U.S. patent application number 11/838646 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for ventilated translucent block with solar reflective panel.
Invention is credited to Samuel R. Regina.
Application Number | 20070277461 11/838646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33422484 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Regina; Samuel R. |
December 6, 2007 |
VENTILATED TRANSLUCENT BLOCK WITH SOLAR REFLECTIVE PANEL
Abstract
A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in
wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective
material disposed therein to define two compartments within the
plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic
block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to
alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block
and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that
may occur.
Inventors: |
Regina; Samuel R.; (Tempe,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. ROBERT VON HELLENS;CAHILL, VON HELLENS & GLAZER P.L.C.
155 PARK ONE,
2141 E. HIGHLAND AVENUE
PHOENIX
AZ
85016
US
|
Family ID: |
33422484 |
Appl. No.: |
11/838646 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10684921 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
7254924 |
|
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11838646 |
Aug 14, 2007 |
|
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|
10142306 |
May 8, 2002 |
6988341 |
|
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10684921 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/306 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 1/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/306 |
International
Class: |
E04C 1/42 20060101
E04C001/42 |
Claims
1. A vented hollow plastic block for use in a wall section or
panel, said plastic block comprising in combination; a) a pair of
members, each of said members including a continuous side wall,
said side wall of one of said members including a lip and said side
wall of the other of said members including a shelf for receiving
and mating with said lip and forming a junction; b) a sheet of
material adapted for partly reflecting solar radiation, said sheet
of material being located interior of and extending across said
plastic block; and c) a vent extending through one of said side
walls.
2. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the said vent has an area equivalent to a circle having a diameter
in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.25 inches.
3. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 2 wherein
said vent has an area equivalent to a circle having a diameter in
the range of about 0.012 inches to about 0.015 inches.
4. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 1 wherein
each of said members is of translucent plastic material.
5. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 1 wherein
each of said members is of transparent plastic material.
6. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said sheet of material defines two compartments within said plastic
block.
7. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 6 wherein
said sheet of material includes a slot adapted to provide fluid
communication between said two compartments.
8. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 7 wherein
said slot is essentially coincident with said vent.
9. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said sheet of material is disposed at said junction.
10. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 9 wherein
the peripheral edge of said sheet of material is coincident with
said shelf and retained thereagainst by said lip.
11. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 10
including an adhesive for securing said sheet of material in
place.
12. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 9
including an adhesive for securing said sheet of material in
place.
13. A vented hollow plastic block for use in a wall section, said
plastic block comprising in combination; a) a pair of members, each
of said members including a continuous side wall and defining an
edge, said edge of one of said members being mated with said edge
of the other of said members to form a junction; b) a vent disposed
in at least one of said side walls, said vent having an area
equivalent to a circle having a diameter in the range of about
0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches; c) a sheet of material disposed
within said plastic block and supported by said side wall of at
least one member of said pair of members and adapted to define two
compartments within said plastic block; and d) a further vent
disposed in said sheet of material for providing fluid
communication between said two compartments.
14. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 13
wherein said aperture has an area equivalent to a circle having a
diameter in the range of about 0.012 inches to about 0.015
inches.
15. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 13
wherein said vent and said further vent are substantially
coincident.
16. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 15
wherein said vent and said further vent are juxtaposed with one
another.
17. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 13
wherein each of said members is of translucent plastic
material.
18. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 13
wherein each of said members is of transparent plastic
material.
19. The vented hollow plastic block as set forth in claim 13
wherein each of said members is square in planform and wherein said
sheet of material is square in planform.
20. A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block of use in
a wall section, said plastic block comprising in combination; a) a
pair of members, each of said members including a continuous side
wall; b) a sheet of material extending across the interior of said
plastic block; c) said side wall of one of said members being in
sealed engagement with said side wall of the other of said members;
and d) a vent disposed in one of said side walls and adapted to be
in fluid communication with the interior of said plastic block.
21. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 20 wherein said vent having an area equivalent to a
circle having a diameter in the range of about 0.005 inches to
about 0.25 inches.
22. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 21 wherein said vent has an area equivalent to a
circle having a diameter in the range of about 0.012 inches to
about 0.015 inches.
23. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 20 wherein said sheet of material defines two
compartments within said plastic block.
24. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 23 wherein said sealed engagement is adapted to
support said sheet of material.
25. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 24 wherein said vent is formed at the junction of
said side walls including a further vent disposed in said sheet of
material.
26. The vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block as set
forth in claim 25 wherein said further vent is substantially
coincident with said vent.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of a patent
application entitled "Solar Reflective Ventilated Translucent
Blocks", filed Oct. 14, 2003 and assigned Ser. No. 10/684,921,
which application is a continuation-in-part application of an
application entitled "Ventilated Interlocking Translucent Blocks",
filed May 8, 2002, and assigned Ser. No. 10/142,306 now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,988,341 describing an invention by the present inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to transparent/translucent
blocks as building materials used in commercial and residential
construction and, more particularly, to ventilated interlocking
blocks of manmade materials and having a solar reflective panel
peripherally supported therein.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] For decades, hollow glass blocks have been used to form
interior or exterior walls or sections thereof in order to permit
transmission of light through such walls. Usually, these glass
blocks distort any images viewed therethrough or the blocks may be
translucent to permit passage of light and yet provide a
significant degree of privacy. For example, glass blocks have been
used as part of a bathroom wall to permit transmission of light
therethrough, particularly important if there are no windows in the
bathroom, and yet provide privacy. In a commercial or private
environment, walls or wall dividers have been formed of translucent
hollow glass blocks to delineate floor space while accommodating
light transmission therethrough to create a more airy and open
environment without compromising privacy.
[0006] Hollow glass blocks serve the sought end result very well
but several difficulties are created. First, the glass blocks are
relatively heavy and generally are only permitted to be used under
building codes in conjunction with supporting brick walls;
conventional wood frame construction is generally considered of
insufficient structural strength to support a panel of glass
blocks. Second, transport of the glass blocks from a point of
manufacturer to the end user is generally expensive because of the
weight and the attendant crating and shipping costs. Third, in
order to accommodate the change in pressure within the hollow part
of the glass block due to temperature and elevational changes, the
glass walls must be very thick. Fourth, assembling a wall, wall
section or panel of glass blocks requires a skilled artesian to
properly align the glass blocks and to exercise skill in securing
the glass blocks to one another with a binding agent. Fifth,
exterior walls of glass block permit solar transmission
therethrough causing heating of the environment interior of the
glass block panel.
[0007] To overcome the weight and handling difficulties attendant
hollow glass blocks, hollow blocks of transparent/translucent
manmade materials have been developed; hereinafter referred to as
plastic blocks. These plastic blocks generally include interlocking
elements to permit seating and rapid assembly. In some
circumstances, depending upon the configuration and use of the
plastic block, a binding and/or sealing agent must be used. The
primary benefits of plastic blocks include light weight, ease of
handling and installation, and relatively low cost.
[0008] The plastic blocks are hollow and the interior space is
sealed against intrusion of foreign matter as well as air. In
response to temperature changes or changes in elevation (primarily
during shipping), the pressure within the plastic blocks increases
and decreases proportionately. The pressure changes within the
plastic blocks generally result in inward or outward flexing of the
walls of the plastic block. Such flexing creates stresses within
the plastic material. During cleaning with conventional cleaning
agents, lines of stress become visually apparent. The resulting
disfiguration becomes permanent and compromises the aesthetics of
the wall, wall section or panel formed of the plastic blocks.
[0009] As with glass blocks, transparent or translucent plastic
blocks permit penetration of solar radiation. The solar radiation
transmitted into the plastic block impinges upon the interior side
wall and causes heating of the interior side wall. Heat from the
side wall will radiate into the adjacent environment and raise its
temperature. Furthermore, solar radiation transmitted through the
plastic block will heat any solar radiation impinged objects and
the temperature of the ambient environment will be raised. If the
solar radiation is particularly intense, it can also cause damage
to or deterioration of objects by heating them or if they are
sensitive the frequency spectrum of the solar radiation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to ventilated transparent
and/or translucent hollow plastic blocks having interlocking
elements for rapidly building a wall, a wall section or a panel of
such plastic blocks. Ventilation of the plastic blocks to avoid
imposing stresses on the walls of the plastic blocks due to
temperature changes and elevational changes is provided. A sheet of
material for reducing transmission of solar radiation through the
plastic block extends across the interior of the plastic block.
Equalization of pressure within each plastic block with the ambient
pressure is provided by a single vent disposed in the bottom side
wall of a mounted plastic block. The vent is also in fluid
communication with the interior space or compartment on either side
of the sheet of material.
[0011] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
provide a ventilated plastic block that reduces transmission of
solar radiation therethrough.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
ventilated translucent or transparent plastic block for use as a
wall section or panel that reduces heating of the plastic block
adjacent the interior surface of the wall section or panel.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
sun screen interior of a ventilated plastic block.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
is to provide a single vent for ventilating the space on either
side of a sun screen extending across the interior of a plastic
block used in the construction of a wall or of a panel.
[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
specifically located single aperture serving as a vent in a
transparent or translucent hollow plastic block to reduce the
likelihood of condensation settling on the interior surfaces of the
hollow plastic block or on a sun screen disposed therein.
[0016] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a two part ventilated transparent or translucent plastic block
having a sun screen mounted therebetween.
[0017] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a method for assembling a sun screen within a hollow
transparent or translucent plastic block.
[0018] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a method for avoiding stressing the side walls of a hollow
plastic block and a sun screen disposed therein due to pressure
changes resulting from temperature and elevational changes.
[0019] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a method for reducing transmission of solar energy through
a hollow transparent or translucent plastic block.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art as the description there
proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention will be described with greater
specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of interlocked plastic
blocks;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 2-2, as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view taken along lines 3A-3A,
as shown in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 3B illustrates a variant of the ventilation aperture
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 4-4, as
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0027] FIG. 5A illustrates the two halves or members of a plastic
block prior to assembly;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a detailed view of the section encircled and
identified with reference numeral 5B shown in FIG. 5A;
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the two halves or members of a plastic
block prior to assembly and having an interleaved sheet of sun
screen;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial view illustrating the vent in the
plastic block in fluid communication with the space or compartment
on either side of the sun screen;
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates the reflection of solar radiation of a
transparent or translucent plastic block having an interiorly
located sun screen;
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross section of two
interlocked plastic blocks, each plastic block supporting a sun
screen retained without an adhesive at the junction of the members
of the plastic blocks;
[0033] FIG. 9A is a detail view taken within dashed circle 9A and
illustrates the use of an adhesive to retain the sun screen;
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a plastic block set within a vinyl
frame;
[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates a plastic block set within an aluminum
frame; and
[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of transparent or
translucent plastic blocks mounted within a circumscribing
frame.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] Interlocking unventilated plastic locks have been developed
by the applicant, as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,836,125. The illustrations and writings contained therein are
incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, many of the features
common with the present invention, particularly with respect to the
interlocking and alignment elements, will be only summarily
discussed as the details thereof are set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
5,836,125.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a plurality of
interlocking plastic blocks 10, 10A and 10B which are preferably,
but not necessarily, of acrylic material. Edge 12 of each plastic
block includes two pairs of alignment tabs 14A, 14B and 16A, 16B.
The tabs of each pair of these pairs of tabs are relatively widely
spaced from one another, as illustrated. Opposite edge 18 of
plastic block 10 includes two pairs of alignment tabs of which tabs
15A, 15B are shown; these pairs of tabs are spaced closer to one
another than pairs of tabs 14A, 14B and 16A, 16B. Edge 20 of each
plastic block also includes two pairs of alignment tabs 22A,22B and
24A,24B. The space between the alignment tabs of these two pairs of
tabs is less than the space between pairs of alignment tabs 14A,
14B and 16A, 16B and corresponds with the spacing of pairs of tabs
15A, 15B. Edge 26 of each plastic block includes two pairs of
alignment tabs equivalent in spacing and location to pairs of
alignment tabs 14A, 14B and 16A, 16B. Each of these alignment tabs
bears against the inside surface of a corresponding one of
circumferential flanges 30, 32 of an adjacent interlocking plastic
block. Moreover, flanges 30, 32 serve as the bearing surfaces
between adjacent blocks. Thereby, plastic blocks 10, 10A and 10B
are easily assembled with one another in perfect alignment to form
a wall section, window, divider, etc.
[0039] Generally, an assembly of plastic blocks is bounded by
structure such as a strap or the like to ensure stability of the
assembled structure wherein the structure is to be used.
Additionally, a frame of wood, metal or other material may be used
as a boundary within which the plastic blocks are mounted. A mastic
or other binding agent may be used to secure the blocks to one
another.
[0040] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, a snap fit mechanism may be
incorporated to retain the blocks in place with one another during
assembly. As the details of the snap fit mechanism are further
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,125 the following discussion will
be relatively brief. Snap fit mechanism 40 may include a female
receptacle 42 to be engaged by a male coupling 44. The female
receptacle includes a pair of cylindrical locking members 46,48
located at the extremity of respective wall members 50,52. Male
coupling 44 includes a cylindrical member 54 supported upon a wall
member 56. As shown in FIG. 2, the spacing between cylindrical
members 46,48 of female receptacle 44 is less than the diameter of
cylindrical member 54 of male coupling 44. To permit penetration
therebetween, wall members 50,52 of the female receptacle are
resilient and sufficiently flexible to permit insertion and removal
of the male coupling. As shown in FIG. 1, and other figures, each
side of each plastic block may include a pair of snap fit
mechanisms 40. As further noted in FIG. 1, edge 12 supports a male
coupling 44 and opposite edge 18 supports a female receptacle 42.
Edge 20 supports a female receptacle 42 and opposite edge 26
supports a male coupling 44. Thereby, the plastic blocks will be
oriented to locate bottom edge 18 of one plastic block adjacent the
top edge of another plastic block. When such placement occurs, the
alignment tabs will be properly mated and the corresponding snap
fit mechanisms will be functional.
[0041] As particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, each of the plastic
blocks (10, 10A, 10B) is formed of two members 60,62. Member 60
includes a four-sided side wall 64 and member 62 includes a similar
four-sided side wall 66. For structural reasons and to obtain a
good bond between the members, side wall 64 includes a peripheral
lip 68 that mates with a peripheral undercut 70 in side wall 66.
Upon mating and bonding members 60,62 with one another, an enclosed
space is formed within the two members.
[0042] During transport of the plastic blocks, changes of elevation
occur. Such changes of elevation would create a pressure
differential between the space interior of each plastic block and
ambient pressure. Unless each plastic block were vented, such
pressure differential would cause the sides of the plastic block to
flex in response to the degree of pressure differential. Similarly,
during changes of the ambient temperature as a result of a plastic
block being subjected to solar radiation, other source of heating
or a cooling environment, the temperature within a sealed plastic
block would change with a commensurate increase or decrease in
pressure of the contained air and the sides of the plastic block
would flex in conformance therewith.
[0043] One of the reasons for having prior art glass blocks and
prior art plastic blocks sealed is to prevent condensation to
develop on the inside surfaces due to a change in temperature or
ambient pressure by preventing air flow through such a block.
However, it has been learned that the plastic blocks of the type
illustrated and described herein can be vented without a resulting
condensation and thereby obviate a pressure differential between
the interior of the plastic block and the ambient pressure and
prevent flexing of the sides of the plastic block. However, it has
been learned that such venting must be configured in a specific
manner to prevent cross flow within the plastic block and to
minimize an air exchange with attendant introduction of moisture
laden air. Furthermore, it has been learned that if the vent is on
the bottom edge, any condensation that may develop, although
unlikely, it can and will drain through the vent.
[0044] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the vent
developed for use with plastic block 10 will be described. Vent 80,
located in bottom edge 18 of plastic block 10 is formed by a slot
82 extending into side wall 66 past undercut 70. Upon mating of
side walls 64,66 lip 68 covers a part of slot 82 to the extent of
the width of undercut 70. The resulting vent is particularly shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3A.
[0045] Vent 80 accommodates a flow of air into and out of plastic
block 10 only as a function of changes in pressure outside or
inside the plastic block. The vent is sized small enough to
preclude any cross flow of air within the plastic block. That is,
air can not enter at one location and depart at a different
location. With such lack of cross flow within the plastic block, it
has been learned that condensation within the plastic block will
almost never occur. Yet, the use of a single vent of relatively
small size will preclude flexing of the sides of the plastic block
causing the stresses that ultimately will become visible upon
cleaning the plastic block with conventional cleaning agents.
[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates a variant vent 90 of vent 80. A simple
hole in one side wall of block 10 may be formed therein during
fabrication of the respective member 60/62 provided that such
aperture side wall be at the bottom when the plastic block is
mounted in place. Under certain circumstances, variant vent 90 may
be formed post manufacturing by drilling a hole, as
illustrated.
[0047] By experimentation, it has been learned that the size of
vent 80 or variant vent 90 should have an area equivalent to a
round hole having a diameter in the range of about 0.005 inches to
about 0.25 inches. Optimally, the size of vent 80 or variant vent
90 should have an area equivalent to a circle having a diameter in
the range of about 0.012 inches to about 0.015 inches to minimize
the likelihood of inflow of moisture and yet permit an outflow of
moisture if such inflow does occur. Thereby, an environment of
trapped moisture will be eliminated. These area dimensions were
developed as a result of significant testing during transport of
the plastic blocks over roads having varying elevations and by
subjecting them to temperature differentials over a period of
time.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, a pair of members 60, 62 as described
in detail above, are illustrated; as may be noted, these members
are reversed with respect to the same members shown in FIG. 5A.
That is, undercut 70 is in upper member 62 and lip 68 is in lower
member 60. The two sides of these members not shown in this Figure
support male couplings 44, as shown in FIG. 5A. A sheet 100 of
colored plastic material (film) is interleaved between members 60,
62. This material serves in the manner of a sun screen to reflect,
absorb and transmit differing quantities of solar radiation as a
function of the material itself and the coloring thereof. An
acceptable type of film for this purpose is identified as product
number N1020 SR CDF sold by CP Films of Martinsville, Va.,
[0049] Preferably, sheet 100 is dimensioned rests upon shelf 102
interior of lip 68. Upon mating of members 60 and 62, flange 104
attendant undercut 70 will nest within lip 68 and bear against
sheet 100 supported by shelf 102. Thereby, sheet 100 is
mechanically retained intermediate member 60, 62 at the
intersection thereof.
[0050] Upon mounting of sheet 100 within plastic block 10, the
sheet will define one compartment within member 60 and a further
compartment within member 62. As discussed above, changes in
temperature within or without plastic block 10 will result in a
change of pressure within the plastic block. Any such change of
pressure within the formed compartment formed in either of members
60, 62 may result in bowing of sheet 100. To prevent such bowing
due to unequal pressures in the two compartments, a small slot 106
is formed in an edge of the sheet. This slot permits fluid
communication between the two compartments to equalize the
pressures therein. An aperture in the sheet could also be used.
[0051] As particularly shown in the detail view illustrated in FIG.
7, slot 106 is coincident with vent 80. Thereby, each of the
compartments formed within members 60, 62 is vented through vent
80. As described above, any condensation that may be formed within
either or both of the compartments will drain through vent 80; it
is noted above, the side of plastic block 10 containing vent 80 is
always mounted facing downwardly.
[0052] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 8, solar radiation,
depicted by arrows 110, 111, impinges upon surface 112 of member
60. A certain amount of the solar radiation is reflected from
surface 112, as depicted by arrow 113. A further quantity of solar
radiation impinged upon sheet 100 is reflected, as depicted by
arrow 114. The quantity of solar radiation reflected from the sheet
is a function of the reflective characteristics of the sheet and
may be varied by selecting the sheet from material having certain
desired solar radiation reflective properties. When the solar
radiation impinges upon interior surface 115 of member 62, a
further quantity of solar radiation will be reflected, as depicted
by arrow 116. The remaining solar radiation, depicted by arrow 117,
will enter the environment on the other side of plastic block 10.
One may therefore come to the inescapable conclusion that the
amount of solar radiation reflected by a plastic block 10 having
sheet 100 mounted therewithin is a function of the choice of
material for the sheet. As material can be selected with different
transmissive characteristics to different frequencies of solar
radiation, control of tranmissivity through plastic block 10 is
readily achieved by the simple solution of selecting sheet 100 of a
material corresponding with the desired results. It is also to be
noted that the sides of members 60, 62 through which solar
radiation is transmitted have a property for absorbing a certain
amount of radiation. Similarly, the material of sheet 100 has a
property for absorption of solar radiation.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, there are illustrated two plastic
blocks 10 mounted one above the other. The mounting and
interconnections therebetween are described in detail above. To
ensure sealing of the junction between adjacent blocks, a
rubberized silicon grout 120, or the like, may be troweled in the
peripheral cavity formed at the junction of the blocks.
[0054] As discussed above, sheet 100 may be retained in place
simply by mating members 60, 62 with one another. In the event
manufacturing tolerances of the plastic blocks may cause either
unacceptable compression/bowing of the sheet or a to loose a fit, a
mastic or adhesive 124 may be used, as depicted in FIG. 9A. An
adhesive suitable for this purpose is identified as WELD-ON 3 sold
by IPS Corporation of Compton, Calif. Use of such adhesive would
permit wider tolerances for the manufacture of the edges of members
60, 62 and yet not compromise the fit and retention of sheet 100.
Furthermore, adhesive 126 used to join the blocks with one another
may be used to also secure sheet 100 therebetween. Other methods of
attachment, such as melting by application of heat, welding by any
of various processes or chemical welding may be employed.
[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a commercially available frame 130 used
to define an opening to be filled with a plurality of plastic
blocks 10. This frame includes a shoulder 132 bearing against
plastic block 10 and permits installation of a plurality of plastic
blocks within the perimeter of the frame. A clip or glazing stop
134 interconnects with frame 130 and bears against the other side
of plastic block 10 to serve in the manner of a stop or dam to
prevent displacement of the plastic block from within the frame. To
obtain a seal between plastic blocks 10 and frame 130, grout 120
may be used.
[0056] FIG. 11 shows an alternative commercially available frame
140 of aluminum to define the perimeter of a space within which
plastic blocks 10 are to be mounted. To prevent heat transmission
through frame 140, exterior and interior elements 142, 144 are
mechanically joined and thermally insulated from one another by an
element 146 having the requisite properties. Flanges 148, 150
extend inwardly from frame 140 for mating engagement with the
corresponding edges of plastic block 10. Grout 120 may be used to
seal the junction between each of the plastic block and the
frame.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 12, a frame 160 is formed in the requisite
size to accommodate the location of the installation. A plurality
of plastic blocks 10 are mounted therein. It is to be noted that
the frame may be constructed off site with plastic blocks 10
mounted therein. Thereafter, the unit, as a whole, may be delivered
to the site of the installation. Such off site construction has
several advantages. These include installation of the plastic
blocks within the frame by skilled artisans to ensure accurate
fitting and sealing. The location of assembly may be in an
environment conducive comfort of the assemblers to minimize
frustration and anger and presumably resulting in a high quality of
workmanship. By constructing the assemblies in an off site
environment, mass production techniques can be employed to minimize
labor costs. Others skilled in the trade will become aware of yet
further advantages.
* * * * *