Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2024-10-01)

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1\. (Cancelled)

2\. (New) A fire-rated wall assembly, comprising:a first wall structure comprising a first wallboard;
a second wall structure, the second wall structure comprising a second wallboard and positioned laterally adjacent to the first wall structure, the first and second wall structures defining a vertical wall gap therebetween, the vertical wall gap comprising a space defined between the first wall structure and the second wall structure, and bound by opposing edges of the first wall structure;
an elongated angle profile fastened to a vertically-extending corner of the first wall structure that is laterally adjacent to the second wall structure, wherein the elongated angle profile comprises:
a first leg; and
a second leg, wherein the second leg is oriented at an angle relative to the first leg, wherein the first leg comprises a length that is greater than a length of the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg each includes a free edge and a connecting edge , the connecting edge positioned opposite the free edge, the connecting edge of the first leg and the connecting edge of the second leg being connected to one another at a corner, wherein the first leg and second legs are formed from a single piece of material, wherein the length of the first leg and second leg extend perpendicular to a height direction of the first wall structure and the second wall structure;
and at least one fire-resistant seal positioned near the free edge of the first leg away from the second leg, the at least one fire-resistant seal comprising an intumescent material,
wherein, in use, the first leg of the elongated angle profile is disposed within the vertical wall gap such that the at least one fire-resistant seal contacts the second wall structure and the elongated angle profile seals the vertical wall gap while allowing relative movement between the first and second wall structures.

3\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the at least one fire- resistant seal is compressed between surfaces of the first and second wall structures.

4\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 3, wherein the at least one fire- resistant seal is positioned substantially at a midpoint between the opposing edges of the first wall structure.
5\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the first wall structure comprises an internal stud wall and the second wall structure comprises one of an external wall structure or window mullion assembly.
6\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 5, wherein the second leg is fastened to a stud of the internal stud wall by a fastener.
7\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the elongated angle profile comprises an intermediate portion connecting the first leg and the second leg at the corner.
8\. (New) A fire-rated movement joint product for a vertical wall gap that extends in a vertical direction between a first vertical wall structure and a second vertical wall structure, comprising:
an elongated, L-shaped component comprising a first leg and a second leg oriented at an angle relative to the first leg, the first leg comprising a planar surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second legs extending in the vertical direction in use, the first leg having a length that is greater than a length of the second leg, the first leg and the second leg each having a free edge and being connected to one another along an edge that is opposite the free edges such that the L-shaped component defines a corner, the first and second legs formed from a single piece of material; and
a first fire-resistant seal positioned on the first side of the first leg near the free edge,
and a second fire-resistant seal positioned on the second side of the first leg near the free edge, wherein the first fire-resistant seal and the second fire-resistant seal extend in the vertical direction in use to create a fire-rated seal between the first vertical wall structure and the second vertical wall structure.
9\. (New) The fire-rated movement joint product of Claim 8, wherein the first and second fire-resistant seals are coupled to the first leg adhesively.

10\. (New) The fire-rated movement joint product of Claim 8, wherein the L-shaped component further comprises a corner bead that protrudes from the first and second legs at the corner.

11\. (New) A fire-rated wall assembly, comprising:a first vertical wall structure, comprising:
at least one stud; and
a wallboard supported on each side of the at least one stud;
a second vertical structure positioned laterally adjacent to the first vertical wall structure, the first vertical wall structure and the second vertical structure defining a vertical wall gap therebetween, the vertical wall gap comprising a space between the first vertical wall structure and the second vertical structure, and bound by opposing edges of the first vertical wall structure; and
an elongated profile, the elongated profile comprising an angle extending along the wallboard of the first vertical wall structure, the angle comprising:
a first flange;
a second flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange each comprises a free edge and a connecting edge, the first flange and the second flange connected to one another at the connecting edges, the first flange and the second flange formed from a single piece of material, wherein a length of the first flange and the second flange extend perpendicular to a height direction of the first vertical wall structure and the second vertical structure;
at least one fire-resistant seal positioned on the elongated profile, the at least one fire-resistant seal comprising an intumescent material; and
a compressible gasket positioned in the vertical wall gap;
wherein, in use, the elongated profile is fastened to the at least one stud, the at least one fire-resistant seal and the compressible gasket are disposed within the vertical wall gap such that the compressible gasket contacts the second vertical structure and seals the vertical wall gap while allowing relative movement between the first vertical wall structure and the second vertical structure.

12\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the compressible gasket contacts the wallboard of the first vertical wall structure in use.

13\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the at least one fire- resistant seal is positioned between the compressible gasket and the second flange.
Filing Date: January 3, 2024

14\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the second vertical structure is a mullion of a window.

15\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the elongated profile comprises steel.

16\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the elongated profile forms an L-shaped cross section.

17\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the elongated profile comprises non-metal material.

18\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 17, wherein the non-metal material is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

19\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, further comprising a fastener receiving hole positioned on the second flange and configured to receive a fastener.

20\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the first flange and the second flange each comprises a planar surface.

21\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 20, wherein the wallboard is disposed between the first flange and the second flange.

22\. (New) The fire-rated wall assembly of Claim 11, wherein the first flange comprises a length that is greater than a length of the second flange.

OFFICE ACTION:
NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2-22 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art of record fails to teach or suggest a fire rated wall assembly comprising a first and second wall structure defining a vertical wall gap therebetween, an elongated angle profile fastened to a vertically extending corner of the first wall, the elongated angle being formed of a single piece and having a first leg oriented at an angle to a second leg, the first and second legs having free edges and connecting edges, the lengths of the first and second legs extending perpendicular to a heigh direction, at least one fire-resistant seal positioned near the free edge of the first leg away from the second leg and disposed within the vertical wall gap such tat the fire-resistant seal contacts the second wall and seals the vertical wall gap as recited in claim 2 in its entirety;  or a fire rated movement joint product comprising an elongated L-shaped component comprising a first and second leg, each having a free edge and being connected to one another along an edge that is opposite the free edge, a fire resistant seal positioned on the first side of the first leg near the free edge and a second fire-resistant seal positioned on the second side of the first leg near the free edge, the first and second fire -resistant seal extends in the vertical direction in use as recited in claim 8 in its entirety; or a fire rated wall assembly comprising a first vertical wall structure, at least one stud, a wall board and a second vertical wall structure positioned laterally adjacent to the first vertical wall structure defining a vertical wall gap therebetween, an elongated profile comprising an angle comprising a first flange and a second flange, the first and second flanges having free edges and a connecting edge, at least one fire resistant seal poisoned on the profile, a compressible gasket wherein in sue the elongated profile is fastened to the at least one stud and the fire resistant seal and compressible gasket are disposed within the vertical wall gap such that the compressible gasket contacts the second vertical structure and seals the vertical wall gap as recited in claim 11 in its entirety.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10494818B2: Claims:
A vented stop bead apparatus comprising: a base panel; a stop bead wall extending from the base panel; a spacing member wall connected to the base panel, wherein a spacing member is connected to the spacing member wall; a vented portion venting a location positioned between the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall and, wherein the vented portion has at least a first venting structure positioned through a wall of the vented portion and at least a second venting structure positioned through a plane of the base panel in a location between the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall; an engaging structure for engagement with a plaster or stucco material, the engaging structure connected to the stop bead wall and extending away from the vented portion, wherein the engaging structure has a turned-back hook extending towards the base panel, whereby a quantity of a plaster or stucco material is positionable in a space formed between the turned-back hook and the base panel; and a nailing portion of the base panel extending from the stop bead wall away from the vented portion.
a stop bead wall extending from the base panel;
a spacing member wall connected to the base panel, wherein a spacing member is connected to the spacing member wall;
a vented portion venting a location positioned between the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall and, wherein the vented portion has at least a first venting structure positioned through a wall of the vented portion and at least a second venting structure positioned through a plane of the base panel in a location between the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall;
an engaging structure for engagement with a plaster or stucco material, the engaging structure connected to the stop bead wall and extending away from the vented portion, wherein the engaging structure has a turned-back hook extending towards the base panel, whereby a quantity of a plaster or stucco material is positionable in a space formed between the turned-back hook and the base panel; and
a nailing portion of the base panel extending from the stop bead wall away from the vented portion.
The vented stop bead apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one second venting structure further comprises a hole extending through the base panel.
The vented stop bead apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vented portion further comprises an interior cavity formed between the stop bead wall, the spacing member wall, and the wall, wherein the forward wall is positioned proximate to at least one of the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall.
A vented weep screed apparatus comprising: a nailing fin having first and second sides; a first leg having a first leg portion extending from the first side of the nailing fin at a first location, wherein the first leg has a reverse leg portion extending back towards a plane of the nailing fin, wherein the reverse leg portion terminates at a position aligned with the plane of the nailing fin or past a plane of the second side of the nailing fin; and a second leg extending from the nailing fin at a second location, the second leg comprising a shelf connected to an upwards-facing surface by a riser, wherein the shelf is connected to a first edge of the riser and the upwards-facing surface is connected to a second portion of the riser, wherein the shelf is positioned vertically above the upwards-facing surface by the riser, and wherein the upwards-facing surface has a continuous downwards slope; and at least one venting structure positioned through the shelf of the second leg.
a nailing fin having first and second sides;
a first leg having a first leg portion extending from the first side of the nailing fin at a first location, wherein the first leg has a reverse leg portion extending back towards a plane of the nailing fin, wherein the reverse leg portion terminates at a position aligned with the plane of the nailing fin or past a plane of the second side of the nailing fin; and
a second leg extending from the nailing fin at a second location, the second leg comprising a shelf connected to an upwards-facing surface by a riser, wherein the shelf is connected to a first edge of the riser and the upwards-facing surface is connected to a second portion of the riser, wherein the shelf is positioned vertically above the upwards-facing surface by the riser, and wherein the upwards-facing surface has a continuous downwards slope; and
at least one venting structure positioned through the shelf of the second leg.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the at least one venting structure is positioned vertically above the first leg.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the shelf is positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane of the nailing fin.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the second leg extends laterally outwards past a curved edge of the first leg portion of the first leg, wherein the curved edge is positioned at a laterally outermost position of the first leg.
A system for venting a wall formed of at least one of stucco and plaster, the system comprising: a vented weep screed positioned proximate to a bottom edge of the wall and connected to a wall backer, the vented weep screed having at least one venting structure positioned through a leg thereof; a vented stop bead connected to the wall backer and positioned proximate to a top edge of the wall, the vented stop bead having at least one stop bead venting structure positioned therethrough; and a rain screen positioned between the vented stop bead and the wall backer, wherein the rain screen extends along the wall backer between the vented stop bead and the vented weep screed, wherein a venting path is created from the at least one stop bead venting structure of the vented stop bead, through the rain screen, and through the at least one venting structure of the vented weep screed.
a vented weep screed positioned proximate to a bottom edge of the wall and connected to a wall backer, the vented weep screed having at least one venting structure positioned through a leg thereof;
a vented stop bead connected to the wall backer and positioned proximate to a top edge of the wall, the vented stop bead having at least one stop bead venting structure positioned therethrough; and
a rain screen positioned between the vented stop bead and the wall backer, wherein the rain screen extends along the wall backer between the vented stop bead and the vented weep screed, wherein a venting path is created from the at least one stop bead venting structure of the vented stop bead, through the rain screen, and through the at least one venting structure of the vented weep screed.
The system of claim 8 , wherein the vented weep screed further comprises a first leg extending from a nailing fin at a first location and a second leg extending from the nailing fin at a second location, the second leg comprising a shelf connected to an upwards-facing surface by a riser, wherein the shelf is connected to a first edge of the riser and the upwards-facing surface is connected to a second portion of the riser, wherein the shelf is positioned vertically above the upwards-facing surface by the riser, and wherein the at least one venting structure is formed through the shelf of the second leg.
The system of claim 9 , wherein the shelf is positioned substantially perpendicular to a plane of the nailing fin.
The system of claim 8 , wherein the at least one stop bead venting structure of the vented stop bead is positioned within a vented portion formed between a stop bead wall and a spacing member wall, wherein an interior cavity is formed therebetween.
The system of claim 11 , further comprising a forward wall to the interior cavity, wherein the forward wall is connected between the stop bead wall and the spacing member wall.
The system of claim 8 , wherein the vented stop bead is positioned vertically above the vented weep screed.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a curved edge positioned between the first leg portion and the reverse leg portion, wherein a plane of the first leg portion forms an acute angle with a plane of the reverse leg portion.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the reverse leg portion terminates with a terminating leg extending angularly from the reverse leg portion.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the upwards-facing surface terminates in a curved portion.
The system of claim 9 , wherein the first leg of the vented weep screed apparatus further comprises a reverse leg extending back towards a plane of the nailing fin.
The system of claim 17 , wherein the reverse leg terminates with a terminating leg extending angularly from the reverse leg.
The vented weep screed apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the upwards-facing surface terminates in a curved portion.
Ref US9157232B2: Claims:
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area between a ceiling thereabove and a wall configuration therebelow which is wider than standard and which includes a ceiling track having a main track section which extends generally horizontally and a first track side section extending downwardly therefrom and a second side track section extend downwardly therefrom at a position spatially disposed from the first track section wherein the main track section includes a first track side section defining a first lowermost edge thereof and a second side track section defining a second lowermost edge thereof, said insulating gasket construction comprising: A. an L-shaped gasket section including: (1) a gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover; and (2) a gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the first track side section for insulating thereover, said gasket side panel extending downwardly from said gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shape configuration of the L-shaped gasket section, said gasket upper panel and said gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downwardly therebelow; and B. a panel adhesive means mounted on said gasket upper panel at a position between said gasket upper panel and the main track section at a position immediately therebelow to facilitate engagement between said gasket upper panel of said L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track; wherein the first track side section includes a first lower edge therealong and wherein said gasket side panel includes at least one attachment side tab extending inwardly into said track receiving recess at a position beneath the first track side section for engagement therewith to facilitate retaining of said L-shaped gasket section adjacent the main track section.
A. an L-shaped gasket section including:
(1) a gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover; and
(2) a gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the first track side section for insulating thereover, said gasket side panel extending downwardly from said gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shape configuration of the L-shaped gasket section, said gasket upper panel and said gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downwardly therebelow; and
B. a panel adhesive means mounted on said gasket upper panel at a position between said gasket upper panel and the main track section at a position immediately therebelow to facilitate engagement between said gasket upper panel of said L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track;
wherein the first track side section includes a first lower edge therealong and wherein said gasket side panel includes at least one attachment side tab extending inwardly into said track receiving recess at a position beneath the first track side section for engagement therewith to facilitate retaining of said L-shaped gasket section adjacent the main track section.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 1 wherein said gasket side panel is spatially disposed from the first track side section to be moveable with respect thereto responsive to relative movement between the wall configuration and the upper building structure thereabove.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 1 wherein said gasket upper panel and said gasket side panel are made from an insulating material which includes a firestopping insulating component therewithin.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 3 wherein the firestopping insulating component is intumescent.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 1 wherein said gasket upper panel and said gasket side panel are made from an insulating material which includes an acoustical insulating component therewithin.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area between a ceiling thereabove and a wall configuration therebelow which is wider than standard and which includes a ceiling track having a main track section which extends generally horizontally and a first track side section extending downwardly therefrom and a second side track section extend downwardly therefrom at a position spatially disposed from the first track section wherein the main track section includes a first track side section defining a first lowermost edge thereof and a second side track section defining a second lowermost edge thereof, said insulating gasket construction comprising: A. a first L-shaped gasket section including: (1) a first gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover; and (2) a first gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said first gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the first track side section for insulating thereover, said first gasket side panel extending downwardly from said first gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shaped configuration of the first L-shaped gasket section, said first gasket upper panel and said first gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downwardly therebelow; B. a second L-shaped gasket section including: (1) a second gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover at a position spatially disposed from said first gasket upper panel; and (2) a second gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said second gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the second track side section for insulating thereover, said second gasket side panel extending downwardly from said second gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shaped configuration of the second L-shaped gasket section, said second gasket upper panel and said second gasket side panel and said first gasket upper panel and said first gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downward therebelow for receiving a ceiling track positionable therewithin for facilitating insulating therearound; C. a first panel adhesive means mounted on said first gasket upper panel at a position between said first gasket upper panel of said first L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track to facilitate engagement therebetween; D. a second panel adhesive means mounted on said second gasket upper panel at a position between said second gasket upper panel of said second L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track to facilitate engagement therebetween; and E. at least one connecting strap positioned above the main track section of the ceiling track and attached to said first L-shaped gasket section and to said second L-shaped gasket section to limit spatial separation therebetween.
A. a first L-shaped gasket section including:
(1) a first gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover; and
(2) a first gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said first gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the first track side section for insulating thereover, said first gasket side panel extending downwardly from said first gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shaped configuration of the first L-shaped gasket section, said first gasket upper panel and said first gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downwardly therebelow;
B. a second L-shaped gasket section including:
(1) a second gasket upper panel of insulating material positioned immediately above the main track section of the ceiling track and extending generally horizontally thereover at a position spatially disposed from said first gasket upper panel; and
(2) a second gasket side panel of insulating material attached with respect to said second gasket upper panel and extending generally downwardly therefrom across the second track side section for insulating thereover, said second gasket side panel extending downwardly from said second gasket upper panel to define the generally L-shaped configuration of the second L-shaped gasket section, said second gasket upper panel and said second gasket side panel and said first gasket upper panel and said first gasket side panel together defining a track receiving recess facing downward therebelow for receiving a ceiling track positionable therewithin for facilitating insulating therearound;
C. a first panel adhesive means mounted on said first gasket upper panel at a position between said first gasket upper panel of said first L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track to facilitate engagement therebetween;
D. a second panel adhesive means mounted on said second gasket upper panel at a position between said second gasket upper panel of said second L-shaped gasket section and the main track section of the ceiling track to facilitate engagement therebetween; and
E. at least one connecting strap positioned above the main track section of the ceiling track and attached to said first L-shaped gasket section and to said second L-shaped gasket section to limit spatial separation therebetween.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 6 wherein said at least one connecting strap is attached with respect to said first gasket upper panel of said first L-shaped gasket section and is also attached with respect to said second gasket upper panel of said second L-shaped gasket section.
An adjustable head-of-wall insulating construction for sealing a head-of-wall area as defined in claim 6 wherein said first gasket side panel is spatially disposed from the first track side section to be moveable with respect thereto responsive to relative movement between the wall configuration and the upper building structure thereabove and wherein said second gasket side panel is spatially disposed from the second track side section to be moveable with respect thereto responsive to relative movement between the wall configuration and the upper building structure thereabove.
An adjusta
[Truncated to input limit]