United States Patent (19)
`Taylor
`
`54
`
`LGHT TRANSMITTING ROOF/FLOOR
`SYSTEM
`
`75
`
`(73)
`
`Inventor: John R. Taylor, Irving. Tex.
`Assignee: Innovative Building Products, Inc.,
`Fort Worth, Tex.
`
`21
`22)
`51
`52
`
`58
`
`Appl. No.: 559,770
`Filed:
`Nov. 15, 1995
`Int. Cl. ................... E04B 5146; E04C 1/42
`U.S. Cl. ............................. 52/308: 52/200; 52?656.2;
`428/428; 428/437
`Field of Search .............................. 52/200, 235, 307,
`52/308,384, 387, 656.2; 428/426, 428,
`437
`
`56
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,667,484 4/1928 Liese.
`1940,968 12/1933 Ohlis ......................................... 189/76
`1946,977 2/1934 Lenke ...
`... 94/27
`1987,490 1/1935 Mulford ...
`... 94/27
`2,182,97
`12/1939 Richards ..
`... 94/28
`2, 198450 4/1940 Chertkof .
`... 108/16
`2,199,244 4/1940 Mulford ...
`... 10816
`2,655.88
`10/1953 Lenke .......
`108/16
`4,455.798 6/1984 Tsakiris ..................................... 52/200
`4,494,342
`1/1985 Decker .....
`... 52/786.1 X
`4,638,613 1/987 Tinsmann
`... 52'23S
`4.924,649 5/1990 Taylor ......
`52/556
`4,999,964 3/1991 Taylor.
`5230S
`5,003,744 4/1991 Taylor ..
`5,042,210 8/1991 Taylor ....................................... 52/307
`5,071,692 12/1991 Jourdaine .....
`... 428/426X
`5.45,744 9/1992 Cartier et al. ....................... 428,437 X
`
`
`
`USOO5715636A
`Patent Number:
`11
`45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,715,636
`Feb. 10, 1998
`
`5,216,855 6/1993 Richter et al. ............................ 52/200
`5,218,806 6/1993 Taylor ...........
`... 52410
`5,352,528 10/1994 L'Her et al. ...
`428/44 X
`5,356,675 10/1994 Unger et al. .......
`52/786.1 X
`5,462,805 10/1995 Sakamoto et al. .
`428/426X
`5,496,621
`3/1996 Makita et al. .
`428/437 X
`5,544.455 8/1996 DeBlock ................................... 52/200
`
`Primary Examiner-Carl D. Friedman
`Assistant Examiner-Yvonne Horton-Richardson
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Akin, Gump, Strauss. Hauer &
`Feld, L.L.P.
`ABSTRACT
`57
`A light transmitting roof, skylight or interior floor/ceiling
`includes plural panels each having a light transmitting plate
`assembly formed of a glass plate laminated to a plastic plate
`having a lower thermal conductivity or a glass plate sup
`ported on a grid of glass blocks. The glass and plastic plates
`are secured together by a silicone adhesive disposed in a
`peripheral ledge or channel formed in one of the plate
`members. A perimeter frame is secured to the plate
`assembly, is inset from the side edges of the plate assembly
`and may include a grid of divider members for aesthetic and
`light transmitting purposes or for supporting the glass
`blocks. The perimeterframe is secured to the laminated plate
`assembly by angle members and the frame is secured to a
`substructure such as a grid of beams by respective angle
`members. Alternatively, the frame supports the glass blocks,
`rests on the beam grid and the glass plate has a depending
`perimeter guide member which locates the glass plate with
`respect to the frame and a thermal barrier member disposed
`around the periphery of the frame. The panels are disposed
`directly adjacent to each other and in sealing engagement by
`peripheral resilient seals.
`
`32 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 1 of 14
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 10, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 7
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`5,715,636
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 2 of 14
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`U.S. Patent
`
`
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`Feb. 10, 1998
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`5,715,636
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 3 of 14
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 10, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`5,715,636
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 4 of 14
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 10, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of 7
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`5,715,636
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 5 of 14
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
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`Page 6 of 14
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 6 of 14
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`Feb. 10, 1998
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 7 of 14
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 10, 1998
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 8 of 14
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`

`

`1
`LIGHT TRANSMITTING ROOF/FLOOR
`SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention pertains to a floor, roof or skylight
`System comprising a grid of light-transmitting panels, each
`adapted to be disposed on a grid of support beams or joists.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTON
`There are many architectural applications where a struc
`tural member, such as a floor or roof, is desired to be
`light-transmitting. My U.S. Pat. Nos. 4.999,964 and 5.042.
`210 are directed to floor, wall and skylight systems which
`utilize light-transmitting members such as so-called glass
`"blocks". Glass blocks are widely used in residential and
`commercial buildings and are commonly clustered in a panel
`in various and often distinctive geometric patterns. Glass
`blocks are commercially available in both solid and hollow
`core configurations, but the use of glass blocks in floor or
`roof structures has been limited in exterior/interior barrier
`applications due to the high thermal conductivity of the glass
`blocks and the resulting condensation of water vapor on the
`interior facing surfaces of the blocks. Hollow core glass
`blocks are generally not suitable for floor or roof structures
`due to their lack of load-bearing capability.
`Another factor that has limited the use of glass blocks in
`roof structures pertains to the large number of blocks
`required per unit area and the accompanying sealing prob
`lems resulting from the increased number of structural units
`requiring a weather tight seal and problems caused by
`thermal expansion and contraction of the blocks.
`Accordingly, there has been a strongly-felt need to
`develop a light-transmitting or "glass" floor, roof or skylight
`structure, particularly adapted for use as a barrier between
`the out-of-doors and the building interior, which has suitable
`load-bearing capability as a floor or roof structure, which is
`substantially transparent, has low thermal conductivity
`thereby minimizing heating or cooling losses and conden
`sation on the interior surfaces of the floor, ceiling or roof and
`which has reduced chance of leakage when used as an
`exterior roof or skylight structure. It is to these ends that the
`present invention has been developed.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention provides a unique architectural
`assembly which utilizes a grid of light-transmitting panels,
`each panel including means for supporting the panel on a
`joist or rafter grid.
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a
`unique light-transmitting panel is provided for use as a
`structural member for floors, ceilings, roofs, skylights, walls
`and similar applications in residential or commercial
`buildings, which is of a load-bearing capability sufficient to
`permit its use as a floor or roof member, is sufficiently large
`to minimize the chance of air and water leakage when used
`as a roof or skylight member and is of relatively low thermal
`conductivity to minimize condensation of water vapor on the
`interior surfaces thereof. The panel is preferably character
`ized by a laminated plate assembly having a transparent
`glass outer plate and a transparent inner plate or substrate.
`The plate assembly may be supported by a unique inset
`perimeter frame adapted to be supported by a rafter or joist
`grid system.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
`panels are each characterized by a generally rectangular
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`65
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`5,715,636
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`2
`light-transmitting laminated plate assembly having an outer
`or top layer of glass disposed on a substrate formed of a
`load-bearing, low thermal conductivity light-transmitting
`member such as an acrylic plastic or the like. The laminated
`plates are supported by a perimeter frame which is attached
`to the plates and to the joist or rafter grid by a unique
`arrangement of connecting members. The perimeter frame
`may also include a grid made up of load-transmitting and
`light-reflecting members to aid in supporting the plate
`assembly and to enhance the aesthetic and light-transmitting
`effect of the panels.
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
`invention, the panels are characterized by a generally rect
`angular light transmitting plate member which overlies a
`generally rectangular grid of light transmitting glass blocks
`supported by a frame. The frame is supported on a rafter or
`joist grid system. Each plate member is provided with a
`perimeter guide for positioning the plate member above and
`supported on the glass block grid. The panel is adapted for
`use as a floor, ceiling, roof, skylight or wall structure, has
`pedestrianloadbearing capability and is uniquely adapted to
`minimize thermal conductivity.
`The present invention provides certain unique advantages
`heretofore unavailable for structural applications where it is
`desired to have a load-bearing floor, ceiling or roof structure
`which is light-transmitting, preferably transparent, and is
`made up of panels which may be easily put in place and
`secured to a substructure offloor joists or rafters. The panels
`are particularly adapted for use as a building exterior/interior
`barrier and enjoy certain benefits that will be further appre
`ciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed
`description which follows in conjunction with the drawing.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIG. 1 is a vertical elevation, in somewhat schematic
`form, of a portion of a multi-story building utilizing a
`light-transmitted floor and roof assembly in accordance with
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the roof
`assembly of the building shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a top plan view of one of the panels of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the panel shown in FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the panel shown in FIG.
`3;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a floor joist
`or roof rafter grid showing one of the light-transmitting
`panels partially disassembled;
`FIG.7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
`support frame for the light-transmitting panel of the inven
`tion;
`FIG. 8 is a detailed section view taken along the line 8-8
`of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the major
`elements of an alternate embodiment of a panel in accor
`dance with the invention;
`FIG. 10 is a detail section view taken generally from the
`line 10-10 of FIG. 9 and showing certain details of the
`structural features of portions of adjacent panels of the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 9; and
`FIG. 11 is a detail section view taken in the same plane as
`the view of FIG. 10 on a larger scale.
`DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`In the description which follows like parts are marked
`throughout the specification and drawing with the same
`
`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 9 of 14
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`5,715,636
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`5
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`20
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`25
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`3
`reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are
`not necessarily to scale in the interest of clarity and con
`ciseness.
`Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, in somewhat sche
`matic form, a multi-story building 10 having a wing 12 with
`a generally flat roof section 14 defined in part by a rafter grid
`including longitudinal beams or rafters 16 and transverse
`beams or rafters 18. The roof section 14 may also comprise
`a pedestrian walkway, observation deck, running track or the
`like. By way of example, the building 10 may also have an
`interior floor/ceiling structure 20 formed by joists 22 and 24
`having essentially the same grid pattern as the rafters 16 and
`18. The roof section 14 as well as the floor/ceiling 20 may
`be constructed in accordance with the present invention.
`For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. the roof section
`14 is made up of a plurality of unique light transmitting
`panels 26, in accordance with the present invention, which
`are transparent or translucent and are supported by the
`beams 16 and 18. It will be understood that the floor/ceiling
`20 on the interior of the building 10 may also be constructed,
`if desired, in substantially the same manner, and utilizing the
`panels 26. However, for sake of discussion herein, portions
`of the following detailed description will refer to the roof
`section 14 made up of the panels 26 supported on the grid
`of beams or rafters 16 and 18. The panels 26 are particularly
`adapted for being disposed as a roof, skylight or exterior
`wall structure forming a barrier between the exterior of the
`building 10 and an interior, air-conditioned space 11, for
`example.
`Referring now to FIG. 6, a portion of the roof rafter grid
`formed by the beams 16 and 18 is illustrated wherein the
`beams 16 and 18 are shown as having an Ibeam-type cross
`section configuration The beams 16 have opposed flanges
`16a and 16b and a connecting web 16c. In like manner, the
`beams 18 have opposed flanges 18a and 18b and a connect
`35
`ing web 18c. Other beam cross-sectional configurations may
`be utilized as long as a generally flat or planar upper surface
`16d, 18d is provided to form a generally rectangular or
`square perimeter surface for supporting the panels 26,
`respectively. Although a rectangular or square grid system is
`preferred for supporting the panels 26, the panels may also
`be supported between elongated parallel beams, such as
`either the beams 16 or 18, without the transverse connec
`tions provided by the grid system shown. Referring further
`to FIG. 6, and also FIGS. 3 through 5, each of the panels 26
`45
`is made up of a laminated plate assembly 31, FIGS. 3
`through 5. having a rectangular, preferably square, shape
`with peripheral opposed sides 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d. The
`plate assembly 31 includes a top or outer member plate 32
`formed of a suitable light-transmitting material, preferably a
`high strength abrasion-resistant glass. The "floor" or exterior
`surface 34 of the plate 32 may be suitably etched at 35. FIG.
`6. to provide a stripe pattern anti-skid surface texture, or
`otherwise have a suitable coating placed thereon, for
`example, to provide such anti-skid surface. The plate assem
`bly 31 also includes a second rectangular plate member 36
`which is suitably secured to the plate member 32 in a manner
`to be described herein and which aids substantially in
`forming a load bearing structure and a thermal barrier
`between the plate member 32 and an interior air conditioned
`space, such as the space 11 in the building 10.
`The plate member 36 is preferably formed with an inset
`or ledge 38, around the periphery thereof for a purpose to be
`described hereinbelow. The plate member 38 is also formed
`of a transparent or translucent material such as a high
`strength acrylic plastic. For use as a floor or roof structure,
`the plates 32 and 36 are preferably of about 0.50 inches and
`
`4
`1.0 inches thick, respectively. The floor or roof plate assem
`bly 31 may be made up of the laminated plate members 32
`and 36 and fabricated as approximately 1.0 meter or 4.0 foot
`square sections.
`Referring further to FIG. 6, the panel 26 is also charac
`terized by a support frame 40 of generally rectangular or
`square configuration and made up of perimeter members 42,
`44, 46 and 48. The cross-sectional configuration of the
`members 42, 44, 46 and 48 may be identical and may be of
`a type to be described herein. The frame 40 may also include
`an interior grid formed of intersecting, generally planar
`divider members 50 and 52, respectively, having the same
`depth as the frame 40. The members 50 extend parallel to
`each other, equally spaced apart, between the frame mem
`bers 44 and 48 and the members 52 extend parallel to each
`other, equally spaced apart, between the frame and members
`42 and 46. As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, the frame 40 is
`inset from the side edges 31a through 31d of the plate
`assembly 31 to provide a peripheral cantilever portion 31e of
`the plate assembly 31 between each of the side edges 31a
`through 31d and the periphery of the frame 40.
`The panel 26 further includes connector members for
`securing the frame 40 to the plate assembly 31, comprising
`respective opposed members 54 having a somewhat "S"
`shaped cross section, see FIG. 8, also. The members 54 each
`have a first flange 54a operable to be connected to plate 36.
`a second flange 54b engaged with frame members 42, 44.46
`or 48, as shown by way of example, in FIG. 8, and a
`connecting web 54c. The members 54 are adapted to be
`secured to the plate 36 by suitable fastener means to be
`described further hereinbelow. A panel 26 made up of the
`laminated plate assembly 31, the frame 40 and the connector
`members 54 may be secured in a working position between
`respective pairs of beams 16 and 18 by opposed retainer
`members 56 which are also formed in cross section as
`somewhat L-shaped or angle members. Each of the retainer
`members 56 has appropriately spaced apart slots 58 formed
`thereinto accommodate the grid divider members 50 and 52.
`The frame 40 is secured to a flange 16a or 18a of the beams
`16 and 18, respectively, by the respective retainer members
`56, also in a manner to be described in further detail herein.
`Referring now to FIG. 7, a portion of one preferred
`embodiment of the frame 40, is illustrated. By way of
`example, portions of two of the perimeter members 48 and
`42, are shown. Each of the frame members 42, 44, 46 and 48
`is preferably formed of extruded aluminum having a box
`beam cross section. The member 48 has a top wall 48a with
`a flange extension 48b, opposed parallel sidewalls 48c and
`48d and a bottom wall 48e. The members 42, 46 and 48 are
`similarly or identically constructed. At least one of the
`intersecting frame members, such as a member 42 and 48, is
`provided with a vertically extending slot, such as the slot 42f
`in FIG. 7, while the member 48 has an L-shaped slot 48f
`formed therein and co-operable with the slot 42f and a slot
`42g to allow the member 48 to nest in the member 42 and
`interlock with the member at the contiguous ends thereof.
`Each intersection of a perimeter member of the frame 40
`with an adjacent perimeter member is similarly configured
`to allow the members to be interlocked to each other. U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,042.210 describes a frame having essentially the
`same type of connection between the frame perimeter mem
`bers and the subject matter of that patent is hereby incor
`porated by reference herein.
`As further shown in FIG. 7, the divider plates 50 and 52
`are preferably formed as extruded T-section members having
`generally horizontal top flanges 50a and 52a, respectively,
`and depending webs 50b and 52b. Each of the perimeter
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`frame members 42 and 48, for example, is provided with
`suitable spaced apart slots 42h and 48h and each of the
`divider members is provided with spaced apart slots 50c and
`52c to provide for interlocking the divider members with the
`frame members and with the divider members extending
`transversely thereto to provide a somewhat "egg carton”
`type construction. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the
`assembled frame 40 comprises a generally perimeter frame
`structure formed by the members 42. 44, 46 and 48 and a
`grid formed by the intersecting divider members 50 and 52.
`Lastly, the plural members 54, adapted to be engaged with
`each of the perimeter frame members 42, 44, 46 and 48
`along the lower outer sidewalls thereof, respectively, also
`serve to retain the divider members 50 and 52 in the
`above-described slots formed in the respective perimeter
`frame members.
`Referring now to FIG. 8, portions of adjacent panels 26
`are illustrated showing certain details of the manner in
`which the plate members 32 and 36 are secured to each
`other, the plate members 36 are secured to the frames 40 and
`the frames 40 are secured to the beams 16 and 18; The beams
`16 are shown in FIG. 8, by way of example, together with
`portions of frames 40 for adjacent panels 26, which portions
`are indicated by the frame members 44 and 48 of the
`respective adjacent panels. The plate members 32 and 36 are
`preferably secured to each other by a band of silicon
`adhesive 64 disposed in the inset or 1edge 38 around the
`periphery of the plate members 36, respectively. The side
`wall surface 39 of the ledge 38 which is normal to the
`surface 34 of plate member 32 is preferably provided with
`a coating or layer 39a of suitable material which will prevent
`adherence of the silicon adhesive 64 to the surface 39.
`However, the adhesive 64 will bond to the plate members 32
`and 36 otherwise and will secure the plate members together.
`The seal provided by the adhesive 64 also aids informing a
`vacuum on the contiguous planar surfaces 32a and 36a of
`the plate members 32 and 36 to also aid in adhering the two
`plate members together. The silicon adhesive 64 also allows
`for differential thermal expansion of the plate members 32
`and 36, without loss of bond between the plate members due,
`in part, to the non-adherence of the silicon adhesive to the
`wall surface 39.
`In the assembled position of the panels 26, shown by way
`of example in FIG. 8, a peripheral gasket 66 is formed
`around each plate member 36, see FIG. 6 also. The gasket 66
`is preferably formed of a suitable sealant material such as a
`conventional exterior grade silicone sealant. The gasket 66
`may be a continuous piece or may be provided as a tape
`which is wrapped around the plate assembly 31.
`When the panels 26 are placed adjacent to each other, the
`gaskets 66 are in contiguous, watertight relationship to each
`other. To further reduce the chance of moisture or air leakage
`between the panels 26, a peripheral seal member 70 is
`interposed between the plate assemblies 31 above the gas
`kets 66, as shown in FIG. 8, and the gap between plates 32
`of adjacent panels 26 further filled with silicon adhesive 72,
`as illustrated. Accordingly, a substantially watertight floor or
`roof structure may be provided by the seal structure formed
`between adjacent surfaces of adjacent panels 26. Notwith
`standing the substantial watertight seal provided by the
`above-described construction and the low thermal conduc
`tivity of the plate 36, the beam grid provided by the beams
`16 and 18 may include suitable guttering 19 interposed
`between adjacent panels 26, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.
`Referring further to FIG. 8, the frames 40 are secured to
`the laminated plate assemblies 31, comprising the plates 32
`and 36, by the connector members 54 which are suitably
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`secured to the frame 40 and the plates 36 by self-tapping
`threaded fasteners 74, for example. In like manner, the
`divider retainer members 60 are secured to the frames 40 by
`fasteners 74, also as shown in FIG. 8. Still further, the frame
`retainer members 56 are secured to the flanges 16a and 18a
`by hooking one leg 56a of the retainer member under the
`flange 16a, for example, as shown in FIG. S. and securing
`the other leg 56b to the inner wall of the frame 40, also by
`suitable fasteners 74, for example.
`Accordingly, the frames 40 may be fabricated from the
`extruded box beam members 42, 44, 46 and 48 assembled to
`each other in the manner described above together with the
`"egg carton” arrangement of the divider members 50 and 52.
`The divider members 50 and 52 are held in assembly with
`the frame members 42, 44, 46 and 48 by the members 54 and
`fasteners 74, also as described above. The frames 40 may
`also be fabricated by welding suitable perimeter members
`together to form the generally rectangular perimeter frame
`described and illustrated. The divider members 50 and 52
`may be eliminated, if desired. However, the divider mem
`bers 50 and 52 provide some structural rigidity for the
`frames 40, have certain aesthetic appeal and, if formed of a
`reflective material, such as polished aluminum, for example,
`aid in reflecting and transmitting light through the panels 26.
`The frame members 42, 44, 46 and 48 may also be formed
`of polished aluminum so that each of the spaces defined by
`the grid within the interior of the perimeter of the frame 40
`has substantial light reflecting and transmitting capability.
`The cantilever portion 31e of each panel 26 may be covered
`with an opaque coating on the underside of plate 36, if
`desired.
`The laminated plate assembly 31 for each of the panels 26
`is assembled by positioning the plates 32 and 36 contiguous
`and aligned with each other and by applying a layer of
`adhesive 64 to the routed inset or ledge 38 all around the
`perimeter of the plate member 36. The coating or tape 39a
`is applied to the surface 39 before applying the adhesive 64
`to prevent bonding of the adhesive to that surface. The
`adhesive 64 is, of course, adhered to the other surfaces of the
`plates 32 and 36 to bond the plates together, but to also allow
`for differential thermal expansion between the plates. By
`providing a plate assembly 31 described above for the panels
`26, the panels may be advantageously used as exterior roof
`or floor members. The low thermal conductivity of the
`acrylic plate members 36 will minimize heat transfer there
`through and condensation on the plate surface facing the
`interior building space.
`The panels 26 are preferably assembled by connecting the
`frames 40 to the laminated plates 32 and 36 after the plates
`have been secured to each other. Pilot fastener receiving
`openings are preferably formed in each of the members 54,
`the frame members 42, 44, 46 and 48, the retainer members
`56 and the plate member 36 for receiving the fasteners 74.
`Panels 26 comprising the laminated plates 32 and 36,
`together with the frames 40 and gaskets 66 connected
`thereto, are then mounted on the beam grid comprising the
`beams 16 and 18 and secured thereto using the retainer
`members 56 suitably secured in the manner showed in FIG.
`8 and described above. The small gaps between adjacent
`edges of each plate assembly 31 are further sealed with the
`gasket members 70 and sealant 72.
`Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a unique load
`bearing exterior to interior or interior to interior floor, roof
`or skylight structure may be provided by assembling plural
`panels 26, placing the panels on a suitable support structure
`such as the beam grid formed by the intersecting beams in
`
`ELY HOLDINGS EXHIBIT 1019
`Page 11 of 14
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`

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`5,715,636
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
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`7
`16 and 18 and securing the panels thereto in abutting
`relationship to each other with the seals formed by the
`gaskets 66, the perimeter rope gasket 70, and the sealant 72
`placed in the joint between each panel in the manner shown
`and described.
`Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of
`a load bearing and light transmitting panel is illustrated and
`generally designated by the numeral 80. The panel 80
`comprises a generally rectangular frame 82, preferably made
`up of inverted T cross section frame members 84, 86, 88 and
`90, FIG.9, each having a transverse bottom flange 92 and an
`upstanding web 94. A generally rectangular grid is formed
`between the perimeter members of the frame 82 by inter
`mediate frame members 96 and 98 which are arranged as
`shown in FIG. 9 in a pattern, equally spaced apart, to form
`plural receptacles 100, sixteen total, by way of example, for
`receiving generally rectangular or square glass blocks 102,
`one in each receptacle. The glass blocks 102 are character
`ized by opposed top and bottom surfaces 102a and 102b and
`an interconnecting exterior sidewall 102c. The blocks 102
`may be of conventional construction and of a type commer
`cially available. The T cross section frame members 84, 86,
`88. 90, 96 and 98 may be formed of structural steel or
`aluminum of a type commercially available and suitably
`secured together by conventional welding, for example.
`The panels 80 are further characterized by a floor or
`exterior roof plate member 106 which may be of a square or
`rectangular configuration, as shown, and has opposed sides
`106a and 106b which are parallel to each other and normal
`to a second set of opposed sides 106c and 106d, respectively.
`Opposed planar surfaces 106e and 106f further define the
`plate member 106. The plate member 106 is preferably
`formed of transparent tempered glass. A one meter square
`panel may require a thickness of about 0.75 inches for the
`plate member 106, for example. Each of the plate members
`106 has a depending peripheral guide member 108 suitably
`secured thereto by an adhesive or mechanical fasteners, not
`shown. As shown in FIG. 10, in particular, the guide 108 is
`formed by a somewhat inverted channel section having a
`web 198a, a short depending flange 108b, forming a mois
`ture drip edge, and a longer depending flange 108c extend
`ing normal to the plane of the surface 106f. The guide 108
`extends parallel to each of the sides 106a, 106b, 106c and
`106d of the plate 106 and is inset from these sides, as shown.
`The perimeter flange 108c formed by the rectangular perim
`eter guide 108 locates the plate 106 with respect to the
`remainder of the panel 80, which is defined generally by the
`frame 82, the glass blocks 102 disposed therein, and a
`perimeter thermal barrier disposed around the frame and
`described further herein.
`Referring further to FIGS. 9 and 10, each panel 80 also
`includes the aforementioned thermal barrier comprising
`plural, substantially rigid barrier members 110 which are
`disposed contiguous with the web 94 of each frame member
`84, 86.88 and 90 on the outer side of the web opposite the
`side defining the receptacles 100. The barrier members 110
`are coextensive with the length of the webs 94 and are
`suitably secured to the frame webs 94 by an adhesive, for
`example. The barrier members 110 are preferably formed of
`a rigid polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride.
`The panels 80 further include elongated cylindrical filler
`or backer rod members which areformed of a flexible closed
`cell plastic foam, each generally designated by the numeral
`112. Each of the rod members 112 is adapted to be inter
`posed between a portion of sidewall 102c of a glass block
`102 and an adjacent glass block or along the outer surfaces
`of the outer rows of blocks, between such blocks and the
`
`8
`barrier members 110. Short sections of backer rod 113, as
`shown by example in FIG. 9, are interposed between full
`length rods 112. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, at least two
`backer rods 112 are disposed contiguous with each other and
`are dimensioned to be slightly, elastically deformed when
`the panel 80 is assembled,
`As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the glass
`blocks 102 is also preferably nested in its receptacle 100
`with its upper surface 102a above the webs 94 of the frame
`members and with a layer of closed cell plastic foam tape
`114 interposed between the frame members of the frame 82
`and the outer surfaces of the blocks to provide a seal and
`resilient support for the blocks while allowing for differen
`tial thermal expansion between the blocks 102 and the
`structural steel or aluminum members of the frame 82.
`Referring further to FIG. 10, the barrier members 110 may
`be adapted to support a resilient weather strip member 118
`around the upwardly facing peripheral surface 110a of the
`barrier members and contiguous with the surface 106f of the
`plate 106.
`The panels 80 may be supported on the rafter orjoist grid
`16, 18 in somewhat the same manner as the panels 26. A
`plurality of frames 82 may be made up by conventional
`construction methods, such as welding the members 84, 86,
`88, 9.0, 96 and 98 together, to form the frame assembly
`shown in FIG.9. Glass blocks 102 may be placed in each of
`the receptacles 100 with the thermal expansion member 114
`disposed in the manner shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 around
`each of the blocks. Filler or backer rods 112 and 113 may be
`interposed between adjacent ones of the glass blocks 102
`and between the outside rows of blocks in each panel and the
`adjacent thermal barrier members 110, respectively. The
`barr