U.S. patent number 3,734,550 [Application Number 05/181,082] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-22 for building construction assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Engineered Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lawrence B. Vance.
United States Patent |
3,734,550 |
Vance |
May 22, 1973 |
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A building construction assembly including a first elongated
structural member having a longitudinally disposed keyway having a
base wall and a pair of sidewalls projecting from the base wall.
Means providing an elongated restricted throat keyway opening. A
second elongated structural member having a longitudinal axis
disposed generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the first elongated structural member. The second elongated
structural member having a locking channel having a bottom wall, a
front wall and a rear wall. The second elongated structural member
disposed with its locking channel in aligned relationship with
respect to an end opening of the keyway. A locking key having a
first portion extending into the keyway and a second portion
extending into and in engagement with the locking channel. Means
resisting undesired movement of the key into the keyway
sufficiently far to permit removal of the second key portion from
the locking channel. A condensate gutter element may be secured
within the locking channel.
Inventors: |
Vance; Lawrence B. (Pittsburgh,
PA) |
Assignee: |
Engineered Products, Inc.
(Pittsburgh, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
22662831 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/181,082 |
Filed: |
September 16, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/34; 52/235;
403/240; 52/204.591; 52/302.3; 403/217; 403/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
2/965 (20130101); Y10T 403/25 (20150115); F16B
2200/40 (20180801); Y10T 403/44 (20150115); F16B
2200/406 (20180801) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/88 (20060101); E04B 2/96 (20060101); E04b
002/88 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/235,665,495,730,732,463 ;287/189.36A,189.36G |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Murtagh; John E.
Claims
I claim:
1. A building construction assembly comprising
a first elongated structural member having a longitudinally
disposed keyway defined by a base wall and a pair of sidewalls
projecting from said base wall,
means on at least one of said sidewalls establishing a restricted
throat keyway opening,
a second elongated structural member having a longitudinal axis
disposed generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal
axis of said first elongated structural member,
said second elongated structural member having a longitudinally
disposed locking channel having a bottom wall, a front wall and a
rear wall,
said second elongated structural member disposed with its locking
channel in aligned relationship with respect to an end opening of
said keyway,
a locking key having a first portion extending into said
keyway,
said locking key having a second portion extending into and in
locking engagement with said locking channel,
said locking key second portion is disposed in engagement with said
locking channel rear wall,
said locking channel rear wall having a rear channel surface which
slopes rearwardly as it extends away from said channel bottom
wall,
said locking key second portion having a rear key surface slope
which is generally complementary to said rear channel surface
slope,
said rear channel surface and said rear key surface in frictional
interengagement which resists relative separating movement between
said first and second elongated structural members, and
means resisting longitudinal movement of said key into said keyway
sufficiently far to permit removal of said second key portion from
locking engagement within said locking channel, whereby said first
and second elongated structural members are effectively secured to
each other.
2. The building construction assembly of claim 1 including
said first elongated structural member is a substantially vertical
member, and
said second elongated structural member is a substantially
horizontal member.
3. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
said keyway throat defining means on said sidewalls including a
flange on each said sidewall extending transversely inwardly
therefrom, and
said means resisting longitudinal movement of said key including
keyway restricting means.
4. The building construction assembly of claim 3 including
said keyway restricting means including a deformed portion of at
least one of said transversely inwardly directed keyway throat
defining flanges, and
said keyway restricting flange portion having a thickness less than
the average thickness of the remainder of the sidewall from which
said throat defining flange projects.
5. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
said locking key first portion provided with a peripheral
configuration generally similar to the configuration of said keyway
but of reduced dimension with respect thereto, and
resiliently compressed gasket means disposed intermediate at least
one peripheral surface of said locking key first portion and an
adjacent keyway wall, whereby undesired movement of said locking
key within said keyway is resisted.
6. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
said locking key rear surface having a number of generally
rearwardly projecting serrations in engagement with said locking
channel rear surface, and
said locking channel rear surface having a plurality of generally
forwardly projecting serrations.
7. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
an upwardly open channel shaped condensate gutter secured within
said locking channel,
said condensate gutter having a base disposed in spaced overlying
relationship with respect to said locking channel bottom wall,
and
said condensate gutter element originating adjacent said locking
key and extending longitudinally along said locking channel.
8. The building construction assembly of claim 7 including
said condensate gutter having a pair of gutter defining sidewalls
extending upwardly from said gutter base,
each said gutter defining sidewall terminating in an outwardly
directed flange which is disposed exteriorly of said locking
channel, and
said condensate gutter having an end in communication with said
vertical member to permit discharge of water from said gutter to
said vertical member for ultimate discharge therefrom.
9. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
said vertical member has a forwardly facing wall with a portion
thereof providing said keyway base wall,
said keyway sidewalls projecting forwardly from said forwardly
facing wall, and
said vertical member having a longitudinal discontinuity disposed
forwardly of said forwardly facing wall defining a forwardly open
notch.
10. The building construction assembly of claim 9 including
said vertical member has a single keyway,
said horizontal member extending into said notch with said locking
channel being upwardly open and in aligned underlying relationship
with respect to an end opening of said keyway,
said horizontal member extends continuously across said vertical
member notch, and
a single locking key secures said vertical member to said
horizontal member.
11. The building construction assembly of claim 2 including
said vertical member has a pair of adjacent forwardly open
keyways,
said vertical member has a forwardly facing wall with portions
thereof providing the base wall for each said keyway,
said vertical member having a longitudinal discontinuity disposed
forwardly of said forwardly facing wall defining a forwardly open
notch,
a pair of horizontal members extending into said notch from opposed
sides thereof,
each said horizontal member having an upwardly open locking channel
disposed in aligned underlying relationship with respect to one
said keyway, and
a locking key in each said keyway having a portion in locking
engagement with one said locking channel.
12. The building construction assembly of claim 11 including
forwardly projecting anchor means disposed on said forwardly facing
wall intermediate said keyways,
an elongated batten element disposed forwardly of said anchor
means, and
fastener means secured to said batten element and extending into
said anchor means securing said batten to said vertical member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a structural joint established between
two members by means of uniquely configured portions of each of the
structural members and a cooperating locking key member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various means of assembling building frame components into
structural joints have been known. In connection with metal framing
components it has been known to provide a wide range of structural
member profiles which facilitate rapid and effective joinder of two
or more of such components into curtain wall assemblies and other
building construction assemblies. Among the known approaches to
this problem, it has been previously suggested to provide recesses
in a vertical member which receive a horizontal member, with
retention being effected by means of independent fasteners. See
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,604,196 and 3,190,407.
Also included within known systems are joints which employ a
strap-like member extending through a vertical structural element
and cooperating with other means to secure the vertical element to
another member. See U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,140,772 and 3,190,407.
Included within a number of prior art systems is an effort to
obtain drainage of undesired water in order to prevent potentially
destructive accumulation thereof within the building components. It
has been known to provide various combinations of conduits which
are adapted to transport collected water for ultimate discharge
therefrom. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,336,705, 3,423,895 and
3,488,906.
There remains a need for a means of establishing a structurally
efficient building construction joint which may be created without
the need for screws, bolts, nuts and other conventional fastening
means. In particular, there remains a need for such a joint wherein
effective joint strength is provided, while facilitating free
thermal expansion and contraction of the structural elements
without adversely affecting the integrity of the joint. In
addition, there is lacking a joint of the above-described type
which provides an economical means of automatically obtaining
effective condensate discharge without requiring burdensome field
installation practices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-described need has been filled by the building
construction assembly of this invention. It provides a first
elongated structural member which has a longitudinally disposed
keyway having a base wall and a pair of sidewalls projecting from
the base wall. Means on at least one of the sidewalls establishes a
restricted throat keyway opening along the length thereof.
A second elongated structural member has a longitudinal axis
disposed generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the first elongated structural member. The second elongated
structural member has a longitudinally extending locking channel
having a bottom wall, a front wall and a rear wall. The second
elongated structural member has its locking channel in aligned
relationship with respect to an end opening of the keyway.
A locking key has a first portion extending into the keyway and a
second portion extending into and in engagement with the locking
channel. Means resisting longitudinal movement of the key into the
keyway sufficiently far to permit removal of the second key portion
from the locking channel are provided. These means may take the
form of inwardly deformed portions of one or more keyway defining
walls in order to provide a restriction in the keyway.
An elongated generally channel shaped condensate gutter element may
be provided within the locking channel in order to provide
continuous substantially horizontal transport of moisture to a
vertical structural member or other discharge outlet.
It is an object of this invention to provide structural members
having uniquely configurated portions which facilitate effective
joinder by means of a locking key which may readily be introduced
into portions of both structural members and thereby establish a
highly efficient structural joint.
It is another object of this invention to provide such a structure
wherein the joint is obtained without the use of screws, bolts or
other conventional fasteners and the joint permits free thermal
expansion and contraction of the components without adversely
affecting joint integrity.
It is another object of this invention to provide such a joint
assembly wherein means are provided within at least one structural
member for efficiently and harmlessly disposing of undesired
moisture.
It is another object of this invention to provide a joint between a
vertical mullion and a horizontal member of a building structure in
such a fashion as to permit the use of these structural components
in securing wall panels, windows and other wall components.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a joint
assembly which is adapted for economical use and rapid
erection.
These and other objects of the 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 cross sectional illustration of one form of building
construction assembly of this invention showing a vertical member
and a cooperating batten element.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional illustration of a form of assembly of
this invention showing a horizontal member and a cooperating batten
element.
FIG. 3 is a detailed cross sectional configuration of the form of
vertical member shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a detailed cross sectional configuration of the form of
horizontal member shown generally in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an end elevation of a locking key of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the locking key shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a locking key of this invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of portions of one form of
building construction assemblies contemplated by this
invention.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of a form of
horizontal member illustrating a form of condensate gutter
contemplated by this invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional illustration of a modified form of
vertical member contemplated by this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1, there is shown one form
of vertical member 2 which in the form shown is a vertical mullion.
The vertical member 2 has a rear wall 4, a forwardly facing wall 6
and a connecting wall 8. Two stub walls 10, 12 define an opening 16
which, in the form shown, is closed by a cover member 18. The cover
member 18 has a pair of legs 20, 22 in snap-fit engagement with
stub wall 12 and its inwardly directed flange 24. Cover member 18
also has a pair of legs 26, 28 disposed in snap-fit engagement with
stub wall 10 and its inwardly directed flange 30. In this fashion,
access may be had to the interior hollow 32 of vertical member 2 by
means of demountably secured cover member 18.
The forwardly facing wall 6 provides base sectors 6a, 6b of
elongated keyways 40, 42, respectively. Keyway 40 is defined by
base sector 6a and cooperating generally parallel sidewalls 46, 48.
Sidewall 46 has a generally transversely inwardly directed flange
50 which cooperates with flange 52 of sidewall 48 to define a
forwardly open restricted throat opening 58 for keyway 40.
Similarly, keyway 42 has substantially parallel sidewalls 60, 62
emerging from base section 6b and disposed generally
perpendicularly with respect thereto. Flange 64 of sidewall 60 and
flange 66 of sidewall 62 cooperate to define a restricted throat
opening 68 for keyway 42.
It is noted that the keyways are disposed generally adjacent each
other and extend longitudinally along the vertical member 2. The
keyways have restricted throat forward openings 58, 68 and are
provided with upper and lower end openings (not shown).
In the form illustrated in FIG. 1, the vertical member is
cooperatively secured to a batten element 70 in order to
effectively retain vertical marginal edges 72, 74 of panels 76, 78,
respectively. This structure permits initial panel installation and
subsequent replacement from the building exterior by removal and
subsequent restoration of the surrounding batten elements. Panel 76
consists of an insulated window structure which has an outer pane
80, an inner pane 82 and an intermediate dead air space 84.
Similarly, panel 78 is an insulated window having outer pane 86,
inner pane 88 and an intermediate dead air space 90. The batten
member 70 has a bottom wall 92 provided with a central bore 94. A
pair of generally parallel walls 96, 98 project forwardly from the
bottom wall 92. Walls 96, 98 terminate in outwardly projecting
flanges 100, 102, respectively.
In securing the batten element 70 to the vertical member 2 a
fastener, such as a bolt 106, is passed through bore 94 in bottom
wall 92 through recess 108 in vertical member 2 and then through
base wall 6 to emerge within hollow 32. A washer 110 and 112 secure
the bolt in position. Flanges 52, 64 provide a firm backing surface
which assists in obtaining an effective mechanical joint through
tightening of nut 112. A thermal insulating material 114, such as
vinyl, is inserted between flanges 52, 64 and bottom wall 92 in
order to provide a thermal barrier between batten 70 and vertical
member 2. It is noted that flanges 52, 64 cooperate with bottom
wall 92 to compressively engage thermal insulating material 114 and
thereby maintain the desired thermal barrier.
As is shown in FIG. 1, sidewalls 46, 62 project forwardly beyond
flanges 50, 66, respectively, and have second inwardly directed
flanges 116, 118, respectively. Flange 116 is provided with a
forwardly open gasket receiving recess 120, which preferably has a
restricted throat opening. Similarly, flange 118 has a forwardly
open gasket receiving recess 122 which is provided with a
restricted throat opening. A suitable glazing strip 130 has a base
portion mechanically secured within gasket receiving recess 120 and
is in sealing contact with the surface of inner pane 88. Glazing
strip 132 is mechanically secured within gasket receiving recess
122 and is in compressive engagement with inner pane 82. These
gaskets may be of any suitable material, such as neoprene, for
example. Batten element 70 has flanges 100 and 102 provided with
gasket receiving channels 134, 136, respectively. Gasket elements
138, 140 are mechanically secured within channels 134, 136,
respectively, and are in engagement with outer panes 86, 80,
respectively.
It is noted that batten 70 is provided with a relatively deep
recess 142 defined by bottom wall 92 and walls 96, 98. This recess
is adapted to receive portions of window cleaning apparatus which
must frequently be mounted on the exterior of taller buildings.
Referring now to FIG. 3, several additional features of the
vertical member 2, shown in FIG. 1, will be considered. It is noted
that keyway 40 has base sector 6a provided with a forwardly open
recess 144 and keyway 42 has base sector 6b provided with a
forwardly open recess 146. These recesses are adapted to receive a
compressible gasket element (see gasket 248 in FIGS. 1 and 2) which
provides effective rattle free securement of a locking key (not
shown in this view) in a fashion to be described below. The
compressible gasket element also serves to resist undesired
relative axial movement of the locking key within the keyway.
Flange 50 has a relatively thin end sector 152 and a connecting
sector 150. Flange sector 152 preferably has a thickness which is
less than the average thickness of the remainder of sidewall 46.
Similarly, flange 66 has a relatively thin end sector 156 and a
connecting sector 154. Flange 156 is preferably thinner than the
average thickness of the remainder of sidewall 62. In a preferred
form of this invention, after the locking key (not shown in this
view) has been introduced into a keyway, such as keyway 42, in
order to prevent undesired longitudinal movement of the locking key
within keyway 42, the passageway is restricted by deforming flange
portion 156 inwardly to the position indicated by the dotted lines
in order to create flange portion 156'. The relative thinness of
flange end sector 156 facilitates such deformation by any
convenient means, as by hammering for example. If desired,
transverse weakened or cut lines may be employed to define one or
more deformable tabs which may be placed in keyway restricting
position. In lieu of or in addition to this sort of restriction,
the outer periphery of the locking key and the inner periphery of
the key may be so proportioned as to provide frictional surface to
surface interengagement which resists such movement. Compressible
gasket 248 may be employed to provide or to assist with such
retention. Also, a separate fastener or clip element may be
employed to secure the key against excessive axial movement within
the keyway.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a horizontal member 160
which has a body portion 162 and a depending lower flange 164 which
terminates in a forwardly directed flange extension 166. The
horizontal member 160 also has an upwardly open locking channel
168. For convenience of reference, the term "locking channel" as
used herein shall be employed in a general fashion to refer to
either the physical channel structure or the locking channel
opening defined thereby, depending upon the context in which the
term is used. The locking channel 168 is defined by bottom wall
170, which is a portion of flange body portion 162, upwardly
directed rear wall 172 and front wall 174.
In the form shown, the horizontal member 160 cooperates with a
horizontal batten assembly in securing insulated double paned
windows 178, 180. The body portion 162 of horizontal member 160
receives window support block 182 and also has an enlarged free end
portion 184 which cooperates with adjacent parts of body portion
162 to define a recess 186. Inner batten element 188 has a
rearwardly projecting flange 190 with an upwardly directed flange
extension 192. The inner batten component 188 is in snap-fit
engagement with the horizontal member 160 with flange extension 192
projecting into and secured within recess 186. Batten cover 196 is
secured to inner batten component 188 by snap-fit engagement of the
projections 198 with projections 200 of inner batten component 188.
Suitable glazing strips 202, 204 206, 208 are disposed in
compressive engagement with the exposed surfaces of the insulated
double windows 178, 180.
As is shown in FIG. 2, a gasket element 248 is disposed within
recess 146 of keyway 42. The gasket element 248 is preferably
provided solely in the recess regions adjacent the locking key 246.
It is compressively secured between the upper locking key portion
220 and the keyway base 6b. This serves to provide resistance
against rattling of the locking key 246 within the keyway and also
serves to resist undesired axial displacement of the locking key
246 within the keyway.
Referring now to FIG. 4, several additional details of horizontal
member 160 will be considered. The locking channel 168 has a bottom
wall 170, a front wall 174 and a rear wall 172. Front wall 174 has
a front channel surface 212 which, in the form shown, is generally
perpendicular to bottom wall 170. The rear wall 172 has a rear wall
surface 214 which slopes rearwardly as it projects upwardly away
from bottom wall 170. It is noted that the upper portion of rear
wall surface 214 provides a curved pilot surface 216 which is
adapted to facilitate positioning and entry of the locking key in a
fashion which will be described below. In the form of horizontal
member selected for illustration, the rear wall surface 214 has a
plurality of horizontally disposed generally forwardly directed
serrations or teeth 218 which facilitate improved interengagement
with the locking key. It will be appreciated from the description
which follows, however, that effective interengagement may be
obtained through the use of a smooth rear wall surface 214 devoid
of serrations 218.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 7, a preferred form of locking key
structure will be considered. The locking key has an upper portion
220 and a lower portion 226. Upper portion 220 has a substantially
flat top surface 222, a substantially flat forwardly directed
surface 224 which extends downwardly into the lower portion 226 of
the key and a substantially flat rear surface 228 which is
generally parallel to the forward surface 224. The locking key also
has a pair of substantially flat generally parallel end surfaces
230, 232. The locking key upper portion 220, therefore, preferably
has a generally rectangular peripheral configuration. The locking
key upper portion 220 has a peripheral configuration which is
substantially the same as the contour of the keyway, but of reduced
dimension with respect thereto.
The lower portion of the locking key 226 has a rear surface 234
which slopes generally downwardly and forwardly. The angle of
inclination of locking key rear surface 234 is preferably
substantially equal to the angle of inclination of locking channel
rear surface 214, but in the opposite direction therefrom. The
angles of slope of the two rear surfaces 214, 234 should therefore
preferably be substantially complementary so as to permit insertion
of the locking key into the locking channel 168 with the inclined
plane effect creating firm mechanical surface to surface
interengagement therebetween. As has been stated above, one
preferred form of the invention contemplates both engaged surfaces
214, 234 being substantially smooth. In another form of the
invention one or both surfaces may be provided with serrations,
such as serrations 218 on rear wall surface 214 and generally
rearwardly directed spaced serrations or teeth 238 disposed on
lower portion rear surface 234 of the locking key. It will,
therefore, be appreciated that the effective surface to surface
engagement may be provided between two smooth surfaces, between two
serrated surfaces or between one serrated surface and one smooth
surface. For simplicity of description, all such engagements shall
be referred to herein as surface to surface engagements.
Referring once again to FIG. 5, it is seen that the locking key
rear surface 234 of lower portion 226 terminates in a curved pilot
surface 240. A connecting surface 242 which is disposed generally
perpendicular to upper rear surface 228 extends from the lower
extremity of upper rear surface 228 toward rear surface 234. It is
noted that in the preferred form, when serrations 238 are provided,
they originate at a position spaced downwardly from connecting
surface 242 and upwardly from pilot surface 240.
Considering now the manner of effecting insertion of the locking
key in order to provide effective joinder, as is shown in FIG. 2,
the vertical member will have a longitudinal discontinuity disposed
at a position spaced forwardly of forward facing wall 6. Sidewall
62 will have a lower end 62'. This provides the upper surface of a
notch or recess into which the horizontal member 190 is received so
as to provide vertical alignment between the passageway of keyway
42 and the underlying upwardly open locking channel 168. It will be
appreciated that the vertical discontinuity may be created either
as a result of a notch in the vertical member or through use of the
lower extremity of the vertical member. For convenience of
reference, the term "longitudinal discontinuity" and words of
similar import as used herein shall refer to discontinuities
created by the presence of a notch in the vertical member and, in
addition, it shall include the lower end of a vertical member and
any other portion which permits ready access to a keyway end
opening in such a fashion as to permit establishment of a joint of
this invention.
In effecting assembly, the locking key 246 is first inserted
axially into keyway 42 with the locking key upper portion 220
disposed above the locking key lower portion 226. The horizontal
member 160 is then inserted into the notch to position the locking
channel 168 in underlying communicating relationship with respect
to an end opening of keyway 42. After this has been accomplished,
the locking key 246 is urged downwardly so that the lower key
portion 226 enters into the locking channel 168. The locking key
246 is moved into the locking channel 168 until rear surface 226 of
the locking key 246 is in surface to surface frictional engagement
with rear wall surface 214 of locking channel 168. This may readily
be accomplished by means of a hammer, chisel or other implement
which has been introduced into keyway 42 through restricted throat
opening 68 (see FIG. 1) at a position above upper surface 222 of
locking key 246. After the locking key 246 has been urged
downwardly into the locking relationship, the flange portion 156
will preferably be deformed inwardly to create a keyway restriction
156' which resists upward axial movement of the locking key 246
within the keyway 42 sufficiently far to permit removal of the
locking key lower portion 226 from locking engagement within said
locking channel. Other restraining means including frictional
retention and/or separate members may be employed in lieu of or in
addition to the preferred means, if desired.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a joint of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
will be considered. The vertical member 2 is provided with a
horizontal notch 250 which terminates at a position spaced
forwardly of forwardly facing wall 6. This provides substantial
structural integrity for the vertical member while facilitating
receipt of horizontal members 252, 256 therein. In this form two
keyways are employed as batten structure 70 (FIG. 1) precludes the
use of a continuous horizontal member extending across the vertical
member. As is shown in FIG. 8, a first horizontal member 252 is
received within the notch 250 and will be secured in such position
by means of a locking key (not shown) which is anchored in keyway
42 and has a lower extremity in engagement within locking channel
254. Similarly, horizontal member 256 enters the notch 250 from the
opposed side and has a locking key (not shown) engaged within
keyway 40 and extending downwardly into and in engagement with
locking channel 258. In this fashion, the two horizontal members
252, 256 will be secured with their longitudinal axes in
substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the
longitudinal axis of vertical member 2. While no screws, bolts or
conventional fasteners are employed, the joint will have high
structural efficiency and yet will permit free thermal expansion
and contraction without impairment of joint characteristics.
It will be appreciated that in those instances wherein a more
conventional batten structure not having a recess 142 as is shown
in batten 70 of FIG. 1 is employed a single horizontal member may
pass continuously across the vertical member. Such a single
continuous horizontal member may be secured to the vertical member
by means of a single locking key secured within a single locking
channel. One such exemplary structure is shown in FIG. 10 wherein
the vertical member 260 has a rear portion configurated more in the
form of an I-beam than the hollow mullion structure shown in the
vertical member 2 of FIG. 1. In this form of the invention a single
elongated keyway 262 is provided by cooperation between forwardly
facing wall 264 and a pair of forwardly directed substantially
parallel sidewalls 266, 268. The sidewalls 266, 268 have transverse
flange portions 270, 272, respectively, which define elongated
restricted throat keyway opening 274. Sidewalls 276 and 268 have
flange extensions in the form of glazing strip receiving channels
280, 282, respectively. Sidewall 266 projects forwardly a distance
greater than sidewalls 268, 276 and terminates in a transversely
directed flange 284. This flange cooperates with base wall 286 of
batten 288 and an interposed insulating material 290 serving to
facilitate the creation of a thermal barrier between the vertical
member 260 and batten 288. A headed bolt 292 extends through bottom
wall 296, insulating material 290 and flange 284 and is secured in
such position by means of a washer 294 and nut 296.
Considering now an additional feature of the invention, reference
is made to FIG. 9 which shows a partial section of a horizontal
member 300 which is provided with a locking channel 302. A
condensate gutter 304 has a bottom wall 306, sidewalls 308, 310 and
upper flanges 312, 314. The condensate gutter 304 in the form shown
is seated within the opening of locking channel 302 and is upwardly
open. The condensate gutter 304 may be secured in place by gravity
or may conveniently be retained by frictional retention effected
between sidewalls 308, 310 and the upper portion of the sidewalls
of the locking channel. Optionally, independent fastening means may
be employed.
The condensate gutter is preferably longitudinally substantially
coextensive with the locking channel 302 and is adapted to
accumulate condensate and transport the same continuously
horizontally to a discharge location. This discharge location is
preferably disposed at a position where the condensate channel 304
communicates with a vertical member in order that moisture flowing
out of the condensate gutter 304 will be carried downwardly
harmlessly by means of the vertical member. With the present form
of joint, the condensate gutter 304 will preferably terminate
closely adjacent to a locking key.
While the vertical and horizontal members as well as the locking
key of this invention may be made from a number of materials which
possess the desired structural properties, aesthetic appearance,
durability and other characteristics suited to the particular
installation, steel and aluminum, as well as alloys thereof, are
among the preferred materials of this invention. The sections
employed for the various components may conveniently and
economically be extruded to establish the desired cross sectional
profiles and cut in accordance with predetermined needs. In
connection with the use of aluminum, it is frequently desirable to
manufacture the vertical and horizontal members from a different
alloy than that employed to manufacture the locking key. For
example, it has been found that the aluminum-magnesium-silicon
alloys possess the desired properties and function well in the
practice of this invention. A key may be made from 6061 aluminum
alloy and the vertical and horizontal members from 6063 alloy, for
example.
While for purposes of illustration curtain wall structures securing
multi-pane window structures have been shown, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not so limited and that a wide
variety of structural joints which may or may not function as panel
securing elements may be employed. The invention is also suitable
for joints employed in building systems having load bearing walls.
In uses where the joint forming elements also assist with panel
retention, it will be appreciated that while the panels selected
for illustration are windows, the invention is not so limited. A
wide variety of panels composed of a wide range of materials may be
employed. The panel might be single web or multiple web and may be
composed of materials such as glass, metal, plastic, concrete,
stone, insulating materials and combinations thereof, for
example.
While for purposes of simplicity of illustration reference has been
made to various orientations, it will be appreciated that these are
intended as being illustrative and not limiting of the invention.
For example, the keyway opening might well be "rearwardly open"
should the member be positioned so as to face the building
interior. Similarly, the "rear" locking surface which engages the
"rear" channel surface might well be forwardly disposed were the
horizontal member oriented differently. In addition, while for
illustrative purposes the two structural members have been shown as
having one vertically disposed and the other horizontally disposed,
and this will generally be the practice, this is not essential. For
example, one member might be angularly disposed with respect to the
other with a corresponding adjustment being made in the orientation
of the keyway and/or locking channel in order to provide the
desired relative alignment. Such an installation might be employed
in a skylight structure with the vertical element disposed at
approximately a 45.degree. angle with respect to a horizontal
plane, for example. Also, if desired, the vertical member described
herein might be placed at other orientations including horizontal
and the horizontal member described herein might be placed in other
orientations including vertical orientation.
It will, therefore, be appreciated that the present invention
provides an effective structurally efficient joint between adjacent
structural members without requiring the use of through fasteners,
such as screws, bolts or the like, and also without requiring the
use of joining techniques such as welding. In addition, the joint
provides for free thermal expansion and contraction without
impairment of joint strength. This is accomplished by providing a
uniquely configurated locking key which has one portion secured
within a locking keyway in one component and a second portion
secured within a locking channel. The locking key and locking
channel have complementary sloping surfaces which are in effective
frictional interengagement so as to resist relative separating
movement of the joined structures. Supplementary positive
mechanical means which retain the locking key in position may be
provided. Also, a horizontally disposed condensate gutter element
and the automatic positioning thereof are provided by this
invention. Finally, the joint of this invention may be established
rapidly and in an economical fashion.
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.
* * * * *