U.S. patent application number 11/026820 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for flashings for windows and the like.
Invention is credited to Allen, L. Ross.
Application Number | 20050166471 11/026820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739153 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050166471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen, L. Ross |
August 4, 2005 |
Flashings for windows and the like
Abstract
A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in
a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member
with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer
surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the
opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed
against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the
flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions
of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member
are structured to direct water toward and through the front face
plate.
Inventors: |
Allen, L. Ross; (Charlotte,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
34739153 |
Appl. No.: |
11/026820 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11026820 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
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10753135 |
Jan 7, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 1/62 20130101; E06B
1/702 20130101; E06B 2001/628 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/058 |
International
Class: |
E04D 001/36 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. A flashing for use in a portal installation in an opening
defined by a sill and jambs extending therefrom, the flashing
comprising: a base member having first and second portions, the
second portion being disposed at an angle relative to the first
portion such that an outer surface of the first portion is
configured to be disposed against the sill of the opening and an
outer surface of the second portion is configured to be disposed
against one of the jambs of the opening; a front face plate
extending from each of the first and second portions of the base
member in a plane generally perpendicular to the first and second
portions; and a first plurality of channels disposed in the first
portion of the base member to direct water toward and through the
front face plate and a second plurality of channels disposed in the
second portion of the base member to direct water toward and
through the front face plate, wherein each channel is at least
partially defined by a sidewall that is angled toward the front
face plate and the opposite portion of the base member, such that
each channel is configured to direct water in a direction toward
the front face plate and the opposite portion of the base
member.
2. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein each channel tapers to
define an increased width at the front face plate, the width of the
channels being defined in a direction parallel to the first and
second portions and substantially parallel to the front face
plate.
3. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein each of the first and
second portions defines an angled lead-in edge at the front face
plate.
4. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein each channel is tapered
to define an increased depth at the front face plate.
5. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein the flashing is formed
of a unitary molded plastic member.
6. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein the flashing is formed
of plastic with fibers disposed therein.
7. A flashing according to claim 1 wherein the flashing is
structured to be configured with the outer surface of the first
portion of the base member disposed toward one of the jambs of the
opening and the outer surface of the second portion disposed toward
the sill of the opening such that the flashing can be selectively
installed in either of two corners of the opening.
8. A flashing assembly in an opening extending between first and
second surfaces of a wall, the flashing assembly comprising: a wall
defining first and second opposite surfaces and a wall opening
therethrough, the wall opening being at least partially defined by
a sill and jambs extending from the sill, and the wall opening
defining first and second corners at intersections of the jambs and
the sill; first and second flashings disposed at the corners of the
wall opening, each flashing comprising: a base member having first
and second portions, each of the first and second portions defining
an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, the outer surface
of the first portion being disposed toward the sill of the opening,
the outer surface of the second portion being disposed toward one
of the jambs of the opening, and the inner surfaces defining a
corner of the flashing; and a front face plate extending from each
of the first and second portions of the base member in a plane
generally perpendicular to the first and second portions of the
base member and generally parallel to the first surface of the
wall; and a plurality of channels disposed in the first and second
portions of the base member; wherein each channel in the second
portion of the base member is at least partially defined by a
sidewall that is angled toward the front face plate and the first
portion of the base member, such that each channel is configured to
direct water in a downward direction toward the first surface of
the wall and through the front face plate.
9. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein each channel
tapers to define an increased width at the front face plate, the
width of the channels being parallel to the front face plate.
10. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein the first and
second portions of each flashing define an angled lead-in edge at
the front face plate.
11. A flashing assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a
third flashing disposed between the first portions of the first and
second flashings, the third flashing comprising: a base member
being disposed between the first portions of the first and second
flashings, the base member of the third flashing defining an outer
surface disposed toward the sill of the opening and an inner
surface opposite the outer surface; a front face plate extending
from the base member of the third flashing in a plane generally
perpendicular to the base member of the third flashing and
generally parallel to the first surface of the wall; and a
plurality of channels disposed in the inner surface of the base
member of the third flashing, such that the channels of the third
flashing are structured to direct water toward the first surface of
the wall and through the front face plate.
12. A flashing assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a
sealant disposed at an interface defined between the base members
of the first and third flashings and an interface defined between
the base members of the second and third flashings, the sealant
thereby preventing water from flowing through the interfaces.
13. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein each channel
of each flashing is tapered to define an increased depth at the
front face plate.
14. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein each flashing
is a unitary member formed of molded plastic.
15. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein each flashing
is formed of plastic with fibers disposed therein.
16. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 wherein each of the
flashings is substantially similar such that each flashing is
configured to be disposed at each of the corners of the wall
opening.
17. A flashing assembly according to claim 8 further comprising
first and second furring strips, each furring strip defining first
and second portions, the first portion of each furring strip being
disposed opposite a respective one of the jambs from the second
portion of the base member of a respective one of the flashings,
and the second portion of each furring strip being disposed against
the respective jamb above the respective flashing, the second
portion of each furring strip being thicker than the first portion
such that each furring strip defines a substantially planar surface
directed away from the respective jamb.
18. A flashing for use in an inset portal installation in an
opening defined by an inner sill and inner jambs extending
therefrom and an outer sill and outer jambs extending therefrom,
the flashing comprising: an inner base member having first and
second portions, the second portion being disposed at an angle
relative to the first portion such that an outer surface of the
first portion is configured to be disposed against the inner sill
of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion is
configured to be disposed against one of the inner jambs of the
opening; an intermediate face plate extending from each of the
first and second portions of the inner base member in a plane
generally perpendicular to the first and second portions of the
inner base member; an outer base member having first and second
portions disposed at an angle corresponding to the angle between
the portions of the inner base member such that an outer surface of
the first portion of the outer base member is configured to be
disposed against the outer sill of the opening and an outer surface
of the second portion of the outer base member is configured to be
disposed against one of the outer jambs of the opening; a front
face plate extending from each of the first and second portions of
the outer base member in a plane generally perpendicular to the
first and second portions of the outer base member; and a plurality
of channels disposed in the first and second portions of the inner
base member to direct water toward and through the intermediate
face plate and a plurality of channels disposed in the first and
second portions of the outer base member to direct water toward and
through the front face plate.
19. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein each channel is at
least partially defined by a sidewall that is angled toward the
front face plate and the opposite portion of the base member, such
that each channel is configured to direct water in a direction
toward the front face plate and the opposite portion of the base
member.
20. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein each channel tapers to
define an increased width at an end nearest the front face plate,
the width of each channel being defined in a direction parallel to
the portion of the base member in which the channel is disposed and
substantially parallel to the front face plate.
21. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein each of the first and
second portions of at least one of the inner and outer base members
defines an angled lead-in edge nearest the front face plate.
22. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein each channel is
tapered to define an increased depth at the end nearest the front
face plate.
23. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein the flashing is formed
of a unitary molded plastic member.
24. A flashing according to claim 18 wherein the flashing is
structured to be configured with the outer surfaces of the first
portions of the inner and outer base members disposed toward one of
the inner and outer jambs of the opening, and the outer surface of
the second portions of the inner and outer base members disposed
toward one of the inner and outer sills of the opening such that
the flashing can be selectively installed in either of two corners
of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/753,135, filed Jan. 7, 2004, which is
hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the installation of windows or
other building members and, more particularly, relates to a
flashing for directing water and preventing leakage of the water at
a window or other portal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During a typical installation of a window in a building, a
rough opening is first prepared in a wall of the building for
receiving the window. The rough opening is defined by two jambs
that extend vertically from a head at the top of the rough opening
to a sill at the bottom of the opening. A weather resistant barrier
material, such as a thin sheet of waterproof paper or plastic can
be disposed over the outer surface of the wall, and the barrier
material is cut at the rough opening and folded into the opening.
The barrier material forms a moisture barrier extending over the
outer surface, but due to the cuts in the barrier material does not
normally provide a waterproof barrier on the inner surfaces of the
rough opening. In particular, the barrier typically defines
openings at the intersection of the jambs and the sill. A sill
flashing is often installed across the sill. The sill flashing
extends outward from the sill onto a portion of the outer surface
of the wall and upward from the sill onto a portion of each jamb.
Thus, the sill flashing, which is formed of a flexible sheet of
material, is cut and bent to correspond to the sill, jambs, and
outer wall surface. Typically, two cuts are made in the sill
flashing, each cut extending from a respective corner of the sill
and the jambs through the portion of the sill flashing that is
disposed on the outer surface of the wall. Similarly, flashing can
be installed on each of the jambs and the head of the rough opening
before the window is secured in the opening.
[0004] The window can be structured to prevent rain or other water
contacting the outer surface of the window from flowing to the sill
of the rough opening. However, in some cases, the window can leak
water to the sill. Water flowing to the sill of the rough opening
can sometimes penetrate both the barrier material and the flashing,
e.g., through the cuts that are made in the barrier material and
the flashing during installation. Thus, the water can flow into the
wall, i.e., between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall,
causing damage to the wall.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need for a device and method for use in
a window or other portal installation for preventing the flow of
water to the rough opening in the wall and to the inside of the
wall. The device should be compatible with conventional windows and
other portals and installation methods. Preferably, the device
should be relatively easy to install and economical to
manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a corner flashing and method
for use in installing a portal, such as a window, in an opening in
a wall. The flashing defines channels for directing water out of
the wall to an outer or inner surface of the wall, thereby
restricting the passage of water into the wall around the
portal.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
wall is defined by a sill and jambs extending therefrom. The
flashing includes a base member with first and second portions. The
second portion is disposed at an angle relative to the first
portion, such as a right angle, so that an outer surface of the
first portion can be disposed against the sill of the opening and
an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one
of the jambs of the opening. The flashing also includes a front
face plate that extends generally perpendicularly from the first
and second portions of the base member. The first and second
portions of the base member define the channels for directing water
toward and through the front face plate. For example, the channels
can be tapered to define an increased depth at the front face
plate. Inner surfaces of the first and second portions of the base
member can also have ridges between the channels for defining a
surface substantially parallel to the outer surfaces and structured
to support the window or other portal. The outer surfaces of the
portions opposite the channels can be substantially planar.
According to one aspect of the invention, the flashing, which can
be made of plastic, is a unitary member. Further, the flashing can
be a universal device that is structured to be selectively
installed in either of two corners of the opening, i.e., with the
outer surface of the first portion of the base member disposed
toward either the sill or one of the jambs of the opening.
[0008] The present invention also provides an assembly in an
opening of a wall, such as a window assembly, a shower door
assembly, other portal assembly, or the like. The assembly includes
a wall defining first and second opposite surfaces and an opening
therethrough having a sill and jambs with corners at the
intersections of the jambs and the sill. Flashings are disposed at
the corners of the wall opening, with the channels of the flashings
disposed in the base members of the flashings. In some cases, a
window is disposed in the wall opening with corners of the window
being received by the flashings so that the inner surfaces of the
first and second portions of the base member of each flashing are
disposed toward the window. Alternatively, a shower door or other
portal can be disposed in the wall opening. In either case, the
channels of the first portion of each flashing are structured to
direct water toward the first surface of the wall and through the
front face plate, i.e., typically out of the wall opening such as
to the outside surface of an exterior wall in the case of a window
assembly or to the inside surface of a wall of a shower stall. The
flashings can be substantially similar so that each flashing is
configured to be disposed at either of the wall corners.
[0009] In addition, a third flashing can be disposed between the
first portions of the first and second flashings. The third
flashing can include a base member that is disposed between the
first portions of the first and second flashings with an outer
surface of the base member disposed toward the sill of the opening.
A front face plate of the third flashing extends from the base
member of the third flashing in a plane generally perpendicular to
the base member of the third flashing and generally parallel to the
outer surface of the wall, i.e., generally parallel to and between
the front face plates of the first and second flashings at the
corners of the opening. A plurality of channels are disposed in the
inner surface of the base member of the third flashing opposite the
outer surface of the base member of the third flashing. The
channels in the inner surface are structured to direct water out of
the wall and through the front face plate of the third member,
e.g., to an inside or outside surface of the wall. Thus, the third
flashing can prevent water from contacting the sill of the opening
between the first and second flashings. A membrane or other sealing
material can be disposed over an interface that is defined between
the base members of the first and third flashings and between the
base members of the second and third flashings to prevent water
from flowing through the interfaces.
[0010] A furring strip can be disposed at the lower jambs of the
opening. A first portion of each furring strip can be positioned
opposite each jamb from the second portion of one of the base
members of the first and second flashings. A second portion of each
furring strip, that is thicker than the first portion of the strip,
can be disposed against the respective jamb above the respective
flashing so that the furring defines a substantially planar surface
directed away from the respective jamb. In some cases, such as
where the assembly is a shower door assembly, the flashings and the
furring strips can be covered with tile or other flooring or wall
materials. The flashings can be formed of a material to which tile
can be adhered, such as by mixing wood fibers in a polymer material
to facilitate adherence thereto by grout or other tile
adhesive.
[0011] In some embodiments of the flashing and the assembly, the
channels of the corner flashings can be configured to direct the
water in an angled direction relative to the front face plate. For
example, each of the channels can be defined by sidewalls that are
not perpendicular to the front face plate. In particular, the
sidewall of each channel that is nearest the opposite portion of
the base member can be disposed at an angle toward the front face
plate and the opposite portion of the base member. More
particularly, each channel can be tapered to define an increased
width at the front face plate. In this way, when one of the
portions of the base member is disposed vertically and the opposite
portion is disposed horizontally, such as when one portion is
disposed against the jamb of an opening in a wall and the opposite
portion is disposed against the sill of the opening, the channels
in the vertical portion will tend to drain water toward the front
face plate and toward the opposite portion of the base member. That
is, water in the channels of the portion disposed against the jamb
will tend to flow toward and through the front face plate and
thereby be drained out of the opening.
[0012] The first and second portions can also define an angled
lead-in edge at the front face plate, e.g., to facilitate the entry
of a window of other portal into the opening after the flashing has
been disposed therein.
[0013] The configuration of the flashings of the present invention
can correspond to the particular configuration of the opening
and/or portal with which the flashings are to be used. For example,
in the case of an inset opening, such as typically is formed in a
wall for forming an inset window configuration, the flashings can
correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the opening. In
particular, corner and straight flashings of the present invention
can define inner base members and outer base members that are
joined by an intermediate face plate, and a front face plate can
extend from the outer base member. The inner and outer base members
are configured to be disposed against the inner and outer sill
and/or jambs of the opening. Channels in the inner and outer base
members can be structured to direct water outward through the front
face plate, e.g., to an outer surface of the wall.
[0014] Additionally, the present invention provides a method of
installing a window, shower door, or other portal in a wall
opening. The method includes disposing first and second flashings
at the corners of the wall opening and disposing a window, shower
door, or other portal in the opening. The window or other portal
has first and second corners that are received by the flashings so
that the inner surfaces of the base member of each flashing are
disposed toward the window or other portal. Channels in the first
portion of each flashing are structured to direct water through the
front face plate and toward a first surface of the wall, such as an
outer surface of the wall in the case of a window assembly or an
inner surface in the case of a shower door assembly. A laminar
moisture barrier sheet can also be disposed against the outer
surface of the wall, and each of the flashings can be disposed
partially between the sheet and the wall and partially opposite the
sheet from the wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other advantages and features of the
invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will
become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary
embodiments, but which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a corner flashing
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a section view illustrating the flashing of FIG.
1, as seen along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a section view illustrating the flashing of FIG.
1, as seen along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a section view illustrating the flashing of FIG.
1, as seen along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating two of the
flashings of FIG. 1 installed in a wall opening during construction
of a wall assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial view of FIG. 5 illustrating one of the
installed flashings;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a window assembly according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partial section view of the window assembly of
FIG. 7, as seen along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a corner flashing
according to another embodiment of the present invention, having
channels of tapering width;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a section view illustrating the flashing of FIG.
9, as seen along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating two of the corner
flashings of FIG. 9 installed in a wall opening during construction
of a wall assembly according to one embodiment of the present
invention, before a third straight flashing is installed;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a section view illustrating the third flashing of
FIG. 9 as generally seen along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 after the
third flashing is installed against the sill of the wall
opening;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an inset corner
flashing according to another embodiment of the present invention,
installed in an inset wall opening;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a straight sill
flashing, such as for use with the inset corner flashing of FIG.
13; and
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating two of the
flashings of FIG. 9 installed in a wall opening during construction
of a wall assembly for a shower stall according to one embodiment
of the present invention, before a third straight flashing is
installed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0032] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1,
there is shown a corner flashing 10 according to one embodiment of
the present invention. The corner flashing 10 is structured to be
installed in a wall opening 50 in connection with the installation
of a window 60 (FIG. 5) or other portal in the opening 50 so that
the flashing 10 directs water out of the opening 50, e.g., to the
outside of a building. Accordingly, the flashing 10 is preferably
formed of a waterproof material. For example, the flashing 10 can
be formed of a variety of materials including polymers, metals, and
the like. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
flashing 10 is formed as a unitary member of plastic, such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). For example, the flashing 10 can be formed by a conventional
injection molding operation using one or more dies that cooperably
define a die cavity corresponding to the configuration of the
flashing 10 so as to form the flashing as a unitary, relatively
rigid, molded plastic member.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the flashing 10 includes an L-shaped
base member 12 and a front face plate 14. The base member 12 has
substantially perpendicular first and second portions 20, 30, and
the front face plate 14 extends in a plane that is generally
perpendicular to both of the portions 20, 30 of the base member 12.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the flashing 10 can be installed in the
opening 50 of a wall 52 so that the base member 12 is disposed
against a sill 54 and jamb 56 of the wall 52 and the front face
plate 14 is disposed against an outer surface 58 of the wall 52. In
particular, outer surfaces 22, 32 of the first and second portions
20, 30 can be disposed against the sill 54 and jamb 56 of the wall
52 so that opposite inner surfaces 24, 34 of the base member
portions 20, 30 are configured to receive corners 62 of the window
60.
[0034] The inner surfaces 24, 34 of the base member 12 define
channels 26, 36 that extend to the front face plate 14 so that
water received on the inner surfaces 24, 34 is directed by the
channels 26, 36 through the front face plate 14. As shown in FIGS.
1 and 3, the channels 26, 36 are substantially parallel to each
other and perpendicular to the front face plate 14, but in other
embodiments of the invention, the channels 26, 36 can be angled
relative to the front face plate 14. In either case, the channels
26, 36 preferably do not extend through the end edge 16 of the base
member 12 opposite the front face plate 14. Further, as shown in
FIG. 2, the channels 26, 36 are tapered in a direction away from
the front face plate 14, i.e., each channel 26, 36 defines an
increased depth at the front face plate 14. Thus, water in the
channels 26, 36 generally flows toward the front face plate 14 and
exits the channels 26, 36 through the front face plate 14. For
example, each channel 26, 36 can define a maximum depth at the
front face plate 14 and a minimum depth at the end of the channel
26, 36 distal to the front face plate 14. The minimum depth of each
channel 26, 36 can be zero, such that the channel 26, 36 tapers
from its maximum depth at the front face 14 plate to the same level
as the top of ridges 28, 38 between the channels 26, 36.
Alternatively, each channel 26, 36 can have a minimum depth that is
greater than zero, e.g., so that the entire channel 26, 36 is
deeper than the ridges 28, 38 and each channel 26, 36 defines a
back dam distal to the front face plate 14 that prevents water from
flowing toward the end edge 16.
[0035] The channels 26, 36 are separated by the ridges 28, 38
therebetween. The ridges 28, 38 of each portion 20, 30 of the base
member 12 define a support surface, which can be substantially
parallel to the outer surface 22, 32 of the respective portion of
the base member 12. That is, the support surface formed by the
ridges 28 of the first portion 20 can be substantially parallel to
the outer surface 22 of the first portion 20, and the support
surface formed by the ridges 38 of the second portion 30 can be
substantially parallel to the outer surface 32 of the second
portion 30. Thus, when the outer surfaces 22, 32 of the portions
20, 30 are disposed against the sill 54 and jamb 56 of the wall
opening 50, the ridges 28, 38 define support surfaces that are
parallel to the sill and jamb 54, 56, respectively. The ridges 28,
38 can be uniform or non-uniform in width, e.g., so that each ridge
28, 38 is increasingly narrower in a direction away from the
channels 26, 36. Thus, the tops of the ridges 28, 38, which define
the support surface, can be relatively small in area to minimize
the likelihood of water resting on the ridges 28, 38. In addition,
the height of each ridge 28, 38 relative to the respective outer
surfaces 22, 32 can be nonuniform along the length of each ridge.
For example, each ridge 28, 38 can define a decreased height
nearest the front face plate 14.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the flashings 10 can be installed in
each of the lower corners of the opening 50 in the wall 52. When
used in connection with the installation of a typical rectangular
window 60 in an upright configuration, the first portion 20 of each
base member 12 is disposed horizontally against the sill 54 of the
wall 52 and the second portion 30 is disposed vertically against
one of the jambs 56 of the wall 52. The inner surfaces 24 of the
first portions 20 of the base members 12 thereby define a
horizontal support surface for receiving and supporting the bottom
of the window 60, and the inner surfaces 34 of the second portions
30 define vertical support surfaces for the sides of the window
60.
[0037] As is known in the art, the outer surface 58 of the wall 52
can be covered by a laminar sheet 40 of a moisture barrier
material, and the sheet 40 can be folded into the opening 50 before
the window 60 is installed. According to the present invention, the
sheet 40 can be cut as indicated by reference numeral 42 in FIG. 6,
so that part of the upright second portion 30 of the base member 12
and the front face plate 14 are inserted between the sheet 40 and
the wall 52, while the rest of the flashing 10 is disposed opposite
the sheet 40 from the wall 52. Thus, water flowing downward along
the sheet 40 tends to flow onto the front face plate 14 or onto the
inner surfaces 24, 34 of the base member 12 so that the channels
26, 36 thereby direct the water through the front face plate 14.
The lower portion of the flashing 10 is disposed outside the sheet
40 of barrier material, i.e., with the sheet between the flashing
10 and the wall 52, so that water flowing downward from the
flashing 10 is directed outside the sheet 40. Advantageously, the
flashing 10 can cover any cuts or holes in the sheet 40 at the
corner of the opening 50, e.g., cuts made to facilitate the folding
of the sheet 40 into the opening 50 or cuts or holes resulting from
wear.
[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a window assembly 80 in which the
flashings 10 and window 60 are installed in the opening 50 of the
wall 52. The wall 52 typically includes inner and outer wall
members 82, 84 supported by framing members 86. For example, the
inner wall member 82 can be formed of sheets of plasterboard and
the outer wall member 84 can be formed of sheets of plywood, both
of which are nailed to and supported by an internal structure of
the framing members 86 such as wooden beams. The laminar sheet of
barrier material 40 can be provided on the outer surface 58 of the
wall 52 and the sill 54. The flashings 10 are installed at each of
the two lower corners of the wall opening 50 with the base member
12 of each flashing 10 adjacent to the corner so that the first
portion 20 at least partially covers the sill 54 and the second
portion 30 of the base member 12 at least partially covers the jamb
56. The front face plate 14 of each flashing 10 is disposed
adjacent to the outer surface 58 of the wall 52, and nails 88 or
other fasteners can be used to connect the flashings 10 to the wall
52. Siding 90 or other materials can then be disposed on the outer
surface 58 of the wall 52, e.g., opposite the sheet 40 from the
wall 52, so that the siding 90 covers the front face plate 14 and
the wall 52 around the opening 50. For example, the siding 90 can
be vinyl or aluminum siding strips, wood shingles, stucco, bricks,
and the like.
[0039] Windows 60 having any of various configurations can be
installed in the wall opening 50 according to the present
invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the window 60 includes
a frame 64 having a bottom frame member, or sill member 66, that
supports a sash 68. One or more glass panes 70 of the window 60 are
supported by the sash 68, which fits within the frame 64 of the
window. The frame 64 also can support a screen 72 and/or additional
glass panes. An inner frame 74 can be provided on the inner wall
member 82 to cover an interface between the inner wall member 82
and the window 60, thereby restricting air from passing between the
two members 82, 60 and improving the aesthetic appeal of the window
assembly 80. A windbreak 76 can also be disposed between the wall
52 and the window frame 64, e.g., proximate to the outer wall
member 84, to restrict the passage of air between the wall opening
50 and the window frame 64.
[0040] The frame 64, which can be formed of wood, wood composites,
polymer coated wood, and the like, can be at least partially
supported by the base members 12 of the flashings 10. For example,
the sill member 66 of the frame 64 can be supported by the ridges
28 of the first portions 20 of the base members 12. The sill member
66 can also be disposed at an angle relative to the support surface
defined by the ridges 28 so that water on the sill member 66 tends
to drain outward toward the outer surface 58 of the wall 52. In any
case, the channels 26 preferably are directed toward the outer
surface 58 of the wall 52 and are not obstructed by the window 60
supported by the ridges 28 so that water received on the first
portion 20 of the base member 12 of each flashing 10 is directed
toward the outer surface 58 of the wall 52 by the channels 26.
Thus, water is prevented from flowing onto the inner wall member
82, the framing members 86, or the outer wall member 84, e.g.,
through cuts in the barrier material sheet 40 at the corners of the
wall opening 50.
[0041] Each flashing 10 can be formed with the channels 26 defined
by only the first portion 20 of the base member 12, the second
portion 30 of the base member 12 being devoid of the channels 36,
i.e., so that the channels 26 are disposed under the window 60 when
installed but not between the window 60 and the jambs 56 of the
opening 50. Preferably, however, the channels 26, 36 are defined by
both the first and second portions 20, 30 of the base member 12 of
the flashing 10. Further, each flashing 10 is preferably formed as
a universal device that can be disposed in either corner of the
wall opening 50, i.e., with the first portion 20 of the base member
12 disposed adjacent the sill 54 of the wall opening 50 and the
second portion 30 adjacent the jamb 56 of the opening 50, or with
the first portion 20 adjacent the jamb 56 of the opening 50 and the
second portion 30 adjacent the sill 54. Thus, the flashing 10 can
be structured with a single configuration that can be used in
either of the corners of the window assembly 80.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
each of the channels 26, 36 can be angled or tapered to direct
water from the opening 50 in which the flashing is disposed. In
this regard, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a corner flashing 10a
structured to be disposed in a corner of an opening, similar to the
embodiment of the flashing 10 that is shown in FIG. 1. However, as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the channels 26, 36 of the corner flashing
10a are configured to direct the water in an angled direction
relative to the front face plate 14. In particular, each of the
channels 26, 36 can be defined by sidewalls 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b
_that are not perpendicular to the front face plate 14. More
particularly, a first sidewall 27a, 37a of each channel 26, 36,
which is nearest the opposite portion 20, 30 of the base member 12,
is disposed to direct water in a direction that is angled toward
the front face plate 14 and the opposite portion 20, 30 of the base
member 12. That is, each channel 26 in the first portion 20 of the
base member 12 has a first sidewall 27a that directs water in a
direction toward the front face plate 14 and the second portion 30
of the base member 12. Similarly, each channel 36 in the second
portion 30 of the base member 12 has a first sidewall 37a that
directs water in a direction toward the front face plate 14 and the
first portion 20 of the base member 12. The second sidewall 27b,
37b of each channel 26, 36 can be parallel to the first sidewall
27a, 37a, or the second sidewall 27b, 37b can be disposed at angle
relative to the first sidewall 27a, 37a. For example, as shown in
FIG. 10, the sidewalls 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b of each channel 26, 36
diverge in the direction of the front face plate 14. That is, each
channel 26, 36 is tapered to define an increased width at the front
face plate 14. In this way, when one of the portions 20, 30 of the
base member 12 is disposed vertically and the opposite portion 20,
30 is disposed horizontally, as shown in FIG. 9, such as when the
first portion 20 is disposed against the sill 54 of an opening 50
in a wall 52 and the second portion 30 is disposed against the jamb
56 of the opening 50, the channels 36 in the vertical portion 30
will tend to drain water toward the front face plate 14 and also
toward the horizontal portion 20 of the base member 12, i.e.,
downward. That is, water in the channels 36 of the vertical portion
30 disposed against the jamb 56 will tend to flow by gravity toward
and through the front face plate 14 and thereby be drained out of
the opening 50.
[0043] In addition, the first and second portions 20, 30 of the
base member 12 also define an angled lead-in edge 13 at the front
face plate 14, e.g., to facilitate the entry of the window 60 of
other portal into the opening 50 after the flashing(s) 10a have
been disposed therein. For example, the angled lead-in edge 13 can
be defined by a surface that is disposed at about a 45.degree.
angle relative to both the front face plate 14 and the top surface
of the ridges 28, 38.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates an assembly 80a, similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 7. The assembly 80a includes two of the
flashings 10a of FIG. 9, which are installed in the opening 50 of
the wall 52. The laminar sheet of barrier material 40 can be
provided on the outer surface 58 of the wall 52 and the sill 54, as
described above in connection with FIG. 7. A third flashing 100,
which is a straight section of flashing, is disposed against the
sill 54 between the two flashings 10a. The third flashing can
define a cross-sectional shape that is similar to that of the
corner flashings 10a. That is, the third flashing 100, which can be
a single, unitary member that is formed by injection molding or
otherwise, includes a base member 112 that defines channels 126
that are separated by ridges 128, and a front face plate 114
extending from the base member 112. The base member 112 can be
disposed between the first portions 20 of the two corner flashings
10a, with an outer surface 122 disposed against the sill 54 of the
opening 50 and an opposite inner surface 124 structured to support
the window 60 or other portal disposed in the opening 50. The front
face plate 114 typically extends perpendicularly from the base
member 112 and parallel to the outer surface 58 of the wall 52,
e.g., overlapping the barrier material 40. Nails 88 or other
fasteners can be disposed through the front face plate 114 to
secure the third flashing 100 in place. The channels 126, which can
be similar to the channels 26, 36 of the corner flashings 10, 10a,
can taper in depth and/or width such that water in the channels 126
flows toward and through the front face plate 114 at the outer
surface 58 of the wall 52. An angled lead-in edge 113 can be
defined at the intersection of the base member 112 and the front
face plate 114 to facilitate the placement of the window 60 of
other portal into the opening 50 as described above.
[0045] The flashing 100 can be formed in various lengths, according
to the size of the opening 50. Further, the flashing 100 can be
readily cut or otherwise trimmed to size so that the flashing 100
extends between the corner flashings 10a. Each end of the flashing
100 typically defines an interface 130 with one of the corner
flashings 10a, and the interfaces 130, can be covered or otherwise
sealed with a sealant material 132. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 11, the sealant material 132 can be a membrane such as a strip
of tape that is to be disposed over each interface 130.
Alternatively, each interface 130 can be sealed with caulk or other
sealant. In either case, the sealant material 132 can prevent water
from flowing through the interfaces 130. Before or after the window
60 or other portal is disposed, siding 90 or other materials are
typically disposed on the outer surface 58 of the wall 52, e.g.,
opposite the sheet 40 from the wall 52, so that the siding 90
covers the front face plate 14 and the wall 52 around the opening
50, i.e., as shown in FIG. 8.
[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates a corner flashing 200 according to
another embodiment of the present invention, which can be used for
an inset window or other inset portal. The corner flashing 200 is
typically installed in an inset opening that defines inner and
outer sills 54a, 54b and inner and outer jambs 56a, 56b. In a
conventional inset window assembly, the inner sill and jambs 54a,
56a typically receive a window 60 or other portal such that the
window 60 or other portal is recessed into the wall 52 from the
outer surface 58 thereof. The outer sill and jambs 54b, 56b are
typically covered with siding, shingles, stucco, bricks, tiles, or
the like. According to the present invention, the flashing 200
includes an inner base member 202 with first and second angled
portions 204, 206 similar to the base members 12 of the corner
flashings 10, 10a described above. An intermediate face plate 208
extends from the first and second portions 204, 206 of the inner
base member 202 in a plane generally perpendicular to the first and
second portions 204, 206 of the inner base member 202. An outer
base member 210 with first and second angled portions 212, 214
extends from the intermediate face plate 208, and a front face
plate 216 extends from the first and second portions 212, 214 of
the outer base member 210 in a plane generally perpendicular to the
outer base member 210. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner base
member 202 can be disposed against the inner sill and jamb 54a,
56a, the outer base member 210 can be disposed against the outer
sill and jamb 54b, 56b, and the front face plate 216 can be
disposed against the outer surface 58 of the wall 52 around the
opening 50. Channels 220 are disposed in the first and second
portions 204, 206 of the inner base member 202 to direct water
toward and through the intermediate face plate 208, and channels
222 are disposed in the first and second portions 212, 214 of the
outer base member 210 to direct water toward and through the front
face plate 216. The channels 220, 222, which are defined between
ridges 224, 226, can be tapered or otherwise angled, e.g., to
define increasing width and depth in a direction toward the front
face plate 216. For example, as described above in connection with
the corner flashings 10, 10a, the channels 220, 222 of the flashing
200 can define sidewalls that are not perpendicular to the front
face plate 216 and/or the depth of each of the channels 220, 222
can be nonuniform along its length. Each ridge 224, 226 on the
inner and outer base members 202, 120 can define an angled lead-in
edge 213 to facilitate the insertion of the window 60 or other
portal.
[0047] The window 60 or other portal can be disposed against the
inner base member 202, i.e., against the ridges 224. The outer base
member 210, as well as the intermediate face plate 208 and the
outer face plate 216, can be covered with siding, shingles, stucco,
bricks, tiles, or the like. Thus, any water that is disposed on the
base members 202, 210, e.g., water that leaks through the bottom of
the window 60 or water that flows through the siding or other
materials on the outer base member 210, is directed toward the
outer surface 58 of the wall 52 and out of the opening 50. As
described above in connection with the flashings 10, the flashing
200 can be structured as a universal member, i.e., a member which
can be configured in different orientations with either of the
portions 204, 206, 212, 214 of the base members 202, 210 disposed
against either a sill or a jamb.
[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates a straight flashing 240, which can be
used as a third flashing in an assembly with two of the corner
flashings 200. For example, the straight flashing 240 can be
disposed against the inner and outer sills 54a, 54b between two of
the corner flashings 200, similar to the configuration of the
straight flashing 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 11
and 12. The straight flashing 240 defines a cross-sectional shape
that is similar to that of the corner flashings 200. That is, the
straight flashing 240 includes inner and outer base members 242,
244, each of which defines channels 246, 248 that are separated by
ridges 250, 252. A perpendicular intermediate face plate 254
extends between the inner and outer base members 242, 244, and a
front face plate 256 extends from the outer base member 244. The
inner base member 242 can be disposed between the first portions
204 of the inner base members 202 of two corner flashings 200, with
the intermediate face plate 254 between the intermediate faceplates
208 of the corner flashings 200, the outer base member 244 disposed
between the outer base members 210 of the corner flashings 200, and
the front face plate 254 between the front face plates 216 of the
corner flashings 200. The straight flashing 240 can be trimmed to
length and sealed with the corner flashings 200, as described in
connection with the straight flashing 100 of FIG. 11.
[0049] The flashings of the present invention can be used in
connection with the installation of various portals, such as
windows, doors, doorways, and the like. In one particular
embodiment of the present invention, the flashings are installed in
an opening of a shower stall. In this regard, FIG. 15 illustrates
an opening 50 that defines the inside 51a of the shower stall on
one side and the outside 51b of the shower stall on the opposite
side of the opening 50. Two of the corner flashings 10a and one
straight flashing 100 are installed to form an assembly similar to
that shown in FIG. 11. However, while the flashings 10a, 100 are
typically configured to direct water to the outer surface 58 of a
wall 52 surrounding a window 60, the flashings 10a, 100 of the
embodiment of FIG. 11 are instead used to direct water toward the
inside 51a of the shower stall. The corner flashings 10a are
installed as described above with the base members 12 disposed at
the corners of the sill 54 and jambs 56. For illustrative clarity,
the straight flange 100 is shown before installation against the
sill 54, and it is understood that the straight flange 100 can
extend between the two corner flashings 10a, with tape or other
sealant material 132 disposed at the interfaces 130 of the straight
flange 100 and each corner flange 10a. In addition, furring strips
260 are shown in installed and uninstalled configurations. Each
furring strip 260 defines first and second portions 262, 264 of
dissimilar thickness. The first portion 262 is disposed opposite a
respective one of the jambs 56 from the second portion 30 of the
base member 12 of one of the corner flashings 10a. The second
portion 264 of each furring strip 260 is disposed against the
respective jamb 56 above the corner flashing 10a. The second
portion 264 can be thicker than the first portion 262 so that each
furring strip 260 defines a substantially planar surface 266
directed away from the respective jamb 56. That is, the thickness
of the second portion 264 can be about equal to the thickness of
the combination of the first portion 262 and the base member 12 of
the corner flashing 10a. Further, the thickness of the second
portion 264 can be equal to the thickness of a wall lining material
270, such as drywall, that is to be installed against the jambs 56
of the opening 50 above the furring strips 260. For example, the
second portion 264 can be about 1/4 inch thick so that each furring
strip 260 adapts the thickness of the corner flashing 10a to a
standard thickness of the drywall or other wall material 270.
[0050] The furring strips 260 can then be covered with tile or
other flooring or wall surfacing materials. Tile or other surface
materials are also typically disposed over sill 54 of the opening,
i.e., over the straight flashing 100 and the portion 20 of the base
member 12 of each corner flashing 10a that is disposed against the
sill 54. For example, grout or other adhesive materials can be
disposed between the tile and the flashings 10a, 100. It is
appreciated that the grout or other adhesive may partially fill the
channels 26, 126 but the channels 26, 126 can remain at least
partially unobstructed. Further, even if some or all of the
channels 26, 126 are obstructed by the grout, it is appreciated
that the channels 26, 126 can continue to operate as draining
devices by virtue of the permeability of the grout. That is, if
grout in the channels 26, 126 absorbs water, the water can be
directed into the inside 51a of the shower by the channels 26, 126.
Alternatively, a layer of backing board can be provided over the
flashings 100, 10a so that the backing board is disposed between
the wall and the tiles or other floor or wall surfacing materials.
The backing board can be a cement board, drywall, or the like. In
any case, the floor and lower portions of the walls in a shower
stall are typically lined with a waterproof membrane, and the
waterproof membrane can be cut and folded at the opening 50,
generally similar to the configuration of the moisture barrier
sheet 40 described above in connection with FIG. 6. It is
appreciated that such a waterproof membrane can be used in
combination with the flashings 10a, 100 of the present invention.
The flashings 10a, 100, can be disposed over the waterproof
membrane so that water directed by the flashings 10a, 100 flows
above the membrane and into the shower stall, where the water can
be received by a drain.
[0051] In some cases, the various flashings of the present
invention can be formed of materials that are especially suited for
the particular application for which the flashings are to be used.
For example, if the flashings are to be used in an application in
which grout and/or tiles are to be disposed directly against the
flashings, such as in the shower assembly of FIG. 15, the flashings
can be formed of a material to which grout or other adhesives can
easily be adhered. In some cases, the flashings can be formed of a
polymer, such as polystyrene, to which various grouts, adhesives,
and the like can be adhered. Alternatively, the various flashings
of the present invention can be formed of a polymer or other
moldable material in which fibers are disposed. For example, wood
fibers can be included in the polymer material of the flashings to
increase the adherence between the flashings and grout or other
adhesives.
[0052] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *