US3881294A

US3881294A - Construction element for glass framing system

Info

Publication number: US3881294A
Application number: US451526A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence F Biebuyck
Original assignee: Kawneer Co Inc
Current assignee: Kawneer Co Inc
Priority date: 1972-08-03
Filing date: 1974-03-15
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 [111 3,881,294

Biebuyck May 6, 1975 [54] CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FOR GLASS 3,147,518 9/1964 Horgan .1 52/731 X FRAMING SYSTEM 3,403,491 10/1968 3,404,501 10/1968 [75] Inventor: Lawrence F. Biebuyck, Niles, Mich. 3,5 ,5 1 3/1971 u Assigneez Kawneer p y, Inc. Niles, 3,579,943 5/1971 Tam 52/475 X M' h. 1c Primary ExaminerPrice C. Faw, Jr. 1 Flledi 1974 Attorney, Agent, or FirmMason, Kolehmainen, 211 Appl. No.: 451,526 Rathbum & WYSS Related U.S. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [63] gss z gfg ig fi i king 5222 g g zj There is provided an improved glass framing system 59 915 31 1970 abandoned including spaced vertical mullions having exceptionally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is 52 U.S. Cl 52/720- 52/738 achieved by Previdihg eppesed Shallow glazing P 51 Int.C1. E04c 3/32; E040 2/38 ets; however, eemigueus with one Of the Shallow [58] Field of Search 52/720, 730, 731, 127, Peehets is a deep glazing area 80 that the glass er 52/475 656 397 122 738 other panel may be first inserted into the deep glazing area of one mullion, and then shifted from the deep [56] References Cited glazing area to the normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in UNITED STATES PATENTS confronting shallow glazing pockets. 2,595,506 5/1952 Backman 52/127 3,023,859 3/1962 Muessel 52/720 x 16 ClalmS, 19 Drawmg Fig s P JENTEUHAY SETS 3 881,294

SHEET UBUF 1O ATTOEA/E Y5.

CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FOR GLASS FRAMING SYSTEM The present application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 277,638, filed on 3 August 1972 and now abandoned. Application Ser. No. 277,638 was a continuation application of application Ser. No. 59,915, filed on 31 July 1970 and now abandoned. 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.

I-Ieretofore 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. In is understood that the term shallow glazing pocket as herein used, refers to a glazing pocket normally accepting the edge of a glazing panel substantially for the full depth of the pocket, while a deep glazing pocket wherein the edge of the pocket refers to a glazing 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 arrangement 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 the provision of a new and improved glass framing system having a provision of new and improved glass framing system having frame members of very narrow face width.

Another object of the 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 wherein the mullion filler readily rolls into assembled position.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize 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 roll-in 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 oppo site 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 offsetting 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. 1 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 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plane sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the 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 detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 99 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 10-40 of FIG.

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 an elevational view of a glass framing assembly, including an entrance, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional fragmentary elevational view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 14l4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line l515 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a plan sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 1717 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional plan view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 1818 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the glass framing assembly of FIG. 13.

Referring now to the drawings, and particulaly 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 20 includes spaced

vertical mullions

21 and 22, a cripple mullion 23,

intermediate horizontals

24 and 25, 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 member 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 mullions 21 includes a unitary extruded construction element, of aluminum or other suitable extrudable material, 41 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 formed in a generally reverse curve configuration including a longitudinally extending transverse web portion 41a having one edge thereof integrally secured to the face portion 42 intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets or panel edge receivng voids 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 410 interconnects the web 41b with the face portion 43. The webs 41b and 41c, with the face portion 43, together form a deep glazing pocket of area 47 defining another panel edge receiving void contiguous with the shallow glazing pocket 46 and having a depth substantially greater than the shallow glazing pocket 46.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets 46 and 47, there is provided a suitable mullion 4 filler 50, as best illustrated in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment the mullion filler 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 glass stop 50, which together define a hinge; Moreover the inner surface 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 43a approximating an arc extending from the center of the groove 41d, with a radius r. The mullion filler 50 includes an outer external surface 50b 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 50b is formed with a curvature approximating an arc 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 screw 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 retaining 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 within the deep glazing pocket 47 of the vertical mullion 21. The other end 35b thereof will then clear face portions of the adjacent mullion 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 inches 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 1 1. As therein illustrated there is provided the intermediate horizontal 24 having

tubular face portions

24a, 24b interconnected by an intermediate transverse web 24c 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 tubu-'

lar face portions

24a and 24b to provide for attachment of the intermediate horizontals to 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 horizontals 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 24e, 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 pro vided threaded through the web 24c of the 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 horizontals 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 perform 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 chair 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 64a 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 71 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 illus trated 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 a 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 80c, 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 21, to the building, one of the legs of the mullion anchor is cut off so that thee is provided suitable mullion anchors 85 of generally T-shape having a body portion 85a formed with suitable screw holes 85b for receiving screws threaded into the corresponding screw splines of the vertical mullion. A single outstanding leg 850 is provided with an opening such as slot 852 for receiving suitable fasteners into the wall or floor of the building. It would be understood that the legs 80c, 80d of the mullion anchor 80 and the legs 850 of the mullion anchor 85 will fit within the groove 64a of the gutter sections 64, providing for tying of the gutter sections to the anchors.

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

jamb 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 88b. A threshold member 90 is provided having a central recess 90a and a pair of somewhat resilient fingers 90b having detent portions 900 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 through 19, there is illustrated a variation of the present wall system wherein wide horizontals have been provided in order to emphasize the very narrow line of the mullions. More specifically the embodiment of FIGS. 13 through 19 depicts a 4 inch high horizontal used with the previously described mullions to form an improved wall system. Accordingly similar components of the present embodiment and the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 12 are identified by the same reference numerals.

Referring now to the embodiments of FIGS. 13 through 19, there is illustrated another embodiment of a wall system according to the present invention. The wall system 95 is formed of spaced vertical through

mullions

21 and 22, and the cripple mullion 23. The vertical mullions are interconnected by intermediate horizontals 96, except in an area between the

mullions

22 and 23 which forms the entrance opening 30. In addition there is provided a transom member 98 over the opening and above the cripple mullion 23.

Header members

99 and 100 extend between the two vetical mullions at the top, and

sill members

101 and 102 extend between the horizontals at the sill except in the area of the entrance opening 30. The threshold assembly 33 heretofore described, interconnects the lower end of the

jamb mullions

22 and 23.

Glazing panels

105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 are assembled in the openings formed by the interconnected members.

The construction of the intermediate horizontals are best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16 wherein the horizontal 96 is taken as typical. As therein illustrated the intermediate horizontal 96 includes an extruded mullion section 111 and a removable face section 112. The mullion section 111 includes a tubular center portion includiing an inner face 111a, an outer face 111b, and spaced transverse webs 111e, 1110., connecting with the inner face 111a intermediate its length. Outwardly extending projections 111e, 11 lffrom the tubular portion of the mullion section 111 include interconnecting parts on their ends for interlocking with inwardly projecting portions 112a, 1 12b of the removable face section 1 12. The mullion section 1 1 1 includes inwardly extending jamb portions 111g, 111k, and the face section 112 includes aligned inwardly extending

jamb portions

1120, 112d, which cooperate to provide upper and lower glazing pockets 113, 114. The jamb surfaces 111g, lllh, 112e, 112a each contain grooves at their inner ends for retaining conventional gaskets.

The intermediate horizontals are joined to the verticals in the illustrated embodiment by suitable shear blocks 116 which are fastened to the webs of the vertical mullions in any suitable manner as by the illustrated bolt and nut assemblies 117. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 19, the lower transverse web 111d of the mullion section 111 is coped out, as illustrated as 118 to provide for assembly of the mullion section 111 over a shear block 116. After assembly of the intermediate horizontal on the shear block 116, the horizontal may be secured in place by suitable fasteners such as screws 119. The screws 119 will subsequently be covered by the face section 112 of the intermediate horizontal protecting the connection from tampering and the like.

If horizontals join on both sides of a vertical mullion, then a pair of shear blocks 116 are used and fastened to the web portion 41a of a vertical mullion, such as mullion 22, FIG. 18, by suitable bolt and nut assemblies 121 extending through both of the shear blocks 116 and the web 41a.

The header members and sill members for the present system are similar, and are formed of three extrusions, FIGS. 14 and 15, including a saddle or extruded flashing 125, a removable face 126, and a gutter member 127. These members are all square cut and are ar ranged to be assembled in the same manne as the horizontals previously discussed. The saddle 125 is installed over the projecting legs of the anchor members, and is further provided with a T-slot 125a to accept the same fastening blocks 67 heretofore described. The saddles 125 are secured to the top and floor of the building opening by suitable fasteners such as screws 128. A projecting leg 125b on the saddle provides an interlock as well as nominal adjustment for the gutter member.

Any extreme variations in the contours of the surface however will still have to be corrected by conventional shimming.

Although similar to the gutter section 111 of the intermediate horizontals heretofore described, the gutter member 127 used as header and sill sections is an open shape having an inner face 127a,'a spaced outer web 127b, and an interconnecting transverse web 127C. Outwardly extending projections 127e, l27f provide interlocking means for interlocking with inwardly projecting portions 126a, 126b of the removable face 126. The open end of the face 1270 is provided with a female interlock 127g fitting over the interlock l25b and not only provides for adjustability, but also aids in improving the wind load characteristics of the members. The gutter member 127 is designed as an open shape so that it will not be necessary to cope the ends in order to attach the gutter member to the shear blocks. Thus the gutter member 127 is fastened directly to its associated shear block 116 by the screws 119 in the manner heretofore described. Both the gutter member 127 and the removable face 126 contain parts 1271:, 126e, defining a glazingpocket 130 for retaining the edge of suitable glazing.

Setting blocks 132 may be used under the glazing as required.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be appparent 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:

1. A construction element comprising 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 normal web normal to the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said face portions defining with said normal web and said other of said face portions a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterally displaced from one of said shallow glazing pockets.

2. A construction element comprising 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 additional web extending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said additional web to the other of said face portions, said longitudinally extending web and said longitudinally extending transverse jamb web defining a deep glazing pocket contiguous with one of said shallow glazing pockets.

3. A construction element having inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions and said face portion defining a pair of opposed shallow glazing pockets for retaining the edges of adjacent panels and further defining a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterally disposed of one of said shallow glazing pockets; said interconnecting portion 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 said opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending additional web extending from the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom and forming with a portion of said one of said face portions the side faces of one of said shallow glazing pockets, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said additional web to the other of said face portions defining with said additional web and said other of said face portions a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterally displaced from one of said shallow glazing pockets.

4. A construction element having inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions and said face portions defining a pair of glazing pockets for retaining the edges of adjacent panels, one of said glazing pockets being a stepped pocket, said interconnecting portions including a web member forming a bottom surface of one portion of said stepped pocket and further including a web member forming a bottom surface of a second portion of said stepped pocket, said web portions being laterally disposed.

5. A construction element having inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portions intermediate its width, a longitudinally extending additional web extending from the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said face portions, a portion of said one of said face portions and said other of said face portions forming with said webs a stepped pocket having said transverse web forming the bottom of one step defining a shallow pocket por tion and having said jamb web forming the bottom of the other step defining a deep pocket portion, the remaining portion of said one of said face portions forming a glazing pocket with said transverse web and said additional web opposed to said shallow glazing pocket portion.

6. An elongated metal construction element comprising spaced apart face portions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apart parts, and an interconnecting part having a first portion extending toward the other of said parallel parts to define opposed panel edge receiving voids on either side of said interconnecting part which face in opposite directions, said interconnecting part having a second portion displaced from said first portion in a direction transversly of said facing spaced apart parts and having a longitudinal edge joining the other of said parallel parts at a point therealong sufficient to define a third panel edge receiving void which faces in the same direction as one of said first mentioned voids and has a depth substantially greater than the depth of the other of said first mentioned voids.

7. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 wherein said interconnecting part and said other of said parallel parts are provided with recesses therealong for receiving and anchoring at least portions of the edges of a mullion filler.

8. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 wherein said interconnecting part is of a substantially reverse curve configuration.

9. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 wherein said interconnecting part is of substantially reverse curve configuration and is provided with a recess therealong for receiving and anchoring at least a portion of one edge of a mullion filler.

10. An elongated metal construction element comprising inner and outer face portions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apart parts, and an interconnecting portion extending between said spacedapart parts, one edge of said interconnecting portion joining one of said spaced-apart parts at a point intermediate the edges of said one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide opposed panel receiving voids on either side of said interconnecting part which face in opposite directions, the other edge of said interconnecting part joining the other of said spaced-apart parts at a point which is displaced from the junction point between said one edge of said interconnecting part and said one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide a third panel edge receiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving voids and has a depth substantially greater than the depth of said one panel edge receiving void.

11. An elongated construction element as defined in claim 10 wherein said interconnecting part and said other of said parallel parts are provided with recesses therealong for receiving and anchoring at least portions of spaced-apart edges of a mullion filler.

12. A vertical mullion comprising an 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 and form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces between the planes of a second pair of subtantially 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,

said unitary construction element further including first, second and third means for receiving a planar panel, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from said unitary construction element, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from said unitary construction element,

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 in said first stepped glazing pocket 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 said mullion,

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

13. A vertical mullion as defined in claim 12 wherein the width of said mullion is substantially 1 inch.

14. A vertical mullion as defined in claim 12 further comprising means for securely mounting a horizontal mullion to said vertical mullion.

15. A device for framing a planar member comprising an elongated construction element, said construction element including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width of said device in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said construction element and parallel to the plane of said planar member, said face portions comprising unitary, jointless facial surfaces substantially across the entire width of said device, said construction element 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 said planar member, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from said construction element, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from said construction element,

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 said planar member 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 planar member from said first receiving means for retaining said planar member in said device,

16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein the width of said device is substantially 1 inch.

Claims

5. A construction element having inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions including a longitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portions intermediate its width, a longitudinally extending additional web extending from the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said face portions, a portion of said one of said face portions and said other of said face portions forming with said webs a stepped pocket having said transverse web forming the bottom of one step defining a shallow pocket portion and having said jamb web forming the bottom of the other step defining a deep pocket portion, the remaining portion of said one of said face portions forming a glazing pocket with said transverse web and said additional web opposed to said shallow glazing pocket portion.

10. An elongated metal construction element comprising inner and outer face portions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apart parts, and an interconnecting portion extending between said spaced-apart parts, one edge of said interconnecting portion joining one of said spaced-apart parts at a point intermediate the edges of said one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide opposed panel receiving voids on either side of said interconnecting part which face in opposite directions, the other edge of said interconnecting part joining the other of said spaced-apart parts at a point which is displaced from the junction point between said one edge of said interconnecting part and said one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide a third panel edge receiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving voids and has a depth substantially greater than the depth of said one panel edge receiving void.

12. A vertical mullion comprising an 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 and form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces between the planes of a second pair of subtantially 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, said unitary construction element further including first, second and third means for receiving a planar panel, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from said unitary construction element, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from said unitary construction element, 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 in said first stepped glazing pocket 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 said mullion, said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means.

15. A device for framing a planar member comprising an elongated construction element, said construction element including a pair of parallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width of said device in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said construction element and parallel to the plane of said planar member, said face portions comprising unitary, jointless facial surfaces substantially across the entire width of said device, said construction element 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 said planar member, said first and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first direction from said construction element, said third receiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction, generally opposite from said first direction, from said construction element, 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 said planar member 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 planar member from said first receiving means for retaining said planar member in said device, said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of said third receiving means.