Patent Application
20240360677
This disclosure relates generally to a wall bracket and, in particular, to a façade cladding system that includes a bracket for fastening a sub-frame assembly to a load-bearing wall.
Façade systems may be used to provide exterior surfacing for buildings or structures. The façade system may not only provide aesthetic style or character to a building or structure, but the façade system may also impact the durability and energy efficiency of the building or structure, as well as weather protection for the building or structure and UV protection for people inside the building or structure. Façade systems may include brackets for fastening a number of different elements, such as façades panels or sheets, including rainscreen panels, as the exterior surface of a building or structure.
This disclosure relates generally to a wall bracket and, in particular, to a façade cladding system that includes a bracket for fastening a sub-frame assembly to a load-bearing wall. The bracket and sub-frame assembly are designed to simplify the process of building façade walls, and, in particular, rainscreen walls of all types including CI sub-framing and panel sub-framing. The bracket and/or sub-frame assembly are also designed and configured to provide support for light and heavy loads, e.g., wind load and dead load, including loads created by the most extreme weather conditions, since the bracket has a high strength-to-weight ratio, e.g., thinner but as strong as or stronger and the same as or more load resistant than a comparatively higher gauged bracket, e.g., thicker bracket. Additionally, the bracket and sub-frame assembly are designed to provide energy saving costs by having tight thermal cavities, e.g., for the insulation, and low thermal conductivity across the bracket, e.g., low thermal bridging effects, than assemblies without tight thermal cavities and high thermal conductivity brackets, e.g., aluminum brackets.
In an example embodiment, a bracket for fastening a sub-frame assembly is provided. The bracket includes a planar base portion; a planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable connected to the planar base portion at a connection joint; a plurality of fixing holes provided on the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable; and at least one strengthening rib provided on the planar base portion, the connection joint, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable. The planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable includes a thumb hold portion configured to engage the sub-frame assembly, and the planar base portion is configured to be connected to a load-bearing wall.
In another example embodiment, a rainscreen cladding system is provided. The rainscreen cladding system includes a plurality of sub-frame assemblies, a plurality of secondary portions configured to connect to a plurality of exterior panels and the plurality of sub-frame assemblies, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of brackets connectable to the plurality of sub-frame assemblies and a load bearing wall. Each of the plurality of brackets includes a planar base portion, a planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable connected to the planar base portion at a connection joint, a plurality of fixing holes provided on the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable, and at least one strengthening rib provided on the planar base portion, the connection joint, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable. The planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable includes a thumb hold portion configured to engage at least one of the plurality of sub-frame assemblies, and the planar base portion is configured to be connectable to a load-bearing wall. Additionally, the plurality of fasteners connects the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable to the at least of the plurality of sub-frame assemblies, the planar base portion to the load-bearing wall, the plurality of secondary portions to the sub-frame assemblies, and/or the exterior panels.
References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification can be practiced.
Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout.
This disclosure relates generally to a wall bracket and, in particular, to a façade cladding system that includes a bracket for fastening a sub-frame assembly to a load-bearing wall. The bracket and sub-frame assembly are designed to simplify the process of building façade walls, and, in particular, rainscreen walls of all types including continuous insulation (“CI”) sub-framing and panel sub-framing. The bracket and/or sub-frame assembly are also designed and configured to provide support for light and heavy loads, e.g., wind load and dead load, including loads created by the most extreme weather conditions, since the bracket has a high strength-to-weight ratio, e.g., thinner but as strong as or stronger and the same as or more load resistant than a comparatively higher gauged bracket, e.g., thicker bracket. Additionally, the bracket and sub-frame assembly are designed to provide energy saving costs by having tight thermal cavities, e.g., for the insulation, and low thermal conductivity across the bracket, e.g., low thermal bridging effects, than assemblies without tight thermal cavities and high thermal conductivity brackets, e.g., aluminum brackets.
That is, while current bracket designs may have structural and load challenges, thermal inefficiencies, and fundamental installation efficiencies, the brackets as described herein are configured to be stronger and more load resistant, more thermally efficient, and easier to install than the current bracket designs. For example, current brackets may be produced as aluminum extrusions. As such, while aluminum extruded brackets may be rust resistant and have good strength to weight ratios, e.g., about half the weight of stainless steel, aluminum extruded brackets have a high thermal conductivity, e.g., the aluminum extrusions act as thermal bridges, and have less load carrying capacity than steel, e.g., wind load and dead load applied to the façade system may cause the system to rotate and pull away from the load-bearing wall which may allow water or moisture penetration into the load-bearing wall and structure. On the other hand, the brackets as described herein may be made of steel and include a strengthening rib to allow the bracket to be configured to be thinner but have comparable or stronger load resistance than a comparably thicker bracket design.
In an embodiment, the façade cladding system may be a rainscreen cladding system that is configured to thermally insulate the building or structure and prevent moisture or water from entering the building or structure. In an embodiment, the rainscreen cladding system includes a cavity for facilitating the removal of water that penetrates the exterior surface of the rainscreen cladding system by providing an evaporation and drainage system to keep the building or structure dry, e.g., ventilation and drainage system. The rainscreen cladding system may also provide thermal insulation by providing shade for the building or structure and by dissipating heat. In an embodiment, instead of the heat transferring into the building or structure, the heat is radiated into the cavity such that the warmed air may move up and out the cavity by convection, which draws in cooler air at the base and insulate the primary wall structure of the building or structure. Moreover, in view of the temperature gradients provided by the rainscreen cladding system, condensation forms in the cavity to be evaporated, instead of forming within the primary wall structure.
The plurality of fixing holes 130 may be provided on the planar base portion 110 and/or the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. The plurality of fixing holes 130 may include a plurality of fixed point connection holes 132 that each have the same or different shapes, including, but not limited to being, oblong, circular, rectangular, etc. and a plurality of oblong holes 134, which may be ovular or oblong. While not intending to limit the scope of the disclosure, it is understood that the shape of the holes of the plurality of fixing holes 130 may be determined based on the function of the hole. In an embodiment, the hole may be circular for receiving a fastener, e.g., screw, bolt, pin, rivet, or the like, for a fixed point connection, e.g., the bracket is not slidable; but may be fixed and immovable when the fastener is secured to the load-bearing wall or façade.
In an embodiment, the hole may be oblong to allow movement, e.g., slidable, with respect to the load-bearing wall and/or the façade. For example, the bracket 100 may include an oblong hole on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 such that the fastener is partially secured to a sub-frame assembly, before another fastener is fixed in a hole at a fixed point connection to the sub-frame assembly, e.g., for final securement of the fastener, and/or to compensate or accommodate for linear thermal expansion and/or contraction.
In an embodiment, the planar base portion 110 may include a planar surface having rectangular, semi-spherical, semi-hexagonal, or semi-octagonal shape, or the like.
The planar base portion 110 may further include the plurality of fixing holes 130. In an embodiment, the plurality of fixing holes 130 includes the fixed point connection holes 132 for the planar base portion 110 in a specific arrangement to facilitate the transfer of load from the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 to the fastener(s) secured to a load-bearing wall. In an embodiment, fixed point connection holes 132 may be provided along a centerline and along an inner perimeter frame of the planar base portion 110, in which the inner perimeter frame is parallel to the connection joint 125, e.g., adjacent to the bending portion or connection joint 125. In an embodiment, the fixed point connection holes 132 provided along the inner perimeter frame may be between 0.5 and 1 inches, preferably 0.75 inches, from the connection joint 125 along the planar face of the planar base portion 110. The plurality of fixed point connection holes 132 may be spaced apart equally or unequally along the planar base portion 110. In an embodiment, a total number of fixed point connection holes 132 may be between one and eleven, and may be provided in a “T,” “E,” “U,” or “N” configuration, or the like. The total number of fixing holes 130 may be dependent on the length of the planar base portion 110. In an embodiment, the planar base portion 110 may have a length between about 3 and 6 inches, and preferably about 3 inches, a width between about 3 and 6 inches, and preferably about 4 inches, and a thickness between 10 gauge and 18 gauge, e.g., 0.134 to 0.05 inches. It is appreciated that the specific arrangement of the fixing holes 130 on the planar base portion 110 may allow the bracket 100 to be arranged in either a horizontal attachment arrangement or vertical attachment arrangement with respect to the load-bearing wall. As such, the bracket 100 may be a universal bracket for horizontal or vertical positioning, which may reduce the manufacturing needs for the façade or rainscreen, e.g., only a single bracket design is necessary for installation of the façade or rainscreen.
The planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 includes a planar surface having a rectangular, semi-spherical, semi-hexagonal, semi-octagonal, shape or the like, similar to a shape corresponding to the planar base portion 110. The planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 may further include a plurality of fixed point connection holes 132 and a plurality of oblong holes 134 for slidable movement with respect to the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. The arrangement of fixed point connection holes 132 and oblong holes 134 allows the temporary and/or immovable securement of a portion of the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100 and/or allows for linear thermal expansion or contraction of the various parts.
In an embodiment, the plurality of oblong holes 134 and the plurality of fixed point connection holes 132 are provided along a perimeter frame or end edge of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, in which the perimeter frame or end edge is parallel to the connection joint 125, but on an opposite side of the connection joint 125 thereof.
In an embodiment, the fixed point connection holes 132 may be provided between 0.30 and 0.60 inches, and preferably 0.44 inches, from the end edge of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 and between 0.25 and 0.50 inches, and preferably 0.375 inches, from the side edge of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120.
In an embodiment, the oblong holes 134 may be provided between 0.30 and 0.60 inches, and preferably 0.44 inches, from the end edge of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 and between 1.0 and 1.5 inches, and preferably 1.125 inches, from the side edge of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120.
In an embodiment, a total number of fixed point connection holes 132 and oblong holes 134 may be between four and eight, and may be provided in a linear arrangement, e.g., parallel to the perimeter frame or edge, or adjacent thereto, e.g., between two and four sets of fixed point connection holes 132 and oblong holes 134 parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the planar slidable or fixable portion 120 may have a length between about 2 inches and about 20 inches to accommodate for different cavity depths, and preferably about 3 to about 12 inches, a width between about 3 and about 6 inches, and a thickness between 10 gauge and 18 gauge, e.g., 0.134 to 0.05 inches. It is appreciated that the specific arrangement of the fixed point connection holes 132 and the oblong holes 132 on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 may be provided to allow the sliding adjustment of the sub-frame assembly, e.g., a rail portion or frame assembly to accommodate insulation, before fasteners are used to fix or immovably fasten the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100. As used herein, the term “about” includes ±5%, e.g., 0.1875 inches to 0.5 inches.
In an embodiment, the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 further includes a thumb hold portion 150 along a centerline of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, in which a portion of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 is separated such that a space 155 is created on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 from the separated portion. The thumb hold portion 150 may have a length between about 1.25 and about 12 inches and may be dependent on the length of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. In an embodiment, the thumb hold portion 150 may have a length of 1.75 inches. The space 155 may be provided between ⅓ and the entirety of the length of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 having a width between 0.25 and 0.075 inches, and, in an embodiment, may have a width of 0.450 inches.
In an embodiment, a first bent portion 256 may be bent at an angle of 146 degrees with respect to the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, a second bent portion 256 may be bent at an angle of 139 degrees with respect to the first bent portion 256, and a third bent portion 256 may be bent at an angle of 150 degrees with respect to the second bent portion 256. In such an embodiment, a gap between a connection of the first bent portion 256 and the second bent portion 256 and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 is 0.210 inches, a gap between a connection of the second bent portion 256 and the third bent portion 256 and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 is 0.103 inches, and a gap between a free end of the third bent portion 256 and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 is 0.203 inches are formed.
As such, it is appreciated that the thumb hold portion 150 may be provided and configured to temporarily fix or hold a portion of the sub-frame assembly, e.g., a rail portion or frame assembly, to adjust the sub-frame assembly and/or insulation before securing the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100. That is, the thumb hold portion 150 may undergo elastic deformation, e.g., springing action, to provide a tension or force on the portion of the sub-frame assembly to temporarily fix or hold the portion of the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100. After the portion of the sub-frame assembly is positioned with respect to the bracket 100, e.g., plumbed, a fastener may be used to immovably fix, hold, or secure the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100, e.g., the portion of the sub-frame assembly is screwed or riveted to the bracket 100 via the fixed point connection holes, e.g., 132.
In an embodiment, the thumb hold portion 150, along with the plurality of holes 130 on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, is configured to allow between a half-inch to one and half inch adjustment of the sub-frame assembly, or a three-quarter of an inch adjustment, before the immovable securing of the sub-frame assembly to the bracket 100, e.g., to accommodate plumb conditions during installation. It is appreciated that such a design may also allow for a convenient and easier installation without the use of plastic external shim, for example, by giving the installers an “extra hand” while the installers level the sub-frame assembly, e.g., a rail portion or frame assembly, by holding the sub-frame assembly at least temporarily.
In an embodiment, the bracket 100 may further include at least one strengthening rib 140 that is provided on the planar base portion 110, the connection joint 125, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. The strengthening rib 140 may be continuous over the planar base portion 110, the connection joint 125, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. The strengthening rib 140 may be processed along one surface of the planar base portion 110, the connection joint 125, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, e.g., via a stamping, forming, or punching, such that the strengthening rib 140 extends away from a surface of the planar base portion 110, the connection joint 125, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120.
The strengthening rib 140 may be formed along an inner plane of the bracket 100, e.g., does not extend to the end edge of at least one of the planar base portion 110 or the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120. The strengthening rib 140 may be provided between 0.25 and 1 inch from the edge of the respective planar base portion 110 or the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 and between 0.8 and 1 inches, and preferably 0.94 inches from the side edge. While a single strengthening rib 140 is discussed herein, it is appreciated that a plurality of strengthening ribs 140 may be provided, in parallel to each other. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is understood that the strengthening rib(s) 140 may be configured to act as a load transferring portion to transfer load or force acting on the planar fixable or slidable portion 120 through the strengthening rib(s) 140 to the planar base portion 110 and then to the fastener secured into the load-bearing wall.
In an embodiment, the bracket 100 may be formed from a bent sheet of material such that the planar base portion 110 and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 have a bending angle of about 90 degrees, e.g., plus or minus 2 degrees, e.g., the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 may be angled at about 90 degrees with respect to the planar base portion 110. In an embodiment, the material may be composed completely of stainless steel, such as, 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel, galvanized steel, or the like. The material of use may be dependent on the environment of use of the bracket, e.g., 316 stainless steel would be used for more acidic conditions, whereas, 304 stainless steel may be used in most other conditions. In an embodiment, the bracket material may have low thermal conductivity, e.g., less than 50 W/m-K at temperatures between 20 and 900 degrees C., and preferably less than 15 W/m-K at temperatures less than 100 degrees C. Before or after the bending of the sheet of material, the thumb hold portion 150 and/or the strengthening ribs 140 and/or the plurality of fixing holes 130 may be formed by a stamping, forming, or punching process.
In view of the features discussed above, the bracket 100 has a unique combination of features configured to transfer load, e.g., wind and/or dead loads, from the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 to the fasteners secured to the load-bearing wall. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is understood that the load strength may come from a combination of the plurality of holes 130 providing multiple anchor points into the load-bearing wall and load transfer by the strengthening ribs, e.g., provides a load path to the perimeter anchors or fasteners in the load-bearing wall. That is, the bracket 100 may be configured to receive the load transferred from the façade or rainscreen panel as follows. The load from the façade or rainscreen panel is transferred to the secondary portion of the sub-frame assembly via the fastener(s), e.g., a rail portion, and from the secondary portion of the sub-frame assembly to the sub-frame assembly via the fastener(s). The load may be further transferred from the sub-frame assembly to the bracket since the sub-frame assembly is attached to the fixed point connection hole(s) 132 in the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120, and then along the stiffening rib(s) 140 to the planar base portion 110, and the planar base portion 110 to the fasteners in the fixed point connection hole(s) 132 to the load-bearing wall, e.g., metal studs or concrete of the load-bearing wall.
It was found that such combination of features unexpectedly resulted in over 300% increase in load strength over bracket designs made from aluminum, such that the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable 120 does not bend or fail even during large load transfers, e.g., high winds. While the unexpected strength of the bracket 100 has been discussed with respect to high loads, it is understood that the unexpected strength may also be expected for any force or load acting on the façade cladding system, e.g., dead load, wind load, seismic activity, thermal activity. As such, tie-backs and/or down legs are not necessary for the bracket design while still maintaining the same or better load strength, which may simplify the manufacturing and installation process for façades, and especially, rainscreen façades, which include exterior panels for a building or structure.
In an embodiment, the bracket(s) 300, which has the same or similar features as the bracket 100 of
After the bracket(s) 300 are fixed or secured to the load-bearing wall 380, the sub-frame assemblies 362 which may include the insulation 370 may be temporarily positioned by the bracket(s) 300 via the thumb hold portions of the bracket(s). Fasteners are then used to temporarily fix or hold the sub-frame assemblies 362 via the oblong holes, such that the thumb hold portion and the oblong holes may be used to accommodate plumb conditions of the sub-frame assemblies 362. After the sub-frame assemblies 362 have been plumbed, fasteners may be used to immovably fix or secure the sub-frame assemblies 362 to the bracket(s) 300 via the fixed connection holes on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable of the bracket 300. The insulation 370 may be a material that is installed in the walls of a building to reduce heat transfer and energy loss, such as, fiberglass, cellulose, polyurethane, or other insulative material.
In an embodiment, a length of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable of the bracket(s) 300 may be based on the desired cavity depth, e.g., to accommodate the thickness of the insulation and/or desired ventilation. In an embodiment, the length of planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable may vary between 2 inches and 14 inches. The cavity depth may be designed for pressure equalization such that a cavity pressure is the same or similar to the external air pressures, e.g., environment. Since the air pressures may be equalized between the cavity and environment, air movement that may force rainwater into the cavity may be minimized. As such, the cavity depth and insulation 370 may be provided to reduce energy costs, reduce temperature fluctuations, and improve comfort levels in the building or structure.
As further illustrated in
In view of the features described above, rainscreen cladding system 360 transfers load, e.g., wind or dead loads, from the rainscreen panels 366 to the load-bearing wall 380. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is understood that the load strength may come from a combination of the fixed connection holes on the planar base portion that provide multiple anchor points into the load-bearing wall 380 and load transfer by the strengthening ribs, e.g., provides a load path to the perimeter anchors or fasteners in the load-bearing wall 380. That is, the load may go from the rainscreen panels 366 to the secondary portion 364 of the sub-frame assembly to the sub-frame assembly 362, and from the sub-frame assembly 362 to the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable of the bracket 300 via the fastener. The load may then be transferred along the stiffening rib(s) to the planar base portion of the bracket 300, and from the planar base portion of the bracket 300 to the fasteners in the fixed point connection hole(s) to the load-bearing wall 380, e.g., metal studs or concrete of the load-bearing wall. It was surprisingly found that such combination of features unexpectedly resulted in over 300% increase in load strength over bracket designs made from aluminum, such that the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable does not bend or fail even during large load transfers, e.g., high winds. As such, tie-backs and/or down legs are not necessary for the rainscreen cladding system 360 while still maintaining the same or better load strength, which may simplify the manufacturing and installation process for façades, and especially, rainscreen façades, which are exterior panels for a building or structure.
In an embodiment, the bracket(s) 400, which has the same or similar features as the bracket 100 of
After the bracket(s) 400 are fixed or secured to the load-bearing wall 480, the sub-frame assemblies 462 which may include the insulation 470 may be temporarily positioned by the bracket(s) 400 via the thumb hold portions of the bracket(s). Fasteners are then used to temporarily fix or hold the sub-frame assemblies 462 via the oblong holes, such that the thumb hold portion and the oblong holes may be used to accommodate plumb conditions of the sub-frame assemblies 462. After the sub-frame assemblies 462 have been plumbed, fasteners may be used to immovably fix or secure the sub-frame assemblies 462 to the bracket(s) 400 via the fixed connection holes on the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable of the bracket 400. The insulation 470 may be a material that is installed in the walls of a building to reduce heat transfer and energy loss, such as, fiberglass, cellulose, polyurethane, or other insulative material.
In an embodiment, a length of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable of the bracket(s) 400 may be based on the desired cavity depth, e.g., to accommodate the thickness of the insulation and/or desired ventilation. In an embodiment, the length of planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable may vary between 2 inches and 14 inches. The cavity depth may be designed for pressure equalization such that a cavity pressure is the same or similar to the external air pressures, e.g., environment. Since the air pressures may be equalized between the cavity and environment, air movement that may force rainwater into the cavity may be minimized. As such, the cavity depth and insulation 470 may be provided to reduce energy costs, reduce temperature fluctuations, and improve comfort levels in the building or structure.
In this embodiment, the bracket 400 may be provided vertically along the metal studs 481 of the load-bearing wall 480 such that the fixed point connection holes provided along the inner perimeter frame of the planar base portion are provided vertically such that fasteners may be used to immovably fix or secure the bracket 400 to the metal studs that run vertically along the load-bearing wall 480. As such, the bracket 400 has a universal bracket design such that the bracket 400 may be used for either horizontal or vertical arrangements, which may reduce manufacturing and installation costs, since only a single bracket design is required. Such a bracket design allows maximum flexibility of panel layout.
In view of the features described above, rainscreen cladding system 460 is configured to transfer load, e.g., wind or dead loads, from the rainscreen panels, e.g., 366 of
Moreover, the design of the rainscreen cladding system having the sub-framing assembly and bracket may provide building designers the ability to seemlessly interchange multiple cladding materials on the same project and/or elevation with a unified substructure assembly, e.g., the sub-frame assembly. As such, panel materials, such as ACM, metal panels, FRP, fiber cement, HPL, terracotta, natural stone, porcelain ceramic and fiber concrete may all be integrated into a rainscreen wall assembly with one uniform attachment using the rainscreen cladding system.
It is noted that any of aspects 1-13 can be combined with any one of aspects 14-15 and vice versa.
Aspect 1. A bracket for fastening a sub-frame assembly, comprising: a planar base portion; a planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable connected to the planar base portion at a connection joint; a plurality of fixing holes provided on the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable; and at least one strengthening rib provided on the planar base portion, the connection joint, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable, wherein the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable comprises a thumb hold portion configured to engage the sub-frame assembly, and wherein the planar base portion is configured to be connected to a load-bearing wall.
Aspect 2. The bracket of Aspect 1, wherein the bracket is configured to accommodate for dead loads and wind loads when the bracket is connected to the load-bearing wall, and wherein the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable is configured to accommodate linear thermal expansion and contraction.
Aspect 3. The bracket of any of Aspects 1 or 2, wherein the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable has a length between 3 inches and 12 inches.
Aspect 4. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the bracket is composed completely of steel.
Aspect 5. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the bracket is formed from a material having low thermal conductivity.
Aspect 6. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-5, wherein the sub-frame assembly comprises a rail portion.
Aspect 7. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-6, wherein the plurality of fixing holes comprises oblong holes and/or circular holes.
Aspect 8. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable is connected to the planar base portion at the connection joint at a substantially right angle.
Aspect 9. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein the bracket consists of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable and the planar base portion.
Aspect 10. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-9, wherein the at least one strengthening rib is formed parallel to side edges of the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable and/or the planar base portion.
Aspect 11. The bracket of Aspect 10, wherein the at least one strengthening rib is continuously formed on the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable through the connection joint.
Aspect 12. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-11, wherein a thickness of the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable is between 0.134 and 0.05 inches.
Aspect 13. The bracket of any of Aspects 1-12, wherein the bracket is configured to be positionable in a horizontal or a vertical position with respect the load-bearing wall.
Aspect 14. A rainscreen cladding system comprising: a plurality of sub-frame assemblies; a plurality of secondary portions configured to connect to an exterior panel; a plurality of fasteners; and a plurality of brackets connectable to the plurality of sub-frame assemblies, each of the plurality of brackets comprising: a planar base portion; a planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable connected to the planar base portion at a connection joint; a plurality of fixing holes provided on the planar base portion and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable; and at least one strengthening rib provided on the planar base portion, the connection joint, and the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable, wherein the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable comprises a thumb hold portion configured to engage at least one of the plurality of sub-frame assemblies, and wherein the planar base portion is configured to be connectable to a load-bearing wall, and wherein the plurality of fasteners connects the planar flanged portion that is fixable or slidable to the at least of the plurality of sub-frame assemblies and the planar base portion to the load-bearing wall.
Aspect 15. The sub-frame assembly of Aspect 14, further comprising a plurality of exterior panels connected to the plurality of secondary portions, wherein the plurality of secondary portions is connected to the plurality of sub-frame assemblies
The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.
With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This specification and the embodiments described are exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 63/498,877, filed Apr. 28, 2023, and U.S. provisional application 63/635,209, filed Apr. 17, 2024, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63498877 | Apr 2023 | US | |
| 63635209 | Apr 2024 | US |
