Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02570653 2006-12-08
Spacer Assembly for Glass Blocks
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a spacer assembly for
spacing glass blocks in a wall formed from such blocks.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Due to their aesthetically pleasing nature, glass blocks are widely
used in architecture and in the construction industry in structures such as
walls,
windows, and partitions. Where applicable, such structures are known to be
built
both inside and outside the home. These structures can be formed from both
rectangular and non-rectangular glass blocks, and consequently can be curved
or planar.
[0003] While a variety of different techniques exist for constructing glass
walls, all techniques can be broadly classified as either being of mortar or
mortarless construction.
[0004] The use of mortar in construction requires the skills of a person
specifically trained in such construction. Numerous problems must be overcome
before a glass wall can be successfully constructed using mortar. These
problems include that the mortar must be evenly laid so as to ensure a level
wall;
the use of mortar leads directly to an increase in dust and dirt in the
construction
area; glass blocks tend to be non-porous and thus do not easily or strongly
bond
to mortar; and the glass wall must not be assembled too quickly, lest the
weight
of the blocks result in mortar being squeezed out from the lower courses of
the
wall.
[0005] In an attempt to address these problems, mortarless construction
methods have been developed. Mortarless construction methods are generally
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
characterized by the use of spacers interposed between glass blocks that
ensures a uniform spacing between the blocks. A sealant or adhesive may be
applied to the spacer before interposition between glass blocks so as to
effect
complying between adjacent glass blocks once the spacer is positioned there-
between, and provide shear strength. Grout/sealant is then applied to the
spaces between blocks to provide sealing against wind and water.
[0006] An example of a commercially available mortarless spacer
assembly is manufactured by Seattle Glass Block under the brand name Vinyl
Stack . This assembly includes multiple spacer elements including a horizontal
spacer and a vertical spacer. The horizontal and vertical spacers do not
interconnect and must be adhered to glass blocks using a judicious amount of
silicone. The silicone tends to smear over the surface of the glass blocks,
thus
decreasing the aesthetic appeal of the block wall. Some spacer elements
consist
of two parts that require connection for non-perimeter installation. This
system
may or may not require an extruded plastic perimeter channel depending upon
the installation. It also requires the use of a specialty hydraulic grout for
strength.
Both the perimeter channel and the grout areavailable only in white.
[0007] A number of mortarless spacer assemblies are disclosed by
patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,702. This patent discloses a spacer
assembly that requires that an end user measure and cut a spacer to the
correct
lengths, thus demanding a relatively high level of skill of the end user. It
also
requires a strap to be placed around the circumference of the planned glass
wall
in order to provide stability during construction. Furthermore, the structural
stability provided by the spacer assembly is limited, as the spacers running
along
the vertical and horizontal courses are not connected and thus, to a large
degree,
cannot reinforce each other.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,937 discloses a mortarless spacer assembly
comprising three parts: an intermediate junction spacer, an end junction
spacer,
and edge members. The greater the number of parts present, however, the
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
more skilled in construction the end user must be, and the greater the cost to
manufacture the assembly. The use of this mortarless spacer also requires the
glass wall to be built within some type of rectangular frame for stability.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,634 B2 discloses a horizontal spacer system
that includes a horizontal spacer that connects with other, similar horizontal
spacers along the horizontal courses of a glass wall. The structural stability
provided by such a system is limited, however, as the horizontal spacers do
not
specifically address the problem of rotational motion that may cause glass
blocks
to tilt out of the plane of the wall during construction, and as no vertical
spacers
exist to further stabilize the wall.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a spacer, connector, or a
kit comprising a spacer and/or a connector that provides at least some
solutions
to the deficiencies in the prior art.
[0011] In one aspect, there is provided a kit for facilitating the
construction
of a structure comprising a plurality of glass blocks, comprising:
a spacer configured for positioning between a first glass block and a
second glass block;
a connector including:
a first connection tab configured for coupling to the spacer, such that the
spacer is disposed in a first position when the spacer is coupled to the first
connection tab; and
a second connection tab configured for coupling to the spacer, such that
the spacer is disposed in a second position when the spacer is coupled to
the second connection tab;
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
such that the first position is rotationally displaced relative to the second
position;
wherein at least one of the first and second connection tabs is frangibly
connected to a respective remainder of the connector.
[0012] The spacer can further comprise: a first channel having a first
channel longitudinal axis, and a second channel having a second channel
longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second channels is configured for
receiving a binder to effect adhesion of the spacer to one of the first and
second
glass blocks. The first channel can be coupled to a second channel by each of
a
first rib and a second rib. Each of the first and second ribs includes a
respective
longitudinal rib axis which is transverse to the respective longitudinal
channel
axis of each of the first and second channels, such that the first rib is
spaced
apart from the second rib to define a bore extending through the spacer.
[0013] In a further aspect, there is provided a kit for facilitating the
construction of a structure comprising a plurality of glass blocks,
comprising:
[0014] a spacer configured for positioning between a first glass block and
a second glass block;
[0015] a connector including:
[0016] a connection tab for coupling to the spacer; and:
[0017] a guide plate including a guide surface configured for contiguous
disposition with a respective surface of each of the first glass block and the
second glass block when the spacer is coupled to the connection tab and is
disposed between the first glass block and the second glass block, wherein a
portion of the guide surface is defined by a frangible tab which is frangibly
connected to a remainder of the guide plate.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
The method and apparatus of the preferred embodiments of the invention will
now be described with the following accompanying drawings:
[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of glass block wall
constructed using a spacer assembly comprising a spacer and a spacer
connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the spacer.
[0020] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the spacer.
[0021] Figure 4 is an end elevation view of the spacer.
[0022] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the spacer.
[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the spacer connector.
[0024] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the spacer connector.
[0025] Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the connector.
[0026] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the connector at line A-A of Fig.
7.
[0027] Figure 10 is an end elevation view of the connector.
[0028] Figure 11 is a perspective view of one spacer connector connected
to one spacer.
[0029] Figure 12 is a perspective view of three spacers connected by
spacer connectors.
CA 02570653 2006-12-08
[0030] Figure 13 is a perspective view of three spacers connected by
spacer connectors to form a spacer assembly surrounding a glass block.
[0031] Figures 14 and 16 illustrate various possible configurations of the
connector.
[0032] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a glass block.
[0033] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the end face profile of the
block shown in Figure 17.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
[0034] Directional terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in this
description merely to assist the reader in understanding the described
embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as restricting the
orientation of the embodiments in use or in relation to the another product,
apparatus, or to the environment.
[0035] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a spacer assembly 1
according to one embodiment of the invention. The spacer assembly 1 functions
as a kit for facilitating the construction of a structure comprising a
plurality of
glass blocks 500, such as a glass block wall construction. For example, the
components of the spacer assembly 1 are injection molded.
[0036] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the glass block 500 used is a
typical glass block used in industry and comprises two parallel rectangular
side
faces 502a, 502b and four edge faces 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d. The edge faces
504a - d join the side faces 502a, 502b, at corresponding edges 506a, 506b
thereof. Further the edge faces 504a --> d are joined at each other at their
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
respective ends to form a continuous edge 508 around the block 500. Referring
specifically to Figure 18, each of a pair of outer cusps 510a, 510b and
central
inner cusp 512 is defined in each of the edge faces 504a --* d. The central
inner
cusp 512 is disposed intermediate the outer cusps 510a 510b. Each of the outer
cusps 510a, 510B is joined to the inner cusp 512 by a respective inner
substantially concave portion 514a, 514b.
[0037] Referring to Figures 2 to 5 and 6 to 11, the spacer assembly 1
includes a spacer 10 and a connector 20. The spacer 10 is provided for
positioning between a first glass block and a second glass block in order to
precisely space the blocks apart both horizontally and vertically to achieve
consistent spacing between the blocks along joints between the blocks in a
block
wall construction. The connector 20 is provided with multiple connection tab
sets
for connecting the connector 20 to a corresponding number of spacers 10. At
least one tab set is rotationally disposed on the connector 20 from another
tab
set such that the two tab sets connect to different spacers 10 at different
positions relative to each other. The connection tabs are frangibly connected
to
the remainder of the connector 20.
[0038] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, for example, the spacer 10 has a
generally flat, longitudinally elongated body and includes at least two
longitudinally extending channels 12. Each of the channels has respective
longitudinal axis 121. The channels 12 are configured to receive and contain a
binder that bonds the spacer 10 to one of the edge faces of an adjacent glass
block 500. For example, the binder is a silicone adhesive. The channels 12 are
coupled together by at least a pair of ribs 19. Each of the ribs 19 includes a
respective longitudinal rib axis 191 which is transverse to the respective
longitudinal axis 121 of each of the channels 12. The ribs 19 are spaced apart
from each other to define a bore 11 extending through the spacer 10. The ribs
19
provide additional structural stability to a resultant glass wall. For
example, and
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
referring to Figure 12, the ribs 19 are connected to one another with a
transverse
rib 21 which traverses the bore 11.
[0039] Although three channels 12 and five ribs 19 are shown in the
example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a different number of channels and
ribs
may be provided within the scope of the invention. Referring to the example
illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the central channel 12 receives the central
inner
cusp 512 to fix the spacer 10 relative the glass block 500.
[0040] Provided at each longitudinal end of the spacer 10 is a female joint
defined by a slot 16 which extend into the spacer's body. The slot 16 serves
to
receive the connector 20, thereby connecting connector 20 and spacer 10
together. Although two slots 16 are shown at each end in this embodiment, a
different number of slots 16 can be provided within the scope of the
invention.
Although not shown in Figure 1, for example, the slots 16 are serrated so as
to
join with complementary serrations on horizontal tabs 22 of an exemplary
connector 20 (see below) or to join with non-serrated vertical tabs 24 of the
same
exemplary connector 20. When joined with the horizontal tabs 22, the
serrations
serve to securely fasten the spacer 10 and connector 20 together in the
horizontal direction, and when joined with the vertical tabs 24, the connector
20 is
secured in the horizontal and downwards directions, but is easily removable
from
the spacer 10 in the upwards direction, thereby making it easier to assemble
each row of glass blocks 500 during a glass block wall construction, as will
be
explained in more detail below.
[0041] For example, the spacer 10 also includes two wings 14 extending
transversely from each side edge of the spacer body. The wings 14 serve to
interface with cusps 510a, 510b of the glass block 500, providing a consistent
horizontal and vertical space between each of the glass blocks. The wings 14
also operate to provide structural stability by limiting the rotational motion
of glass
blocks 500 about the vertical plane to an extent needed for the wall to flex,
but
not more. In a preferred embodiment, the wings 14 are symmetrically located
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
about the spacer body and are small in size so as not to negatively affect the
aesthetically pleasing look of a glass wall. Although two pairs of wings 14
are
used in this embodiment, a different number of wings 14 can be used within the
scope of the invention, e.g. to change to extent of rotational stiffness about
the
vertical plane.
[0042] Referring to Figures 6 through 10, the spacer connector 20
comprises a central elongate body 40 and four pairs of connection tabs 22, 24
extending orthogonally from the body 40 form an "X" or cruciform shape. A
lateral guide plate 30 extends from each end of the body 40. The entire spacer
connector 20 is formed by injection molding; however it is within the scope of
the
invention to form the spacer connector 20 by other techniques as known in the
art. The spacer connector 20 serves to connect up to four spacers 10 together,
as well as to assist in laterally positioning the glass blocks 500 during
construction.
[0043] The eight tabs 22, 24 consist of two pairs of serrated tabs 22 with
teeth 26 and two pairs of non-serrated tabs 24. Each pair of serrated tabs 22
extend in opposite directions from the body 40, and each pair of non-serrated
tabs 24 also extend in opposite directions from the body. The serrated tabs 22
are used to securely join the connector 20 to two spacers 10 that are placed
along a horizontal portion of the circumferential edge of a glass block 500 so
as
to form a horizontal course of a glass block wall (hereinafter "horizontal
tabs 22").
The non-serrated tabs 24 are used to join the connector 20 to two spacers 10
that are placed along a vertical portion of the circumferential edge of a
glass
block 500 so as to form a vertical course of the glass block wall (hereinafter
"vertical tabs 22").
[0044] The connector 20 is formed so that each tab 22, 24 and each
lateral guide plate 30 are easily broken away from the rod 40. This enables
the
connector 20 to be used in any place in the wall, including at the sides and
corners of the wall. For example, when the connector 20 is used in a central
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
portion of the wall, all the horizontal and vertical tabs 22, 24 are used to
connect
four spacers 10 together. When the connector 20 is used at the side of the
wall,
one pair of horizontal tabs 22 are broken away (the tabs 22 facing the wall
frame)
so that the connector 20 has a "T" shaped configuration. When the connector 20
is used at the corner of the wall, one pair of horizontal tabs 22 and one pair
of
vertical tabs 24 are broken away (the tabs 22, 24 facing the corner) so that
the
connector has an "L" shaped configuration. The guide plates 30 are
particularly
useful to laterally position the blocks 500 during construction and to prevent
movement during construction and setting of adhesive. As will be explained in
detail below, parts of the guide plates 30 can be removed during wall assembly
when the connector 20 is used at the edge of the glass block wall to prevent
interfering with the wall's frame. The guide plates 30 are broken away after
the
blocks 500 are assembled and are laterally secured in place by the adhesive
and
the adhesive has been allowed to set (cure).
[0045] To enable the tabs 22, 24 to be easily broken away from the rod 40,
a notch 28 is formed into the surface of each tab 22, 24 near the base of the
tab
22, 24 and extends in a direction parallel to the length of the connector body
40.
The notches 28 resemble score lines in the tabs 22, 24, but of course are
formed
by the injection molding processes. The notches 28 serve as a frangible
connection between the tabs 22, 24 and the body 40. A user can impart a force
about the frangible connection and break it so as to remove tabs 22, 24 from
the
rod 40 that are not necessary to secure spacers 10. Although notch 28 is
indicated at each tab 22, 24 in this example, a different number of notches 28
may be provided within the scope of this invention.
[0046] Each guide plate 30 includes a generally flat panel 33, a handle 34
extending from an outer surface of the panel 33, and a pyramid-shaped
frangible
interconnect 32 extending between an inner surface of the panel 33 and the end
of the body 40. The apex of the frangible interconnect 32 is easily broken
away
CA 02570653 2006-12-08
from the body 40 without imparting any translational force to the body 40 and
thus without disturbing the alignment of connected spacers 10.
[0047] As part of the guide plate 30 will extend past the edge of a
connected glass block 500, the guide plate 30 must be at least partially
removed
when the connector 20 is used at the edge of the glass block wall, e.g. where
the
wall contacts the sill, jamb or header of a wall frame. In order for the guide
plate
30 to serve its purpose of aligning blocks 500, it is desirable to not
complete
remove the guide plates 30 of connectors 20 used at the edge of the wall.
Therefore, vertical and horizontal notches 36, 38 are provided in the surface
of
the guide plate 30 to make it easy to break off or cut a vertical or
horizontal half
of the guide plate 30 from the connector body. The notches 36, 38 are
preferably
formed by injection molding, but can also be formed by other techniques as
known in the art. The vertical notch 36 allows one half of the panel 33 to be
broken or cut such that the panel 33 does not interfere with the jamb of a
wall
frame, yet enabling the remainder of the panel 30 to be used to align the
glass
blocks 500 at the vertical edges of the glass block wall.
[0048] Similarly, the horizontal notch 38 allows one half of the panel 33 to
be broken or cut such that the panel 33 does not interfere with the sill or
header
of the wall frame, yet enabling the remainder of the panel 33 to be used to
align
the glass blocks 500 at the horizontal edges of the glass block wall.
[0049] Figure 11 shows the connector 20 and the spacer 10 connected by
the horizontal tabs 22 into the slots 16 of the spacer 10. One pair of
vertical tabs
24 have been broken off the connector 20 to provide a connector with a T-
shaped configuration. As such, this connector 20 can be used along the
bottommost horizontal course of a glass block wall and be laid flat along the
floor,
ground, or sill of a frame (in which case the bottom half of the guide plate
30 is
also removed).
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
[0050] Figures 12 and 13 show three spacers 10 connected by spacer
connectors 20 such three edge faces of a glass block 500 are covered by the
spacers 10. One pair of horizontal tabs 22 and one pair of vertical tabs 24
have
been broken off the connector 20 situated at the bottom right corner in the
Figures, one pair of vertical tabs 24 have been broken off the connector 20
situated at the bottom left corner in the Figures, and no tabs have been
broken
off the connector (an "X" shaped configuration) situated at the top left
corner in
the Figures . This arrangement of spacers 10 and connectors 20 could be used
to place a glass block 500 in the corner of a glass block wall (in which case
the
entire guide plate 30 of the bottom right connector 20 is removed during wall
assembly), as the connector 20 in the bottom right corner can fit snugly in
the
corner, and as the connector 20 in the bottom left corner can fit flush
against the
ground, floor, or sill of a frame.
[0051] Figure 14 illustrates a connector 20 where a pair of the horizontal
tabs 22 have been removed. The connector 20, in this configuration, could be
used adjacent to a window jamb (in which case the vertical half of the guide
plate
30 is removed for wall assembly).
[0052] Figure 15 illustrates a connector 20 where a pair of the vertical tabs
24 have been removed. The connector 20, in this configuration, could be fit
against the head of a frame (in which case, the top horizontal half of the
guide
plate 30 is removed for wall assembly).
[0053] Figure 16 illustrates a connector 20 where a pair of the vertical tabs
22 have been removed and where a pair of the horizontal tabs 24 have been
removed. The connector 20, is this "L-shaped" configuration, could be fit into
a
top corner of a frame (in which case the entire guide plate 30 is removed for
wall
assembly).
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
[0054] Construction of a glass block wall of the type illustrated in Figure 1
within an existing window frame having a sill, two side jambs and a header
will
now be described in accordance with the following steps 1 to 18:
[0055] Step 1. Use a pencil, tape measure and straight edge to
measure, mark and draw a line around the entire opening to mark the centerline
of the window
[0056] Step 2. Form a sill spacer assembly segment: Make an "L"
shaped connector 20 for one corner of the window sill by snapping off one pair
of
horizontal and vertical tabs 22, 24 of the connector 20. Also remove both
guide
plates 30. Attach a spacer 10 to the horizontal (serrated) tab 22 of the
connector
10. Create sill perimeter connectors 20 by snapping the vertical tabs 24 off
the
appropriate side and the bottom horizontal half of the guide plates 30 to
create
"T' shaped connectors 20. Attach one of the "T' shaped connectors 20 to the
end of the attached spacer 10 and connect another spacer 10 to it. Continue to
connect spacers 10 and "T" shaped connectors 20 until the number of spacers
equal the number of horizontal blocks 500 desired. Make a second "L"
shaped corner connector 20 and attach it to the end of the last horizontal
spacer
10 to form a completed sill segment. Dry fit the completed sill segment on the
sill
to ensure proper fit.
[0057] Step 3. Remove the completed sill segment from sill and turn
over to expose underside. Open a tube of silicone sealant. Cut the tip at a
452
angle and large enough to allow a'/a" bead. Apply beads of silicone in the
three
channels 12 of the spacers 10.
[0058] Step 4. Mount sill spacer assembly segment to sill: Pick up
the sill segment, rotate so the silicone is facing down and place in the
framed
opening. Firmly push down the segment from the top onto the sill until it is
fully
seated. Adjust the spacers 10 to center them with the previously marked
centerline.
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
[0059] Step 5. Attach each spacer 10 of the constructed sill segment
to the sill using 2 - #8 x 1" screws, place a screw on either side of the
center
groove in the holes provided.
[0060] Step 6. Install the jamb spacer assembly segments: Apply
beads of silicone in the three channels 12 of a spacer 10. With the silicone
against the jamb, slide the spacer 10 onto the vertical tabs 24 of the corner
sill
connector 20 until seated and press firmly against the jamb. Repeat at
opposite
corner with another spacer 10. Line up the spacers 10 with the centerline and
screw to jambs using 2 - #8 x 1" screws on either side of the center groove in
the
holes provided.
[0061] Step 7. Install first horizontal course of glass blocks: Gently
place the first glass block 500 into the corner of the opening. Ensure that
the
block 500 is seated to both the horizontal and vertical spacers 10.
[0062] Step 8. Remove block 500 and apply silicone to the three
channels on the topside of each attached spacer 10. Gently set the first glass
block 500 down on silicone until seated. Place silicone in all three channels
on
one side of a loose spacer 10 and slide it on the vertical tabs 24 of the
connector
20 next to the glass block 500, then press firmly against the block 500. Apply
silicone to all three channels 12 on the other side of the same spacer 10 and
install next glass block 500. Repeat this step until the first course of block
500
and vertical spacers 10 are completed. Prior to installing the last block 500
in the
course, apply sealant to the three channels 12 of the vertical spacer 10
attached
to the jamb, then slide the last block 500 into place from the top. Wipe up
any
excess sealant.
[0063] Step 9. Form an intermediate spacer assembly segment.
Snap off one pair of horizontal tabs 22 and a vertical half of the lateral
guide
plates 30 to form a"T" shaped connector 20 and attach a spacer 10 to the
remaining pair of horizontal tabs 22. On the opposite end of the spacer 10,
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CA 02570653 2006-12-08
attach an "X" shaped connector 20. Continue to connect spacers 10 and "X"
connectors 20 until the number of spacers 10 equal the number of horizontal
blocks 500 desired. At the end of the last spacer 10, attach another "T'
connector 20, thereby completing an intermediate spacer segment.
[0064] Step 10. Apply beads of silicone sealant in the three channels
12 on the underside of the connected spacers 10. Lift the completed spacer
segment over the previously placed glass block 500 course and line up the
connector tabs 24 with the slots in the vertical spacers 10 below. Gently push
the intermediate spacer segment down at the connectors 20 until each spacer 10
is firmly seated into place on a corresponding glass block 500. Check to
ensure
that glass blocks 500 are plumb. Attach vertical spacers 10 at jambs as
indicated in step 6. Wipe up any excess silicone sealant.
[0065] Step 11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for each additional course until
the second to last course of glass blocks 500 is installed. At this point,
form the
last intermediate spacer segment by connecting spacers 10 together using
horizontal "T" connectors 20 with their top pair of vertical tabs 24 removed.
Dry
fit, then apply silicone and install over previous row of glass blocks 500.
[0066] Step 12. Form a jamb spacer assembly segment: Form an "L"
shaped connector 20 by breaking off a pair of horizontal and vertical tabs 22,
24
and the guide plates 30. Attach two spacers 10 to the remaining tabs 22, 24 of
the "L" shaped connector 20. Apply silicone to the two outer channels 12 of
the
spacers 10 and install the two spacers 10 and connector 20 to a corner of the
header and one of the jambs. Once in place, secure spacers 10 with screws.
[0067] Step 13. Apply silicone to the two outer channels 12 of the
spacers 10 in step 12 and on the nearest spacer 10 in the last intermediate
segment and carefully slide a glass block 500 into the corner. Wipe away
excess
silicone.
CA 02570653 2006-12-08
[0068] Step 14. Form "T" shaped connectors 10 by breaking off one
pair of vertical tabs 24 and the upper half of the guide plate 30. Attach a
spacer
to one pair of horizontal tabs 22 and another spacer 10 to the remaining
vertical pair of tabs 24 of a"T" shaped connector 20. Silicone the two outer
channels 12 of these spacers 10 and slide the unconnected horizontal tabs 22
into the header spacer 10 of Step 12. Screw into place. Install glass block
500
with silicone as described above. Repeat this step until the second to last
block
500 is installed.
[0069] Step 15. Prior to installing the last block 500, attach a spacer
10 to the vertical tabs 24 of an "L" shaped connector 20 formed in the same
manner as the connector 20 in Step 12. Apply silicone to the outside channels
12 and slide the horizontal tabs 22 into the previously installed spacer 10.
Then,
apply silicone to the three channels 12 of the bottom and side spacers 10 and
gently install the final glass block 500. Note that the last block 500 is
installed
without spacers 10 at the jamb and header locations. This block 500 will be
secured with silicone and perimeter window trim.
[0070] Step 16. Apply silicone to fill the void at the header and jamb
locations of the last block 500 installed. Repeat on the opposite side.
[0071] Step 17. Apply a generous bead of silicone around the entire
perimeter of both sides of the glass block window. Using a small plastic spoon
or
wet finger, tool the silicone leaving no voids.
[0072] Step 18. Wipe away any excess silicone sealant and allow
sealant to cure for 24 hours prior to applying grout for finishing the window.
[0073] While the present invention has been described herein by the
preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and added to the invention. The changes and
alternatives are considered within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
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