Rigid spacer for glass block window assemblies
A rigid spacer used in the construction of translucent or glass block window or wall assemblies, the rigid spacer has a shape conforming to the edge profile of glass blocks and a plurality of rigids extending toward the glass blocks to engage and secure the glass blocks.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to glass block or translucent block assemblies for use in, for example, decorative wall constructions and windows and buildings. More specifically, the invention relates to a rigid spacer used in the construction of such assemblies.
2. General Background and State of the Art
Glass block and translucent block window assemblies are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,992,111 and 5,687,521. Generally, such assemblies include a plurality of glass blocks placed within a framing assembly. The plurality of glass blocks can be assembled into various shapes, including rectangles, squares and other shapes in standard sizes in order to be placed into openings formed for such windows or walls. The prefabrication of these assemblies makes the actual construction at the jobsites proceed more quickly, as the glass block assemblies are prefabricated prior to delivery to the jobsite.
As shown for example, in the Pat. No. 5,992,111, there may be a spacer positioned between the respective glass blocks to aid the assembly. An alternative design for such a spacer is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. DES. 402,535, a design which is exemplary of the construction used by one of the manufacturers of glass block windows.
INVENTION SUMMARYThe present invention is directed to a rigid spacer for use in translucent or glass block assemblies to be placed between the adjacent blocks forming the assembly. As described herein, it should be understood that when the phrase glass block is used it could also relate to translucent blocks made of other materials including plastics. The rigid spacer of the present invention has a design which provides structural support within a glass block window assembly and which is contoured to facilitate attachment and securement to the contour of the edges of glass blocks and to provide appropriate surfaces for allowing adherence between the rigid spacer and the adhesives to secure glass blocks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As best depicted in the cross-sectional view of
The rigid spacer 10 is configured so that the steps or ridges 20 and pointed projections 22 extend towards the lands 42 of the glass blocks 40. Ridges 24 on the rigid spacer 10 project generally towards the raised profile 44 of the glass blocks 40. When the opposing glass blocks 40 are finally assembled as show in
The configuration of the rigid spacer 10 illustrated in
The rigid spacer 10 can be formed of any appropriate material, however, extruded or otherwise formed polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) may be preferred while aluminum or other light weight rigid materials may optionally be used depending on the strength requirements for the assembly.
The rigid spacer 10 of the present invention provides a plurality of surfaces to trap an adhesive as between the rigid 10 spacer and the glass blocks 40 to increase the adherence between the glass blocks 40 and the rigid spacer 10. The incorporation of the steps or ridges 20, pointed projections 22 and ridges 24 all tend to increase the surface area of the rigid spacer that is available to bond to the silicon, epoxy or other appropriate adhesive, cement or grouting material. In addition, the opposing bulbous teardrop design of the rigid spacer 10 prevents lateral shifting of the glass blocks 40. The design can be altered by, for example, providing one of the sections to be thicker so that a curved glass block construction may be assembled.
The foregoing description of rigid spacer is intended to define the preferred embodiment and enable construction by those skilled in the art. Additional modifications and configurations utilizing the invention described herein may become apparent upon review of the specification and attached claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A rigid spacer for use in assembling glass or translucent block assemblies, the rigid spacer comprising:
- an elongated spacer heaving a profile to generally correspond to the shape of the edges at glass or translucent blocks; and
- a plurality of projections extending outward from the profile of the spacer.
2. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein the elongated spacer has a cross-sectional profile in the shape of opposing elongated tear-drop shaped sections.
3. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said rigid spacer is formed by extruding polyvinyl chloride.
4. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said rigid spacer is formed from aluminum.
5. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said plurality of projections are rigids.
6. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said plurality of projections are steps.
7. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said plurality of projections are rigids and pointed projections.
8. The rigid spacer of claim 1 wherein said plurality of projections increase the surface area of the rigid spacer exposed to an adhesive.
9. A rigid spacer for use in assembling glass or translucent block assemblies, the rigid spacer comprising:
- an elongated spacer having a cross sectional profile in the shape of opposing elongated teardrop shaped sections;
- a plurality of projections extending outward from the profile of the spacer, said plurality of projections shaped as steps, ridges or pointed projections.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 21, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2005
Inventor: Horace Tjakra (Norwalk, CA)
Application Number: 10/830,207