a large-headed nail 34 is shown
inserted entirely through the interfacing (not yet joined) male 31
and female 32 grommet portions. The field located grommets can be
merely of the female type, since interlocking of overlapping
tarp-panels is generally made only along their margins. Thus,
another nail 34 is shown being inserted through a one of the tarp's
field plain grommets 30 for anchoring of the tarp-panel's field to
the exemplified existing ceiling-joist 14, while the outside field
weather-flap 28 is shown lifted away so as to gain physical access
to the linear plurality of field anchor fasteners being likewise
driven into the adjoining ceiling-joists (reference again FIG. 5).
Note also in FIG. 7 the optional use of hooked strip-fastener
portion 27' in combination with its mating loop strip-fastener
portion 27" (in preference to the optional tongue-in-groove type of
strip-fasteners), is employed at both left and right where
adjoining tarp-panels 20 margins are shown being connected. The
FIG. 8 is viewing at a right angle to the same exemplified
installation of FIG. 7, thus here looking at the sectional ends of
the adjoining roof-rafters 11' (or ceiling-joists 14, or equivalent
floor-joists), while looking into one of the longitudinally open
external field weather-flap members 28 permanently affixed to the
prefabricated tarp-panel at the factory along preferably
continuously bonded (or sewn) mounting-seam 27", while internal
marginal sub/weather-flap 28' has similar mounting-seam 28" in
FIG's. 7 & 8.
[0069] The grommet installation detail of FIG. 9 exhibits the
generally preferred configuration of the male 31 and female 32
portions, which are preferably heat-sealed to the primary
tarp-panel material exterior-side 20' via their integral
annular-flange portion 31' and 32' respectively (although they can
be chemically bonded via a suitable cementing agent, or
alternatively crimped-on to the tarp material around both upper and
lower sides of the installation-hole, -while sewing the many
grommets in place would be far to laborious a procedure. The
central fastener 33 shown in FIG. 9 is of the conventional
self-tapping (and self-drilling via distal portion 33D)
screw-threaded type, having an oval-panhead and Phillips type
driving-slot 33' which facilitates rapid installation and
subsequent removal. Notice also how the male member 31 includes an
annular-barb portion, which engages to hold positively into the
female-barb; -however, variations of this arrangement can be
arrived at without departing from the objective of the general
design being set forth. When removing the screw type fastener 33,
the operator generally prefers to utilize a commercially available
self-centering magnetic/Phillips-bit, as it enables a worker to
more readily retrieve the screw-fastener and stow it in their
utility-pocket (especially efficient as compared to having to
remove nails via a claw-hammer for example).
[0070] Also revealed in FIG. 9 is the optional provision of a
relatively thin metalized-substrate or other heat-resistant coating
35 permanently clad to the polymer substance of the primary tarp
material, in an iteration of my invention referred to as the
TherMax.TM. Modular-tarp. This thin substrate does not
substantially increase the weight of the tarp panel, nor hamper
desired flexibility of the tarp material; but is found to
significantly increase ability of modular tarp-panels so coated to
fend off damage from airborne embers in the presence of a menacing
situations such as an uncontrolled environmental forest-fire or
control-burning of ambient sage-brush for example. Thus,
potentially saving a structure, such as one having a natural
wood-shingle roof, from ravages of a nearby raging fire.
[0071] In FIG. 10 is a preferred more convenient and rapid type of
zip-seal strip-fastener configuration, employing a dmetal or heavy
plastic slide-clasp member 23, which is manually urged along the
longitudinal length of the interfacing male 25 and female 26
portions by simply pulling upon attached lanyard member 24'; the
substantially conventional zipping together action thereby readily
attaining the desired positively interposed weather-tight
engagement as is shown. Accordingly, opposite linear (reverse
direction) travel of slide-clasp 23, acts to conversely readily
reopen the tongue-&-groove type of strip-fastener, to a
condition substantially as shown in FIG. 7. As is generally
preferred, the respective male 25' and female 26' mounting flanges
are permanently linearly-bonded to the tarp-panel material 20', and
preferably to the underside 20". In the case of joining the
separate tarp-panels, the slide-clasp 23 is initially a separate
device carried in the installer's conventional utility-belt pocket
(not shown), and the slide-clasp is simply manually slid along the
entire length of the two initially separate male and female
portions of the zip-seal type strip-fasteners to attain a
completely interlocking joint between the two portions 26 and 25.
When ready for disassembly of the tarp-panels, the worker can use
the slide-clasp in reverse operation to avulse the interlocked
male/female-portions; or, the user may prefer to simply peel the
two portions apart commencing at one extreme end progressively
toward the other. It is not considered practical to try to slide
the two interconnecting tarp-panels together, in as much as the
accumulative sliding friction becomes to great after a short
distance of sliding engagement without use of the slide-clasp 23;
hence, in alternate versions of the invention not necessarily
employing a slide-clasp device 23, the procedure is to apply
manual-pressure (as by walking along the joining male 25 and female
26 members such as is exemplified in FIG. 7, and likewise with the
hook-&-loop type of strip-fasteners exemplified in FIG. 8.
[0072] Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and
generic-variant embodiments of this invention contemplate
performing functions in a novel way not heretofore available nor
realized. It is implicit that the utility of the foregoing
adaptations of this invention are not necessarily dependent upon
any prevailing invention patent; and, while the present invention
has been well described hereinbefore by way of certain illustrated
embodiments, it is to be expected that various changes,
alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may be
resorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates,
without substantially departing from the implied spirit and scope
of the instant invention. Therefore, the invention has been
disclosed herein by way of example, and not as imposed limitation,
while the appended claims set out the scope of the invention
sought, and are to be construed as broadly as the terminology
therein employed permits, reckoning that the invention verily
comprehends every use of which it is susceptible. Accordingly, the
embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows.
* * * * *