U.S. patent application number 10/916930 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for corner guard.
Invention is credited to Gilstrap, Mark A..
Application Number | 20050055914 10/916930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34278508 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050055914 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilstrap, Mark A. |
March 17, 2005 |
Corner guard
Abstract
A corner guard system and method for waterproofing or flashing a
corner intersection in a window, door or other opening, corner
joint or other intersection structure. The corner guard in includes
a base and an end piece. The base has first and second members
joined along a ridge edge at an angle to substantially conform to
the shape of the corner intersection. The end piece is joined along
an end piece edge with the base at an angle to substantially
conform to the shape of the opening ledge and adjacent opening
surface. The present invention provides an economical, simple to
install and easy to use corner guard as an alternative to the
traditional flashing membrane while demonstrating significant
advantages in minimizing drafts and water leaks in residential and
commercial construction.
Inventors: |
Gilstrap, Mark A.; (Monroe,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM, PLLC
701 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 4800
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
34278508 |
Appl. No.: |
10/916930 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60494635 |
Aug 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 1/705 20130101;
E04B 1/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/272 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A corner guard for corner joints or intersections in building
construction, comprising: a base comprised of first and second
members joined together, the base having first and second ends,
wherein the first and second members of the base are joined at an
angle with respect to each other between the first and second ends;
and an end piece joined at the first end of the base adjacent the
first and second members of the base, wherein the end piece and the
first and second members of the base are joined at an angle as
between the end piece and each member, respectively.
2. The corner guard of claim 1, wherein the angle between the first
and second members is substantially between 85 and 135 degrees.
3. The corner guard of claim 1, wherein the angel between the end
piece and each member, respectively, is substantially between 85
and 135 degrees.
4. A system for corner joints or intersections in building
construction, comprising: an opening defined by a surface, at least
two interior ledges and at least one corner joint at the
intersection of the at least two interior ledges, wherein a corner
joint angle is defined by the intersection of the at least two
interior ledges forming the corner joint and a surface ledge angle
is defined by the intersection of at least one of the ledges and
the surface; and a corner guard for waterproofing or flashing the
at least one corner intersection, comprising: a base comprised of
first and second members joined together, the base having first and
second ends, wherein the first and second members of the base are
joined between the first and second ends at an angle with respect
to each other substantially the same as the corner joint angle; and
an end piece joined at the first end of the base adjacent the first
and second members of the base, wherein the end piece and the first
and second members of the base are joined at an angle as between
the end piece and the first member substantially the same as the
surface ledge angle.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein one of the at least two interior
ledges of the opening has a depth and the length of at least one of
the first and second members of the base is substantially the same
as the depth of the one of the at least two interior ledges.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the corner joint angle defined by
the intersection of the at least two interior ledges forming the
corner joint is substantially between 85 and 135 degrees.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the surface ledge angle is
defined by the intersection of at least one of the ledges and the
surface is substantially between 85 and 135 degrees.
8. A system for corner joints or intersections in building
construction, comprising: an intersection wherein a first and
second surface intersect to form a first joint defining a corner
joint angle and the first surface intersects with a third surface
to form a second joint defining a surface angle; and a corner guard
for waterproofing or flashing the intersection, comprising: a base
comprised of first and second members joined together, the base
having first and second ends, wherein the first and second members
of the base are joined between the first and second ends at an
angle with respect to each other substantially the same as the
corner joint angle; and an end piece joined at the first end of the
base adjacent the first member of the base, wherein the end piece
and the first member of the base are joined at an angle as between
the end piece and the first member substantially the same as the
surface angle.
9. The system of claim 8: wherein the surface intersects with a
fourth surface to form a third joint defining a second surface
angle; and further comprising an end piece joined at the first end
of the base adjacent the second member of the base, wherein the end
piece and the second member of the base are joined at an angle as
between the end piece and the second member substantially the same
as the second surface angle.
10. A system for waterproofing or flashing corner intersections in
windows, doors or other openings, comprising: an opening defined by
a surface, at least two interior ledges and at least one corner
joint at the intersection of the at least two interior ledges,
wherein a corner joint angle is defined by the intersection of the
at least two interior ledges forming the corner joint and a surface
ledge angle is defined by the intersection of at least one of the
ledges and the surface; and a first membrane strip; means for
securing the first membrane strip to the surface; a corner guard
for waterproofing or flashing the at least one corner intersection,
comprising: a base comprised of first and second members joined
together, the base having first and second ends, wherein the first
and second members of the base are joined between the first and
second ends at an angle with respect to each other substantially
the same as the corner joint angle; and an end piece joined at the
first end of the base adjacent the first and second members of the
base, wherein the end piece and the first and second members of the
base are joined at an angle as between the end piece and the first
member substantially the same as the surface ledge angle; means for
securing the corner guard along the intersection of the at least
two interior ledges at the corner joint; a second membrane strip;
and means for securing the second membrane strip along one of the
at least two interior ledges and the surface and overlapping at
least part of the base and end piece of the corner guard.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein one of the at least two
interior ledges of the opening has a depth and the length of at
least one of the first and second members of the base is
substantially the same as the depth of the one of the at least two
interior ledges.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the corner joint angle defined
by the intersection of the at least two interior ledges forming the
corner joint is substantially between 85 and 135 degrees.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the surface ledge angle is
defined by the intersection of at least one of the ledges and the
surface is substantially between 85 and 135 degrees.
14. A method for waterproofing or flashing a corner intersection in
a window, door or other opening defined by a surface, at least two
interior ledges and at least one corner joint at the intersection
of the at least two interior ledges, comprising: placing a first
membrane strip against the surface; securing the membrane strip to
the surface; placing a corner guard along the intersection of the
at least two interior ledges at the corner joint, wherein the
corner guard comprises: a base comprised of first and second
members joined together, the base having first and second ends,
wherein the first and second members of the base are joined between
the first and second ends at an angle with respect to each other;
and an end piece joined at the first end of the base adjacent the
first and second members of the base, wherein the end piece and the
first and second members of the base are joined at an angle as
between the end piece and the first and second members,
respectively; securing the corner guard along the corner joint;
placing a second membrane strip along one of the at least two
interior ledges and the surface and overlapping at least part of
the base and end piece of the corner guard; and securing the second
membrane strip to the at least two interior ledges and the
surface.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the corner guard is placed
along the corner joint such that the first member of the base is
adjacent one of the at least two ledges of the opening and the
second member of the base is adjacent the other one of the at least
two ledges of the opening.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein one of the at least two
interior ledges of the opening has a depth and the length of at
least one of the first and second members of the base is cut along
the edge opposite the end piece to fit the depth of the one of the
at least two interior ledges.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the first and second members of
the base are joined along a ridge so as to form an angle between
the first and second members of substantially between 85 and 135
degrees.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the end piece and the first and
second members of the base are joined as between the end piece and
each member, respectively, at an angle of substantially between 85
and 135 degrees.
19. A corner guard for flashing a corner joint or intersection of a
building structure, comprising: a first sheet of material; a second
sheet of material fixed to and substantially transversely
intersecting the first sheet of material; and a third sheet of
material fixed to and substantially transversely intersecting the
first and second sheets of material, wherein the first and second
sheets of material do not extend beyond the intersection with the
third sheet of material.
20. The corner guard of claim 19, wherein the intersection between
the first and second sheets form an angle substantially between 85
and 135 degrees.
21. The corner guard of claim 19, wherein the intersection between
each of the first and second sheets and the third sheet,
respectively, forms an angle substantially between 85 and 135
degrees.
22. The corner guard of claim 19, wherein the sheets of material
are substantially flat.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/494,635, filed Aug. 12, 2003, which application
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set
forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a system and method for
effectively and efficiently waterproofing and flashing corner or
joint intersections during construction and, more specifically, to
a corner guard and a system and method of installing a corner guard
for waterproofing and flashing corner intersections in windows,
doors or other openings or along wall, floor or ceiling joints.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is necessary to waterproof and flash at critical areas
around the exterior of residential or commercial buildings in
construction to avoid potential water damage, mold and mildew.
Construction personnel presently use one of a number of different
methods in an effort to waterproof and flash corner or joint
intersections during construction. These methods typically
incorporate peel and stick membranes that are often times difficult
and inefficient to install.
[0004] FIGS. 1A through 1C show an example of the installation of a
prior art self-adhering, self-sealing, flexible flashing membrane
applied to construction to minimize drafts and water leaks. A
frequent example of the type of corner joint or intersection is a
window, door or other opening from the exterior to the interior of
a structure. Common elements in this situation include an opening
10 defined by an opening surface 12, an interior ledge 14 and
corner joints 16. Around a rough window, door or other opening, the
flashing membrane is installed as multiple strips that are
preferably folded and stapled over the framing to cover over the
sill/jam inside corners.
[0005] With reference to FIG. 1A, a flashing membrane strip 20 is
installed by placing the membrane strip against surface 12. The
membrane strip 20 is typically attached using staples or nails
along the top edge, for example at points 22. With reference to
FIG. 1B, a second flashing membrane strip 24, cut approximately the
width of the opening plus additional fold-over width and length, is
installed by placing the second membrane strip along the ledge 14b,
folding the excess width over the ledge onto the surface 12, and
folding the excess length along the adjacent ledge 14a. With
reference to FIG. 1C, a corner joint wing 26, cut approximately the
depth of the corner joint 16 plus additional fold-over length, is
secured along corner joint 16 with excess length folded over along
surface 12.
[0006] This complicated process is frequently confusing and subject
to error. Incorrectly overlapping or layering the flashing membrane
over time not only fails to prevent, but in fact may increase
potential water damage, mold and mildew.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a corner guard and a system and
method for installing a corner guard that addresses the
disadvantages associated with current waterproof and flashing
procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
corner guard for corner joints or intersections in building
construction that includes a base and an end piece. The base has
first and second members joined together at an angle with respect
to each other between first and second ends of the base. The end
piece is joined at the first end of the base adjacent the first and
second members of the base. The end piece and the first and second
members of the base are joined at an angle as between the end piece
and each member, respectively.
[0009] In an alternative embodiment, a system incorporating the
present invention includes an opening defined by a surface, at
least two interior ledges and at least one corner joint at the
intersection of the two interior ledges. A corner guard is provided
that includes a base and an end piece. The base has first and
second members joined together at an angle with respect to each
other between first and second ends of the base. This angle is
substantially the same as the angle defined by the intersection of
the two interior ledges forming the corner joint. The end piece is
joined at the first end of the base adjacent the first and second
members of the base. The end piece and the first and second members
of the base are joined at an angle as between the end piece and
each member, respectively. This angle is defined by the
intersection of the ledges and the surface.
[0010] An alternative embodiment is directed to a system for
waterproofing or flashing corner intersections in windows, doors or
other openings that includes an opening defined by a surface, at
least two interior ledges and at least one corner joint at the
intersection of the at least two interior ledges; a first membrane
strip; a means for securing the first membrane strip to the
surface; a corner guard for waterproofing or flashing the at least
one corner intersection having a base with of first and second
members joined together, the base having first and second ends,
where the first and second members of the base are joined between
the first and second ends at an angle substantially the same as the
angle defined by the intersection of the two interior ledges
forming the corner joint, and an end piece joined at the first end
of the base adjacent the first and second members of the base,
wherein the end piece and the first and second members of the base
are joined at an angle defined by the intersection of the ledges
and the surface; means for securing the corner guard along the
intersection of the at least two interior ledges at the corner
joint; a second membrane strip; and means for securing the second
membrane strip along one of the at least two interior ledges and
the surface and overlapping at least part of the base and end piece
of the corner guard.
[0011] An alternative embodiment is directed to a method for
waterproofing or flashing a corner intersection in a window, door
or other opening defined by a surface, at least two interior ledges
and at least one corner joint at the intersection of the at least
two interior ledges. The steps include placing a first membrane
strip against the surface; securing the membrane strip to the
surface; placing a corner guard along the intersection of the at
least two interior ledges at the corner joint, wherein the corner
guard includes a base made up of a first and second member joined
together, the base having first and second ends, wherein the first
and second members of the base are joined between the first and
second ends at an angle with respect to each other, and an end
piece joined at the first end of the base adjacent the first and
second members of the base, wherein the end piece and the first and
second members of the base are joined at an angle as between the
end piece and the first and second members, respectively; securing
the corner guard along the corner joint; placing a second membrane
strip along one of the at least two interior ledges and the surface
and overlapping at least part of the base and end piece of the
corner guard; and securing the second membrane strip to the at
least two interior ledges and the surface.
[0012] In yet an alternative embodiment, a corner guard includes a
first sheet of material; a second sheet of material fixed to and
substantially transversely intersecting the first sheet of
material; and a third sheet of material fixed to and substantially
transversely intersecting the first and second sheets of material,
wherein the first and second sheets of material do not extend
beyond the intersection with the third sheet of material.
[0013] As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary,
the invention provides an economical, simple to install and easy to
use corner guard as an alternative to the traditional flashing
membrane while demonstrating significant advantages in minimizing
drafts and water leaks in residential and commercial
construction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings:
[0015] FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate the prior art procedure for
applying self-adhering, self-sealing, flexible flashing membrane to
rough windows, doors or other openings to minimize drafts and water
leaks.
[0016] FIGS. 2 through 4 are isometric views of the corner guard in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate the procedure for applying
the corner guard to rough windows, doors or other openings in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides
an economical, simple to install and easy to use corner guard as an
alternative to the traditional flashing membrane. The present
invention offers significant advantages in minimizing drafts and
water leaks in residential and commercial construction.
[0019] The present invention may be used with any type of corner
joint or intersection on structures where waterproofing or flashing
to minimize drafts and water leaks is of value. For example, the
corner guard may be used with hand rail caps, deck railing,
floor-to-posts, exterior housing structural elements such as
roof-to-wall intersections, skylights, deck scuppers or other
externally exposed structural corner joints or intersections. The
present invention is preferably for use in association with rough
window, door or other opening defined by an opening surface,
interior ledges and corner joints, and is described in relation to
this particular preferred application.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the preferred embodiment of
a corner guard 100 in accordance with the present invention
consists of a base 102 and an end piece 104. The base 102 is
comprised of a first member 106 and a second member 108 joined or
formed along a ridge edge 110 so as to form a substantially ninety
degree angle. The end piece 104 is joined or formed along an end
piece edge 112 of the base 102 to form another ninety degree angle.
The base first and second members and end piece are preferably
substantially flat, sheet materials, made of a plastic or metal
substance susceptible to heat welding, gluing, extrusion or forming
into the desired corner guard shape.
[0021] Most windows, doors or other openings demonstrate an
approximately ninety degree angle at corner joints as well as
between the ledge and the opening surface. However, the precise
angle to which the first and second members are aligned may vary
depending on the shape of the corner joint for which the corner
guard is to be used. Similarly, the precise angle to which the end
piece and base are aligned may vary depending on the shape of the
opening surface and its relationship to the ledge of the
opening.
[0022] The base 102 is variable in length, dependent primarily upon
the depth of the interior ledge. In the preferred embodiment, the
base 102 is between seven and eight inches deep. This allows the
preferred corner guard to be adjustably fit on window and rough
door openings of different depths. Extra length of the base 102 can
be easily removed during installation, as necessary. The preferred
size and shape of the end piece 104 varies based on the size and
configuration of the interior ledge and opening surface with which
it is used.
[0023] The corner guard of the present invention is used with
window, door or other openings by placing the corner guard along an
interior ledge of one or more corner joints, preferably in
conjunction with complementary flashing membrane material. The
preferred methodology for installation of the corner guard of the
present invention is shown with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5C as
used in association with a rough window, door or other opening 10
defined by an opening surface 12, interior ledges 14 and corner
joints 16.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 5A, a flashing membrane strip 120 is
installed by placing the membrane strip against the opening surface
12. The membrane strip 120 is preferably attached by stapling or
nailing the membrane strip 10 along the top edge, for example at
points 122.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 5B, the corner guard 100 is installed along
the interior ledge 14b at corner joint 16a. More specifically, the
base 102 of the corner guard is placed along the corner joint 16a
such that the first member 106 is adjacent the ledge 14a, second
member 108 is adjacent ledge 14b, ridge edge 110 is aligned along
corner joint 16a and end piece 104 overhangs ledges 14a and 14b to
rest adjacent surface 12, preferably exterior to membrane strip
120. The corner guard is preferably secured along the ledge 14a or
14b using nails in the first member 106 or second member 108 or
both, depending on the opening configuration and user preference.
Alternative means of securing the corner guard may be used, such as
tacks, staples, pins, screws, adhesives or other equivalent
securing options. The base 102 of the corner guard may be cut along
the edge opposite the end piece 104 to fit the depth of the
particular window, door or other opening. This process is repeated
by installation of a second corner guard along the interior ledge
at corner joint 16b.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 5C, the methodology continues with the
installation of a second flashing membrane 124 along ledge 14b. The
second flashing membrane 124 is cut approximately the width of the
opening plus additional fold-over width, preferably at least two
inches. The second flashing membrane 124 is installed by placing
the second membrane along the ledge 14b, folding the excess width
over the ledge onto the surface 12 and including the end pieces 104
of the corner guards installed at corner joints 16a and 16b, below
the ledge 14b.
[0027] Substantially the same method outlined above may be repeated
to install the corner guard at additional corner joints of opening
10. As described above, the corner guard may be used with
alternative types of corner joints or intersections on structures
where waterproofing or flashing to minimize drafts and water leaks
is of value, for example, with hand rail caps, deck railing,
roof-to-wall intersections, skylights, deck scuppers or other
externally exposed structural corner joints or intersections. In
alternative applications, the corner guard may not be used in
conjunction with flashing membrane. In these configurations, the
base 102 or end piece 104 may be trimmed or sized to fit and
secured to other structures having one or more corner joint or
intersection of wall, floor, roof or post elements. FIGS. 6 through
8 provide several examples of alternative types of corner joints or
intersections on structure with which the present invention may be
used. In each of these embodiments the corner guard may be secured
to the surface structure using nails, tacks, staples, pins, screws,
adhesives or other equivalent securing options. Also, in each
example, the corner guard may be used with or without other
flashing materials, such as flashing membrane strips.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates use of the present invention at the
intersection of a half-wall with a vertical wall. In FIG. 6, a
half-wall 150 intersects with a substantially vertical wall 152. A
side surface 154 of the half-wall intersects vertical wall 152 at
joint 158. A top surface 156 of the half-wall intersects vertical
wall 152 at joint 160. A second side surface 162 of the half-wall
opposite side surface 154 intersects vertical wall 152 at joint
164.
[0029] A corner guard 100a is installed along the top surface 156
and side surface 154 at joints 158 and 160. More specifically, the
first member 106a of the base of the corner guard is placed
adjacent side surface 154, the second member 108a of the base is
placed adjacent top surface 156, and the end piece 104a is placed
adjacent vertical wall 152, substantially fitting joints 158 and
160. If desired, a corner guard 100b is installed along the top
surface 156 and side surface 162 at joints 164 and 160. More
specifically, the first member 108b of the base of the corner guard
is placed adjacent side surface 162, the second member 106b of the
base is placed adjacent top surface 156, and end piece 104b is
placed adjacent vertical wall 152, substantially fitting joints 164
and 160.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates use of the present invention at the
intersection of vertical walls and a floor. In FIG. 7, a first wall
170 intersects with a second wall 172 at corner joint 174. The
first wall 170 and the second wall 172 intersect with a floor 176
at joints 178 and 180, respectively. A corner guard 100 is
installed along the intersection of the first and second walls and
the floor. More specifically, the first member 106 of the base of
the corner guard 100 is placed adjacent the wall 172, the second
member 108 of the base is placed adjacent the wall 170, and end
piece 104 is placed adjacent the floor 176 such that the angle
between the first member 106 and the end piece 104 is substantially
the same as the angle between the second wall 172 and the floor 178
at joint 180 and the angle between the second member 108 and the
end piece 104 is substantially the same as the angle between the
first wall 170 and the floor 176 at joint 178.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates use of the present invention with a
scupper, for example on a deck. In FIG. 8, a scupper 180 intersects
with a floor 182 at joints 184 and 186. A corner guard 100a is
installed along joint 184 by placing the first member 106a of the
base of the corner guard 100a adjacent an inner wall 188 of the
scupper, the second member 108a of the base is placed adjacent the
floor 182, and end piece 104a is placed adjacent a wall 190
associated with the scupper. In this embodiment, part of the end
piece 104a is removed to facilitate proper fit along joint 184. If
desired, a corner guard 100b is installed along joint 186 by
placing the second member (not shown) of the base of the corner
guard 100b adjacent an inner wall (not shown) of the scupper, the
first member 106b of the base is placed adjacent the floor 182, and
end piece 104b is placed adjacent a wall 190 associated with the
scupper. In this embodiment, part of the end piece 104b is removed
to facilitate proper fit along joint 186.
[0032] The present invention overcomes limitations associated with
the installation of a traditional flashing membrane and provides an
economical, simple to install and easy to use corner guard to
waterproof and flash corner intersections in window, door or other
openings.
[0033] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, while the preferred use of the corner guard of the present
invention is along the lower ledge of windows or doors, it can
equally be used along other parts of windows, doors or openings,
wherever protection from drafts and water leaks is of value.
Likewise, while the corner guard is preferably used prior to
casement of a window, door or other opening, the present invention
may be used in the absence of opening casements. In addition, while
the base and end pieces of the corner guard are preferably formed
as part of a unitary construction, the same elements could be
connected in a variety of way to achieve the desired shape and
function, for example, by tacks, staples, pins, screws, adhesives
or other equivalent securing options. Also, while the preferred
first and second members of the base and end piece were described
as generally flat, the material sheets need not be flat, but could
include shape, for example, curvature or designs. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the
preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined
entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
* * * * *