U.S. patent number 3,678,625 [Application Number 05/092,001] was granted by the patent office on 1972-07-25 for building wall assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Engineered Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lawrence T. Vance.
United States Patent |
3,678,625 |
Vance |
July 25, 1972 |
BUILDING WALL ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A building wall assembly including hollow mullions which are
adapted to receive recessed framing elements to provide maximum
exposure of panel surfaces including decorative panels and both
fixed and movable window panels or panes. The mullions are so
configurated as to be assembled from two mullion elements which
permit relative longitudinal sliding movement between the mullion
parts responsive to thermally induced expansion and contraction.
Each mullion forming element has a generally Z-shaped web portion
and flanges extending in the same direction from opposed ends
thereof. Framing elements, which are to a major extent recessed
within the exterior of the mullion walls, are secured thereto by
fastening means. A fastener clips or glazing bead is received
within the framing elements. Compressible gasket means are secured
within the framing elements and the fastener clip in order to
compressibly engage opposed marginal portions of a fixed panel to
sealingly secure the same in position. A ventilating window
structure incorporating a form of the mullion and frame elements
described above. The window having a movable frame member provided
with a web-like body portion, outwardly directed flanges defining
an outwardly open channel for receipt of hinge means and corner
joining means. A glazing bead received within recesses in the body
portion of the movable frame element. A rearwardly disposed
inwardly directed flange having a glazing strip receiving recess
with a gasket or glazing strip secured therein. The glazing bead
having a glazing strip receiving opening and a glazing strip
disposed therein. The marginal portions of the window pane secured
in compressible engagement between the glazing strips. A rotating
window structure having a movable frame member, a mullion as
described above and an inwardly open channel shaped fixed frame
member. The movable frame member having a tubular body with an
inwardly projecting flange and glazing bead receiving openings
securing a glazing bead in position. Glazing strips received within
the inwardly projecting flange and the glazing bead to secure the
window pane to the movable frame. A compressible gasket or glazing
strip element having an anchoring section, a compressible body
portion and outer legs. The anchoring section having a resilient
pilot section for assisting in introducing the gasket element into
a recess. The body section is tubular and a rod-like connecting
sector is interposed between the anchoring section and the tubular
body section. Angularly rearwardly disposed resilient outer legs
are connected with said tubular body section and project farther
rearwardly than said tubular body section.
Inventors: |
Vance; Lawrence T. (Pittsburgh,
PA) |
Assignee: |
Engineered Products, Inc.
(Pittsburgh, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
22230709 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/092,001 |
Filed: |
November 23, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/381; 49/504;
52/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/08 (20130101); E06B 1/64 (20130101); E06B
2001/628 (20130101); E06B 2001/622 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
1/62 (20060101); E06B 1/64 (20060101); E06B
3/04 (20060101); E06B 3/08 (20060101); E06b
003/38 () |
Field of
Search: |
;49/381,397,398,400,401,402,504 ;52/207 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
348,804 |
|
Sep 1960 |
|
CH |
|
638,600 |
|
Mar 1962 |
|
CA |
|
Primary Examiner: Bell; J. Karl
Claims
I claim:
1. A window assembly comprising
a generally rectangular substantially rigid movable frame,
a generally rectangular substantially rigid fixed frame, at least
two sides of said fixed frame adapted to be secured to load bearing
structural members,
said movable frame formed from four movable frame elements each
having a transverse cross sectional configuration which is
substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent,
each said movable frame element having a web-like body portion, a
first outwardly directed flange extending from a forward portion of
said body portion and an inwardly directed flange adjacent the
rearward portion of said body portion,
a second outwardly directed flange extending from said body portion
at a position spaced rearwardly from said first outwardly directed
flange cooperating with said web-like body portion and said first
outwardly directed flange to define an outwardly open channel,
said movable frame elements each having at least two glazing bead
receiving openings,
a first glazing strip secured within said glazing strip receiving
opening in said inwardly directed flange,
a glazing bead having anchoring legs received within said glazing
bead receiving openings and having a rearwardly open glazing strip
receiving opening,
a second glazing strip secured within said rearwardly open glazing
strip receiving opening,
a pane element secured to said movable frame between said glazing
strips, and
hinge means for permitting relative movement of said movable frame
with respect to said fixed frame, whereby the outer extremity of
the vertical portions of said movable frame are disposed in close
proximity to said load bearing structural members.
2. The window assembly of claim 1 including
a first said glazing bead receiving opening is disposed within said
body portion and is inwardly open,
a second said glazing bead receiving opening is spaced rearwardly
from said first said glazing bead receiving opening,
said glazing bead having a first leg extending generally angularly
outwardly from said rearwardly open glazing bead receiving opening
and mechanically interengaged within said first glazing bead
receiving opening,
said glazing bead having a second leg extending from said
rearwardly open glazing strip receiving opening to said second
glazing bead receiving opening and is mechanically interengaged
therewith,
said glazing bead receiving openings disposed outwardly of the
outer edge of said pane, and
said glazing strip receiving openings disposed inwardly of said
outer edge of said pane.
3. The window assembly of claim 2 wherein
said pane is substantially rigid,
said inwardly directed flange of said movable frame element having
a forwardly open glazing strip receiving opening disposed inwardly
of the edge of said pane,
said first glazing strip is compressible and mechanically engaged
within said forwardly open glazing strip receiving opening of said
inwardly directed flange,
said second glazing strip is compressible and mechanically engaged
within said rearwardly open glazing strip receiving opening of said
glazing bead, and
said glazing strips compressively engaging opposed surfaces of said
pane substantially continuously around the outer margin of said
pane.
4. The window assembly of claim 3 wherein
said hinge means are secured in part within said outwardly open
channel defined by said first and second outwardly directed
flanges,
said first outwardly directed flange having a rearwardly extending
rib element spaced inwardly from the outer extremity of said
flange,
said second outwardly directed flange having a forwardly extending
rib element,
said rearwardly and forwardly extending ribs defining a restricted
throat opening for said outwardly open channel, and
splice means for securing corners of said frame disposed within
said outwardly open channel.
5. The window assembly of claim 3 wherein
said fixed frame is formed from four fixed frame elements,
each said fixed frame element having a generally L-shaped cross
sectional configuration with a main body portion extending
generally from a forward end to a rearward end and an inwardly
directed leg,
inwardly projecting stop means on said main body portion adapted to
limit rearward movement of said movable frame,
said inwardly directed leg having a weather strip receiving
opening, and
a weather strip element mechanically engaged within said weather
strip receiving opening and adapted to yield compressively upon
contact with said second outwardly directed flange.
6. A window assembly comprising
a rotatable generally rectangular movable frame,
a fixed generally rectangular frame,
hinge means connecting said movable frame and said fixed frame
facilitating rotation of said movable frame about said fixed
frame,
said rotatable frame made from four frame elements,
each said frame element having a tubular rectangular cross
sectional configuration and an inwardly projecting rearwardly
disposed flange projecting therefrom,
a forwardly open glazing strip receiving recess in said rearwardly
disposed flange,
a glazing strip secured within said forwardly open glazing strip
receiving recess,
a generally U-shaped glazing bead secured to said frame element and
having a rearwardly open glazing strip receiving opening,
a glazing strip secured within said rearwardly open glazing strip
receiving recess,
a pane secured between said glazing strips,
said fixed rectangular frame having an inwardly open channel shaped
configuration,
transverse flange elements defining a restricted throat opening in
said inwardly open channel, and
weather strip means interposed between said movable and fixed
frames and secured to one of said frames.
7. The window assembly of claim 6 wherein
said movable frame element has a pair of outwardly open channels
aligned with and spaced from said transverse flange elements of
said fixed frame inwardly open channel, and
weather strip material mechanically secured within each said
outwardly open channel and extending outwardly to said transverse
flange elements, whereby rotation of said movable frame with
respect to said fixed frame from a closed position to open said
window establishes resilient deformation of said weather strip
material.
8. The window assembly of claim 7 wherein
said fixed and movable frame elements are made from aluminum
extrusions, and
said pane is disposed with its marginal edges in non-contacting
position with respect to said movable frame element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to building wall assemblies and more
specifically relates to fixed and movable panel and window elements
and the framing components therefor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In conventional building construction installations in connection
with both fixed and movable windows and other types of panel
elements, generally it has been the practice to provide a fixed
frame which in turn is secured to a load bearing or structural
member such as a mullion. A window or panel is then mounted in a
second frame which is fixedly or hingedly secured to the fixed
frame member. In the case of ventilator type windows the pane is
secured to a second frame which is movable with respect to the
surrounding fixed frame. One of the difficulties encountered with
such structures is that the need for separate load bearing elements
and fixed framing elements results in a reduction of panel or
window sizes due to the width of the load bearing and framing
elements. This is undesirable as it is not only aesthetically
unpleasing, but also reduces the size of window or panel which can
be installed within the available space.
Also, in numerous conventional window installations glazing may be
effected solely from the exterior of the building. This is not only
awkward, but as a result of increasing labor costs it is extremely
uneconomical.
In addition to the above-noted problems, entrapment of undesired
moisture within load bearing and framing members tends to create
problems which contribute to corrosion, icing, dirt accumulation
and premature failure of the wall structure. It is, therefore,
necessary to provide suitable means for directing the flow of
moisture out of the wall structure and discharging it harmlessly to
the exterior of the building.
It is also important, particularly with respect to window
structures, to provide an assembly which provides sealed panel
retention which affords a barrier to entry of snow, rain and dirt
particles into the building through the joint between a window or
panel and the surrounding frame structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention has solved and improved upon the above-discussed
problems in the prior art.
The building wall assembly of this invention provides for at least
one pair of spaced parallel vertically disposed hollow mullions.
Each mullion is formed from first and second elongated mullion
elements. Each mullion element has a generally Z-shaped web portion
provided with a forward section, a rear section and a connecting
transverse transition wall. Each Z-shaped web portion terminates in
a pair of generally parallel inwardly directed flanges. A joint
between one pair of adjacent flanges of a pair of mullion elements
is established by providing one flange with an inwardly open
channel and another flange with a complementary tongue structure.
The flange tongue is frictionally interengaged within the flange
channel.
First panel retaining means are disposed against the outer surface
of the rear section of at least one Z-shaped portion. Placing these
retaining means within the recess reduces the space taken up by the
framing members and increases the panel or window size which might
be accommodated within the frame. Vertical marginal edges of a
panel are secured to the mullions by the panel retaining means
which engage the marginal portions thereof. Specifically
configurated recesses in the panel retaining means are provided for
mechanical interengagement of gasket and glazing elements
therewith. The panel retaining means may include glazing bead
elements and/or panel retaining clip elements. Second panel
retaining means are horizontally disposed between and secured to
mullions and secure the upper and lower marginal panel
portions.
Channels are provided for horizontally transporting accumulated
water toward a mullion and ultimately transporting it through the
mullion wall and downwardly through the interior of the hollow
mullion (preferably within tubular conduits disposed within the
hollow mullions).
The ventilating window element of this invention has a movable
frame portion so configurated as to provide recesses for receipt of
a glazing bead. Several embodiments of the invention provide
inwardly and outwardly projecting types of ventilator windows (and
also pivotable windows). In the projecting ventilator windows, the
glazing bead and a rearwardly disposed flange on a movable frame
each have recesses for receipt of glazing strip elements which are
adapted to engage and compressibly secure marginal edges of the
window pane. The movable frame also has an outwardly open channel
for receipt of a hinge and for receipt of corner joining splice
elements. The stationary frame is provided with weather strip means
which compressibly engages the movable frame when the latter is in
closed position. The stationary frame also has a stop member to
limit rearward travel of the movable frame element and provide a
weather barrier.
A uniquely configurated compressible gasket element is also
provided in this invention. The compressible gasket element has an
anchoring section, a connecting portion, a compressible body
portion and outer legs. The anchoring section has a pilot surface
and the connecting portion has a rearwardly directed sector of
reduced width which connects the pilot section with the
compressible tubular body portion. Resilient angularly rearwardly
directed legs extend farther rearwardly than the tubular body
section.
It is an object of this invention to provide a building wall
assembly having a uniquely configurated mullion which serves both
as a structural member and functions to receive a panel and window
framing element to reduce the structural frame width and increase
the area available for panels and permit the use of larger
panels.
It is another object of this invention to provide such a framing
system which may be economically manufactured and quickly assembled
in order to minimize labor costs.
It is another object of this invention to provide such a system
which is adapted for use with various types of panel elements of
varying thicknesses and various types of fixed and movable window
elements.
It is another object of this invention to provide a ventilating
window structure which has a substantially reduced sight line to
provide maximum functional effectiveness combined with an
aesthetically pleasing sight line which may be maintained with
respect to overlying and underlying panel and fixed window
elements.
It is another object of this invention to provide a gasket element
which is so configurated as to be received within and mechanically
engaged by recesses in structural elements and to be compressibly
deformed when functioning as a gasket element between two
structural members.
These and other objects of this invention will be more fully
understood from the following description of the invention, on
reference to the illustrations appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a type of building wall
assembly contemplated by this invention.
FIG. 2 is a fragmented elevational view taken through 2--2 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 2A is a fragmented elevational view taken through 2A--2A of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional illustration of a window
assembly of this invention taken through 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional illustration of a panel
assembly of this invention taken through 4--4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of a modified form of
panel assembly of this invention taken through 5--5 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a detailed illustration of a type of movable frame member
employed in this invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional configuration of one type of fixed
framing member employed in this invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional illustration of a form of compressible
gasket contemplated by this invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a form of hinge structure which is suitable for
use with the ventilating window structure of this invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional illustration of a type of ventilating
window structure of this invention showing the hinge in retracted
position.
FIG. 11 is a fragmented cross sectional view of a building wall
assembly of this invention showing a modified form of window, taken
through 11--11 of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 12 through 15 are cross sectional illustrations taken on
12--12, 13--13, 14--14 and 15--15, respectively, of FIG. 1 showing
the framing of a rotating form of window.
FIG. 16 is a partially schematic, partially broken away perspective
view of a corner portion of the movable ventilating window frame
structure of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As used herein, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the term
"panel" shall include generally flat sheet-like building wall
elements including metal panels, insulated metal panels,
translucent and transparent panels all made from various materials
including metal, glass, plastic and combinations of these
materials.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1, a building wall assembly
of a type contemplated by this invention is shown. The wall
construction has a header 2, a sill 4 and a plurality of mullions
6. A plurality of muntin elements 10 have opposed ends secured to
and supported by adjacent mullions 6.
As is shown in the upper portion of FIG. 1, four fixed panel
elements 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, which in the form illustrated are
glass panes, are marginally secured within the frames defined by
header 2, muntin elements 10 and mullions 6. Immediately underlying
the two fixed panels 20a, 20b are two larger fixed panels 22a, 22b,
which in the form illustrated are composed of glass. Immediately
underlying fixed glass panels 22a, 22b are two ventilating windows
24, 26. Ventilating window 24 is adapted to project outwardly when
opened and ventilating window 26 is adapted to project inwardly
when opened.
Immediately underlying ventilating windows 24, 26 are composite
insulated panels 28a, 28b which consist of two facing panels
provided with an interposed insulation material.
Immediately to the right of fixed panel 22b are fixed panel 30 and
ventilating window 36 which projects outwardly when opened. To the
right of window 36 and underlying fixed panel 30 is rotatably
mounted window 40. Underlying fixed panel 30 and rotatable window
40 are fixed panels 42, 44, respectively, which in the form
illustrated are translucent and made of glass.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the construction of mullion 6 will be
considered in greater detail. Each mullion 6 is composed of two
individual elongated mullion elements 50, 52. Each mullion element
50, 52 has a generally Z-shaped web portion. Mullion element 52 has
rear section 54, forward section 56 and transverse transition
section 58 connecting sections 54 and 56. Similarly, mullion
element 50 has rear section 60, forward section 62 and transverse
transition section 64 connecting sections 60 and 62.
Mullion element 52 has a pair of flanges 66, 68 disposed generally
parallel to each other and projecting generally inwardly toward the
mullion interior to provide a generally channel shaped mullion
element 52. Flange 66 is provided with a right angular flange
portion 70 which cooperates with flange 66 to define inwardly open
groove 72. Flange 68 is provided with a weather strip receiving
recess 76 which is forwardly open. In addition, mullion element 52
is also provided with a closed conduit 80, which is preferably
integrally formed therewith, and is adapted to serve as a vertical
conduit for downward flow of water which might otherwise accumulate
within the structural members. The interior face of mullion element
52 is also provided with a generally C-shaped fastener receiving
slot 82 to facilitate joinder to horizontal structural
components.
Mullion element 50 is provided with flanges 86, 88 which are
generally parallel to each other and are inwardly directed. Flanges
86, 88 cooperate with the Z-shaped body portion of mullion element
50 to define an inwardly open channel. Flange 86 terminates in a
rearwardly disposed inwardly projecting tongue 90 which is received
within groove 72 of flange 66. This interengagement is preferably a
friction fit in order to facilitate retention of the two mullion
elements 50, 52 in the desired relative position when mullion 6 is
formed. Rear flange 88 is provided with a forwardly disposed
inwardly projecting tongue 92. The rear surface of tongue 92 is
adapted to be engaged by weather strip means (not shown) which
conveniently may be anchored within weather strip receiving recess
76. It should be noted that recess 76 is preferably provided with a
restricted throat opening to facilitate retention of weather strip
material.
It will be appreciated, therefore, that when the two mullion
elements are assembled in the fashion shown two adjacent flanges
66, 86 of the mullion elements 52, 50 will be engaged in tongue and
groove interlock and the other two flanges 68, 88 will be
frictionally secured to each other by means of an interposed
weather strip material. A closed hollow mullion structure which
resists entry of foreign matter into the mullion interior is,
therefore, provided. The mullion 6, so formed, establishes an
expansion joint as relative longitudinal sliding movement between
elongated mullion elements 50, 52 responsive to thermal conditions
is permitted.
The mullion elements 50, 52 may be composed of any suitable
material which will adequately bear the required load and has other
desirable properties such as corrosion resistance and aesthetic
appeal. The elements 50, 52 are preferably made from a
substantially rigid material such as a metal. Aluminum, for
example, may be conveniently and economically extruded into the
desired shape and cut to the desired length.
The forward portions 56, 62 of mullion elements 52, 50,
respectively, in the form shown, project outwardly toward the
exterior of the building. In this form a generally flat interior
wall framing structure, which facilitates provision of interior
walls, results. Also, this provides an aesthetically pleasing
exterior wall appearance. If desired, however, the wall may be so
constructed that the mullion elements will project inwardly into
the building interior. For convenience of reference, the building
will be described with respect to an outwardly projecting mullion.
It will be appreciated, however, that these directional references
as used throughout will be solely for convenience of reference and
the references to "forward", "rear", "inner", "outer" and words of
similar import relating to direction or orientation shall in no
fashion be deemed limiting upon the invention.
Referring once again to FIG. 3, projecting windows 24, 26 along
with their framing elements are there illustrated. Window 24 is
provided with a movable frame 96 which has substantially the same
cross sectional configuration on all four sides. The cross
sectional configuration of the movable frame is shown in detail in
FIG. 6. The frame elements have a body portion 98. The body portion
98 has an outwardly projecting forwardly disposed flange 100. The
body portion also has an outwardly projecting rearwardly disposed
flange 102. Flange 100 has a rearwardly directed rib 104 and flange
102 has a forwardly directed rib 106. Flanges 100, 102 and ribs
104, 106 cooperate with body portion 98 to define an outwardly open
channel 108. As will be described in greater detail below,
outwardly open channel 108 is adapted to serve a double capacity,
i.e., a hinge receiving recess and a splice receiving recess for
establishing corner joints.
Body portion 98 also has an inwardly projecting rearwardly disposed
flange 112. Flange 112 is provided with a forwardly open glazing
strip receiving recess 114. Recess 114 is preferably provided with
a restricted throat portion which facilitates mechanical retention
of a glazing strip therein.
Body portion 98 is also provided with two recesses for receipt of a
glazing bead. A first glazing bead receiving recess 116 is inwardly
open. A second glazing bead receiving recess 118 is disposed
rearwardly of recess 116 and is forwardly open.
Rib 104 in addition to helping to define channel 108, which has
restricted throat 120, also serves to strengthen and stiffen flange
100. This movable frame 96 may be made of any suitable
substantially rigid material, but is preferably made of metal such
as aluminum which may be conveniently and economically extruded
into the desirable shape.
Referring once again to FIG. 3 and to FIG. 10, it is seen that
movable frame 96 is shown with a glazing bead 126 engaged within
the movable frame 96. The glazing bead has a first leg portion 128
extending generally angularly forwardly and engaged within first
glazing bead receiving recess 116 of body portion 98. The glazing
bead 126 has a second leg 130 which is engaged within second
glazing bead receiving recess 118. The glazing bead 126 is provided
with a glazing strip receiving recess 132.
Secured within glazing strip receiving recess 132, which is
generally rearwardly open, is glazing strip 134. Glazing strip 134
may be made of any suitable material such as rubber, plastic or a
blend thereof. Vinyl or neoprene, for example, may be employed. A
second glazing strip 136 is secured within forwardly open glazing
strip receiving recess 114 of flange 112. In this fashion, the
panel 140, which in this instance is illustrated as a glass panel,
has its vertical marginal edges firmly sealed and secured between
partially compressed, resilient glazing strips 134, 136. The manner
in which the upper and lower marginal portions of the panel 140 are
secured to movable frame 96 will be discussed below.
Cooperating with the movable frame 96 to provide a suitable
complementary framing structure is fixed frame 142 which is shown
in detail in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, it is seen that the
vertical components of the fixed frame 142 are generally L-shaped
and have a body portion 150 and an inwardly directed rear flange
152. The fixed frame element also has an inwardly projecting stop
member 154 and an outwardly directed flange 156. In addition, two
generally C-shaped fastener receiving slots 158, 160 are
provided.
In securing vertical and horizontal portions of fixed frame 142,
suitable fasteners such as screws may be passed through an opening
in one element and into a slot 158, 160 of the other. The rear
flange 152 has a forwardly open gasket receiving recess 162 which
is adapted to receive a compressible gasket element. In the form
illustrated in FIG. 3, the framing element 132 is in contact with
the surface 164 of rear portion 54 of mullion element 52. It will
also be noted that leg portion 150 is substantially coextensive in
length with rear section 54. As a result of transverse transition
section 58, the principal width of body portion 150 is disposed
within the recess provided by mullion element 52. In this fashion,
the amount of area available for the window pane is increased as
the space occupied by framing elements between mullions is reduced.
Thus, rather than having a vertical mullion, an adjacent separate
fixed window frame and a movable window frame, this invention
provides for increased window space by providing only a nominal gap
between the outermost extreme of the movable frame 96 and the
innermost extreme of the mullion element 52. In effect, the mullion
functions in a double fashion to provide a vertical load bearing
component and to receive in recess position the fixed window
frame.
In the form shown in FIG. 3, window 24 is shown in approximately
the closed position. For clarity of illustration, the compressible
gasket element which would be positioned within recess 162 has not
been shown. It will be appreciated, however, that the rear portion
of flange 102 of body portion 98 would be in contact with the
compressible gasket member. It would also be appreciated that stop
element 154 of fixed frame 142 serves to provide an ultimate limit
on the inward movement of movable frame 96 as flange 100 would
engage stop 154 were it to move farther rearwardly. In addition,
stop member 154 and flange 100 cooperate to define a restriction
which resists entry of rain, snow and other foreign matter into the
recess which exists between the fixed and movable frames when the
projecting window is in closed position. It is preferred to
maintain a slight gap between stop member 154 and flange 100 to
provide for a venting action which facilitates efficient drainage
of moisture through the weepage system which will be described
below.
Referring once again to FIG. 3, it will be noted that window 26,
which is an inwardly projecting window, has substantially the
identical components as window 24, but they are reversely
positioned with respect to mullion 6. Generally L-shaped fixed
frame member 166 has its flange 168 disposed in a forward position.
The fixed frame member 166 is received within the same recess of
mullion 6 as was fixed frame 142 of ventilating window 24.
Similarly, the movable frame 170 also is reversely oriented with
respect to the position of movable frame 96 of window 24. In this
fashion the same complementary fit between fixed and movable window
frame elements is provided.
One further feature of FIG. 3 which should be noted is that mullion
element 52 adjacent window 24 is connected to structural member 172
by means of elongated sealing element 174, thus eliminating the
need for second mullion element 50 at this position.
While the movable frames 96, 170 of the ventilating windows 24, 26
may be secured to the fixed frames 142, 166, respectively, by an
suitable hinge means, one preferred form of hinge will be
described. It should be noted that while this hinge forms no part
of the invention per se, the movable and fixed frame members are
uniquely designed to accommodate a hinge of this type. Reference is
made now to FIGS. 6, 9 and 10. As is shown in FIG. 9, the hinge
contains a base portion 180 which is adapted to be secured to a
vertical portion of the fixed window frame. The hinge also contains
an outer link 182 which is adapted to be received within the throat
120 of channel 108 of the movable frame and secured thereto. Links
184, 186 and 188 are all pivotably secured to base portion 180. The
outer extremities of links 184 and 188 are secured, respectively,
to a central and end portion of outer link 182. The outer extremity
of link 186 is secured to link 184.
As is shown in FIG. 10, fixed frame 142 receives and is secured to
base portion 180 and movable frame 96 is secured within the throat
portion 120 of channel 108 which contains anchoring block 190. With
this hinge structure, in moving the window from a closed position
to an open position, the initial movement is an outward
translational movement which separates the movable frame from the
sealed position against the fixed frame. The second phase of the
opening movement is a rotational movement which causes either the
upper or lower portion of the movable frame to be displaced a
greater distance than the movable frame component to which it is
parallel.
Referring now to FIG. 16, a preferred method of economically
forming a corner joint in the movable frame will be described. A
corner joint formed from two movable frame elements 96 is shown
partially broken away in FIG. 16. A right angled splicing member
192, which conveniently may be a welded corner formed from bar
stock having a dimension and configuration approximating that of
channel 108, is inserted partially into channel 108 of the
vertically disposed frame portion 96 and partially into channel 108
of the horizontally disposed frame portion 96. The splicing member
192 may be secured in position either by a friction fit within the
channel 108 or by bonding means such as a weld or use of an
adhesive material.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the horizontally disposed fixed
frame portions 200 which are employed in projecting ventilating
window 24 will be described. It will be noted that movable frame
portion 202 and its glazing bead 204 and glazing strips 206, 208
are of identical configuration with the previously discussed
vertically disposed portions of the movable frame. An outwardly and
downwardly directed weather shield 220 serves to resist entry of
moisture into the space between fixed frame 200 and movable frame
202. Referring now to the fixed frame portion 200 illustrated in
FIG. 2A, it will be appreciated that it has a generally L-shaped
configuration and is generally substantially identical with the
vertical fixed frame configuration.
It should first be noted that fixed frame portions 200 are secured
at opposed ends to mullions 6 which support the same. This joint is
effected by passing fasteners (not shown) through a mullion wall
and into the C-shaped slots 198 of fixed frame portions 200. As
will be noted in FIG. 2A, element 212 has two upstanding flanges
218 which support the transverse outer extremities of fixed frame
member 200. In the form illustrated inwardly and downwardly
directed flanges 222 of fixed frame 200 provide mechanical
engagement between fixed frame portion 100 and underlying
structural element 212. In addition, the central transverse section
226 is supported by central transverse portion 228 of structural
element 212. The manner in which structural elements 212 secure
fixed panels 214, 216 in place will be discussed below.
Referring once again to FIGS. 2, 2A and 3, the system for disposing
of undesired moisture which might otherwise accumulate within the
structural components will now be described. As is shown in FIG.
2A, the horizontally disposed fixed frame element 200 has a
centrally disposed recess 230 which is preferably substantially
coextensive in length with fixed frame portion 200. At the end of
fixed frame 200 the edge abuts against rear portion 54 of mullion 6
which has an opening or passageway 232 therethrough. As is shown in
FIG. 3, this passageway 232 connects with the interior of
vertically disposed weepage conduit 80. Thus, moisture accumulating
on the upper surface of fixed frame portion 200 will flow into
recess 230 and then longitudinally along the recess through
passageway 232 and into vertical weepage conduit 180.
In similar fashion, structural elements 212 shown in FIG. 2 also
have a central recess 234 which is adapted to carry moisture
therealong and ultimately through opening 236 in mullion wall 54
and into closed vertically disposed conduit 80. Moisture entering a
closed conduit 80 will be carried by gravity vertically downwardly
to the sill portion which is shown in FIG. 2A. A horizontally
disposed conduit 240 then transports the water longitudinally to an
opening therein which permits discharge of the water to the
exterior of the wall. These openings are preferably positioned at
desired intervals in the forward wall 242 of conduit 240 in order
to establish outward flow and ultimate harmless discharge of the
moisture. While the preferred form of vertical weepage conduit may
be economically and desirably integrally formed with a mullion
section 50, 52, if desired, a separate conduit element may be
secured within the mullion. Also, if desired, a weepage conduit
could be provided in each of the two mullion forming components,
thereby providing two conduits within each mullion 6. Finally,
while it is not the preferred form, one might allow the entire
hollow interior of the mullion to serve as a vertical conduit for
downward discharge of the water. It will, therefore, be appreciated
that moisture which might tend to accumulate in horizontally
oriented outer components and produce potentially hazardous
corrosive effect, as well as undesired freezing of the moisture to
produce icing conditions, is ultimately harmlessly eliminated by
the weepage conduit systems of this invention.
Where the height of the wall construction is such that the
assembled mullions may be provided in finite vertical sections, it
is preferred to provide continuity of aligned conduits 80 between
overlying and underlying mullion sections. This may be conveniently
and efficiently accomplished by inserting a tubular splice member
part way into the underlying conduit 80 and part way into the
overlying conduit 80. The splice member preferably has
substantially the same cross sectional configuration as the
conduit, but is of slightly smaller size in order to provide for a
slight friction fit. Thus, in the form illustrated, a splice
section of generally rectangular cross sectional configuration
would be desirable.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4 and 5 in order that the
slightly modified form of structural assembly employed in retaining
fixed panel elements may be described. As is shown in FIG. 4, the
mullions 250 are identical with those previously described. The
generally L-shaped structural member 252 is generally similar to
that employed in the fixed frame for the movable window. The
principal differences are the absence of stop element 154 employed
in connection with the window and the presence of certain recesses
for receipt of a panel retaining clip. For convenience and
simplicity of reference, unless otherwise indicated, any reference
to a "generally L-shaped fixed framing member" or words of similar
import, as used herein, shall be deemed to encompass not only the
structures described in connection with the L-shaped fixed
ventilating window frame, but also the slightly modified form
employed with fixed panels. Reference to such a member within the
context of a particular structural use shall be deemed to refer to
a form of L-shaped member having a suitable configuration for the
particular use, such as those specifically described herein, for
example.
In the form shown in FIG. 4, the fixed L-shaped member has a body
portion 254 and a forwardly disposed flange portion 256. The flange
portion has a rearwardly open recess 258 into which is received a
glazing strip 260. A generally U-shaped panel retaining clip 262
has legs 264 and 266 mechanically engaged within recesses 268, 270
of body portion 254. The forwardly disposed leg 266 has a forwardly
open recess 272 which receives a glazing strip 274.
The glazing strips 260, 274 may be made of any suitable material
such as rubber, plastic or other suitable materials having the
desired resiliency, compressibility and mechanical strength as well
as weather resisting properties. Vinyl and neoprene materials are
suitable material for such use. The panel retaining clip 262 is
substantially rigid and may be composed of any desirable material
including metals and plastics. Panel 280 is marginally engaged
between glazing strips 260, 272 and is retained therebetween.
A similar structure is shown at the left hand side of FIG. 4 in
connection with panel 286 which has an outer metal facing 288, an
inner metal facing 290 and an interposed insulating material 292.
The generally L-shaped extrusion 294 is identical with L-shaped
extrusion 252. In order to accommodate the excess width of panel a
modified form of panel retaining clip 296 is employed. Its
innermost leg 298 is provided with an inwardly directed flange 300
which is received within a recess 302 in L-shaped member 294. In
this fashion, panels 280 and 286 are effectively secured in sealed
fixed position within the wall structure. Horizontally disposed
framing members cooperate with the vertically disposed L-shaped
members to facilitate support by load bearing mullions 250 without
requiring any major modifications to the intermediate supporting
structure apart from the panel retaining clips. Mere substitution
of panel retaining clip 296 for panel retaining clip 262
compensates for the excess width of the panel 286 as compared with
panel 280. It is noted that central panel 304 is secured between
the two mullions 250 by means of generally L-shaped framing member
252' and panel retaining clip 262'.
FIG. 5 shows a similar structure wherein an insulated double faced
panel 310 is secured between mullions 250 by means of panel
retaining clips 296 which are secured to generally L-shaped members
294. The left hand portion of FIG. 5 shows the mullion section
secured to a permanent structural member 312 by means of an
interposed element 314.
While various forms of glazing strips may be employed and several
suitable constructions have been shown in the figures previously
discussed, one preferred form which may be economically
manufactured and effectively employed is illustrated in FIG. 8.
This element consists of an anchoring section 320, a compressible
tubular body portion 322 and a connector section 324 joining
anchoring section 320 and body portion 322. A pair of generally
straight tapered angularly rearwardly disposed legs 326 depend from
the tubular body portion. The anchoring section has a forwardly
disposed pilot surface 328 which facilitates insertion of this
section into a glazing strip receiving recess. Once the anchoring
section has been secured within the recess the resiliency of the
legs 326 and the compressibility of the tubular body portion 322
cooperate to provide a compressible glazing strip which will firmly
engage and secure a panel surface. As the material out of which the
glazing strip is made is preferably a resilient material such as a
rubber or plastic (vinyl or neoprene, for example) or a combination
thereof, it will initially yield through resilient movement of the
legs and compression of the tubular body, but will reach a point of
equilibrium at which the abutting panel will be compressively and
firmly secured in position.
Referring once again briefly to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the manner in which
the wall construction is secured to the header and sill members
will be briefly considered. As is shown in FIG. 2, a header plate
330 has a generally channel shaped configuration and is adapted to
have its base portion 332 secured to a steel lintel 334 by suitable
means as by bolting. A solid structural member such as a wooden
section 336 may be interposed if desired.
As is shown in FIG. 2A, the sill structure provides a sill member
340 which has an upwardly open channel 342 and flanges 344, 346
which support L-shaped structural member 348. The L-shaped member
348 may conveniently be bolted to sill member 340. The exterior
portion of sill member 340 consists of a sloping web portion 350
which facilitates drainage of moisture moving down the exterior of
the building and a downwardly directed flange 352 which facilitates
sealed joinder to the foundation 354 by means of appropriate
sealing compound 356.
Referring back to FIG. 2, it is noted that where a fixed panel 360
overlies another fixed panel 214 a generally T-shaped structural
member 364 may be substituted for two generally L-shaped structural
members which would otherwise be employed. It, in effect, is a
single element of similar configuration to two adjacent L-shaped
members. Drainage recess 366 provides access to passageway 368 to
permit moisture discharge.
Turning now to the pivotable form of window 40 shown in FIG. 1,
this type of window may be conveniently hinged so as to be adapted
to rotate either about its horizontal or vertical central axis or,
if desired, an axis displaced therefrom. As it forms no part of the
invention per se, it will suffice to say that any conventional form
of hinge construction which permits rotational movement may be
employed. One suitable form would be a structure which employed a
cylindrical boss projecting from opposed ends or sides of the
window frame with the boss projections being received within
cylindrical recesses in the stationary frame of the window.
Alternate forms of hinges may be employed and numerous forms will
be known to those skilled in the art.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 12 which illustrate the
securement of the fixed frame for this type of window as well as
the cross sectional configuration of both the fixed frame and the
movable rotatable frame. Considering first FIG. 12 and the movable
frame 370, it is noted that the frame has some features in common
with the generally L-shaped structural member 294 shown in FIG. 5
and employed to secure a fixed panel. The body portion of frame 370
rather than being of web like construction is of tubular generally
rectangular construction having long sides 372 and short sides 374.
A rearwardly disposed inwardly directed flange 376 is provided with
a forwardly open glazing strip receiving recess into which glazing
strip 378 is placed. Glazing bead 380 is of generally U-shaped
configuration and has leg portions 382, 384 mechanically engaged
with movable frame 370. A second glazing strip 386 is secured
within glazing bead 380 with the glazing strips 378, 386 engaging,
sealing and mechanically securing opposed surfaces of panel 388
adjacent the marginal edge thereof. The outer portion of the
movable frame 370 has two pairs of adjacent parallel flanges 390
which cooperate to define a pair of outwardly open channels within
which are disposed elongated outwardly directed gasket element
392.
The fixed frame portion 400 shown in FIG. 12 is of generally
channel shaped configuration with re-entrant flange portions 402 so
positioned as to be in contact with gasket elements 392 when the
window is in closed position. These gasket elements are composed of
a suitable resilient material having weather resistant
characteristics and are partially resiliently compressed when the
window is in closed position. The fixed frame may be secured to the
adjacent structural component 404 by any suitable means such as the
joining method illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein wooden element 406 is
interposed and fasteners (not shown) are employed. Gasket elements
408 are preferably provided.
Referring now to FIG. 13, it will be seen that the movable frame
member 374 is as described and illustrated in FIG. 12. The fixed
frame member 400' is slightly modified in that it has a flat bottom
section 410 and does not have rearwardly directed channel portions
for receipt of gasket elements. It is noted that element 400' is
received within the rearwardly disposed recess of mullion 6 against
rear section 54. Thus, this form of window also is compatible with
the mullion structure of this invention and the advantageous
reduction in space devoted to fixed window frame elements and
corresponding increase in sight line and window size may be
obtained.
FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 13 in that it shows a mullion 6
interposed between the fixed frame element 400' and an L-shaped
member such as 252 which is the fixed frame for the rotating form
of window secured to a mullion 6 of the type described above in
FIG. 3 having components 50, 52. In between the two mullions 6 is
secured a fixed panel 412 in the manner described above. It will
thus be appreciated that the rotating window structure may be
employed in a wall construction employing the fixed panel
assemblies and ventilating window assemblies of this invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the header and sill portions of
the fixed frame for the rotating window will be described briefly.
In general, the fixed frame 414 is of the same configuration shown
in FIG. 12. It is noted, however, that both the header 416 and the
sill 414 fixed frame portions are secured, respectively, to
overlying and underlying L-shaped structural members 418, 420. The
overlying L-shaped structure secures the lower marginal edges of a
composite insulating panel 422 and the lower portion secures the
upper marginal edges of a transparent glass or plastic panel. In
addition, the exterior portion of stationary frame sections 416,
414 have, respectively, weather guards 426 as does the exterior
portion of movable frame 374. Each weather guard has an angularly
downwardly directed first portion 428 and a depending vertical
portion 430. All rain and snow impinging upon the overlying surface
will be directed downwardly and away from the joint between the
movable frame 374 and the fixed frame 414, 416. In addition, a
weepage passageway 432 is provided within fixed frame 414 in order
to provide a means of draining any water which might otherwise
accumulate within the channel.
It will, therefore, be appreciated that the building wall
construction of this invention provides a unique system of wall
components which economically facilitate the use of various
combinations of fixed panels, inwardly and outwardly projecting
ventilating windows and rotating windows in order to provide a wall
construction which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The windows are provided with enlarged pane areas as a result of
the mullions having recessed portions for securement of the fixed
window frame elements of the ventilating windows and rotating
windows. Effective means are provided for weepage and elimination
of potentially harmful moisture accumulations within the structural
components. Uniquely configurated glazing beads and panel retaining
clips cooperate with uniquely configurated structural shapes to
provide for both panel retention and the sealing thereof against
entry of undesired rain, snow and other foreign matter. In
addition, replacement of panels and glazing of panes from the
interior or exterior of the building are facilitated. Also, a
preferred form of gasket strip provides for improved retention
properties.
It will further be appreciated that various materials may be
employed in this invention. With a minimum number of cross
sectional configurations of the basic structural components, a wide
variety of wall assemblies may be constructed according to the
requirements of a particular installation. The mullions and
stationary and movable framing components are preferably made from
a rigid material such as extruded aluminum. Also, desired
decorative finishes may be provided on the mullions, panels,
glazing beads, panel retaining clips and structural components.
Decorative appearances are facilitated by the choice of materials.
Where aluminum, for example, has been selected for the panel and/or
structural components the materials may be anodized or otherwise
decoratively finished. To the extent to which plastics are
employed, the plastic may be of the desired color.
It will further be appreciated that the mullions of this invention
provide means for ready expansion and contraction responsive to
changes in thermal conditions in addition to providing load bearing
characteristics and increased panel or pane sizes. Finally, the
mullions are preferably provided with conduit means for confined
vertical transport of accumulated fluids.
Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been described
above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those
skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may be
made without departing from the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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