CURTAIN WALL INSULATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for insulating a curtain wall structure is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of insulation hangers, curtain wall insulation, and safety insulation. The insulation hangers include a reinforcing member that engages a horizontal transom of the curtain wall structure. The system is attached only to the horizontal transoms of the curtain wall structure via the insulation hangers to facilitate installation and / or improve reliability.

Description

The general inventive concepts, as well as their forms and advantages, are described in more detail below, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of one modality of a system for isolating a curtain wall structure of the present description. Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view of one modality of a system for isolating a curtain wall structure of the present description taken along section line AA of Fig. 1. Figures 2A-2E illustrate one embodiment of an insulation hanger suitable for use in the system described herein. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the insulation hanger. Figure 2B is a plan view of the insulation hanger. Figure 2C is a detailed view of a second horizontal leg of the insulation hanger. Figure 2D is a front elevation view of the insulation hanger. Figure 2E is a side elevation view of the insulation hanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Several illustrative embodiments will be described in detail, with the understanding that this description merely exemplifies the general inventive concepts. The embodiments encompassed by the general inventive concepts can take various forms, and the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The general inventive concepts relate to systems for isolating a curtain wall structure connected to a building structure. The systems include innovative insulation hangers in combination with curtain wall insulation and safety insulation to effectively isolate a curtain wall structure, particularly a zero-spandrel or short-spandrel curtain wall structure. The insulation hangers and curtain wall insulation are configured so that no mechanical couplings are made to the vertical mullions of the curtain wall structure, and no separate reinforcing components (e.g., T-shaped backer bars) are required. Consequently, the system described herein can be installed more easily and quickly than conventional curtain wall insulation systems, while reducing the likelihood of premature failure in fire conditions. One embodiment of a system 10 for isolating a curtain wall structure 50 according to the present description is shown in Figs. 1 and 1A. The system 10 is useful for isolating a curtain wall structure 50 connected to a building structure (not shown), particularly zero-spandrel or short-spandrel curtain wall structures. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a curtain wall structure 50 is a type of exterior wall system commonly used in buildings, such as high-rise buildings, in which the curtain wall structure 50 does not bear the load of the building structure. As seen in Fig. 1A, the curtain wall structure 50 is spaced from a floor slab 60 of the building structure to define a perimeter void 70.The curtain wall structure 50 includes frames defined by at least the first and second mullions 52, 53 arranged vertically and parallel, and a horizontally arranged transom, such as a horizontally arranged upper transom 54 and a horizontally arranged lower transom 56. Although Figs. 1 and 1A illustrate that the frame has the horizontally arranged upper and lower transoms 54, 56, it is contemplated that the frame may omit the horizontally arranged lower transom 56 or include additional horizontally arranged transoms. The system 10 provides technical insulation and also provides a barrier to inhibit the spread of fire from one floor of a building to an adjacent upper floor through the perimeter void 70. The curtain wall structure 50 illustrated in Figs.1 and 1A are examples of a zero spandrel curtain wall structure 50 where a lower surface 55 of a horizontally arranged transom (e.g., the horizontally arranged upper transom 54) is placed at the same height or level as an upper surface of the floor slab 60. As shown in Figs. 1 and 1A, system 10 includes a plurality of insulation hangers 100, curtain wall insulation 200, and safety insulation 300. The insulation hangers 100 engage the curtain wall insulation 200 and secure it within the frame defined by the mullions 52, 53 and transoms 54, 56. The safety insulation 300 is disposed within the perimeter gap 70 and the compression fit between the curtain wall insulation 200 and the floor slab 60. As shown in Figs. 1 and 1A, each insulation hanger 100 of system 10 is attached only to the horizontally arranged transom 54 via a fastener 57 (e.g., a self-tapping, self-drilling screw). In other words, system 10 does not use any mechanical coupling to the mullions to ensure curtain wall insulation 200 within the frame defined by the mullions 52, 53 and transoms 54, 56.As mentioned previously, during a building fire, fire can travel into and up the mullions and melt them from the inside out, thereby melting any mechanical couplings to the mullions. By not using mechanical couplings for the mullions 52, 53, the system described in ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi 10 is less likely to fail prematurely compared to conventional curtain wall insulation systems that use mechanical couplings for the mullions. Referring now to figures 2A-2E, one embodiment of an insulating hanger 100 of system 10 of the present description is shown. Although the specific dimensions may be illustrated in some of the figures, the general inventive concepts are not limited to the dimensions described. The insulation hanger 100 includes a hanger body 102 comprising a vertical leg 110, a first horizontal leg 120, a second horizontal leg 130, and at least one reinforcing member 140. The hanger 100 can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the hanger 100 is made of a metal including, but not limited to, steel, galvanized steel, brass, and aluminum. Ceramic materials can also be used to form the hanger 100. In certain embodiments, the hanger 100 is formed of galvanized steel, and preferably 20-gauge galvanized steel. As shown in Fig. 2A, the vertical span 110 extends between and connects the first horizontal span 120 and the second horizontal span 130. In some configurations, the height vlh of the vertical span 110 is greater than the depth fld of the first horizontal span 120 and the depth sld of the second horizontal span 130. In some configurations, the height vlh of the vertical span 110 is equal to the depth fld of the first horizontal span 120 and the depth sld of the second horizontal span 130. In some configurations, the depth vid of the vertical span 110 is equal to the height flh of the first horizontal span 120 and the height slh of the second horizontal span 130. In some configurations, the depth vid of the vertical leg 110 is equal to the height slh of the second horizontal leg 130 and is less than the height flh of the first horizontal leg 120. The first horizontal section 120 extends from the vertical section 110 in a first direction (e.g., in front of the vertical section 110), as shown in Figs. 2A and 2E. In some embodiments, the first horizontal section 120 is perpendicular to the vertical section 110. In some embodiments, the first horizontal leg 120 includes at least one opening 122 through it to form a mounting hole. The hanger 100 can be mounted on the horizontally arranged crossbar 54 by passing a fastener (e.g., screw) through at least one opening 122 and onto the horizontally arranged crossbar 54. In some embodiments, the first horizontal section 120 includes a mounting flange 124 extending from and perpendicular to one end of the first horizontal section 120.In some embodiments, the first horizontal section 120 is perpendicular to the vertical section 110 and includes a mounting flange 124 extending from one end of the first horizontal section 120 and parallel to the vertical leg 110. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 124 includes an opening 126 through it to form a mounting hole. In some embodiments, the opening 126 extends through a depth fld of the first horizontal leg 120. In some embodiments, the opening 122 extends through a height flh of the first horizontal leg 120. In some embodiments, the first horizontal leg 120 includes an opening 122 that extends through a height flh of the first horizontal leg 120 and a mounting flange 124 having an opening 126 that extends through a depth fld of the first horizontal leg 120.In some configurations, a depth of the first horizontal section of 120 is equal to a depth (i.e., thickness) of curtain wall insulation of 200. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2E, the second horizontal span 130 extends from the vertical span 110 in the first direction (e.g., forward of the vertical span 110) and is parallel to the first horizontal span 120. In some embodiments, the second horizontal span 130 is perpendicular to the vertical span 110. In some embodiments, a depth sld of the second horizontal span 130 is less than a depth fld of the first horizontal span 120. In some embodiments, a depth sld of the second horizontal span 130 is greater than a depth fld of the first horizontal span 120. In some embodiments, a depth sld of the second horizontal span 130 is equal to a depth fld of the first horizontal span 120. In some embodiments, a height slh of the second horizontal span 130 is equal to a height flh of the first horizontal span 120 before the mounting flange 124.In some modalities, a slh height of the second horizontal section 130 is less than a flh height of the first horizontal section 120. As shown in Figs. 2B and 2C, in some embodiments, the second horizontal leg 130 includes a leg body 132 having one or more prongs 134. The leg body 132 includes a tapered end 136 beyond the prongs 134. The tapered end 136 facilitates the passage of the second horizontal leg 130 to an insulating piece, while the prongs 134 are operable for clamping / securing the insulation on the second horizontal leg 130. In some embodiments, the second horizontal leg 130 includes a leg body 132 having a pair of prongs 138 (shown in Fig. 1) that facilitate the passage of the second horizontal leg 130 to an insulating piece. The prongs 138 are configured to cooperate with a locking washer 150 (shown in Fig. 1) (e.g., by passing the prongs through a slot in the locking washer 150 and then bending the prongs 138 in opposite directions) to secure insulation on the second horizontal leg 130.The leg body 132 of the second horizontal leg 130 can function as an operable shelf-like ledge to support the weight of the insulation. In some embodiments, the depth sld of the second horizontal span 130 is less than the depth (i.e., thickness) of the curtain wall insulation 200. Consequently, in some embodiments, the second horizontal leg 130 does not fully extend through the curtain wall insulation 200, which maintains the integrity of a curtain wall insulation 200 sheathing, if ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi is present. In some embodiments, the depth sla of the second horizontal span 130 is greater than the depth (i.e., thickness) of the curtain wall insulation 200. While the embodiment of the insulation hanger 100 illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C shows the same number of prongs 134 on each side of the leg body 132, the general inventive concepts are not so limited. In some embodiments, one or more prongs 134 are only on one side of the leg body 132. In some embodiments, the number of prongs 134 on one side of the leg body 132 differs from the number of prongs 134 on the other side of the leg body 132. While the illustrated embodiment shows that the second horizontal span 130 is symmetrical about a central axis ca, the general inventive concepts are not so limited. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and / or positions of the prongs 134 differ on opposite sides of the central axis ca of the leg body 132. As shown in Fig. 2C, in one specific embodiment, the leg body 132 of the second horizontal leg 130 includes four distinct prongs, namely, a first prong 134a, a second prong 134b, a third prong 134c, and a fourth prong 134d. The size, shape, and angle of the first prong 134a and the second prong 134b are the same. The size, shape, and angle of the third prong 134c and the fourth prong 134d are the same. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2C, at least one of the sizes, shapes, and angles of the first and second prongs 134a, 134b differs from that of the third and fourth prongs 134c, 134d. 2C, the angle of at least the first and second prongs 134a, 134b is 42° ± 5°. The general inventive concepts contemplate that the prongs 134 can have any angle suitable to support the insulation once impaled on the second horizontal leg 130. As mentioned previously, the hanger body 102 includes at least one reinforcing member 140. At least one reinforcing member 140 extends from the vertical leg 110 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (e.g., towards the rear of the vertical leg 110). In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing member 140 is a flange. In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing member 140 extends from the vertical span 110 in a different and / or opposite direction (or side) than the first horizontal span 120 and the second horizontal span 130 extend from the vertical span 110. As seen in Fig.2A, each of the reinforcing members 140 extends along one height dimension of the vertical span 110 and projects outward along one depth dimension to the rear of the vertical span 110, while the first horizontal span 120 and the second horizontal span 130 extend across one width dimension of the vertical span 110 and project outward along one depth dimension to the front of the vertical span 110. In other words, the reinforcing member 140 extends behind the vertical span 110 and the first horizontal span 120 and the second horizontal span 130 extend in front of the vertical span 110. In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing member 140 is perpendicular (i.e., angle α is 90°) to the vertical leg 110, as seen in Fig. 2B.In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing member 140 extends from the vertical leg 110 at an angle α less than or equal to 90°, such as at an angle α in the range of 45° to 90°. In some embodiments, where there are two reinforcing members 140 extending from the vertical span 110, each reinforcing member may extend from the vertical span 110 at an angle α less than or equal to 90°, such as at an angle α in the range of 45° to 90°. As shown in Fig. 2B, in one specific embodiment, the hanger body 102 includes two reinforcing members 140 extending from and perpendicular to the vertical leg 110. In this embodiment, the two reinforcing members 140 are spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to a width vlw of the vertical leg 110. In this embodiment, the reinforcing members 140 are rectangular in shape. The general inventive concepts contemplate that the hanger body 102 may have additional reinforcing members 140 extending from the vertical leg 110 or a single reinforcing member 140 extending from the vertical leg 110, preferably along a central axis of the vertical leg 110. Furthermore, the general inventive concepts contemplate that the reinforcing member 140 may have any suitable shape, such as triangular, that enables the reinforcing member 140 to function as described herein. In some embodiments, a height rmh of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a height vh of the vertical leg 110. In some embodiments, a height mih of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a height vh of the vertical leg 110, a depth fL of the first horizontal span 120, and a depth sL of the second horizontal span 130. In some embodiments, a height rmh of the reinforcing member 140 is equal to a height vlh of the vertical leg 110. In some embodiments, a height rmh of the reinforcing member 140 is less than or equal to a height vh of the vertical leg 110 but greater than half the height vh of the vertical leg 110 (i.e., 0.5vlh < rmh < vh). In some forms, a height rmh of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a depth fia of the first horizontal span 120 but greater than half the depth fh of the first horizontal span 120 (i.e., 0.5fld < rmh < fia).In some forms, a height rmh of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a depth sh of the second horizontal span 130 but greater than half the depth sh of the second horizontal span 130 (i.e., 0.5sld < rmh < sh). In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a height vh of the vertical leg 110, a depth fia of the first horizontal span 120, and a depth sh of the second horizontal span 130. In some exemplary embodiments, a depth mu of the reinforcing member 140 is less than a height mih of the reinforcing member 140. In some exemplary embodiments, a depth riña of the reinforcing member 140 is equal to a height rnr of the reinforcing member 140. In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rmj of the reinforcing member 140 is less than or equal to half a height vh of the vertical leg 110 (i.e., mu ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi < 0.5vlh). In some exemplary embodiments, a depth nn <i del miembro de refuerzo 140 es menor o igual a tres cuartos de profundidad fia del primer tramo horizontal 120 (es decir, rm¿ < 0.75 fia).In some exemplary forms, a mia depth of the reinforcing member 140 is less than or equal to half a sla depth of the second horizontal span 130 (i.e., riña < 0.5sla). At least one reinforcing member 140 provides the hanger body 102 with increased structural integrity to resist deformation when subjected to external forces, particularly during a fire where there is significant turbulence, movement, and gravitational pull. In particular, at least one reinforcing member 140 increases the depth of the insulation hanger 100 and provides at least one additional surface that engages or rests against a lower surface 55 of the horizontally arranged transom 54, as shown in Fig. 1A, thereby increasing resistance to deformation from external forces exerted on the curtain wall insulation 200 due to the compression fit of the safety insulation 300 or from external forces caused by a fire.Accordingly, the insulation hangers 100 of system 10 of the present description having at least one reinforcing member 140 can prevent bowing or deformation of the curtain wall insulation 200 due to external forces, such as the compression fit of the safety insulation 300 or forces created during a fire, without the need for a separate reinforcing member (e.g., T-shaped backer bar) in or near a safety line of system 10. Referring again to Figs. 1 and 1A, the system 10 of this description includes curtain wall insulation 200. As shown in Fig. 1A, the curtain wall insulation 200 is opposed to the external and internal surfaces 210, 220 and to the opposing upper and lower surfaces 230, 240. The curtain wall insulation 200 may consist of materials selected based on a desired failure temperature of the material, such as mineral wool. In certain embodiments, the curtain wall insulation 200 includes a lining (not shown) over an internal surface 220 thereof. The lining may be aluminum foil or another suitable vapor-retardant material. Such curtain wall insulation 200 is commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Indiana. The curtain wall insulation 200 used in system 10 of the present description may have a height of 15.24 cm (6 inches) to 30.48 cm (12 in.) (i.e., the distance between opposite upper and lower surfaces 230, 240), a depth (or thickness) of 7.62 cm (3 in.) to 15.24 cm (6 in.) (i.e., the distance between opposite outer and inner surfaces 210, 220), and a density of at least 64.0739 kg / m³ (4 lb / ft³) (e.g., 64.0739 kg / m³ (4 lb / ft³) to 224.258 kg / m³ (14 lb / ft³)). In some embodiments, curtain wall insulation 200 has a height of 15.24 cm (6 in.) to 30.48 cm (12 in.), a depth of 7.62 cm (3 in.) to 15.24 cm (6 in.), and a density of at least 96.1108 kg / m3 (6 lb / ft3) (for example, 96.1108 kg / m3 (6 lb / ft3) to 164.0739 kg / m3 (4 lb / ft3)). In some aspects, curtain wall insulation 200 has a height of 15.24 cm (6 inches) to 22.86 cm (9 inches), a depth of 7.62 cm (3 inches) to 15.24 cm (6 inches) and a density of at least 128.148 kg / m3 (8 lb / ft3) (for example, 128.148 kg / m³ (8 lb / ft³) to 164.0739 kg / m³ (4 lb / ft³). The curtain wall insulation 102 is disposed within the frame defined by the mullions 52, 53 and transoms 54, 56 and is mechanically attached via a plurality of insulation hangers 100 to the horizontally disposed transom 54. Consequently, the particular size and shape of the curtain wall insulation 200 will typically depend on the particular size and shape of the frame in which the curtain wall insulation 200 is being installed. Due to its density (e.g., at least 64.0739 kg / m³ (4 lb / ft³), or at least 96.1108 kg / m³ (6 lb / ft³), or at least 128.148 kg / m³ (8 lb / ft³)), curtain wall insulation 200 is relatively rigid. The combination of this relatively rigid curtain wall insulation 200 with insulation hangers 100, which have at least one reinforcing member 140 and are attached only to the horizontally arranged transom 54, provides system 10 with sufficient reinforcement to resist deformation from external forces without requiring separate reinforcing members (e.g., T-shaped backing bars) or mechanical couplings to the vertical mullions 52, 53. This design allows system 10 to be installed more easily and quickly due to the fewer parts and fixing points. With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 1A, the system 10 of this description also includes safety insulation 300. As shown in Fig. 1A, safety insulation 300 has opposing outer and inner surfaces 310, 320 and opposing upper and lower surfaces 330, 340. Safety insulation 300 is arranged within the perimeter gap 70 and the compression fit between curtain wall insulation 200 and floor slab 60. Safety insulation 300 prevents flames and hot gases from moving from a first floor to an adjacent upper floor through the perimeter gap 70. As with curtain wall insulation 200, safety insulation 300 can be made of various materials depending on the desired failure temperature of the material. In certain embodiments, safety insulation 300 comprises mineral wool. Safety insulation 300 can have a depth (or thickness) of 2.54 cm (1 inch) to 20.32 cm (8 inches), and a density of 64.0739 kg / m³ (4 lb / ft³) to 128.148 kg / m³ (8 lb / ft³). This 300 safety insulation is commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Indiana. When installed, 300 safety insulation is commonly compressed to varying degrees, but is typically compressed by at least 25% (i.e., the compressed thickness of the safety insulation is at least 25% less than the original uncompressed thickness). After installation, the 300 safety insulation provides a fire barrier in the perimeter void 70. Because the 300 safety insulation is compressed when installed, it provides some expansion capacity, which can seal openings or cracks that might otherwise develop in the perimeter void 70.The 300 safety insulation adapts to slight variations in the size of the 70 perimeter void due to expansion or other environmental changes, as it compresses when placed in the 70 perimeter void and can therefore provide an effective seal under various conditions. In certain configurations, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 1A, system 10 also includes a first mullion cover insulation 400 and a second mullion cover insulation 600 to cover and protect a portion of the first and second mullions 52, 53 from hot flames and gases during a fire. As seen in Fig. 1A, the first mullion roof insulation 400 has opposing outer and inner surfaces 410, 420 and opposing top and bottom surfaces 430, 440 and is attached to the curtain wall insulation 200 such that the outer surface 410 of the first mullion roof insulation 400 abuts the inner surface 220 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and the top surface 430 of the first mullion roof insulation 400 abuts the bottom surface 340 of the safety insulation 300 and covers a portion of the first mullion 52 (as illustrated in Fig. 1).The 400 and 600 mullion cover insulation can be attached to the 200 curtain wall insulation using fasteners (e.g., spiral anchors). Although not specifically illustrated, the second 600 mullion cover insulation is configured and installed in the same manner as the first 400 mullion cover insulation to cover and protect the second mullion. The 400 and 600 mullion cover insulation can be made of various materials depending on the desired failure temperature of the material. In certain embodiments, the 400 and 600 mullion cover insulation comprises mineral wool. In certain embodiments, the 400 and 600 mullion cover insulation comprises mineral wool faced on an inner surface with aluminum foil or another suitable fire-resistant vapor-retardant material. The 400 and 600 mullion cover insulation can be 2.54 cm (1 in) thick.32 cm (8 inches) and a density of 64.0739 kg / m3 (4 lb / ft3) to 12 lb / ft3. Such 400, 600 mullion deck insulation is commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Indiana. With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 1A, in certain embodiments, System 10 includes a smoke sealant 500 applied to an upper surface 330 of the safety insulation 300. Any smoke sealant material known in the art may be used in System 10 herein described. Exemplary smoke sealant materials suitable for use in System 10 herein described include, but are not limited to, Fast Tack™ Firestop Spray or AS200 Series Elastomeric Spray Smoke Sealant, commercially available from Specified Technologies, Inc. (Somerville, New Jersey); Composite Smoke Sealant™, commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. (Wabash, Indiana); and FireDam™ Spray 200 Smoke Sealant, commercially available from 3M (St. Paul, Minnesota). and the TREMstop Acn lie SP smoke sealant, commercially available from Tremco Incorporated (Ashland, Ohio).Smoke sealant 500 provides a barrier to the passage of smoke and / or hot gases through safety insulation 300. In addition, to retard the passage of smoke and / or hot gases through the joints between safety insulation 300 and curtain wall insulation 200, as well as between safety insulation 300 and floor slab 60, smoke sealant 500 can be applied to extend from 1.27 cm (1 / 2 inch) to 2.54 cm (1 inch) on both curtain wall insulation 200 and floor slab 60, as shown in Fig. 1A. Typically, smoke sealant 500 is applied by spraying the smoke sealant material onto the top surface 330 of safety insulation 300. System 10 can be installed by interconnecting the plurality of insulation hangers 100 with the horizontally arranged crossbar 54. More specifically, the plurality of insulation hangers 100 can be fixed to the horizontally arranged crossbar 54 by means of fasteners 57, such as screws, so that at least one reinforcing member 140 of each insulation hanger 100 engages or rests against the lower surface 55 of the horizontally arranged crossbar 54.After attaching the insulation hangers 100 to the horizontally arranged transom 54, the curtain wall insulation 200 can be pressed onto the second horizontal leg 130 of each insulation hanger 100 so that the first horizontal leg 120 of each hanger 100 abuts the upper surface 230 of the curtain wall insulation 200, the vertical leg 110 of each hanger 100 abuts the outer surface 210 of the curtain wall insulation 200, and the second horizontal leg 130 of each insulation hanger 100 passes through the outer surface 210 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and extends into the curtain wall insulation 200. If insulation hangers 100 such as those shown in figs. 2A-2E, the installation of the 100 insulation hangers and the 200 curtain wall insulation is completed. If 100 insulation hangers are used as shown in figs.1 and 1A, the prongs 138 extend beyond the internal surface 220 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and the locking washer 150 is applied by passing the prongs 130 through a groove in the locking washer 150 and then bending the prongs 138 in opposite directions to retain the curtain wall insulation 200 in the insulation hanger 100. Next, the safety insulation 300 is installed in the perimeter gap 70 and the compression fit between the internal surface 220 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and the floor slab 60. The mullion cover insulation 400, 600 can be attached to the curtain wall insulation 200 via fasteners (e.g., spiral screws) so that the upper surface of the mullion cover insulation 400, 600 abuts the lower surface 340 of the safety insulation 300 and It covers part of mullions 52, 53.Next, a fume sealant 500 can be applied to the upper surface 330 of the safety insulation 300. Alternatively, system 10 can be installed by interconnecting the insulation hangers 100 with the curtain wall insulation 200 before interconnecting the insulation hangers ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi 100 with the mullion 54 arranged horizontally. In particular, a plurality of insulation hangers 100 are interconnected with a portion of curtain wall insulation 200 sized to fit within the frame defined by the mullions 52, 53 and the transoms 54, 56. More specifically, each insulation hanger 100 is pressed into the curtain wall insulation 200 such that the first horizontal leg 120 abuts the upper surface 230 of the curtain wall insulation 200, the vertical leg 110 abuts the outer surface 210 of the curtain wall insulation 200, and the second horizontal leg 130 extends into the curtain wall insulation 200. If insulation hangers 100 such as those shown in figs. 2A-2E, the prongs 134 on the second horizontal leg 130 effectively secure the curtain wall insulation 200 to the insulation hangers 100. If insulation hangers 100 such as those shown in figs. are used.1 and 1A, the prongs 138 extend beyond the inner surface 220 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and the locking washer 150 is applied by passing the prongs 130 through a groove in the locking washer 150, in which the prongs 138 are bent in opposite directions to retain the curtain wall insulation 200 on the insulation hanger 100. From then on, the curtain wall insulation 200 can be placed and mounted within the curtain wall structure frame 50. More specifically, fasteners 57, such as screws, are used to secure the insulation hangers 100 to the horizontally arranged transom 54. In this way, the curtain wall insulation 200 is mechanically secured within the frame of the curtain wall structure 50. Next, the safety insulation 300 is installed in the perimeter gap 70 and the compression fit between the inner surface 220 of the curtain wall insulation 200 and the floor slab 60. The mullion cover insulation 400, 600 can be attached to the curtain wall insulation 200 via fasteners (e.g., spiral screws) so that the upper surface of the mullion cover insulation 400, 600 abuts the lower surface 340 of the safety insulation 300 and covers a portion of the mullions 52, 53.Next, a fume sealant 500 can be applied to the upper surface 330 of the safety insulation 300. The terminology as set forth herein is for the description of the modalities only and should not be construed as a limitation of the description as a whole. All references to singular features or limitations in this description shall include the corresponding plural feature or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied by the context in which the reference is made. Unless otherwise specified, a, one, the, and at least one are used interchangeably. Furthermore, as used in the description and appended claims, the singular forms a, one, and the include their plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. To the extent that the term "includes" or "that includes" is used in the description or claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as that term is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" (e.g., "A or B") is used, it is intended to mean A or B or both. When applicants intend to indicate only A or B but not both, then the term "only A or B but not both" shall be used. Therefore, the use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, not the exclusive, use. Additionally, when the phrase "one or more of A and B" is used, it is understood to mean only A, only B, or both A and B.Similarly, when the phrases at least one of A, B and C or at least one of A, B, C and combinations thereof are used, they are intended to mean only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; A, B and C). The system described herein may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of the essential elements of the description as set out herein, as well as any additional or optional elements or features described herein, or that are useful in curtain wall insulation applications. It is understood that all ranges and parameters, including but not limited to percentages, parts, and proportions, disclosed in this document encompass each and every subrange assumed and subsumed within them, and all numbers between the endpoints. For example, a given range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include each and every subrange that begins with a minimum value of 1 or more and ends with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 1 to 6.1, or 2.3 to 9.4), and every integer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) contained within the range. Unless otherwise stated herein, all submodalities and optional modalities are respective submodalities and optional modalities of all modalities described herein. While the present description has been illustrated by the description of its modalities, and although the modalities have been described in considerable detail, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Further advantages and modifications will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present description, in its broadest respects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Consequently, deviations from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general description herein.

Claims

1. A system for isolating a curtain wall structure connected to a building structure, the curtain wall structure being spaced from a floor slab of the building structure to define a perimeter void, and the curtain wall structure having frames defined by at least the first and second vertically and parallel mullions, and a horizontally arranged transom, the system characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of isolation hangers, each isolation hanger having a hanger body including a vertical leg, a first horizontal leg, a second horizontal leg, and at least one reinforcing member, wherein the vertical leg extends between and connects the first horizontal leg and the second horizontal leg, wherein the first horizontal leg and the second horizontal leg are parallel to each other and extend from the vertical leg in a first direction,and wherein at least one reinforcing member extends from the vertical leg in a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite each other; a curtain wall insulation having opposite outer and inner surfaces and opposite top and bottom surfaces; and a safety insulation having opposite outer and inner surfaces and opposite top and bottom surfaces; wherein each insulation hanger engages the curtain wall insulation such that the first horizontal leg abuts the top surface of the curtain wall insulation, the vertical leg abuts the outer surface of the curtain wall insulation,and the second horizontal leg passes through the outer surface of the curtain wall insulation and extends into the curtain wall insulation; wherein each insulation hanger is attached only to the horizontally disposed transom to secure the curtain wall insulation within the frame; wherein at least one reinforcing member of each insulation hanger engages a lower surface of the horizontally disposed transom; and wherein the safety insulation is disposed within the perimeter gap and compression fit between the curtain wall insulation and the floor slab.

2. The system characterized in that claim 1, further comprising a first mullion roof insulation having opposing outer and inner surfaces and opposing upper and lower surfaces, characterized in that the first mullion roof insulation is attached to the curtain wall insulation such that the outer surface of the first mullion roof insulation abuts the inner surface of the curtain wall insulation and the upper surface of the first mullion roof insulation abuts the lower surface of the safety insulation and the first mullion roof insulation covers a portion of the first mullion.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a smoke sealant applied to the upper surface of the safety insulation. ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi 4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the curtain wall insulation has a height of 15.24 cm (6 inches) to 30.48 cm (12 inches), a depth of 7.62 cm (3 inches) to 15.24 cm (6 inches) and a density of at least 10.16 lb / ft3.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a height of the vertical leg is equal to a depth of the first horizontal leg and a depth of the second horizontal leg.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a depth of the vertical leg is equal to a height of the first horizontal leg and a height of the second horizontal leg.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first horizontal section is perpendicular to the vertical leg.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second horizontal section is perpendicular to the vertical section.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one reinforcing member is perpendicular to the vertical leg.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one reinforcing member extends from the vertical leg at an angle in the range of 45° to 90°.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the hanger body includes two reinforcing members spaced apart by a distance less than or equal to one width of the vertical leg.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of at least one reinforcing member is less than the height of the vertical leg.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of at least one reinforcing member is equal to the height of the vertical leg.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of at least one reinforcing member is less than or equal to a height of the vertical leg and is greater than half the height of the vertical leg.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second horizontal leg includes a leg body having one or more prongs and a conical end.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the leg body includes a plurality of prongs.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the leg body includes four of the prongs. ecM / nn / eznz / B / Yi 18. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that a number of the prongs on one side of the leg body differs from a number of the prongs on the opposite side of the leg body.

19. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the second horizontal leg is symmetrical about a central axis of the leg body.

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a depth of the second horizontal section is less than a thickness of the curtain wall insulation.

21. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second horizontal leg includes a leg body having a pair of prongs configured to cooperate with a locking washer to preserve curtain wall insulation.

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that a depth of the second horizontal leg is greater than a thickness of the curtain wall insulation.

23. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first horizontal leg includes a mounting flange extending from and perpendicular to one end of the first horizontal leg.

24. The system according to claim 23, characterized in that the mounting flange includes an opening.

25. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the hanger body is made of galvanized steel.

26. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system does not include a reinforcing member in a system safety line other than at least one reinforcing member of each isolation hanger.

27. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system is free of mechanical couplings to the mullions.

28. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a lower surface of at least one horizontally arranged crossbeam is placed at the same height as an upper surface of the floor slab.

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