Curtain-wall; I.e., Panel Attached Outside Floor Or Beam Patents (Class 52/235)
  • Patent number: 6964137
    Abstract: Elements of laminar bodies (1) made of metal or other material are disclosed, so shaped as to be inserted into straight undercut notches (3) made on plates and/or tiles (2). The laminar bodies (1) have such a sufficient length to protrude from straight undercut notches (3) and so shaped as to allow to be joined to each other or with another interposed body (9) through bolts (8) or the like or by means of joints, welding and the like, so as to form a single body (21) adapted to be anchored strongly to the plate and/or tile (2) allowing said plate to be safely and simply fixed to the structures supporting the facing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Massimiliano Frascari
  • Patent number: 6941721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element (10) for double pane insulating glass (42, 44), which is anchored by expansion of an expansible ring (16) in a drilled hole having a conical undercut in an outer glass pane (42) of the insulating glass (42, 44). The invention provides for the fixing element (10) to be sealed with two sealing rings (30, 40) on both sides of an inner glass pane (44) of the insulating glass (42, 44) and additionally for an injection opening (41) to be provided, through which a sealing compound, for example, silicone, can be introduced into a gap at the point at which the fixing element (10) passes through the inner glass pane (44) in order to provide an extra seal at the passage point. The fixing element (10) ensures a permanent seal of the passage point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 6938385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element (10) for anchoring in a drilled hole (30, 32) having an undercut (28) in a laminated body (24, 26), for example, laminated glass. The fixing element (10) has an expander cone (14), onto which an expansion ring (16) can be pushed. To be able to compensate for misalignment between the layers (24, 26) of the laminated body (24, 26), the drilled hole (30) in an outer layer (24) is drilled with a larger diameter than in a further layer (26) of the laminated body (24, 26). The invention proposes constructing a washer (18) of the fixing element (10) with an injection opening (22), through which the gap between a threaded shank (12) of the fixing element (10) and the wall of the drilled hole (30) in the outer layer (24) of the laminated body (24, 26) can be filled with a sealing compound (26)2. (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 6935077
    Abstract: Described herein is a curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Heinrich Wulfert, Richard A. Behr
  • Patent number: 6904720
    Abstract: There is provided a framework for a construction enclosure system comprising a plurality of brackets, a plurality of rigid elongated frame members, and a plurality of reinforcement members. The brackets are adapted to be attached to a structure under construction. The frame members are adapted to be retained by the brackets in a desired spatial relationship with an outer face of the structure. The frame members are adapted to retain one or more sheet-like enclosure panels. The reinforcement members are adapted to be secured against respective frame members to increase the rigidity of such frame members. One embodiment of the invention provides a frame member comprising a pair of elongated bodies adapted to be retained in a mated configuration to cooperatively define first and second channels therebetween, wherein each channel is adapted to retain one edge portion of a sheet-like enclosure panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Adolfson & Peterson, Inc.
    Inventors: Brook P. Adolfson, Ronald R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6896439
    Abstract: A set of metal bodies each having a rectilinear axis and constant thickness can be appropriately connected together to form a cross with one, two, three, or four arms, for use in fixing vertical plates in point-supported continuous facades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Carmen Gasparotto
  • Patent number: 6857233
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems for a fire resistant rated fenestration including curtain wall systems for multiple story buildings capable of withstanding a seismic load. Fire resistant panels are mounted in a fire resistant mullion where the mullion may be one element, or may have an inner structural shell and an outer shell. A barrier of fire resistant material is disposed between the inner and outer shells. A sealer compound or a fire resistant compressible filler seals the space between the mullion and the fire resistant panels. The inner structural shell member is connected to an elastic panel fastener that is connected at its opposite end to fire resistant panels. The fastener allows the fire resistant panels to move in response to a seismic load without damage to the mullion or panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: F. Aziz Farag
  • Publication number: 20040231279
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (16) for finishing the edges of armored concrete roofs (11) in buildings (10) and for holding facades (13). Said device has a projecting support frame (17) which can be fixed to the roof of the building in the area of the corresponding edge of the roof of the building (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Werner Sobek
  • Patent number: 6804920
    Abstract: A curtain wall including a plurality of mullions each having a pair of glazing pockets, an I-section for supporting an interior trim member and protrusions for supporting an exterior trim member. The curtain wall further includes a plurality of rails including a notched section for insertion into the mullion glazing pockets, and a plurality of protrusions for supporting interior and exterior trim members. A bead having a plurality of protrusions is connected to the mullion in a lengthwise direction thereof, and supports the interior trim member. A plurality of retainers are insertable into notches in the mullions, the beads or the rails for removably retaining glazing infill components (i.e. panels, windows, doors) in the curtain wall. The curtain wall design of the present invention allows for the glazing infill components to be installed and/or removed from either the front side or the back side of the curtain wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: X-Clad, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20040200161
    Abstract: The prefab external-wall structure is provided to increase the resisting strength of the external-wall against the external destruction force under the condition that the original wall strength is not damaged. The external-wall structure mainly comprises a main frame, a honeycomb structural board and an outer decorative wall-portion, wherein the main frame has on the two ends thereof a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess for embedding respectively therein the honeycomb structural board and the outer decorative wall-portion, and they are firmly stuck with silicone adhesive material. The main frame between the first and the second receiving recesses is formed therearound cut grooves for the purpose of fixing the external-wall structure of the present invention onto the wall of a building using fixing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Yen-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 6796091
    Abstract: A building glass facade having glass panes that are mounted to a mounting structure, such as a building. The glass panes are mounted using clamp fittings or clamping arrangements for fastening glass panes with two clamping elements that clamp the glass pane between them, whereby one clamping element is realized in the form of a conical nut or taper nut that is set into a boring of the glass pane and has a detachable cover. The invention teaches that a clip closure is integrated into the cover or is an integral part of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 6792727
    Abstract: The invention comprises a system for constructing a finished convex or concave curved wall of any desired radius beyond a specified minimum. The wall is constructed of pre-finished rectangular panels retained on a sub-wall structure in horizontal rows and vertical columns. The panels are retained on the sub-wall structure with vertical rails at their vertical edges and retainer clips spaced along their horizontal edges. The panels are slotted at their rear face to provide rigidity in the vertical direction and flexibility in the horizontal direction. The horizontal edges of the panels are kerfed to receive the retainer clips and flexible splice strips that conform to the curvature of the wall and align and space a panel with the panel immediately above it. Clips attaching vertical edges of the panels to the rails allow the associated areas of the panels to align tangentially with the curvature of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Commercial and Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Krieger
  • Patent number: 6789363
    Abstract: A security room for information technology facilities, which exhibits fireproof side walls having a sealing door, a floor and a ceiling. This invention provides a security room designed in a simple way and readily adapted to different spatial configurations, while exhibiting a good fireproofing capacity. The side walls, the floor surrounded by the side walls, and the ceiling are assembled in a modular manner from individual members which are laid side-by-side and connected together by fireproofing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Lampertz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Frase, Martin Bähner
  • Publication number: 20040134143
    Abstract: Thin composite panels with interconnection schemes that are unitized with the panels, i.e., formed integrally and substantially simultaneously with the panels. Further contemplated is the application of an injection molding technique, such as reaction injection molding, in establishing a foam or polymeric core between laminates in thin composite panels. Additionally contemplated is the use of interchangeable laminate components in affording the capability of altering the coloring or other visual features of a reveal in a panel or panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: CENTRIA
    Inventor: Keith Boyer
  • Patent number: 6761003
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining means (10) for fixing panel-form material, for example, glass panes (12) of a glass facing, to a substructure (14). The invention proposes constructing the retaining means (10) with a support (16), in which supporting elements (22) projecting pivotally to the side are insertable, to which the glass panes (121) can be displaceably fixed. The invention has the advantage that in a simple and inexpensive manner it permits stress-free fixing of glass panes (12) so that thermal expansion is compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lind
  • Patent number: 6748709
    Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design. Alternate embodiment includes transition frame members having glass and metal panel integral supports, freestanding X-Y sub-frame assemblies, fiber optic outboard channels and novel methods of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Diversified Panel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Sherman, Richard A. Riddell, Paul A. Riddell
  • Patent number: 6745527
    Abstract: A curtain wall (ACM) system has vertical mullions and horizontal supports which provide a dry as well as a structural system for non-sequential construction of curtain wall exteriors. Internal gutters offer a failsafe moisture proof system. The horizontal and vertical framework members may be mounted in the reverse orientation for special exterior wall configurations. Individual panels can be replaced without sealants or tear down of neighboring panels. A face support for the thin ACM panels is provided. Thermal expansion is addressed with a floating panel on a track design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Diversified Panel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Sherman, Richard A. Riddell, Paul A. Riddell
  • Patent number: 6735921
    Abstract: Holder for plates, in particular glass plates with borings or holes, whereby in each boring is inserted an annular body with an internal or female thread and an outside facing made of an elastic material. A threaded bolt for the connection to a load-bearing construction can be screwed into the annular body. The punctiform holder makes possible a pivoting and displacement of the glass plate within certain limits. It can be installed quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alfons Oberhofer, Lothar Ginzel
  • Patent number: 6735912
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the joints, using a unified protective joint cap, of jointed building panel systems having a plurality of building panels. The unified sealing member is applied on top of the jointing means of the panel system wherein no modifications or alternations of the jointing means is required. As such, the protective joint cap may be applied directly to a jointing system in need of repair without the requirement of resealing the jointing system. Furthermore, the protective joint cap does not require an anchoring means to be installed prior to application. The protective joint cap further preferably contains an incorporated extrusion suitable for maintaining a bead of liquified elastomeric sealant, such as RTV, which may be applied prior to the sealing member's installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Riggio
  • Patent number: 6729080
    Abstract: A supporting device for prefabricated units, particularly for buildings having a metallic structure, comprising a main body which can be fixed to an outer face of a first unit and a supporting element which forms, with one of its portions, a resting region for a second unit to be connected to the first unit. The supporting element is detachably associated with the main body and can be moved along the main body in order to vary the position of the resting region with respect to the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
  • Publication number: 20040079038
    Abstract: The panels and mullions of a curtain wall are attached to the frame of the building enclosed by the curtain wall with anchors which permit the frame to shift horizontally and vertically relative to the curtain wall so that the frame and the curtain wall can experience different degrees of racking. Each anchor includes a base member and a displaceable member located in front of the base member. Both members have keyways and are coupled together with a horizontal key that engages the members at their keyways, allowing the displaceable member to shift horizontally relative to the building frame, but preventing it from pulling away from the base member. Each anchor also has a mullion clamp which is attached firmly to one of the mullions. It has a vertical keyway where it is engaged by a key on the displaceable member, thus permitting vertical displacement of the mullion relative to the building frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Robert H. Crooker
  • Publication number: 20040074174
    Abstract: Disclosed is a curtain wall assembly used for building exteriors. The curtain wall system includes a first vertical mullion operable to attach to a first sill member and a second vertical mullion operable to interlock with the first vertical mullion. A mullion cap may be attached to a bottom surface of at least one of the vertical mullions. The mullion cap includes a substantially planar bottom plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, and a back edge. The mullion cap further includes an attachment face located on the upper surface of the substantially planar bottom plate. The attachment face is operable to attach to the vertical mullion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence F. Biebuyck, James P. Clark, Stanley J. Mayhew
  • Patent number: 6722090
    Abstract: An extrusion moulded, preferably ceramic, facade panel (11) for a curtained, back-ventilated facade construction consists of a front and a rear panel formwork (12, 13) which are connected to one another by webs (14) and are provided with elongate apertures (15) which are arranged parallel to the webs (14) between the same and which is provided with a top rabbet (16) at the upper end of the facade panel (11). To allow the facade panel to be manufactured at a more favorable cost and with more precise dimensions, the height (17) of the top rabbet (16) formed by the rear panel formwork (13) is smaller than or equal to the height of the joint (19) visible from the front side (18) of the facade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Max Gerhaher
  • Publication number: 20040068943
    Abstract: Sealed frameless multiple glazing units comprising at least three panes of glass wherein the air spaces within the unit are hermetically sealed one from the other are believed to be new. The units preferably comprise a fixing assembly wherein the boss is formed from two interlocking parts. The two part boss facilitates the assembly of the units and serves to support the weight of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy John Morgan, Eric Rowland, William Henry Brunt
  • Patent number: 6718708
    Abstract: A vertical glazing frame system for building curtain walls includes a sill assembly having a subsill shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to a support structure and a sill shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the subsill for ease of installation and movement relative thereto. The system also includes a head assembly having a head receptor shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to a support and a head shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the head receptor for movement relative thereto. The system further includes a jamb assembly and flashing plate extending over the sill assembly and the head assembly, the flashing plate including a first end coupled to the sill assembly and a second end covering the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bendheim Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James Donoghue
  • Patent number: 6715248
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curtain wall assembly utilizing a sill subassembly which is adapted for direct structural interconnection with oppositely disposed portions of vertical mullions. The oppositely disposed mullions and underlying sill subassembly are configured for direct mounting upon a pre-installed flashing secured to a structural mounting surface of a building. In this manner, threaded fasteners may be utilized to directly interconnect the vertical mullion to the sill subassembly and the mounting of panels, such as glass, to the sill subassembly is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Butler Manufacturing, Company
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Biebuyck
  • Publication number: 20040049999
    Abstract: The invention comprises a system for constructing a finished convex or concave curved wall of any desired radius beyond a specified minimum. The wall is constructed of pre-finished rectangular panels retained on a sub-wall structure in horizontal rows and vertical columns. The panels are retained on the sub-wall structure with vertical rails at their vertical edges and retainer clips spaced along their horizontal edges. The panels are slotted at their rear face to provide rigidity in the vertical direction and flexibility in the horizontal direction. The horizontal edges of the panels are kerfed to receive the retainer clips and flexible splice strips that conform to the curvature of the wall and align and space a panel with the panel immediately above it. Clips attaching vertical edges of the panels to the rails allow the associated areas of the panels to align tangentially with the curvature of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Krieger
  • Publication number: 20040045235
    Abstract: A facade and/or light roof including a device for drainage, especially of inclined and roof glazing in post and beam construction, and including a seepage water gutter or seepage water groove within the beam section and post section, and at least one condensation gutter or condensation groove on the beam section, is characterized in that the condensation gutter or condensation groove of the beam section (2) is guided directly into the seepage water groove of the post section (1), and in that this region is sealed by a filling piece (25, 1025, 1250).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ley, Hans-Dieter Steege
  • Patent number: 6694687
    Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Publication number: 20040031220
    Abstract: A structure with vertical members and cross members, particularly for facades or roof windows, in whose frame area glass panes (100) can be inserted, comprises several vertical members (1) between which cross members (2) are fixed. Channels (3, 4) are provided on the outer surface of the vertical members (1), specifically on the edges thereof, and serve to accommodate a seal (5, 6), whereby a drainage channel (7, 8) for diverting liquid is arranged adjacent to the channel (3, 4). In addition, channels (10, 11) are provided on the side of the cross member (2), specifically on the edges thereof, that faces the outer surface of the vertical member (1), and serve to accommodate a seal (12) and a retaining strip (13) located between the channels (10, 11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Eitel-Friedrich Hocker, Mohammed Hamdine
  • Publication number: 20040025459
    Abstract: An assembly for a framed system includes an elongated post and a mounting plate shaped for installation in a post channel of the elongated post. The elongated post includes a first rib integrated along an inner surface of the first lateral side and an elongated second rib integrated along an inner surface of the second lateral side. The mounting plate includes an aperture for receiving the fastener and includes a first slot for receiving the first rib and a second slot for receiving the second rib. When the mounting plate is installed in the post channel, the first and second ribs are deformed by the installation of the mounting plate such that the deformed first and second ribs retain the mounting plate in the post channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Fritz Huebner, Kelly Van Koevering
  • Publication number: 20040006939
    Abstract: A monolithic glass member for supporting loads is disclosed. The glass member includes a plurality of glass sheets that are laminated together with one or more bonding layers. One of the glass sheets has a cut out at an edge thereof to receive a connector. The connector provides a means for connecting and supporting the glass member relative to other structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Jobs, Karl Backus, Rosa Sheng, Ben McDonald, Michael Waltner, Colleen Caulliez, James O'Callaghan, Graham Coult, Damian Rogan, Scott Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030226324
    Abstract: A curtain wall including a plurality of mullions each having a pair of glazing pockets, an I-section for supporting an interior trim member and protrusions for supporting an exterior trim member. The curtain wall further includes a plurality of rails including a notched section for insertion into the mullion glazing pockets, and a plurality of protrusions for supporting interior and exterior trim members. A bead having a plurality of protrusions is connected to the mullion in a lengthwise direction thereof, and supports the interior trim member. A plurality of retainers are insertable into notches in the mullions, the beads or the rails for removably retaining glazing infill components (i.e. panels, windows, doors) in the curtain wall. The curtain wall design of the present invention allows for the glazing infill components to be installed and/or removed from either the front side or the back side of the curtain wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry C. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6658804
    Abstract: A self-bearing curtain wall system is provided, the system including a matrix of unitized kinematically integrated cladding panels flexibly joined to a structural member so as to thereby responsively anchor said matrix of unitized cladding panels. Adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively linked horizontally and vertically for horizontal and vertical rotation. Horizontally adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively joined to a cable type structural member via an anchor fixture, which allows the structural member to move freely along the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Vladimir S. Leytes, Michael J. Smith, Xiaocong Gu
  • Publication number: 20030221381
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a window perimeter frame and a window panel frame form a first exterior water flow-restrictor between the window perimeter frame and the window panel frame that forms an outer airloop that is maintained at the same pressure as the environment exterior to the building. A water restrictor and an air seal are provided between the airloop and the building interior such that the air seal does not have to cope with water from the exterior environment. Similar water restrictors and air seals are placed in between the window perimeter frame and building as well as between the window frame and window panel. A splined male member slidably placed in a female joint area attaches the perimeter frame to the window panel frame allowing relative displacement between the perimeter frame and panel frame member and installation of the frames from the interior of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond M.L. Ting
  • Publication number: 20030217742
    Abstract: A stone slab with fasteners has two chambers respectively defined at two sides thereof. Two fasteners are respectively secured in the chambers. The fasteners each have a central portion. A first wing is formed at a first end of the central portion, and perpendicular to the central portion. The first wing has a hole defined therethrough. A second wing is formed at a second end of the central portion, perpendicular to the central portion, and extending oppositely to the first wing. The second wing has two straight edges respectively formed at a top and a bottom thereof, and two arcuate hooks respectively extending inwards from the straight edges. The second wings of the fasteners are received in the respective chambers. Whereby, a plurality of stone slabs can be installed on a frame on a wall by screws inserted through the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Hsiu-Chuan Chien
  • Publication number: 20030205009
    Abstract: A fabrication system used for mounting a structural member to a surface including an anchor attached to the surface. The anchor has a pair of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and forming an anchor channel with one or more first flanges formed on at least one of the sidewalls facing the anchor channel. The fabrication system also includes a panel frame having a body for insertion into the anchor channel. The body has at least one lateral surface extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. First and second sidewalls extend from the body to define a frame channel for receiving an edge portion of the structural member. At least one of the first and second sidewalls has a serrated inner face facing the frame channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Walter M Herbst, Michael P Herbst
  • Publication number: 20030192270
    Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Elward Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Everett Lee Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6622441
    Abstract: The present invention is a window frame wherein all of the structural members are formed with the same substantially identically-shaped configuration a metal extrusion. A plurality of structural members are arranged to form a supporting structure. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arm spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portion. The first and second arms extending from said base portion have end portions turned inward and extending in a direction toward said base portion. Fasteners detachably secure the plurality of structural members into a configuration adapted to detachably mount a translucent barrier within the supporting structure formed by the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Allan S. Miller
  • Patent number: 6619004
    Abstract: A water draining exterior wall structure for a building having a building framework is disclosed. The wall structure includes a plurality of prefabricated panel sections secured to a building framework to form a wall surface. Each panel section includes a support structure for attachment to the building framework which has a water barrier deck substantially co-extensive with the support structure. In addition, a plurality of fascia panels overly the water barrier deck and are attached thereto by beads of silicone adhesive so that a gap is provided between the deck and each fascia panel. A gutter is also provided in each panel which extends along the bottom of each panel section for collecting water entering the gap and carrying the collected water to a drainage end of said gutter so that water can drain out of said panel section. Water drainage dams are also provided, each of which is located in a joint between adjacent panel sections below the drainage end of a gutter of each panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: William Loper
  • Patent number: 6612090
    Abstract: Panel wall system including a plurality of standards, each formed from a non-combustible material and mounted in a spaced-apart upright attitude on a supporting surface. Each standard includes a planar face web and opposite side webs. A plurality of lugs project from the side webs along the length of the standard and serve to removably mount panel members between adjacent standards. All components of the wall system are of a non-combustible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Corden
  • Publication number: 20030159376
    Abstract: A window assembly (10) with its glazing frame that stays independently from lateral movement of building main structure (44) is disclosed. The window assembly includes an outer retaining frame (12) and an inner glazing frame (14). The retaining frame is attached to the building main structure. The glazing frame holds glass pane (20), and sits inside the retaining frame. Between the retaining frame and the glazing frame is a predetermined clearance space (X) and (Y), at their vertical edges and their top edge. The resulting window assembly allows the glazing frame to stay in its shape, while the retaining frame moves laterally with the main structure during earthquakes or blasts, thereby minimizing the chance of glass breakage. Application of glazing gasket (32) or sealant (54) provides watertight result to the window assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thoi Huu Huynh
  • Patent number: 6609339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling panels to a structure. A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member depending from a face of one of the panels and adapted to deflect a relatively large amount in a plane of rotation of the first coupling member and a second coupling member depending from the corresponding face of the second panel. A coupling mechanism is provided between the coupling members provides for transmitting a force between the coupling members over a range of deflection of the first coupling member, permitting large relative movement between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: William Pardue
  • Publication number: 20030154671
    Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Publication number: 20030150179
    Abstract: A stone cladding system for building has a support frame formed by a plurality spaced-apart upright mullions fixed to an exterior of a building by anchcor bracke with a number of horizontal cladding panel support rails mounted in vertically space apart rows on the mullions. Each stone cladding panel is mounted between adjacent pair of vertically spaced-apart rails with a bottom of the cladding pa seated on the lowermost rail and a top of the cladding panel secured to the uppermo rail by a pair of retaining clips. A bottom of each stone cladding panel is fu supported along its length by the lowermost rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Rolando Moreno
  • Patent number: 6598362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a siding boards attachment structure having excellent ventilation characteristics and a high siding-board fixing strength, and a fastening member to be used therewith. The fastening member is disposed to span an upper horizontal edge of a lower siding board and a lower horizontal edge of an upper siding board, and fixes the siding boards to a framework of a building. The fastening member includes a base plate portion having a flat rear side surface, a support portion projecting forward from the base plate portion, an upper-board engagement portion bent upward from the support portion, a lower-board engagement portion bent downward from the support portion, and spacing portions individually formed at left and right sides of the base plate portion, each of the spacing portions having a front face which is forward from the base plate portion and rearward from the front end of the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Hikai
  • Patent number: 6598359
    Abstract: A curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Heinrich Wulfert, Richard A. Behr
  • Patent number: 6598361
    Abstract: Slidable connections from a support to a supported section combined with slidable end connections between adjoining supported sections allow relative motion between adjoining supported sections to be limited to less than the relative motion between adjoining supports. This is accomplished in an open-gap mullion embodiment for supporting a curtain wall assembly by providing an open gap between mullion sections equal to or less than a tolerable range for the curtain wall. When floor support deflections close the gap, further floor deflection causes an adjacent lower mullion section to provide support for the contacted upper mullion section. In a limited-gap embodiment, the gap between mullion section may exceed the tolerable motion of the associated curtain wall assembly, but a slidable gap-limiting means is provided to limit relative displacement between sections. In addition, the slidable mullion sections can be field installed without the need for field drilling and/or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond M. L. Ting
  • Patent number: 6594962
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting pre-cast panels to a structure. A pocket in the pre-cast panel extends into a side thereof and has a ceiling surface adapted to rest on a height-adjustable member such as the head of a bolt threadably received in an extendable member attached to a side of the structure to which the panel is to be mounted. The extendable member is carried by a base member mounted to the structure, the base member supporting the extendable member so that the extendable member is enabled to extend along an axis and move inwardly and outwardly relative to the base portion along the axis. Preferably, the extendable member is further constrained by the base member so that the extendable member is not permitted to rotate substantially about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: William Pardue
  • Patent number: 6591557
    Abstract: The panel system is meant for construction of a panel fillet or a major panel surface to be mounted in a pitched roof or in a facade, comprising a number of fixed panels (1) together with a number of openable panels (2), each panel comprising a frame structure composed of frame members (13, 22) bordering a panelling element (32) between them, each frame member (13, 22) comprising a profile element (30) and at least a core element (35). The profile elements (30) are designed as uniform standard parts, and in that at least some frame members of the frame structure are provided with means to vary the moment of inertia, where the means can comprise at least one element (47) which is received in said core element (35) and which extend over essentially the entire length of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: VKR Holdings A/S
    Inventors: Morten Werner Thomsen, Hans Ove Pedersen, Lars Helmersen, Vagn Elnfeldt Jensen, Aage Mathiassen Wind, Niels Birkedal Kristiansen