Vapor mitigation appratus and method

Abstract

A vapor mitigation apparatus and method for use with the construction of a building. The apparatus includes a vertical securing piece configured to be affixed to a foundation wall proximate a footing that is supporting the foundation wall. The vertical securing piece has a first end located proximate to a footing and a second end. A horizontal foot is located at the first end of the securing piece and extends away from the securing piece. The horizontal foot is configured to rest against the footing. The apparatus also includes a mechanical clip located at the second end of the vertical securing piece and is configured to secure a piece of plastic sheeting. The method includes securing the apparatus to the foundation wall, securing a plastic sheeting to the mechanical clip and then creating a concrete slab by pouring concrete over the apparatus.

1 . A vapor mitigation apparatus for use with the construction of a building, the building having a foundation wall, a footing and a slab, the apparatus comprising:
 a vertical securing piece configured to be affixed to the foundation wall, the vertical securing piece having a first end located proximate to the footing and a second end;   a horizontal foot located at the first end of the securing piece and extending away from the securing piece, wherein the horizontal foot is configured to rest upon the footing.; and   a mechanical clip located at the second end and extending away from the securing piece, the mechanical clip being configured to secure a piece of plastic sheeting.   
     
     
         2 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an adhesion strip affixed to the vertical securing piece and configured to be affixed to the foundation wall.   
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical clip comprises:
 a first jaw member; and   a second jaw member hinged to the first jaw member, the first jaw member and second jaw member configured to secure the piece of plastic sheeting therebetween.   
     
     
         5 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical clip comprises:
 a base member extending substantially horizontally away from the securing piece, the base member having a distal end, the base member having a locking portion at the distal end; and   a retention member extending away from the securing piece and configured to be depressed against the locking portion, the retention member and locking portion configured to secure the piece of plastic sheeting therebetween.   
     
     
         6 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a gasket affixed to the vertical securing piece and configured to be affixed to the foundation wall. 
     
     
         7 . A vapor mitigation apparatus for use with the construction of a building, the building having a foundation wall and a footing, the apparatus comprising:
 a vertical securing piece configured to be affixed to the foundation wall, the vertical securing piece having a first end located proximate to the footing and a second end;   a horizontal foot located at the first end of the securing piece and extending away from the securing piece, the horizontal foot is configured to rest upon the footing;   an adhesion strip affixed to the vertical securing piece and configured to be affixed to a foundation wall;   a gasket affixed to the vertical securing piece and configured to be affixed to the foundation wall; and   a mechanical clip located at the second end and configured to secure a piece of plastic sheeting.   
     
     
         8 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the mechanical clip comprises:
 a first jaw member; and   a second jaw member hinged to the first jaw member, the first jaw member and second jaw member configured to secure the piece of plastic sheeting therebetween.   
     
     
         9 . The vapor mitigation apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the mechanical clip comprises:
 a base member extending substantially horizontally away from securing piece, base member having a distal end, the base member having a locking portion at the distal end; and   a retention member configured to be depressed against the locking portion, the retention member and locking portion configured to secure the piece of plastic sheeting therebetween.   
     
     
         10 . A method for vapor mitigation in the construction of a building, the building having a foundation wall and footing, the foundation wall and footing having a circumference that surrounds a gas permeable layer, and utilizing a vapor mitigation apparatus having a vertical securing piece having a first end located and a second end, a horizontal foot located at the first end of the securing piece and extending away from the securing piece, and a mechanical clip located at the second end and configured to secure a piece of plastic sheeting, the method comprising:
 affixing the vertical securing piece to the circumference of the foundation wall such that the horizontal foot rest on the footing;   placing a piece of plastic sheeting over the gas permeable layer;   securing the ends of piece of plastic sheeting to mechanical clip thereby creating a vapor barrier over the gas permeable layer; and   creating a slab of concrete by pouring a sufficient amount of concrete over the vapor mitigation apparatus and plastic sheeting to encase the vapor mitigation apparatus and cover the plastic sheeting.