Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Visible translucent block or embedded component – With preform of nontranslucent material
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-08
2001-05-01
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Visible translucent block or embedded component
With preform of nontranslucent material
C052S300000, C052S307000, C052S244000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223489
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cap secured to construction blocks of a construction block structure to give the structure a generally uniform outer periphery.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Construction block structures, especially those made from glass and glasslike construction blocks, are very popular for use as doors, windows, and other partitions. These structures are made by combining several individual construction blocks to form the structure. Typically, the individual blocks will have some system that allows the block to be quickly and easily joined to other blocks. The problem this creates is that the outer periphery of the construction block structure is not generally uniform. As such, special framing must be used to hold the construction block structure in a stable and generally airtight fashion. This increases the overall cost of the construction block structure. Additionally, many structures are made wherein at least some of the blocks are cut leaving the cut edges of the cut blocks' faces as part of the outer periphery of the structure, adding additional complexity to the framing process.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device that allows a construction block structure to have a generally uniform outer periphery so that the structure can be placed into standard framing in normal fashion. Such a device must be of relatively simple and straightforward design and must be easy to install. The device must permit the construction block structure and frame to have a stable and relatively airtight fit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The construction block cap of the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art. The construction block cap is placed around the outer periphery of a construction block structure to give the structure a generally uniform outer periphery. This generally uniform outer periphery makes the structure similar to an ordinary pane of glass and allows the structure to be placed (drop glazed) into standard framing with relative ease. The structure remains within the frame in stable and relatively airtight fashion. The construction block cap is of relatively simple design and construction and is easy to install. The construction block cap is adapted to receive construction blocks that have spacing flanges of different widths between the flanges as well as the cut edges of cut construction blocks.
The construction block cap of the present invention is comprised of an elongate base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end. A first pair of flanges extend along the base member in parallel fashion, each of the first pair of flanges having a first (inner) face and a second (outer) face such that the two first faces face each other. A flange structure, which can be a single flange or a second pair of parallel flanges, extends along the base member between the first pair of flanges. An optional lip extends along each of the first faces of the first pair of flanges as well as along the faces of the flange structure that face the first faces of the first pair of flanges. The flanges are made from a relatively rigid material, such as vinyl, plastic, metal, wood, etc., to give structural integrity to the construction block cap once it is installed on the construction block structure. The lips can be made from the same material as their respective flange or from a resilient material such as rubber, neoprene, etc. At least one screw boss is located on one or both ends of the base member to allow two construction block caps to be joined at an angle to one another.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2233308 (1941-02-01), Duffy
patent: 5031372 (1991-07-01), McCluer
patent: 5778620 (1998-07-01), Fisher
patent: 5806261 (1998-09-01), Huebner
patent: 5806263 (1998-09-01), Coleman
Friedman Carl D.
Loffler Peter
Varner Steve
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