Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Rigid barrier cantilevered from vertical support
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-26
2004-07-06
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Rigid barrier cantilevered from vertical support
C052S147000, C052S146000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06758015
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a modular roof equipment screening assembly having a cantilevered support assembly that includes sets of channels secured to a base of one or more pieces of equipment, each set of channels extending in a different direction and supporting one section of an upwardly extending framework to provide uniform spacing between the framework and the equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many conventional building designs locate ventilation, air conditioning and other equipment on the roof of the building. This equipment typically becomes dirty, rusted, and dented over time, which renders it unsightly in appearance. Many municipalities require roof equipment to be screened or otherwise aesthetically concealed from normal view, and a number of conventional roof equipment screening designs have been developed. Examples of existing screening designs are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,664,384 to Cullinan, 6,205,719 and 5,862,637 to Bruce, and Des. 243,853 to Eichorszt, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
A problem with roof equipment screening design is supporting and anchoring the screening without penetrating the weatherproof layer of the roof. Several conventional designs are support or anchor the screening to the structural members beneath the weatherproof layer of the building. Some designs use mounting posts that pass through the weatherproof layer to make solid structural connections and support and anchor the screening. These penetrations through the weatherproof layer can create leaks in the roof that result in costly damage and are time consuming to repair.
Another problem with roof equipment screening design is that the screening can inhibit access to the equipment. This problem is particularly prevalent in top-down designs that secure the screening to the top of the equipment and allow it to hang down around the equipment. These screening systems are typically attached to and supported by the sheet metal housing around the equipment. This sheet metal is not typically robustly designed to readily handle the extra weight, wind and snow loads often associated with a screening system. Top-down designs typically spread the load around the top perimeter of the housing via a support frame and angle the screening down and away from the sides of the housing. Unfortunately, the physical presence of the frame and screening around the top of the housing can inhibit access to the equipment, such as when a maintenance person needs to service the equipment or quickly trouble shoot a problem with the equipment. The screening is often screwed, bolted, riveted or otherwise fastened to the housing in a manner that is time consuming to remove and replace. Working around the screening or removing and replacing the screening increases the time and difficulty of servicing or repairing the equipment. This is particularly troublesome on hot or cold days when the equipment needs to be running to maintain the air quality in the building. The screening is a nuisance to the maintenance personnel that have to work in the heat, cold, rain or wind to maintain and fix the equipment.
A further problem with roof equipment screening designs is that they should be readily adapted to fit a wide variety of equipment sizes and configurations. Equipment can vary a great deal in size and shape. One piece of equipment may be substantially longer, wider or taller than another pieces of equipment. Some pieces of equipment can also have irregular shapes or include components that jut out from the sides of its housing. As a result, many conventional screening systems need to be custom fit to a specific piece of equipment. The screening components are either custom made to fit a given piece of equipment, or extra cutting and forming work must be performed at the construction site. This customization increases the manufacturing and installation costs of the system.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening designs is that the design should accommodate taller pieces of equipment. Top-down screening systems have to extend down a significant distance to adequately screen a tall piece of equipment. This increases the load on the sheet metal housing of the equipment. The angle between the screening and the sides of the housing may be decreased to reduce the size and weight of the screening and framing. As a result, top-down designs may be inappropriate for some taller pieces of equipment. Other equipment screening designs only allow one row or tier of screening. The maximum height of the screening is the height of the tallest panel or section produced by the manufacturer.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening designs is that the screening assembly should be able to screen around multiple pieces of equipment. Buildings often locate several pieces of equipment relatively close together. Conventional top-down screening systems typically screen each piece of equipment separately no matter how close together they are located. These individual screening assemblies frequently interfere with each other and require custom fit installations that have an awkward appearance.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening designs is that the design should not need to be secured to all four sides of the equipment. An obstruction such as a building wall or another piece of equipment can prevent or render it undesirable to screen all four sides of the equipment. Yet, conventional screening systems can become unbalanced when they do not extend from all the sides of the equipment.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening design is that large portions or sections of screening should be easily removed to gain access to the equipment. Repairing and servicing equipment components can require a small portion of the screening to be removed. Repairing larger equipment components can require a larger portion or section of the screening and surrounding framework to be removed. The screening design should allow the maintenance person to remove whatever portion or section of the screening is adjacent to the place where the equipment is being repaired. Yet, many screening assemblies are limited to removing only large sections of screening and framework to gain access to a small part of the equipment. Even simple service jobs become time consuming and cumbersome projects.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening design is limiting the number of fasteners securing the screening assembly together and ensuring those fasteners are readily accessible. Problems arise when fasteners rust and become difficult to remove, or are located in awkward and difficult to reach places. Worker can have great difficulty removing a necessary amount of screening and framing to gain access to the equipment.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening design is creating an economical design that can handle the wind and snow loads placed on the system. Inexpensive designs tend to be structurally weak and can fail during strong winds or heavy snow loads. The frame and the panels can be bent, crushed or blown off. As a result, the components forming the screening system are in constant need of repair and replacement.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening design is that the components forming the system should be lightweight and easy to handle. Heavy, bulky or awkwardly shaped components can lead to work related injuries.
A still further problem with roof equipment screening designs is that the design should utilize weather resistant and low maintenance materials. Screening systems constructed of materials such as wood quickly show wear due to sun, wind, rain, snow and ice. Frequent repair and painting are needed to keep the screening looking good and aesthetically pleasing.
The present invention is intended to solve these and other problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular screening assembly for a piece of equipment on the roof of a building. The assembly includes two perpendicul
Clasen Daryl D.
Clasen Jared
Andrus Sceales Starke & Sawall LLP
Friedman Carl D.
McDermott Kevin
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