U.S. patent application number 12/222535 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for membrane for use in the construction of buildings.
Invention is credited to Matthew Bruce Grant.
Application Number | 20090049765 12/222535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40380860 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090049765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grant; Matthew Bruce |
February 26, 2009 |
Membrane for use in the construction of buildings
Abstract
A membrane (1) for use in the construction of buildings is
described. The membrane (1) is provided with an alignment means (2,
3) to align the membrane (1) with a structure (7) of a building to
which the membrane is to be attached. The distance (A) between the
edge of the membrane (1) and the alignment means (2) may be equal
to that specified by local building regulations for overlap between
the membrane (1) and the building structure.
Inventors: |
Grant; Matthew Bruce;
(Waitakere City, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40380860 |
Appl. No.: |
12/222535 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/105 ; 29/592;
52/408; 52/741.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/625 20130101;
Y10T 29/49 20150115; E04B 1/66 20130101; E04D 12/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/105 ; 52/408;
52/741.3; 29/592 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/64 20060101
E04B001/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2007 |
NZ |
556071 |
Claims
1. A membrane for use in the construction of buildings, the
membrane provided with at least one alignment means to align the
membrane with a structure of a building to which the membrane is to
be attached.
2. The membrane of claim 1, wherein the alignment means extends
substantially parallel to an edge of the membrane.
3. The membrane of claim 2 wherein the alignment means extends
substantially parallel to an edge of the membrane at a distance of
between 20 mm and 200 mm from the edge of the membrane.
4. The membrane of claim 3 wherein the alignment means extends
substantially parallel to an edge of the membrane at a distance of
between 50 mm and 150 mm from the edge.
5. The membrane of claim 1 wherein the alignment means includes a
visual indicator.
6. The membrane of claim 5 wherein the alignment means is printed
on the membrane.
7. The membrane of any claim 1 wherein the alignment means
comprises at least one mark or line.
8. The membrane of claim 7 wherein the alignment means comprises a
series of lines or marks.
9. The membrane of claim 7 wherein the alignment means includes at
least one line of text and/or other indicia.
10. The membrane of claim 5 wherein the alignment means is produced
by a change in opacity of the membrane.
11. The membrane of claim 10 wherein the alignment means comprises
a transparent or translucent window in a relatively opaque
membrane.
12. The membrane of claim 1 wherein the alignment means includes a
non-visual indicator.
13. The membrane of claim 12 wherein the alignment means includes a
tactile indicator.
14. The membrane of claim 13 wherein the tactile indicator is
embossed or depressed on the membrane.
15. The membrane of claim 1 wherein the alignment means is a
combination of a visual and a non-visual alignment means.
16. The membrane of claim 1, wherein there is only one alignment
means spaced either 50 mm or 150 mm from the edge.
17. The membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane has two or more
alignment means.
18. The membrane of claim 17 wherein the two or more alignment
means are substantially similar.
19. The membrane of claim 17 including: (a) A first alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an edge of the
membrane; and, (b) a second alignment means extending substantially
parallel to but spaced from an opposite edge of the membrane.
20. The membrane of claim 19 wherein the first alignment means
extends substantially parallel to an edge of the membrane at a
distance of substantially 50 millimetres from the edge of the
membrane, and the second alignment means extends substantially
parallel to an opposite edge of the membrane at a distance of
substantially 150 millimetres from the edge of the membrane.
21. The membrane of claim 17 including: (a) A first alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an edge of the
membrane; (b) a second alignment means extending substantially
parallel to but spaced from an opposite edge of the membrane; and,
(c) at least one further alignment means extending substantially
parallel to the first two alignment means and created between the
first two alignment means.
22. The membrane of claim 1 wherein at least one of the alignment
means extends parallel to and spaced apart from an edge of the
membrane, wherein the spacing is selected to be substantially equal
to a minimum distance specified by a building regulation for
overlap between adjacent building membranes.
23. The membrane claim 1 wherein at least one of the alignment
means extends parallel to and spaced apart from an edge of the
membrane, wherein the spacing is selected to be substantially equal
to a minimum distance specified by a building regulation for a
building membrane to overlap from a bottom plate of a building
structure.
24. The membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane is preformed.
25. A method of applying a membrane according to claim 1 to a
building structure, the method comprising positioning the membrane
on a surface of the building structure so that the alignment means
is aligned with an indicator on the surface, and attaching the
membrane to the surface.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the indicator is a horizontal
edge or surface of the building structure.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the indicator is an edge of
another membrane already attached to the building.
28. The method of claim 25 when used to apply the membrane to an
external surface of a building frame.
29. The method of claim 25 when used to apply the membrane to an
internal surface of a building.
30. A method of manufacturing a membrane for use in the
construction of buildings, the method including the step of
providing the membrane with at least one alignment means to assist
in aligning the membrane with a surface of a building.
31. The method of claim 30 including the step of selecting a
distance between an edge of the membrane and at least one of the at
least one alignment means to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation, code or compliance
document, for overlap between adjacent building membranes.
32. The method of claim 30 including the step of selecting a
distance between an edge of the membrane and at least one of the at
least one alignment means to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation, code or compliance
document for a building membrane to overlap from a bottom plate of
a building structure.
33. The membrane of claim 8 wherein the alignment means includes at
least one line of text and/or other indicia.
34. The membrane of claim 18 including: (a) A first alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an edge of the
membrane; and, (b) a second alignment means extending substantially
parallel to but spaced from an opposite edge of the membrane.
35. The membrane of claim 18 including: (a) A first alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an edge of the
membrane; (b) a second alignment means extending substantially
parallel to but spaced from an opposite edge of the membrane; and,
(c) at least one further alignment means extending substantially
parallel to the first two alignment means and created between the
first two alignment means.
Description
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] Building membranes that are waterproof, or have at least
some weatherproof properties, are frequently used to help
weatherproof buildings. For example, they can be applied to an
external wall before an external cladding is fixed to the wall or
applied to a roof surface before the roofing material, such as
corrugated steel, tiles or slates, is fixed to the roof.
[0002] Typically, the building membrane is supplied in the form of
a sheet or a continuous roll that is positioned on the surface to
be covered and fixed in place using suitable fixing means, such as
fasteners which could be staples, nails or any other type of
fastener suitable for the material to which the membrane is to be
fixed.
[0003] To maximise the weatherproof properties, the membrane should
be taut when fixed to the appropriate surface. Furthermore, the
membrane should be applied in such a manner to minimise the number
of crinkles or partial folds that may facilitate the ingress of
moisture over time.
[0004] It can be difficult to apply the membrane to a long surface,
such as the side of a building, in a continuous crinkle/fold free
manner. For example, if the membrane is slightly out of alignment
when initially fastened to the building frame (for example a
vertical edge), then it will need to be partially folded (thus
introducing crinkles) as it is extended axially and fastened along
the side of a building.
[0005] Additional difficulties can arise when there are building
regulations in a particular jurisdiction defining the positioning
of the membrane with respect to the building structure to which it
is applied. For example, the regulations may define that the
membrane must overlap the bottom plate of a building structure by a
specific amount. The regulations may further define that subsequent
membranes must overlap the first membrane by a specific amount.
[0006] Building membranes of the prior art are often marked with
branding indicia. However, the nature and positioning of this
indicia means that it is not useful in assisting with the alignment
of the membrane relative to the building structure and/or other
building membranes.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to avoid or mitigate at
least some of the disadvantages of existing building membranes
and/or existing methods of applying a membrane to building
structures, or to at least provide a useful choice.
[0008] Other objects of the present invention may become apparent
from the following description, which is given by way of example
only.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a membrane for use in the construction of buildings, the
membrane provided with an alignment means to align the membrane
with a structure of a building to which the membrane is to be
attached.
[0010] Preferably the alignment means extends substantially
parallel to an edge of the membrane.
[0011] Preferably the alignment means extends substantially
parallel to an edge of the membrane at a distance of between 20 mm
and 200 mm from the edge of the membrane.
[0012] Preferably the alignment means extends substantially
parallel to an edge of the membrane at a distance of between 50 mm
and 150 mm from the edge.
[0013] Preferably the alignment means includes a visual
indicator.
[0014] Preferably the alignment means is printed on the
membrane.
[0015] Preferably the alignment means comprises at least one mark
or line.
[0016] Preferably the alignment means comprises a series of lines
or marks.
[0017] Preferably the alignment means includes at least one line of
text and/or other indicia.
[0018] Preferably the alignment means is produced by a change in
opacity of the membrane.
[0019] Preferably the alignment means comprises a transparent or
translucent window in a relatively opaque membrane.
[0020] Preferably the alignment means includes a non-visual
indicator.
[0021] Preferably the alignment means includes a tactile
indicator.
[0022] Preferably the tactile indicator is embossed or depressed on
the membrane.
[0023] Preferably the alignment means is a combination of a visual
and a non-visual alignment means.
[0024] Preferably there is only one alignment means spaced either
50 mm or 150 mm from the edge.
[0025] Preferably the membrane has two or more alignment means.
[0026] Preferably the two or more alignment means are substantially
similar.
[0027] Preferably the membrane includes: [0028] (a) A first
alignment means extending substantially parallel to but spaced from
an edge of the membrane; and, [0029] (b) a second alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an opposite
edge of the membrane.
[0030] Preferably the first alignment means extends substantially
parallel to an edge of the membrane at a distance of substantially
50 millimetres from the edge of the membrane, and the second
alignment means extends substantially parallel to an opposite edge
of the membrane at a distance of substantially 150 millimetres from
the edge of the membrane.
[0031] Preferably the membrane includes: [0032] (a) A first
alignment means extending substantially parallel to but spaced from
an edge of the membrane; [0033] (b) a second alignment means
extending substantially parallel to but spaced from an opposite
edge of the membrane; and, [0034] (c) at least one further
alignment means extending substantially parallel to the first two
alignment means and created between the first two alignment
means.
[0035] Preferably at least one of the alignment means extends
parallel to and spaced apart from an edge of the membrane, wherein
the spacing is selected to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation for overlap between
adjacent building membranes.
[0036] Preferably at least one of the alignment means extends
parallel to and spaced apart from an edge of the membrane, wherein
the spacing is selected to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation for a building membrane
to overlap from a bottom plate of a building structure.
[0037] Preferably the membrane is preformed.
[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of applying a membrane according to the first
aspect to a building structure, the method comprising positioning
the membrane on the surface of the building structure so that the
alignment means is aligned with an indicator on the surface, and
attaching the membrane to the surface.
[0039] Preferably the indicator is a horizontal edge or surface of
a building structure.
[0040] Preferably the indicator is an edge of another membrane
already attached to the building.
[0041] Preferably the method is used to apply the membrane to an
external surface of a building frame.
[0042] Preferably the method is used to apply the membrane to an
internal surface of a building.
[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of manufacturing a membrane for use in the
construction of buildings, the method including the step of
providing the membrane with at least one alignment means to assist
in aligning the membrane with a surface of a building.
[0044] Preferably the method includes the step of selecting a
distance between an edge of the membrane and at least one of the at
least one alignment means to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation, code or compliance
document for overlap between adjacent building membranes.
[0045] Preferably the method includes the step of selecting a
distance between an edge of the membrane and at least one of the at
least one alignment means to be substantially equal to a minimum
distance specified by a building regulation, code or compliance
document for a building membrane to overlap from a bottom plate of
a building structure.
[0046] Preferably the compliance document is the Department of
Building and Housing Acceptable Solution No.E2/AS1 or an
equivalent.
[0047] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a membrane for use in the construction of buildings
substantially as herein described with reference to the
accompanying Figures.
[0048] According to a still further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of applying a building membrane to a
building structure substantially as herein described, with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0049] Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered
in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following
description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the
invention.
[0050] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising",
and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0051] FIG. 1: Shows a membrane with alignment means comprising two
continuous lines.
[0052] FIG. 2: Shows a membrane with alignment means comprising two
broken lines.
[0053] FIG. 3: Shows a membrane with alignment means comprising
four broken lines.
[0054] FIG. 4: Shows the membrane of FIG. 2 applied to a building
structure, with one of the alignment means aligned to an edge of
the building structure.
[0055] FIG. 5: Shows a second membrane of the type shown in FIG. 2,
applied to a building structure to which a membrane has already
been applied, and aligned with one of the alignment means on the
already applied membrane.
[0056] FIG. 6: Shows a further embodiment of the membrane of the
present invention, with alignment means comprising two lines of
text.
[0057] FIG. 7: Shows a further embodiment with alignment means
comprising two lines of symbols.
[0058] FIG. 8: Shows a still further embodiment with alignment
means comprising two lines of alternative symbols.
BEST METHODS FOR PERFORMING THE INVENTION
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a membrane 1 with alignment means 2 and 3. The
membrane 1 can be any membrane used in the construction of
buildings and may be applied and secured to internal or external
surfaces. An example of the type of membrane used in the
construction of buildings includes breathable vapour permeable
membranes that control moisture/water transfer. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the membrane is a prefabricated sheet
available in a continuous roll or individual pre-cut sheets. The
membrane may be secured to the building structure using suitable
fasteners, such as staples.
[0060] The example depicts each alignment means 2, 3 as continuous
solid lines printed on the membrane. Alternatively, the alignment
means 2, 3 may be a series of broken lines as shown in FIG. 2, or
any other suitable type of indicator. The indicator is preferably
visible, but could be a tactile indicator, for example raised or
depressed marks on the surface of the membrane. By way of example,
the alignment means 2, 3 may be printed, embossed or depressed onto
the surface of the membrane.
[0061] Alternatively, the alignment means may be provided by a
change in opacity of the membrane. For example, the alignment means
may be a transparent or translucent window in a substantially
opaque membrane.
[0062] Further examples of the alignment means may include a
combination of visible and tactile indicators. For example the
alignment means may comprise a broken line that is both embossed
and printed on the membrane 1. Alternatively, the membrane might
comprise two or more different alignment means, for example,
alignment means 2 (as shown in FIG. 1) may be a printed line and
alignment means 3 may be a depressed line.
[0063] The position of the alignment means 2, 3 may be dictated by
a required overlap. For example, a jurisdictional regulation may
require that membrane 1 overlaps a surface or an edge by a distance
X (not shown). If alignment means 2 extends substantially parallel
to membrane edge 4 (FIG. 1), at a distance A, wherein distance A is
substantially equal to X, then the alignment means will indicate
the stipulated overlap. Similarly, alignment means 3 extends
substantially parallel to edge 5 at a distance B from the edge 5.
This allows the membrane 1 to be aligned with further edges or
surfaces or additional membranes. The distance B may also be
dictated by the overlap required by jurisdictional building
regulations, codes or compliance documents, for example the
required overlap of an overlapping membrane. For example, in one
embodiment the distance B may be equal to the overlap set out by
the "Department of Building and Housing Acceptable Solution
No.E2/AS1" or an equivalent.
[0064] Referring next to FIG. 3, in a further embodiment, the
membrane 1 may comprise additional alignment means 6, extending
substantially parallel between alignment means 2 and 3. This may
have advantages if the membrane 1 has to be reduced in size prior
to application. For example, the membrane 1 can be cut and the
additional alignment means may still be used to align the cut
membrane with a surface. Alternatively, the additional alignment
means 6 may be used to indicate alternative and/or additional
required overlaps.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows how the membrane 1 can be applied to a building
structure, generally referenced by arrow 7. In this example, the
alignment means 2 can be aligned with the lower edge of the bottom
plate 8 of the building structure 7, and the membrane 1 secured to
the structure 7 using suitable fasteners such as staples (not
shown). The alignment means 2 extends along the membrane 1, so the
membrane 1 can be applied and secured with a constant uniform
overlap A along the bottom plate 8 of the building structure 7.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows how a further the membrane 1A can subsequently
be applied to the building structure 7. The lower edge of the
second building membrane 1A can be aligned with the alignment means
3 of first membrane 1. The alignment means 3 extends along membrane
1, so the second membrane 1A can be applied and secured with a
constant uniform overlap B all the way along membrane 1.
[0067] By way of example, in New Zealand the building regulation
compliance document Department of Building and Housing Acceptable
Solution No.E2/AS1 stipulates that the building membrane must
overlap the bottom plate of a building structure by at least 50
millimetres and subsequently applied overlapping membrane must
overlap the already applied membrane by at least 150 millimetres.
Accordingly, in New Zealand it may be convenient for distance A to
equal 50 mm and distance B to equal 150 mm. However, in alternative
embodiments distance A may be as little as 30 mm or even 20 mm.
[0068] Referring next to FIG. 6, the alignment means may include
lines of text or other indicia 9, 10. The lines of text or indicia
may be orientated so that either the top edge 11 or bottom edge 12
can be used to align the membrane.
[0069] Referring next to FIG. 7, in another embodiment the
alignment means may include one or more lines of symbols 13, 14.
Any suitable part of the symbols may be used as the edge of the
alignment means. In the embodiment shown the top edge of the upper
line 14 and the lower edge of the lower line 13 of symbols may be
used to align the membrane 1. However, it may be convenient to use
a central portion of some other symbol shapes, for example the
symbols shown in FIG. 8. As is shown in FIG. 8, it is not necessary
that the symbols, text or other indicia are continuous along the
membrane, as long as any spaces are kept relatively small.
[0070] Advantages of the invention include assisting with the
application of a membrane to a building structure. The membrane of
the invention can be more easily aligned then applied to a surface
of a building structure substantially without crinkles or folds.
Further advantages of the invention include facilitating the
application of a membrane to a building structure, where a uniform
overlap is required between the membrane and an edge or surface of
the building structure. Furthermore, the membrane of the invention
facilitates the application of further subsequent membranes, where
a uniform overlap is required between the subsequent membrane and
already secured membranes.
[0071] Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made
to specific components or integers of the invention having known
equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if
individually set forth.
[0072] Although the invention has been described by way of example
with reference to a preferred embodiment, modifications and
variations may be made to the invention without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *