Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPECIFICATION
INVENTOR: John R. ~'aylor
2~32 Linden Lea
Irving, Texas 75061
TITL~: "GLASS-BLOCK PANELS AND METHOD OF
F~BRICATION T~REOF"
Technical Field
he field of art to the which the invention pertains
comprises the art of building construction utilizing glass blocks
; 10 installed as panels for decorative and/or functional purposes,
such as windows, skylights, and the like.
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, ~ackground of the Inventlon
Glass blocks or "bricks" have been widely used in the
domestlc and commercial building trades for several decades.
When installed, the blocks are commonly clustered in a panel in
various distinctive geometric patterns, the panel being disposed
within a wall formed of conventional brick, block or framing.
Their aesthetic attractiveness has been a major factor
contributing toward their enduring popularity for both interior
1 20 and exterior walls. In addition, by virtue of their
i translucence, the glass blocks effectively serve as windows for
, transmission of daylight.
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Background of the Prior Art
i Glass blocks suitable for the building trades have been
available in a variety of different sizes and shapes, from
various commercial sources. They have been utilized, in selected
sections of a wall, along with regular brick or block which form
the remaining portions oE the wall. Since the glass block has
traditionally been categorized as brick, installation of these
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glass blocks has normally been subject to the same, and in many
situations more, cumbersome practices and standards as required
for mortar installation of conventional clay brick.
In addition, while the glass block's attractiveness and
style have assisted in maintaining its popularity, there are
nevertheless undesirable traits and characteristics associated
with the glass block that have in the past detracted and
prevented its more extensive use. Among these undesirable traits
has been the tendency of misalignment between adjacent mortar
installed blocks, typically due to settling or mortar squeeze,
which therefore detracts from the finished appearance of the
installation. Furthermore, since the mortar has essentially no
elasticity, settlement can cause cracking of the blocks.
Additionally, realignment and replacement of the installed blocks
have proved expensive and impractical by virtue of the
difficulties associated with attempted realignment and the
likelihood that existing blocks will be destroyed during any
replacement process. Moreover, the labor intensity associated
with such projects makes correction procedures quite costly.
Furthermore, glass blocks have heretofore never been regarded as
useful for overhead applications, such as skylights, due at least
in part to its lack of competitiveness with other systems.
Objects of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
new and improved panel construction and assembly for the support
and installation of glass blocks.
It is a further object of the invention to effect the
previous object with a construction which significantly increases
the structural integrity of an installed glass block panel while
maintaining an appearance superior to that achieved by masonry
procedures.
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¦ It is yet another object of the invention to achieve
¦substantial cost reductions for effecting glass block
¦ installations while substantially minimizing, if not entirely
eliminating, the undesirable traits associated with prior art
glass block installations.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with these-and other objects, the present
invention relates to a construction of glass blocks in a novel
assembled panel relation which provides individual support for
each block of the panel, and affords enhanced structural
integrity of the installed panel. In accordance with one feature
of the invention, each block is independently supported with
respect to the adjacent blocks, the resulting enhanced structural
i integrity thus increasing its suitability for any desired
installation, including overhead installations such as skylights.
The foregoing is achieved in accordance with the
invention by means of a frame formed of transversely
intersecting, interlocking components, providing a matrix support
for the array of glass blocks. Because the frame components
removably interfit, assembly of the frame can be effected in
' advance of shipment or alternatively, on-site, to form a grid
pattern of suitable overall configuration and dimension which,
along with the supported glass blocks, correspond to the overall
panel to be installed. Specifically, a plurality of individual
adjacently disposed pockets are defined by the assembled frame,
with each pocket sized and shaped to respectively closely receive
and support any standard size of commercially available glass
block in a controlled separation from the adjacent blocks. Each
pocket includes, at its base, a peripheral lip extending inward
" 30 of, and around the circumference of, the pocket, thus in essence
defining a shelf for supporting the glass block. The pocket
shelf, in combination with the framework defining the grid
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pocket, supports each block at five of its six faces with the
front face being exposed. Then, by applying caulking about the
outer edges of each block in the intervening space between the
in-place blocks and the frame pocket, all of the blocks are
bonded securely to the frame and therefore joined together in a
structurally sound and weather sealed relation and present an
appearance meeting and exceeding the most expensive of masonry
installations.
Being pre-assembled as a panel in the foregoing
mannerl post-installation misalignment and settling problems
previously associated with glass block installations of the
prior art are avoided. Without the need to permit mortar set
before layers of block are added, and without the need for
skilled labor to effect assembly, a highly significant reduction
of installation time and costs is readily realized. Yet by
virtue of the increased structural integrity which the system
hereof affords, the assembly can quite readily be utilized for
many applications not previously considered possible for glass
block assemblies.
In one broad aspect, the present invention relates to
a glass-block panel comprising: a frame of relatively rigid
components configured in a grid-like pattern of selected
dimension, said frame including a perimeter formed from first
and second pairs of interchangeable parallel longitudinal
perimeter bars interlocked at ends thereof to form a peripheral
border, said perimeter bars each having a tubular rectangular
cross-section, and said frame further including first and second
pluralities of partition bars in cooperation with said
peripheral border, said first plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said first pair of
perimeter bars, and said second plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said second pair of
perimeter bars; said pattern defining a plurality of adjacent
pockets each sized for receipt of an individual glass block of
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known dimension; and a glass block having a rear face and
disposed within each of the grid pockets to collectively
comprise a panel.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a skylight for installation over a roof opening of a building
structure comprising: a frame of relatively rigid components
configured in a grid-like pattern of selected dimension, said
frame including a perimeter formed from first and second pairs
of interchangeable parallel longitudinal perimeter bars
interlocked at ends thereof to form a peripheral border, said
perimeter bars each having a tubular rectangular cross-section,
and said frame further including first and second pluralities of
partition bars in cooperation with said peripheral border, said
first plurality of partition bars extending parallel to and
intermediate said first pair of perimeter bars, and said second
plurality of partition bars extending parallel to and
intermediate said second pair of perimeter bars; said pattern
defining a plurality of adjacent pockets each sized for receipt
and support of an individual glass block of known dimension; a
glass block disposed within each of the grid pockets to
collectively comprise a window; and mounting means extending
about the periphery of said frame to effect mounting over a roof
opening provided therefor.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a glass-block panel, comprising: a perimeter formed from
first and second pairs of interchangeable parallel longitudinal
perimeter bars interlocked at ends thereof to form a peripheral
border; said perimeter bars each having a tubular rectangular
cross-section including a top surface and a base, a plurality of
longitudinally spaced vertical slots opening downwardly from
said top surface, a longitudinal ridge formed at said top
surface between said vertical slots, and a longitudinally
extending lateral lip at said base protruding inwardly
therefrom; each of said first pair of said perimeter bars having
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end slot ones of said vertical slots located in close proximity
; to said ends thereof; each of said second pair of said perimeter
bars having internal recesses of bifurcated U-shaped formation
at said ends thereof, with vertical underslots provided at each
-: of said internal recesses for interfitting engagement with said
end slots of said first pair of perimeter bars; first and second
pluralities of partition bars in cooperation with said
peripheral border, said first plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said first pair of
perimeter bars, and said second plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said second pair of
perimeter bars, to form a grid-like pattern defining a plurality
of individual recessed pockets; each said partition bar
rl including a longitudinal flat stock member, an upper edge, a
' transverse flange, and two ends, with said flange providing dual
¦ lateral shelf lips on each side of said flat stock member; each
I of said first plurality of partition bars having a plurality of
`, longitudinally spaced vertical slots extending downwardly from,
and open at, said upper edge, and having an underside vertical
slot at each of said ends interlocked with one of said slots of
ij: said second pair of perimeter bars; each of said second
I plurality of partition bars having a plurality of spaced apart
underside vertical slots interfitted with said vertical slots of
3 said first plurality of partition bars, and having an underside
. vertical slot at each of said ends interlocked with one of said
slots of said first pair of perimeter bars, with said flange
being separated by interruptions; said lips of said perimeter
and partition bars being coplanar and defining a common shelf
lip support plane within each of said pockets; and a rectangular
glass block inserted into each said pocket in contact with said
shelf lips, with at least one compressed resilient stabilizing
ring gasket interfitted between each said glass block and each
said pocket to seal and stabilize said glass block within said
pocket.
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In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a method for fabricating a glass block panel comprising the
steps of: forming a frame of relatively rigid components in a
grid-like pattern of selected configuration and dimension, said
frame including a perimeter formed from first and second pairs
of interchangeable parallel longitudinal perimeter bars
interlocked at ends thereof to form a peripheral border, said
perimeter bars each having a tubular rectangular cross-section,
and said frame further including first and second pluralities of
partition bars in cooperation with said peripheral border, said
first plurality of partition bars extending parallel to and
intermediate said first pair of perimeter bars, and said second
plurality of partition bars extending parallel to and
intermediate said second pair of perimeter bars; said pattern
defining a plurality of adjacent pockets each sized to closely
receive an individual glass block to be utilized in collectively
forming the complete panel; inserting a glass block within each
of the grid pockets to be utilized; and enclosing front spacings
intervening between adjacent ones of the inserted blocks.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a building panel assembly comprising: a frame of relatively
rigid components configured in a grid-like pattern of selected
dimension, said frame including a perimeter formed from
longitudinal, tubular perimeter bars removably attached at ends
thereof to form a peripheral border, and said frame further
including partition bars in cooperation with said peripheral
border, said partition bars being intermediate said perimeter
bars; said pattern defining a plurality of adjacent pockets each
sized for receipt of an individual block of known dimension; and
a discrete block having a rear face and disposed within each of
the grid pockets to collectively comprise a panel assembly.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a glass-block panel comprising: a frame of relatively rigid
components configured in a grid-like pattern of selected
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dimension, said frame including a perimeter formed from
interchangeable longitudinal, tubular perimeter bars removably
attached at ends thereof to form a peripheral border, and said
frame further including pluralities of partition bars in
interlocking connection with, and intermediate, said perimeter
bars; said pattern defining a plurality of adjacent pockets each
sized for receipt of an individual glass block of known
: dimension; and a glass block having a rear face and disposed
within each of the grid pockets to collectively comprise a
panel.
: In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
: to a building block panel, comprising: a perimeter formed from
:~ first and second pairs of interchangeable parallel longitudinal
perimeter bars removably connected at ends thereof to form a
peripheral border; said perimeter bars each being tubular and
I including a top surface and a base, a plurality of
.~L'~ longitudinally spaced vertical slots opening downwardly from
i said top surface, a longitudinal ridge formed at said top
~ surface between said vertical slots, and a longitudinally
:~ 20 extending lateral lip at said base protruding inwardly
therefrom; each of said first pair of said perimeter bars having
: end slot ones of said vertical slots located in close proximity
; to said ends thereof; each of said second pair of said perimeterbars having internal recesses of bifurcated U-shaped formation
at said ends thereof, with vertical underslots provided at each
of said internal recesses for interfitting engagement with said
end slots of said first pair of perimeter bars; first and second
pluralities of partition bars in cooperation with said
peripheral border, said first plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said first pair of
perimeter bars, and said second plurality of partition bars
extending parallel to and intermediate said second pair of
perimeter bars, to form a grid-like pattern defining a plurality
of individual recessed pockets; each said partition bar
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including a longitudinal flat stock member, an upper edge, a
transverse flange, and two ends, with said flange providing dual
lateral shelf lips on each side of said flat stock member; each
of said first plurality of partition bars having a plurality of
longitudinally spaced vertical slots extending downwardly from,
and open at, said upper edge, and having an underside vertical
slot at each of said ends interlocked with one of said vertical
. slots of said second pair of perimeter bars; each of said second
plurality of partition bars having a plurality of spaced apart
underside vertical slots interfitted with said vertical slots of
said first plurality of partition bars, and having an underside
vertical slot at each of said ends interlocked with one of said
.~ slots of said first pair of perimeter bars, with said flange
i~ being separated by interruptions; and said lips of said
1 perimeter and partition bars being coplanar and defining a~
common shelf lip support plane within each of said pockets;
~ whereby generally rectangular blocks may be respectively
.'t'~ received within said pockets in contact with said shelf lips.
Additional features and advantages of the invention,
as well as other superior aspects thereof, will become readily
' apparent and appreciated by those skilled in the art by
'~ reference to the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
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Briçf ~cription of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a topside isometric view of the support
frame for assembling a glass block panel in accordance with the
invention;
Figure 2 is a fragmentary enlargement of the frame of
Figure 1 with the frame components illustrated in an exploded
relation;
Figure 3 is an isometric view corner enlargement of
the support frame of Figure 1;
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¦ Figure 4 is a topside plan view of the support frame
¦corner segment of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a sectional view as seen substantially from
the pocition 5-5 of Figure 4;
l Figure 6 is an isometric exterior front elevation view
¦ of a fragmentary portion of the glass block panel of the
¦ invention installed as a window in a buil~ing structure;
; ¦ Figure 7 is an isometric interior rear elevation view
¦ of the panel portions of Figure 6;
I Figure 8 is a sectional elevation view as seen
¦ substantially from the position 8-8 of Figure 6;
¦ Figure ~ is a fragmentary enlargement of the encircled
: ¦ area in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view as seen
¦ substantially from the position 10-10 in Figure 6;
¦ Figure 11 is an isometric topside view of an installed
¦ skylight constructed in accordance with the invention;
l Figure 12 is a sectional view as seen substantially
: I from the position 12-12 of Figure 11;
¦ Figure 13 is a sectional view as seen substantially
from the position 13-13 of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a perspective enlargement illustrating the
joinder clip of Figure 11 in exploded relation;
Figure 15 is a fragmentary front elevation of a partial
glass block panel of an arcuately formed embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 1~ is a sectional view as seen qubstantially
from the position 16-16 of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a glass block corner
~ panel arrangement in accordance with a feature of the invention;
! Figure 18 i5 a sectional view as seen substantially
from the position 18-18 of Figure 17;
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Figure 19 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to
Figure 18 and illustrating an alternative modification thereof;
: Figure 20 is a sectional view of a panel construction
in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention
Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 are fragmentary enlargements
I of their respective encircled areas in Figure 20;
Flgure 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of a panel
construction in accordance wlth another alternative embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 26 is a perspective view of an assembly clip
utilized with the embodiment of Figure 25;
Figure 27 is a sectional view as ~een substantially
from the position 27-27 of Figure 26;
Figure 28 is a top plan view of the clip of Figure 26;
'. Figure 2g is a bottom plan view of the clip of Figure
26;
¦ Figures 30 and 31 are fragmentary perspective views
I illustrating sequential fabrication steps in assemblying the
:~ ¦ panel utilizing the construction shown in Figure 25;
~, 20 ¦ Figures 32 and 33 are perspective and underside plan
:, I views respectively of a first between-block molding insert
: 1 utilized in the assembly of Figure 31; and
:~ ¦ Figures 34 and 35 are perspective and underside plan
¦ views respectively of a second between-block molding insert
¦ utilized in the assembly of Figure 31.
¦ Description of Preferred Embodiments
In the description which follows, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawing~ with the same reference
numerals respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily
to scale and the proportions of certain parts may have been
exaggerated for purposes of clarity.
Referring initially to Figures 1-5~ there is now
described the fabrication of a glass block panel in accordance
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¦with the invention, in this example for a window assembly.
¦Accordingly, this fabrication is effected by first forming a
1 tray~like grid pattern support frame, designated in the drawings
; ¦ by the reference numeral 10, of suitable dimension and
¦ configuration corresponding to the panel desired to be
constructed. The completed support frame defines a plurality of
¦ matrix clustered adjacently disposed pockets 12, each pocket
dimensioned so as to closely receive a glass block 14 of known
dimension which is suitably inserted front-to-back therein.
l Glass block 14 (Fig. 1) is of the conventional type
¦ available from various commercial sources, such as
Pittsburgh-Corning, in a variety of different sizes and shapes.
For the purpose subsequently described, a resilient stabilizing
ring 16 formed of seLf stick closed-cell vinyl foam, for example,
may be placed in a ribbon wrap encircling the glass block at the
intersection of the sloping sides and at an intermediate location
between the front face 18 and the rear face 20 thereof.
Frame 10, which can be prefabricated before transport
to the installation site or constructed on-site, as desired,
comprises a plurality of transversely intersecting members 40 and
52, preferably of metal, surrounded by perimeter frame members
22 and 32, the entire assembly being so constructed to preferably
interfit together to form the matrix of pockets 12 in which the
glass blocks 14 are to be supported.
In the preferred embodiment, the transversely
intersecting members of the frame forming the grid configuration
are prefabricated of longitudinal partition bars adapted to
effect a rigid and sturdy mechanical interlock with one another
and with the surrounding perimeter members. The perimeter members
22 and 32 form a peripheral border about the assembly to
cooperate internally with the partition bars (40, 52) in defining
pockets 12 for supporting the inserted blocks 14. About its
exterior, the perimeter bars abut an opening in the intended wall
structure with which the panel is adapted to be installed, an
example being a window panel assembly as ~hown in Figure 6.
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More specifically, the periphery of the frame 10
comprises a first pair of interchangeable parallel longitudinal,
perimeter bars 22, preferably tubular and of rectangular cross
section, each bar 22 having a plurality o longitudinally spaced
; vertical slots 24 opening downwardly from the top surface 26.
Longitudinal ridges 28 are formed at the top surface 26 between
the slots 24. In the case of the window assembly depicted in
Figures 6-10, complementary strips 30 ~Fig. 9) of elastomeric
vapor barrier composition material are fitted over ridges 28.
10Yor transverse joinder with bars 22 to ~orm the frame
periphery, there is also provided a second pair of interchange-
able longitudinal, and preferably tubular, perimeter bars 32,
each bar 32 including at its ends an internal recess 34 in a
bifurcated U-shaped formation. In a manner similar to that
described with respect to perimeter bars 22, longitudinal ridges
28 are also formed at the top surface of bars 32 (Fig. 3) for
intersection with the ridge 28 on bars 22, thus Porming a
circumferential ridge around the periphery of the assembled
frame.
Near each end of the bar 32, vertical underslot~ 36 are
provided to cooperate and interfit with end slots 24 of bars 22
to effect a mechanical joinder therewith, while vertical slots 38
are provided at the top surface of each bar 32 to receive the
transverse partition bars 40, as will be subsequently described.
Each of the perimeter bars ~22, 32) includes a
longitudinally extending, lateral lip 39 at its base adapted to
protrude inward of the defined pockets 12, thereby essentially
defining a shelf support upon which each inserted glass block 14
` can sit.
For forming the grid-like pattern defining the
plurality of individual recessed pockets 12, a plurality of first
partition bars 40 are provided, each bar 40 being formed of a
longitudinal flat stock member 42 with a transverse flange 48.
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Bars 40 extend parallel to, and intermediate, spaced perimeter
bars 22 and are adapted to be connected with perimeter bars 32.
Each partition bar 40 llas a plurality of longitudinally
spaced vertical slots 44 extending downwardly from, and open at,
. its upper edge with underside vertical slots 46 being provided at
:` each end for interlocking with the slots 38 of perimeter bars 32.
Flange 48 provides dual lateral shelf lips 50 on each ~ide of the
. flat member 42 so that when partition bar 40 is connected to
; perimeter bar 32, the lips 50 are coplanar with lips 39.
Adapted to transversely intersect, and be connected
with the partition bars 40 and the perimeter bars 22 are a second
.~ plurality of partition bars 52 extending parallel to and
intermediate spaced perimeter bars 32. Partition bars 52, like
bars 40, are formed of flat stock 54 and include a plurality of
spaced apart underside slots 56 adapted to cooperate and interfit
with slots 24 of perimeter bars 22 and slots 44 of partition bars
. 40, in effecting a mechanical gridlock therewith.
1~ Extending along the undersiae of bar 52 are transverse
i flanges 58 which define dual sided lateral lips 60 separated by
interruptions 61. As before, when partition bars 52 are fitted
: together with perimeter bars 22 and transverse bars 40, the lips
. 60 are co-planar with lips 39 and 50, the lips 39, 50, and 60
thus defining a common shelf-lip support plane within, and around
the circumference of, each of the pockets 12 defined by the
frame.
: Once frame 10 has been assembled, itB inBtallatiOn as a
window or wall section, for example, can be completed, as will
now be described with particular reference to Figures 6-10. With
at least perimeter bars 22 and 32 assembled together, the frame
is securely aisposed within the confines of a framing
construction 62 of a building wall, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Within the wall there is provided a suitably sized opening
defined by framing studs 64 to receive and support the frame 10
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and to which the frame is securely attached by screws or nails.
sealed exterior enclosure about the perimeter bars is achieved
by means of longitudinal Z-bars 66 which compressively abut vapor
barrier strip 30 and are secured inwardly of siding 62 to the
edge of studs 64. With the asqembled frame 10 completely secured
in place, the glass blocks 14 are respectively inserted into the
pockets 12 until they are seated against the common shelf pIane
defined by lips 39, 50, 60 of the cooperating bars of the frame.
Compressed stabilizing ring gasket 16 serves to center the block
within its placed cavity and stabilize its retention.
Following insertion of the glass blocks, there remains
narrow intervening gaps 68 (Fig. 6) between the edges of the
framing and the glass blocks and between the end blocks and
Z-bars 66. These gaps are filled with caulking 70 in order to
bond the blocks to the same grid ~alld to one another) and render
the installation completely weatherproofed throughout.
Referring now to Figures 11-14, the panel assembly of
the invention is illustrated for use as a skylight. As
illustrated, opening 74 in a roof structure 76 is defined by
woodframing 78 to which perimeter frame bars 22 and 32 can be
secured by lateral screws 80. Once set in place, a substantially
F-shaped exterior frame 82 (Fig. 11) is placed thereover so as to
extend about the frame 10 in a compressive relation against the
vapor barrier strip 30 while embracing flashing 84 (Figs. 11,
13). With roof shingles 86 in place, installation of the frame
10 with supported glass blocks 14 is essentially completed except
, for interior wallboard 72 which can be applied as appropriate.
The use of the panel assembly as a skylight is facilitated by the
fact that each block 14 is seated within its receptive pocket 12,
^, 30 rests on the support plane defined by the inwardly protruding
shelf lips of the framing bars, and is secured by the overall
structural integrity of the interlocking support frame 10. ~eing
supported in this manner, the blocks remain fixedly secured
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within the frame, and are thus prevented from falling into the
exposed space 74 below.
Frame 82 can be constructed of separate L-shaped bars
81 welded together in a right angle relation at their mitered
corners. Preferably, bars 81 are secured together in their right
angle relation utilizing the two component clip 83 illustrated in
Figures 11 and 14.
Comprising one component of clip 83 is an L-shaped
brace 85 including a first leg 87 and an offset second leg 89.
The distal end of leg 87 includes a right angle recess 91. When
leg 87 is placed overlying the mitered ends of bars 81 and
secured to the bars by screws 93, recess 91 will extend
coincident with the corner opening defined by the intersecting
interior flanges of the bars 81.
Cooperating with brace 85 for completing the joint is
f an M-shaped sleeve 95 including a right angle recess 97 in which
to receive the mitered joint and a narrow transverse slot 101 in
, which to receive leg 89 of brace 85. When assembled and placed
against the joint in the manner illustrated in Figure 14, the
clip 83 can be secured to the bars 81 by means of screws 103.
Caulking can then be applied as appropriate to seal the jo~nt
against the weather elements.
There is now described the panel assembly of the
invention, but modified, as depicted in Figures 15 and 16, to
provide an arcuate construction.
~ccordingly, each separate panel section 106 is formed
of spaced apart vertically parallel perimeter bars 108 (Fig. 16)
joined together by way of horizontal partition bars 110 (one
shown). The partition bars 110 span the individual adjacent
i 30 panel sections 106 for securing them in a substantially
contiguous contact vertically along their inner corners 112.
Each section 106 is placed together at about the joint area to
; effect a divergence between the adjacent bars 108 toward the
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front face at an angle X. ~t the frontal face, each of the
vapor barrier strips 30 on ridges 28 are compr0ssed by an angled
panel strip 114 (secured by screws, not shown) spanning the
intervening space and supplemented with caulking 70, as above
(Figure 15).
Where it i8 desired to install multiple panels 10 in a
right angled corner relation to each they can be arranged in the
manner illustrated in Figures 17 and 18. Accordingly, the two
panels 10 are placed in a supported position in right angle
contact along their vertical corners 116. For enclosing the
frontal corner, there is provided a right angle panel strip 118,
which is secured in place, so as to compress vapor barrier strips
30. Extending laterally inward from the panel strip 118 are a
pair of elongated vertical strips 120 and 122 extending inwardly
~beyond strips 30) in substantial surface contact with perimeter
bars 22, 32, thus enhancing the stability of the installation.
For the modification of Figure 19, a box corner panel
124 is substituted for the corner panel 118. Box panel 124
includes interior sidewalls 126 and 128 engaging the entire side
surface of the intersecting perimeter bars 22, 32 to further
enhance overall stability.
When utilizing the panel 10 of the invention for an
~ internal wall, it is of course unnecessary to seal or insulate
; against ambient conditions such as humidity and temperature.
Such a panel can therefore be assembled utilizing some or all of
`' the features shown in Figs. 20-24. ~s therein illustrated, end
perimeter bars 22, 32 can be capped on the frontal side by a
complementary fitting front panel strip 130 (secured by screws),
as illustrated in Figure 21. For interfitting the partition bars
40, 52 which intervene between adjacent blocks 14, there is
provided a T-shaped bifurcated panel 132, as illustrated in
Figure 22. Where adjacent panels are contiguously juxtaposed
they can be frontally enclosed by a double width cap strip 134
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¦interfitting over adjacent blocks and appropriately secured. The
¦cap strip in this arrangement form-fits with the upper face of
¦the adjacent perimeter bars 22, 32, as illustrated in Figure 23.
¦For an angled or simulated arcuate offset similar to that
¦perviously described with respect to Figure 16, adjacent
¦perimeter bars 108 can be secure~ together at their frontal face
¦by a form fitting angled cap ~trip 136, as illustrated in Figure
124.
¦ For an alternative to the panel assembly in Figure 22,
¦and useful in internal applications, reference is made to the
¦embodiment i11ustrated in ~igures 25-35. In this embodiment, the
¦partition bars 40 and 52 each include rectangular slots 140
¦adjacent either side of the intersection near the distal eage of
¦their face. To effect a four-sided embrace about the
intersection there is provided an elongated cross slotted brace
¦142. At the first or upper end 143 of the brace, each corner of
¦slot 146 communicates at its terminal end with oval shaped
¦recessed indentations 144. Extending inwardly from the bottom
l corner of lower face 147 is a corresponding cross slot 148
¦ adapted for placement over the intersection of the partition bars
40 and 52 and including friction indentations 149. Positioning
the brace 142 by insertion over the protrusions of partition bars
produces an interfit therewith, in the manner illustrated in
~igure 30, with the slots 146 aligning with the intervening gap
spacing between adjacent blocks 14~ A friction protrusion 149
engaging bar slots 140 affords resilient stability to the brace
142.
The remaining of the intervening frontal spaces between
adjacent blocks 14 are then filled horizontally by elongated
3a panel strips lS2. Each of the strips 152 has a smooth exterior
face 154 and an elongated resilient rib 156 extending laterally
from its underside and having a longitudinal oval-shaped enlarged
end face 158 of resilient composition extending its entire
cngth.
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A panel strip 160 is provided for each of the vertical
spaces between adjacent blocks and is of similar, but longer,
construction as the panels 152. From an exterior face 162 on
panel ~60 a laterally outward elongated rib 164 extends from its
underside to an oval-shaped enlarged end face 166 of resilient
composition longitudinally extending the length of rib 164.
Insertion of the panel strips 152 and 160 into assembly position
provides a decorative molding effect, as illustrated in Figures
30 and 31, with the elastomeric oval heads 158 and 166
interfitting between the blocks 14 and within the clip
indentations 144.
There has thus been disclosed a novel construction for
utilizing glass block panel assemblies utilized in various
manners and for different purposes. By virtue of the relative
simplicity in construction afforded hereby, the glass block panel
can be fabricated and installed in a fraction of the time
required for comparable masonry construction. Since typical
savings of 50-75% in labor cost and time can be realized, not
only does the invention result in less expensive installation,
but the construction thereof provides substantially greater
structural integrity less prone to the known problems typically
associated with masonry type installations. ~ecause of the
increased structural integrity of the end product, it lends
itself to a variety of applications considered impossible or
impractical by prior known construction procedures. Since the
versatility which it affords is significantly enhanced, the panel
construction hereof can be readily adapted for interior walls,
exterior walls, skylights, windows, etc. wherever the beauty and
aesthetics of a glass block construction can be appreciated.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have
been described in detail, it is to be understood that various
¦ changes, 9 t1tutions, and alteratlons can be made thereto
1 328970
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
