Method and system for providing an insulative wall structure

Abstract

A method and system for providing an insulative wall structure. The insulative wall structure includes first and second vertical longitudinal supports, which are separated horizontally, creating a space therebetween. The insulative wall structure also includes a thermal insulation member placed within the space between the first and second vertical longitudinal supports so that it is engaged with both of the vertical longitudinal supports. The resulting wall structure reduces thermal transmissions through the first and second vertical longitudinal supports.

1 . A wall structure, comprising:
 an opening;   a beam positioned above the opening and having a first load bearing member and a second load bearing member separated from the first load bearing member, a rigid insulation member between the first and second load bearing members;   first and second vertical longitudinal supports, the supports being separated horizontally and creating a space therebetween; and   a rigid insulation member placed within the space and bonded to the first and second vertical longitudinal supports.   
   
   
       2 . The wall structure of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second vertical longitudinal supports has a constant cross-section throughout its length. 
   
   
       3 . The wall structure of  claim 2  wherein the constant cross-section is a C-section or a U-section. 
   
   
       4 . The wall structure of  claim 2  wherein the bond provides a seal between the insulation member and the first and second vertical longitudinal supports. 
   
   
       5 . The wall structure of  claim 1  wherein the rigid insulation member is made from a plastic material. 
   
   
       6 . The wall structure of  claim 5  wherein the rigid insulation member comprises an expandable plastic material. 
   
   
       7 . The wall structure of  claim 6  wherein the rigid insulation member is made from polystyrene. 
   
   
       8 . The wall structure of  claim 1  wherein the rigid insulation member is bonded to the first and second vertical longitudinal supports by an adhesive. 
   
   
       9 . The wall structure of  claim 1  wherein the rigid insulation member comprises a cutout so that an outer surface the insulation member is flush with an outer surface of the supports. 
   
   
       10 . The wall structure of  claim 9  wherein the cutout in the rigid insulation member has a constant cross section throughout its length. 
   
   
       11 . The wall structure of  claim 1  wherein the wall structure comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface operable to be coupled to an exterior surface, the outer surface of the wall structure and the exterior surface having at least a partial air gap therebetween. 
   
   
       12 . A wall panel, comprising:
 a rigid insulation member having a longitudinal length and a first surface along the longitudinal length and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface having cut outs along edges of the longitudinal length;   a first load bearing member having two parallel plates separated by a back plate secured to the first surface of the insulation member so that the two parallel plates fit into the cut outs along the edges of the longitudinal length; and   a second load bearing member secured to the second surface of the insulation member.   
   
   
       13 . The wall panel of  claim 12  wherein the insulation member comprises a polystyrene insulation member. 
   
   
       14 . The wall panel of  claim 12  wherein the first and second load bearing members are secured to the first and second surfaces of the insulation member, respectively, by an adhesive. 
   
   
       15 . The wall panel of  claim 12  wherein the first load bearing member is a C-channel having a web with a first end and a second end, the first end of the web coupled to a first leg and the second end of the web coupled to a second leg. 
   
   
       16 . The wall panel of  claim 12  wherein a third and fourth surface of the insulation member are perpendicular to the first surface and the third and fourth surfaces are flush with outer surfaces of the first load bearing member. 
   
   
       17 . The wall panel of  claim 12  further comprising a barrier secured to an outer surface of the wall panel. 
   
   
       18 . A method for erecting a wall structure, comprising:
 providing a rigid insulation member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, each surface having a longitudinal length, the first surface having a first end and a second end, the first end and second ends parallel with the longitudinal length;   removing a portion of the rigid insulation member along the longitudinal length of the first and second ends of the first surface;   bonding the first surface of the rigid insulation member to a first longitudinal support so that an outer surface of the longitudinal support is flush with a side surface of the rigid insulation member; and   bonding the second surface of the rigid insulation member to a second longitudinal support.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the rigid insulation member is expanded polystyrene. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the first and second longitudinal supports have a constant cross section throughout their length. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the constant cross-section is a C-section or a U-section. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein an outer edge of a leg of the C-section or U-section is flush with the side surface of the insulation member. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising securing a barrier to one surface of the rigid insulation member, the first longitudinal support, and the second longitudinal support. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the barrier is made from polystyrene.