Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-02-07)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1\. (Cancelled)

2\. (New) A wall assembly, comprising:an ceiling structure;
a floor structure positioned opposite the ceiling structure;
a header track attached to the ceiling structure;
a bottom track attached to the floor structure, the bottom track including a first flange and a second flange extending from opposite edges of a web;
at least one stud extending in a vertical direction between the bottom track and the header track;
a wallboard attached to the at least one stud, the wallboard having a lower edge relatively closer to the floor structure and an upper edge relatively further from the floor structure, wherein a bottom wall gap is defined between the lower edge of the wallboard,
the first flange of the bottom track, and the floor structure;an elongate, compressible foam component received within the bottom wall gap to block passage of smoke or sound through the bottom wall gap, the elongate, compressible foam component comprising a rectangular cross-sectional profile extending between a first end and a second end, the rectangular cross-sectional profile having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side meeting at a first edge, a third side opposite the first side, and a fourth side opposite the second side, the first side and the fourth side meeting at a second edge, the rectangular cross-sectional profile extending from the first end to the second end;
wherein the elongate, compressible foam component is positioned such that the first side faces the first flange of the bottom track;
wherein the second side of the elongate, compressible foam component contacts the lower edge of the wallboard; and
wherein the fourth side of the elongate, compressible foam component contacts the floor structure.

3\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the elongate, compressible foam component comprises open cell or closed cell foam.

4\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the elongate, compressible foam component is configured to create a fire rated joint and block passage of fire or heat through the bottom wall gap.

5\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the elongate, compressible foam component is coated with intumescent material.

6\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the third side is coated with sealant.

7\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the first side comprises a same length as the second side.

8\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 2, wherein the first side comprises a protective layer.

9\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 8, wherein the protective layer comprises a tape layer, the tape layer having a width extending from the first edge to the second edge.

10\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 9, wherein the tape layer is received by and bonded to the elongate, compressible foam component.

11\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 10, wherein the tape layer covers at least a portion of a surface of the first side.

12\. (New) A wall assembly, comprising:a floor structure;
a bottom track attached to the floor structure, the bottom track including a first flange and a second flange extending from opposite sides of a web;
at least one stud having a lower end attached to the bottom track, the lower end received between the first flange and the second flange;
a wallboard attached to the at least one stud, the wallboard having an upper edge and a lower edge;
a bottom wall gap located between the lower edge of the wallboard and the floor structure;
a compressible foam component having a rectangular cross section, the compressible foam component received within the bottom wall gap to block passage of smoke and/or sound, the compressible foam component comprising:
Filing Date: January 12, 2024 a compressible foam profile having a first end and a second end, the compressible foam profile comprising:
a first side;
a second side meeting the first side at a corner, wherein the second side faces the lower edge of the wallboard;
a third side opposite the first side;
a fourth side opposite the second side, wherein the fourth side contacts the floor structure.
13\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam component is configured to create a fire rated joint.
14\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 13, wherein the compressible foam component has an impervious outer skin that is moisture resistant.
15\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam component comprises a composite fire-resistant or fire-stopping compressible foam material.

16\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein a thickness of the wallboard is larger than a width of the second side or the fourth side.
17\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam component comprises polyurethane foam material.
18\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam component is coated with intumescent material.
19\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam component comprises open cell or closed-cell foam.

20\. (New) The wall assembly of Claim 12, wherein the compressible foam profile comprises a tape layer extending along the first side.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA  first to invent provisions.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 2/16/24, 4/30/24 and 9/4/24 are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a).  The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims.  Therefore, the compressible foam component received within the bottom wall gap must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s).  No new matter should be entered. Currently, the drawings only depict an elongate compressible foam component received in a top wall gap.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Objections
Claim 2 is objected to because of the following informalities: “an” appears before “ceiling” in line 2. It should be amended to reads “a ceiling”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 14 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 14 recites “has an impervious outer skin”. It is unclear what the skin is impervious to. It could be water, air, explosions, etc.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 2, 4, 7 and 12-13 are rejected under pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Klein, US 2007/0107325 in view of Morgan et al., US 2003/0079425.
Regarding claims 2 and 12:
Klein discloses a wall assembly, comprising:
a ceiling structure (4);
a floor structure (2) positioned opposite the ceiling structure; a header track attached to the ceiling structure;
a bottom track (8) attached to the floor structure, the bottom track including a first flange and a second flange extending from opposite edges of a web;
at least one stud (abstract) extending in a vertical direction between the bottom track and the header track;
a wallboard (6) attached to the at least one stud, the wallboard having a lower edge relatively closer to the floor structure and an upper edge relatively further from the floor structure, wherein a bottom wall gap is defined between the lower edge of the wallboard, the first flange of the bottom track, and the floor structure;
an elongate, compressible mastic component (46) received within the bottom wall gap to block passage of smoke or sound through the bottom wall gap, the component comprising a rectangular cross-sectional profile extending between a first end and a second end, the rectangular cross-sectional profile having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side meeting at a first edge, a third side opposite the first side, and a fourth side opposite the second side, the first side and the fourth side meeting at a second edge, the rectangular cross-sectional profile extending from the first end to the second end;
wherein the elongate component is positioned such that the first side faces the first flange of the bottom track;
wherein the second side of the elongate component contacts the lower edge of the wallboard; and
wherein the fourth side of the elongate component contacts the floor structure.
Klein does not expressly disclose wherein the elongate compressible component is a foam component.
Morgan discloses a wall assembly wherein a gap between a building surface and a wallboard (18) has an elongate, compressible, rectangular foam component received therein.
At the time the invention was filed, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill to substitute the foam component as suggested by Morgan for the mastic component of Klein in order to allow cyclic movement of the wallboards while also preventing heat and smoke from going through the gap. Further, Morgan suggests wherein foam, rubber, polystyrene, mineral wool and other flexible materials that allow for cyclical movement while preventing heat and smoke from entering are interchangeable without yielding any extraordinary or unexpected results in the application of filling the gap between a building surface and a wallboard (para. 0030 of Morgan).
Regarding claims 4 and 13:
Morgan discloses wherein the compressible foam component is configured to create a fire rated joint (para. 0002 of Morgan).
Regarding claim 7:
Morgan discloses wherein the first side comprises a same length as the second side.
Claims 3, 6, 14-17 and 19 are rejected under pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Klein, US 2007/0107325 in view of Morgan et al., US 2003/0079425 further in view of Schlappa, US 5,968,615.
Regarding claims 3 and 19:
Morgan discloses a compressible foam component but does not expressly disclose wherein it is open or closed cell.
Schlappa discloses wherein a construction element seal wherein the seal is of closed-cell foam or open cell foam (col. 3, ll. 6-7).
At the time the invention was filed, it would have been obvious to use open or closed cell foam for the unspecified foam of Klein in view of Morgan, as both types of foam can provide effective barrier with sufficient compressibility.
Regarding claims 6, 14-15 and 17:
Morgan does not expressly disclose wherein the foam is coated with a moisture resistant sealant and is fire-resistant polyurethane foam.
Schlappa discloses a compressible foam sealant that has an impervious outer skin (8) that is moisture resistant, is polyurethane foam and is fire-resistant (1st paragraph, 39th paragraph of the detailed description).
At the time of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to substitute the compressible foam component of Schlappa for that of Morgan in order to create seals between the building surfaces (background of Schlappa).
Regarding claim 16:
Klein in view of Morgan does not expressly disclose wherein a thickness of the wallboard is larger than a width of the second or fourth side.
Schlappa discloses wherein a thickness of board is larger than a width of the second or fourth sides of the foam.
At the time of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill to make the foam of the relative width as suggested by Schlappa for the component of Klein in view of Morgan in order to enclose and protect the component within the gap.
Claims 8-11 and 20 are rejected under pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Klein, US 2007/0107325 in view of Morgan et al., US 2003/0079425 further in view of Groshong, US 4,598,516.
Regarding claims 8-11 and 20:
Klein in view of Morgan does not expressly disclose a tape.
Groshong discloses a partition assembly with a linear wall gap, wherein a tape (276) is applied over the gap, a first portion of the tape overlying the gap and a second portion of the tape coupled with a wall board (30).
At the time the invention was filed, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to provide a tape as suggested by Groshon atop the foam of Klein in view of Morgan in order to provide a finished surface for the wall board and to provide protection and concealment over the gap.
Claims 5 and 18 are rejected under pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Klein, US 2007/0107325 in view of Morgan et al., US 2003/0079425 further in view of Schouren et al., US 2010/0018142.
Regarding claims 5 and 18:
Klein in view of Morgan does not expressly disclose wherein the elongate, foam component it coated with intumescent material.
Schouren discloses a fire retardant composite that is an intumescent coating applied to a foam (para. 0006).
Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill it coat the elongate, foam component of Klein in view of Morgan with an intumescent layer in order to provide a sealing fire stop (background of Schouren).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSIntroduction In response to the Office Action dated February 2, 2025, Applicant respectfully requests the Examiner to reconsider the above-captioned application in view of the foregoing amendments and the following comments. As a result of the amendments listed above, Claims 2-20 remain pending.Claims 2 and 14 have been amended. No claims have been canceled or added.Objection to Drawings The Office Action objected to the drawings because it is asserted that the drawings do not show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. In particular, the Office Action asserts that the compressible foam component is only shown received in a top wall gap and must be shown received within the bottom wall gap to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.83(a). Applicant respectfully disagrees and submits that the Office Action is reading too much into the requirements of § 1.83(a).Section 1.83(a) requires that the drawings "must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims." Applicant submits that each feature of the claims, within the meaning of section 1.83(a), is shown in the drawings. The specification indicates that at least some of the illustrated top tracks can function as bottom tracks. See, e.g., paragraph [0110]. The specification also indicates that the illustrated ceiling 120 can be a floor of a higher level floor. See, e.g., paragraph [0004]. As acknowledged by the Office Action, the present drawings illustrate the compressible foam component within a (top wall) gap.Accordingly, Applicant submits that the drawings show every feature of the invention because it is unreasonable to assume that section 1.83(a) requires every permutation of the features of the claim to be shown in the drawings. Section 1.83(a) states that conventional features, for which a detailed illustration is not essential for a proper understanding of the invention, can be illustrated in form of a symbol. Thus, Applicant submits that the proper focus of the requirements of section 1.83(a) is on "proper understanding of the invention." The present drawings show the structures of the claims (although in the context of a top wall gap rather than a bottom wall gap) at a level of detail that allows those skilled in the art to properly understand the invention.Applicant submits that no significant claimed structures are omitted, it is only the context that varies from the drawings to the claims. Accordingly, Applicant submits that the present drawings comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.83(a) and respectfully requests that the objection to the drawings be withdrawn.Objection to Claims The Office Action objected to the Claim 2 because "an" appears before "ceiling" in line 2.The Office Action suggests that it should be amended to read "a ceiling." In response, Applicant has amended the claim as suggested. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the objection to the claims be withdrawn.Rejections Under 35 U.S.C. § 112 The Office Action rejected Claim 14 under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter. Although Applicant does not necessarily agree, Applicant has elected to amend the claim to address the purported issue. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112 be withdrawn.Rejections Under 35 U.S.C. § 103 The Office Action rejected Claims 2, 4, 7 and 12-13 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0107325 ("Klein") in view of U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2003/0079425 ("Morgan"). The Office Action rejected Claims 3, 6, 14-17 and 19 under 35 U.S.C.§ 103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Klein in view of Morgan and further in view of U.S.Pat. No. 5,968,615 ("Schlappa"). The Office Action rejected Claims 8-11 and 20 under 35 U.S.C.§ 103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Klein in view of Morgan and further in view of U. S.Pat. No. 4,598,516 ("Groshong"). The Office Action rejected Claims 5 and 18 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as allegedly being unpatentable over Klein in view of Morgan and further in view of U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0018142 ("Schouren"). Applicant respectfully disagrees for at least the following reasons.The pending claims recite, among other limitations, an elongate, compressible foam component having "a rectangular" cross section or cross-sectional profile. The Office Action asserts that the mastic component 46 of Klein has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Applicant respectfully disagrees. Figure 1 of Klein is reproduced below. Applicant respectfully submits that the mastic component 46 is not rectangular. Furthermore, the Office Action has not established that one skilled in the art would recognize that the arrangement of Klein would function properly if the mastic component 46 were provided in a rectangular shape rather than having the sloped outward facing surface, as shown. For at least this reason, the rejection of the claims is improper.F 1 / The Office Action further asserts that it would have been obvious to substitute the foam component as suggested by Morgan for the mastic component of Klein "in order to allow cyclic movement of the wallboards while also preventing heat and smoke from going through the gap." Office Action at page 6. Applicant respectfully disagrees at least because Morgan does not disclose that the compressible foam strip 20 - on its own - is sufficient to prevent heat and smoke from going through the gap. Rather, the purpose of the foam strip 20 is "to leave a space for cyclic movement of the wallboards 19 when the flowable firestop material 32 is hardened." Morgan at [0030] (emphasis added). Thus, it is the flowable firestop material 32 that is responsible for preventing heat and smoke from going through the gap - not the foam strip 20. Accordingly, the Office Action has failed to establish that the foam strip 20 would be a suitable replacement for the mastic 46 of Klein.Furthermore, the firestop material 32 is contained within a molding bag 30, which relies on gravity to drape over the head-of-wall gap. Such an arrangement would not work as intended at the bottom of the wall. For at least this reason, Applicant submits it would not have been obvious to modify Klein in view of Morgan, as proposed or with the molding bag 30 and firestop material 32. For at least this reason, Applicant submits that the rejection of the claims is improper.Accordingly, for at least the reasons discussed herein, Applicant respectfully submits that the pending claims are in condition for allowance. Reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102/103 are respectfully requested.No Disclaimers or Disavowals Although the present communication may include alterations to the application or claims, or characterizations of claim scope or referenced art, Applicant is not conceding in this application that previously pending claims are not patentable. Rather, any alterations or characterizations are being made to facilitate expeditious prosecution of this application. Applicant reserves the right to pursue at a later date any previously pending or other broader or narrower claims that capture any subject matter supported by the present disclosure, including subject matter found to be specifically disclaimed herein or by any prior prosecution. Accordingly, reviewers of this or any parent, child or related prosecution history shall not reasonably infer that Applicant has made any disclaimers or disavowals of any subject matter supported by the present application.Conclusion Accordingly, Applicant submits that the pending claims are allowable over the asserted art.Applicant notes that any remarks in support of patentability of one claim should not be imputed to any other claim, and any remarks based on a portion of a claim should not be taken as founding patentability on that portion. Rather, it is intended that patentability rests on the claim as a whole.Furthermore, any such remarks which do not quote the claim portion verbatim should not be used to vary the meaning of the claim, as such are intended as a convenience to improve readability. If not specifically addressed herein, Applicant respectfully traverses each of the Examiner's rejections and assertions as to what the prior art shows or teaches, alone or in combination.If any issues remain which can potentially be resolved by telephone, the Examiner is invited to contact the undersigned at the number provided below.Please charge any additional fees, including any fees for additional extension of time, or credit overpayment to Deposit Account No. 60-5001.Respectfully submitted, VIA LLPDated: July 7, 2025

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 4/29/25 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97.  Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Reasons for Allowance
Clams 2-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art includes numerous examples of wall assemblies having a bottom track with at least one stud attached to the bottom track wherein a wallboard is attached to the at least one stud and a bottom wall gap is defined between the lower edge of the wallboard, the first flange of the bottom track and the floor structure. However, the prior art of record does not reasonably suggest the combination having an elongate, compressible foam component received within the bottom wall gap comprising a rectangular cross-sectional profile extending between first and second ends, wherein foam component contacts the lower edge of the wallboard and the floor structure.
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
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US3381438A: Claims:
IN COMBINATION, A POST CONSTRUCTION FOR INTERIOR PARTITION SYSTEMS COMPRISING A VERTICAL, AND A PAIR OF VERTICALLY EXTENDING ALLOCHIRAL J-SHAPED LATCHING PROJECTIONS EXTENDING LATERALLY FROM SAID VERTICAL; PANELS EACH COMPRISING AN INSULATING CORE, FRONT AND BACK FACE SHEETS BONDED TO SAID CORE, SAID SHEETS EXTENDING BEYOND THE EDGES OF SAID CORE AND COOPERATING TO FORM VERTICALLY EXTENDING LATCHING EDGE CHANNELS COEXTENSIVE WITH SAID PROJECTIONS, THE ADJACENT EDGE CHANNELS OF SAID PANELS BEING LATCHED TO ONE PROJECTION OF EACH PAIR AND THUS SECURED TO SAID POST CONSTRUCTION.
Ref US20070107325A1: Claims:
A device for the earthquake-resistant mounting of a partition between a floor ( 2 ) and a ceiling ( 4 ), said partition having a framework comprising a lower rail ( 8 ) and an upper rail ( 10 ) that are substantially horizontal and uprights that are substantially vertical connecting the upper and lower rails, as well as a covering ( 6 ) fixed to said framework. characterized in that comprises a slide ( 18 ) of profiled section, the slide being adapted to be joined to the upper rail ( 10 ) and having a substantially U-shaped section, and a top runner ( 30 ) adapted to be fixed to the ceiling ( 4 ) and partially housed in the slide ( 18 ) between the arms of its U-section, in that the slide ( 18 ) and top runner ( 30 ) are mounted such that they are able to move relative to each other in a vertical direction, and in that reversible snap-fitting means ( 26 , 28 ) are provided between the slide ( 18 ) and the top runner ( 30 ).
characterized in that comprises a slide ( 18 ) of profiled section, the slide being adapted to be joined to the upper rail ( 10 ) and having a substantially U-shaped section, and a top runner ( 30 ) adapted to be fixed to the ceiling ( 4 ) and partially housed in the slide ( 18 ) between the arms of its U-section, in that the slide ( 18 ) and top runner ( 30 ) are mounted such that they are able to move relative to each other in a vertical direction, and in that reversible snap-fitting means ( 26 , 28 ) are provided between the slide ( 18 ) and the top runner ( 30 ).
A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the top runner ( 30 ) is in the form of a rail of profiled section comprising two side flanges ( 36 ) extending parallel to the arms ( 22 ) of the U-section of the slide ( 18 ) and within those arms.
A device according to claim 2 , characterized in that each of the side flanges ( 36 ) of the top runner ( 30 ) and each of the arms ( 22 ) of the U-section of the slide ( 18 ) comprises a boss ( 26 , 38 ) projecting inwardly respectively from the flanges ( 36 ) and from the arms ( 22 ), the bosses ( 26 ) of the slide ( 18 ) being adapted, when in resting position, to locate in the bosses ( 38 ) of the top runner ( 30 ).
A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the slide ( 18 ) comprises at each free end of the arms ( 22 ) of its U-section a rim ( 24 ) extending outwardly of the U, substantially perpendicular to the arms ( 22 ) of the U.
A device according to claim 4 , characterized in that it further comprises an elastic joint ( 48 ) adapted to be located between a rim ( 24 ) of the slide ( 18 ) and the ceiling ( 4 ) on which the top runner ( 30 ) is fixed.
A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the top runner ( 30 ) is a member of profiled section comprising two side flanges ( 36 ) slidingly mounted between the arms ( 22 ) of the U-section of the slide ( 18 ) and also a housing ( 34 ), disposed between the side flanges ( 36 ), on the opposite side from the slide ( 18 ), and adapted to receive a material ( 35 ) having fire-retardant properties.
A device according to one claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises at least one anchorage reinforcing member ( 16 ) disposed in the top runner ( 30 ).
A device according to claim 7 , characterized in that said anchorage reinforcing member ( 16 ) is constituted by a U-section member disposed transversely with respect to the slide ( 18 ) and the top runner ( 30 ).
A partition having a framework comprising a lower rail ( 8 ) and an upper rail ( 10 ) that are substantially horizontal and uprights that are substantially vertical connecting the upper and lower rails, as well as a covering ( 6 ) fixed to said framework, characterized in that the framework further comprises a device according to claim 1 .
characterized in that the framework further comprises a device according to claim 1 .
A partition according to claim 9 , characterized in that the covering ( 6 ) is fixed at its upper portion so as not to extend beyond the slide ( 18 ), thus leaving a free space between the covering ( 6 ) and the ceiling ( 4 ), it being possible for said space to be filled by a joint ( 48 ) of elastic material.
A partition according to claim 9 , characterized in that the covering boards ( 6 ) are mounted so as to be floating with respect to the lower rail ( 8 ).
A partition according to claim 9 , characterized in that a flexible mastic joint ( 46 ) is made between the floor ( 2 ) and the covering ( 6 ) fixed to the framework.
A partition according to claim 9 , characterized in that at least one anchorage reinforcing member ( 16 ) is disposed transversely in the lower rail ( 8 ).
A partition according to claim 9 , characterized in that it further comprises: two substantially vertical side edges, each associated with a substantially vertical side rail, and a device for the mounting of said partition on a substantially vertical wall, which mounting device comprises a slide ( 18 ) of profiled section, the slide being adapted to be joined to the side rail and having a substantially U-shaped section, and a vertical runner adapted to be fixed to the corresponding vertical wall and partially housed in the slide ( 18 ) between the arms of its U-section, and in that the slide ( 18 ) and the vertical runner are mounted such that they are able to move relative to each other in a horizontal direction, and in that reversible snap-fitting means ( 26 , 28 ) are provided between the slide ( 18 ) and the vertical runner.
two substantially vertical side edges, each associated with a substantially vertical side rail, and
a device for the mounting of said partition on a substantially vertical wall, which mounting device comprises a slide ( 18 ) of profiled section, the slide being adapted to be joined to the side rail and having a substantially U-shaped section, and a vertical runner adapted to be fixed to the corresponding vertical wall and partially housed in the slide ( 18 ) between the arms of its U-section,
and in that the slide ( 18 ) and the vertical runner are mounted such that they are able to move relative to each other in a horizontal direction, and in that reversible snap-fitting means ( 26 , 28 ) are provided between the slide ( 18 ) and the vertical runner.
Ref US20160130802A1: Claims:
A fire-rated assembly for a linear wall gap, comprising: a header track; a bottom track; a plurality of vertical wall studs extending in a vertical direction between the bottom track and the header track; at least a first wall board supported by the plurality of wall studs; wherein the header track is attached to an overhead structure and the bottom track, wall studs and wall board is movable relative to the header track, wherein the wall board is spaced from the overhead structure to define a deflection gap having an opening, a compressible backer rod positioned within the deflection gap between the upper edge of the first wall board and the horizontal ceiling element, an outer surface of the compressible backer rod at least partially coated with an intumescent material; a flexible sealant material applied to the first wall board and covering the opening of the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between the header track and the flexible sealant material.
a plurality of vertical wall studs extending in a vertical direction between the bottom track and the header track;
at least a first wall board supported by the plurality of wall studs;
wherein the header track is attached to an overhead structure and the bottom track, wall studs and wall board is movable relative to the header track, wherein the wall board is spaced from the overhead structure to define a deflection gap having an opening,
a compressible backer rod positioned within the deflection gap between the upper edge of the first wall board and the horizontal ceiling element, an outer surface of the compressible backer rod at least partially coated with an intumescent material;
a flexible sealant material applied to the first wall board and covering the opening of the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between the header track and the flexible sealant material.
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the backer rod is sized to contact the ceiling and the top surface of the wall board.
The assembly of claim 2 wherein at least one-half of an outer surface of the backer rod is coated in intumescent material.
The assembly of claim 3 wherein less than one-half of an outer surface of the backer rod is coated in intumescent material.
The assembly of claim 4 wherein the backer rod is inserted into the deflection gap with at least part of the coated surface of the backer rod facing towards the overhead structure and at least part of the uncoated surface of the backer rod facing the opening of the deflection gap and the flexible sealant engages the uncoated surface of the backer rod.
The assembly of claim 6 wherein the backer rod has a cross-sectional profile that is circular, square, rectangular, or half circular.
The assembly of claim 6 wherein the flexible sealant is a combination of joint compound and joint tape applied to the first wall board and backer rod.
The assembly of claim 6 wherein the flexible sealant is an elastomeric spray applied to the first wall board and the backer rod.
The assembly of claim 6 wherein melt temperature of the backer rod is greater than the activation temperature of the intumescent material.
A method of assembling a fire-rated wall joint, comprising: securing a header track to a ceiling; positioning upper ends of a plurality of studs into the header track; securing at least one wall board member to the plurality of studs such that a top surface of the wall board member is spaced away from the ceiling to define a deflection gap, the deflection gap having an opening; positioning a compressible backer rod within the deflection gap, an outer surface of the backer rod at least partially coated with an intumescent material; applying a flexible sealant to the first wall board and covering the opening of the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between the header track and the flexible sealant.
securing a header track to a ceiling;
positioning upper ends of a plurality of studs into the header track;
securing at least one wall board member to the plurality of studs such that a top surface of the wall board member is spaced away from the ceiling to define a deflection gap, the deflection gap having an opening;
positioning a compressible backer rod within the deflection gap, an outer surface of the backer rod at least partially coated with an intumescent material;
applying a flexible sealant to the first wall board and covering the opening of the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between the header track and the flexible sealant.
The method of claim 10 further comprising sizing the backer rod to contact the ceiling and the top surface of the wall board.
The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one-half of an outside surface of the backer rod is coated in intumescent material.
The method of claim 11 , wherein less than one-half of an outer surface of the backer rod is coated in intumescent material.
The method of claim 12 further comprising inserting the backer rod into the deflection gap with at least part of the intumescent coated surface of the backer rod facing towards the overhead structure and at least part of the uncoated surface of the backer rod facing the opening of the deflection gap such that the sealant engages the uncoated surface of the backer rod.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the backer rod has a cross-sectional profile that is circular, square, rectangular, or half circular.
The method of claim 15 , wherein the flexible sealant is a combination of joint compound and joint tape applied to the first wall board.
The method of claim 15 further comprising selecting the backer rod and the intumescent material such that the melt temperature of the backer rod is higher than the activation temperature of the intumescent material.
A fire-retardant wall system, comprising: a horizontal ceiling element; a plurality of vertical wall studs; a header track for receiving the wall studs, the track connected to the horizontal ceiling element, the track comprising a web and a pair of flanges extending in the same direction from opposite edges of the web; at least one piece of wall board supported by the wall studs, the wall board having an upper edge that is spaced from the horizontal ceiling element to define a deflection gap therebetween; a compressible backer rod positioned within the deflection gap between the upper edge of the wall board and the horizontal ceiling element, wherein at least part of an outer surface of the compressible backer rod is coated with a fire-retardant material; and a combination of joint compound and joint tap applied to the wall board and covering the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between an outwardly-facing surface of one of the pair of flanges and the combination of joint compound and joint tape.
a horizontal ceiling element;
a plurality of vertical wall studs;
a header track for receiving the wall studs, the track connected to the horizontal ceiling element, the track comprising a web and a pair of flanges extending in the same direction from opposite edges of the web;
at least one piece of wall board supported by the wall studs, the wall board having an upper edge that is spaced from the horizontal ceiling element to define a deflection gap therebetween;
a compressible backer rod positioned within the deflection gap between the upper edge of the wall board and the horizontal ceiling element, wherein at least part of an outer surface of the compressible backer rod is coated with a fire-retardant material; and
a combination of joint compound and joint tap applied to the wall board and covering the deflection gap to enclose the compressible backer rod between an outwardly-facing surface of one of the pair of flanges and the combination of joint compound and joint tape.
The wall system of claim 18 , wherein the compressible backer rod has a circular cross-sectional shape.
The wall system of claim 18 , wherein the compressible backer rod has a square cross-sectional shape.
The wall system of claim 20 , wherein a surface of the compressible backer rod facing the ceiling element is coated with a fire-retardant material.
The wall system of claim 20 , wherein a surface of the compressible backer rod facing the ceiling element has a strip of intumescent material adhesively applied to the surface of the backer rod.
Ref US20230323657A1: Claims:
: A sealing device for an edge joint between a cladding part of drywall and an adjacent floor, wall, or ceiling, the sealing device comprising: a one-piece base body having a carrier portion which forms a support for a circumferential side of the cladding part, a contact portion starting from the carrier portion and protruding in a first direction angled with respect to the carrier portion in order to rest against an edge of an end face of the cladding part, and a sealing portion starting from the carrier portion and extending away from the carrier portion, wherein the sealing portion has two spaced apart webs which bridge the edge joint.
a one-piece base body having a carrier portion which forms a support for a circumferential side of the cladding part, a contact portion starting from the carrier portion and protruding in a first direction angled with respect to the carrier portion in order to rest against an edge of an end face of the cladding part, and a sealing portion starting from the carrier portion and extending away from the carrier portion,
a carrier portion which forms a support for a circumferential side of the cladding part,
a contact portion starting from the carrier portion and protruding in a first direction angled with respect to the carrier portion in order to rest against an edge of an end face of the cladding part, and
a sealing portion starting from the carrier portion and extending away from the carrier portion,
wherein the sealing portion has two spaced apart webs which bridge the edge joint.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portion and one of the two spaced apart webs lie in one plane.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein a web of the two spaced apart webs extends from opposite ends of the carrier portion, viewed in cross section.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the two spaced apart webs of the sealing portion run parallel to one another.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing portion has a seal which is present between the two spaced apart webs.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing portion has an intumescent seal which is present between the two spaced apart webs.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two spaced apart webs branches out in a V-shape, viewed in cross section, near a free end so as to form a sealing lip.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein, at a free end, the contact portion forms a U-shaped clip portion, viewed in cross section, wherein the clip portion is open in a direction of the two spaced apart webs for attaching the sealing device an on-site holding rail.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is an H-profile in which the carrier portion forms a central web, wherein the two spaced apart webs form the sealing portion, wherein two oppositely running webs form the contact portion, and wherein the cladding part can be received between the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion.
wherein the two spaced apart webs form the sealing portion,
wherein two oppositely running webs form the contact portion, and
wherein the cladding part can be received between the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion.
: The sealing device according to claim 9 , wherein each of the two oppositely running webs has a free end, wherein at least one of the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion runs outwards to the free end in order to form an insertion bevel for the cladding part, and/or wherein, in a region of the free end, the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion run in portions towards one another and again away from one another in order to form a clamping zone for the cladding part.
wherein at least one of the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion runs outwards to the free end in order to form an insertion bevel for the cladding part, and/or
wherein, in a region of the free end, the two oppositely running webs of the contact portion run in portions towards one another and again away from one another in order to form a clamping zone for the cladding part.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is an h-profile, in which the carrier portion forms a central web, wherein at least the two spaced apart webs form the sealing portion, and wherein an oppositely running web forms the contact portion.
wherein at least the two spaced apart webs form the sealing portion, and
wherein an oppositely running web forms the contact portion.
: The sealing device according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing device is a
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