U.S. patent application number 11/336242 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for wall panel joint apparatus and system using same.
Invention is credited to Dan Lynch, Kong K. Taing.
Application Number | 20060179744 11/336242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36693866 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060179744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lynch; Dan ; et al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Wall panel joint apparatus and system using same
Abstract
A wall panel joint apparatus and a system using same is
disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body
having a predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body
floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. Embodiments include
where the wall panel joint includes zero, one, two, three or more
compartments. Also, some embodiments include a rainscreen clip that
forms an additional compartment. The system includes at least two
wall panel joints that attach the wall panels to an architectural
wall. At the point of intersection of the joints, the joints are
mitered. The system also includes a wall attachment device and a
means for attaching the joint to the wall attachment device. The
system is a liquid water impermeable, air permeable and water vapor
permeable system, providing a ventilated, waterproof wall panel
attachment joints for use in same.
Inventors: |
Lynch; Dan; (Bedford,
NH) ; Taing; Kong K.; (Allston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEVINE, MILLIMET & BRANCH, P.A.
111 AMHERST STREET
BOX 719
MANCHESTER
NH
03105
US
|
Family ID: |
36693866 |
Appl. No.: |
11/336242 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60645101 |
Jan 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
60655370 |
Feb 23, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/235 ;
52/506.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 17/00 20130101;
E04F 13/0889 20130101; E04F 13/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/235 ;
052/506.06 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00; E04H 14/00 20060101 E04H014/00; E04B 5/00 20060101
E04B005/00 |
Claims
1. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising: a perimeter joint
body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said perimeter
joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.
2. The wall panel joint of claim 1, wherein said perimeter joint
body further comprising a rainscreen clip floatably attached to
said perimeter joint body, whereby said rainscreen clip forming a
compartment.
3. The wall panel joint of claim 1, further comprising at least one
vent.
4. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising: a perimeter joint
body having a predetermined size and shape and at least one
compartment; and a rainscreen joint floatably attached to said
perimeter joint body wherein said rainscreen clip forms a
compartment, whereby said perimeter joint body attaches to at least
two wall panels.
5. The joint of claim 4, wherein each of said compartments formed
by a filler strip.
6. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter joint body is a
single extrusion.
7. The joint of claim 4, further comprising at least one vent.
8. The joint of claim 4, wherein said compartments each further
comprising at least one flange.
9. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter clip body is
aluminum.
10. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter clip body
floatably attaches to said wall panels.
11. The joint of claim 4, wherein said perimeter joint body further
comprising two identical extrusions, both attached to at least one
filler strip.
12. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising: a perimeter joint
body having at least one compartment formed therein, wherein said
joint body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said joint
floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.
13. The joint of claim 1 1, wherein said perimeter joint body
further comprising: two identical extrusions; at least one filler
strip, said filler strip attached to each of said identical
extrusions.
14. The joint of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one
compartment formed by a filler strip.
15. The joint of claim 12, wherein said joint body is a single
extrusion.
16. The joint of claim 12, further comprising at least one
vent.
17. The joint of claim 12, wherein said compartments each further
comprising at least one flange.
18. The joint of claim 12, wherein said joint body is aluminum.
19. The joint of claim 12, further comprising a rainscreen clip
floatably attached to said perimeter joint body and forming a
compartment within said perimeter joint body.
20. A wall panel joint, said joint comprising: a perimeter joint
body having at least one compartment formed therein, wherein said
joint body having a predetermined size and shape whereby said joint
floatably attaches to at least two wall panels; and a rainscreen
clip floatably attached to said perimeter joint body and forming a
compartment within said perimeter joint body.
21. The clip of claim 20, wherein said perimeter joint body further
comprising: two identical extrusions; at least one filler strip,
said filler strip attached to each of said identical
extrusions.
22. The joint of claim 20, further comprising at least one
vent.
23. The joint of claim 20, wherein said compartments each further
comprising at least one flange.
24. The joint of claim 20, wherein said joint body is aluminum.
25. The joint of claim 20, wherein said joint body is a single
extrusion.
26. A system for attaching panels to a wall, said system
comprising: at least one horizontal floating joint, said horizontal
floating joint having at least one compartment and a predetermined
size and shape whereby said horizontal floating joint attaches to
at least two panels; at least one vertical floating joint having a
predetermined size and shape whereby said vertical floating joint
attaches to at least two panels and wherein said horizontal
floating joint and said vertical floating joint intersect at a
mitered point of intersection; and at least one wall securing
device attached to said horizontal floating joint, whereby said
horizontal floating joint attaches to said wall, whereby said
system forms a liquid water impermeable and gas and water vapor
permeable barrier to said wall.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein said horizontal floating joint
further comprising a rainscreen, whereby said rainscreen forms a
compartment.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein said horizontal floating joint
and said vertical floating joint further comprising: two identical
extrusions; at least one filler strip, said filler strip attached
to each of said identical extrusions.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein said vertical floating joint
and said horizontal floating joint further comprising at least one
vent.
30. The system of claim 26, wherein said at least one compartment
of said vertical floating joint and said horizontal floating joint
further comprising at least one inner flange.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein said vertical floating joint
having at least one compartment.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein said vertical floating joint
further comprising a rainscreen, whereby said rainscreen forms a
compartment
33. The system of claim 32, further comprising at least one
vertical wall securing device attached to said at least one
vertical floating joint, wherein said wall securing device attaches
to said wall.
34. A system for attaching panels to a wall, said system
comprising: at least one horizontal joint, said horizontal joint
having at least two compartments wherein said horizontal joint
having a predetermined size and shape whereby said horizontal joint
attaches to at least two panels; at least one vertical joint, said
vertical joint having at least one compartment wherein said
vertical joint having a predetermined size and shape whereby said
vertical joint attaches to at least two panels and wherein said
vertical joint and said horizontal joint intersect at a mitered
point of intersection; and at least one wall securing device
attached to said horizontal joint, wherein said wall securing
device attaches to said wall, whereby said system forms a liquid
water impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to said
wall.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein said horizontal joint and said
vertical joint further comprising: two identical extrusions; at
least one filler strip, said filler strip attached to each of said
identical extrusions.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein said horizontal joint and said
vertical joint further comprising at least one vent.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein said at least one compartment
of said vertical joint and said horizontal joint further comprising
at least one flange.
38. The system of claim 34, wherein said at least one horizontal
joint and said at least one vertical joint are floating joints.
39. The system of claim 34, further comprising at least one
rainscreen attached to said horizontal joint.
40. The system of claim 33, further comprising at least one
rainscreen attached to said vertical joint.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/645,101 filed Jan. 20, 2005 and
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/655,370 filed Feb. 23,
2005, which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to wall panel joints and
systems for wall panel application.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Architectural panel has been in use for many years. All
architectural panel systems can be classified into two major
categories, namely, "face-sealed" and "vented rainscreen"
systems.
[0004] Face sealed systems include all systems with joinery that
make use of sealant in the joinery whereby the system is
substantially nonpermeable to either water or air. Achieving
complete face seal is the very basis of all face seal systems.
Sealant can be caulking, gasket, or other sealant of similar
function. However, the lack of permeability/venting to either water
vapor or air makes this system problematic.
[0005] On the contrary, vented rainscreen systems are designed to
allow for permeability through the joinery, known as vents. The
vent allow for breathability and rapid pressure equalization within
the system cavity. However, these systems allow water to penetrate,
causing water damage which is also problematic.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for architectural panel system
that is both impermeable to water and permeable to air and water
vapor.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
wall panel joint including a perimeter joint body which is a
predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body floatably
attaches to at least two wall panels.
[0008] Some aspects of this embodiment may include where a
rainscreen clip is attached to the perimeter joint. This forms a
compartment within the perimeter joint body. Other aspect include
where at least one vent is included in the perimeter joint
body.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a
perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape and at
least one compartment. The wall panel joint additionally includes
and rainscreen joint floatably attached to the perimeter joint
body. The rainscreen clip forms a compartment, and the perimeter
joint body attaches to at least two wall panels.
[0010] Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of
the following: where each of the compartments is formed by a filler
strip; where the perimeter joint body is a single extrusion; where
the perimeter joint body further includes at least one vent; where
the compartments each further include at least one flange; where
the perimeter clip body is aluminum; where the perimeter clip body
floatably attaches to the wall panels; where the perimeter joint
body further includes two identical extrusions, both attached to at
least one filler strip.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a
perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed
therein, wherein the joint body has a predetermined size and shape
and the joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels.
[0012] Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of
the following: where the perimeter joint body includes two
identical extrusions and at least one filler strip, the filler
strip is attached to each of the identical extrusions; wherein each
of the at least one compartments are formed by a filler strip;
where the joint body is a single extrusion; where the joint body
further includes at least one vent; where the compartments each
further include at least one flange; where the joint body is
aluminum; where the perimeter joint body also includes a rainscreen
clip floatably attached to the perimeter joint body which forms a
compartment within the perimeter joint body.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a wall panel joint is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a
perimeter joint body having at least one compartment formed
therein. The joint body has a predetermined size and shape so that
the joint floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. The joint
also includes a rainscreen clip floatably attached to the perimeter
joint body and forming a compartment within the perimeter clip
body.
[0014] Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of
the following: where the perimeter joint body further includes two
identical extrusions and at least one filler strip attached to each
of the identical extrusions; where the joint further includes at
least one vent; where the joint's compartment each include at least
one flange; where the joint body is aluminum; where the joint body
is a single extrusion.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a system for attaching panels to a wall is disclosed. The system
includes at least one horizontal floating joint. The horizontal
floating joint has at least one compartment and a predetermined
size and shape. The horizontal floating joint attaches to at least
two panels. The system also includes at least one vertical floating
joint having a predetermined size and shape. The vertical floating
joint attaches to at least two panels. The horizontal floating
joint and said vertical floating joint intersect at a mitered point
of intersection. Also includes is at least one wall securing device
attached to the horizontal floating joint. The horizontal floating
joint attaches to the wall, whereby the system forms a liquid water
impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to the
wall.
[0016] Some aspects of this embodiment may include one or more of
the following: where the horizontal floating joint further includes
a rainscreen, whereby the rainscreen forms a compartment; where the
horizontal floating joint and the vertical floating joint include
two identical extrusions and at least one filler strip attached to
each of the identical extrusions; where the floating joint and the
horizontal floating joint further include at least one vent; where
the at least one compartment of the vertical floating joint and the
horizontal floating joint further include at least one inner
flange; where the vertical floating joint has at least one
compartment; where the vertical floating joint further includes a
rainscreen, which forms a compartment, and wherein some aspect of
this include at least one vertical wall securing device attached to
the at least one vertical floating joint, wherein the wall securing
device attaches to the wall. In accordance with another aspect of
the present invention a system for attaching panels to a wall is
disclosed. The system includes at least one horizontal joint having
at least two compartments and a predetermined size and shape. The
horizontal joint attaches to at least two panels. The system also
includes at least one vertical joint having at least one
compartment and a predetermined size and shape whereby. The
vertical joint attaches to at least two panels. In this system, the
vertical joint and said horizontal joint intersect at a mitered
point of intersection. Also included is at least one wall securing
device attached to the horizontal joint. The wall securing device
attaches to said wall, whereby the system forms a liquid water
impermeable and gas and water vapor permeable barrier to said
wall.
[0017] Some aspects of this embodiment may include one of more of
the following: where the horizontal joint and the vertical joint
further include two identical extrusions and at least one filler
strip, the filler strip attached to each of the identical
extrusions; where the horizontal joint and the vertical joint
further include at least one vent; where the at least one
compartment of the vertical joint and the horizontal joint further
include at least one flange; where the at least one horizontal
joint and the at least one vertical joint are floating joints;
where the system further includes at least one rainscreen attached
to the horizontal joint; where the system further includes at least
one rainscreen attached to the vertical joint.
[0018] These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive
and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features and aspects of the present
invention will be better understood by reading the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken together with
the drawings wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a section view of one embodiment of the single
compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a section view of one embodiment of the single
compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a section view of one embodiment of the double
compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a section view of one embodiment of the double
compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a break away front view of one embodiment of the
system of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the flow of air through the
vertical joint according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a section view of one embodiment of the triple
compartment vertical joint embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0027] FIG. 8 is a section view of one embodiment of the triple
compartment horizontal joint embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the single
compartment vertical joint 42 of the present invention is shown.
The vertical joint 42 includes a single perimeter clip body 10,
which, in one embodiment, is made from aluminum, but in other
embodiments, is made from any metal or combination of metals. In
the embodiment shown, the single perimeter clip body 10 is made
from two identical extruded parts, and are brought together by the
filler strip 12. However, in other embodiments, a single extrusion
forms the perimeter clip body and filler strip structure.
[0029] The single perimeter clip body 10 is shown having one shape,
but can be any other shape necessary for the function. In the
preferred embodiment, the single perimeter clip body 10 is mitered
at all comers. A filler strip 12 is inserted into the perimeter
clip body 10, forming the wall cavity 20. However, in other
embodiments, the single perimeter clip body 10 is a single
extrusion and thus, the filler strip is not required. The filler
strip 12 can be made from the same materials as the wall panels 14,
the single perimeter clip body 10, or a different material from
either or both. In one embodiment, the filler strip 12 is made from
the same material as the wall panels 14. The filler strip can be
homogenous or a composite.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the single perimeter clip body
10 includes at least one vent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
two vents 16, 18 are shown. The vents 16, 18 allow escape from the
wall cavity 20. Additionally, a pocket 24 is formed between the
filler strip 12 and the single perimeter clip body 10. This pocket
24 is designed for ventilation and thermal movement. This pocket 24
allows for pressure equalization and permeability through
impermeable material.
[0031] The single perimeter clip body 10 holds at least two wall
panels 14. The single perimeter clip body 10 is not fixedly
attached to the wall panels 14, rather, the clip body 10 is a
floating clip, holding the wall panels 14 together without
fasteners. However, in other embodiments, the single perimeter clip
body 10 can be fastened to the wall panels 14.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the single
compartment horizontal joint 40 is shown. The perimeter clip body
10 is the same as the perimeter clip body of the vertical joint
(shown as 10 in FIG. 1). The horizontal joint also includes a
rainscreen clip 22, which is a "J" clip-like structure. The
rainscreen clip 22 floats on the perimeter clip body 10 to allow
for free movement in response to thermal expansion. The rainscreen
clip 22 is made from the same material as the clip body 10. In
other embodiments, the horizontal joint 40 and rainscreen clip 22
structure are formed of a single extrusion.
[0033] The rainscreen clip 22 attaches to a wall securing device 26
through any means for attachment. In the exemplary embodiment, the
means for attachment is a zinc coated screw 28. However, in other
embodiments, any other type of screw or other equivalent means for
attaching the rainscreen clip 22 to a wall securing device 26 can
be used.
[0034] In one embodiment, the wall securing device 26 is a subgirt.
The wall securing device 26 is attached to the wall 30 and secures
the horizontal clip body 10 to the wall structure 30 by connecting
the rainscreen clip 22 to the wall securing device 26. Although in
the exemplary embodiment, the wall securing device 26 is a subgirt,
in other embodiments, any device capable of securing the horizontal
joint 40 to the wall 30 can be used.
[0035] Although the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used
herein, the terms are merely used for distinction purposes. In some
embodiments (and described in more detail below), the horizontal
joint can be used in both the horizontal and vertical joint in the
system. Following, both vertical and horizontal joints can be
attached to a wall securing device. When the horizontal joints are
used as both the vertical and horizontal joints in the system, the
horizontal joint is thus representative of both joints in the
system.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a section view of the double
compartment joints are shown. Similar to the single compartment
joints shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double compartment joints each
include a perimeter clip body 52. The perimeter clip bodies of
FIGS. 3 and 4 are the preferred embodiment shape.
[0037] The perimeter clip body 52 can either be a solid extrusion
(which would include the filler strip structures as part of the
single extrusion as well as the rainscreen clip, with respect to
the horizontal joint, shown in FIG. 4) or, can be as shown in FIGS.
3 and 4. Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the perimeter clip body
52 is made form two identical extrusions, and they are connected by
the filler strips 58, 60. The perimeter clip body 52 includes at
least two vents 54, 56 as well as two divider filler strips 58, 60.
The vents 54, 56 allow escape from the wall cavity 20. As described
above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filler strips can be
made of any material. Alternately, the joint can be a single
extrusion, therefore not including filler strips.
[0038] A pocket 62 is formed between each end of the filler strips
58, 60 and the perimeter clip body 52. This pocket 62 is designed
for ventilation and thermal movement. These pockets 60 allows for
pressure equalization and permeability through impermeable
material.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, the vertical joint shown in FIG. 3
is shown along with an illustration of the flow of air through the
joint. The arrows represent the air. The air is blasted against the
wall panels 14 and enters the system and joint through wall cavity
20. Vents 54, 56 provide an escape for the air. The air enters the
vertical joint and flows around the filler strip 58 and into the
compartment. The pocket 62 allows the air to flow through to the
filler strip 60. The pocket 62 forces the air to escape the
compartment.
[0040] In practice, kinetic energy (wind) will increase the air
pressure within the compartment until it equals the applied wind
pressure. When the pressures are equal, water cannot enter the
compartment. This state is attained quickly. Thus, the joints allow
the system (described below) to attain optimal ventilation within
the system, but prevent and minimize water entry. The joints shown
in FIG. 3 and 4 include a number of mechanisms that both promote
ventilation and prevent water from reaching the architectural
structure wall (shown as 90 in FIG. 6).
[0041] Inner flanges A 64 and inner flanges B 66 sit at a range of
0.degree. to 90.degree. from the filler strips 60,58. In the
exemplary embodiment, flanges A 64 sit at 10.degree. and flanges B
sit at 10.degree.. In other embodiments, the flanges sit anywhere
from 0.degree. to 90.degree. from the filler strips 60,58.
[0042] The perimeter clip body 52 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as
the perimeter clip body 52 shown in FIG. 4. Referring now to only
FIG. 4, the addition of the rainscreen 70 modifies the vertical
joint with one compartment into a horizontal joint with two
compartments. In alternate embodiments, the horizontal joint shown
in FIG. 4 can be one solid extrusion, rather than made by combining
the perimeter clip body 52 with the rainscreen 70. In still other
embodiments, the perimeter clip body is shaped differently, but has
at least two compartments.
[0043] Similar to the joint described in FIG. 2, the horizontal
joint attaches to a wall securing device 26 by a means for
attachment 28. This attaches the horizontal joint to the wall
30.
[0044] The length and width of the joints will vary depending on
the architectural structure in which they are being used to hold
wall panels. Thus, the joints can be any length or width desired.
Although not shown in the exemplary embodiment, the perimeter clip
body can have more than two compartments. Referring now to FIGS. 7
and 8, a third filler strip 98 has been added to the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. This third filler strip 90
forms a second compartment in the vertical joint, and a third
compartment in the horizontal joint. Thus, these alternate
embodiments illustrate how the joints can be easily modified to
form additional compartments. For each filler strip added to the
joint, a compartment if formed. Although embodiments showing joints
having 1, 2 and 3 filler strips are shown, the invention includes
joints having any number of filler strips.
[0045] Again, the joint shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the joint in
FIG. 7, except for the addition of the rainscreen clip 70. As
described above, all joint embodiments can be formed from either a
single extrusion, which would include structure for the filler
strips, or, as in the exemplary embodiment, the joints can be
formed from two identical extrusions and filler strips, the filler
strips being attached to both the extrusions so the extrusions
forms the perimeter clip body (10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, 52 in FIGS. 3
and 4).
[0046] The joints shaped to provide ventilation, pressure
equalization chamber buffer(s), internal gutter systems and thermal
movement. The ventilation's function is to allow for permeability
through impermeable cladding material. This second (and third, etc)
pressure equalization compartments are designed to prevent water
penetration for the extreme cases of kinetic energy do to a
torrential rain storm or equal. In addition, under extreme wind
conditions with wider frequency range, the second, third, etc.,
compartments act as secondary buffer for effective pressure
equalization. Weeps located at the bottom of the wall panel allow
for escape from the wall cavity.
[0047] The single compartment system includes at least one single
compartment vertical joint, at least one single compartment
horizontal joint, a means for attachment and a wall securing
device. This system, in conjunction with wall panels used in the
art, allows wall panels to be constructed on the outside of
architectural structures. In other embodiments of the single
compartment system, the system includes two single compartment
horizontal joints and does not include a single compartment
vertical joint. In this embodiment, the system can include wall
securing devices for just the horizontal joints, or for both the
horizontal and vertical joints.
[0048] Whether vertical and horizontal joints are used in the
system, or just horizontal joints, the joints spatially aligned
vertically and horizontally intersect. This is the point of
intersection. The joints are mitered, thus, the point of
intersection forms a completely sealed corner.
[0049] One embodiment of the double compartment system includes at
least one double compartment vertical joint (shown in FIG. 3), at
least one double compartment horizontal joint (shown in FIG. 4), a
means for attachment for each horizontal joint and a wall securing
device for each horizontal joint. This system, in conjunction with
wall panels used in the art, allows wall panels to be constructed
on the outside of architectural structures.
[0050] In other embodiments of the double compartment system, the
system includes two single compartment horizontal joints and does
not include a single compartment vertical joint. In this
embodiment, the system can include wall securing devices for just
the horizontal joints, or for both the horizontal and vertical
joints.
[0051] Whether vertical and horizontal joints are used in the
system, or just horizontal joints, the joints aligned spatially
vertically and horizontally intersect. This is the point of
intersection. The joints are mitered, thus, the point of
intersection forms a completely sealed corner.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, a break away view of one embodiment
double compartment system 80 is shown. In practice, the system
connects wall panels 14 to a wall of an architectural structure
(not shown), and provides a waterproof, air permeable and water
vapor permeable wall for the architectural structure. In this
embodiment, horizontal joints are used in both the horizontal 82
and vertical 84 directions. However, in other embodiments, the
horizontal joint (FIG. 4) is used along the horizontal plane, and
the vertical joint (FIG. 3) is used along the vertical plane.
[0053] In alternate embodiments, the system shown in FIG. 5 can use
two single compartment horizontal joints, two triple compartment
horizontal joints (FIG. 8), or vertical and horizontal joints
having any number of compartments.
[0054] Still referring to FIG. 5, the horizontal joints 82, 84
attach to the wall securing devices 26, 27 which are each in turn
attached to the architectural structure (not shown). In other
embodiments, only the joints along the horizontal plane attach to a
wall securing device, thus, in this embodiment, although a
horizontal joint is used along the vertical plane, a wall securing
device is not attached to the horizontal joint in the vertical
plane.
[0055] The wall panels used in the art include homogenous and
composite wall panels. These are not limited to any substance,
whether solid or composite, and include plastic, aluminum, zinc,
platinum, titanium, copper, steel and any other metal or material
that can be used to make either homogenous or composite wall
paneling.
EXAMPLES
[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the features in this
exemplary embodiment of the horizontal and vertical joints work to
prevent water from penetrating to the architectural wall. This is
proven by the tests represented in the examples below.
[0057] Air infiltration, water penetration, and structural
performance tests of the system installed in a laboratory test
chamber were performed. Wall Assembly A was tested on Apr. 8, 2005,
which Wall Assembly B was tested for water penetration in
accordance with ASTM: E 331 on Apr. 22, 2005, and for water
penetration in accordance with ASTM: E 331 but modified to monitor
air flow as openings were cut in the back-up wall on May 6 and Jun.
7, 2005. The following comments describe the test procedures and
results for each wall assembly.
Descriptions of Wall Assemblies
[0058] Wall Assembly A--Apr. 8, 2005: water penetration air
infiltration, and structural tests were performed on Wall Assembly
A.
[0059] Test Specimen--Description
[0060] The following wall assembly was mounted in a laboratory test
chamber:
[0061] Dimension of Wall: 10 feet high by 10 feet wide
[0062] Framing: 2''.times.6'' steel stud and stud track,
14-gauge
[0063] Sheathing: 5/8'' thick Dens-Glass
[0064] Air Barrier Membrane: Carlisle CCW-705 sheet membrane
waterproofing system was installed over the Dens-Glass sheathing.
An 18-gauge galvanized steel X deep hat bar was installed over the
insulation. Lymo aluminum composite panels were attached to the hat
bar with a continuous piece of extruded aluminum. Each panel
contained two weep holes. Horizontal flashing was installed over
the top of the system.
[0065] Wall Assembly B--April 22, May 6 And Jun. 7, 2005: water
penetration and air infiltration tests were performed on Wall
Assembly B.
[0066] Test Specimen--Description
[0067] The following wall assembly was mounted in our laboratory
test chamber:
[0068] Dimension of Wall: 10 feet high by 10 feet wide
[0069] Framing: 2''.times.6'' steel stud and stud track,
14-gauge
[0070] Sheathing: 3/8'' thick plexiglass
[0071] The joints between abutting sheets of plexiglass were
back-sealed against the steel stud framing with Dow silicone
sealant. At perimeter joints, three to four inch wide strips of
Carlisle CCW-705 sheet waterproofing membrane were installed.
[0072] Over all perimeter joints between the perimeter of the
plexiglass and the chamber walls, at vertical joints between the
plexiglass sheets, and horizontally over the surface of the
plexiglass where fasteners from the plexiglass to the studs were
placed and where the 18-gauge galvanized steel 1/2'' deep bars were
installed.
[0073] Panel System: Two metal panel systems were installed. The
directions of "right" and "left" are from the interior view:
System 1 (Right Side): Standard dry seam metal panel system (prior
art).
System 2 (Left Side): Lymo Dry Seam 3000 panel system with
double-spline system (double compartment system embodiment of
present invention)
[0074] Test Procedures
[0075] A. Air infiltration testing was conducted in accordance with
applicable provisions of ASTM Designation: E 283, "Standard Test
Method for Measurement of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows,
Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences
Across the Specimen."
[0076] B. Water penetration testing was conducted in accordance
with applicable provisions of ASTM Designation: E 331, "Standard
Test Method for Determination of Water Penetration of Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure
Difference." This test method was modified by making openings in
the back-up wall and recording the pressure change and air flow
from the chamber while the volume of air being removed from the
chamber was maintained at a constant rate. The modifications were
used during water testing of Wall Assembly B.
[0077] Test Results
[0078] Wall Assembly A--Apr. 8, 2005
[0079] 1. Air Infiltration@ 1.57 PSF
[0080] Measured Air Leakage: 0.4 cfm
[0081] Calculated Air Infiltration: 0.004 cfm per square foot
[0082] The allowable increase is 0.004 cubic feet per square foot.
The assembly met the requirement for air infiltration of an air
barrier in the Massachusetts Energy Code.
[0083] 2. Water Penetration
[0084] Water was applied to the `exterior` of the panel system at
the standard rate of 5.0 gallons per hour per square foot while a
negative chamber pressure of 6.24 psf was maintained on the
interior of the wall assembly.
[0085] Test 1 @6.24 psf: No leakage was observed on the `interior`
of the chamber or on the surrounding construction during or
following the 15-minute test period.
[0086] Test 2 @15 psf: No leakage was observed on the `interior` of
the chamber or on the surrounding construction during or following
the 15-minute test period.
[0087] Wall Assembly B--April 22, May 6, and Jun. 7, 2005
[0088] Water was applied to the exterior of the panel system at the
standard rate of 5.0 gallons per hour. The following observations
were made during the tests both before and after holes were made in
the sheathing of the back-up wall, with air flow and pressure
readings taken as part of the observations. The directions of
"right" and "left" are from the interior view.
[0089] Test 1 A 0 psf differential pressure was applied to the test
chamber. Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind
the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was
observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel
System (left side).
[0090] Test 2 A 15 psf differential pressure was applied to the
test chamber behind the wall system. Water was observed running
down in the wall cavity behind the standard dry seam metal panel
system (right side). No water was observed in the wall cavity
behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel System (left side). The air
flow from the test chamber recorded during this test was 97
cfm.
[0091] Test 3 A 1/4'' diameter hole was drilled through the
sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve
controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were
not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential
pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 14.35 psf. The air
flow reading was 86 cfm.
[0092] Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind
the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was
observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel
System (left side).
[0093] Test 4 A second 1/4'' diameter hole was drilled through the
sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve
controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were
not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential
pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 13.31 psf. The air
flow reading was 91 cfm.
[0094] Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind
the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was
observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel
System (left side).
[0095] Test 5 A third 1/4'' diameter hole was drilled through the
sheathing on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve
controlling the rate of air extraction from the test chamber were
not changed from the settings for the test chamber differential
pressure of 15 psf. The pressure reading was 12.79 psf. The air
flow reading was 90.6 cfm.
[0096] Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind
the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was
observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel
System (left side).
[0097] Test 6 A 12''.times.12'' hole was cut through the sheathing
on the back-up wall as the vacuum motor and valve controlling the
rate of air extraction from the test chamber were not changed from
the settings for the test chamber differential pressure of 15 psf.
The pressure reading was 0.16 psf. The air flow reading was 81.3
cfm.
[0098] Water was observed running down in the wall cavity behind
the standard dry seam metal panel system (right side). No water was
observed in the wall cavity behind the Lymo Dry Seam 3000 Panel
System (left side).
COMMENTS AND CONCLUSION
[0099] Water was observed in the wall cavity behind a standard dry
seam metal wall panel system prior to allowing the pressure drop to
occur in the wall cavity. The Lymo 3000 double dry seam panel
system was not observed to leak into the wall cavity prior to
allowing the pressure to drop to occur in the wall cavity.
[0100] While the principles of the invention have been described
herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that
this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition
to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention,
which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
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