Holeless Curtain Wall Mullion Connection

Abstract

A mullion connection system for resisting wind load reactions using a connection clip structurally engaged with a mullion without a hole or a fastener penetrating into the mullion surface. The connection clip can undergo stress-free vertical sliding relative to the mullion along the entire length of the mullion without impairing the structural connection strength; therefore, the building construction tolerance in the vertical direction is eliminated as a design consideration of the curtain wall system. The design also eliminates the need for pre-fabricating mullion holes for the connection locations. The design does not require the pre-determination of the elevation of the connecting point and thus is most beneficial for a curtain wall renovation project where the available locations in the building structure for structural connection cannot be determined prior to the demolition of the existing wall. The uninterrupted mullion tube cavities can be conveniently utilized for inter-floor distribution of utility lines.

1 . A mullion connection system providing a structural connection between a mullion and a building structural element comprising:
 a connection clip engaged with said mullion, wherein said connection clip is slidably engaged with said mullion using at least one set of matching male and female joints.   
     
     
         2 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising a structural bridge connected to said connection clip, wherein said structural bridge is connected to said building structural element. 
     
     
         3 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising a dead load block positioned in contact with the top end of said connection clip and secured to said mullion. 
     
     
         4 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , wherein said connection clip is engaged with said mullion without using a fastener penetrating said mullion. 
     
     
         5 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , wherein the vertical position of said connection clip relative to said mullion is adjustable to any location along the length of said mullion. 
     
     
         6 . The mullion connection system of  claim 1 , further comprising an uninterrupted mullion cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The mullion connection system of  claim 6 , further comprising utility lines distributed through said uninterrupted mullion cavity. 
     
     
         8 . A mullion connection system providing a structural connection between mullions and a building structural element comprising:
 a first mullion;   a first connection clip engaged with said first mullion, wherein said first connection clip is slidably engaged with said first mullion using at least one set of matching male and female joints;   a second mullion parallel to said first mullion; and   a second connection clip engaged with said second mullion, wherein said second connection clip is slidably engaged with said second mullion using at least one set of matching male and female joints.