Curtain wall structure
AssigneeRobertson-Ceco Corporation
InventorsBenigno N. Parinas, Elio P. Toffoli, Jesse G. Vokey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A curtain wall structure assembled from modular frame assemblies and having an improved four corner joint construction of more than adequate weathertightness. Alignment means is provided for structurally connecting lower head rails in axially aligned relation. Filler strip means and lap strip means cooperate with the alignment means to cap a vertical conduit formed by interlocked mullion sections; and to seal a gap and a space presented between adjacent interlocked head and sill rails thereby providing a wearthertight four corner joint.
Claims9
A four corner joint between first and second lower modular frame assemblies and third and fourth upper modular frame assemblies of a curtain wall structure comprising:
- each modular frame assembly comprising a head rail and a sill rail extending in parallel, a first mullion section and a second mullion section extending in parallel and secured to opposite ends of said head rail and said sill rail;
- the first and second mullion sections having mating structure such that the first mullion section of one modular frame assembly slidingly interlocks with the second mullion section of an adjacent modular frame assembly in side-by-side relation;
- the head and sill rails having mating structure such that the sill rail of an upper modular frame assembly slidingly interlocks with the head rail of a lower modular frame assembly in top-to-bottom relation;
- the head rails of adjacent interlocked modular frame assemblies being separated by interlocked first and second mullion sections and having a gap therebetween;
- alignment means spanning across said gap and between adjacent head rails of said first and second lower modular frame assemblies, structurally connecting the adjacent head rails in axially aligned relation;
- said adjacent head rails each presenting spaced-apart outboard and inboard upstanding walls defining an alignment channel extending parallel with said head rails;
- said alignment means having opposite ends captively retained in the alignment channels of said adjacent first and second lower modular frame assemblies;
- filler strip means disposed between said alignment means and said lap strip means, and comprising a continuity of said outboard upstanding walls;
- the adjacent head rails of said first and second lower modular frame assemblies presenting spaced-apart panel receiving structure projecting outwardly of said alignment means and having a space therebetween;
- and
- lap strip means spanning across said space and overlying said spaced-apart panel receiving structures of said first and second lower modular frame assemblies;
- said alignment means and said lap strip means cooperating to preclude ingress of wind driven rain and moisture through said four corner joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.