U.S. patent application number 09/827667 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for coping assembly for building roof.
Invention is credited to McCoy, Christopher K., McKinney, David, Tedder, Neil, Webb, William C..
Application Number | 20010027625 09/827667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24172051 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webb, William C. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2001 |
Coping assembly for building roof
Abstract
A coping assembly for a parapet wall, cant dam or gravel stop
resiliently maintains the coping assembly in a tight-fitting
interlocking installation and has a locator member beneath the
coping cap or cover for maintaining at least a portion of the outer
coping cap in a predetermined cross-sectional shape and in an
accurate alignment between adjacent sections of the coping cap. The
preferred locator member is generally symmetrical with respect to a
line normal to the face of the wall, dam stop or other raised roof
protrusion. The coping assembly is quicker, easier, and less costly
to install than prior such structures and provides enhanced
protection for interior or underlying components or structures
Inventors: |
Webb, William C.; (Fletcher,
NC) ; Tedder, Neil; (Asheville, NC) ; McCoy,
Christopher K.; (Candler, NC) ; McKinney, David;
(Weaverville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, PLC
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
24172051 |
Appl. No.: |
09/827667 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09827667 |
Apr 6, 2001 |
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09544409 |
Apr 6, 2000 |
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6212829 |
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09544409 |
Apr 6, 2000 |
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09598003 |
Jun 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/96 ; 52/300;
52/58; 52/60; 52/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 3/405 20130101;
E04D 13/15 20130101; E04F 19/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/96 ; 52/60;
52/58; 52/94; 52/300 |
International
Class: |
E04D 001/36; E04D
013/14; E04D 003/40 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A coping for a raised protrusion protruding generally upwardly
from a surface, the raised protrusion extending in a longitudinal
direction and having a protrusion upper surface, a protrusion outer
face extending generally downwardly from one side of the protrusion
upper surface, and a protrusion inner face extending generally
downwardly from an opposite side of the protrusion upper surface,
said coping comprising: a coping cleat for fixed securement to the
raised protrusion, said cleat having an upper cleat portion
extending along the protrusion upper surface, an outer cleat
portion extending generally downwardly along the protrusion outer
face from an outer side of said upper cleat portion, and an inner
cleat portion extending generally downwardly along the protrusion
inner face from an opposite inner side of said upper cleat portion;
a coping cap having an upper cap portion, an outer cap portion
extending generally downwardly from an outer side of said upper cap
portion, and an inner cap portion extending generally downwardly
from an opposite inner side of said upper cap portion, said outer
and inner cap portions having edges secured to said respective
outer and inner cleat portions; a spring clip secured to said
coping cleat and disposed between said coping cleat and said coping
cap, said spring clip having at least one resilient spring clip
protrusion resiliently engaging a first portion of an underside of
said coping cap; and a coping locator secured to said coping cleat
and disposed between said coping cleat and said coping cap, said
locator protruding from said coping cleat and engaging a second
portion of said underside of said coping cap in order to space said
second portion of said underside of said coping cap a predetermined
generally fixed distance from said coping cleat, said locator also
maintaining at least a portion of said coping cap in a
predetermined cross-sectional shape.
2. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping cap is formed
in cap sections of a predetermined longitudinal length, said cap
sections serially abuttingly engaging one another and extending
along the raised protrusion, said coping further including a joint
cover disposed between said underside of adjacent coping cap
sections and said coping locator at said abutting engagement of
said adjacent coping cap sections in order to maintain alignment of
said adjacent coping cap sections at said abutting engagement.
3. A coping according to claim 2, wherein said joint cover and said
coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional shape.
4. A coping according to claim 2, wherein said joint cover also
extends between said underside of said coping cap and said
resilient spring clip protrusion.
5. A coping according to claim 4, wherein said joint cover and said
coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional shape.
6. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping locator
protrudes from said outer cleat portion to engage said underside of
said outer coping cap portion.
7. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping locator
protrudes from said upper cleat portion to engage said underside of
said upper coping cap portion.
8. A coping according to claim 1, further including a pair of said
coping locators, an outer of said coping locators protruding from
said outer cleat portion and an inner of said coping locators
protruding from said inner cleat portion to engage respective
undersides of said outer and inner coping cap portions.
9. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said spring clip has a
number of openings spaced longitudinally therealong, said coping
cleat having a corresponding number of cleat tabs spaced
longitudinally therealong, each of said cleat tabs protruding
through one of said spring clip openings and engaging said spring
clip in order to secure said spring clip to said coping cleat.
10. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping locator has
a flange extending longitudinally along at least one edge, said
coping cleat having a number of cleat tabs spaced longitudinally
therealong, said cleat tabs engaging said coping locator flange in
order to secure said coping locator to said coping cleat.
11. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said spring clip has a
pair of said resilient spring clip protrusions spaced laterally
apart from each other and resiliently engaging said underside of
said coping cap.
12. A coping according to claim 11, wherein said spring clip is
secured to said upper cleat portion, said resilient spring clip
protrusion resiliently engaging said underside of said upper cap
upper portion.
13. A coping according to claim 1, wherein the raised protrusion
outer face and said outer cleat portion both extend generally
vertically downwardly.
14. A coping according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
said upper cleat portion slopes generally in an outward and upward
direction relative to said respective raised protrusion upper
surface.
15. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said raised protrusion
upper surface and said upper cleat portion both extend generally
horizontally.
16. A coping according to claim 1, wherein at least part of said
upper cap portion is peaked upwardly.
17. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping locator is
symmetrical about a horizontal line normal to the raised protrusion
outer face.
18. A coping according to claim 17, wherein said coping locator has
a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape, said normal
horizontal line extending through an apex between two equal sides
of said triangular cross-sectional shape.
19. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping locator is
symmetrical about a vertical line normal to the raised protrusion
upper surface.
20. A coping according to claim 19, wherein said coping locator has
a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape, said normal
vertical line extending through an apex between two equal sides of
said triangular cross-sectional shape.
21. A coping according to claim 1, wherein said coping cap outer
and inner cap portions have generally hook-shaped edge portions
thereon for snap-on engagement with respective outer and inner
cleat portion edges.
22. A coping according to claim 1, wherein the raised protrusion is
a free-standing wall.
23. A coping according to claim 1, wherein the raised protrusion
protrudes upwardly from a building roof.
24. A coping according to claim 1, wherein the raised protrusion is
a parapet wall on a building roof.
25. A coping for a raised parapet wall protruding generally
upwardly from a roof on a building, the raised parapet wall
extending in a longitudinal direction along the roof and having a
generally horizontal wall upper surface, a generally vertical wall
outer face extending downwardly from one side of the wall upper
surface, and a generally vertical wall inner face extending
downwardly from an opposite side of the wall upper surface, said
coping comprising: a coping cleat for fixed securement to the
raised parapet wall, said cleat having an upper cleat portion
extending along the wall upper surface, an outer cleat portion
extending downwardly along the wall outer face from an outer side
of said upper cleat portion, and an inner cleat portion extending
downwardly along the wall inner face from an opposite inner side of
said upper cleat portion; a coping cap having an upper cap portion,
an outer cap portion extending generally downwardly from an outer
side of said upper cap portion, and an inner cap portion extending
generally downwardly from an opposite inner side of said upper cap
portion, said outer and inner cap portions having edges secured to
said respective outer and inner cleat portions; a spring clip
secured to said coping cleat and disposed between said coping cleat
and said coping cap, said spring clip having at least one resilient
spring clip protrusion resiliently engaging a first portion of an
underside of said coping cap; and a coping locator secured to said
coping cleat and disposed between said coping cleat and said coping
cap, said locator protruding from said coping cleat and engaging a
second portion of said underside of said coping cap in order to
space said second portion of said underside of said coping cap a
predetermined generally fixed distance from said coping cleat, said
locator also maintaining at least a portion of said coping cap in a
predetermined cross-sectional shape.
26. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping cap is
formed in cap sections of a predetermined longitudinal length, said
cap sections serially abuttingly engaging one another and extending
along the raised protrusion, said coping further including a joint
cover disposed between said underside of adjacent coping cap
sections and said coping locator at said abutting engagement of
said adjacent coping cap sections in order to maintain alignment of
said adjacent coping cap sections at said abutting engagement.
27. A coping according to claim 26, wherein said joint cover and
said coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional
shape.
28. A coping according to claim 26, wherein said joint cover also
extends between said underside of said coping cap and said
resilient spring clip protrusion.
29. A coping according to claim 28, wherein said joint cover and
said coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional
shape.
30. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping locator
protrudes from said outer cleat portion to engage said underside of
said outer coping cap portion.
31. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping locator
protrudes from said upper cleat portion to engage said underside of
said upper coping cap portion.
32. A coping according to claim 25, further including a pair of
said coping locators, an outer of said coping locators protruding
from said outer cleat portion and an inner of said coping locators
protruding from said inner cleat portion to engage respective
undersides of said outer and inner coping cap portions.
33. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said spring clip has a
number of openings spaced longitudinally therealong, said coping
cleat having a corresponding number of cleat tabs spaced
longitudinally therealong, each of said cleat tabs protruding
through one of said spring clip openings and engaging said spring
clip in order to secure said spring clip to said coping cleat.
34. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping locator has
a flange extending longitudinally along at least one edge, said
coping cleat having a number of cleat tabs spaced longitudinally
therealong, said cleat tabs engaging said coping locator flange in
order to secure said coping locator to said coping cleat.
35. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said spring clip has a
pair of said resilient spring clip protrusions spaced laterally
apart from each other and resiliently engaging said underside of
said coping cap.
36. A coping according to claim 35, wherein said spring clip is
secured to said upper cleat portion, said resilient spring clip
protrusion resiliently engaging said underside of said upper cap
upper portion.
37. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said raised parapet
wall upper surface and said upper cleat portion both extend
generally horizontally.
38. A coping according to claim 25, wherein at least part of said
upper cap portion is peaked upwardly.
39. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping locator is
symmetrical about a horizontal line normal to the raised parapet
wall outer face.
40. A coping according to claim 39, wherein said coping locator has
a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape, said normal
horizontal line extending through an apex between two equal sides
of said triangular cross-sectional shape.
41. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping locator is
symmetrical about a vertical line normal to the raised parapet wall
upper surface.
42. A coping according to claim 41, wherein said coping locator has
a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape, said normal
vertical line extending through an apex between two equal sides of
said triangular cross-sectional shape.
43. A coping according to claim 25, wherein said coping cap outer
and inner cap portions have generally hook-shaped edge portions
thereon for snap-on engagement with respective outer and inner
cleat portion edges.
44. A coping for a gravel stop protruding generally upwardly from a
roof on a building, the gravel stop extending in a longitudinal
direction along the roof and having a gravel stop upper surface, a
gravel stop outer face extending generally downwardly from one side
of the protrusion upper surface, and a gravel stop inner face
sloping generally downwardly and inwardly from an opposite side of
the gravel stop upper surface, said coping comprising: a coping
cleat for fixed securement to the gravel stop, said cleat having an
upper cleat portion extending along the gravel stop upper surface,
an outer cleat portion extending generally downwardly along the
gravel stop outer face from an outer side of said upper cleat
portion, and an inner cleat portion extending generally downwardly
and inwardly along the gravel stop inner face from an opposite
inner side of said upper cleat portion; a coping cap having an
upper cap portion, an outer cap portion extending generally
downwardly from an outer side of said upper cap portion, and an
inner cap portion extending generally downwardly and inwardly from
an opposite inner side of said upper cap portion, said outer and
inner cap portions having edges secured to said respective outer
and inner cleat portions; a spring clip secured to said coping
cleat and disposed between said coping cleat and said coping cap,
said spring clip having at least one resilient spring clip
protrusion resiliently engaging a first portion of an underside of
said coping cap; and a coping locator secured to said coping cleat
outer portion and disposed between said coping cleat and said
coping cap, said locator protruding generally horizontally from
said coping cleat and engaging an underside of said coping cap
outer portion in order to space said underside of said coping cap
outer portion a predetermined generally fixed distance from said
coping cleat outer portion, said locator also maintaining said
coping cap outer portion in a predetermined cross-sectional
shape.
45. A coping according to claim 44, wherein said coping cap is
formed in cap sections of a predetermined longitudinal length, said
cap sections serially abuttingly engaging one another and extending
along the parapet wall, said coping further including a joint cover
disposed between said underside of adjacent coping cap sections and
said coping locator at said abutting engagement of said adjacent
coping cap sections in order to maintain alignment of said adjacent
coping cap sections at said abutting engagement.
46. A coping according to claim 45, wherein said joint cover and
said coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional
shape.
47. A coping according to claim 45, wherein said joint cover also
extends between said underside of said coping cap and said
resilient spring clip protrusion.
48. A coping according to claim 47, wherein said joint cover and
said coping cap have substantially the same cross-sectional
shape.
49. A coping according to claim 44, wherein said spring clip has a
number of openings spaced longitudinally therealong, said coping
cleat having a corresponding number of cleat tabs spaced
longitudinally therealong, each of said cleat tabs protruding
through one of said spring clip openings and engaging said spring
clip in order to secure said spring clip to said coping cleat.
50. A coping according to claim 44, wherein said coping locator has
a flange extending longitudinally along at least one edge, said
coping cleat having a number of cleat tabs spaced longitudinally
therealong, said cleat tabs engaging said coping locator flange in
order to secure said coping locator to said coping cleat.
51. A coping according to claim 44, wherein said coping locator is
symmetrical about a horizontal line normal to the parapet wall
outer face.
52. A coping according to claim 51, wherein said coping locator has
a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape, said normal
horizontal line extending through an apex between two equal sides
of said triangular cross-sectional shape.
53. A coping according to claim 44, wherein said coping cap outer
and inner cap portions have generally hook-shaped edge portions
thereon for snap-on engagement with respective outer and inner
cleat portion edges.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to coping, cover or
cap assemblies for covering a parapet wall, cant dam, gravel stop,
or other raised upward protrusion extending along the edge or other
area of a building roof, as well as to free-standing or other types
of walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to such
coping assemblies having arrangements for resiliently maintaining
the coping assembly in a tight-fitting installation and having a
locator member for maintaining at least a portion of the outer
coping cap in a predetermined cross-sectional shape and accurately
aligned between adjacent sections of the coping cap.
[0002] Various coping, cap or cover assemblies for free-standing
walls, parapet walls, cant dams, gravel stops, or other such raised
protrusions from a building roof have long been provided in the
prior art. However, most of such prior coping assemblies have
suffered from the same disadvantages of being relatively
time-consuming, difficult and costly to install, as well as often
being unacceptably misaligned at joints between adjacent end-to-end
coping or cover sections. Such misalignment is not only
unattractive aesthetically, but it can also result in unacceptable
amounts of wind or water being admitted to the interior of the
coping assembly structures, thus exposing the structures as well as
the walls, cants or stops to potential damage. In addition, many of
such prior coping arrangements have lacked a sufficiently
tight-fitting installation such that sagging or rattling can
occur.
[0003] Accordingly, the present invention seeks to overcome the
above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art coping or cover
systems by providing a coping, cap or cover, and its underlying
structure, that is quicker, easier, and less costly to install. In
addition, the present invention provides a tight-fitting assembly
with greatly improved alignment between adjacent coping cap or
cover sections resulting in a smoother and more pleasing aesthetic
appearance, as well as enhanced protection for interior or
underlying components or structures.
[0004] A coping assembly according to the present invention
preferably includes a coping cleat for fixed securement to a raised
protrusion, either free-standing or protruding from the building
roof, having an upper protrusion surface, an outer protrusion face
extending generally downwardly from one side of the upper
protrusion surface and an inner protrusion face extending generally
downwardly from an opposite, inner side of the upper protrusion
face. The coping cleat preferably includes an upper cleat portion
extending along or adjacent to the protrusion's upper surface, an
outer cleat portion extending downwardly at or adjacent the outer
protrusion face from an outer side of the upper cleat portion, and
an inner cleat portion extending generally downwardly along or
adjacent to the inner protrusion face from an opposite, inner side
of the upper cleat portion. A coping cover or cap has an upper cap
portion, an outer cap portion extending generally downwardly from
an outer side of the upper cap portion and an inner cap portion
extending generally downwardly from an opposite, inner side of the
upper cap portion. The outer and inner cap portions are secured to
the respective outer and inner cleat portions, preferably by way of
generally hook-shaped cap portion edges that allow for snap-on
installation onto the outer and inner cleat portions.
[0005] A spring clip is secured to the coping cleat and is disposed
between the coping cleat and at least a portion of the coping cap,
with the spring clip having at least one resilient spring clip
protrusion resiliently engaging a portion of the underside of the
coping cap for maintaining a resiliently-biased tight-fitting
assembly. A coping locator is also provided and is preferably
secured to the coping cleat between the coping cleat and the coping
cap. The coping locator protrudes from the coping cleat to engage a
portion of the underside of the coping cap in order to space such
portion of the coping cap a predetermined, generally fixed distance
from the coping cleat. The locator also maintains at least a
portion of the coping cap in a predetermined cross-sectional
shape.
[0006] Such coping cleats and coping caps according to the present
invention are typically in longitudinally-extending sections of the
predetermined length. In installations where more than one section
is required, the coping cap sections serially and abuttingly engage
one another along the raised protrusion on the building roof. In
such installations, the present invention provides a joint cover
disposed between the underside of adjacent coping cap sections and
the coping locator at the abutting engagement of adjacent coping
cap sections. The joint cover is preferably of substantially the
same lateral cross-sectional configuration as the coping cap. Thus
the coping locator, which is preferably of a configuration that is
symmetrical with respect to a line normal to the adjacent surface
of the raised roof protrusion, provides additional strength for the
joint as well as working in conjunction with the joint cover to
maintain the abutting ends of the adjacent coping cap sections in
proper alignment with one another and to minimize entrainment of
wind or water.
[0007] Although the various components of the embodiments described
below are preferably fabricated of sheet metal, such as galvanized
steel, for example, other sheet or even molded materials can also
be used. Also, the tab-locking arrangements discussed below are
generally interchangeable with driven or threaded fasteners or
various welding attachments.
[0008] Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description and
the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial, detailed perspective view of a portion
of a coping assembly according to the present invention installed
upon an exemplary parapet wall.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view, taken generally
along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the coping cap
locator member of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spring clip member of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIGS. 5 through 10 are illustrative diagrammatic lateral
cross-sectional views of various alternative embodiments of a
coping assembly according to the present invention, all of which
can to be used in conjunction with a coping cap of the same or
similar general configuration as that of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a
coping assembly according to the present invention, shown in a
partial, detailed perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a lateral cross-sectional view, taken generally
along line 12-12 of Figure
[0016] FIG. 13 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the combination
spring clip and cap locator member of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0017] FIGS. 14 through 17 are lateral cross-sectional views,
somewhat similar to that of FIG. 12, but illustrating still further
alternate embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIGS. 1 through 17 illustrate various embodiments of a
coping assembly according to the present invention, shown merely
for purposes of illustration as installed on various configurations
of parapet walls, cant dams, or gravel stops. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize, however, that the principles of the
present invention are equally applicable to other coping assemblies
having lateral cross-sections varying from those shown for purposes
of illustration in the drawings, as well as for installation on
other configurations of raised protrusions extending generally
upwardly from any portion of the roof of a building.
[0019] FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate one preferred embodiment of a
coping assembly 10, shown merely for purposes of illustration as
installed upon a parapet wall 12 such as that frequently found
running along or adjacent to the edge of a building roof, as well
as on other inboard roof areas. The parapet wall 12 includes a
parapet upper surface 14, a parapet outer face 16, and a parapet
inner face 18. It should be noted that the designations "outer" and
"inner" are used herein are for convenience of reference to the
drawing figures and do not necessarily refer to the side of a
structure or component oriented toward the outer or inner portions,
respectively, of the building roof.
[0020] A coping cleat 20 is adapted for being fixedly secured to
the parapet wall 12, or other such raised protrusion, extending
longitudinally along the roof of a building. The coping cleat 20
includes an upper cleat portion 22 extending generally horizontally
in this embodiment across the generally horizontal illustrative
parapet upper surface 14. An outer cleat portion 24 extends
generally downwardly along or adjacent to the parapet outer face 16
on one side of the upper cleat portion 22, and an inner cleat
portion 26 extends generally downwardly from an opposite side of
the upper cleat portion 22 along or adjacent to the parapet inner
face 18.
[0021] A coping cap 30 is interlockingly installed upon the coping
cleat 20, preferably in a snap-on engagement therewith by way of
its generally hook-shaped outer and inner cap edges 35 and 37 in
snap-on engagement with respective outer and inner cleat edges 27
and 28. The coping cap 30 includes an upper cap portion 32, an
outer cap portion 34 extending generally downwardly from one side
of the upper cap portion 32, and an inner cap portion 36 extending
generally downwardly from an opposite or inner side of the upper
cap portion 32. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1
through 4, the outer cap portion 34 is fabricated in a generally
semi-circular or "bullnose" configuration. It should be noted that
other shapes can be used in the present invention and that such
bullnose or other cross-sectional shapes can be used on either or
both of the outer and inner sides of the assembly.
[0022] A spring clip 40 is secured to the coping cleat 20 and
includes one or more of the resilient spring clip protrusions 42
and 44 resiliently engaging respective portions of the underside of
the coping cap 30. The spring clip 40 is preferably secured to the
coping cleat 20 by way of a number of cleat tabs 23 spaced
longitudinally along the upper cleat portion 22 with each of the
cleat tabs 23 extending through corresponding longitudinally
spaced-apart spring clip openings 46 in order to tightly engage and
secure the spring clip 40. It should be noted though that other
fastening arrangements can alternatively be used to secure the
spring clip 40 to the coping cleat 20. The arrangement depicted in
FIGS. 1 through 4, however, is believed to be highly advantageous
in terms of speed, ease, and economy of installation.
[0023] A coping locator member 50, which is preferably symmetrical
with respect to a line 51 normal to the face of the parapet wall
12, is of a generally triangular lateral cross-sectional shape in
the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4, with a locator apex 52 between
two equal-length locator sides 54. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1
through 4, the coping locator 50 is preferably secured to the face
of the coping cleat 20 by way of spaced-apart, oppositely-facing
outer cleat tabs 25. In this configuration, which is believed to
result in quick, easy, and economical installation, the locator
sides 54 are merely squeezed toward one another until respective
locator flanges 56 can clear the cleat tabs 25, whereupon the
locator sides 54 are released such that the locator flanges are
captured and secured by the cleat tabs 25, providing a tight,
rattle-free securement. The preferred generally symmetrical
configuration of the coping locator 50 also maintains the
illustrative bullnose outer cap portion 34 in a uniform
predetermined lateral cross-sectional shape and at a predetermined
spacing from the face of the parapet wall 12.
[0024] As mentioned above, the coping assembly 10 is typically
fabricated in longitudinal sections of a predetermined length. In
order to provide the above-mentioned advantages of the invention in
installations requiring more than one coping cap sections, a joint
cover 60, illustrated in FIG. 1, is provided to bridge the
longitudinal abutment of adjacent coping cap sections. The joint
cover 60 preferably includes an upper joint cover portion 62, an
outer joint cover portion 64, and an inner joint cover portion 66.
In its preferred form, the joint cover 60 has substantially the
same lateral cross-sectional shape as the coping cap 30, but sized
slightly smaller so it can be disposed between the coping cap 30
and the coping cleat 20, as well as between the coping cap 30 and
the spring clip 40. Perhaps even more importantly, though, such
complementary cross-sectional shape of the joint cover 60 and the
coping cap 30 allows the joint cover 60 to also be disposed between
the coping cap 30 and the coping locator 50, thus substantially
assuring proper alignment between adjacent coping cap sections, as
well as providing structural support for the abutting joint and
maintenance of the desired lateral cross-sectional shape. In all of
the embodiments discussed herein, tab-type securements, driven or
threaded fastener securements, and welding securements are
interchangeable with one another.
[0025] As mentioned above, FIGS. 5 through 10 illustrate a number
of alternative embodiments of the present invention, wherein
identical, similar or corresponding components are indicated by
reference numerals corresponding to those of FIGS. 1 through 4 but
having respective reference numeral prefixes ranging from
one-hundred to six-hundred in FIGS. 5 through 10. In most if not
all respects, however, such correspondingly-numbered elements
perform substantially the same, or at least similar, functions as
those of FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0026] FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates only the coping cleat
120 and the coping locator 150, and is adapted for use in
conjunction with coping caps and coping covers similar or identical
to those of FIGS. 1 through 4. In FIG. 5, the generally
triangular-shaped coping locator 50 is replaced by a generally
cylindrical, but still symmetrical, coping locator 150 secured to
the outer cleat portion 124.
[0027] In FIG. 6, an alternative coping locator 250 is shown
installed on a coping cleat 220 by way of a nail or threaded
fastener extending through the locator flange 256 and through the
outer cleat portion 224. It should be noted that the outer end of
the coping locator 250 is folded over merely for purposes of
keeping its outer end from abrading or otherwise damaging the
coping cap 230. In terms of its structural support and its
capabilities of maintaining the coping cap in a predetermined
cross-sectional shape, the outwardly-protruding portion of the
coping cap locator 250 is considered to be substantially
symmetrical with respect to a line normal to the outer face of the
outer cleat portion 224.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment, similar to that
of FIG. 6, except that the coping locator 350 is secured to the
coping cleat 320 by way of a locator flange 356 which can be
captured and secured by an upper cleat tab 323 and/or a driven or
threaded fastener or even by welding methods, such as TIG, MIG, or
spot welding. It should further be noted that in any of the
alternate embodiments of FIGS. 5 through 10, such a cleat tab
securing arrangement can be provided and/or a driven or threaded
fastener can be used.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates an arrangement similar to that of the
alternative embodiment of FIG. 7, except that the
outwardly-protruding portion of the coping locator 450 extends
generally outwardly and downwardly with respect to the outer cleat
portion 424 of the coping cleat 420. This arrangement is especially
well-suited for installations where greater coping locator lateral
flexibility may be deemed to be advantageous or desired.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a coping locator 550 similar to that of
FIG. 8, but with its outwardly-protruding portion extending
generally outwardly and upwardly from the outer cleat portion 524
of the coping cleat 520.
[0031] In FIG. 10, still another alternate arrangement includes a
symmetrical coping locator assembly 650, having a two-piece
configuration. In FIG. 10, the outwardly-protruding portion of the
coping locator assembly 650 is composed of wood or other suitable
building material and is grippingly secured in place by a pair of
spaced-apart coping locator sides 654 that extend horizontally
outwardly from a coping locator flange portion 656.
[0032] FIGS. 11 through 13 illustrate a somewhat more diverse
alternate embodiment of the present invention, having a coping
assembly 720 that includes a coping cap 730 that straddles and
overlies the outer and inner sides 724 and 726, respectively, of
the coping cleat 720. The upper coping cap portion 732 is generally
"peaked" or "humped" in lateral cross-sectional shape. In this
embodiment, a pair of oppositely-facing sloped resilient spring
protrusions 742 and 744 are incorporated into the coping locator
750 and resiliently engage the undersides of the coping cap 730 and
the joint cover 760 at the abutment of longitudinally adjacent
coping cap sections. The coping locator 750 is secured to the
coping cleat 720 and is symmetrical with respect to a line 751
extending in a normal direction with respect to the upper parapet
surface 714 of the parapet wall 712. Thus, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 13, the coping locator 750 also has
a locator apex 752 that engages the undersides of both the coping
cap 730 and the joint cover 760 in order to maintain the
above-discussed predetermined cross-sectional shape, vertical
spacing from the parapet wall 712, as well as the proper alignment
between longitudinally-adjacent coping cap sections.
[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of the
present invention, generally similar to that of FIGS. 11 through
13, except that three coping locators 850a, 850b, and 850c, are
provided for engagement with the undersides of the coping cap 830
and its complementary and associated joint cover (not shown).
[0034] In FIG. 15, still another alternate embodiment is somewhat
similar to that of FIG. 14, except that the peaked upper portion of
the coping cap 830 is eliminated and replaced by a generally
horizontal and generally flat upper cap portion 932. Thus, only the
two coping locators 950a and 950b are typically required. It should
be noted, however, that a third coping locator could alternatively
be provided on the upper cleat portion 922 for engagement with the
underside of the upper cap portion 932 and the complementary joint
cover (not shown).
[0035] In FIG. 16, another somewhat diverse alternate embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated with the coping cap 1030 being
formed in a two-piece assembly separated generally between the
outer cap portion 1034 and the upper cap portion 1032. In addition,
the coping cleat 1020 is formed of a configuration having a gravel
stop or cant dam configuration with the upper cleat portion 1022
having an upwardly and outwardly sloped portion extending toward
the outer cleat portion 1024. In this embodiment, a somewhat
different spring clip 1040 is secured to such upwardly and
outwardly sloping portion of the coping cleat 1020 as well as to a
similarly upwardly and outwardly sloping portion of the upper cap
portion 1032 of the coping cap assembly 1030. Such securement of
the spring clip 1040 can be accomplished by way of threaded
fasteners, as illustrated in FIG. 16, or by way of gripping tabs on
the coping cap 1030 and/or on the coping cleat 1020, with the tabs
extending through spaced-apart openings in the spring clip 1040,
similar to those discussed above in connection with
previously-described embodiments.
[0036] Finally, FIG. 17 illustrates still another alternate
embodiment of the present invention, wherein the outer cap portion
1134 of the coping cap 1130 has a generally vertically-extending
flat portion. In such an embodiment, the symmetrical coping locator
has a correspondingly generally flat outer locator "apex-like"
portion 1152 between the locator sides 1154. In other respects, the
elements of this and the previously-discussed alternate embodiments
are generally similar in configuration and/or function to the
elements depicted in the first-discussed embodiment of FIGS. 1
through 4.
[0037] As mentioned above, in all embodiments the tab-type
securements and the driven or threaded fastener securements
described herein are generally interchangeable with each other, or
with various welding securements (e.g., TIG, MIG, or spot welding),
as well as with other fastening means known to those skilled in the
art.
[0038] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present invention for purposes of
illustration only. The various illustrative alternate embodiments
depicted and described herein demonstrate the flexibility of the
applicability of the present invention to widely diverse
installations. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from
such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims,
that various changes, modifications, and variations can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *