Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
FIRE-RATED JOINT COMPONENT AND WALL ASSEMBLY
RELATED APPLICATIONS
100011 The instant application is related to and claims benefit of
priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/850,925, filed May 21, 2019,
and U.S. Patent
Application Serial Number 16/534,881, filed August 7, 2019.
BACKGROUND
Field
100021 The disclosure generally relates to fire-rated building
structures. In
particular, the disclosure relates to fire-rated joint systems, wall
assemblies, and other building
structures that incorporate the fire-rated joint systems.
Description of Related Art
100031 Fire-rated construction components and assemblies are
commonly used in
the construction industry. These components and assemblies are aimed at
inhibiting or
preventing fire, heat, or smoke from leaving one room or other portion of a
building and
entering another room or portion of a building. The fire, heat or smoke
usually moves between
rooms through vents, joints in walls, or other openings. The fire-rated
components often
incorporate fire-retardant materials which substantially block the path of the
fire, heat or smoke
for at least some period of time. Intumescent materials work well for this
purpose, because
they swell and char when exposed to flames helping to create a barrier to the
fire, heat, and/or
smoke.
100041 One particular wall joint with a high potential for allowing
fire, heat or
smoke to pass from one room to another is the joint between the top of a wall
and the ceiling,
which can be referred to as a head-of-wall joint. In modern multi-story or
multi-level
buildings, the head-of-wall joint is often a dynamic joint in which relative
movement between
the ceiling and the wall is permitted. This relative movement is configured to
accommodate
deflection in the building due to loading of the ceiling or seismic forces.
The conventional
method for creating a fire-rated head-of-wall joint is to stuff a fire-
resistant mineral wool
material into the head-of-wall joint and then spray an elastomeric material
over the joint to
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retain the mineral wool in place. This conventional construction of a fire-
rated head-of-wall
joint is time-consuming, expensive and has other disadvantages.
100051 A wall assembly commonly used in the construction industry
includes a
header track, bottom track, a plurality of wall studs and a plurality of wall
board members,
possibly among other components. A typical header track resembles a generally
U-shaped (or
some other similarly shaped) elongated channel capable of receiving or
covering the ends of
wall studs and holding the wall studs in place. The header track also permits
the wall assembly
to be coupled to an upper horizontal support structure, such as a ceiling or
floor of a higher
level floor of a multi-level building.
100061 Header tracks generally have a web and a pair of flanges,
which extend in
the same direction from opposing edges of the web. The header track can be a
slotted header
track, which includes a plurality of slots spaced along the length of the
track and extending in
a vertical direction. When the wall studs are placed into the slotted track,
each of the plurality
of slots aligned with a wall stud accommodates a fastener used to connect the
wall stud to the
slotted track. The slots allow the wall studs to move generally orthogonally
relative to the
track, creating a variable deflection gap between the wallboard and the upper
horizontal
support structure. In those areas of the world where earthquakes are common,
movement of
the wall studs is important. If the wall studs are rigidly attached to the
slotted track and not
allowed to move freely in at least one direction, the stability of the wall
and the building might
be compromised. With the plurality of slots, the wall studs are free to move.
Even in locations
in which earthquakes are not common, movement between the studs and the header
track can
be desirable to accommodate movement of the building structure due to other
loads, such as
stationary or moving overhead loads.
100071 Recently, improvements to fire-rated head-of-wall joints have
been
developed. One example is the use a metal profile having a layer of
intumescent material in a
head-of-wall joint, such as the fire-rated angle manufactured and sold by the
Applicant under
the trade name Deflection Drift Angle (DDATm). The DDATM angle is further
described in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,595,999. The DDATM angle can be installed along with the
installation of the
header track or can be installed after the installation of the header track.
Such an arrangement
avoids the need to have the framers return after the installation of the wall
board to install fire
sealant in the deflection gap between the edge of the wall board and the
overhead structure.
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When temperatures rise (e.g., due to a fire), the intumescent material on the
DDATM fire block
product expands. This expansion creates a barrier which fills the deflection
gap and inhibits
or at least substantially prevents fire, heat and smoke from moving through
the head-of-wall
joint and entering an adjacent room for at least some period of time.
SUMMARY
[0008] Although the DDATM fire block represents an improvement over
the
conventional method of stuffing mineral wool material into the head-of-wall
joint and applying
the elastomeric spray material over the mineral wool, there still exists room
for improved or
alternative products, materials and methods for efficiently and cost-
effectively creating fire-
rated wall joints. The systems, methods and devices described herein have
innovative aspects,
no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their
desirable attributes.
Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features
will now be
summarized.
[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a head-of-wall
assembly that allows
dynamic movement. The assembly includes a header track configured to be
coupled to an upper
surface. The header track has a web and first and second flanges extending
from the web in the
same direction. Each of the first and second flanges is substantially planar
such that the track
defines a substantially U-shaped cross section. At least one stud is coupled
to the header track.
An upper end of the stud is located between the first and second flanges. A
wallboard is coupled
to the stud. An upper end of the wallboard overlaps the first flange of the
header track. A
deflection gap is formed between the upper end of the wallboard and the upper
surface. The
deflection gap being variable between a closed position and an open position.
A gasket profile
has a vinyl profile, the vinyl profile has an upper flange, a body flange
defining an air gap, a
bubble gasket, and a leg portion. The leg portion is substantially vertical. A
foam tape is
configured to couple the vinyl profile to the first flange of the header
track.
100101 In another aspect of the assembly, the foam tape is
positioned between the
leg flange and the wallboard and the leg portion and the foam tape space the
wallboard out
from the first flange of the header track to create a spacing.
100111 In another aspect of the assembly, a head of a fastener
attaching the at least
one stud with the first flange of the header track fits within the spacing.
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100121 In another aspect of the assembly, the foam tape attaches the
leg flange with
the header track along a length of the vinyl profile.
100131 In another aspect of the assembly, a foil lining is attached
to the vinyl profile
in the air gap, and an intumescent material is attached to the foil lining
within the air gap.
100141 In another aspect of the assembly, the foam tape creates a
seal along an
entire length of the leg portion.
100151 One aspect of head-of-wall assemblies including a fire-
blocking gasket
according to the present disclosure is sealing of the head-of-wall joint
against noise, heat and/or
smoke. Noise, smoke, heat, etc. can pass between adjacent room across a head-
of-wall
assembly. In some head-of-wall assemblies, the noise, smoke or heat can pass
through the
deflection gap. The more open the deflection gap, the more noise, smoke or
heat that can pass
and the more closed the joint, the less noise, smoke or heat that can pass.
Sealing against noise,
smoke or heat passing across a head-of-wall joint can advantageously provide
the benefits of
sound, smoke or heat isolation and containment. Thus, various embodiments of
this disclosure
relate to improved sealing across a head-of-wall assembly using an improved
fire-blocking
gasket.
100161 Another aspect of some header block assemblies having a fire-
blocking
gasket in the present disclosure is the use of a vinyl material (or other
polymer or plastic
material) for a profile of the fire-blocking gasket. Vinyl material offers
several advantages over
known materials in fire-blocking gaskets and similar assemblies. For example,
vinyl material
can be incredibly flexible and can function to aid in the sealing across head-
of-wall assembly.
The vinyl material can also allow for compressible track profiles that can
collapse and expand
within a head-of-wall assembly corresponding to the closed and open positions
of the
deflection gap. Vinyl material can be easily extruded and co-extruded with
other materials.
The vinyl material can also be produced cheaply and in large quantities and it
also ships lighter
than other materials (e.g. metals) having similar volumes and dimensions.
100171 Another aspect of some head-of-wall assemblies including a
fire-blocking
gasket according to the present disclosure is the use of an air gap within the
track profile. The
air gap can be located within the fire-blocking gasket profile and can reduce
the transfer of
heat to a thermocouple for use in UL testing. This can allow the fire-blocking
gasket profile
to pass the test by reducing the transfer of heat via the air gap. The air gap
can reduce heat
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transferred to an intumescent material assembled within the air gap. The
intumescent material
can be positioned within the air gap.
100181 Another aspect of some head-of-wall assemblies having a fire-
blocking
gasket profile according to the present disclosure is the use of a foil tape
or other foil layer
lining the vinyl profile. For example, the foil tape can fully or partially
line the air gap within
the vinyl profile. The intumescent material can be attached to the foil tape
and the foil tape can
be attached to the vinyl material. The foil tape can provide additional
protection for the vinyl
material and the intumescent material and/or containment of the intumescent
material during
expansion of the intumescent material.
100191 Another aspect of some head-of-wall assemblies having a fire-
blocking
gasket profile according to the present disclosure is a vinyl profile that has
an outward facing
contoured and/or round profile that can compress flatly against the leg of a
header track of the
head-of-wall assembly. The vinyl profile can compress flat against the leg of
the header track
when the deflection gap is in the fully closed position and it can spring back
out when the
deflection gap is in the open position.
100201 In one embodiment a fire-blocking gasket profile is an
elongate, multi-layer
fire-rated joint component (e.g., head-of-wall component) comprising three
layers. A first
layer is a vinyl profile. A second layer is a foil liner. A third layer is a
strip of intumescent
material. The second layer (foil liner) can be located between the intumescent
material and
the vinyl profile. The third layer (intumescent strip) can be attached to the
second layer or to
the first layer on an inner surface of the leg of the vinyl profile.
100211 Another aspect of the fire-blocking gasket profile is the
vinyl profile has an
outward facing round contoured profile that will compress generally flat
against the leg of the
track when a deflection gap of the head-of-wall assembly is in a closed
position and spring
back out when the deflection gap is in an open position. The round contoured
profile can aid
in sealing across the head-of-wall assembly by engaging with a ceiling
structure thereof.
100221 Another aspect of the fire-blocking gasket profile is that
the foil liner
provides further heat protection to the vinyl and/or intumescent material.
This extra heat
protection allows the intumescent material to expand and fully seal off the
deflection gap even
after the vinyl material begins to burn away and before the foil liner burns
away. In some
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configurations, vinyl burns away at approximately 500 F and foil tape burns
away at
approximately 1200 F.
100231 Another aspect of the fire-blocking gasket profile is an air
gap within the
vinyl profile. The air gap can contain or partially contain the intumescent
material. The foil
liner can at least partially line the air gap. The air gap can slow the
transfer of heat across the
fire-blocking gasket profile to allow passage of UL testing and/or to delay or
slow the
expansion of the intumescent material.
100241 In another aspect of this disclosure, the vinyl profile can
be attached within
the head of wall assembly by a foam tape. The foam tape can be attached along
a leg flange
of the vinyl profile. The foam tape can have adhesive on either side thereof;
one side can attach
with the leg of the vinyl profile and the other side can attach with a leg of
the header track
within the head of wall assembly.
100251 In another aspect, the foam tape can improve the seal of the
bubble gasket
with the ceiling and/or the seal between the leg flange and the header track
of the head of wall
assembly. Mechanical fasteners attaching the vinyl profile with the header
track can allow
sagging. The sagging can inhibit the seal of the vinyl profile with the header
track and/or the
seal of the bubble gasket with the ceiling (e.g., at spans between mechanical
fasteners).
Accordingly, the foam tape can improve the seal by providing a continuous (or
nearly
continuous) support to the vinyl profile.
100261 In another aspect, the foam tape can create a spacing between
the header
track and the wallboard. The spacing can fit a head of a fastener attaching
the studs to the
header track. The spacing can allows for movement of the fastener head within
the head of
wall assembly due to cycling movement between the ceiling and the studs.
100271 In another aspect, the vinyl profile can include a foil
and/or intumescent
layer and be used for fire, smoke, and sound sealing. In another aspect, the
vinyl profile can
be without the foil and/or intumescent layer and be used for sound sealing.
100281 An aspect of the present disclosure involves a fire-rated
component for
sealing a head of wall gap. The component includes an elongate body comprising
at least a
first layer of a first material. The first layer includes a planar lower
portion configured to allow
the component to be secured to a flange of a header track of a wall assembly
and a non-planar
upper portion configured to seal against an overhead structure above the wall
assembly. The
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non-planar upper portion is further configured to define an air gap between an
interior surface
of the component and the flange of the header track.
100291 In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fire-
rated
component for sealing a head of wall gap. The component comprises an elongate
body
comprising at least a first layer of a first material. The first layer
comprises a planar lower
portion configured to allow the component to be secured to a flange of a
header track of a wall
assembly, the planar lower portion defining a central plane and a non-planar
upper portion
configured to seal against an overhead structure above the wall assembly. The
non-planar
upper portion includes a first portion and a second portion where the first
portion is connected
to the planar lower portion and extends in a first direction on a first side
of the central plane
and the second portion extends from the first portion in a second direction
transverse to the
first direction such that the second portion extends from the first side to a
second side of the
central plane. The first and second portions of the non-planar upper portion
are further
configured to define an air gap between an interior surface of the component
and the flange of
the header track and the second portion is configured to fold towards the
first portion to
collapse the air gap.
100301 In some configurations, the non-planar upper portion
comprises a first
portion and a second portion, the first portion being relatively closer to the
planar lower portion
and extending therefrom in a first direction, the second portion extending
from the first portion
in a second direction opposite the first direction such that, in an in-use
orientation, the first
portion extends away from the flange of the header track and the second
portion extends toward
to the flange. Furthermore, in some configurations, in an in-use orientation,
the first portion
extends away from the flange of the header track and the second portion
extends toward to the
flange and is configured to slidingly engage with the flange.
100311 In some configurations, the first portion comprises a planar
section.
100321 In some configurations, the second portion comprises a curved
section.
100331 In some configurations, the second portion comprises at least
one planar
section.
100341 In some configurations, the second portion comprises a first
planar section
and a second planar section, wherein the second planar section is parallel to
the planar lower
portion.
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100351 In some configurations, the first layer further comprises a
hollow gasket
portion positioned on an upper end of the non-planar upper portion and
configured to contact
the overhead structure.
100361 In some configurations, the hollow gasket portion has a
circular cross-
sectional shape.
100371 In some configurations, the first material is a polymer.
100381 In some configurations, the polymer is a vinyl.
100391 In some configurations, the fire-rated component further
includes a second
layer of a foil material.
100401 In some configurations, the second layer covers at least a
portion of the
interior surface of the first layer.
100411 In some configurations, the second layer covers at least a
portion of the
interior surface of the non-planar upper portion.
100421 In some configurations, the fire-rated component further
includes a third
layer, which comprises an intumescent material.
100431 In some configurations, the third layer is located only on
the interior surface
side of the non-planar upper portion.
100441 In some configurations, the second layer is located between
the first layer
and the third layer.
100451 In some configurations, a melting temperature of the foil
material is greater
than an expansion temperature of the intumescent material.
100461 In some configurations, the melting temperature of the foil
material of the
second layer is greater than a melting temperature of the first material.
100471 In some configurations, an adhesive tape is positioned on the
interior
surface side of the planar lower portion and configured to secure the
component to the flange
of the header track.
100481 In some configurations, the adhesive tape is a foam tape.
100491 An aspect of the present disclosure includes a wall assembly
having a
header track configured to be coupled to a surface of an overhead structure.
The header track
has a web and first and second flanges extending from the web in a first
direction, wherein
each of the first and second flanges is substantially planar such that the
track defines a
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substantially U-shaped cross section. At least one stud is coupled to the
header track, and an
upper end of the stud is located between the first and second flanges. At
least one wallboard is
coupled to the stud, and an upper end of the wallboard overlaps the first
flange of the header
track. A deflection gap is formed between the upper end of the wallboard and
the surface of
the overhead structure, with the deflection gap being variable between a
closed position and
an open position. The wall assembly includes a fire-rated component as
described herein,
wherein the planar lower portion is coupled to the first flange of the header
track and positioned
between the first flange and the wallboard, and the non-planar upper portion
is positioned at
least partially within the deflection gap in the open position and contacts
the surface of the
overhead structure.
100501 In some configurations, the non-planar upper portion is
configured to
collapse to reduce the air gap in response to upward movement of the at least
one wallboard
over the non-planar upper portion. In some configurations, the second portion
folding towards
the first portion of non-planar upper portion to collapse the air gap is in
response to upward
movement of the at least one wallboard over the non-planar upper portion that
closes the
deflection gap.
100511 An aspect of the present disclosure involves a method of
creating a fire-
rated head-of-wall gap, the method including securing a header track to an
overhead structure,
positioning an upper end of a stud into the header track, and coupling a
planar lower portion
of a fire-rated component to the header track such that a non-planar upper
portion of the fire-
rated component cooperates with a flange of the header track to define an air
gap between the
fire-rated component and the header track.
100521 In some configurations, a bubble portion of the fire-rated
component is
engaged with the overhead structure to seal the deflection gap of the fire-
rated head-of-wall
gap against the passage of smoke and noise.
100531 In some configurations, a wallboard member is secured to the
stud such that
the planar lower portion of the fire-rated component is positioned between the
wallboard
member and the header track.
100541 In some configurations, the fire-rated component comprises a
first layer of
a vinyl material.
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100551
In some configurations, the fire-rated component further comprises a
second layer comprising a foil lining.
100551
In some configurations, the fire-rated component further comprises a third
layer comprising an intumescent material.
100561
In another aspect, there is provided a head-of-wall assembly which
comprises a header track having a web and first and second flanges extending
therefrom and
at least one stud coupled with the header track. A wallboard is coupled to the
stud and an
upper end of the wallboard overlaps the first flange of the header track. The
header track is
attached to a ceiling surface and a gasket comprising a profile layer is
provided. The profile
layer defines an air gap. The profile layer is coupled to the first flange of
the header track by
an adhesive tape and contacts the wallboard and the ceiling surface to provide
a seal between
the wallboard and the ceiling surface. The head-of-wall assembly is a dynamic
assembly
having a deflection gap, where the deflection gap is variable between a closed
position and an
open position. The profile layer further comprises an upper flange and the
upper flange is
slidingly engaged with the header track to at least partially defining the air
gap. The upper
flange is configured to fold towards a lower flange of the profile layer to
collapse the air gap
as the deflection gap narrows to the closed position.
100571
In another aspect, there is provided a fire-rated head-of-wall assembly.
The fire-rated head-of-wall assembly comprising: a header track configured to
be coupled to a
ceiling surface where the header track has a web and first and second flanges
extending from
the web in a first direction. Each of the first and second flanges is
substantially planar such
that the header track defines a substantially U-shaped cross section. At least
one stud is
coupled with the header track where an upper end of the stud is located
between the first and
second flanges. Wallboard coupled to the stud where an upper end of the
wallboard overlaps
the first flange of the header track. A deflection gap is formed between the
upper end of the
wallboard and the ceiling surface where the deflection gap is variable between
a closed position
and an open position. A fire-blocking gasket is provided which comprises a
first layer
comprising a vinyl profile, the vinyl profile having a vertical portion and a
horizontal portion
to at least partially define an air gap. The horizontal portion includes an
upper flange, a second
layer comprising an intumescent material, and an adhesive tape is positioned
on a side of the
vertical portion of the vinyl profile and configured to secure the fire-
blocking gasket to the first
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flange of the header track. The vertical portion of the vinyl profile is
positioned between the
first flange and the wallboard where the upper flange contacts the ceiling
surface and is
positioned at least partially within the deflection gap in the open position
and the upper flange
slidingly engages with the first flange of the header track. The upper flange
and the horizontal
portion fold towards the vertical portion of the first layer to collapse the
air gap as the deflection
gap narrows towards the closed position. The vinyl profile is configured to at
least partially
melt and the intumescent material is configured to at least partially expand
to seal the deflection
gap above a first temperature.
100581
In yet another aspect, there is provided a fire-rated head-of-wall
assembly which comprises a header track having a web and first and second
flanges extending
therefrom. The header track is coupled with a ceiling surface and at least one
stud is coupled
with the header track. Wallboard is coupled to the stud where an upper end of
the wallboard
overlaps the first flange of the header track. A deflection gap is formed
between the upper end
of the wallboard and the ceiling surface where the deflection gap is variable
between a closed
position and an open position. Also provided is a fire-blocking gasket
comprising: a first layer
comprising a profile including an upper flange where the upper flange is
slidingly engaged
with the header track to at least partially defining an air gap. A second
layer is provided
comprising an intumescent material; and an adhesive tape positioned on a side
of a lower flange
of the profile and configured to secure the fire-blocking gasket to the first
flange of the header
track. The upper flange contacts the ceiling surface to provide a seal across
the deflection gap.
The upper flange is configured to fold towards a vertical portion of the
profile to collapse the
air gap as the deflection gap transitions towards the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100591
Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for
illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the
scope of the
embodiments. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be
combined to form
additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
100601
Figure 1 illustrates a fire-blocking component in the form of a strip
according to a first embodiment.
100611
Figure 2 illustrates a profile of the fire-blocking gasket profile of Figure
1.
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100621 Figure 3 is a section view of a head-of-wall assembly
including the fire-
blocking gasket profile of Figure 1 on a left side and a variation of the fire-
blocking gasket
profile of Figure 1 on the right side.
100631 Figure 4 illustrates the head-of-wall assembly of Figure 3 in
a closed
position with the deflection gap reduced compared to Figure 3 or completely
closed.
100641 Figure 5 illustrates the head-of-wall assembly of Figure 3
showing the
collapse of the fire-blocking gasket profiles or tracks on each side to
facilitate or provide for
primarily vertical (upward) expansion of an intumescent material of the
tracks. An initial state
of expansion of the intumescent material of the fire-blocking gasket profile
on the left side and
a further state of expansion on the right side.
100651 Figure 6 illustrates the head-of-wall assembly of Figure 3
showing the
intumescent material in progressively further states of expansion from the
left side to the right
side.
100661 Figure 7 illustrates a fire-blocking gasket profile according
a second
embodiment.
100671 Figure 8 shows a profile of the fire-blocking gasket profile
of Figure 7.
100681 Figure 9 shows a fire-blocking gasket profile according to a
third
embodiment.
100691 Figure 10 shows a profile of the fire-blocking gasket profile
of Figure 9.
100701 Figure 11 shows a fire-blocking gasket profile according to a
fourth
embodiment.
100711 Figure 12 shows a profile of the fire-blocking gasket profile
of Figure 11.
100721 Figure 13 shows a fire-blocking gasket profile according to a
fifth
embodiment.
100731 Figure 14 shows a profile of the fire-blocking gasket profile
of Figure 13.
100741 Figure 15 shows a gasket profile according to a sixth
embodiment.
100751 Figure 16A shows a head of wall assembly with the sixth
embodiment of
the gasket profile.
100761 Figure 16B shows a head of wall assembly with the sixth
embodiment of
the gasket profile.
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[0077] Figure 17 shows the connection of the sixth embodiment of the
gasket
profile to a header track.
[0078] Figure 18 shows a gasket profile according to a seventh
embodiment.
[0079] Figure 19 shows a head of wall assembly with the seventh
embodiment of
the gasket profile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] The various features and advantages of the systems, devices,
and methods
of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the
following
description of the embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments
are intended to
illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not
be limited to merely
the illustrated examples. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be
modified,
combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art
upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.
[0081] The following disclosure provides an elongate, multi-layer
fire-rated joint
component or fire-blocking gasket profile or profile, which is configured to
provide fire
protection and pass the relevant UL fire rating tests, or other relevant fire
rating tests or
standards. The multi-layer fire-rated joint component may be installed in a
deflection gap of
a wall assembly that allows dynamic movement according to the requirements of
UL-2079.
[0082] Figure 1 illustrates a fire-rated or fire-blocking component,
which can be an
elongate strip or gasket profile 10. The fire-blocking gasket profile 10 can
be assembled along
an upper edge of a wall within a head-of-wall assembly as illustrated further
in Figure 3. The
gasket profile 10 can be used to seal across a dynamic head-of-wall assembly
and thereby
prevent passage of smoke, heat, noise and/or other gasses from passing through
the head-of-
wall assembly from one side of the wall to the other. In certain
implementations, the gasket
profile 10 can be formed in various lengths (e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other) each
preferably having
the same cross-sectional shape throughout.
[0083] In some configurations, the gasket profile 10 includes one,
two or three
layers. The first layer, or profile layer 2, can be or include a vinyl
material having a non-linear
profile or cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated arrangement, the profile
layer 2 is a base
layer of the component and defines the basic cross-sectional shape or profile
of the gasket
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profile 10. Accordingly, the first layer 2 can be referred to herein as a
profile layer 2. However,
because profile layer 2 defines the basic structure of the component in the
illustrated
arrangement, the term "profile" can also be used to refer to either the first
layer or the entire
component or gasket profile 10 as will be made clear by the context of use.
Unlike a steel
profile or a profile constructed of another metal material, the illustrated
profile layer 2 can be
very flexible. In some embodiments, the profile layer 2 may be formed from
other non-metal
materials such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or any other
suitable plastic.
The profile layer 2 can provide structure to the gasket profile 10.
100841 The gasket profile 10 can include an optional second layer
15. The second
layer 15 preferably is constructed of a material or materials having a higher
melting
temperature than the profile layer 2. In some configurations, the second layer
15 can be or
include a thin metal material, such as a foil lining 15. The gasket profile 10
can include an
optional third layer 17. The third layer 17 can be or include a fire-blocking
or fire-resistant
material, such as an intumescent material strip 17. The gasket profile 10 can
include the profile
layer 2 in combination with either or both of the second layer 15 and the
third layer 17. The
second layer 15 and the third layer 17 can be attached to the first layer or
profile layer 2. With
such an arrangement, the foil lining 15 can provide benefits of a metal layer,
but using a much
smaller amount of metal, or by using a material with metal-like properties, so
that the overall
weight and cost of the gasket profile 10 is lower and the flexibility is
greater in comparison to
a metal track. Similarly, the third layer 17 can provide the desired benefit
of an expandable
fire-blocking material without the expense of using more expandable fire-
blocking material
than needed or desired for the particular gap being protected.
100851 The profile layer 2 can include a leg portion 7 configured in
use to extend
along a leg or flange of a header track. From a cross-sectional or profile
view, the leg portion 7
can be formed of a single straight segment, several straight segments and/or
curved segments
or a combination thereof. The leg portion 7 need not be straight throughout.
The leg portion 7
can include a fastener location 9. The fastener location 9 can be or include a
straight segment,
which can also be referred to as a planar lower portion. In some
implementations, the straight
segment of the fastener location 9 can be pre-punched or pre-perforated such
that a fastener
(e.g., a mechanical fastener such as a screw, nail, staple or other) can pass
through the leg
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portion 7. The fastener location 9 can be configured to receive an adhesive
(e.g., can include
a roughed or contoured surface).
100861 The leg portion 7 can include a lower flange 11. The lower
flange 11 can be
located below, and can be proximate to, the fastener location 9. The lower
flange 11 can form
an angle with the straight segment of the fastener location 9. Accordingly,
the bottom edge of
the gasket profile 10 can be spaced away from the corresponding leg of the
header track so that
a stud fastener can move from below to behind the gasket profile 10 without
damaging, or with
reduced damage, to the gasket profile 10. The angle of the lower flange 11
also can be
configured to provide rigidity to the gasket profile 10.
100871 An upper end of the leg portion 7 can be coupled with a
second leg
portion 5, which is referred to herein as a horizontal portion 5. The
horizontal portion 5 can
couple with the leg portion 7 at a corner 8. The horizontal portion 5 can be
generally horizontal
or otherwise extend away from the generally vertically-oriented leg portion 7.
In an alternative
arrangement, the second leg portion 5 extends in a somewhat downward direction
towards the
leg portion 7, such as at an angle of between about 30-60 degrees, or about 45
degrees from
horizontal in the orientation of Figures 1 and 2. The horizontal portion 5 can
comprise one or
more straight and/or curved components or any combination thereof. The
horizontal portion 5
can support an upper flange 6 on an edge opposite the leg portion 7. The upper
flange 6 can be
a straight and/or curved portion that couples with the horizontal portion 5
and preferably
extends downwardly therefrom (or in the same general direction as the leg
portion 7). The
upper flange 6 can be configured to directly or indirectly engage a surface of
a corresponding
header track to facilitate folding movement of the horizontal portion 5, as is
described further
below. The horizontal portion 5 alone or in combination with the upper flange
6 can be referred
to herein as a spring leg or spring flange. In some implementations the upper
flange 6 is
parallel to and/or aligns with the straight segment of the fastener location 9
(e.g., in an
expanded configuration of the gasket profile 10).
100881 The profile layer 2 can form an air gap 13 by itself or along
with a
cooperating structure, such as a header track. For example, any one or more of
the leg portion 7,
the horizontal portion 5 and the upper flange 6 can form the air gap 13. In
the illustrated
arrangement, at least an upper angled portion 20 of the leg portion 7 and the
horizontal
portion 5 (optionally, and the upper flange 6) form a non-planar upper portion
22 that partially
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or fully defines the air gap 13. The upper angled portion 20 of the leg
portion 7 can be a first
portion of the non-planar upper portion that extends in a first direction away
from the header
track from the planar lower portion of the leg portion 7. The horizontal
portion 5 (optionally,
and the upper flange 6) can be a second portion of the non-planar upper
portion that extends in
a second direction toward the header track from the first portion. The
horizontal portion 5 can
be a first planar section of the second portion and the upper flange 6 can be
a second planar
section of the second portion. The upper flange 6 can be parallel or
substantially parallel to the
planar lower portion or fastener location 9.
100891 The air gap 13 can be a partially or fully enclosed space
defined by the
profile layer 2. The air gap 13 can be at least partially collapsible. For
example, the horizontal
portion 5 can be foldable or bendable with respect to the leg portion 7 (e.g.,
at the corner 8 or
along the lengths of the horizontal portion 5 or leg portion 7). The at least
partial collapse of
the air gap 13 can allow the gasket profile 10 to be compressed into a flat,
relatively flat or
generally flattened state. The material of the profile layer 2 can be elastic
such that the
compression and collapse of the air gap 13 is repeatable and the gasket
profile 10 can return to
its undeflected or natural shape when the flattening force is removed.
100901 The profile layer 2 can include an optional sealing portion
or member,
which in the illustrated arrangement is in the form of a bubble gasket 3. The
bubble gasket 3
can be coupled to or a segment of the profile layer 2 that is extended from
the leg portion 7
and/or the horizontal portion 5. In one example, the bubble gasket 3 can be
connected to the
leg portion 7 at a first end and coupled to the horizontal portion 5 at a
second end (from a cross-
sectional or end view perspective), as illustrated in Figure 1. The bubble
gasket 3 can comprise
a flexible material. In some implementations, this flexible material of the
bubble gasket 3 can
be the same material as the profile layer 2 and formed as a single or unitary
structure with the
profile layer 2. In other implementations, the flexible material of the bubble
gasket 3 can be a
different material than the material of the profile layer 2. For example, the
bubble gasket 3 can
be formed of a rubber, elastomeric polymer or other plastic material. The
material of the bubble
gasket 3 can be co-extruded and/or otherwise adhered or mechanically affixed
(e.g., within one
or more slots) to the profile layer 2. Thus, the use of the term "layer" in
connection with the
profile layer 2 does not necessarily require a unitary structure. The flexible
material preferably
is selected such that the bubble gasket 3 can conform to the shape of a
surface so that it contacts
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and return to its undeflected shape when not engaged. In some configurations,
a wall thickness
of the bubble gasket 3 is smaller than a wall thickness of a portion or an
entirety of the profile
layer 2. The bubble gasket 3 can be used for sealing of irregularities in a
deflection gap in the
head-of-wall assembly, as described further below. In some implementations,
the bubble
gasket 3 can be hollow.
100911 The gasket profile 10 can include the foil lining 15. The
foil lining 15 can
cover an entire side of the profile layer 2 or only a portion. The foil lining
15 can be formed
of a metallic material. For example the foil lining 15 can be formed of a thin
sheet of aluminum
or other metal. The foil lining 15 can be attached to the profile layer 2. In
some
implementations, the foil lining 15 can be coupled to and extend across
portions of the leg
portion 7, the horizontal portion 5, and/or the upper flange 6. In one
implementation, the foil
lining 15 fully or partially surrounds the air gap 13. Optionally, the foil
lining 15 can extend
onto the upper flange 6. In other implementations, the foil lining can extend
all the way across
the horizontal portion 5 and/or the vertical portion 7. If desired, the foil
lining 15 could be
located on a portion or an entirety of either or both sides of the profile
layer 2.
100921 The foil lining 15 can be adhered to the profile layer 2. An
adhesive (e.g., a
commercially available adhesive) can be used to attach the foil lining to the
profile layer 2. For
example, the foil lining 15 can be in the form of a tape with a foil lining
having adhesive
applied on one side thereof. The adhesive of the tape can be coupled to the
profile layer 2. For
example, the tape can be adhered along the length of the fire-blocking gasket
profile 1. The
tape can be thin and flexible so the tape can follow the complex shape of
profile layer 2. The
tape can be applied along portions or the entire length of gasket profile 10.
In other
arrangements, the foil lining 15 can be applied as part of the extrusion
process of the profile
layer 2.
100931 The foil lining 15 can have a thickness of between 3 mil to 8
mil. In some
embodiments, the foil lining 15 may be thinner than 3 mil or thicker than 8
mil. The foil
lining 15 can be thinner than, for example, a layer of 22 gauge steel, which
may provide fire
protection but also increases build up at the head-of-wall assembly. The use
of thinner foil
reduces the amount of buildup (e.g., bulk) in a head-of-wall assembly. The use
of thinner foil
also reduces cost and increases flexibility so that the gasket profile 10 can
better conform to
imperfect (e.g., non-linear or non-flat) surfaces.
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100941 In some embodiments, the foil lining 15 may be replaced by a
nonmetal
fire- or heat-resistant material, film, fabric (e.g., mineral cloth) or the
like. Such a material
preferably has a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of
the material from
which the profile layer 2 is formed.
100951 The third layer or fire-blocking layer in the gasket profile
10 can be or
include the intumescent material strip 17. The intumescent material strip 17
can be coupled to
the profile layer 2 or the foil lining 15. The intumescent material strip 17
can be a heat
expandable material that is used to seal the head-of-wall assembly. The
intumescent material
strip 17 can be coupled anywhere along the foil lining 15. For example, the
intumescent
material strip 17 can be attached to the leg portion 7 and/or the horizontal
portion 5, or
otherwise located within the air gap 13. For example, the intumescent material
strip 17 can be
included in a location proximate the corner 8 between horizontal portion 5 and
leg portion 7
of the profile layer 2. In some configurations, the foil lining 15 can be
located only on one or
more of the upper angled portion 20, horizontal portion 5 and the upper flange
6. The
intumescent material strip 17 can be located only on the upper angled portion
20. In other
implementations, the intumescent material 6 can be attached to the upper flap
6.
100961 The intumescent material strip 17 can be adhered to the foil
lining 15. For
example the intumescent material strip 17 can be in a form of a tape with a
strip of intumescent
material having an adhesive on one side thereof. The tape can be adhered along
the length of
the gasket profile 10.
100971 Figure 2 illustrates exemplary dimensions of the profile
layer 2. Certain
implementations of the profile layer 2 can vary even greatly from the
exemplary dimensions
described here. The profile layer 2 can have a width Wl. The width W1 can be
an overall width
of the profile layer 2 without the bubble gasket 3. The width W1 can
correspond to the length
of the horizontal portion 5. The width W1 can be approximately 0.375". In
other
implementations, the width W1 can be between 0.125" and 1".
100981 The profile layer 2 can include a width W2. The width W2 can
correspond
to a width of the leg portion 7 of the profile layer 2. The width W2 can be
approximately 0.25".
The profile layer 2 can include an overall length Li. The overall length Li
can be an overall
length of the leg portion 7 of the profile layer 2. The overall length Li can
be between 1"
and 3" such as about 1-1/2" or 1-9/16". The air gap 13 can include a vertical
length VL. The
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vertical length VL of the air gap 13 can be approximately 1". A length SL of
the straight length
of the fastener location 9 can be approximately 0.5". A length LFL of the
lower flange 11 can
be approximately 0.25". A length UFL of the upper flange 6 can be
approximately 0.5".
100991 A thickness Ti of the profile layer 2 can be approximately
0.0625". The
thickness Ti selected based on the material properties of the material of the
profile layer 2 and
its affected elastic properties thereof The bubble gasket 3 can have a
diameter Dl. The
diameter D1 can be 0.375". In other implementations, the diameter D1 can be
between 0.125"
and 1".
101001 In some implementations, the gasket profile 10 does not
include the foil
lining 15 and/or the intumescent material 17, as illustrated in Figure 2. For
example, the profile
layer 2, with or without the bubble gasket 3, can be used within a head-of-
wall assembly, as
described below.
101011 Figure 3 illustrates a gasket profile 10 installed within a
head-of-wall
assembly 100. The assembly 100 can include a ceiling 120. The ceiling 120 can
be
representative of a floor, wall and/or ceiling or other structure. A header
track 130 can be
coupled with the ceiling 120. For example, a fastener 122 can couple a web
portion 136 to the
ceiling 120. The header track 130 can include first and second flanges 132,
134. The first and
second flanges 132, 134 can extend in parallel from opposite edges of the web
136. An upper
end of a stud 140 or a plurality of studs 140 can be disposed within or
between the first and
second flanges 132, 134. The stud 140 can be coupled with the header track 130
in a manner
that allows for a sliding engagement between the header track 130 (e.g., the
first and second
flanges 132, 134) and the stud 140. For example, the stud 140 can be coupled
by a mechanical
fastener (e.g., a screw) that passes through a slotted hole within each of the
first and/or second
flanges 132, 134 and into the stud 140.
101021 A first wallboard 150 (e.g., a gypsum or other board) can be
coupled with
the stud 140 on a first side of the assembly 100. A second wallboard 152 can
be coupled with
the stud 140 (or another stud of the plurality of studs) on a second, opposite
side of the
assembly 100. Optionally, only one wallboard side is in the assembly 100. If
desired, multiple
wallboard layers can be used on one or both sides of the wall assembly.
101031 The head-of-wall assembly 100 can define a deflection gap
125. The
deflection gap 125 can be defined between an upper end 151 of the wallboard
150 (or an upper
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end 153 of the second wallboard 152) and a lower surface 123 of the ceiling
120. The deflection
gap 125 can accommodate dynamic movement of the head-of-wall 100. For example,
the
stud 140 and wallboards 150, 152 can move in relation to the ceiling 120 and
the header
track 130. As described above, this can accommodate movement of the ceiling
120 with
respect to the stud 140 and wallboards 150, 152 (e.g., due to earthquake or
movement of the
building).
101031 The fire-blocking gasket profile 10 can be installed within
the deflection
gap 125. The gasket profile 10 can be provided on one or on both sides of the
assembly 100.
The leg portion 7 can be coupled with the first flange 132 of the header track
130 (e.g., between
the first flange 132 and the wallboard 150). A fastener 141 can couple the
fastener location 9
against the first flange 132. The straight segment of the fastener location 9
can be flush against
the first flange 132. Preferably, the fastener 141 is positioned between studs
140 of the stud
wall so that the studs 140 are permitted to move up and down relative to the
header track 130.
101051 In practice, the studs 140 can be installed within the header
track 130 and
then the fire-blocking gasket profile 10 can be attached to the header track
130. Subsequently,
the wallboard 150 can be installed with the upper end 151 at least partially
overlapping the leg
portion 7 of the gasket profile 10. The lower flange 11 can be flared outwards
(e.g., towards
the wallboard 150). In some implementations, the lower flange extents outward
farther than
the fastener 141. The lower flange 11 can sealingly engage with the wallboard
150. The
wallboard 150 can elastically deflect the lower flange 11 such that the lower
flange 11 exerts
a sealing force against the wallboard 150. This sealing engagement can seal
against the passage
of smoke and/or noise across the head-of-wall assembly 100. The lower flange
11 can also be
referred to herein as a "kick-out."
101061 Portions of the horizontal portion 5, the upper flap 6 and/or
the bubble
gasket 3 can fit adjacent to or within the deflection gap 125. The gasket
profile 10 can thereby
provide a seal against noise and/or sound across the deflection gap 125. For
example, the
bubble gasket 3 can sealingly engage with the upper surface 123. The flexible
material of the
bubble gasket 3 provides the advantages of conforming to and sealing against
the upper
surface 123 even where the upper surface is uneven and/or irregular. The
gasket profile 10 can
include a protruding contoured portion that extends into the deflection gap
125. The contoured
portion can include the bubble gasket 3, corner 8, and/or horizontal and leg
portions 5, 7. In
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some configurations, a sound-blocking gasket profile 10 is provided that omits
the intumescent
material strip 17 and/or the foil lining 15. Such an arrangement can be
manufactured for a
lower cost than a version incorporating fire-blocking material and is well-
suited for use to
reduce sound transmission through the head-of-wall gap when fire-rating is not
required or
when another means for fire-rating is used.
101071 Figure 3 also illustrates a variation of the gasket profile
10. A second gasket
profile 10' is shown installed on the right side of the assembly 100 within
the deflection
gap 125 (e.g., between the upper end 153 of the second wallboard 152 and the
upper
surface 123). The gasket profile 10' can include the same structure as the
gasket profile 10
(e.g., a horizontal portion 5', a leg portion 7', etc.), except the gasket
profile 10' does not
include a bubble gasket 3. A horizontal portion 5' and/or a corner 8' can
sealingly engage with
the upper surface 123.
101081 The gasket profile 10 can be assembled within the head-of-
wall
assembly 100 with an opening of the air gap 13 facing towards the header track
130. The air
gap 13 may be formed by the contoured portion or protrusion along an upper
portion of the
profile layer 2. The protrusion extends in a direction away from the header
track 130. The air
gap 13 provides clearance in the assembly 100 that allows a thermocouple (TC)
used in UL
testing to be placed further away from the leg of the header track 130. The
increased distance
away from the header track 130 can reduce the overall surface temperature
measured by
the TC. Thus, the air gap provides a buffer to reduce surface temperature of
the profile layer 2
and by lowering the surface temperature it allows the profile to pass the UL
test that requires
the TC to be placed against a surface within the deflection gap 125.
101091 The orientation of the air gap 13 towards header track 130
also provides the
advantage of shielding and protecting the intumescent material strip 17 within
the air gap 13
from an exterior of the head-of-wall assembly 100. The air gap 13 offsets the
intumescent strip
from the header track 130. By offsetting the intumescent material strip 17 out
of direct contact
from the header track 130 and/or locating it within the air gap 13, the
temperature of the
intumescent strip can rise more slowly. Thus, the intumescent material strip
17 can expand
later or at a slower rate than it otherwise would in contact with the header
track 130. Also, the
intumescent material strip 17 can be protected from contact with the moving
wallboard 150,
152 during cycling of the head-of-wall assembly 100.
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101101 In contrast, a track with a vinyl profile having intumescent
material attached
in direct contact with a header track may have difficulty passing UL-2079
testing or other
relevant fire tests or standards. This can be because of the lack of an air
gap or other insulation
gap. Furthermore, when the intumescent material expands on the cold side of
the wall (i.e., the
side of the wall opposite to where the fire is located), the vinyl of the
profile may melt, give
way and allow the intumescent material to expand outwardly through the vinyl,
causing the
thermocouple (TC) which is now in contact with the intumescent to record the
high
temperature of the expanding intumescent. In other words, the vinyl profile
melts away and
exposes the intumescent material. The outwardly expanding and less dense
exposed
intumescent on the cold side will allow too much heat exposure and will exceed
the threshold
temperature measured by the TC and cause the UL test to fail. Furthermore, it
is possible that
the outwardly-expanding intumescent material could fall out of the deflection
gap 12. As a
result, in some circumstances, the vinyl DDA without foil may be less
desirable.
101111 Figure 3 illustrates the head-of-wall assembly 100 in an open
position of the
deflection gap 125. In the open position, the upper flange 6 can slidingly
engage with the
header track 130. The engagement of the upper flange 6 can position the
horizontal portion 5
and/or other portions of the profile layer 2 into the deflection gap 125. This
can create the air
gap 13 and/or offset the intumescent strip 15 from the header track 130.
101121 Figure 4 illustrates the head-of-wall assembly 100 in a
closed position with
the deflection gap 125 closed. In the closed position, the gasket profile 10
is compressed into
a flat or relatively flat configuration in comparison to its relaxed position
with no flattening
forces present. The assembly 100 can cycle between the open and closed
positions and the
gasket profile 10 can correspondingly expand toward or to the relaxed position
and compress
toward or to the flat configuration. The gasket profile 10 can seal across the
assembly 100 in
both the open and closed positions. For example, the bubble gasket 3 can
remain sealingly
engaged with the upper surface 123 in both the expanded and flat
configurations. Similarly,
the profile layer 2' of gasket profile 10' can be sealingly engaged in both
expanded and flat
configurations. Advantageously, the expanding of the gasket profile 10, 10'
when the
deflection gap 125, 125' opens reestablishes or enlarges the size of the air
gap 13, 13'.
101131 The material of the profile layer 2 can provide an elastic
reaction to expand
the gasket profile 10 into an expanded configuration, as shown in Figure 3. In
the flat
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configuration, the horizontal portion 5 and the upper flange 6 can fold with
respect to the leg
portion 7 to partially or fully collapse the air gap 13. To transition into
the flat configuration,
the upper flange 6 can slide downwards along the first flange 132 of the
header track 130. This
ensures that the gasket profile 10 can fold toward or into the flat
configuration and avoid being
crushed within the assembly 100. To transition into the expanded
configuration, the upper
flange can slide upwards along the first flange 132 to expand the air gap 13.
101141 Figures 5-6, moving left to right, show the function of the
gasket profile 10
when exposed to heat, such as a fire. The gasket profile 10 can be designed
such that the
material of the profile layer 2 can melt when exposed to heat. For example,
the vinyl, plastic,
or other material has a low melting point relative to the other materials of
the assembly 100
(e.g., gypsum, wood, metal). When melted or at least partially softened, the
portions of the
profile layer 2 surrounding the air gap 13 of the gasket profile 10 can
collapse into the
deflection gap 125 and preferably toward the upper ends 151, 153 of the
wallboard 150, 152.
101151 Generally, the initiation (e.g., expansion) temperature of
the intumescent
material strip 17 is approximately 350 F. Vinyl begins to melt and lose form
at approximately
350 F. Vinyl eventually dissipates at approximately 500 F. However, when
used, foil
dissipates at approximately 1200 F. Accordingly, as the temperature within
the assembly 100
rises above the melting temperature of the material of the profile layer 2
(e.g., vinyl), the
portion of the gasket profile 10 that has the foil lining 15 can stay intact
(i.e., not melted or
dissipated). That is, the foil lining 15 does not melt immediately to expose
the intumescent
material strip 17.
101161 With or without the foil layer 15, the collapse of the gasket
profile 10 into
the deflection gap 125 offsets the intumescent material from the header 130
and/or other
components of the assembly 100. This can slow the heating and therefore the
expansion of the
intumescent material strip 17. This provides the advantages of a more
controlled and/or denser
expansion leading to a better seal across the deflection gap 125. The
expansion of the
intumescent material strip 17 can also be slowed by the air gap 13.
101171 Collapse of the profile layer 2 during a fire can also orient
the intumescent
material strip 17 to expand vertically upward to seal off the deflection gap
125 instead of
outward, as would be the case without collapse of the profile layer 2. The
intumescent material
strip 17 can be bounded by the ceiling structure 120 and the upper end 151,
153 of the
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wallboard 150, 152, which causes the expanding intumescent to avoid
overexpansion and
maintain density as it expands. The density of the intumescent material
improves the
fire/smoke protection within the deflection gap 125. The expansion process can
take up to 20
minutes before the deflection gap 125 is fully sealed.
101181 The optional foil lining 15 positioned between the profile
layer 2 and the
intumescent material strip 17 provides integrity to the assembly 100 during a
fire. The foil
lining 15 acts as an insulating or protective layer for the intumescent
material strip 17. Further,
the foil lining 15 will maintain structural integrity of the gasket profile 10
such that the position
of the intumescent material strip 17 is maintained within the deflection gap
125 and the
expanding intumescent material 15 within the deflection gap 125 can be at
least partially
contained. That is, even if the profile layer 2 loses form and/or melts away,
the foil lining 15
will not melt and prevent the expanding intumescent material strip 17 from
falling out of the
deflection gap 125 and/or expanding in an undesirable direction (e.g.,
outward, which could
permit overexpansion). Accordingly, because the foil lining 15 does not melt,
the intumescent
material strip 17 is contained and will maintain as a concentrated mass which
will maintain the
intumescent material strip 17 within the deflection gap 125. However, if there
is no
containment, the intumescent material 125 could continue to expand and lose
its concentrated
mass thereby reducing its effectiveness to block heat. While the foil lining
15 may provide
extra protection from dislodgment of the intumescent material strip 17, it is
not necessary in
all applications and may be omitted to reduce costs.
101191 Figure 5, at left, illustrates the initial collapse of the
profile layer 2 into the
deflection gap. The intumescent material strip 17 remains attached to the foil
lining 15 (or
profile layer 2 if the foil lining 15 is omitted). As the temperature across
the assembly 100
increases from the heat, the material of the profile layer 2 will begin to
melt and eventually
dissipate. However, the foil lining 15 (or remaining portion of the profile
layer 2) maintains
the intumescent material strip 17 within the deflection gap 125 and oriented
for vertical
expansion.
101201 Figure 5, at right, illustrates the initial expansion of the
intumescent material
strip 17. The intumescent material strip 17 is at least partially retained
within the deflection
gap 125 and is oriented such that the primary direction of expansion is
vertically upward.
Portions of the profile layer 2 can begin to dissipate from the heat; however,
the foil lining 15
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remains intact and secures the intumescent material strip 17 in place within
the deflection gap
125.
101211 Figure 6, at left, illustrates the further expansion of the
intumescent 17. The
material of the profile layer 2 can be further dissipated. The foil lining 15,
having a higher
melting temperature or dissipation temperature, can at least partially remain
after the melting
or dissipation of the profile layer 2. Figure 6, at right, illustrates the
final expansion of the
intumescent material strip 17. The intumescent material strip 17 fully seals
across the
deflection gap 125. Undissipated portions of the foil lining 15 and/or the
profile layer 2 can
remain. The increasing temperatures can also expand the intumescent material
strip 17 into an
expanded state. In the expanded state, the intumescent material can seal the
deflection gap 125
against smoke, heat, fire and other material passing through the head-of-wall
assembly 100.
101221 Figures 7-8 illustrate a second embodiment of a fire-blocking
component,
in the form of a gasket profile 201. In certain implementations, the gasket
profile 201 can be
formed in various lengths (e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other) each preferably having
the same cross
section throughout. The gasket profile 201 can be used in the assembly 100,
similar to the fire-
blocking gasket profile 10. The fire-blocking gasket profile 201 can include a
profile layer 202.
The profile layer 202 can include a generally horizontal portion 205 and a leg
portion 207. The
profile layer 202 can include a fastening location 209. The fastening location
209 can be
coupled with a lower flange 211. Similar to the component 10, the fastening
location 209 of
the component 201 can be referred to as or can form a planar lower portion. An
upper angled
portion 220 and the generally horizontal portion 205 form a non-planar upper
portion 222,
which partially or fully defines an air gap 213. The upper angled portion 220
can be a first
portion of the non-planar upper portion and the generally horizontal portion
205 can be a
second portion, which can be or include a curved section.
101231 The air gap 213 can be located between portions of the
horizontal
portion 205 and the leg portion 207. An optional foil lining 215 can be
coupled to at least
portions of the horizontal portion 205 and the leg portion 207. The foil
lining 215 can at least
partially surround the air gap 213. An optional intumescent material 217 can
be coupled with
the foil portion 217. The intumescent material 217 can be located within the
air gap 213. The
functionality of the gasket profile 201 is substantially similar to the
profile 10; however, the
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gasket profile 201 has a more rounded horizontal portion 205 and transition
between the
horizontal portion 205 and the upper portion of the leg portion 207.
101241 In some implementations, the gasket profile 201 does not
include the foil
lining 215 and/or the intumescent material 217, as illustrated in Figure 8.
For example, the
profile layer 202 can be used within a head-of-wall assembly.
101251 Figure 9-10 illustrate a third embodiment of a fire-blocking
component, in
the form of a gasket profile 301. The gasket profile 301 can be used in the
assembly 100,
similar to the fire-blocking gasket profile 10. In certain implementations,
the gasket profile 301
can be formed in various lengths (e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other) each preferably
having the same
cross-sectional shape throughout. The fire-blocking gasket profile 301 can
include a profile
layer 302. The profile layer 302 can include a generally horizontal portion
305. The horizontal
portion 305 can be connected to an upper flange 306. A leg portion 307 of the
profile layer 302
can extend downwardly from the horizontal portion 305 and can include a
fastening
location 309. The fastening location 309 can connect to a lower flange 311. An
air gap 313 can
be defined between at least portions of the horizontal 305 and the leg portion
307 of the profile
layer 302. In the illustrated arrangement, at least an upper angled portion of
the leg portion 307
and the horizontal portion 305 (optionally, and the upper flange 306) form a
non-planar upper
portion that partially or fully defines the air gap 313.
101261 A foil lining 315 can be disposed on one side of the profile
layer 302. The
foil lining 315 can at least partially surround the air gap 313. An
intumescent material 317 can
be attached to the foil lining 315. The intumescent material 317 can be
located within the air
gap 313. The profile layer 302 can have an overall length Li between
approximately 1.0 -4.0",
although this range is not required. The profile layer 302 can have an overall
width WI of
between approximately 0.375"-1.125", although this range is not required. The
profile layer
302 can have a thickness Ti of between approximately 0.0625"-0.125", although
this range is
not required.
101271 In some implementations, the gasket profile 301 does not
include the foil
lining 315 and/or the intumescent material 317, as illustrated in Figure 10.
For example, the
profile layer 302 can be used within a head-of-wall assembly.
101281 Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of a fire-blocking
component, in
the form of an angle or gasket profile 401. The gasket profile 401 can be used
in the assembly
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100, similar to the fire-blocking gasket profile 10. In certain
implementations, the gasket
profile 401 can be formed in various lengths (e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other)
each preferably having
the same cross-sectional shape throughout. Fire-blocking gasket profile 401
can include a
profile layer 402. The profile layer 402 can include an upper flange 406 and a
leg portion 407.
The leg portion 407 can be coupled with the upper flange 406 by a bubble 408.
The bubble 408
can be of the same material as the profile layer 402 or a different material
(e.g., co-extension,
adhered, or mechanically fastened together). At the lower end of the 411 of
the leg portion 407
can include a fastening location. The upper flange 406 can be configured to be
installed within
a head-of-wall assembly between a header track 130 and the ceiling 120. For
example it can
be installed and held in place by friction. The lower portion 411 can be
installed between the
wall board 150 and the header track 130.
101291 The gasket profile 401 can include a foil lining 415. The
foil lining 415 can
extend across portions of the vertical portions 407, the bubble 408, and/or
the upper flange 406.
An intumescent material 417 can be coupled with the foil lining 415. The
bubble 408 can
sealingly engage with the ceiling of 120. The upper flange 406 can optionally
be slidingly
engaged with the header track 130 to bias the track 400 such that a bulged
portion (e.g., of the
leg portion 407 and the bubble 408, and the horizontal portion 405) extend
into the deflection
gap 125. In some implementations, the gasket profile 401 does not include the
foil lining 415
and/or the intumescent material 417, as illustrated in Figure 12. For example,
the profile layer
402, with or without the bubble 408, can be used within a head-of-wall
assembly.
101301 Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of a fire-blocking
component, in
the form of a gasket profile 501. The gasket profile 501 can be used in the
assembly 100,
similar to the fire-blocking gasket profile 10. In certain implementations,
the gasket profile 501
can be formed in various lengths (e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other) each preferably
having the same
cross section throughout. Fire-blocking gasket profile 501 can include a
profile layer 502. The
profile layer 502 can include an upper portion 505 and a leg portion 507. An
air gap 513 can
be at least partially enclosed by the upper portion 505 and the leg portion
507. The upper
portion 505 can include a spring flange 506. The profile layer 502 can have
any or all of the
other portions or sections as described in connection with the profile 10 of
Figures 1 and 2.
101311 The leg portion 507 includes a fastening location 509.
In one
implementation, the fastening location 509 includes a flat segment. The flat
segment can be
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configured to be pressed in contact with a header track, such as the header
track 130 described
above. The fastening location 509 can be configured to receive at least one
fastener to couple
the gasket profile 501 with the header track. In one implementation, the
spring flange 506 is
parallel to and/or aligns with (e.g., is within the same plane as) the
fastening location 509 (e.g.,
the straight portion thereof). This facilitates assembly of the gasket profile
501 against the
header track. Moreover, the spring flange 506 can engage with the header track
and act as a
spring (e.g., along the horizontal portion 505) to bias the air gap 513 into
an open configuration.
101321 The leg portion 507 can be coupled with the upper portion 505
at a
corner 508. The gasket profile 501 can include an optional bubble gasket 503.
The bubble
gasket 503 can be of the same material as the profile layer 502 or a different
material (e.g., co-
extension, adhered, or mechanically fastened together with the profile layer
502). The bubble
503 can sealingly engage with a ceiling, such as the ceiling 120.
101331 The leg portion 507 can include a lower flange 511. The lower
flange 511
can be flared outward (e.g., towards the left or away from the fastening
location 509). The
lower flange 511 can be configured to engage with a wallboard (such as the
wallboard 150) of
a head-of-wall assembly. The lower flange 511 can prevent or diminish the
passage of sound
or smoke across the head-of-wall assembly by engagement with the wallboard.
The lower
flange 511 can also be referred to herein as a "kick-out."
101341 The gasket profile 501 can include an optional foil lining
515. The foil
lining 515 can be located within the air gap 513. The foil lining 515 can
extend across portions
of the vertical portion 507 and/or the upper portion 505 (e.g., around the air
gap 513). The foil
lining 515 can be adhered to the profile layer 502. An intumescent material
517 can be coupled
with the gasket profile 501. The intumescent 517 can be coupled with the foil
lining 515,
within the air gap 513 or otherwise coupled with the profile layer 502. In
some
implementations, the gasket profile 501 does not include the foil lining 515
and/or the
intumescent material 517, as illustrated in Figure 14. For example, the
profile layer 502, with
or without the bubble gasket 503, can be used within a head-of-wall assembly.
101351 Figure 15 illustrates another implementation of a gasket
profile 601. The
gasket profile 601 can be used to fire-block the head of wall assembly 100, as
described above.
In certain implementations, the gasket profile 601 can be formed in various
lengths
(e.g., 5', 10', 12' or other) each preferably having the same cross section
throughout. The
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gasket profile 601 can include a profile layer 602. The profile layer 602 can
be made out of a
vinyl, thin and flexible PVC, rubber, foam, fiberglass, intumescent, or thin
sheet metal material
or other polymer material. The profile layer 602 can be flexible and pliable
to accommodate
movement of the assembly 100 (e.g., up and down movement of the wall relative
to the ceiling,
as described below).
101361 The profile layer 602 can include a leg flange 609. The leg
flange 609 can
be generally planar. The leg flange 609 lacks a "kick out" flange or outwardly
angled lower
flange (e.g., lower flange 511). The vinyl profile layer 602 can include a
body portion 607, an
upper flange 605, and/or a front flange 606. The body portion 607 can be
attached to the upper
flange 605. The upper flange 605 and the body portion 607 can attach at a bend
608. The
body portion 607 and the upper flange 605 can at least partially bound or
enclose an inner
space or air gap 613. The upper flange 605 can be attached to the front flange
606. The front
flange 606 can be generally vertical (e.g., parallel with the leg 132 of the
header track 130
and/or the leg flange 609). The profile layer 602 can have any or all of the
other portions or
sections as described in connection with the profile 10 of Figures 1 and 2.
101371 An optional bubble gasket 603 can be attach to or formed as a
unitary
structure with the profile layer 602. The bubble gasket 603 can be co-extruded
with the profile
layer 602. The bubble gasket 603 can be formed of a vinyl, rubber, polymer, or
other suitable
material. The bubble gasket 603 can attach on one end with the upper flange
605 and on a
second end with the body portion 607. The bubble portion 603 can be positioned
over the
bend 608.
101381 The air gap 613 can contain an optional intumescent strip
617. The
intumescent strip 617 can be attached to the profile layer 602 (e.g., on the
body portion 607).
In some implementations, the air gap 613 can include an optional foil lining
(not shown),
similar to the foil linings described above (e.g., 15, 215, 515). The foil
lining can be positioned
between the intumescent material 617 and the profile layer 602. The
intumescent strip 617 can
be attached to the foil lining, if present. The foil lining can be attached to
the profile layer 602.
101391 The gasket profile 601 can include a tape 610. The tape 610
can be a foam
tape. The tape 610 can be double sided tape. The tape 610 can have first and
second sides. The
first and second sides can be formed of a fibrous or polymer material. The
first and second
sides can include an adhesive. The adhesive can attach the tape 610 with the
leg flange 609.
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The tape 610 can include a foam material between the first and second sides.
The foam material
can be soft to allow the first and second sides to flex relative to each
other. This can enhance
the sealing properties of the tape 610. The tape 610 can be factory applied to
the profile 602.
101401 A first side of the tape 610 can be attached to the profile
layer 602. The first
side of the tape 610 can be attached to the lower leg 609. A second side of
the tape 610, opposite
the first side, can include a covering, such as a release paper 611. The
release paper 611 can
be a wax paper, plastic, or other material. The release paper 611 can be
removable from
tape 610. Removing the release paper 611 can expose adhesive of the tape 610.
In one
implementation, the tape 610 can have a thickness 610a of approximately 0.125
inches. In
other implementations, the thickness 610a can be within a range of 0.001
inches up to 0.25
inches. In other implementations, the tape 610 can be thicker.
101411 The gasket profile 601 can be positioned within the head of
wall assembly
100 as shown in Figures 16A-B. As shown in the right of Figure 16B, the
release paper 611
can be removed from the tape 610. The gasket profile 601 can then be assembled
with the
head of wall assembly by attaching the tape 610 with the leg 134 of the header
track 130. The
gasket profile 601 can be applied to the leg 134 of the track 130 with no
mechanical attachment.
The tape 610 can provide a seal between the leg flange 609 and the leg 134.
The bubble
gasket 603 can seal against the ceiling 120, as described above in other
implementations. The
bubble gasket 603 can provide a compressible seal against the ceiling 120. It
is advantageous
to provide a compressible seal against the ceiling 120. The compressible seal
can allow for
movement at the overhead structure. The wall (e.g., studs 140 and wallboards
150) can move
independent of the overhead structure (e.g., ceiling 120); the bubble gasket
603 can allow this
type of movement while maintaining a seal.
101421 Using the tape 610 can have advantages over attaching the
gasket
profile 601 using mechanical fasteners (e.g., framing screws). Attaching any
gasket profile
within a head of wall assembly using framing screws can provide an airtight
seal in the vicinity
of the framing screw. However, in areas of the gasket between framing screws,
the gasket
profiles may not provide an airtight seal, which can possibly reduce the
effectiveness of
blocking sound. The bubble gaskets and other parts of the profile layer can
sag within the head
of wall assembly 100. For example, the bubble gaskets and similarly structured
components
can sag away from the ceiling 120. In another example, the profile layers can
separate from
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the header track 130. Accordingly, the tape 610 can improve the sealing
capacity of the gasket
profiles across the head of wall assembly 100 by providing a more uniform seal
than the seal
available using mechanical fasteners alone. The tape 610 can provide a tight
seal along the
entire length of the gasket profile 610. The tape 610 can also provide an
insulating factor that
can increase the STC (Sound Transmission Class) sound ratings. The tape 610
can provides an
air tight seal against the leg 134 of the header track 130. It is advantageous
to provide a tight
seal against the entire length of the leg 134 of the framing member that
cannot move once
installed. This seal can prevent or substantially prevent any smoke or sound
from passing under
the gasket profile 610 or through the slots of the header track 130.
101431 The leg flange 609 can be attached to the leg 132 of the
header track 130,
as shown further in Figure 17. The tape 610 can space the leg flange 609 away
from the
leg 132. The tape 610 and/or leg flange 609 can provide a spacing for a head
141a of a
fastener 141 (e.g., screw) that attaches the stud 140 with the header track
130 (e.g., through a
slot of the header track 140). The head 141a can protrude a distance 141b from
the leg 132 of
the header track 130. The tape 610 can have a thickness 610a.
101441 A wallboard 150 can be assembled over the leg flange 609, the
tape 610 and
the fastener head 141a. The wallboard 150 can be held away from the header
track 130 by the
fastener heads 141a. Fig. 16A illustrates the assembly 100 in an open
configuration on the left
and in a closed configuration on the right. As the ceiling 120 and the stud
140 move relative to
one another (e.g., between the open and closed configurations), the thickness
610a can allow
the gasket profile 601 and the wallboard 150 to remain engaged. This
positioning reduces or
eliminates the need for a kick out of the profile 602, which can allow for
closer engagement of
the wallboard 150 with the gasket profile 601. The thickness 610a can inhibit
or prevent the
fastener head 141a from interfering with the connection of the gasket profile
601 with the
header track 130. The thickness 610a of the tape 610 can allow the head 141a
to slide under
the profile 602. The spacing 610a can be greater than or approximately equal
to the
distance 141b of the head 141a. The thickness 610a (e.g., thickness of the
tape 610) can be
approximately equivalent to the distance 141b (e.g., see ranges above). The
fastener 141 that
is placed within the slots of the track 130 can cycle up and down and not be
impeded by the
profile 602.
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101451 Figures 18-19 shows another implementation of a gasket
profile 701. The
gasket profile 701 can be used to sound proof the head of wall assembly 100.
The gasket
profile 701 can be similar to the gasket profile 601. The gasket profile 701
can be used for
sound-proofing of the head of wall assembly 100. The gasket profile 701 can
include a profile
layer 702, which can include the portions and sections as described in
connection with the
profile layer 2 of Figures 1 and 2. The profile layer 702 can be made of the
materials listed
above or other suitable material(s). The profile layer 702 can include a front
flange 706. Front
flange 706 can be attached to an upper flange 705. The upper flange 705 can be
attached to a
body portion 707. The upper flange 705 and/or the front flange 706 can at
least partially
enclose an interior space 713. The upper flange 705 can be attached to the
body portion 707
at a bend 708. A gasket 703 can be attached to profile layer 702. The gasket
703 can be
attached around the bend 708.
101461 The profile layer 702 can include a leg flange 709. The leg
flange 709 can
attach to a tape 710. The tape 710 can be foam tape. The tape 710 can be
double sided tape.
One or each of two sides of the tape 710 can include an adhesive material. A
first side can
attach the tape 710 with the leg flange 709. A second side can include a
release paper 711.
Removal of the release paper 711 can expose the adhesive on the second side of
the tape 710
(e.g., for assembly within the head of wall assembly 100). The tape 710 can
have a
thickness 710a. The thickness 710a can be in the range listed above for the
thickness 610a
(e.g., approximately 0.125 inches).
101471 The gasket profile 701 does not include an intumescent
material and/or a
foil material. Accordingly, the purpose of this gasket profile is not to
provide fire sealing
across the head of wall 700. Instead, it is just to provide sound sealing. The
tape 710 can
provide a continuous or nearly continuous seal between the header track 130
and the leg
flange 709. This can provide a more consistent sound barrier than when
mechanical fasteners
are used to secure the profile to the header track. Moreover, the bubble
gasket 703 can sag
between mechanical fasteners. Accordingly, the tape 710 can enhance the seal
of the bubble
gasket 703 with the ceiling 120. The tape 710 can extend along an entire
length of the gasket
profile 701 to fully seal against the track 130 of the assembly 100. In other
arrangements, the
tape 710 can be interrupted along the length of the gasket profile 701.
However, preferably,
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any gaps present are significantly smaller than the stud spacing of the
associated stud wall
(e.g., less than 8 inches, less than 6 inches or less than 4 inches).
Certain Terminology
[0148] Terms of orientation used herein, such as "top," "bottom,"
"proximal,"
"distal," "longitudinal," "lateral," and "end," are used in the context of the
illustrated
embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the
illustrated
orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope
of this disclosure.
Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius,
should be
understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be
applied to any suitable
structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-
side. Terms relating
to shapes generally, such as "circular," "cylindrical," "semi-circular," or
"semi-cylindrical" or
any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the
mathematical definitions
of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that
are reasonably
close approximations.
[0149] Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or
"may," unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally
intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain
features,
elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally
intended to imply that
features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more
embodiments.
[0150] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y, and Z,"
unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context
as used in general
to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such
conjunctive language is
not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence
of at least one
of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
[0151] The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as
used herein
represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired
function or achieves
a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may
dictate, the terms
"approximately," "about," and "substantially," may refer to an amount that is
within less than
or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term "generally" as used herein
represents a value,
amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a
particular value,
amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the
context may dictate,
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the term "generally parallel" can refer to something that departs from exactly
parallel by less
than or equal to 20 degrees. Ranges given are inclusive of endpoints.
Summary
101521 Several illustrative embodiments of head-of-wall assemblies
and
components such as sound-blocking and/or fire-blocking gasket profiles have
been disclosed.
Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative
embodiments and
uses, other embodiments and other uses, including embodiments and uses which
do not provide
all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope
of this disclosure.
Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed
differently than
described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined,
merged, added,
or left out in various embodiments. All possible combinations and
subcombinations of
elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this
disclosure. No
single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.
101531 Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the
context of
separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single
implementation.
Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also
can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable
subcombination.
Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain
combinations, one or
more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination,
and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
101541 Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures,
and/or devices
disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment or example in this disclosure can
be combined or
used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes,
structures, and/or
devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or
example. The
embodiments and examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and
separate from
each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the
disclosed features are
within the scope of this disclosure.
101551 While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described
in the
specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in
the particular order
shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve
desirable results.
Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the
example methods
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and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed
before, after,
simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the
operations may
be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of
various
components in the implementations described above should not be understood as
requiring
such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the
described
components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single
product or packaged
into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the
scope of this
disclosure.
101561 Further, while illustrative embodiments have been described,
any
embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or
combinations are
also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects,
advantages, and
novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may
be achieved in
accordance with any particular embodiment. For example, some embodiments
within the scope
of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught
herein without
necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further,
some embodiments
may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.
101571 Some embodiments have been described in connection with the
accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such
scale should
not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown
are contemplated
and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc.
are merely
illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual
dimensions and layout
of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or
rearranged. Further, the
disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property,
characteristic, quality,
attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be
used in all other
embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may
be practiced
using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
101581 For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects,
advantages and
features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such
advantages are
necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
inventions disclosed
herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many
embodiments, the
devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated
in the figures or
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description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the
illustrated modules
can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some embodiments,
additional or different
processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described
with reference
to the example embodiment described and illustrated in the figures. Many
implementation
variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes
disclosed in this
specification can be included in any embodiment.
101591
In summary, various embodiments and examples of head-of-wall
assemblies and fire blocking tracks and related methods have been disclosed.
This disclosure
extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and examples to other
alternative
embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain
modifications and
equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that
various features and
aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for,
one another.
Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the
particular disclosed
embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading
of the claims.
-36-
300 1P-FRJ-CAD 1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-10-14
