Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Window or window sash – sill – mullion – or glazing – Having a drain or vent
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2001-03-27
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Window or window sash, sill, mullion, or glazing
Having a drain or vent
C052S204100, C052S235000, C052S302100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205724
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to storefront framing systems and relates more specifically to the manner in which a vertical frame member of a storefront framing system is mounted within an opening in a masonry wall or other substrates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Storefront framing systems are well known and widely used. A framework of vertical frame members, known as mullions, and horizontal frame members is installed within an opening in the exterior wall of the building. Glazing panels are set within the openings defined by the vertical and horizontal frame members.
A common problem associated with such structures is that water running down the face of the adjacent condition tends to penetrate and drip into the open upper end of the vertical frame members and thus enter the building. This problem is particularly acute in the case of storefront and curtainwall framing systems installed in buildings constructed of masonry walls, for example, walls of pre-cast concrete. For aesthetic reasons vertical frame members of the storefront or curtainwall framing systems are frequently positioned to coincide with seams in the masonry walls. For example, a vertical frame member might be positioned beneath a seam between adjacent concrete panels. Water dripping down the face of the concrete wall tends to run along the seam and thus be directed into the open upper end of the vertical frame member.
The common solution for this problem is to install flashing over the open upper end of the vertical frame members. However, this solution is costly because it is labor intensive. Further, if the flashing is not properly installed, such as by a careless or unskilled worker, water can leak around the flashing and into the open upper end of the frame member.
Thus there is a need for a system which prevents water from entering the open upper end of a vertical frame member in a storefront framing system where the arrangement is not labor intensive and can be easily and effectively installed by unskilled labor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Stated generally, the present invention comprises an improved anchor for fastening a vertical frame member to an adjacent condition and for preventing water from entering the opening in the frame member and for diverting water away from the opening. The anchor is easy to install, is not labor intensive, and can be effectively installed even by unskilled labor.
Stated more specifically, in a first aspect the present invention comprises an apparatus for anchoring a vertical frame member to an adjacent condition and for diverting water away from an opening in the frame member. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket and a water diverter attached to the mounting bracket. A downward extending flange connected to the water diverter is configured to engage the frame member. When the mounting bracket is attached to the adjacent condition and the flange engages the frame member, the water diverter overlies the opening in the frame member to prevent water from entering the opening and to divert water away from the opening.
In the disclosed embodiment the flange engages the frame member by a close tolerance fit. In one embodiment the flange engages a channel defined by opposed protrusions located within the opening of the frame member. In other embodiments the flange engages the walls defining the opening of the frame member. Various cross-sectional configurations of flanges are disclosed.
In a second aspect the present invention comprises a wall framing system including a frame member attached to an adjacent condition by an anchor of the type previously described.
Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved means for anchoring a vertical frame member to an adjacent condition.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved means for preventing water from entering the opening of a hollow vertical frame member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for preventing water from entering the opening of a hollow vertical frame member whose installation is not labor intensive.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for preventing water from entering the opening of a hollow vertical frame member which can be effectively installed even by unskilled labor.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
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Ellis Paxton M.
Garling Phillip E.
Friedman Carl D.
Yip Winnie
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