GRID SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING BUILDING BLOCKS

Abstract

A block assembly that includes first framing members, second framing members, and clips, wherein each of the clips is inserted through a respective one of the first framing members. Each of the clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted. For each of the clips, the upper portion is received within a first one of the second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of the second framing members such that the first and second framing members form a grid including openings. The block assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, with each of the blocks being received within a respective one of the openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a block assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section through a horizontal framing member or a vertical framing member employed in the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view which illustrates a typical horizontal framing member which is positioned between two building blocks;

FIG. 3A is a side sectional view a portion of a horizontal framing member or a vertical framing member employed in the assembly of FIG. 1 that includes optional elastomeric sealing cushions according to one particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view a portion of a horizontal framing member or a vertical framing member employed in the assembly of FIG. 1 wherein the outer flanges thereof are covered by continuous elastomeric strips according to another particular embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a typical horseshoe clip employed in the assembly of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A block assembly, comprising: a plurality of first framing members;a plurality of second framing members;a plurality of clips, wherein each of said clips is inserted through a respective one of said first framing members, wherein each of said clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted, wherein for each of said clips the upper portion is received within a first one of said second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of said second framing members, and wherein said clips interconnect said first and second framing members to form a grid including a plurality of openings; anda plurality of blocks, each of said blocks being received within a respective one of said openings.

2. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion of each of said clips comprises a plurality of legs.

3. The block assembly according to claim 2, wherein said legs are inserted through holes provided in said first framing members.

4. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein for each of said clips the upper portion is received within a cavity provided within a first one of said second framing members and the lower portion is received within a cavity provided within a second one of said second framing members.

5. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein said blocks are glass blocks.

6. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein said blocks are plastic blocks.

7. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein said blocks are masonry blocks.

8. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein for each of said blocks, a sealant is provided between the block and the first framing members between which the block is located.

9. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein for each of said blocks, a sealant is provided between the block and the second framing members between which the block is located.

10. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein for each of said blocks, one or more elastomeric members are provided between the block and the first framing members between which the block is located.

11. The block assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said first framing members includes first and second cavities provided on opposite sides of the upper surface thereof and third and fourth cavities provided on opposite sides of the lower surface thereof, and wherein an elastomeric member is received within each of said first, second, third and fourth cavities.

12. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein for each of said blocks, one or more elastomeric members are provided between the block and the second framing members between which the block is located.

13. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said first framing members includes a central cavity, and wherein a reinforcing element is received within the central cavity of each of said first framing members.

14. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of first framing members includes a first outer flange and a second outer flange opposite said first outer flange, and wherein an elastomeric strip is attached to each of said first outer flanges and each of said second outer flanges.

15. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first framing members are oriented in a horizontal manner and said second framing members are oriented in a vertical manner.

16. The block assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said first framing members includes a central cavity, and wherein one or more of a hose, a wire or a lighting element are provided within the central cavity of one or more of said first framing members.

17. The block assembly according claim 1, further comprising an angle clip for moveably attaching said block assembly to a wall, wherein a first portion of said angle clip is affixed to said wall and wherein a second portion of said angle clip is slideably received within a cavity provided within one of said first framing members.