Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Field of Invention
This invention relates to improvements in glazed systems
for use in industrial, commercial, institutional and residential
buildingsj and more particularly to improvements in the suppor~
structure derived from leng-ths of mekal extrusions of aluminum
or alloys thereof, assembled and connected toge-ther to provide
an open framework for supporting and anchoring glass or other
suitable panels or units thereupon to serve as a skylight or as
cladding for a building or in solarium or greenhouse construc-
tion and in other similar installations.
More particularly. t'nis invention relates to improvements
in those mechanical connections to be established between the
principal structural members comprising the framework that will
accommodate requisite sealing along the intersections or lines
of juncture thereo~ against penetration of atmosphere or of
rainwater or other accumulations upon or draining into such
Framework.
Background to the Invention
...
The introduction and wide acceptance of open concept archi-
~0 tecture in recent years has given substantial impetus to theinvestigation and development of improved glazing systems de-
rived from lengths of interconnected extruded metal members and
sheets of glazing that not only will embody aesthetic and envir-
onmental considerations but more effectively utilize available
natural light and solar energy.
Fundamental to the adoption and inclusion of skylights,
cladding or other similar systerns in building projects is the
capability of the selected structure to meet principal objec-
tives apart from those men-tioned, such as to effectively limit
heat or energy loss, maintenance of the integrity of the en-
closed space so as to provide greater control of the interior
atmosphere and to ensure stability of the system over a wide
range of applied loading and temperatures imposed by the climate
and by conditions prevailing within the buildin~.
The development of improved systems has given rise to the
desire to incorporate a greater expanse of glazed structure into
buildings which must accommodate increased accumulations and
increased loadin~ and runoff and thereby increase the risk that
the joints and other sealed connections of the expanded system
will be penetrated by the atmosphere or by water.
Objects of the Invention
The principal object of this invention therefore is to pro-
vide an improved glazing system that can be specified for all
manner of installations and particularly where a wide unsupport-
ed expanse of same is required to be installed and wherein the
likelihood of any penetration of the atmosphere or water through
any mechanical joint or seal is minimized thereby preserving
both the integrity of the system itself as well as the environ-
ment within the building over an extended period of time.
It is a very important object o~ this invention to streng-
then the structure by providing an improved mechanical connec-
tion between the components, which can accommodate to a greater
degree twisting and deflection, expansion and contraction im-
parted by changes in external and internal conditions.
More particularly it is an object of this invention not
only to simpli~y the manner in which the structural members are
joined or connected together which gives rise to an increase in
ef~iciency both in production and assembly but to include
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therewith more efficient barriers to the atmosphere, water or
moisture in the region of the joints or connections.
Features_of the Invention
One principal feature of -the invention resides in providing
a supporting framework for a glazed system wherein -the elongated
structural members thereof include open ended drainage channel
formations therein for the collection of water derived from
rain, melted snow or condensed moisture and the controlled dis-
charge of same therefrorn without appreciable leakage throughollt
:LO the extent of such framework by arranging that the open ends of
the drainage channel formations of the structural members ex-
tending in one common direction intersect and overlap the drain-
age channel formations of the structural members extending in
the other common direc-tion whereby not only is the requisite
support of the intersecting overlapping structural members
achieved but that water collected in the drainage channel forma-
tions thereof is discharged therefrom at a point remote From the
intersections with the supporting structural members~
More particularly it is a feature of the invention to pro-
~O vide a building system wherein the supporting structural memberincludes a longitudinally extending channel defined by a bottom
wall~ upstanding spaced apart side walls and a flange formation
extendirlg inwardly from at least one of the side walls in over-
lying spaced relation above the bottom wall and includes a
recess within the side wall and associated -flange formation
which is spaced upwardly from the bottom wall thereof and has a
configuration to receive therein one end of the supported struc-
tural member in overlapping relation thereto and in full regis-
tration with the recess so as to be supported -therefrom but
above the bottom wall thereof.
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It is another feature of this invention to provide a novel
clip for secùring the supported structural member to the sup-
porting structural member which clip is disposed within the
channel formation of the supporting structural member and has a
configuration so matching the perimeter of the recess therein
and the overlapping end of the supported structural member as to
embracingly engage same from below~ the clip extending beyond
the recess to engage the -Flange formation of the supporting
structural member from below upon upward displacement -thereof
into embracing engagement with the overlapping end of the sup-
ported structural mernber the overlapping end of the supported
structural member carrying screw threaded members for engaging
and drawing the clip upwardly thereagainst and into engagernent
with the flange formation of the supporting structural member
whereby a secure mechanical connection is achieved.
Still another Feature resides in providing a resilient bond
suhstantially impervious to the atmosphere and to wa-ter between
the opposed surfaces oF the clip and recess and the overlapping
end of the supported structural member when fully registered
therewithin and secured against separation so as to minimize if
not eliminate any penetration of the atmosphere or water through
such connection~
More particularly a feature of the invention resides in
providing a mechanical connection wherein there is no penetra-
tion of the bottom wall of the channel formation of the support-
ing or supported structural member in a region which would com-
municate with the interior of the enclosed space, thereby pre-
serving the in-tegrity of the barrier to the outer atmosphere
throughout its extent.
Still more particulariy a feature of this invention resides
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in providing a clip for the mechanical connection can be appro-
priately dimensioned to provide a substantial surface of contact
with the overlapping end of the supported structural member
thereby extending i-f desired the area for establishing a resil-
ient bond thereto so as to ensure that the barrier to the pene
tration of either the atmosphere or water is maintained.
These and other objects and features are to be found in the
following description of the preferred embodiment of the inven-
tion to be read in conjunction with the sheets of drawings
wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of an inclined
support system for glazing derived from metal components embody-
ing the invention partly broken away and partly exploded to
reveal generally how the structural components thereof intersect
and the relationships thereof,
Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the
principal connection between rafter and purlins as illustrated
in figure 1, partly broken away and partly exploded to reveal
particularly how the components are joined together;
Figure 3 is an elevational view of a section of the raFter
of figures 1 and 2 broken away and showing the manner of insert-
ing and positioning the clip within a rafter for connecting the
purlin to the rafter,
Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rafter
illustrated in figures 1 and 2 taken alony ~he line 4-4 of
figure 2,
Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view o-f the con-
nected rafter and purlins illustrated in figures 1 and 2 and
taken along the lines 5-5 of figure 2~
Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view oF the con-
nected rafter and purlins illustrated in figures 2 and 5 taken
along the lines 6-6 of figure 5
~ 5
i8
,,;
Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of
the 5ill construction -for the inclined glazing system illus-
trated in figure 1, partly broken away and partly exploded to
reveal how the sill components intersect and the relationships
thereof,
Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of
the fully assembled sill structure of the inclined system o-f
figures 1 and 7 partly broken away and taken along the lines
8-8 of figure 7,
Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of
the assembled head structure of the inclined glazing system
illustrated in figure 1~ also partly broken away and taken along
the lines 9-9 of figure 1.
The Glazed System
A support system 10 for carrying glass panels or the like
embodying the invention and illustrated by the perspective ex-
ploded view of figure l is comprised essentially of a head
structure 12 for securing the system at its uppermost limit to a
beam or abutment surface or wall of a building, a sill structure
14 for anchoring the system at its lowermost limit to the found-
ation or to an abutment surface or wall of a buildin~, and a
framework 16 extending between the head structure 12 and sill
structure 14 comprised of vertically inclined ra-fters 18 uni-
formly spaced apart and horizontally ex~ending uniformly spaced
apart purlin members 20 intersecting with rafters 18.
Head structure 12~ sill structure 14 and framework 16 are
securely fastened together where the components thereoF inter-
sect to provide a uniformly inclined resilient framework for
supporting suitable glass panels or other selected units in a0 manner which establishes a substantially impervious seal to the
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atmosphere to water and to water vapour.
Those components of the invention which fulfill the same
Function in the preferred embodiment to be described are identi-
fied hereinafter by identical numbers, where appropriate.
The ~ead Structure 12
Head structure 12 of figure 1. more particularly deta~led
in figure 9. is comprised o~ a main structural support member 21
derived from a suitably formed sheet of aluminum or alloy there-
of so as to present a pair of spaced inclined arm portions 22a,
22b and a base portion 23, which base portion 23 is arranged to
extend along -the vertical facing of a supporting beam or abut-
ment and be anchored thereto in any suitable manner.
Mounted upon inclined lower arm portion 22b of structural
member 21 to extend upwardly therefrom is a supporting struc-
tural member Z4 of extruded aluminum or alloy thereof in a shape
to present a base 25 with two spaced ups-tanding arms 26 and 27,
arm 26 presenting an elongated flange or platform formation 28
uppermost and arm 27 presenting an elongated upwardly opening
U-shaped anchoring channel formation 29 uppermost for the recep-
tion and anchoring of the threaded shaf-ts of pressure plate com-
pression screws 30 as as shown in broken outline in figure 9.
Supporting and clamping member 24 is suitably anchored to
the lower arm 22b of structural support member 21 by shear
transfer bolts 31 shown in broken outline in figure 9 or other
suitable fasteners at requisite spaced intervals.
According to the preferred embodiment of -the invention
illustrated~ double glazed window units 32 are adapted to he
mounted within the supporting framework 16 bounded by head
structure 12 and sill structure 14, and in the case of supporting
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structural member 24 of head structure 12, as illustrated in
detail in figure 9 the uppermost edge portion of double glazed
window unit 32 is supported from the flange or platform forma-
tion 28 upon a main seal component 33.
More particularly the upper surface of flange or platform
formation 28 is uniformly serrated longitudinally as at 34 so as
to provide a positive grip and maintain main seal component 33
in place under the load applied thereto by the overlying or
double ylazed window unit 32 which is secured against separation
from such main seal component 33 by means of pressure plate 35
and associated compressible dry seal elements 36 under the
clamping pressure exerted by pressure plate compression screw 30
and by other peripherally located like pressure plates and asso-
ciated dry seal elements to be described.
It will be observed that dry seal elements 36 carried by
pressure plate 35 along each edge thereof within anchoring chan-
nels therefore are arranged to bear upon the upper surface of
the inclined arm portion 22a of structural support member 21 and
upon the upper surface of double glazed window unit 32 respec-
tively, the pressure plate 35 being arranged to underlie flash-
ing 37 with the pressure plate 35 and flashin~ 37 being apertur-
ed so as to allow penetration of the threaded shaft 38 of pres-
sure plate compression screws 30 therethrough and engage the
inner walls of U-shaped anchoring channel formation 29, all as
illustrated in figure 9 -thereby securing the components against
separation.
Main seal component 33 located interiorally of the glazed
window unit 32 in the preferred embodiment takes the form oF a
length of extruded polyisolbutylene semiliquid seal with an
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embedded continuous neoprene shim~ With this arrangement a sub-
stituted barrier to the penetration of the atmosphere. water and
water vapour between window unit 32 and platform formation 28 is
established.
Dry seal components 36 are preferably extruded EPDM 60
durometer which key into the aforementioned channel formation
presented by aluminum pressure plate 35 at each edge thereof and
are held under constant compression of the order of 10 PSI by
pressure plate compression screws 30. Compression screws 30 are
preFerably self-sealing p1ated steel screws with a self-tapping
point capped with a suitable plastic
Sill Structure 14
_ .
Sill structure 14 illustrated in figures 1, 7 and 8 com-
prises a base structural support member 40 derived preferably
from a suitably formed sheet of aluminum or alloy thereof and
includes a base portion 41 and upstanding inclined support por-
tion 42 for supporting and securing extruded aluminum sill
member 43 thereto by means of shear transfer bolts 31 but struc-
tural support member 40 is separated From extruded sill member
~3 by a suitable thermal insulator 44 and shielded by a length
of flashing 45~
Extruded aluminum sill member 43 is provided with an up-
wardly opening U-shaped anchoring channel formation ~6 along its
upper inner edge as depicted in figure 8 and an upstanding
bounding wall formation 47 along the lower outer edge thereof
the latter wall formation 47 presenting a flange or platform
formation 48 uppermost suitably serrated longitudinally to pro-
vide a gripping surface for a dry seal component 36 of a suit-
able section of overlying pressure plate 35 to be clamped in
position.
A second upwardly opening U-shaped anchoring channel forma-
tion 49 is presented by extruded sill member 43 upstanding from
the base portion thereof between inner U-shaped anchoring chan-
nel 46 and outer upstanding wall formation 47 thereof and in-
cluding an associated flange or platForm formation 50 extending
inwardly therefrom upon which an extruded aluminum glass sup-
porting structural member 51 is mounted which member 51 prefer-
ably has a configuration and dimensions in cross-section corre-
sponding to extruded aluminum supporting structural member 24 of
head structure 12.
Supporting structural member 51 likewise presents an up-
wardly opening U-shaped anchoring channnel formation 52 along
its lower outer edge and a flange or platform forma-tion 53
along its inner upper edge which flange formation 53 is longi-
tudinally serrated and adapted to support a length of the main
seal component 33 upon which the lower edge portion of double
glazed window unit 32 bears with the double glazed window unit
32 being clamped against separation under the clamping force
applied by the aforementioned length of pressure plate 35 and
~0 associated compressible seals, a dry seal component 36 as
earlier mentioned and a ramp seal 54 replacing the dry seal com-
ponent 36 in this embodiment For sealing against the lower edge
o~ window unit 32.
Extruded aluminum supporting structural member 51 is also
adapted as illustrated to support the double glazed window unit
32 against downward sliding movemen-t by the provision of an up-
standing barrier 55 shown in broken outline which hooks over
U-shaped channel formation 52 of clamping member 5l and presents
a recess formation 5fi opening inwardly and upwardly in spaced
relation to the lower end o-F double glazed window uni-t 32 to
receive and retain therebetween a suitable setting block 57 also
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sho~n in broken outline which bears against and prevents the
lower edge of the double glazed window unit 32 from displacemen-t
downwardly.
8arrier 55 can be secured in place by suitable assembly
screws 58 which are adapted to enter within U-shaped anchoring
channel 52 all as illustrated in figure 8.
Both extruded aluminum supporting structural member 51 and
the extruded sill member 43 are provided with drainage openings
59 and 60 therein respectively which serve to drain or discharge
moisture or water collecting in the interconnected drainage
channel system of the inclined -Framework 16 as will be more
particularly described as well as to establish communication
between such drainage channel system and the atmosphere so that
any pressure buildup ~rom water vapour is avoided
An appropriate sealant 61a such as liquid butyl is deposit-
ed within the confines of -Flange formation 50 which together
with an assembly screw 61b securing, supporting structural mem-
ber 51 to the extruded sill member 43 establishes an inner bar-
rier to the penetration of the atmosphere or oF water or water
vapour.
Framework 16
Framework 16 of the inclined glazed system 1~ embodying the
invention includes rafters 18 which extend upwardly and at a
uniForm angle between sill structure 14 and head structure 12.
Rafters 18 according to the preferred embodiment illus-
trated in figures 1 to 4 inclusive are derived from a suitable
aluminum extrusion or an alloy thereof and have a tubular con-
figuration or hollow construction as depicted in figures 2, 3~ 4
and 6.
Alternative ra-Fter configurations are also appropriate, for
example the I shape.
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Rafters 18 preferably have d maximum strength to weight
ratio and can be provided over a range of depths as may be
required.
Rafters 18 of tubular or I shape configuration can be com-
bined if desired in order to meet objectives in any particular
setting.
Rafters 18 include a pair of spaced apart walls terminated
in inwardly extending opposed flange or pla-tform formations 62
and 63 upstanding from the edges of principal wall 64 thereoF
and overlying same. platform forma-tions 62~ 63 being longitudi-
nally serrated as at 65 and 66 so as to provide gripping sur
faces for retaining longitudinally extending str1ps of the main
seal component 33 against which the respective side edges o-F the
double glazed window units 32 are to be clamped~
Upstanding centrally From wall portion 64 between flange
formations 62 and 63 is a upwardly opening U-shaped anchoring
channel formation 67 adapted to receive the threaded shaF-ts 38
of pressure plate compression screws 30 all in a rnanner as ear-
lier described in connection with the components comprising head
structure 12 and sill structure 14.
The configuration of opposite symmetry of upstanding flan~e
formations 62 and 63 separated by U-shaped channel Formation 67
define with the wall portion 64 of rafter 18 a pair of open end-
ed drainage channel formations 68 and 69 which extend uninter-
ruptedly throughout the length of rafter 18 from head structure
12 to the sill structure 14 and with openings thereinto extend-
ing longitudinally therealong which constitute the main draina~e
passages.
As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, particularly at the
intersection of rafter 18 with sill structure 14 rafter 18 is
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63~
cut away or recessed as at 70 below the principal upper wall
portion 6~ to thereby present to sill structure 14 a projecting
portion 72 which is adapted to overlie extruded sill member ~3
and terminate inwardly of upstanding ~all formation 47 whereby
any drainage is discharged below the juncture of rafter 18 with
sill member 43.
Extruded aluminum supporting structural members 51 of the
sill structure 14 are dimensioned such that they extend between
the projecting portions 72 of rafters 18 with the ends of such
members 51 abutting the outer surfaces of flange formations 62
and 63 of projecting portions 72 and rafter 18 respectively.
Flange formations 53 of extruded supporting structural mem-
ber 51 are appropriately dimensioned and arranged so as to regi-
ster with opposed -Flange Formations 62 and 63 of rafter 18 res-
pectively whereby the serrated gripping surfaces thereof For
main seal component 33 are disposed in substantially coplanar
relation.
Likewise in relation to head structure 12 the upper ends of
rafters 18 are recessed as at 73 below the principal upper w~ll
portions 64 thereof to provide upper projecting portions 7~
which overlap the upper surface of the lower arm portion 22b of
main structural support member 21 and anchored -thereto by means
of shear transfer bolts 31.
Likewise the ends of supporting structural members 24 of
head structure 12 abut the outer surfaces of the projecting por-
tions 74 of rafters 18 the dimensioning of the supporting struc-
tural members 24 likewise being selected and the components
arranged so that the flange formations 28 thereoF register with
the opposed platform formations 62 and 63 of rafters 18. Thus
tlle serrated surfaces of the respective flange Formations are
disposed in substantially coplanar relation for the receptlon of
the lengths of the main seal components 33 to provide a
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perimetral barrier therearound when a double glazed window unit
32 is clamped into position thereupon
It will be observed From fi~ure 1 that purlins 2~ of the
framework 16 intersect with raf-ters 18 at intervals~
Purlins 20 are likewise preferably derived from an aluminum
extrusion or alloy thereofO
According to the preferred embodiment as particularly illu-
strated in figure 5, purlins 20 have a tubular or hollow con-
struction with the principal wall portion 75 thereof presenting
spaced apart upwardly extending walls terminating in inwardly
extending opposed flange or platform formations 76 and 77 res-
pectively located above wall portion 75 thereby deFining a pair
of channel formations as at 73a 73b~
Opposed flange formations 76 and 77 are separated by a cen-
trally located upwardly extending U-shaped anchoring channe
formation 78 which is adapted to cooperate with the threade
shafts 38 of the pressure plate compression screws 30, all in a
manner earlier explained in connection with the head structure
12 and sill structure 14.
Purlins 20 in addition are provided with condensation chan-
nel formations 79 and 80 extending outwardly from the opposed
wall portions 81 and 82 thereof to trap any moisture condensed
on the surfaces of the purlins or on the inner surfaces of the
double glazed window units 32 next to the main seal connection
established therebetween.
According to the invention the ends of purlins 20 are cut
away as at 83a and 83b respectively below the principal wall
portion 75 thereof and thereby present projection portion 84a
and 84b at each end which as illustrated in figure 6 are adapted
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to overlap the juncture with rafters 18 and discharge any water
or condensed water vapour collected therein into drainage chan-
nel formations 68 and 69 respectively of the rafter 18 inwardly
of the aforernentioned intersec-tion
Projection portions 84a and 84b are adapted to register
within opposed recesses or openings 85 and 86 respectively form-
ed in opposed wall and flange or platform formations 629 63 of
rafter 18, which recesses 85 and 86 have a perimeter matching
the perimeter of projectlon portions 84a~ 84b of purlins 20
registered therewith.
This arrangement ensures that a substantially rigid connec-
tion between rafters 18 and purlins 20 in a direc-tion longitudi-
nally of the rafter 18 and preserves the seal to be established
therebetween as will be described.
Underlying each of projection portions 84a, 84b of purlin
20 and located within each drainage channel formation 68, 69
respectively of rafter 18 are like separable metal novel clips
87 derived from a length of suitable aluminum extrusion or alloy
thereof.
Clips ~7 each include a central platform portion or web 88
as best seen in figures 3 and 4 flanked by a pair of upstancling
wall portions 90 and 92, legs 90 and 92 having an extent such
that the central platform formation or web 88 is supportecl
slightly above the main wall portion 64 of rafter 18 and bridge
the separation between such main wall portion 6~ and the under-
surfaces 93, 9~ of the respective flange formations 62 63 of
rafter 18 next adjacent recesses 85 86~
Wall portions 90, 92 terminate uppermost in wing-like ex-
tensions 95 96 respectively which project from wall portions
90~ 92 in opposed ~irections to lie next below undersurfaces 93
94 of the respective flange formations 62 63 next adjacent
openings 85 86.
Clips 87 are dimensioned so that the upper surface 95 of
central platform formation 88 -thereo~ and the inner surFaces
97a, 97b respectively of wall portions 90, 92 will register with
and match the outline or perimeter of the recesses 85, 86 of
each of the respective flange formations 62, 63 and form an
inward extension thereof thus together with the perimeter oF
recesses 85 86 both embracing and supporting the projecting
portions 84a, 84b of the intersecting purlins 20 therewithin
respectively.
Upper surface 95 of central platforrn formation 88 of clip
87 and the surfaces 97a, 97b of the legs 90, 92 thereof are
suitably serrated as illustrated in figure 2 so as to provide an
extended gripping surface to a selected sealant such as liquid
butyl to bond with and effectively seal the separation between
rafters 18 and purlin 20 under clamped engagement therebetween.
The particular connection between rafter and purlin so des-
cribed is adapted to be achieved by means of assembly screws 9~
99 which penetrate that portion of the wall 75 of purlin 20lying within the extent of the projecting portions 84a and 84b
thereof beyond -the line of juncture or intersection between
purlin and rafter
The threaded shafts 100, 101 o-~ assembly screws 98 99
register within apertures lQ3, 104 presented by platForm forma-
tion 88 of clips 87 and draw clips 87 upwardly and force pro-
jecting portions 84a, 84b of purlins 20 downwardly to achieve
tight clamping engagement between upper surfaces 95 of central0 platform formations 88 and the lower surfaces of the principal
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upper wall portion 75 and the sur~aces of the side wall portions81. 82 of the projecting portions 8~a~ 84b of purlins 20 to
which the aforementioned sealant has been adheredO
This clamping action exerted by the assembly screws 98 99
in establishing a connection between purlins 20 and clips 87
urges the wing extensions 95, 96 of clips 87 into engagement
with the undersurfaces 93, 9~ of the respective flange forma-
tions 62 63 of rafter 18 thereby resiliently anchoring purlins
20 to rafter 18 and notably without the threaded shafts 100 and
101 of assembly screws 98, g9 penetrating the principal upper
wall portion 64 of rafter 18.
Accordingly, in so far as framework 16 is concerned there
is no breach by an assembly screw or other fastener of any prin-
cipal ~all portion 64 o-f rafter 18 which serves as the bottom
wall for drainage channels 68, 69 or any principal wall portion
75 of purlin 20 which serves as the bottom wall for drainage
channels 73a~ 73b in any region except where the projecting por-
tions 72 and 74 of the rafter 18 overlap the supporting struc-
tural support member of the head structure 12 or sill structure
1~ or except where the projecting portions 84a~ 8~b of the pur-
lins 20 overlap the drainage channel formations 68 69 of
rafters 18. Thus the integrity of the metal barrier constitute
by structural members is preserved.
One of the clips 87 illustrated in figure 2 of the drawings
is shown in place immediately prior to being clamped by assembly
screws 98 99 to purlin pro~jecting portion 84a. The relation-
ship established between inserted clip 87 and upstanding flange
formation 62 with clip 87 in place is illustrated by figure 4 of
the drawings.
The other clip 87 illustrated in figure 2 which is likewise
adapted to secure and anchor purlin projecting portion 84b to
rafter 18 is shown in a position above the opening 86 with an
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arrow 102 indicating the direction of inserting suoh clip 87
within such opening 86 and below the adjacent ends o-f flange
formation 63 presented to recess 86.
More particularly, in figure 3 the manner of inserting clip
87 within the drainage channel formations of the rafter 18 to
register with the openings 85, 86 is shown in stages by means of
solid and broken outline whereby clip 87 is ultimately seated in
full registration with the opening 86.
The preferred sealant liquid butyl which is applied and
10 spread over the upper serrated surfaces 95 of central platform
formation 88 and surfaces 96 97 of wall portions 91, 92 of
clips 87 as well as over the edges of the respective recesses
85, 86 in rafter 18 and over the mating surfaces of the project-
ing portions 84a, 8~b of purlins 20 is cured filling up any
separation therebetween and establishing a strong resilient bond
between opposed surfaces thereby ensuring that a substantially
permanent barrier will persist minimizing if not eliminating
penetration of atmosphere water or water vapour from the drain-
age channels 68 69 of the rafters 18 to the space enclosed by
20 the gl azed system.
It will be understood that this resilient connection de-
rivecl by clamping purlins 2() to rafters 18 in the manner out-
lined creates a resilient bonding along with a mechanical con-
nection that is derived from clamping engagement as opposed to
direct attachment of purlin to rafter by a bracket and threaded
fasteners. This connection or joint will withstand the loading
generated by the expansion and contraction of the components
over a wide range of temperatures and deformation to which the
structure is subjected by climate/ interior heating and forces
30 generated by the wind or by rainwater or under accumulations of
snow or ice.
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~:191~i~6~
It is also to be observed that purlins 20 of framework 16
are appropriately dimensioned so as to present to flange forma-
tions 6Z, 63 of rafters 18 the opposed purlin flange formations
76, 77 as particularly illustrated in figures 5 and 6 thus
establishing the substantially coplanar relationship to support
the lengths of the main seal component 33 which underlie the
edges of the double glazed window units 32 and provide a contin-
uous main peripheral seal 33 peripherally below such window
units.
].0 More particularly it is to be observed that the opposed
purlin flange formations 76 77 together with purlin upper wall
75 and centrally located and upstanding U-shdped anchoring chan-
nel 78 define a pair of drainage channels 73a and 74a for col-
lecting and discharging rainwater or condensed water vapour to
the drainage channel formations 68 and 69 oF rafters 18.
Figure 6 of the drawings shows that the open ends oF purlin
projecting portions 84a, 84b are spaced from the central up-
standing lJ-shaped anchoriny channel formation 67 of rafter 18 so
that drainage from channel formations 73a and 74a is unobstruct-
ed for the ready discharge of accumulated runoFF or condensed
vapour~
System 10 establishecl by the intersecting, interconnected
rafters 18 and purlins 20 appropriately anchored and completed
by head structure 12 and ~he sill structure 14 as outlined pro-
vide the requisite uninterrupted perimetral support for double
glazed window units 32 clamped in place sealed outermost under
the clamping pressure exerted by pressure plates 35 and pressure
plate compression screws 30 and associated dry seals 33 and rarnp
seals 54 against the outer surFace of window units 32
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constituting a first barrier to the penetration o~ the atmos-
phere or rainwater
Each such clamped window unit 32 supported upon framework
16 is bounded by an interior peripheral drainage channel forma-
tion comprised of drainage channels 68 or 69 of rafters 18 or
drainage channels 73a and 74a of purlins 20 and lowermost by the
channels 105 defined within extruded supporting structural mem-
bers 51 of sill structure 14.
Any rainwater or melted snow or ice penetrating the seals
of pressure plates 35 or water vapour condensing within the
interior drainage channels will be directed to the sill struc-
ture and ultimately discharged to the atmosphere through drain-
age openings 59 and 60.
It is essential in the mounting o-F the double glazed window
units 32 within the supporting framework 1~ tha-t appropriate
double glazing supports in the form of an upstanding barrier 55
and setting blocks 57 be installed where necessary as shown in
broken outline in figure 5, which arrangement corresponds to
that employed in the sill structure 14.
Further it is to be understood that in the case of the
seals associated with the pressure plate sections 35 which are
to be secured to purlins 20 the upper seals are preferably ramp
seals as indicated at 106 in figure 5. The ramp seal 106 of
figure 5 and ramp seal 54 of figure 8 provide a greater surFace
of gripping contact and thereby tend to preserve the integrity
of the connection as well as better deflect any descending rain-
water or accumulations of snow or ice lodged on the exterior
surface.
It will be understood that the intersecting pressure plates
35 are suitably cut and placed to overlie and isolate from the
- 20 -
6~
exterior the entire interior drainage channel system by means of
associated seals 33 and ramp seals 54 and 106 and are to be
maintained under a clamping pressure of the order of 10 PSI
against the perimeters of the double glazed ~indow units 32 to
preserve the connection.
With such an arrangement the major proportion of the com-
ponents of the metal framework 16 the head structure 12 and the
sill structure 14 are likewise isolated from the exterior atmos-
phere with the practical result that a maximum metal surface is
exposed to the temperature of the interior with the minimum
mètal surface exposed to the exterior Thus such an arrangement
minimizes heat transfer to and from the interior or enclosed
space and brings the control of the interior atmosphere within
better defined limits.
The second barrier to penetration is constituted by the
interior drainage channel system which include the downsloped,
overlapping projection portions of the respective purlin and
rafters all exteriorally located of the main seal components 33
and therebetween thereby minimizing the likelihood of penetra-
tion of the atmosphere or water into the enclosed interior spaceand thereby preserving its integrity~
Finally by reason of the novel clamping interlock between
rafter 18 and purlins 20 by means of the clip 87 and associated
assembly screws and the resilient bond established therebetween
by the confined sealant a flexible connection or joint capable
of accomodating loading due to expansion and contraction over a
wide range of temperatures and applied forces is achieved while
any penetration therebetween is blocked
It will be understood that this invention gives rise to the
ready provision of a much greater expanse of substantially im-
penetrable glazed structure than here-tofore contemplated and
- 21 -
thereby extends the boundaries of open concept architecture.
The framework 16 can be supported along the sides thereof
between the head structure 12 and sill structure 14 by a variety
of structural alternatives derived from formed a1uminum sheeting
anchored to suitable supporting members or walls in a manner
similar to that illustrated in connection with the head struc-
ture or to adjacent like glazed frameworks as for example angled
to one another in multifaceted skylight construction
Modified shapes or configurations of rafters 18 and purlins
20 may be substituted for these illustrated to provide a dome-
like or barrel vault structure according to specification.
Single glazing or triple glazing may be substituted for
double glazing.
It will be understood therefore that it is intended that
changes can be made in the preferred embodiment described and
illustrated herein by those persons skilled in this field with-
out departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
