U.S. patent application number 15/733533 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for top track seal, assembly and method for installing a wall configuration.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hilti Aktiengesellschaft. The applicant listed for this patent is Hilti Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Christian Forg, Manfred Klein.
Application Number | 20210087812 15/733533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005273074 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210087812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein; Manfred ; et
al. |
March 25, 2021 |
Top track seal, assembly and method for installing a wall
configuration
Abstract
A top track seal is useful for sealing a movement joint between
a fluted metal deck and an adjacent wall configuration. The top
track seal includes a pre-formed sealing strip adapted to seal the
movement joint and a first set of two or more sealing elements for
sealing corrugations of the fluted metal deck. The sealing elements
are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the sealing strip
and the distance between two consecutive sealing elements
corresponds to the distance between two consecutive corrugations of
the metal deck. Each sealing element is moldable and has a
predefined geometry. Also, an assembly includes this top track
seal. Furthermore, a method is useful for installing a wall
configuration to a fluted metal deck with corrugations.
Inventors: |
Klein; Manfred; (Kaufering,
DE) ; Forg; Christian; (Buchloe, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hilti Aktiengesellschaft |
Schaan |
|
LI |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
Schaan
LI
|
Family ID: |
1000005273074 |
Appl. No.: |
15/733533 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
April 8, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/058805 |
371 Date: |
August 21, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/18 20130101; E04B
5/40 20130101; E04B 2/7457 20130101; E04B 2/7411 20130101; E04B
1/948 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/74 20060101
E04B002/74; E04B 1/94 20060101 E04B001/94; E04B 9/18 20060101
E04B009/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 16, 2018 |
EP |
18167439.1 |
Claims
1. A top track seal for sealing a movement joint between a fluted
metal deck and an adjacent wall configuration, the top track seal
comprising; a pre-formed sealing strip adapted to seal the movement
joint, and a first set of two or more sealing elements for sealing
corrugations of the fluted metal deck, wherein the pre-formed
sealing strip comprises a seat for a top track, wherein the two or
more sealing elements protrude from a side of the pre-formed
sealing strip designed to face the fluted metal deck in a mounted
state, wherein the two or more sealing elements are spaced apart in
the longitudinal direction of the pre-formed sealing strip and the
distance between two consecutive sealing elements corresponds to
the distance between two consecutive corrugations of the fluted
metal deck, and wherein each of the two or more sealing elements is
moldable and has a predefined geometry adapted to seal the
corrugation between adjacent fluted deck elements or in one of the
fluted deck elements.
2. The top track seal according to claim 1, wherein the top track
seal further comprises; a second set of sealing elements which is
designed identical to the first set of two or more sealing
elements, wherein the first set and the second set are spaced apart
crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the pre-formed sealing
strip.
3. The top track seal according to claim 2, wherein the distance
between the first set and the second set crosswise to the
longitudinal direction of the pre-formed sealing strip correlates
to the width of the top track.
4. The top track seal according to claim 1, wherein the shape of
the cross section of each of the two or more sealing element
corresponds to the shape of the cross section of the corrugation
and/or wherein the orientation of each of the two or more sealing
elements is adapted to seal the corrugation.
5. The top track seal according to claim 1, wherein the two or more
sealing elements are made from a material which is at least
air-tight, sound-attenuating or sound-proof, fire-resistant,
smoke-proof, and/or thermally isolating.
6. The top track seal according to claim 1, wherein the two or more
sealing elements are self-adhesive.
7. An assembly, comprising: the top track seal according to claim
1, and a top track.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the top track seal is
longer in longitudinal direction than the top track.
9. A method for installing a wall configuration to a fluted metal
deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the wall
configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a flute
axis, wherein the wall configuration comprises the assembly
according to claim 7 being mounted on a lower side of the fluted
metal deck, the method comprising: a) positioning the assembly on
the lower side of the fluted metal deck, wherein the two or more
sealing elements are positioned in the corrugations of the fluted
metal deck, and b) fixing the top track to the fluted metal deck,
whereby the two or more sealing elements are pressed into the
corrugations.
10. A method for installing a wall configuration to a fluted metal
deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the wall
configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a flute
axis, wherein the wall configuration comprises the assembly
according to claim 8 being mounted on a lower side of the fluted
metal deck, the method comprising: a) positioning the assembly on
the lower side of the fluted metal deck, wherein the two or more
sealing elements are positioned in the corrugations of the fluted
metal deck, b) positioning the top track within the seat of the
pre-formed sealing strip, and c) fixing the top track to the fluted
metal deck, whereby the two or more sealing elements are pressed
into the corrugations.
11. A method for installing a wall configuration, to a fluted metal
deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the wall
configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a flute
axis, wherein the wall configuration comprises the assembly
according to claim 7 being mounted on a lower side of the fluted
metal deck, the method comprising: a) positioning the top track
seal on the lower side of the fluted metal deck, wherein the two or
more sealing elements are positioned in the corrugations of the
fluted metal deck, b) inserting the top track into the seat of the
pre-formed sealing strip. and c) fixing the top track to the fluted
metal deck, whereby the two or more sealing elements are pressed
into the corrugations.
12. The top track seal according to claim 5, wherein the material
is a putty or a butyl.
13. The method according to claim 9, wherein fixed wall
configuration is a drywall configuration.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the wall
configuration is a drywall configuration.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the wall
configuration is a drywall configuration.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a top track seal for
sealing a movement joint between a fluted metal deck and an
adjacent wall configuration, comprising a pre-formed sealing strip
adapted to seal the movement joint. The present invention further
relates to an assembly comprising such top track seal and a top
track.
[0002] Additionally, the invention is about a method for installing
a wall configuration, preferably a drywall configuration, to a
fluted metal deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the
wall configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a
flute axis.
[0003] Fluted metal decks are known in the art. Very often, they
are used in combination with wall configurations, especially
drywall configurations. In this case, a ceiling runner is attached
to the underside of the metal deck and a floor runner is attached
to the floor. Between those two runners, studs are mounted in a way
that a relative movement between the ceiling runner and the studs
is permitted in a vertical direction. The studs, the ceiling runner
and the floor runner form a frame to which gypsum boards can be
attached in order to build a drywall configuration.
[0004] Usually, a defined movement joint is left between the lower
side of the metal deck and the upper edges of the gypsum
boards.
[0005] In order to provide a deck and wall configuration which is
air-tight, sound-attenuating or even sound-proof, fire-resistant,
smoke-proof and/or thermally isolating, the flutes of the metal
deck, the small corrugations between fluted metal deck elements or
in one of the fluted deck elements and the movement joint have to
be sealed.
[0006] This is especially important for fire rated walls.
[0007] According to the state of the art, mineral wool is stuffed
into the gaps mentioned above from both sides of the wall and
subsequently coated, e.g. with a sprayable coating which acts as a
smoke stopper.
[0008] The process of sealing involves several working steps and
thus is cumbersome. Moreover, it involves working with mineral
wool. As this material can cause skin irritation, workers have to
put on protective clothing when in contact with mineral wool.
[0009] Furthermore, the quantity of mineral wool filled into the
gaps and the quality of performing this work is heavily dependent
on the person fulfilling this task. The result is a variation in
the sealing quality.
[0010] Applying the spray coating represents an additional working
step. Since the gypsum boards are already installed at the time the
coating is being applied, the spray needs to be applied from both
sides of the wall. This is time consuming for an operator having to
perform this task.
[0011] The object of the invention is to further improve the
sealing of fluted metal decks and associated movement joints
between the metal deck and adjacent wall configurations, especially
by improving the sealing of the corrugations mentioned above.
[0012] The invention provides a top track seal for sealing a
movement joint between a fluted metal deck and an adjacent wall
configuration, preferably a drywall configuration. The top track
seal comprises a pre-formed sealing strip adapted to seal the
movement joint, and a first set of two or more sealing elements for
sealing corrugations of the fluted metal deck. The sealing strip
comprises a seat for a top track. The sealing elements protrude
from a side of the sealing strip designed to face the metal deck in
mounted state. Further, the sealing elements are spaced apart in
the longitudinal direction of the sealing strip and the distance
between two consecutive sealing elements corresponds to the
generally regular distance between two consecutive corrugations of
the metal deck. Each sealing element is moldable and has a
predefined geometry adapted to seal a corrugation between adjacent
fluted deck elements or in one of the fluted deck elements. In this
way, each sealing element is pre-portioned to provide a suitable
amount of sealing material that ensures a secure sealing of a
corrugation. Because the sealing elements are moldable, the shape
of each sealing element can be adapted to the individual shape of a
corrugation, thereby guaranteeing a tight fit, especially when the
sealing elements are pressed into the corrugation. This type of top
track seal allows for a convenient, quick and secure sealing of a
movement joint as it provides the sealing elements necessary to
seal the corrugations adjacent to the top track seal already
pre-portioned and arranged in such a way that the top track seal
can be mounted and the corrugations adjacent to the top track seal
sealed in a single step.
[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the top track seal
comprises a second set of sealing elements which is designed
identical to the first set of sealing elements. The first set and
the second set are spaced apart crosswise to the longitudinal
direction of the sealing strip. In this way, the amount of material
used to seal a corrugation for a corresponding wall configuration
can be reduced as the section of the corrugation adjacent to the
wall configuration is not sealed by a single continuous sealing
element but by two sealing elements that are separated by a
gap.
[0014] The distance between the first set and the second set
crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the sealing strip can
correlate to the width of the top track. Thus, it can be ensured
that the sealing elements are positioned between the metal deck and
the top track so that the sealing elements are pressed into the
corrugations by the top track when the top track is mounted to the
metal deck.
[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shape of the
cross section of each sealing element corresponds to the shape of
the cross section of a corrugation it is designed to seal. Thus,
providing a better fit and seal. In addition or in the alternative,
the orientation of each sealing element is adapted to seal a
corrugation. This is usually the case if the sealing element
extends in the same direction as the corrugation extends in. In the
context of the invention, unless stated otherwise, all cross
sections extend perpendicular to the direction the corrugations
extend in.
[0016] As the corrugations between adjacent fluted deck elements or
in one of the fluted deck elements usually have a generally
triangular cross section, the sealing elements may have a
corresponding triangular cross section.
[0017] Preferably, the sealing elements are made from an air-tight,
sound-attenuating or even sound-proof, fire-resistant, smoke-proof
and/or thermally isolating material, especially a putty or a butyl.
In this way, the sealing properties and/or the fire rating of the
sealing elements and in turn the top track seal are improved.
[0018] In further embodiment of the invention, the sealing elements
are self-adhesive. This makes the top track seal easy to install as
it sticks to the fluted metal deck even upside down so it does not
fall off under its own weight when adhered to a ceiling.
[0019] Furthermore, the invention provides an assembly comprising a
top track seal of the type mentioned above and a corresponding top
track.
[0020] The top track seal, especially the sealing strip, can be
longer in longitudinal direction than the top track. In this way,
the top track seal and the top track can be positioned
independently from each other to the metal deck, thereby ensuring
that the top track seal can be arranged in a position where the
sealing elements align with the corrugations. As a result, the
assembly can be used more flexibly while still guaranteeing a tight
seal of the corrugations.
[0021] Additionally, the invention provides a method for installing
a wall configuration, preferably a drywall configuration, to a
fluted metal deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the
wall configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a
flute axis. The wall configuration comprises an assembly of the
type mentioned above being mounted on a lower side of the fluted
metal deck, i.e. below the ceiling defined by the fluted metal
deck. The method comprises the following steps: [0022] a)
positioning the assembly on the lower side of the fluted metal
deck, wherein the sealing elements are positioned in the respective
corrugations of the fluted metal deck, and [0023] b) fixing the top
track to the fluted metal deck, whereby the sealing elements are
pressed into the corrugations, sealing them in the process.
[0024] Such a method is easy to perform and provides a secure
sealing of the corrugations as well as the movement joint between
the fluted metal deck and the wall configuration. Additional
working steps in order to seal the corrugations in the metal deck
are not necessary. As the top track seal and top track are mounted
before the gypsum boards, the corrugations can be accessed very
easily which makes the installation quick and easy. This type of
method is also very convenient as all the sealing elements
necessary to seal the corrugations adjacent to the top track seal
are already pre-portioned and pre-arranged on the sealing
strip.
[0025] Further, the invention provides a method for installing a
wall configuration, preferably a drywall configuration, to a fluted
metal deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the wall
configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a flute
axis. The wall configuration comprises an assembly of the type
mentioned above being mounted on a lower side of the fluted metal
deck, i.e. below the ceiling defined by the fluted metal deck. The
method comprises the following steps: [0026] a) positioning the
assembly on the lower side of the fluted metal deck, wherein the
sealing elements are positioned in the corrugations of the fluted
metal deck, [0027] b) positioning the top track within the seat of
the sealing strip while the top track seal stays substantially in
its place, and [0028] c) fixing the top track to the fluted metal
deck, whereby the sealing elements are pressed into the
corrugations, sealing them in the process.
[0029] This method has the same advantages as the method described
above. In addition, step b) allows for positioning the top track
seal and the top track independently from each other to the metal
deck, thus providing more flexibility in the installation of the
top track seal and top track.
[0030] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for installing
a wall configuration, preferably a drywall configuration, to a
fluted metal deck with corrugations, wherein a wall plane of the
wall configuration is positioned substantially perpendicular to a
flute axis. The wall configuration comprises an assembly of the
type mentioned above, wherein the top track seal comprises
self-adhesive sealing elements. The assembly being mounted on a
lower side of the fluted metal deck, i.e. below the ceiling defined
by the fluted metal deck. The method comprises the following steps:
[0031] a) positioning the top track seal on the lower side of the
fluted metal deck, wherein the sealing elements are positioned in
the corrugations of the fluted metal deck, [0032] b) inserting the
top track into the seat of the sealing strip, and [0033] c) fixing
the top track to the fluted metal deck, whereby the sealing
elements are pressed into the corrugations, sealing them in the
process.
[0034] This method combines the advantages of both methods
described above. In addition, thanks to the self-adhesive sealing
elements, the top track can be positioned and temporarily fixed to
the fluted metal deck without the need of additional tools or
fastening means. This further facilitates the installation process
and in particular makes positioning the top track within the seat
of the sealing strip very easy as the top track seal stays in its
place due to the self-adhesive sealing elements.
[0035] Different embodiments of the invention are shown in the
attached drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a top track seal according to an
embodiment of the invention comprising multiple sealing
elements,
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view I-I of the top track
seal of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a top track seal
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a section of a fluted
metal deck with a corrugation.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of a sealing element of
FIG. 1 designed to seal the corrugation of FIG. 4.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the sealing element of FIG.
5.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a method according to an embodiment of the
invention for installing a wall configuration comprising an
assembly according to an embodiment of the invention to a fluted
metal deck with corrugations.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view II-II of the wall
configuration of FIG. 7.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows a first step of a method according to a further
embodiment of the invention for installing a wall configuration to
a fluted metal deck with corrugations.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a second step of the method of FIG. 9, and
[0046] FIG. 11 shows a third step of the method of FIG. 9.
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a section of a top track seal 10 comprising a
sealing strip 12 and multiple sealing elements 14, 16.
[0048] The sealing strip 12 is pre-formed and has a seat 18 for a
top track 20 (see FIG. 8) on its bottom side 22 that runs in
longitudinal direction X.
[0049] The sealing strip 12 can be produced as one integral part,
for example from polyurethane foam.
[0050] The sealing strip 12 can also be produced from any other
air-tight, sound-attenuating or even sound-proof, fire-resistant,
smoke-proof and/or thermally isolating material.
[0051] The material, the sealing strip 12 is made of, is generally
resilient.
[0052] On the top side 24 of the sealing strip 12 which is located
opposite to the bottom side 22 (see FIG. 2), the sealing elements
14, 16 are attached to the sealing strip 12 and protrude from the
top side 24.
[0053] The sealing elements 14, 16 are arranged in two identical
sets 26, 28 which are spaced apart, end to end, a distance B in
direction A that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction
X.
[0054] The distance B corresponds to the width T of the top track
20 in direction A (see FIG. 8).
[0055] The top track seal 10 is designed to seal a movement joint
31 between a metal deck 30 and an adjacent wall configuration 32
(see FIG. 8). The metal deck 30 comprises one or more fluted metal
deck elements 34 with parallel corrugations 36. The sealing
elements 14, 16 are designed to seal these corrugations 36 when the
top track seal 10 is mounted on the lower side 38 of the fluted
metal deck 30.
[0056] To this end, each set 26, 28 comprises multiple sealing
elements 14, 16 which are arranged in a line in longitudinal
direction X with a distance C between two consecutive sealing
elements 14, 16. The distance C between two consecutive sealing
elements 14, 16 corresponds to the distance D between two
consecutive corrugations 36 of the metal deck 30.
[0057] The top track seal 10 is pre-manufactured to seal the
regular distanced corrugations 36 of a metal deck 30. In the case
that not all corrugations 36 are spaced equally apart, the
distances between two consecutive sealing elements 14, 16 of each
set 26, 28 can mirror the distances of the corresponding
corrugations 36 in the metal deck 30. In this way, the top track
seal 10 is adapted to seal the movement joint 31, wherein the
sealing elements 14, 16 tightly seal the respective corrugations 36
of the fluted metal deck 30 adjacent to the wall configuration.
[0058] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a section of a metal
deck element 34 with two flutes 40 and a corrugation 36 extending
in direction A (see also FIG. 8) that runs perpendicular to the
drawing plane in FIG. 4.
[0059] The corrugation 36 has a generally triangular cross section
with a depth h and a width w when seen in mounted state in
direction A, which is the perspective taken in FIG. 4.
[0060] FIGS. 5 and 6 show one of the sealing elements 14, 16 of the
top track seal 10.
[0061] The sealing element 14, 16 has a generally triangular cross
section with a height H and a width W when seen in mounted state in
direction A, which is the perspective taken in FIG. 5, as well as a
length L the sealing element 14, 16 extends in perpendicular to its
cross section in direction A.
[0062] The height H of the sealing element 14, 16 is larger than
the depth h of the corrugation 36. In this way, the sealing element
14, 16 protrudes from the corrugation 36 when inserted in the
corrugation 36 so that it can be pressed more easily into the
corrugation 36 to ensure a tight fit.
[0063] Further the maximum width W of the sealing element 14, 16 is
larger than the maximum width w of the corrugation 36, ensuring a
tight seal.
[0064] As a result of the, the cross sectional area of the sealing
element 14, 16 is larger than the cross sectional area of the
corrugation 36. This ensures that enough sealing material is
provided to securely seal the corrugation.
[0065] The length L of the sealing element 14, 16 is defined by
firestop requirements. Usually the length L of a sealing element
14, 16 less than half of the track width T (see FIG. 2).
[0066] The sealing element 14, 16 is made of a moldable and
self-adhesive putty that is air-tight, sound-attenuating,
fire-resistant, smoke-proof and thermally isolating.
[0067] In a different embodiment the sealing element 14, 16 can be
made of a different material, for example a butyl.
[0068] In an alternative embodiment the sealing element 14, 16 can
be non-adhesive.
[0069] In a further embodiment, the sealing element 14, 16 can
comprise at least one of the following properties: self-adhesive,
air-tight, sound-attenuating, sound-proof, fire-resistant,
smoke-proof and thermally isolating.
[0070] Furthermore, the sealing element 14, 16 can be elastic to
better adapt its shape to the shape of the corrugation 36 when
applied to the corrugation 36. Thus, the sealing properties of the
sealing element 14, 16 are improved. Also, an elastic sealing
element 14, 16 keeps its shape before being applied, thereby
ensuring its geometry is perfectly adapted to seal a corresponding
corrugation 36, even when the sealing element 14, 16 was deformed
prior to the application.
[0071] The sealing element 14, 16 is pre-portioned so that it
comprises enough material to ensure a tight seal of the corrugation
36 it is designed to seal.
[0072] In this way, the sealing element 14, 16 is adapted to seal
the corrugation 36 by its predefined shape and size.
[0073] The embodiment of the sealing element 14, 16 shown in FIGS.
5 and 6 has a cross section with a shape that corresponds to the
shape of the cross section of the corrugation 36 as both cross
sections are triangular with a similar shape.
[0074] Because the sealing element 14, 16 is moldable, its cross
section can also be rectangular, round shaped or can have any other
shape as long as its cross section guarantees a secure seal of the
corrugation 36. This is the case if the cross sectional area of the
sealing element 14, 16 is at least as large as the cross sectional
area of the corrugation 36. Also, for corrugations 36 with no or
minimal undercuts a tight seal can be ensured if the height H and
the width W of the sealing element 14, 16 are larger than the
height h and the width w of the corresponding corrugation 36
respectively.
[0075] In this way, the sealing element 14, 16 is adapted to seal
the corrugation 36 in the fluted metal deck element 34. Further,
the sealing element 14, 16 is adapted to seal a corrugation between
adjacent fluted metal deck elements 34, wherein the corrugation
corresponds in size and shape to the corrugation 36 in the fluted
metal deck element 34.
[0076] Further, by being moldable, the sealing element 14, 16 is
adapted to seal corrugations 36 between adjacent fluted metal deck
elements 34, even if the shape of a corrugation 36 between adjacent
fluted metal deck elements 34 differs from the shape of a
corrugation 36 in the fluted metal deck element 34.
[0077] All sealing elements 14, 16 are identical and are oriented
in the same direction (see FIG. 1).
[0078] In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the sealing
elements 14, 16 can have a different geometry and/or orientation
than other sealing elements 14, 16. In an extreme form, the top
track seal 10 can comprise sealing elements 14, 16 wherein each
sealing element 14,16 has an individual geometry and/or
orientation.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing elements 14 of the first set
26 and the sealing elements 16 of the second set 28 are aligned in
such a way that the sealing elements 14, 16 form a grid, i.e. each
sealing element 14 of the first set 26 has a corresponding sealing
element 16 of the second set 28, wherein both are aligned in
direction A. In this way, the top track seal 10 provides two
sealing elements 14, 16 for each corrugation 36. So when the top
track seal 10 is mounted to the fluted metal deck 30 (see FIG. 8),
each corrugation 36 is sealed by two sealing elements 14, 16, one
of each set 26, 28.
[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the top track seal 10 can only
comprise a single set 26 of two or more sealing elements 14 (see
FIG. 3). In this case, there is only a single sealing element 14
provided to seal each corrugation 36.
[0081] The set 26 of sealing elements 14 is preferably positioned
equally distanced to the sides 42, 43 of the sealing strip.
[0082] FIG. 7 shows an assembly 50 comprising the top track seal 10
and a corresponding top track 20.
[0083] The top track seal 10 has arrow shaped markings 52 on its
sides 42, 43 which correspond to the positions of the sealing
elements 14, 16. This has the effect, that the positions of the
sealing elements 14, 16 can be identified more easily from
different directions. Thus, the installation of the top track seal
10 is facilitated as the sealing elements 14, 16 can be aligned
more easily to the respective corrugations 36 of the metal deck
30.
[0084] The assembly 50 is part of the wall configuration 32 (see
FIG. 8) and is designed to be mounted on a lower side 38 of the
fluted metal deck 30 to seal the corrugations 36.
[0085] Further, the top track seal 10 is adapted to seal the
movement joint 31.
[0086] The wall configuration 32 is a drywall configuration.
[0087] In the example shown, the wall configuration 32 further
comprises two gypsum boards 54.
[0088] The wall plane of the wall configuration 32 is defined by
the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction V in which
both the wall plane extends in.
[0089] In the embodiment, the wall plane of the wall configuration
32 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction A in
which the flutes 40 and corrugations 36 of the fluted metal deck 30
extend in as well as substantially perpendicular to the plane
defined by the fluted metal deck 30.
[0090] The axis of the flutes 40 extends in direction A.
[0091] To install the wall configuration 32 to the fluted metal
deck 30 the following method is used.
[0092] The top track seal 10 is positioned on the lower side 38 of
the fluted metal deck 30 (see FIG. 7), in a way that the sealing
elements 14, 16 are positioned in the respective corrugations 36 of
the fluted metal deck 30.
[0093] The sealing elements 14, 16 are inserted in the corrugation
36 with enough pressure in direction V, so that the top track seal
10 adheres to the metal deck 30. Due to the self-adhesive
properties of the sealing elements 14, 16, the top track seal 10
remains temporally in place without the need of additional fixing
elements.
[0094] Afterwards, the top track 20 is inserted into the seat 18 of
the sealing strip 12 and then fixed to the fluted metal deck 30.
Thereby, the top track seal 10 is fixed to the metal deck 30 and
the sealing elements 14, 16 are pressed in direction V into the
corrugations 36 sealing them tight in the process.
[0095] The top track 20 can be fixed to the fluted metal deck 30
with fastening means, like anchors, bolts and/or nails.
[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the assembly 50 is positioned
as a whole on the lower side 38 of the fluted metal deck 30, in a
way that the sealing elements 14, 16 are positioned in the
respective corrugations 36 of the fluted metal deck 30. This means
that the top track 20 is already arranged in the seat 18 and thus
does not have to be inserted after the top track seal 10 is
positioned to the fluted metal deck 30.
[0097] In a different embodiment, the length N of the top track
seal 10 is larger than the length M of the top track 20 in the
longitudinal direction X (see FIG. 9). This has the advantage that
the top track 20 can be positioned within the sealing strip 12
independently from the top track seal 10 relative to the metal deck
30.
[0098] To mount the assembly 50 to the fluted metal deck 30, the
sealing elements 14, 16 are inserted in the corrugation 36 with
enough pressure in direction V, so that the top track seal 10
adheres to the metal deck 30. Due to the self-adhesive properties
of the sealing elements 14, 16, the top track seal 10 remains
temporally in place with no need for additional fixing
elements.
[0099] Because the height H of the sealing elements 14, 16 is
larger than the depth h of the corrugations 36, the sealing
elements 14, 16 protrude from the plane defined by the fluted metal
deck 30 out of the corrugation 36 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
[0100] As shown in FIG. 10, after the top track seal 10 is
temporally attached to the metal deck 30, the top track 20 can be
slid inside the seat 18 in longitudinal direction X into a desired
position relative to the top track seal 10 and the metal deck 30
while the top track seal 10 stays substantially in its place. This
staying in place is achieved solely by the adhesive properties of
the sealing elements 14, 16.
[0101] In an alternative embodiment, where the friction between the
top track 20 and the top track seal 10 is higher than the adhesive
forces between the sealing elements 14, 16 and the metal deck 30,
the position of the top track seal 10 relative to the metal deck 30
can be kept by manually holding the top track seal 10 in place
during these events.
[0102] After the top track seal 10 and the top track 20 are in
position, the top track is fixed to the fluted metal deck 30.
Thereby, the top track seal 10 is fixed to the metal deck 30 and
the protruding sealing elements 14, 16 are pressed in direction V
towards the corrugation 36 which results in the sealing elements
14, 16 completely filing the cross section of the corrugations 36
and sealing the corrugations 36 tight.
[0103] All methods described above can also be executed with top
track seals 10 with non-adhesive sealing elements 14, 16. In this
case, the position of the top track seal 10 relative to the metal
deck 30 has to be kept steady by other means, for example by
manually holding the top track seal 10 or by fixing it with
fastening means.
[0104] The top track seal 10 and the assembly 50 as well as the
method described above improve the sealing of corrugations 36 of a
flute metal deck 30 in the following ways:
[0105] The corrugations 36 can be tightly sealed in a short amount
of time without the need of additional tools.
[0106] The sealing elements 14, 16 are installed with the
installation of the top track seal 10. In this way, the
corrugations 36 are easily accessible and no additional "ladder
climbing" is required.
[0107] The sealing of the corrugations 36 is failure proof as the
pre-manufactured top track seal 10 with pre-proportioned sealing
elements 14, 16 ensure that the necessary material required for a
tight seal is installed.
[0108] Further, the sealing of the corrugations 36 requires no
curing time because the material, the sealing elements 14, 16 are
made of, is already cured.
[0109] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In
particular, individual features of an embodiment can be contained
in a further inventive embodiment independently of the other
features of the corresponding embodiment, i.e. the described
features can be freely combined.
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