Energy Efficiency Improvement Kits

Abstract

Energy efficiency improvement kits configured for energy efficiency improvement projects for a building fixture are provided. The kits include substantially all of the materials for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects, substantially all of the tools for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects and instructions for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/220,771, filed Jun. 26, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND

[0002] Materials and tools can be used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, such as for example residential homes, office buildings and apartments. Energy efficiency improvements can result from insulating various structures forming the building, including structures such as, for example, the attic, windows, doors and crawl spaces. Additional energy efficiency improvements can result from insulating components within and around the building, including but not limited to hot water heaters, fireplaces, vents, ducts, plumbing and recessed lighting.

[0003] An installer attempting to increase the energy efficiency of a building will be required to determine the necessary materials and tools and further may be required to obtain the materials and tools from various sources over a period of time. In the event the installer has not properly determined the necessary materials and tools, the installer may begin the energy efficiency improvement project only to find that the installer has not obtained all of the necessary materials and tools, thereby incurring a delay in the completion of the project.

[0004] It would be advantageous to make it easier for installer to work on energy efficiency projects for a building.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with embodiments of this invention there are provided energy efficiency improvement kits configured for energy efficiency improvement projects for a building fixture. The kits include substantially all of the materials for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects, substantially all of the tools for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects and instructions for completing the energy efficiency improvement projects.

[0006] In accordance with other embodiments, there are also provided methods of providing energy efficiency improvement kits for energy efficiency improvement projects. The methods include the steps of determining materials required to complete the energy efficiency improvement project, determining materials for inclusion into the energy efficiency improvement kit, determining tools required to complete the energy efficiency improvement project, determining tools for inclusion into the energy improvement efficiency kit and preparing instructions for the energy efficiency project.

[0007] Various advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a table illustrating energy efficiency kits configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of heat between the exterior of a building and the interior of the building.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a table illustrating energy efficiency kits configured for insulating building vents.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating energy efficiency kits configured for insulating building appliances.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating energy efficiency kits configured for insulating building components.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of providing an energy efficiency kit for an energy efficiency improvement project.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an example of instructions provided with an energy efficiency improvement project.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

[0017] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, kits for improving the energy efficiency of building structures and components are provided. It will be understood the term "kit" refers to a collection of items configured for a specific energy efficiency improvement purpose. The collection of items included in the energy efficiency improvement kit can be provided in any desired number of packages. While the kits illustrated below are described as having certain materials, tools and instructions, it should be understood that the kits illustrated below are mere examples of energy efficiency improvement kits and that the kits can include materials, tools and instructions other than as described. Additionally, it should further be appreciated that the kits can omit certain materials, tools and instructions described below. The term "building", as used herein, is defined to mean any commercial, residential or industrial structure. The term "building fixture" as used herein, is defined to mean any building structure, building component or building appliance. The term "building structure" as used herein, is defined to mean any assembly or system constructed as part or portion of a building. Examples of building structures can include an attic, basement, crawlspace, wall, floor, framing assemblies and a foundation. The term "building component" is defined to mean any part, combination or parts or element used to construct a building. Examples of building components include window, door, vent, piping, ductwork, ceiling light, pull-down entrances and fireplace. The term "building appliance" as used herein, is defined to mean any instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use in connection with a building. Examples of a building appliance include a hot water heater, clothes dryers, ovens and air conditioners. The term "tool", as used herein, is defined to mean an implement configured to perform an intended operation. Non-limiting examples of tools include straight edges, marking devices, cutting devices, rags and diagnostic devices. The term "measuring device" as used herein, is defined to include any device or mechanism configured for measuring or marking a distance. Non-limiting examples of measuring devices include tape measures and rulers. The term "cutting device" as used herein, is defined to mean any device or mechanism configured for cutting or trimming an item. Examples of cutting devices include a utility knife and a pair of scissors. The term "personal protective equipment" as used herein is defined to mean any item, such as for example protective clothing, respiratory device, protective shields and barriers configured to protect the eyes, face, head, and extremities of an installer. Examples of personal protective equipment can include protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. The term "template" as used herein is defined to mean any item, structure or device configured to provide instructions for material removal operations, such as for example cutting, drilling and trimming or instruction for installation or positioning of insulating materials, such as for example installation of screws, tape and anchors. The term "marking device" as used herein, is defined to mean any device or mechanism configured for making a discernable indication on an object or item. Non-limiting examples of marking devices include pencils, felt-tip pens, crayons and chalk. The term "straight edge" as used herein, is defined to mean any device or structure configured for providing a substantially straight surface against which a cutting device can be used to impart a substantially straight cut or to which a marking device can be applied to mark a line. The term "insulation materials", as used herein, is defined to mean any materials used to insulate building structures or building components.

[0018] The description and figures disclose energy efficiency improvement kits and a method of providing energy efficiency improvement kits. For ease of discussion herein, the energy efficiency improvement kits will be generally referred to as kits. Generally, the kits include substantially all of the materials, tools and instructions for completing an intended energy efficiency improvement projects. It should be appreciated that certain tools provided within the kits are configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example, safety glasses, protective gloves and dust masks.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, examples of energy efficiency improvement kits are illustrated. FIG. 1 illustrates kits generally configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of heat between the exterior of a building and the interior of the building. FIG. 2 illustrates kits generally configured for insulating building vents. FIG. 3 illustrates kits generally configured for insulating building appliances. FIG. 4 illustrates kits generally configured for insulating building components.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, non-limiting examples of kits configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of heat between the exterior of the building and the interior of the building include an air infiltration kit 10, an attic insulation kit 11, a window insulation kit 13 and a door insulation kit 14.

[0021] The air infiltration kit 10 is configured to be a comprehensive kit for insulating windows, doors and electric outlets. Accordingly, the air infiltration kit 10 includes materials, tools and instructions such that an installer can successfully insulate at least one window, at least one door and at least one electric outlet. The air infiltration kit 10 includes materials such as for example window film, caulk and double sided tape for the windows, weatherstrip for the doors and electric outlet covers and insulation materials for the electric outlets. The air infiltration kit 10 also includes tools configured for diagnosing the flow of heat between the exterior of the building and the interior of the building and tools configured for installation of the materials, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The air infiltration kit 10 can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures. Further, the air infiltration kit 10 can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks, safety glasses and disposable coveralls. In certain embodiments, the air infiltration kit 10 can include other items, such as for example, scissors and a hair dryer. However, it should be appreciated that other items, such as for example, scissors and a hair dryer are optional.

[0022] The attic insulation kit 11 is configured to provide the materials, tools and instructions for insulating portions of a building attic. The insulation materials for insulating portions of an attic can include batts of insulation or bulk blown-in insulation material. In some embodiments, the blown-in insulation material can be blown in place by a blowing insulation machine, which can be optionally included in the kit 11. In some embodiments, the blown-in insulation material can be provided in the attic insulation installation kit 11. However, in other embodiments, the kit 11 can be provided without the blown-in insulation material.

[0023] The attic insulation kit 11 can include tools configured for installing insulation in a building attic, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The attic insulation kit 11 can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures. Additionally, the attic insulation kit 11 can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks, safety glasses and disposable coveralls. Optionally, the attic insulation kit 11 can include other items, such as for example, a ladder in addition to the blowing insulation machine discussed above.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, the window insulation kit 13 is configured to insulate a building window or desired quantity of building windows. The window insulation kit 13 can include material, tools and instructions. The materials included in the window insulation kit 13 can include window film, adhesive, caulk and double-sided tape. The window insulation kit 13 can include tools configured for installing the window film to a window, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The window insulation kit 11 can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures. A non-limiting example of the instructions provided with the window insulation kit 11 is illustrated in FIG. 6. While the instructions illustrated in FIG. 6 are text only, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the instructions can include photographs, diagrams, drawings, tables, figures and other non-text indications. Optionally, the instructions included in the kits can include quality assurance checks designed to test the installed energy efficiency kit for effectiveness.

[0025] Additionally, the window insulation kit 13 can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. In certain embodiments, the window insulation kit 13 can include other items such as for example a hair dryer, ladder, scissors and an extension cord. However, it should be appreciated that these items are optional.

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 1, the door insulation kit 14 is configured to insulate a building door or desired quantity of building doors. The material included in the door insulation kit 14 can include insulation materials, sealant or caulk, weatherstrip and a door wiper seal. The door insulation kit 14 can include tools configured for installing the door insulation materials to a door, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The door insulation kit 14 can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures. Additionally, the door insulation kit 13 can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. In certain embodiments, the door insulation kit 13 can include other items, such as for example, a ladder and scissors. However, it should be appreciated that these items are optional.

[0027] In addition to the air infiltration kit 10, the attic insulation kit 11, the window insulation kit, 13 and the door insulation kit 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that other kits, generally configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of heat between the exterior of the building and the interior of the building can be provided.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, examples of kits configured for insulating building vents are illustrated. The non-limiting examples include a plumbing vent insulation kit 15, a dryer vent insulation kit 16 and a kitchen vent insulation kit 17. The vent insulation kits, 15-17, are configured to insulate vents extending from an interior portion of a building to the exterior of a building. Generally, the vent insulation kits, 15-17, are configured to insulate a vent opening formed between the exterior surface of the vent and the building. The vent insulation kits, 15-17, generally include insulating material configured for attachment to the exterior surface of the vent within the vent opening, thereby preventing or substantially retarding the flow of heat through the vent opening. One non-limiting example of insulating material is a foamed insulation material included in the kitchen vent insulation kit 17 and configured for placement in the opening formed around kitchen vents. The vent insulation kits, 15-17, include tools configured for installing the insulation materials to the vents, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The vent insulation kits, 15-17, can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures.

[0029] Additionally, the vent insulation kits, 15-17, can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. In certain embodiments, the vent insulation kits, 15-17, can include other items, such as for example a ladder, scissors and hand tools. However, it should be appreciated that these items are optional.

[0030] In addition to the plumbing vent insulation kit 15, the dryer vent insulation kit 16 and the kitchen vent insulation kit 17 as illustrated in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that other vent insulation kits can be provided.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, examples of kits configured for insulating building appliances are illustrated. The non-limiting examples include a hot water heater insulation kit 18, a duct insulation kit 19, a fireplace insulation kit 20, an appliance insulation kit 21, an HVAC insulation kit 22 and an air conditioner winterization kit 23. The appliance insulation kits, 18-23, are configured to insulate building appliances thereby increasing the efficiency of the appliances. Generally, the appliance insulation kits, 18-23, insulate the appliance or portions of the appliance from ambient air within the building, thereby preventing or substantially retarding the flow of heat between the appliance and the ambient air. The appliance insulation kits, 18-23, generally include insulating material configured for attachment around the appliance or attachment to portions of the appliance thereby preventing or substantially retarding the flow of heat between the appliance and the ambient air. One non-limiting example of an insulating material for the duct insulation kit 19 is a jacket having fibrous insulation and configured for insulating heating and cooling ducts.

[0032] The appliance insulation kits, 18-23, can include tools configured for installing the insulation to the appliances, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The appliance insulation kits, 18-23, can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures.

[0033] Additionally, the appliance insulation kits, 18-23, can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. In certain embodiments, the appliance insulation kits, 18-23, can include other items, such as for example a ladder, scissors and hand tools. However, it should be appreciated that these items are optional.

[0034] In addition to the hot water heater insulation kit 18, duct insulation kit 19, fireplace insulation kit 20, appliance insulation kit 21, HVAC insulation kit 22 and air conditioner winterization kit 23 illustrated in FIG. 3, it should be appreciated that other appliance insulation kits can be provided.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, examples of kits configured for insulating building components are illustrated. The non-limiting examples include a band joist insulation kit 24, a home foundation insulation kit 25, a pipe insulation kit 26, a crawl space insulation kit 27 and a ceiling light insulation kit 28. The component insulation kits, 24-28, are configured to insulate building components thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the building. Generally, the component insulation kits, 24-28, are configured to insulate a structural component or building system thereby preventing or substantially retarding the flow of heat from the building component to ambient air. The component insulation kits, 24-28, generally include insulating material configured for attachment around the component or attachment to portions of the component. One non-limiting example of insulation material included in the component insulation kits, 24-28, is batts of faced fibrous insulation included in the Crawl Space Insulation kit 27. The component insulation kits, 24-28, include tools configured for installing the insulation to the components, such as for example measuring devices, cutting devices and templates. The component insulation kits, 24-28, can also include instructions for advising an installer on recommended installation procedures.

[0036] Additionally, the component kits, 2428, can include personal protective equipment configured for the safety of the installer, such as for example protective gloves, dust masks and safety glasses. In certain embodiments, the component kits, 24-28, can include other items, such as for example a ladder, scissors and hand tools. However, it should be appreciated that these items are optional.

[0037] In addition to the band joist insulation kit 24, the home foundation insulation kit 25, the pipe insulation kit 26, the crawl space insulation kit 27 and ceiling light insulation kit 28 as illustrated in FIG. 4, it should be appreciated that other component insulation kits can be provided.

[0038] As discussed above, the insulation kits 10-28 can include substantially all of the materials, tools and instructions for completing the respective energy efficiency improvement projects.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method 40 for providing an energy efficiency improvement insulation kit is illustrated. In a first step 42, the types and the characteristics of the materials required to complete the intended energy efficiency improvement project are determined. As one non-limiting example, it may be determined that a door insulation kit should include materials such as weatherstrip, caulk, seals and insulative boards. In addition, step 42 further includes determining the proper quantities of the required materials.

[0040] Once the materials and quantities are determined as described in step 42, the materials to be included in the kit and the materials to be omitted from the kit are determined as illustrated in step 44. Examples of materials that can be included in the kits are insulation materials, sealant, caulk, films, foams, tape, seals, clamps, covers, strips, adhesives, fasteners and sheathing. Examples of materials that may be omitted from the kit can include bulk materials, such as for example, bulk quantities of blown-in insulation.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 5, in step 46, the tools required for completion of the intended energy efficiency project are determined. Step 46 also includes determining the proper quantities of the tools.

[0042] Once the required tools are determined, the tools to be included in the kit and the tools to be omitted from the kit are determined as illustrated in step 48. Examples of tools that can be included in the kits are diagnostic tools, measuring devices, cleaning rags, marking devices, straight edges, and personal protective equipment. Examples of tools that may not be included in the kit can include larger tools such as ladders or specialized tools, such as for example electric stapling devices.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the instructions for the intended energy efficiency improvement kit are prepared as illustrated in step 50. The instructions can include any desired narratives, drawings and photographs. The instructions can be prepared in any desired medium, such as for example, video, audio and in print.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 5, templates required to complete the intended energy efficiency improvement kit are prepared as shown in step 52. The templates can be in any desired scale size and can be provided in any desired form, including but not limited to paper, plastic, cardboard and wireform.

[0045] In a final step 54 as shown in FIG. 5, the materials, tools, instructions and templates included in the kit are packaged. The package can have any desired form, such as for example boxes, plastic or blister packs and can be packaged for wholesale or retail purposes. As discussed above, the kit can have any desired number of packages. Optionally, the package can have any desired indicia, such as for example a corporate logo, installation instructions and materials and tools omitted from the kit.

[0046] While the energy efficiency kits illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 have been described as having the necessary materials, tools and instructions, it is within the contemplation of the invention that the materials, tools and instructions can vary depending on the expertise and experience of the installer. Accordingly, as illustrated by an example, it is possible that the duct installation kit 19 for a typical do-it-yourself homeowner would have different materials, tools and instructions than the duct installation kit 19 for a commercial contractor. In this example, the nature and quantity of the materials may be different as well as the nature and quantity of the tools.

[0047] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. An energy efficiency improvement kit configured for an energy efficiency improvement project for a building fixture, the kit including: substantially all of the materials for completing the energy efficiency improvement project; and substantially all of the tools for completing the energy efficiency improvement project; and instructions for completing the energy efficiency improvement project.

2. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein the energy efficiency project is insulating a window, and the kit includes the material of an insulating film, and wherein the kit includes the tools of a marking device, a straight edge, a measuring device, a cleaning rag, a cutting device, instructions, a template and personal protective equipment.

3. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein the material included in the energy efficiency improvement kit includes weatherstrip.

4. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein material omitted from the energy efficiency improvement kit includes bulk insulation.

5. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein one of the tools included is a measuring device.

6. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein a tool omitted from the energy efficiency improvement kit includes a ladder.

7. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein the tools include printed instructions.

8. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein tools included in the kit include templates.

9. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 1, wherein the kit is packaged for retail purposes.

10. The energy efficiency improvement kit of claim 9, wherein the kit has indicia indicating materials or tools omitted from the kit.

11. A method of providing energy efficiency improvement kits for energy efficiency improvement projects, the method including the steps of: determining materials required to complete the energy efficiency improvement project; determining materials for inclusion into the energy efficiency improvement kit; determining tools required to complete the energy efficiency improvement project; determining tools for inclusion into the energy improvement efficiency kit; and preparing instructions for the energy efficiency project.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the energy efficiency improvement project is insulating a window.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the material included in the energy efficiency improvement kit includes a weatherstrip.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein material omitted from the energy efficiency improvement kit includes bulk insulation.

15. The method of claim 15, wherein one of the tools is a measuring device.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein tools omitted from the energy efficiency kit includes a ladder.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the instructions are printed.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein templates are included in the kit.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the kit is packaged for retail purposes.

20. The method of claim 9, wherein the kit includes a company logo as indicia.