US20240240456A1 - Wall joint or sound block component and wall assemblies - Google Patents
Wall joint or sound block component and wall assemblies Download PDFInfo
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- US20240240456A1 US20240240456A1 US18/393,242 US202318393242A US2024240456A1 US 20240240456 A1 US20240240456 A1 US 20240240456A1 US 202318393242 A US202318393242 A US 202318393242A US 2024240456 A1 US2024240456 A1 US 2024240456A1
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- leg
- fire
- wall
- compressible
- wallboard
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7409—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts special measures for sound or thermal insulation, including fire protection
- E04B2/7414—Posts or frame members with projections for holding sound or heat insulating fillings
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
- E04B1/88—Insulating elements for both heat and sound
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/948—Fire-proof sealings or joints
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7409—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts special measures for sound or thermal insulation, including fire protection
- E04B2/7411—Details for fire protection
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/941—Building elements specially adapted therefor
- E04B1/943—Building elements specially adapted therefor elongated
Abstract
An elongate component for placement in a wall gap and a wall incorporating such a component. The component includes a wall-face leg configured to extend along a face of a wallboard and a wall-end leg configured to extend along an end of the wallboard. The wall-end leg is oriented perpendicular to the wall-face leg. The component further includes a flexible gap portion configured to be positioned within and extend along the wall gap. The gap portion is located on an opposite side of the wall-end leg relative to the wall-face leg. A blocking element is located in a space defined by the wall-end leg and the gap portion. The blocking element is configured to block fire and/or sound within the wall gap. At least a portion of the flexible gap portion is located on an exterior side of the blocking element.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Application No. 17/655,738, filed Mar. 21, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/129,589, filed Dec. 21, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/598,211, filed Oct. 10, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/796,500, filed Jan. 24, 2019, the entireties of which are all hereby incorporated by reference.
- This disclosure generally relates to head-of-wall assemblies that include features and components that prevent or inhibit the passage of fire, smoke, and/or heat through a wall in accordance with UL-2079 regulations.
- Fire-rated construction components and assemblies are common in the construction industry. These components and assemblies are aimed at inhibiting or preventing the passage of fire, heat, or smoke from one room to another or between portions of a building.
- Fire, heat and smoke generally move between vents, joints in the wall, or other openings between adjacent rooms. Accordingly, fire rated components often include fire retardant materials that substantially block the path of the fire, heat, or smoke for at least some period of time through the openings. Intumescent materials work well for this purpose because they swell and char when exposed to heat helping to create a barrier for the fire, heat, and/or smoke.
- Walls in modern building structures can at least partially define or include many gaps or joints. Such gaps or joints can be located at the bottom of a wall, along the sides of a wall or within an interior of the wall. One particular wall joint with a high potential for allowing fire, heat, or smoke to pass from one room to another is the joint between a wall and a ceiling. This can be referred to as a head-of-wall joint. In modern construction, especially in multistory buildings, the head-of-wall joint is often a dynamic joint in which relative movement between ceiling and the wall is allowed. This relative movement can accommodate deflection in the building due to loading of the upper structures or ceiling, seismic forces, heat expansion or building movement.
- An aspect of the present disclosure involves an elongate component for placement in a wall gap. The component includes a wall-face leg configured to extend along a face of a wallboard. The component also includes a wall-end leg configured to extend along an end of the wallboard. The wall-end leg is oriented perpendicular to the wall-face leg. The component further includes a flexible gap portion configured to be positioned within and extend along the wall gap. The gap portion is located on an opposite side of the wall-end leg relative to the wall-face leg. A blocking element is located in a space defined by the wall-end leg and the gap portion. The blocking element is configured to block fire and/or sound within the wall gap. At least a portion of the flexible gap portion is located on an exterior side of the blocking element.
- In some configurations, the flexible gap portion comprises a single leg.
- In some configurations, the flexible gap portion comprises an enclosure.
- In some configurations, the enclosure comprises a pair of legs.
- In some configurations, each of the pair of legs comprises a bent free end.
- In some configurations, the blocking element comprises a mineral wool material.
- In some configurations, the blocking element further comprises a foam material.
- In some configurations, the blocking element comprises a combination of an intumescent material strip and a foam block.
- In some configurations, the intumescent material strip is attached to the wall-end leg.
- In some configurations, the foam block has a height that is greater than a height of the flexible gap portion.
- In some configurations, the blocking element comprises a mineral wool material.
- In some configurations, the blocking element further comprises a foam material.
- In some configurations, a wall assembly define a wall gap and the wall incorporates the component positioned in the wall gap.
- In some configurations, the wall gap is a head of wall gap.
- An aspect of the present disclosure involves a method of making a component for placement in a wall gap, comprising forming an elongate profile comprising a first leg and a second leg that cooperate to form an L-shape in cross-section and a flexible enclosure defining an interior space, and positioning a blocking member within the interior space of the enclosure.
- In some configurations, the enclosure comprises a pair of flexible legs, further comprising separating the flexible legs and inserting the blocking member into the interior space between the flexible legs.
- In some configurations, the blocking member comprises a mineral wool material.
- In some configurations, the blocking member further comprises a foam material.
- An aspect of the present disclosure involves a fire-rated assembly is configured to extend along an upper end of the wallboard and at least partially fill the deflection gap. The assembly includes a vinyl profile having a first leg extending upwardly from the upper edge of the wallboard, a second leg extending downwardly from the upper edge of the wallboard, and a third leg extending along the upper edge of the wallboard within the deflection gap. A compressible foam member is attached to one or both of the first leg and the third leg and is configured to contact an upper surface of an overhead structure within the deflection gap. A fire-blocking strip is attached to the third leg and is configured to be located within the deflection gap.
- An aspect of the present disclosure involves a fire rated assembly is installed within a head-of-wall assembly. The head-of-wall assembly can include a header track coupled to the upper surface, the header track having a web and first and second flanges extending from the web in the same direction and forming a substantially U-shaped cross section. At least one stud is coupled to the header track. An upper end of the stud is located between the first and second flanges. A wallboard is coupled to the stud. The wallboard overlaps the first flange of the header track. The deflection gap is formed between the upper edge of the wallboard and the upper surface. The deflection gap is variable between a closed position and an open position.
- In some configurations, the first and second legs are generally vertical and the third leg is generally horizontal.
- In some configurations, the first leg is flexible.
- In some configurations, the second leg is rigid.
- In some configurations, the second leg includes a plurality of perforations.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is or comprises an intumescent material.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is above or below the third leg.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is between the compressible foam member and third leg.
- In some configurations, the compressible foam member has a height greater than a height of the first leg.
- In some configurations, the second leg is attached to one of an outward face and an inward face of the wallboard.
- An aspect of the present disclosure involves a fire-rated assembly is configured to extend along an upper edge of a wallboard and at least partially fill a deflection gap along the upper edge of the wallboard. The assembly includes a vinyl profile, the vinyl profile has a first leg configured to extend upwardly from the upper edge of the wallboard, a second leg configured to extend downwardly from the upper edge of the wallboard, and a third leg configured to extend along the upper edge of the wallboard within the deflection gap. A compressible foam member is attached to the third leg and is configured to contact an upper surface of an overhead structure within the deflection gap. A fire-blocking strip is attached to one or both of the first leg and the third leg and is configured to be located within the deflection gap.
- In some configurations, the first and second legs are generally vertical and the third leg is generally horizontal.
- In some configurations, the first leg is flexible.
- In some configurations, the second leg is rigid.
- In some configurations, the second leg includes a plurality of perforations.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is or comprises an intumescent material.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is above or below the third leg.
- In some configurations, the fire-blocking strip is between the compressible foam member and third leg.
- In some configurations, the compressible foam member has a height greater than a height of the first leg.
- In some configurations, the second leg is configured to attach to one of an outward face and an inward face of the wallboard.
- The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods and/or other subject matter described in this application will become apparent in the teachings set forth below. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of some of the concepts of this disclosure. The summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of any subject matter described herein.
- Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fire-rated assembly. -
FIG. 2 shows an end view of an opposite end of the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a head-of-wall assembly including the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 shows another configuration of a head-of-wall assembly including the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 shows another configuration of a head-of-wall assembly including the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 shows another configuration of a head-of-wall assembly including the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another fire-rated assembly. -
FIG. 8 shows an end view of the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a head-of-wall assembly including the fire-rated assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is an end view of a construction accessory with a compressible fire blocking member located between flexible legs. -
FIG. 11 is an end view of the compressible fire blocking member of the construction accessory ofFIG. 10 shown separate from the remainder of the construction accessory. The illustrated compressible fire blocking member is a composite of mineral wool and compressible open or closed cell polyethylene foam. -
FIG. 12 is an end view of an alternative compressible sound blocking member that can be used in an alternative, sound-attenuation version of the construction accessory ofFIG. 10 . Side view of square open or closed cell polyethylene foam. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a head-of-wall portion of a wall assembly with a pair of the construction accessory located within the head of wall gap. -
FIG. 14 a is an end view of a profile portion of the construction accessory ofFIG. 10 without the compressible fire blocking member. -
FIG. 14 b is an end view of the profile portion ofFIG. 14 a with flexible legs opened to permit access to a space between the flexible legs. -
FIG. 14 c is an end view of the profile portion ofFIG. 14 a with the flexible legs opened and the compressible fire blocking member inserted into the space between the flexible legs. -
FIG. 14 d is an end view of the profile portion ofFIG. 14 a with the compressible fire blocking member located in the space between the flexible legs and the flexible legs closed to retain the compressible fire blocking member. - The various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.
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FIGS. 1-2 show a fire-ratedassembly 100. The fire-ratedassembly 100 can be an assembly of various components, strips and/or layers. The fire-ratedassembly 100 can include a profile 110. The profile 110 can comprise a metal or polymer material, such as vinyl (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). The profile 110 can comprise a single material or multiple materials connected together (e.g., co-extruded). The profile 110 can be sold in standard lengths, (e.g., 10′, 12′, 15′, etc.). - The profile 110 can comprise a plurality of legs. The legs can variously be stiff or flexible depending on their purpose and intended usage of each of the legs in a head-of-wall assembly. The legs can generally form a T-shaped cross-section having one or more horizontal and/or vertical legs. In certain implementations, the profile 110 can have a uniform cross-sectional Y-shape along its entire length. The legs can connect at an
intersection 110 a. The legs can each be formed integrally or connected to the profile 110 (e.g., at theintersection 110 a.). - The profile 110 can include a
first leg 101 or a gap portion, which is configured to extend along a wall gap. Thefirst leg 101 can be a flexible leg. Thefirst leg 101 can extend in a first direction, such as a generally upward direction (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1-2 ) from the intersection 11 0 a. Thefirst leg 101 can be an upper leg. In certain implementations, thefirst leg 101 can be formed of the same material as the remainder of the profile 110. Thefirst leg 101 can be formed as a unitary piece of the profile 110. In certain implementations, thefirst leg 101 can be formed of a different material than another portion or the remainder of the profile 110 and connected thereto (e.g., through a co-extrusion process). - The different material can comprise a polymer, such as PVC, having different properties than the profile 110 (e.g., relative flexibility or stiffness).
- The profile 110 can include a
second leg 102 or a wall-face leg, which can extend along an outer face of a wall or wallboard. Thesecond leg 102 can extend in a second direction, such as a generally downward direction relative to theintersection 110 a and/or thefirst leg 101. Thesecond leg 102 can be generally rigid relative to thefirst leg 101. Thesecond leg 102 can be a lower leg. Thesecond leg 102 can comprise a plurality ofperforations 107. Theperforations 107 can be apertures extending through a thickness of thesecond leg 102. Theapertures 107 can be arrayed in a pattern extending along a length of thesecond leg 102. In certain implementations, thesecond leg 102 can be formed as a unitary piece (e.g., through an extrusion process) with another portion or the remainder of the profile 110. - The
first leg 101 and thesecond leg 102 can connect at theintersection 110 a of the profile 110. Thefirst leg 101 and thesecond leg 102 can be offset (e.g., horizontally, as illustrated) at theintersection 110 a. In certain alternative implementations, thefirst leg 101 and thesecond leg 102 can be aligned. - The profile 110 can include a
third leg 103 or a wall-end leg, which can extend along an end of a wallboard. Thethird leg 103 can be a horizontal leg. Thethird leg 103 can extend in a third direction, such as a generally horizontal direction relative to theintersection 110 a and/or the first andsecond legs third leg 103 can connect to thefirst leg 101 and/or thesecond leg 102 at theintersection 110 a. In certain implementations, thethird leg 103 can be formed as a unitary piece (e.g., through an extrusion process) with thesecond leg 102 and thefirst leg 101 and can be connected thereto at theintersection 110 a. - The fire-rated
assembly 100 can comprise a compressible member in the form of acompressible block 104. The compressible block can be coupled with one or both of thefirst leg 101 and thethird leg 103. Thecompressible block 104 can be an open or closed cell polymer foam, or another suitable material. Thecompressible block 104 can extend along the length of the profile 110. Thecompressible block 104 can be abutted against and/or attached with an inner side of thefirst leg 101. Thecompressible block 104 can be abutted against and/or attached with an upper side of thethird leg 103. In certain implementations, thecompressible block 104 can be attached to the profile 110 with an adhesive. - The fire-rated
assembly 100 can include a fire-blocking strip member, such as a fire-blocking 105. The fire-blockingstrip 105 can be attached or coupled to thethird leg 103. The fire-blockingstrip 105 can be attached or coupled to the upper side of thethird leg 103 or a lower side of thethird leg 103. Alternatively, the fire-blockingstrip 105 can be attached to the first leg 101 (e.g., at the inner side thereof). The fire-blockingstrip 105 can extend the entire length of the profile 110. - The fire-blocking
strip 105 can be located anywhere along a width of thethird leg 103. In certain implementations, the fire-blockingstrip 105 can be aligned adjacent to thefirst leg 101, in a central portion of thethird leg 103, along an end of thethird leg 103 opposite thefirst leg 101, or span the entirethird leg 103. The fire-blockingstrip 105 can be located between the profile 110 and thecompressible block 104. In certain embodiments, the fire-blockingstrip 105 can be located between thecompressible block 104 and thethird leg 103. Thecompressible block 104 can partially or completely cover the fire-blockingstrip 105. Thecompressible block 104 can be partially or fully attached to the profile 110 by its connection to thestrip 105. - The
first leg 101 can have a height or alength 101 a in the cross-sectional direction. Thelength 101 a can extend from a distal end of thefirst leg 101 to theintersection 110 a of thefirst leg 101 with thethird leg 103. Thelength 101 a can be 5/8″. In certain implementations, thelength 101 a can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ although other lengths are contemplated herein. Thefirst leg 101 can have a thickness; the thickness can taper from theintersection 110 a to the distal end of thefirst leg 101. The thickness and/or taper can provide for flexibility of thefirst leg 101. - The
second leg 102 can have a height or alength 102 a in the cross-sectional direction. Thelength 102 a can be extended from a distal end of thesecond leg 102 to theintersection 110 a of thesecond leg 102 with thethird leg 103. In certain implementations, thelength 102 a can be between approximately 1″ and 3″. Thelength 102 a can be greater than thelength 101 a. Thesecond leg 102 can have a thickness. The thickness can be consistent from theintersection 110 a to the distal end of thesecond leg 102. The thickness can provide for relative stiffness of thesecond leg 102. - The
third leg 103 can have a width or alength 103 a in the cross-sectional direction. Thelength 103 a can extend from theintersection 110 a with either of thefirst leg 101 or thesecond leg 102 to a distal end of thethird leg 103. Thelength 103 a can be 5/8″. In certain implementations, thelength 103 a can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ . Thelength 103 a can be less than thelength 101 a and/orlength 102 a. Thethird leg 103 can have a thickness. The thickness can be consistent from theintersection 110 a to the distal end of thethird leg 103. The thickness can provide a relative stiffness or flexibility to thethird leg 103. - The
compressible block 104 can have aheight 104 a. Theheight 104 a can be measured in a direction orthogonal to the length of 103 a of thethird leg 103. Theheight 104 a can be in a direction parallel to thelength 101 a of thefirst leg 101. Theheight 104 a can be 1″. In certain implementations, theheight 104 a can be between approximately ½″ and 2″. - Desirably, the
height 104 a can be greater than thelength 101 a. Thecompressible block 104 can extend upwardly past thefirst leg 101. However, this is not required. - The
compressible block 104 can have awidth 104 b. Thewidth 104 b can be measured in a direction orthogonal thelength 101 a of to thefirst leg 101. Thewidth 104 b can be in a direction parallel to thelength 103 a of thethird leg 103. Thewidth 104 b can be ½″. In other implementations, thewidth 104 can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ . Thewidth 104 b can be less than, equal to, or greater than thelength 103 a of thethird leg 103. - The
compressible block 104 can have a generally rectangular profile or cross-sectional shape, although this is not required. Thecompressible block 104 can include afront face 109 a, arear face 109 b, anupper face 109 c, and/or alower face 109 d. Thefront face 109 a can abut or contact the inner side of thefirst leg 101. Thefront face 109 a can be adhered to thefirst leg 101. Thebottom face 109 d can abut or contact the upper side of thethird leg 103. Thebottom face 109 d can be attached or adhered to thethird leg 103. The fire-blockingstrip 105 can contact thelower face 109 d of thecompressible block 104. Alternatively, the fire-blockingstrip 105 can be attached to the lower surface of thethird leg 103. - The fire-rated
assembly 100 can be installed within a wall joint in a building to provide fire, heat, smoke, and/or sound protection across the joint. As one exemplary usage environment, the fire-ratedassembly 100 can be used to fire block a head-of-wall assembly 200, as shown inFIG. 3 . The head-of-wall assembly 200 can include an upper oroverhead structure 210 defining an upper surface. Theupper structure 210 can be a ceiling or a floor of an upper level of a multi-level building. The head-of-wall assembly 200 can include aheader track 220. Theheader track 220 can include first andsecond flanges second flanges web 223. Theheader track 220 can be generally U-shaped. Theflanges studs 213. Thestuds 213 can provide backing for afirst wallboard 230. - The
wallboard 230 can be a gypsum drywall wallboard. Thewallboard 230 can be attached (e.g., via nails, screws, or other fasteners) to thestuds 213 of the head-of-wall assembly 200. Thewallboard 230 can include aninner face 233 facing towards thestuds 213. Thewallboard 230 can include anouter face 231 facing outwardly away from thestuds 213. Thewallboard 230 can include anupper edge 232. Theupper edge 232 can extend along a length of the wallboard 230 (e.g., into and out of the page as shown inFIG. 3 ). - The head-of-
wall assembly 200 can define adeflection gap 215. Thedeflection gap 215 can be a gap across a portion of the head-of-wall assembly 200. Thedeflection gap 215 can be bounded on an upper side by theupper structure 210 and on a lower side by theupper edge 232. A height of thedeflection gap 215 between the upper and lower sides can vary as theupper structure 210 moves with respect to thewallboard 230. Thedeflection gap 215 can be variable between a closed position and an open position. This movement of thedeflection gap 215 can accommodate movement of the building. - The
deflection gap 215 can define an opening through which fire, smoke, heat, and/or sound can pass from one side of theassembly 200 to the other side. Accordingly, the fire-ratedassembly 100 can be installed in theassembly 200 to fire-block the deflection gap 215 (e.g., in accordance with UL-2079 regulations). - To install the
assembly 100, thecompressible block 104, thestrip 105, and/or thethird leg 103 can be placed within thedeflection gap 215. Theupper face 109 c of thecompressible block 104 can abut and seal against theupper structure 210. Thedeflection gap 215 can have a maximum height that is less than theheight 104 a of thecompressible block 104. Accordingly, thecompressible block 104 can be compressed to fit within thedeflection gap 215. The compression can help to retain thecompressible block 104 within thedeflection gap 215. The compressible block can compress and expand to provide a seal across thedeflection gap 215. Theupper face 109 c of thecompressible block 104 can abut and seal against theupper structure 210. This can allow theassembly 100 to conform to an uneven surface of theupper structure 210. - The fire-blocking
strip 105 can be located between theupper edge 232 and theupper structure 210. Accordingly, when heated to an intumescent expansion temperature (e.g., approximately 350° F.), as may occur during a fire, the fire-blockingstrip 105 can expand to partially or completely fill the deflection gap 215 (e.g., across the height of the deflection gap 215) and thereby inhibit or prevent the passage of fire, heat, smoke and/or sound across thedeflection gap 215. - The
third leg 103 can be placed on theupper edge 232 of thewallboard 230. Thethird leg 103 can position thecompressible block 104 and/or thestrip 105 within the deflection gap. The vinyl material of thethird leg 103 can maintain the position of the fire-blockingstrip 105 when heated up to at least a melting point of the vinyl (e.g., approximately 500° F.). The melting point of the vinyl can be above the intumescent expansion temperature of the strip 105 (e.g., approximately 350° F.). Accordingly, thethird leg 103 can maintain the position of thestrip 105 within thedeflection gap 215 at least until thestrip 105 begins expansion. - The
second leg 102 can be attached to theouter face 231 of thewallboard 230. Thesecond leg 102 can be flush against an upper end of thewallboard 230 on theouter face 231. Thesecond leg 102 can be attached to the upper end of thewallboard 230. The attachment can be by adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners. Thesecond leg 102 can include apertures designed to receive mechanical fasteners therethrough for attachment with thewallboard 230. - The
first leg 101 can be aligned withdeflection gap 215. Thefirst leg 101 can extend along a portion or an entirety of the height of thedeflection gap 215. Thefirst leg 101 can form an outer face blocking thedeflection gap 215. In some configurations, thefirst leg 101 can contact theupper structure 210 at the distal end thereof. - The
length 101 a can be approximately equal to the height of thedeflection gap 215, although this is not required. The flexible nature of theupper leg 101 can accommodate heights of thegap 215 that are less than thelength 101 a. As thedeflection gap 215 varies with relative movement of theupper structure 210 and thewallboard 230, thefirst leg 101 can remain in contact with theupper structure 210, although this is not required. Accordingly, thefirst leg 101 can provide a barrier for thecompressible block 104. Thefirst leg 101 can extend the life of thecompressible block 104 by protecting it from exposure to the elements and/or tampering. - The
second leg 102 can be covered with a drywall mud (joint compound) or similar substance. The mud can fill the plurality ofholes 107. Theholes 107 can enhance the connection between the mud and thesecond leg 102. Once dried, the mud can be smoothed to mask the appearance of thesecond leg 102 against theouter surface 231 of thewallboard 230. The dried and smoothed mud can align with thefirst leg 101 at the offset of theintersection 110 a (e.g., because of the offset between thefirst leg 101 and the second leg 102). The dried and smoothed mud can be painted to match the rest of theouter face 231. - In certain implementations, the head-of-
wall assembly 200 can be first assembled. Afterwards, the fire-ratedassembly 100 can be installed within thedeflection gap 215. Thesecond leg 102 can then be covered with the mud, smoothed and painted. In certain implementations, the fire-ratedassembly 100 can be pre-installed on thewallboard 230. The head-of-wall assembly 200 can then be assembled with theassembly 100 located in thedeflection gap 215. The head-of-wall assembly 400 can be a one hour fire-rated wall assembly. - The
assembly 200 can also include a second side having asecond wallboard 230A and asecond deflection gap 215A. Thesecond deflection gap 215A can be fire-blocked with a second fire-ratedassembly 100A in the same manner as described above. - A head-of-
wall assembly 300, as shown inFIG. 4 can include the same general structures as the head-of-wall assembly 200. The head-of-wall assembly 300 can include anupper structure 310, aheader track 320, one ormore studs 313, and awallboard 330. Thewallboard 330 can include anouter surface 331, aninner surface 333, and/or anupper edge 332. Adeflection gap 315 can be defined between theupper structure 310 and theupper edge 332. - In
assembly 300, theprofile assembly 100 is installed with thesecond leg 102 against theinner surface 333 of thewallboard 330. In this configuration, theassembly 100 can be pre-installed on thewallboard 330 and the wallboard can afterwards be assembled into theassembly 300. When theassembly 300 is fully assembled, thesecond leg 102 can be located between theinner surface 333 and thefirst leg 331 of theheader track 320. Thefirst leg 101 can be located at or within thedeflection gap 315 and/or contact theupper structure 310. Thecompressible block 104 and thethird leg 103 can be located within thedeflection gap 315. Thethird leg 103 can be located against theupper edge 332. Thecompressible block 104 can be compressed to contact and/or seal against theupper structure 310. - This configuration can substantially decrease the amount of time required for installing the fire-rated
assembly 100 in theassembly 300. Allwallboards 330 can have the fire-ratedassembly 100 pre-installed. Afterwards, the installation of the wallboard 330 (e.g., attaching to the studs 313) can be carried out following a normal procedure, such as that described above. Moreover, thesecond leg 102 can be hidden inside theassembly 300 such that no joint compound/paint is required to mask its appearance. In certain implementations, thefirst leg 101 can be aligned with thesecond leg 102, although this is not required. - The
assembly 300 can also include a second side having asecond wallboard 330A and asecond deflection gap 315A. Thesecond deflection gap 315A can be fire-blocked with a second fire-ratedassembly 100A in a manner similar to that described above. -
FIG. 5 shows another head-of-wall assembly 400. The head-of-wall assembly 400 can include anupper structure 410, aheader track 420, and one ormore studs 413. The head-of-wall assembly 400 can include afirst wallboard 430 and asecond wallboard 431. Thefirst wallboard 430 can be an outer wallboard and thesecond wallboard 431 can be an inner wallboard. Thefirst wallboard 431 can include anouter face 432. Thesecond wallboard 431 can include an inner face 433. The first and/orsecond wallboards upper edge 435. The head-of-wall assembly 400 can define adeflection gap 415 between the upper edge(s) 435 and theupper structure 410. The head-of-wall assembly 400 can be a two hour fire-ratedwall assembly 400. - The fire-rated
assembly 100 can be installed within thedeflection gap 415. Thethird leg 103 can be placed against the upper edge(s) 435. Thecompressible block 104 can be compressed against theupper structure 410. Thesecond leg 102 can be pressed against theouter face 432 of thefirst wallboard 430, and thefirst leg 101 can block thedeflection gap 415. - As shown, the
deflection gap 415 includes anempty space 416. Theempty space 416 can be located between thewallboard 431 and theupper structure 410. Alternatively, this can be filled by thecompressible block 104, the fire-blockingstrip 105, thethird leg 103 and/or another material. Theempty space 416 can form an insulation space that slows the transfer of heat across the head-of-wall assembly 400. - A second side of the
assembly 400 can include adeflection gap 415A, a second fire-ratedassembly 100A, anouter wallboard 430A, and aninner wall 431A. The second fire-rated assembly 101A can be attached within thedeflection gap 415A, as described above. -
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a head-of-wall assembly 500. The head-of-wall assembly 500 can be similar to the head-of-wall assembly 400 with a different installation configuration of theassembly 100. The head-of-wall assembly 500 can include anupper structure 510, aheader track 520, one ormore studs 513, anouter wallboard 530, aninner wallboard 531, anouter face 532, aninner face 533, anupper edge 535, and adeflection gap 515. - The
compressible material 104, thestrip 105 and thethird leg 103 can be placed within thedeflection gap 515. Thesecond leg 102 of theassembly 100 can be located between thefirst wallboard 530 and thesecond wallboard 531. Thesecond leg 102 can be pre-installed on either of the first orsecond wallboards compressible material 104 can be faced either outwardly towards theouter face 532, as shown, or inwardly towards theheader track 520 and theinner face 533. Thecompressible block 104, thefirst leg 101, and/or the fire-blockingstrip 105 can fire-block thedeflection gap 515. - The fire-rated
assembly 100 can be pre-installed on either of thewallboards second leg 102 can be hidden inside theassembly 500 such that no mud/paint is required to mask its appearance. In certain implementations, thefirst leg 101 can be aligned with thesecond leg 102, although this is not required. - A second side of the head-of-
wall assembly 500 can similarly include adeflection gap 515A, a second fire-ratedassembly 100A, anouter wallboard 530A, and aninner wallboard 531A. The fire-ratedassembly 100A can be installed within thedeflection gap 515A in the same manner as described in relation to thedeflection gap 515. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 shows another embodiment of a fire-ratedassembly 600. Theassembly 600 can extend along a length (e.g., a standard length, as noted above). The cross-sectional shape of theassembly 600 can be uniform along the length. Theassembly 600 can include aprofile 610. Theprofile 610 can comprise a vinyl material (e.g., PVC). Theprofile 610 can comprise afirst leg 601, asecond leg 602 and/or athird leg 603. Thefirst leg 601,second leg 602, and/orthird leg 603 can meet at an intersection 610 a. Theprofile 610 can be formed of a single, unitary material or multiple different materials connected together (e.g., through a co-extrusion process). - The
first leg 601 can extend upwardly from the intersection 610a. Thefirst leg 601 can comprise a flexible material. Thesecond leg 602 can extend downwardly from the intersection 610a. Thesecond leg 602 can comprise a plurality ofholes 607. Theholes 607 can be arranged in a pattern along a length of theprofile 600. Thethird leg 603 can extend horizontally with respect to the intersection 610a. The intersection 610a can include aprotrusion 608. Theprotrusion 608 can offset thesecond leg 602 from thefirst leg 601. - The
profile 610 can include a joint compound and/orpaint guard 606. Theguard 606 can attach at the intersection 610a (e.g., at theprotrusion 608 and/or between thesecond leg 602 and the first leg 601). Theguard 606 can be aligned with thethird leg 603. Theguard 606 can be attached at afrangible portion 606 a. Theprofile 610 can be formed as an integral unit including the first, second, and third legs 601-603 and thepaint guard 606. Alternatively, any of the legs 601-603 orpaint guard 606 can be connected with another portion or the remainder of theprofile 610. - A
compressible block 604 can be attached to thethird leg 603 and/or thefirst leg 601. Thecompressible block 604 can comprise an open or closed cell foam material. Thecompressible block 604 can be attached to an inner face of thefirst leg 601 and/or an upper face of thethird leg 603. Thecompressible block 604 can extend the length of theassembly 600. - The fire-rated
assembly 600 can include a fire-blockingstrip 605. The fire-blockingstrip 605 can be attached to thethird leg 603. The fire-blockingstrip 605 can be located on a lower surface or the upper surface of thethird leg 603. Attaching the fire-blockingstrip 605 to the lower surface of thethird leg 603 can ease assembly because thecompressible block 604 does not have to be assembled over thestrip 605. The fire-blockingstrip 605 can be adhered to thethird leg 603. The fire-blockingstrip 605 can be located anywhere along thethird leg 603, such as adjacent to thesecond leg 602, the distal end of the third leg or therebetween. Alternatively or in addition, thestrip 605 can be attached to thefirst leg 601 on an inner side thereof or otherwise to thecompressible block 604. Thestrip 605 can extend the length of theassembly 600. Thestrip 605 can be or comprise an intumescent material. - The
first leg 601 can have a height orlength 601 a in a cross-sectional direction. Thelength 601 a can extend from the intersection 610 a (e.g., thethird leg 603 or protrusion 608) to a distal end of thefirst leg 601. Thefirst leg 601 can be tapered in thickness towards the distal end. Thelength 601 a can be ⅝″. In certain implementations, thelength 601 a can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ . Thesecond leg 602 can have a height orlength 602 a in the cross-sectional direction. Thelength 602 a can extend from the intersection 610 a (e.g., thethird leg 603 or protrusion 608) to a distal end of thesecond leg 602. Thelength 602 a can be between approximately ½″ and 3″. Thethird leg 603 can include a width orlength 603 a in the cross-sectional direction. Thelength 603 a can extend from the intersection 610 a (e.g., thesecond leg 602 or the first leg 601) to a distal end of thethird leg 603. Thelength 603 a can be ⅝″. Thelength 603 a can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ . - The
protrusion 608 is further shown inFIG. 8 . Theprotrusion 608 can at least partially or fully offset thesecond leg 602 from thefirst leg 601. Theprotrusion 608 can include one or more vertical and/or horizontal segments (e.g., L-shaped segments) of theprofile 610 that offset thesecond leg 602 from thefirst leg 601. In certain implementations, thefirst leg 601 and thesecond leg 602 can be aligned. - The
compressible block 604 can have aheight 604 a. Theheight 604 a can be approximately 1″. In certain implementations, theheight 604 a can be between approximately ½″ and 2″. Theheight 604 a can be greater than thelength 601 a. Desirably, theheight 604 a is greater than thelength 601 a such that thecompressible block 604 extends beyond the distal end of thefirst leg 601 to provide contact with or a seal against an upper surface, as described above and further below. - The
compressible block 604 can include awidth 604 b. Thewidth 604 b can be approximately ½″. Thewidth 604 b can be between approximately ¼″ and 1½″ . In certain implementations, thewidth 604 b can match thelength 603 a. Thecompressible block 604 can include afront face 609 a, arear face 609 b, an upper face 609 c, and/or alower face 609 d. Therear face 609 b of thecompressible block 604 can extend beyond the distal end of thethird leg 603 or vice versa. Thefront face 609 a can abut and/or attach to thefirst leg 601. Thelower face 609 d can attach to thethird leg 603. - The
guard 606 can attach at thefrangible portion 606 a with theprofile 610. Thefrangible portion 606 a can be located between thefirst leg 601 and thesecond leg 602. Thefrangible portion 606 a can align generally with thethird leg 603. Thefrangible portion 606 a can comprise a thin portion of the material of theprofile 610. -
FIG. 9 shows a head-of-wall assembly 700. The head-of-wall assembly 700 can include anupper structure 710. The head-of-wall assembly 700 can include aheader track 720. Theheader track 720 can include aweb 723 and a pair of slotted flanges or legs 722 (only one shown). Theweb 723 can be attached to theupper structure 710. Theassembly 700 can include one ormore studs 713. The stud(s) 713 can be attached to the slottedflange 722. - The
assembly 700 can include awallboard 730. Thewallboard 730 can include anouter face 731. Thewallboard 730 can include aninner face 733. Thewallboard 730 can include anupper edge 732. Thewallboard 730 can attached to thestud 713. The connection between theheader track 720 and the stud(s) 713 can allow vertical movement between thewallboard 730 and theupper structure 710. The vertical movement can open and close adeflection gap 715. Thedeflection gap 715 can be located between theupper structure 710 and theupper edge 732 of thewall board 730. The fire-ratedassembly 600 can be installed in theassembly 700 to provide protection against fire, smoke, heat, and/or sound across thedeflection gap 715. - To install the fire-rated
assembly 600, thecompressible block 604, thestrip 605 and/or thethird leg 603 can be placed within thedeflection gap 715. Thecompressible block 604 can be installed within thedeflection gap 715 in a compressed configuration. - Expansion of the
compressible block 604 can contact and/or seal against theupper structure 710 even if the surface of theupper structure 710 is uneven. Thestrip 605 can be located between theupper edge 732 and theupper structure 710. Thethird leg 603 can be located at least partially within thedeflection gap 715. - The
third leg 603 can position thestrip 605 and/or thecompressible block 604 within thedeflection gap 715. Thethird leg 603 can comprise a material having a melting temperature above a intumescent expansion temperature of thestrip 605. Accordingly, when theassembly 700 is exposed to fire, heat, and/or smoke, thethird leg 603 can maintain the position of the strip 605 (e.g., within the deflection gap 715) until the fire blocking material at least partially expands to fill and/or seal across thedeflection gap 715. - The
second leg 602 can be attached to theouter surface 731 of thewallboard 730, such as by an adhesive or a plurality of mechanical fasteners. Thesecond leg 602 can be flush against theouter surface 731. - The distal end of the
first leg 601 can contact theupper structure 710, although this is not required. The flexible nature of thefirst leg 601 and the compressibility of thefoam 604 can allow movement of thedeflection gap 715. As thedeflection gap 715 varies with relative movement of theupper structure 710 and thewallboard 730, thefirst leg 601 can remain in contact with theupper structure 710, although this is not required. Thefirst leg 601 can provide a barrier for protecting thecompressible block 604. This can extend the life of thecompressible block 604 by protecting it from exposure to the elements and/or tampering. - The
protrusion 608 can align thefirst leg 601 generally more outwardly from theouter face 731 of thewallboard 730. Accordingly, the addition of ajoint compound 702 over thesecond leg 602 can align with theprojection 608. Once dried, thejoint compound 702 can be smoothed to align with the end of theprotrusion 608. This can create a smoother appearance for thefinished assembly 700. Thejoint compound 702 and/orfirst leg 601 can be painted to match the rest of the wall. - The
guard 606 can remain in place until thejoint compound 702 is applied to thesecond leg 602. Theguard 606 can be removed along thefrangible portion 606 a . Then the remainingjoint compound 702 can be sanded and painted along with thefirst leg 601 to mask the appearance of the fire-ratedassembly 600 within thedeflection gap 715. Alternatively, theguard 606 can remain in place until thejoint compound 702 is smoothed and/or painted. - In certain other implementations, the fire-rated
assembly 600 can be preinstalled with thesecond leg 603 attached to theinner surface 733, similar to the installation shown in head-of-wall assembly 300. In another implementation, the fire-ratedassembly 600 can be installed in a head-of-wall assembly including multiple wallboards. The fire-ratedassembly 600 can be installed within the multiple wallboards as described above in relation toFIGS. 5 and 6 , showing installation of the fire-ratedassembly 100. -
FIGS. 10-13 illustrate aconstruction accessory 1000, portions of theconstruction accessory 1000, and awall assembly 1500 incorporating a pair of theconstruction accessories 1000. Theconstruction accessory 1000 is well-suited for the use of mineral wool or a similar material to be used as a fire-resistant material. In some configurations, theconstruction accessory 1000 incorporates a mineral wool or similar material. However, theconstruction accessory 1000 can incorporate intumescent material as a fire-resistant material, alone or in combination with a mineral wool or similar material. Although shown in the context of a head-of-wall joint, theconstruction accessory 1000 can be used in, or modified for use in, any wall joint (e.g., head of wall, bottom of wall, or vertical wall to wall joints) or other similar joint to provide the joint with a fire rating (e.g., according to UL-2079) or a sound rating (e.g., an STC rating). - Mineral wool is a well-known material for use in fire-blocking applications. Mineral wool is available from a plurality of manufacturers and is relatively cheap compared to intumescent materials. Mineral wool is a fibrous material formed by spinning or drawing molten mineral or rock materials, such as slag and ceramics. Mineral wool is also known as mineral fiber, mineral cotton, man-made mineral fibre (MMMF), and man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF). Mineral wool has advantageous fire blocking characteristics, but it is can be a difficult material with which to work. The material itself can be very itchy to handle and is an irritant to bare skin. It can also pull apart quite easily and is not very durable when left unprotected or exposed. When mineral wool is used in conventional head-of-wall joint protection, the mineral wool is typically covered with a wet spray-applied elastomeric coating. The elastomeric coating conceals the mineral wool and protects it from exposure and from falling apart or falling out of the head of wall joint. However, the process of applying the elastomeric coating is time consuming. In addition, the elastomeric coating tends to dry out over time and loses its initial flexibility.
- The illustrated
construction accessory 1000 provides for the use of mineral wool in a fire-blocking application while avoiding some or all of the above-mentioned shortcomings of conventional mineral wool-protected joints. The illustrateconstruction accessory 1000 is a finishing drywall accessory that provides a flexible protective vinyl (e.g., PVC) or similar material covering over a mineral wool member. Accordingly, the illustratedconstruction accessory 1000 can be used in fire rating building joints. The illustrated composite fire-rateddrywall accessory 1000 combines the fire blocking attributes of mineral wool with the flexibility and printability of a vinyl/PVC finishing drywall accessory. - In some configurations, the
construction accessory 1000 includes an elongate body portion orprofile 1002. Theprofile 1002 can be similar to the other profiles described herein. In particular, theprofile 1002 can be an elongate member. Theprofile 1002 can have a consistent cross-sectional shape along its entire length. In some configurations, theprofile 1002 includes an L-shaped portion defined by afirst leg 1004 or wall-face leg and asecond leg 1006 or wall-end leg. Thus, thefirst leg 1004 and thesecond leg 1006 can be oriented at an angle relative to one another, such as a perpendicular or generally perpendicular angle. When theconstruction accessory 1000 is used in a head-of-wall gap 1502 of thewall assembly 1500, thefirst leg 1004 is oriented in a vertical direction and thesecond leg 1006 is oriented in a horizontal direction. - In some configurations, the
first leg 1004 can be directly connected to thesecond leg 1006. However, in the illustrated arrangement, thefirst leg 1004 and thesecond leg 1006 are connected by aprotrusion 1010, which offsets thefirst leg 1004 from an edge of thesecond leg 1006. The offset can be configured to provide a space to accommodate joint compound that covers thefirst leg 1004. Theprotrusion 1010 can have a substantial U-shape in cross-section. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , theprofile 1002 can include a joint compound and/or paint guard 1008, which can be the same as or similar to the joint compound and/orpaint guard 606 described herein with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8 . - The
profile 1002 also includes an upper portion or gap portion in the form of aflexible enclosure 1020 that at least partially defines a space for receiving a compressible fire-blockingmember 1022. Theflexible enclosure 1020 is positioned along or encloses three sides of the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022. In some configurations, thesecond leg 1006 is positioned along a fourth side of the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 and cooperates with theflexible enclosure 1020 to define the space for receiving the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022. - In the illustrated arrangement, the
flexible enclosure 1020 is defined by a pair offlexible legs 1024. Theflexible legs 1024 are spaced apart from one another along a width of thesecond leg 1006 and extend in a direction away from thefirst leg 1004. In some configurations, theflexible legs 1024 can be located at or adjacent opposing edges of thesecond leg 1006. In other configurations, one or both of thelegs 1024 can be spaced from the edge of thesecond leg 1006. For example, in anaccessory 1000 configured for use with multiple layers of wallboard, one of theflexible legs 1024 can be located adjacent the edge nearest theprotrusion 1010 and the other of theflexible legs 1024 can be spaced inwardly from the opposite edge of thesecond leg 1006. Alternatively, both of theflexible legs 1024 can be spaced inwardly from the edges of thesecond leg 1006. - In the illustrated arrangement, the free ends (or edges) of the
flexible legs 1024 are bent towards each other such that the free ends of theflexible legs 1024 are positioned closer to one another than the ends attached to thesecond leg 1006 of theprofile 1002. Accordingly, the bent portions of theflexible legs 1024 can retain or assist in the retention of the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 within the space of theenclosure 1020. In some configurations, the free ends of theflexible legs 1024 can be spread apart to allow the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 to be inserted into the space of theenclosure 1020. In alterative arrangements, theenclosure 1020 can be defined by a single uninterrupted wall, which can have a free end (or edge) adjacent thesecond leg 1006 to allow for insertion of the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 into the space of theenclosure 1020. In other configurations, the single uninterrupted wall can be attached to thesecond leg 1006 at each end (or edge) and the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 can be inserted into theenclosure 1020 through an end of theenclosure 1020 at an end of theaccessory 1000. - The
profile 1002 can be constructed in a manner similar to those of the other components or accessories described herein. For example, theprofile 1002 can be constructed as a unitary piece of a single material (e.g., vinyl or PVC) by a suitable process (e.g., extrusion). Thefirst leg 1004 can include a plurality of apertures, similar to theapertures 607 to receive joint compound. Theflexible legs 1024 can have a smaller wall thickness than one or both of thefirst leg 1004 and thesecond leg 1006 to provide theflexible legs 1024 with greater flexibility than one or both of thefirst leg 1004 and thesecond leg 1006. In other arrangements, theflexible legs 1024 can be constructed from a different (e.g., more flexible) material than the material of one or both of thefirst leg 1004 and thesecond leg 1006. Such an arrangement can be constructed from any suitable process, such as a co-extrusion process, for example. - The compressible fire-blocking
member 1022 can be constructed from any suitable fire-blocking or fire-resistant material in order to achieve a desired level of fire protection. In some configurations, the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 includes a mineral wool material. In some configurations, the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 does not include an intumescent material. In the illustrated arrangement, the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 is a composite comprising a mineralwool material portion 1030 and afoam material portion 1032. Thefoam material portion 1032 can comprise an open cell foam material. In alternative arrangements, thefoam material portion 1032 can comprise a closed cell foam material. - In the illustrated arrangement, the mineral
wool material portion 1030 can be larger (greater cross-sectional area or greater volume) than thefoam material portion 1032. For example, the mineralwool material portion 1030 can be twice as large or three times as large as thefoam material portion 1032. In some configurations, the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 can have a width (direction along the second leg 1006) of about nine-sixteenths of an inch ( 9/16″) and a height (direction away from the second leg 1006) of about one inch (1″). The mineralwool material portion 1030 can have a width of about nine-sixteenths of an inch ( 9/16″) and a height of about three-quarters of an inch (¾″). Thefoam material portion 1032 can have a width of about nine-sixteenths of an inch ( 9/16″) and a height of about one-quarter of an inch (¼″). - Such an arrangement of the compressible fire-blocking
member 1022 provides advantageous fire-blocking performance at a lower cost than relying on intumescent materials. In addition, providing the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 within theflexible enclosure 1020 overcomes several disadvantages of conventional methods and arrangements of using mineral wool materials. The mineralwool material portion 1030 can provide fire-blocking attributes and thefoam material portion 1032 can provide resiliency to the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022 to provide an expansion force tending to keep the mineral wool material portion 1030 (or the free ends of the flexible legs 1024) located towards or in contact with an adjacent structure, such as an overhead structure as described below. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , an alternativecompressible member 1022 a can be provided for a sound-rated version of theconstruction accessory 1000. Thecompressible member 1022 a ofFIG. 12 comprises or is constructed entirely from an open cell foam material. Thecompressible member 1022 a can omit mineral wool material and/or intumescent material. Thecompressible member 1022 a can provide increased resistance to sound transmission relative to an open gap. The dimensions of theconstruction accessory 1000 can be the same as or similar to the dimensions described above with respect to the compressible fire-blockingmember 1022. - With reference to
FIG. 13 , the illustratedwall assembly 1500 includes a pair of theconstruction accessories 1000 installed on each side of thewall assembly 1500 in the head-of-wall (e.g., deflection)gap 1502. However, as noted above, theconstruction accessory 1000 can be used in any other wall gap and possibly in other construction gaps. Thewall assembly 1500 includes or is located adjacent to an upper oroverhead structure 1510 defining an upper surface. Theupper structure 1510 can be a ceiling or a floor of an upper level of a multi-level building. Thewall assembly 1500 can include aheader track 1520. Theheader track 1520 can include first andsecond flanges second flanges web 1523. Theheader track 1520 can be generally U-shaped. Theflanges studs 1513. Thestuds 1513 can provide support for a wall material, such as one ormore wallboards 1530, on each side of thewall assembly 1500. - The
wallboard 1530 can be a gypsum drywall wallboard. Thewallboard 1530 can be attached (e.g., via nails, screws, or other fasteners) to thestuds 1513 of thewall assembly 1500. Thewallboard 1530 can include an inner face facing towards thestuds 1513. Thewallboard 1530 can include an outer face facing outwardly away from thestuds 1513. Thewallboard 1530 can include anupper edge 1532. Theupper edge 1532 can extend along a length of the wallboard 1530 (e.g., into and out of the page as shown inFIG. 13 ). - The
wall assembly 1500 can define a head-of-wall gap or adeflection gap 1502. Thedeflection gap 1502 can be a gap across a portion of thewall assembly 1500. Thedeflection gap 1502 can be bounded on an upper side by theupper structure 1510 and on a lower side by theupper edge 1532. A height of thedeflection gap 1502 between the upper and lower sides can vary as theupper structure 1510 moves with respect to thewallboard 1530. Thedeflection gap 1502 can be variable between a closed position and an open position. This movement of thedeflection gap 1502 can accommodate movement of the building. - The
deflection gap 1502 can define an opening through which fire, smoke, heat, and/or sound can pass from one side of thewall assembly 1500 to the other side. - Accordingly, the
construction accessory 1000 can be installed in thewall assembly 1500 to fire-block the deflection gap 1502 (e.g., in accordance with UL-2079 regulations). - To install the
construction accessory 1000, the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a), theflexible enclosure 1020, and/or thesecond leg 1006 can be placed within thedeflection gap 1502. Theflexible enclosure 1020 and/or the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) can abut and/or seal against theupper structure 1510. Thedeflection gap 1502 can have a maximum height that is less than a height of the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a). Accordingly, the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) can be compressed to fit within thedeflection gap 1502. The compression can help to retain the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) within thedeflection gap 1502. The compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a), and especially thefoam material portion 1032, can compress and expand to provide a seal across thedeflection gap 1502. The compressibility can also allow theconstruction accessory 1000 to conform to an uneven surface of theupper structure 1510. - With reference to
FIGS. 14 a -d, one example procedure for installation of the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) into the space defined by theenclosure 1020 is illustrated. InFIG. 14 a , theprofile 1002 is shown prior to installation of the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a). As described above, theprofile 1002 can be constructed in any suitable manners, such as by an extrusion process. Each of theflexible legs 1024 have a relaxed position configured to fully or substantially enclose the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a). As shown inFIG. 14 b , theflexible legs 1024 can be flexed to separate their upper ends, creating an access opening to the interior space of theenclosure 1020. - As shown in
FIG. 14 c , with theflexible legs 1024 separated, the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) can be inserted into the interior space of theenclosure 1020. As shown inFIG. 14 d , once the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a) is positioned within the interior space of theenclosure 1020, theflexible legs 1024 can be allowed to return to their relaxed positions to capture the compressible fire-blocking member 1022 (orcompressible member 1022 a). - Advantageously, the flexible vinyl (or other plastic)
legs 1024 are paintable, unlike mineral wool or intumescent foams that are not paintable. In addition, the vinyl (or plastic) material of theflexible legs 1024 will not dry out or lose its flexible characteristics and will provide the wall joint with a long useful life. Another benefit of theconstruction accessory 1000 is that it does not require any fire sealant or fire spray, both of which dry out over time and must be re-sealed to maintain satisfactory performance. Furthermore, theconstruction accessory 1000 has a long shelf life prior to installation, unlike fire sealants and sprays. - Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure.
- Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.
- Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
- Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
- The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. Given ranges are inclusive of endpoints.
- Several illustrative embodiments of fire-rated assemblies have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative embodiments and uses, other embodiments and other uses, including embodiments and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various embodiments. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.
- Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
- Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment or example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.
- While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.
- Further, while illustrative embodiments have been described, any embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. For example, some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some embodiments may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.
- Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
- For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some embodiments, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the example embodiment described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any embodiment.
- In summary, various embodiments and examples of fire-rated assemblies and related methods have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and examples to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Claims (1)
1. A fire, smoke, and/or sound blocking head-of-wall assembly, comprising:
an overhead structure;
a header track coupled with the overhead structure including a pair of slotted flanges;
a plurality of studs coupled with the header track, an upper end of each stud coupled between the pair of slotted flanges to allow vertical movement between the plurality of studs and the overhead structure;
a wallboard coupled with the plurality of studs to form a wall;
a deflection gap located between the overhead structure and an upper surface of the wallboard, wherein the vertical movement between the plurality of studs and the overhead structure varies a height of the deflection gap between an open position and a closed position;
an elongate component configured to block the deflection gap.
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/655,738 Continuation US11891800B2 (en) | 2019-01-24 | 2022-03-21 | Wall joint or sound block component and wall assemblies |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240240456A1 true US20240240456A1 (en) | 2024-07-18 |
Family
ID=
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