US3881287A

US3881287A - Glass framing system

Info

Publication number: US3881287A
Application number: US499216A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence F Biebuyck
Original assignee: Kawneer Co Inc
Current assignee: Kawneer Co Inc
Priority date: 1973-09-28
Filing date: 1974-08-21
Publication date: 1975-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-06

Abstract

There is provided an improved glass framing system including spaced vertical mullions having exceptionally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is achieved by providing opposed shallow glazing pockets; however, contiguous with one of the shallow pockets is a deep glazing area so that the glass or other panel may be first inserted into the deep glazing area of one mullion, and then shifted from the deep glazing area to the normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in confronting shallow glazing pockets.

Description

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,881,287 Biebuyck 1 May 6, 1975 GLASS FRAMING SYSTEM 3,196,992 7/1965 Owen 52/498 x 3,352,078 11 1967 N l 52 502 X [751 inventor: Lawrence Biebuycl Mesqute- 3,403.491 lO/l968 Ei c hman 525502 x 3,566,561 3/1971 Tozer l 52/127 Assign:Z Kawneer p y Inc, Niles 3,579,943 5/l97l Tam 52/498 X Mich. Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. [22] Flled: 1074 Attorney, Agent, or FirmMason, Kolehmainen, [21] Appl No.: 499,216 Rathburn & Wyss Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 401,592, Sept. 28, 1973, [57] ABSTRACT abandoned. which is a continuation of Ser, No. There is provided an improved glass framing system l971- abandoned which is 8 including spaced vertical mullions having exceptioncommuat'onmpan of 5935 July ally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is I970 abandoned achieved by providing opposed shallow glazing pock ets; however, contiguous with one of the shallow 52/127; 1 6 g/Z5 pockets is a deep glazing area so that the glass 0r p n 6 a v I Q l a l I o I e v c n v a n 6 l 1 u a e I u n 0 I a [58] Field of Search 52/397, 398, 399, 400, area 0f one mumcmv and then shifted from the deep [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,023,859 3/1962 Muessel .1 52/720 glazing area to the normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in confronting shallow glazing pockets.

[1 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEE W 5 SHEET M 0? I R KW Mb, m mm\v mm mm N W S /A/\/EA/7"0Q ZAWRENCEFB/EBUYCK 77mm, {OM/rum Kafhmz and 71/ 44.

GLASS FRAMING SYSTEM This is a continuation application of patent application Ser. No. 40l .592. filed on Sept. 28. 1973 and now abandoned. Patent application Ser. No. 401.592 is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 197,705, filed Nov. 1 l, l97l and now abandoned. Patent application Ser. No. l97.705 is a continuation-inpart application of patent application Ser. No. 59.9l5 filed July 31, I970 and now abandoned.

The present invention is a continuation-impart of my copending application serial No. 59.915 filed July 31, I970.

The present invention relates to an improved glass framing system, and more particularly to a glass framing system the members of which have a very narrow face width.

Heretofore difficulty has been experienced in obtaining glass framing. such as spaced apart mullions, having a minimum face width. particularly with the adjacent glass or other panels being held in the same plane. Typically a glass framing wall system with the panels inserted after erection of the framing, or upon reglazing, requires a mullion structure having a deep glazing pocket and a shallow glazing pocket in adjacent mullions confronting each other. It is understood that the term shallow glazing pocket" as herein used, refers to a glazing pocket normally accepting the edge ofa glazing panel substantially for the full depth of the pocket, while a deep glazing pocket" refers to a glazing pocket wherein the edge ofthe panel is spaced outward from the bottom of the pocket so that the edge of a glazed panel will normally extend only partially toward the bottom of a deep glazing channel. Conventionally the edge of the glass or other panel may first be inserted into the deep glazing pocket, the opposite edge then being inserted into the confronting shallow glazing pocket, and thereafter the glass or other panel being shifted toward the shallow glazing channel to position the glass or other panel. Typically the glass stops are then assembled to retain the glass in position. It will be understood that in the typical system just described. each mullion has opposed deep and shallow glazing pockets. Thus the face or width of the mullion is necessarily dependent on the combined depth of a deep and shallow glazing channel. Moreover in such an arrange ment there is always a danger present that the glass will creep back toward the bottom of the deep glazing channel in the absence of blocking and the like.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved glass framing system which overcomes the above mentioned difficulties.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provision of a new and improved glass framing system having a provision of a new and improved glass framing system having frame members of very narrow face width.

Another object ofthe present invention is the provision of a new and improved mullion construction having a very narrow face width.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved glazing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a framing system having coplanar adjacent panels supported by a narrow face framing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved mullion and mullion filler assembly.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which character ize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

In accordance with these and other objects there is provided an improved glass framing system having a narrow face mullion structure. Each of the mullions is formed with opposed shallow glazing areas. and a deep glazing area is contiguous with one of the shallow glazing areas. Accordingly glazing may be installed by insertion of an edge thereof into the deep glazing area. positioning of the opposite edge of the glass panel into the adjacent confronting shallow glazing area, and thereafter shifting of the first edge of the glass panel from the deep-glazing area to the contiguous shallow glazing area of the mullion. Mullion fillers may then be applied to prevent the glass from shifting back into the deep glazing area and to cover the deep glazing area.

Suitable hardware and joinery are provided for completing the wall system. and include a novel snaptogether threshold assembly. the mullion filler system. and nylon setting blocks for relieving the horizontals of any load from the weight of glass.

Advantageously once the glass has been installed it is impossible for the glass to shift into the deep pocket and thereby expose the raw edge of glass at the opposite side. Moreover there is provided a system having a very desirable architectural appearance with minimum face width of the frame members. In addition to the narrow profile the frame members are capable of accepting glass in the conventional flush glazed manner, without the application of projected stops, and without ofisctting of the planes of adjacent glass panels. The mullion system is compatible with other mullion systems and may be used in connection thereto.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is an elevational view of a glass framing assembly, including an entrance, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 22 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a detail cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1. taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. I, taken along line 44 of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. I, taken along line S S of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of the glass framing as sembly of FIG. I, taken along line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view ofthe glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the glazing technique;

FIG. 8 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 88 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a sectional detail view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1. taken along line 99 of FIG. 1.

FIG. is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line l0l0 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a detail of glass framing assembly of FIG, 1;

FIG. 13 is a plan section view of a glass framing system according to another embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13 illustrating the glazing technique.

Referring now to drawings. and particularly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 12, there is illustrated a glass framing assembly generally referred to as 20, FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. As therein illustrated the glass framing assembly includes spaced

vertical mullions

21 and 22, a cripple mullion 23,

intermediate horizontals

24 and 25, and a transom member 26. Intermediate the two vertical mullions. such as

mullions

21 and 22, are

header members

27 and 28. The

mullions

22 and 23 and transom mem her 26 define an entrance opening 30 for a door (not shown). Along the bottom of the glass framing assembly 20 are

sill members

31 and 32 extending between the vertical mullions, except in the area of the entrance opening 30 wherein there is provided a threshold assembly 33. The interconnecting mullions and frame member define glazing openings for supporting suitable glazing panels. such as

glazing panels

35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, of glass or other suitable material.

The basic vertical members or mullions, such as the

mullions

21, 22 and 23, are best illustrated in cross section in FIG. 6. Referring to the vertical mullion 21 as typical, the vertical mullion 21 includes a unitary ex truded construction element, of aluminum or other suitable extrudable material 4] having inner and

outer face portions

42 and 43 defining spaced apart parts and interconnecting portions. Each of the inner and outer face portions, in the illustrated embodiment, are of generally tubular cross section of particularly narrow width, In a particular commercial embodiment, the width of the

face portions

42 and 43 is one inch. The

face portions

42 and 43 are connected by suitable web portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web portion 41a having one edge thereof integrally se cured to the face portion 42 intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets 45 and 46. A longitudinally extending web 41b extends normal to the transverse web 41a therefrom to the side surface of the face portion 43, and a further transversely extending web 41(' interconnects the web 411) with the face portion 43. The webs 41b and 41c, with the face portion 43, together define or form a stepped glazing pocket including as integral portions thereof a deep glazing pocket or area 47 contiguous with the shallow glazing pocket 46 and having a depth substantially greater than the depth of the shallow glazing pocket 46.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets 46 and 47, there is provided a suitable mullion filler 50, best illustrated in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment the mullion filler 50 is of the roll-in type, and to this end there is provided a longitudinally extending groove 41d within the

contiguous pockets

46 and 47 for receiving a toe portion 50a of the mullion filler 50,

which together define a hinge. Moreover the inner sur face of the face portion 43 is provided with a longitudinally extending recess extending inwardly from the outer or jamb surface thereof and having a surface 430 approximating an are extending from the center of the groove 41d, with a radius r. The mullion filler includes an outer external surface 50!) complementary to the recess 43a, so that the toe portion 50a of the mullion filler 50 may be inserted in the groove 41d, and the mullion filler 50 may then be rolled into mating position with the surface of the recess 43a. The surface 50!) is formed with a curvature approximating an are having a radius r equal to the radius r providing the rolling fit.

To provide for a latitude of installation options, the construction elements 41 are formed with a plurality of screws aplines 52, and, in the outer edges of the

shallow pockets

45 and 46, the construction elements 41 have integrally formed splines 53 shaped as combination screw splines for receiving a threaded fastener, and as gasket retaining grooves for retaining glazing gaskets. Confronting the spline 53 in the shallow glazing pocket 46 on the mullion filler 50 is provided a gasket retain ing channel 54, FIGS. 6 and 7.

The manner of glazing for the wall system 20 is illustrated in FIG. 7. As therein illustrated the glass panel 35 has a first edge 35a positioned with the deep glazing pocket 47 of the vertical mullion 21. The other end 35b thereof will then clear the face portions of the adjacent million 22, so that the panel 35 may be directed into the shallow glazing channel 45 of the mullion 22. Thereafter the panel 35 may be shifted laterally from the position illustrated in phantom to the position illustrated in solid in FIG. 7. The mullion filler 50 may then be rolled into position, the retaining gaskets installed, and glazing is now complete.

In a commercial installation the shallow glazing pockets 46 and 47 are nominally seven sixteenths inch deep, while the auxiliary or deep glazing pocket 47 contiguous with the glazing pocket 46 is nominally seven-eighths of an inch deep. Thus with the glazing installed the glass coverage in the glazing pockets is normally a standard three-eighths inch. Moreover once the glazing has been installed, it is impossible for the glass to shift back to the deep pocket preventing exposure of any raw edges of the glass on opposite sides. The

mullions

21, 22, and 23 are nominally one inch wide, and the single web 41a interconnecting the

faces

42 and 43 attributes to the narrow or shallow depth of the mullion.

To provide for intermediate horizontals, a horizontal mullion having a face width of one inch is provided for matching the width of the vertical mullion. The oneinch face horizontal is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 11. As therein illustrated there is provided the intermediate horizontal 24 having

tubular face portions

24a, 24b interconnected by an intermediate transverse web 240 and defining opposed shallow glazing pockets 56 and 57. Thus it will be seen that there are no removable glass stops in the intermediate horizontals. Suitable screw splines 24d are extruded within the internal

tubular face portions

240 and 24b to provide for attachment of the intermediate horizontals ot the two verticals. Such attachment may, if desired, be accomplished with a stud connection, wherein stud fasteners projecting from the end of the horizontal 24 would be inserted in suitable holes in the through verticals. However in the illustrated embodiment, shear blocks 58 are provided for attaching the intermediate horizontal to the through verticals. More specifically the shear blocks 58 are fastened into the side surfaces of the

face portions

32 and 43 of the desired vertical mullion by suitable screws 59. Moreover the tubular faces 24a and 24b of the horizontals are cut away at the bottom, as indicated at 246, FIG. 11, so that the horizontal may be positioned over the shear blocks 58 after they have been fastened to the vertical mullions. Screw fasteners 60 secure the intermediate horizontals to the shear blocks 58.

The mullions and intermediate horizontals provide adequate strength transverse to a wall, however because of the comparatively narrow width of the sections it may not be desired to carry the glass loads in the horizontals. Accordingly to prevent transmitting the glass load to the intermediate horizontals, in the illustrated embodiment suitable nylon studs 62 may be provided threaded through the web 240 of the intermediate horizontal 24 and transmitting the upper glass load from the glass panel 35 directly into the lower glass panel 36, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. However, it has been found that the glass load will be transferred to the intermediate horizontal through conventional setting blocks at one-sixth or one-fourth points, so that significant bending loads do not occur in the intermediate horizontals. Accordingly the nylon studs 62 may be omitted if desired.

The header member 27 and

sill members

31 and 32 are all identical and performs the same function. More specifically each includes a gutter element 64, FIGS. 2 and 4, which may be fastened directly into the building wall by suitable fasteners, here shown as screws 65. The screws 65 are directed through a somewhat intermediate section having a T-shaped lower groove 64a, and to prevent collapse of the gutter section 64 in this area a suitable fastening block or chain 67 is inserted in the T-shaped groove 64a under the fasteners 65. The gutter sections 64 are provided with portions interlocking with suitable glass stops 68.

In view of the removable glass stops 68 on the header member 27 and

sill members

32 and 33, it is not necessary for the intermediate horizontal to have removable stops. Suitable setting blocks 69 are used spaced below the bottom of the lower panel 36. Moreover the T- shaped grooves 640 provide clearance for fastening straps and the like for the mullions and threshold.

The transom member 26 is similar to the other intermediate horizontals in that it includes

opposed face portions

26a, 26b, FIG. 4, interconnected by transverse web portion 26c, and defining opposed shallow glass pockets 7] and 72. A suitable filler or door stop 73, in the illustrated embodiment, covers the lower pockets 72. Preferably the transom member 26 is fastened directly to the web of the two verticals, and to this end the transom member 26 is provided with a plurality of screw splines 26d to provide for the direct attachment by suitable screws 74.

The cripple mullion 23 may be secured directly to the transom member 26 by suitable screws 75, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Suitable mullion anchors are provided for the top and bottom of the through mullions. Specifically, and referring first to intermediate vertical mullions such as mullion 22, the mullion anchor 80, FIGS. 8 and 12, is provided of generally cross shape having a body portion 80a formed with a plurality of screw holes 80b to selectively receive suitable screw fasteners 82 extending into aligned screw splines in the mullion. A pair of opposed legs c, 80d, are provided with suitable openings, here shown in the form of slots 80e for receiving suitable screw fasteners 82 securing the assembled anchor and mullion to the building wall or floor.

However for attaching the end mullion, such as mullion 2], to the building, one of the legs of the mullion anchor is cut off so that there is provided suitable mullion anchors 85 of generally T-shaped having a body portion 85a formed with suitable screw holes 85b for receiving screw threaded into the corresponding screw splines of the vertical mullion A single outstanding leg 85c is provided with an opening such as slot 85v for receiving suitable fasteners into the wall or floor of the building. It would be understood that the legs 85c, 80d of the mullion anchor 80 and the legs 80c of the mullion anchor 85 will fit within the groove 64a of the gutter sections 64, providing for typing of the gutter sec tions to the anchors.

As best illustated in FIG. 4, the threshold assembly 33 includes a fastening block or strip 88, extending under the

jamp mullions

22 and 23 and secured thereto by screws threaded through the strip 88 into the screw splines of the respective mullions. The threshold strip 88 is secured to the floor of the building in any suitable manner as by screws 89. The threshold strip includes outwardly extending projections 88a being chamfered at their upper edge to define cam surfaces 8819. A threshold member 90 is provided having a central recess 90a and a pair of somewhat resilient fingers 90b having detent portions 90c arranged to cam over the cam surfaces 88b and snapped into locking position over the projections 88a. The threshold member 90 may be formed of any suitable, somewhat resilient material, and in the illustrated embodiment is formed of a plastic material. Advantageously a plastic threshold provides desirable wear properties, and permits for matching color of the threshold to be incorporated into the body of the threshold member 90. Accordingly any coloring of the threshold member 90 will not wear off with usage of the member. Moreover the strip 88 prevents collapse of the threshold member 90.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a variation of the present wall system similar to that heretofore described but wherein a snap in mullion filler is provided rather than a roll-in mullion filler.

Specifically, there is illustrated a glass framing assembly generally referred to as in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. As therein illustrated the glass framing assembly 100 includes spaced vertical mullions I0! and 102 and a cripple mullion 103, similar to the

vertical mullions

21 and 22 and the cripple mullion 23 heretofore described, but adapted for receiving snap-in mullion fillers. Suitable interconnecting mullions and frame members are provided to define glazing openings and entrances and, in particular, for supporting a glazing panel 105 of glass or other suitable material.

The basic vertical members or mullions, such as the

mullions

101, 102 and I03 are best illustrated in crosssection in FIG. 13. Referring to the vertical mullion 101 as typical, the vertical mullion [01 includes a unitary extruded construction element 106, of aluminum or other suitable extrudable material, having inner and outer face portions I07 and 108 and interconnecting portions. Each of the inner and outer face portions, in

the illustrated embodiment, are of generally tubular cross-section of particularly narrow width. In a particu lar commercial embodiment, the width of the face por tions [07 and 108 is one inch. The face portions 107 and I08 are connected by suitable web portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web portion 106a having one edge thereof integrally secured to the face portions I07 intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets 110, l l l. A longitudinally extending web 106k extends nor mal to the transverse web 106:: therefrom to the side surface of the face portion 108, and a further trans versely extending web l06 interconnects the web 106!) with the face portion 108. The webs 106!) and 106iwith the face portion 108 together define a deep glazing or area 113 contiguous with the shallow glazing pocket 1] 1.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets ll] and H3, there is provided a suitable mullion filler US. In the illustrated embodiment the mul lion filler H is of the snap-in type, of somewhat U- shape having a bight portion 1150, FIG. 14 and out wardly projecting legs 115b, 1150. A suitable gasket retaining channel 120 is provided along the bight portion 115:: adjacent the leg 1150. A longitudinally extending rib 117 is provided within the contiguous pockets 1]] and 113 for receiving or interlocking with the longitudinally extending groove 118 of the mullion filler 115. The groove 118 is defined on the outer surface of an inwardly projecting web 12] at the free end of the leg 1150. The web 121 is provided with a camming surface l2lu adapted to snap over the rib 117. Moreover the leg llSb of the mullion filler H5 is dimensioned to be received within a channel 122 defined between the web 106!) and the face 108 of the mullion 101. As is well known, additional gasket retaining channels [23 are provided on the construction element 106.

The manner of glazing for the wall system 100 is similar to that heretofore described and is best illustrated in FIG. 14. As therein illustrated the glass panel I05 has a first edge 105a positioned within the deep glazing pocket N3 of the vertical mullion 101. The other end 105/ thereof will then clear the face portions of the adjacent mullion 102, so that the panel 105 may be directed into the shallow glazing channel I of the mullion I02. Thereafter the panel 105 may be shifted laterally from the position illustrated in phantom in FIG, 14 to the position illustrated in solid. The mullion filler 115 may then be snapped into position, the cam surface 121a caming over the rib [17 so than the rib ll7 snaps into the groove I I8 and so that the leg llSh locks into the channel 122. The retaining and glazing gaskets are installed, and the glazing is now complete.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devices by those skilled in the art and it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications and embodiments which will fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

I. In combination, a construction element of the type including transversely aligned inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portions intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending web extending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said face portions to define a deep glazing pocket contiguous with one of said shallow glazing pockets; and a mullion filler locked to said construction element and including a longitudinally extending web normal to the first mentioned web seated in said deep glazing pocket, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge of the last mentioned web to said other of said face portions whereby said combination defines a mullion having opposed shallow glazing pockets.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said mullion is provided with opposed gasket channels in each said surface of each shallow glazing pocket.

3. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamp surface and parts defining a glazing area in the jamp surface, and a mullion filler cooperatively associated with said construction element for retaining the edge ofa panel in said glazing area, said parts defining said glazing area including web portions forming a channel having a longitudinally extending interlocking element spaced inwardly from said jamp surface, and said mullion filler being of a generally U-shape including a first leg received against the bottom of said channel and including a projection extending from the opposite leg having a longitudinally extending interlocking element along its outer surface complimentary to the first mentioned interlocking element, and further including a camming surface on its outer edge snapped over the first mentioned interlocking element with said mullion filler in said channel in mating position and said other leg being substantially coplanar with said jamb surface.

4. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamb surface and partsdefining a glazing area in the jamb surface, and a mullion filler cooperatively associated with said construction element for retaining the edge of a panel in said glazing area, said parts defining said glazing area including web portions forming a channel having a longitudinally extending filler retainer spaced inwardly from said jamb surface, and said mullion filler including a first element having one end received against the bottom of said channel and including another element extending from the other end of said first element having a longitudinally extending retainer means at its outer surface complimentary to said longitudinally extending filler retainer for interlocking therewith, and further including a camming surface on its outer edge snapped into interlocking relation with said filler retainer in said channel in mating position and said other element being substantially coplaner with said jamb surface.

5. A framing system comprising a first vertical mullion.

a second vertical mullion, said first and second mul lions being disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship to define a space for receiving a planar panel therebetween.

each of said first and second mullions comprising a substantially identical, elongated, unitary construction element having an outer, generally rectangular, cross-sectional configuration in a plane trans verse to its longitudinal axis, said rectangular crosssectional configuration being defined by a first outermost pair of substantially parallel, unitary, face portions of said mullion that define the width of said mullion and one outer side dimension of said rectangular cross-scctional configuration and that extend between the form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces between the planes of a second pair of substantially parallel side portions of said mullion that define the other outer side dimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration, said first pair of portions being disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second pair of portions and substantially parallel to the plane of said planar panel, said unitary construction element further including first, second and third means for receiving a panel, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each of said first and second mullions, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said first and second mullions, said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first and second mullions and said second receiving means Comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panel from said first receiving means and for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge of said panel disposed in said second receiving means of one of said first and second mullions and with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said third receiving means of the other one of said first and second mullions,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means, and

means mounted on at least one of said first and second mullions for maintaining said panel in said relatively fixed mounted condition between said first and second mullions.

6. A framing system as defined in claim wherein the width of each of said first and second mullions is substantially one inch.

7. A framing system as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said first and second mullions further comprises means for securely mounting a horizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.

8. A framing system for framing a planar member comprising a first elongated mullion formed by a first elongated construction element,

a second elongated mullion formed by a second elongated construction element, said first and second construction elements having substantially identical cross-sectional configurations in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes,

each of said first and second construction elements including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width of each of said mullions in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axes and parallel to the plane of said planar member, said face portions comprising unitary, jointless surfaces substantially across the entire width of each of said mullions,

each of said first and second construction elements further including an inner portion extending between and joining said pair of outermost face por tions, said inner portion comprising first, second and third means for receiving a planar member, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each of said first and second construction ele ments, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said first and second construction elements,

said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first and second construction elements and said second receiving means comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panel from said first receiving means for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge of said panel disposed in said second receiving means of one of said first and second construction elements and with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said third receiving means of the other one of said first and second construction elements,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means, and means mounted on at least one of said first and second construction elements for maintaining said panel in said relatively fixed mounted condition between said first and second construction elements.

9. A framing system as defined in claim 8 wherein said first and second mullions comprise first and second vertical mullions, respectively.

10. A framing system as defined in claim 9 wherein the width of each of said first and second mullions is substantially one inch.

11. A framing system as defined in claim 9 wherein each of said first and second construction elements fur ther comprise means for securely mounting a horizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.

Claims

1. In combination, a construction element of the type including transversely aligned inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portions intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending web extending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said face portions to define a deep glazing pocket contiguous with one of said shallow glazing pockets; and a mullion filler locked to said construction element and including a longitudinally extending web normal to the first mentioned web seated in said deep glazing pocket, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamp web extending from the edge of the last mentioned web to said other of said face portions whereby said combination defines a mullion having opposed shallow glazing pockets.

3. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamp surface and parts defining a glazing area in the jamp surface, and a mullion filler cooperatively associated with said construction element for retaining the edge of a panel in said glazing area, said parts defining said glazing area including web portions forming a channel having a longitudinally extending interlocking element spaced inwardly from said jamp surface, and said mullion filler being of a generally U-shape including a first leg received against the bottom of said channel and including a projection extending from the opposite leg having a longitudinally extending interlocking element along its outer surface complimentary to the first mentioned interlocking element, and further including a camming surface on its outer edge snapped over the first mentioned interlocking element with said mullion filler in said channel in mating position and said other leg being substantially coplanar with said jamb surface.

4. A mullion comprising a construction element having a jamb surface and parts defining a glazing area in the jamb surface, and a mullion filler cooperatively associaTed with said construction element for retaining the edge of a panel in said glazing area, said parts defining said glazing area including web portions forming a channel having a longitudinally extending filler retainer spaced inwardly from said jamb surface, and said mullion filler including a first element having one end received against the bottom of said channel and including another element extending from the other end of said first element having a longitudinally extending retainer means at its outer surface complimentary to said longitudinally extending filler retainer for interlocking therewith, and further including a camming surface on its outer edge snapped into interlocking relation with said filler retainer in said channel in mating position and said other element being substantially coplaner with said jamb surface.

5. A framing system comprising a first vertical mullion, a second vertical mullion, said first and second mullions being disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship to define a space for receiving a planar panel therebetween, each of said first and second mullions comprising a substantially identical, elongated, unitary construction element having an outer, generally rectangular, cross-sectional configuration in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis, said rectangular cross-sectional configuration being defined by a first outermost pair of substantially parallel, unitary, face portions of said mullion that define the width of said mullion and one outer side dimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration and that extend between the form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces between the planes of a second pair of substantially parallel side portions of said mullion that define the other outer side dimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration, said first pair of portions being disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second pair of portions and substantially parallel to the plane of said planar panel, said unitary construction element further including first, second and third means for receiving a panel, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each of said first and second mullions, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said first and second mullions, said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first and second mullions and said second receiving means comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panel from said first receiving means and for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge of said panel disposed in said second receiving means of one of said first and second mullions and with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said third receiving means of the other one of said first and second mullions, said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means, and means mounted on at least one of said first and second mullions for maintaining said panel in said relatively fixed mounted condition between said first and second mullions.

6. A framing system as defined in claim 5 wherein the width of each of said first and second mullions is substantially one inch.

8. A framing system for framing a planar member comprising a first elongated mullion formed by a first elongated construction element, a second elongated mullion formed bY a second elongated construction element, said first and second construction elements having substantially identical cross-sectional configurations in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes, each of said first and second construction elements including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width of each of said mullions in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axes and parallel to the plane of said planar member, said face portions comprising unitary, jointless surfaces substantially across the entire width of each of said mullions, each of said first and second construction elements further including an inner portion extending between and joining said pair of outermost face portions, said inner portion comprising first, second and third means for receiving a planar member, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from each of said first and second construction elements, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from each of said first and second construction elements, said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted between said first and second construction elements and said second receiving means comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panel from said first receiving means for retaining said panel in a relatively fixed, mounted condition with said first edge of said panel disposed in said second receiving means of one of said first and second construction elements and with a second, parallel, longitudinal edge of said panel being disposed in said third receiving means of the other one of said first and second construction elements, said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means, and means mounted on at least one of said first and second construction elements for maintaining said panel in said relatively fixed mounted condition between said first and second construction elements.

11. A framing system as defined in claim 9 wherein each of said first and second construction elements further comprise means for securely mounting a horizontal mullion between said first and second mullions.