High-reach insulation application system and method

Abstract

This invention relates generally to the application of a sprayed insulation mixture, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for applying the sprayed mixture in high reach areas of extended elevation and removing any excess mixture therefrom. In one embodiment of a system for spraying an insulation mixture into a cavity and removing any excess mixture therefrom, the system preferably comprises a lift defining upper end lower ends, with the upper end of the lift being adjustably movable between lowered and raised positions. An insulation applicator is located on the lift proximal to the upper end for spraying the insulation mixture into the cavity. The applicator may be rotatably connected to the lift and driven to move in a reciprocating, sweeping motion. A scrubber is also located on the lift, preferably above the applicator, for removing or scrubbing any excess insulation from the cavity. A vacuum inlet is preferably located on the lift below the applicator for receiving any stray or “fly-off” insulation from the applicator and the excess insulation removed from the cavity by the scrubber. A gauge may also be located on the lift for maintaining a predetermined spray distance between the applicator and the cavity. A driven elevation mechanism is operably associated with the lift for adjustably moving the upper end of the lift between the lowered and raised positions. A control is operably associated with the insulation applicator, scrubber, vacuum inlet and driven elevation mechanism to control the function of each component.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 : A method of applying sprayed insulation mixture into a wall cavity comprising:
 positioning a lift at a lower end of the wall cavity, the lift having an applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet located thereon;   spraying the mixture into the cavity with the applicator and receiving any stray mixture with the vacuum inlet as the applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet ascend on the lift from the lower end of the cavity to an upper end of the cavity; and   removing any excess mixture from the cavity with the scrubber and receiving the removed mixture with the vacuum inlet as the applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet descend on the lift from the upper end of the cavity to the lower end of the cavity.   
   
   
       21 : The method of  claim 20  further comprising reciprocating the applicator from side to side as the applicator is spraying the mixture into the cavity. 
   
   
       22 : The method of  claim 20  further comprising gauging an application distance between the applicator and the cavity with a gauge. 
   
   
       23 : A method of applying sprayed insulation mixture into a wall cavity comprising:
 positioning a lift at a lower end of the wall cavity, the lift having an applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet located thereon; and   spraying the mixture into the cavity with the applicator, removing any excess mixture from the cavity with a scrubber, and receiving any stray and removed mixture with the vacuum inlet as the applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet ascend on the lift from the lower end of the cavity to an upper end of the cavity.   
   
   
       24 : The method of  claim 23  further comprising reciprocating the applicator from side to side as the applicator is spraying the mixture into the cavity. 
   
   
       25 : The method of  claim 23  further comprising gauging an application distance between the applicator and the cavity with a gauge. 
   
   
       26 : The method of  claim 23  further comprising removing any remaining mixture from the cavity with the scrubber and receiving the removed mixture with the vacuum inlet as the applicator, scrubber and vacuum inlet descend on the lift from the upper end of the cavity to the lower end of the cavity.