Web or vapor retarder with tie-strap

Abstract

A vapor retarder system includes a vapor retarder sheet. At least one and typically a plurality of parallel spaced-apart tie-straps are located adjacent an inner surface of the sheet, and the tie-strap extend across a width of the sheet and are connected to the sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie strap. The sheet includes drape regions where the sheet is disconnected from the tie straps between successive connection locations. The tie-straps and drape regions ensure that the vapor retarder sheet is installed over roof purlins with the proper drape between the purlins to obtain the required insulation R-values. A fall-protection net or sheet can also be constructed and/or installed in the same manner.

1 . A vapor retarder system comprising:
 a vapor retarder sheet;   at least one tie-strap located adjacent an inner surface of said sheet, said tie-strap extending across a width of said sheet and connected to said sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie-strap, wherein the sheet comprises drape regions where the sheet is disconnected from the tie-strap between successive connection locations.   
     
     
         2 . The vapor retarder sheet as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said drape regions of said sheet define a non-zero drape height between said successive connection locations, wherein said drape height is defined as a maximum distance measured between said inner surface of said sheet and a plane that includes said tie-strap when said tie-strap is fully extended between said successive connection points. 
     
     
         3 . The vapor retarder sheet as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the drape height is in the range of 3 inches to 18 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the distance between said successive connection locations is shorter along a first path that follows said tie-strap as compared to a second path that follows said sheet. 
     
     
         5 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one tie-strap comprises a plurality of said tie-straps. 
     
     
         6 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said successive connection locations for each of said tie-straps are spaced from each other at a constant interval, and wherein said constant interval is the same for each of said plurality of tie-straps such that corresponding connection locations of the plurality of tie-straps define respective connection axes. 
     
     
         7 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said plurality of tie-straps are arranged parallel to each other and said respective connection axes lie parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to said plurality of tie-straps. 
     
     
         8 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said tie-straps each comprise a flexible member, and wherein each of said connection locations comprises a sewn connection between said sheet and said tie-strap. 
     
     
         9 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said tie-straps each comprise a rigid or semi-rigid member including hinges respectively located adjacent at least some of the connection points such that said tie-strap is able to be pivoted and folded upon itself at each of said hinges. 
     
     
         10 . The vapor retarder system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said vapor retarder sheet comprises a single layer or multiple layers of at least one of polymeric film, aluminum foil, kraft paper, reinforcing yarn, reinforcing fabric. 
     
     
         11 . A roof structure comprising:
 a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart purlins, wherein bays are defined between each successive pair of said purlins;   a vapor retarder system comprising:   a vapor retarder sheet draped over a plurality of said purlins so as to span multiple bays, said vapor retarder sheet comprising a tie-strap located adjacent an inner surface of said sheet, said tie-strap connected to said sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie-strap, wherein the sheet comprises drape regions that are disconnected from the tie-strap between successive connection locations, wherein said tie-strap is extended so that said connection locations are located adjacent respective ones of said purlins and said drape regions are located in respective bays between successive ones of said purlins.   
     
     
         12 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein each drape region of said sheet defines a non-zero drape height between said successive connection locations, wherein said drape height is defined as a maximum distance measured between said inner surface of said sheet and a plane that includes said tie-strap when said tie-strap is fully extended between said successive connection points. 
     
     
         13 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the drape height is in the range of 3 inches to 18 inches. 
     
     
         14 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 12 , comprising a plurality of said tie-straps arranged parallel and spaced-apart relative to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said successive connection locations for each of said tie-straps are spaced from each other by a constant interval, and wherein said constant interval is the same for each of said plurality of tie-straps such that corresponding connection locations of the plurality of tie-straps define respective connection axes that extend parallel to and that are aligned with said purlins. 
     
     
         16 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said tie-straps each comprise a flexible member, and wherein each of said connection locations comprises a sewn connection between said sheet and said tie-strap. 
     
     
         17 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said tie-straps each comprise a rigid or semi-rigid member including hinges respectively located adjacent at least some of the connection points such that said tie-strap is able to be pivoted and folded upon itself at each of said hinges. 
     
     
         18 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said vapor retarder sheet comprises a single layer or multiple layers of at least one of polymeric film, aluminum foil, kraft paper, reinforcing yarn, reinforcing fabric. 
     
     
         19 . The roof structure as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a roof deck supported on said purlins, wherein said inner surface of said vapor retarder sheet is oriented toward said roof deck. 
     
     
         20 . A fall-protection system comprising:
 a fall-protection net or sheet;   at least one tie-strap located adjacent an inner surface of said fall-protection net or sheet, said tie-strap extending across a width of said net or sheet and connected thereto at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie-strap, wherein the net or sheet comprises drape regions where the net or sheet is disconnected from the tie-strap between successive connection locations.