Support structures for insulation and other materials

Abstract

A holder for supporting a material that includes a support member having a first wire element for supporting the material and second and third wire elements for coupling the support member to two beams of a structure. Each of the second and third wire elements is contiguous with the first wire element and defines an end for attachment to a respective beam, with at least one of the second and third wire elements being non-linear between its end and the first wire element. Methods and kits provide a compact and adjustable holder for confining materials between beams of a building or structure. A clip is provided that cooperates with a plurality of holders and reduces heat transfer.

1 . An article for holding a material in place, comprising: 
 a support member having a first wire element for supporting said material; and    second and third wire elements for coupling said support member to two beams of a structure, each of said second and third wire elements being contiguous with said first wire element and defining an end adapted to be secured to each one of the two beams, wherein at least one of said second and third wire elements is non-linear between said end and said first wire element.    
   
   
       2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one non-linear wire element comprises a W-shaped wire member.  
   
   
       3 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein both the second and third wire elements comprise a W-shaped wire member.  
   
   
       4 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said first, second, and third wire elements comprise a W-shaped wire member.  
   
   
       5 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said second wire element comprises a first arm and said third wire element comprises a second arm, said first arm and said second arm cooperating to define a generally L-shaped part of said article, and said second arm having an end which is spaced from said first arm by adjusting the length of the first wire element.  
   
   
       6 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said second and third wire elements are configured to define a plane that is not parallel to a second plane defined by said first wire element.  
   
   
       7 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said second and third wire elements includes a generally U-shaped member which defines an opening and has a pair of spaced legs, at least one of said legs having a sharpened end portion which anchors said article on respective one of said beams.  
   
   
       8 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said second and third wire elements includes a pair of bracket-like members that define an opening that anchors said article to an I-beam.  
   
   
       9 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said article contains at least one indication of length upon said second and third elements such that the second an third elements can both be bent to a substantially uniform length.  
   
   
       10 . A kit, comprising: 
 a plurality of holders, said holders each including a support member having a first wire element for supporting said material and second and third wire elements for coupling said support member to two beams of a structure, each of said second and third wire elements being contiguous with said first wire element and defining an end adapted to be secured to each one of the two beams, wherein at least one of said second and third wire elements is non-linear between said end and said first wire element; and    a holster for housing said plurality of holders together.    
   
   
       11 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said holders contain at least one indication of length upon said second and third wire elements such that the second an third elements can both be bent to a substantially uniform length.  
   
   
       12 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said holster contains a slot disposed on an exterior surface of said holster, said slot being adapted for bending one or more of said plurality of holders.  
   
   
       13 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said holster contains an indication of measurement disposed upon an exterior surface thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said holster further comprises a pressure-backing adapted to keep said holders substantially engaged within said holster.  
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein said pressure member includes a spring.  
   
   
       16 . A method for supporting a material in a building, comprising the step of: 
 confining said material between two beams using a holder, said holder including a support member having a first wire element for supporting said material and second and third wire elements for coupling said support member to said two beams of a structure, each of said second and third wire elements being contiguous with said first wire element and defining an end adapted to be secured to each one of the two beams, wherein at least one of said second and third wire elements is non-linear between said end and said first wire element.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the step of confining further includes expanding or compressing said at least one non-linear wire element to a desired length prior to securing said holder to one of said beams.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the confining step further includes bending said second and said third wire elements at a desired length prior to securing said holder to one of said beams.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said bending of said second and third wire elements is at an indication of length disposed thereon.  
   
   
       20 . An article for holding a material in place, comprising: 
 a U-shaped clip adapted for coupling to a beam structure, said clip including a protrusion formed at a corner of said clip, wherein said protrusion is adapted to cooperate with a wire holder.    
   
   
       21 . The article of  claim 20 , wherein said protrusion further includes a heat insulating material disposed thereon.  
   
   
       22 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein said heat insulting material is rubber.