초록 ▼

The present invention relates generally to an insulation wrap for a water heater tank including a strip of nonflammable fibrous material having an opening therein and a fibrous material element outlining at least a portion of that opening. In addition the present invention relates to a hot water hea

The present invention relates generally to an insulation wrap for a water heater tank including a strip of nonflammable fibrous material having an opening therein and a fibrous material element outlining at least a portion of that opening. In addition the present invention relates to a hot water heater incorporating the insulation wrap.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed: 1. An insulation wrap for a water heater tank, comprising: an elongated strip of nonflammable fibrous material formed into a ring which extends completely around a circumference of an inner tank of a water heater, wherein said ring includes a thee substantially following the circum

What is claimed: 1. An insulation wrap for a water heater tank, comprising: an elongated strip of nonflammable fibrous material formed into a ring which extends completely around a circumference of an inner tank of a water heater, wherein said ring includes a thee substantially following the circumference and an opening in said face; and a fibrous material element contacting said face and outlining at least a portion of said opening. 2. The insulation wrap of claim 1, further including a foil layer on said strop of nonflammable fibrous material. 3. The insulation wrap of claim 1, further including a scrim on said foil layer. 4. The insulation wrap of claim 3, wherein said scrim is fiberglass. 5. The insulation wrap of claim 1, wherein an adhesive secures said fibrous material element to said strip of nonflammable fibrous material. 6. The insulation wrap of claim 1, whet em said strip of nonflammable fibrous material is fiberglass. 7. The insulation wrap of claim 6, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, glass fibers, natural fibers and any mixtures thereof. 8. The insulation wrap of claim 6, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed horn a material selected horn a group consisting of (a) thermoplastic polymer staple fiber's and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) glass staple fiber's and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 9. The insulation wrap of claim 1, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected horn a group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, glass fibers, natural fibers and any mixtures thereof. 10. The insulation wrap of claim 1, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed horn a material selected horn a group consisting of(a) thermoplastic polymer staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) glass staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 11. The insulation wrap of claim 1, wherein said fibrous material element has a density of about 0.75 lbs/ft3. 12. An insulation wrap for a water heater tank, comprising: an elongated strip of nonflammable fibrous material including a first end, a second end and an opening provided on a face of said strip; a fibrous material element connected to a margin of said face outlining at least a portion of said opening; and a fastener for securing said first end and said second end together. 13. The insulation wrap of claim 12, wherein said fastener is a tape. 14. An insulation wrap for a water heater tank, comprising: a ship including a layer of fiberglass laminated to a layer of foil, said strip being formed into a ring which extends completely around the circumference of the inner tank of a water heater wherein said ring includes an opening in a face thereof, wherein said face substantially follows said circumference; and a fibrous material element contacting said face and outlining at least a portion of said opening. 15. The insulation wrap of claim 14, including a fiberglass swim on said layer of foil. 16. The insulation wrap of claim 14, wherein said layer of fiberglass and said layer of foil arc adhered together. 17. The insulation wrap of claim 14, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, glass fibers, natural fibers and any mixtures thereof. 18. The insulation wrap of claim 14, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of (a) thermoplastic polymer staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) glass staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 19. The insulation wrap of claim 14, further including a fastener securing a first end and a second end of said strip together. 20. A water heater, comprising: an inner tank including a water inlet and a water outlet; an outer jacket received around said inner tank; a heating chamber adjacent said inner tank in said outer jacket; an access door in said outer jacket for accessing said heating chamber; and an insulation wrap, including (a) an elongated strip of nonflammable fibrous material wrapped fully around said inner tank and having an opening provided in a face of said strip aligned with said access door, wherein said face follows a circumference of said inner tank, and (b) a fibrous material element contacting said face and outlining said opening and said access door. 21. The water heater of claim 20, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephihalate, glass fibers, natural fibers and any mixtures thereof. 22. The water heater of claim 20, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of (a) thermoplastic polymer staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) glass staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 23. A water heater, comprising: an inner tank including a water inlet and a water outlet; an outer jacket received around said inner tank; a heating chamber adjacent said inner tank in said outer jacket; an access door in said outer jacket for accessing said heating chamber; and an insulation wrap, including (a) an elongated strip including a layer of fiberglass laminated to a layer of foil wrapped hilly around said inner tank, wherein said layer includes an outer face following the outer jacket, said face include an opening aligned with said access door and (b) a fibrous material element contacting said flee and outlining said opening and said access door. 24. The water heater of claim 23, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of polyester; polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene texephthalate, glass fibers, natural fibers and any mixtures thereof. 25. The water heater of claim 23, wherein said fibrous material element is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of (a) thermoplastic polymer staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers, (b) glass staple fibers and thermoplastic bicomponent fibers and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). 26. An insulation wrap, comprising: a strip of nonflammable fibrous material including a first end, a second end and an opening; a fibrous material element outlining at least a portion of said opening; and a fastener securing said first end and said second end of said strip of nonflammable fibrous material together, said fastener including cooperating male and female connectors. 27. An insulation wrap for a water tank, comprising: a ring of nonflammable fibrous material having a face including an opening wherein said ring and said face extend completely around the circumference of the inner tank of a water heater; and a fibrous material element outlining at least a portion of said opening. 28. The insulation wrap of claim 27, wherein said face is an outer face of said ring.