U.S. patent application number 11/208444 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for adjustable attachment system.
Invention is credited to John Robert III Walker.
Application Number | 20070039258 11/208444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766198 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; John Robert III |
February 22, 2007 |
Adjustable attachment system
Abstract
An adjustable attachment system is provided for attaching a unit
to a base. The adjustable attachment system comprises an embed, a
bridging clip and a locking strip. The bridging clip is adapted for
receiving an attachment piece, to which the unit may be attached.
The embed is positioned in an outward facing surface of the base.
The bridging clip is positioned in the embed at a desired in/out
position. The position of the bridging clip may be adjusted in two
orthogonal directions. The locking strip is inserted between the
bridging clip and the embed to fix the bridging clip in place.
Inventors: |
Walker; John Robert III;
(Plymouth, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
SUITE 1500
50 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-1498
US
|
Family ID: |
37766198 |
Appl. No.: |
11/208444 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/235 ;
52/704 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/4107 20130101;
E04B 2/96 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/235 ;
052/704 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. An adjustable attachment system comprising: an embed for
positioning in a base; a bridging clip configured for insertion in
the embed and adapted for coupling to a unit; and a locking strip
configured for fixing the bridging clip in place in the embed;
wherein the embed and the bridging clip are adapted to engage one
another.
2. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, wherein the embed
and the bridging clip are adapted to engage one another via teeth
provided on a surface of the embed and teeth provided on a surface
of the bridging clip.
3. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, further comprising
end closure arms for positioning along lateral ends of the
embed.
4. The adjustable attachment system of claim 3, further comprising
end seals for positioning between the end closure arms and the
embed. .
5. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, wherein the embed
further comprising upper and lower lips extending along a front
face of the embed.
6. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, wherein the
bridging clip comprises an insertion portion and an end portion,
the end portion being adapted to receive an attachment piece to
which the unit may attached.
7. The adjustable attachment system of claim 6, wherein the
insertion portion comprises a planar portion and an angled
portion.
8. The adjustable attachment system of claim 6, wherein the end
portion comprises a hook portion and an extending portion, the hook
portion being adapted to receive the attachment piece.
9. The adjustable attachment system of claim 6, wherein a position
of a unit with respect to the attachment system is varied depending
on the end portion provided.
10. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, further comprising
an attachment piece configured for attachment to the bridging clip
wherein the unit is coupled to the bridging clip via the attachment
piece.
11. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, further comprising
fasteners for locking the locking strip in place.
12. The adjustable attachment system of claim 1, wherein a front
face of the embed further includes a peel strip.
13. An adjustable attachment system for attaching a curtainwall
unit to a frame, the adjustable attachment system comprising: an
embed for positioning in an outward facing surface of the frame; a
bridging clip configured for insertion in the embed; an attachment
piece adapted for coupling the curtainwall unit to the bridging
clip; and a locking strip configured for fixing the bridging clip
in place in the embed; wherein the embed and the bridging clip are
adapted to engage one another.
14. The adjustable attachment system of claim 13, wherein the embed
and the bridging clip are adapted to engage one another via teeth
provided on a surface of the embed and teeth provided on a surface
of the bridging clip.
15. The adjustable attachment system of claim 13, wherein a front
face of the embed further includes a peel strip.
16. A curtainwall system comprising the adjustable attachment
system of claim 13.
17. A method of attaching a unit to an outward facing surface of a
base, the method comprising: positioning an embed in the base;
inserting a bridging clip in the embed; positioning the bridging
clip at a desired position within the embed; and inserting a
locking strip in a space between the bridging clip and the
embed.
18. The method of claim 17, further including selecting an end
portion for the bridging clip to set the spacing of the unit from
the outward facing surface of the base.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising accessing an
interior of the embed by removing a peel strip.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising engaging the
bridging clip in the embed by engaging teeth of the bridging clip
with teeth of the embed.
21. A method of attaching a curtainwall unit to an outward facing
surface of a frame, the method comprising: placing an embed in a
concrete form; pouring concrete in the form; inserting a bridging
clip in the embed; positioning the bridging clip at a desired
position within the embed; and inserting a locking strip in a space
between the bridging clip and the embed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable attachment
system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
adjustable attachment system wherein a bridging clip adapted for
receiving an attached component is placed in an embed and the
positioning of the bridging clip may be adjusted in two orthogonal
directions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Construction technology often employs unitized curtainwall
units that are anchored to the building structure. A curtainwall
system is a lightweight exterior cladding which is hung on the
building structure, usually from floor to floor. It can provide a
variety of exterior appearances. Curtainwalls are designed to
accommodate structural deflections, control wind-driven rain and
air leakage, minimize the effects of solar radiation, and provide
for maintenance-free long term performance.
[0003] The curtainwall is an external, lightweight, generally
non-loadbearing wall that is hung from a frame rather than built up
from the ground; the framework it shields is usually of concrete or
steel. Curtainwalls may be used with any suitable structure but are
typically used in high-rise blocks. Typically light, the use of
curtainwalls reduces the forces on the foundations, making the
building lighter. Curtainwalls are a form of prefabricated
construction and can be installed with relative ease, even at
significant heights above the ground. Curtainwalls are frequently
produced in a ready-to-install form, and thus can be installed as
discrete building units.
[0004] One aspect of both the design and the installation of a
curtainwall is its anchorage to the building structure. Generally,
the curtainwall units are anchored to concrete floor slabs, columns
and/or shear wall of building structures. Many types of anchor and
a variety of methods are used.
[0005] Prior art attachment mechanisms for anchoring the
curtainwall units to the building structure generally comprise
manufactured plates, channel struts, and drilled anchor bolts.
Strut type embeds are used in attachment to the face of slab, to
columns, or to shear walls. The distance from the building frame
face (slab, shear wall, or column) to the back of the curtainwall
is desired at approximately at least 2.5 times the specified
allowable concrete tolerance plus the bridging clips thickness.
Embedded strut type embeds typically have limited, preset depth and
thus have no capability for in/out adjustment perpendicular to the
plane of the frame to absorb tolerance. Thus, strut type embeds
have lateral adjustment only in the plane of the slab, column, or
shear wall. In order to effect in/out adjustment, complex two-part
primary bridging clips plus ancillary parts are used and must be
bolted or welded together to form an assembly. The assembly is then
bolted to the strut embed. Protrusions such as the protrusion of
the assembly from the strut embed may encroach on the in/out
tolerance desired with the distance from the building frame.
Further, the two-part bridging clips used for strut type embeds
generally interfere and or extend into the plane of the backside of
the curtainwall units.
[0006] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate prior art anchor systems for attaching
a curtainwall to a building frame. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a face
of slab anchor system 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a top of slab anchor
system 102. As shown, the face of slab anchor system 100 comprises
an embed anchor 104, an adjustment piece 106, and an attached piece
110. The embed anchor 104 extends a preset amount into the slab
112. In/out adjustability is provided by the adjustment piece 108.
The adjustment piece 108 extends from the face of the slab 112 and
thus encroaches on the in/out tolerance of the distance of the
attached piece 110 to the slab 112. The attached piece 110 is
coupled to the adjustment piece 106.
[0007] The top of slab anchor system 102 of FIG. 3 illustrates an
embed anchor 114, an adjustment and attachment piece 116, and an
attached piece 118. The embed anchor 114 is anchored in the top of
the slab 112. The adjustment and attachment piece 116 extends
towards the face of the slab 112. The amount of extension of the
adjustment and attachment piece 116 determines whether the
adjustment and attachment piece 116 is flush with the face of the
slab 112 or extends beyond the face of the slab 112. The attached
piece 118 is coupled to the adjustment and attachment piece 116.
This coupling may be achieved directly or indirectly.
[0008] In the past, it has been desirable to locate an anchor in an
easily accessible location on top of the floor slab because, while
a location on the slab edge, or on the outward facing surface of
the frame, is feasible, drilling and welding on the slab edge is
more difficult and there is less room for adjustment to accommodate
building frame variations. Curtainwall units must be anchored and
fixed to a precise theoretical location in space irrespective to
the frame's finished location. The difference between the two
locations is referred to as tolerance. To bridge the difference in
these locations, manufactured parts known as adjustable anchor
clips (or adjustable secondary bridging clips) are employed. The
clips are typically made utilizing slotted holes, shims or field
welding to make the connection between the point of attachment on a
building structure and a curtainwall unit.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An adjustable attachment system and method for attaching a
unit to a base is provided.
[0010] The adjustable attachment system comprises an embed, a
bridging clip and a locking strip. The embed and bridging clip are
configured for the bridging clip to be inserted within the embed
and the bridging clip and the embed to engage one another. The
locking strip is configured for insertion in a space between the
bridging clip and the embed to fix the bridging clip in place. The
bridging clip may further be adapted for receiving an attachment
piece. The embed is anchored to the base and the bridging clip is
coupled, directly or indirectly, to the unit to be attached. For
attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame, the embed is
anchored in the frame and the bridging clip is coupled to the
curtainwall unit.
[0011] The method of attaching a unit to a base comprises placing
the embed in a base. For example, the embed may be placed in a
concrete form and concrete poured into the form. A bridging clip is
inserted in the embed, and positioned at a desired position within
the embed. A locking strip is inserted in a space between the
bridging clip and the embed. The unit is coupled to the bridging
clip. Optionally, an attachment piece may be used to couple the
unit to the bridging clip.
[0012] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As
will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in
various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art anchor for attaching a
curtainwall unit to a building frame.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art anchor for attaching a
curtainwall unit to a building frame.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art anchor for attaching a
curtainwall unit to a building frame.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable attachment system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable attachment system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable attachment system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an embed for use with an
adjustable attachment system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an embed for use with an
adjustable attachment system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a bridging clip for use
with an adjustable attachment system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a locking strip 16 being
inserted into an adjustable attachment system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a locking strip 16 being
fixed into place in an adjustable attachment system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of an assembled adjustable
attachment system with a curtainwall hanging therefrom in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an assembled adjustable
attachment system with a curtainwall hanging therefrom in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an assembled adjustable
attachment system with a curtainwall hanging therefrom in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of an assembled adjustable
attachment system positioned in a frame with a curtainwall hanging
therefrom.
[0038] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of an assembled adjustable
attachment system positioned in a frame with a curtainwall hanging
therefrom.
[0039] FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable attachment system for attaching a pipe to a base in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] An adjustable attachment system is provided for attaching a
unit to a base. While the adjustable attachment system is discussed
in reference to attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame,
the adjustable attachment system may be used to attach any unit to
any base. For example, the adjustable attachment system may be used
to attach a pipe to a base. Further, the attachment system may be
used to attach any unit to any surface of a base. For example, the
adjustable attachment system may be used to attach a unit to a top
surface, bottom surface, or side surface of a base.
[0041] The adjustable attachment system permits adjustment in two
orthogonal directions, in/out and laterally. Additionally, up/down
adjustment may be provided using attachment pieces. The adjustable
attachment system comprises an embed, a bridging clip, and a
locking strip. The bridging clip may be connected to the embed
without the use of bolts and nuts or field welding. The bridging
clip thus does not require holes, slots or notches. The adjustable
attachment system simplifies locating a curtainwall anchor in the
outward facing surface of the frame. Using the adjustable
attachment system, the speed of erection and placement of
curtainwall units is increased while costs are decreased.
[0042] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate exploded views of alternate
embodiments of an adjustable attachment system 10. As shown, the
adjustable attachment system 10 comprises an embed, a bridging clip
(or anchor plate) 14, and a locking strip (or wedge block) 16. A
peel strip 18, described more fully below, may be provided along a
front face of the embed 12.
[0043] The embed 12 is positioned in a recess in an outward facing
surface of base, as described more fully below. The outward facing
surface may be any surface of the base. Thus, for example, the
outward facing surface may be a top surface, a bottom surface, or a
side surface. The bridging clip 14 is inserted into the embed 12 to
a desired in/out position. Teeth 13 are provided along at least one
of an upper and lower inner surface of the embed 12. Corresponding
teeth 15 are provided along at least one of an upper and lower
surface of the bridging clip 14. Once the bridging clip 14 is in
the desired in/out position, the teeth 15 on the bridging clip 14
are engaged with the teeth 13 of the embed 12. Thus, teeth 15
provided along an upper surface of the bridging clip 14 engage
teeth 13 provided along an upper inner surface of the embed 12.
Similarly, teeth 15 provided along a lower surface of the bridging
clip 14 engage teeth 13 provided along a lower surface of the embed
12. The position of the bridging clip 14 in the embed 12 may be
adjusted laterally. When the desired position is achieved, the
locking strip 16 is inserted between the bridging clip 14 and the
embed 16 to fix the bridging clip 14 in place.
[0044] Thus, adjustment of the bridging clip 14 is allowed in two
orthogonal directions, in/out and laterally. The bridging clip 14
may be connected to the embed 12 without using bolts and nuts or
field welding (though bolts, nuts, field welding or other
construction techniques may be used if desired).
[0045] End closure arms 20 (or anchor plates) may provided with the
adjustable attachment system. FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 each illustrate
alternate embodiments of the end closure arms 20. The end closure
arms 20 operate to seal the interior of the embed 12 from leakage
of material along the sides 24 of the embed 12. The end closure
arms 20 further provide increased gripping surface along the embed
12. Thus, if the embed 12 is used with a concrete structure and
concrete is poured around the embed 12, the concrete has the
increased gripping surface of the end closure arms 20 for
engagement.
[0046] In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, end seals 22 are
provided for positioning between the embed 12 and the end closure
arms 20. Thus, after assembled for positioning within the recess,
sides 24 of the embed 12 are coupled to the end seals 22 and the
end seals 22 are in turn coupled to the end closure arms 20. The
embed 12, end seals 22 and end closure arms 20 may be coupled to
one another in any suitable manner. For example, fasteners such as
screws 26 may be used. Alternately, the embed 12, end seals 22 and
end closure arms 20 may be welded together.
[0047] The configuration of the end closure arms 20 and the end
seals 22 may vary. FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate various
configurations of the end closure arms 20 and the end seals 22 but
other configurations, as would be known to one skilled in the art,
may be used. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the end closure arms 20 comprise
supporting extensions 21 extending laterally over the embed 12. In
those embodiments, the profile of the end closure arms 20 thus
varies along a portion of the end closure arms 20. In FIG. 4, the
end seal 22 correspondingly has a varied profile. In contrast, in
FIG. 5, the end seal 22 has a profile that remains substantially
unchanged over the entire length thereof. In FIG. 6, no end seal 22
is used and the profile of the end closure arms 20 remains
substantially unchanged over the entire length thereof.
[0048] In alternate embodiments, only the end seals 22 may be used
to seal the sides 24 of the embed 12. Alternately, other means of
sealing the sides 24 of the embed 12 may be employed. For example,
the embed 12 may be manufactured with closed sides 24.
[0049] The embed 12 may be provided with a peel strip 18. The peel
strip 18 seals a front portion 26 of the embed 12. The embed 12,
may thus be positioned in the recess with the peel strip 18 intact.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embed 12 with the peel strip 18 intact. In
attaching a curtainwall to a building frame, the embed is
positioned in a concrete form and concrete is poured. Once
positioned and once surrounding concrete is hardened and/or there
is a reduced risk of intrusion of materials through the front
portion 26 of the embed 12, the peel strip 18 may be removed. FIG.
8 illustrates an embed 12 with the peel strip 18 removed. The embed
12 and peel strip 18 may be provided in any configuration suitable
for removal of the peel strip 18 from the front portion 26 of the
embed 12. For example, perforations or grooves may be provided
along the border of the peel strip 18 with the embed 12. Provision
of a peel strip 18 enables the embed 12 to be extruded as a hollow
rather than a semi-hollow. In lieu of a peel strip, a plug may be
provided along the front portion 26 of the embed 12. For example, a
closed cell foam plug may be used to seal the interior of the embed
12 along the front portion 26 of the embed 12.
[0050] As can be seen in FIGS. 4-8, the embed 12 has a front facing
portion including lips 17 and 19. The extension of the lips 17 and
19 may vary. Further, the extension of the upper lip 17 may be
different from the extension of the lower lip 19. The lips 17, 19
extend along the outward facing surface of the frame. The embed 12
may further be provided with rebar holes 27 for receiving a rebar
rod to reinforce the embed 12.
[0051] Teeth 13 and 15 are provided along a surface of the bridging
clip 14 and a surface of the embed 12. The teeth 13 and 15 engage
one another to fix the bridging clip 14 within the embed 12. In
alternate embodiments, other means of engaging the bridging clip 14
with the embed 12 may be used. For example, the bridging clip 14
may be fastened to the embed 12 using conventional fasteners, other
friction fitting, or any suitable means.
[0052] The teeth 13 of the embed 12 and the teeth 15 of the
bridging clip 14 may be configured in any engaging configuration so
long as the teeth 13 engage with the teeth 15. In one embodiment,
as seen most clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8, the teeth 13 of the embed 12
comprise an upwardly extending portion 21 and a slanted surface 23,
the slanted surface 23 extending from a base point along the embed
12 to the top point of the upwardly extending portion 21. As shown,
the slanted surfaces 23 extend rearwardly away from the front
facing portion of the embed 12. The corresponding teeth 15 on the
bridging clip 14 comprise an upwardly extending portion and a
slanted surface wherein the slated surface extends forwardly
towards a front facing portion of the bridging clip 14. Thus, the
teeth 15 of the bridging clip 14 slide along the surface of the
teeth 13 of the embed 12. Once in position, the teeth 15 of the
bridging clip 14 engage the teeth 13 of the embed 12 and the
bridging clip 14 cannot be removed merely by pulling on bridging
clip 14. To remove the bridging clip 14, the bridging clip must be
lifted or otherwise positioned to disengage the teeth 15 of the
bridging clip 14 from the teeth 13 of the embed 12.
[0053] FIGS. 9-19 illustrate various embodiments of a bridging clip
15. As shown, the bridging clip 14 comprises an insertion portion
28 and an end portion 30. The insertion portion 28 comprises a
planar portion 32 and an angled portion 34. In the embodiments
shown, the angled portion 34 angles upwardly. A lower surface of
the planar portion 32 and an upper surface of the angled portion 34
include teeth 15. Alternately, the bridging clip 14 may be
configured with an angled portion extending downwardly, teeth 15
being provided on a lower surface of the angled portion 32 and an
upper portion of the planar portion 28. Further, only one of the
planar portion 30 and the angled portion 32 may be provided with
teeth.
[0054] Each of FIGS. 9-15 illustrate alternate embodiments of end
portions 30 of a bridging clip 14. The configuration of the end
portion 30 and/or the provision of an attachment piece may be used
to afford further adjustability to the adjustable attachment
system. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate bridging clips 14 having end
portions 30 comprising a hook portion 31 and an extending portion
33. In FIGS. 13-15, the hook portions 31 are substantially the same
with the end portion 30 being varied for engagement with attachment
pieces 35.
[0055] FIGS. 16-19 illustrate attachment pieces 35 engaged with the
end portions 30 of the bridging clips 14. After positioning of the
adjustable attachment system 10 in the frame, an attachment piece
35 may be provided to engage the end portion 30 of the bridging
clip 14. Thus, the configuration of the end portion 30 determines
the placement of the unit from the adjustable attachment system 10.
Thus, for example, the unit may be placed at a slightly varying
distance from the adjustable attachment system 10. Further, the
unit may be hung such that the upper limit of the attachment piece
35 is at the same plane as the adjustable attachment system 10
(see, for example, FIGS. 17 and 19), is above the plane of the
adjustable attachment system (see, for example, FIG. 18), or is
below the plane of the adjustable attachment system (see, for
example, FIG. 16).
[0056] Referring back to FIG. 6, a bridging clip 14 is shown having
only a planar portion 32.
[0057] Each of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate alternate embodiments
of a locking strip 16. Any suitable configuration of locking strip
16 may be used so long as it operates to fix the bridging clip 14
into the embed 12 in the desired position. Permanent fixtures may
be used to permanently fix the locking strip 16 in place. FIGS. 19
and 20 illustrate the locking strip 16 being inserted between the
embed 12 and the bridging clip 14 and the locking strip 16 being
fixed in place using fasteners 38.
[0058] FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 show assembled adjustable attachment
system with a curtainwall unit 36 hanging therefrom. Each of FIGS.
22, 23, and 24 show a bridging clip 14 at a different position.
FIG. 22 illustrates an in/out position of the bridging clip 14
within the embed 12 wherein the attachment piece 35 and attached
curtainwall unit 36 hang some distance from the outward facing
surface of the frame. FIG. 23 illustrates an in/out position of the
bridging clip 14 within the embed 12 wherein the attachment piece
35 and attached curtainwall unit 36 hang a distance from the
outward facing surface of the frame less than the distance of FIG.
22. FIG. 23 illustrates an in/out position of the bridging clip 14
within the embed 12 wherein the bridging clip 14 is at its maximum
depth within the embed 12 and, thus, the attachment piece 35 and
attached curtainwall unit 36 hang a minimal distance from the
outward facing surface of the frame.
[0059] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate adjustable attachment systems 10
positioned in a frame 37 with an attachment piece 35 and attached
curtainwall unit 36 hanging therefrom. In the embodiment of FIG.
25, the bridging clip 14 comprises an insertion portion having a
planar portion 32 and an angled portion 34. In the embodiment of
FIG. 26, the bridging clip 14 comprises an insertion portion having
only a planar portion 32.
[0060] The embed 12 may be manufactured of any suitable material.
For example, the embed 12 may be manufactured of extruded or cast
aluminum or cast or forged steel. Thus, the embed 12 may be
manufactured using any suitable process including extrusion (as a
hollow or a semi-hollow), casting, and forging. Further, the embed
12 may be manufactured of plastic or other materials. The surfaces
of the embed 12 that are exposed to the frame may be pretreated to
resist corrosion or galvanic reaction. Thus, the embed may be
covered with an isolation material. For example, when the embed 12
is to be placed in a concrete frame, the surfaces of the embed 12
to be exposed to the concrete may be pretreated with bituminous
paint, dielectric isolator tape, or other protecting coating. The
bridging clip 14 may also be manufactured of any suitable material.
For example, the bridging clip 14 may be manufactured of extruded
or cast aluminum or cast or forged steel. The teeth 13 of the embed
12 and the teeth 15 of the bridging clip 14 are matched to engage
and interlock, thereby allowing adjustments to be made to locate
the bridging clip 14 both in and out and laterally from the plane
of the frame, the face of the slap, the column or shear wall.
[0061] For attaching a curtainwall unit to a building frame, the
adjustable embed 12 (with end closure arms 20 and end seals 22 if
provided) may be placed in concrete forms prior to pouring of the
concrete with a designated face to be placed against the formwork.
After pouring, the inside of the embed 12 is accessed by removing
the peel strip 18 (or other sealing means) at the designated
outboard positioned face after the formwork has been removed. The
bridging clip 14 may then be inserted and positioned within the
embed 12. After positioning, the locking strip 16 is inserted into
the known dimensioned space above the bridging clip 14. In some
embodiments, an end portion 30 may be coupled to the bridging clip
14 to customize the position of the curtainwall with respect to the
adjustable attachment system 10.
[0062] FIG. 27 illustrates an adjustable attachment system used for
attaching a pipe 42 to a base 44. The adjustable attachment system
10 comprises an embed 12, a bridging clip (or anchor plate) 14, and
a locking strip (or wedge block) 16. The embed 12 is positioned in
a recess in an outward facing surface of base. The outward facing
surface may be any surface of the base. Thus, for example, the
outward facing surface may be a top surface, a bottom surface, or a
side surface. The bridging clip 14 is inserted into the embed 12 to
a desired in/out position. As with the embodiments described above,
teeth are provided along at least one of an upper and lower inner
surface of the embed. Corresponding teeth are provided along at
least one of an upper and lower surface of the bridging clip. Once
the bridging clip 14 is in the desired in/out position, the teeth
on the bridging clip 14 are engaged with the teeth of the embed 12.
The position of the bridging clip 14 in the embed 12 may be
adjusted laterally. When the desired position is achieved, the
locking strip 16 is inserted between the bridging clip 14 and the
embed 16 to fix the bridging clip 14 in place. An attachment piece
40 is provided configured for attachment to a pipe 42. The
attachment piece 40 is coupled to the bridging clip 14. In
alternative configurations, other configurations of attachment
piece 40 may be provided for attachment to other units.
[0063] The adjustable attachment system may be used for attaching
any suitable unit to any suitable base. For example, the base may
be a wood, drywall, brick, concrete, steel, or other. The base may
comprise a frame structure, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, or any
other structural component. The embed 12 of the attachment system
may be provided in the base in any suitable manner. For example,
the embed 12 may be placed in concrete, the embed 12 may be built
into a brick wall, the embed 12 may be anchored into a drywall
sheet, or the embed 12 may be fastened to a wood piece.
[0064] The length of the embed 12 and the bridging clip 14 may be
varied to vary the load capacity of the adjustable attachment
system 10. More specifically, the longer the embed 12 and the
bridging clip 14, the higher the load capacity of the adjustable
attachment system 10. Further, in order to increase the load
capacity of the adjustable attachment system 10, rebar may be slid
through the embed 12.
[0065] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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