The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

A method of assembling a window includes positioning an insulating material in a frame thermal break defined by a middle portion of a frame intermediate a first side and a second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a cladding to the frame. The frame includes a first material visible on the first side of the window. The cladding includes a second material visible on the second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a first glass pane to a second glass pane to form an insulated glass unit and positioning the insulated glass unit in the frame. The method further includes aligning the frame thermal break and a pocket of the insulated glass unit such that a central plane of the pocket extends through a middle portion of the frame thermal break. The frame thermal break and the pocket define a continuous thermal break extending through the window.

A method of assembling a window includes positioning an insulating material in a frame thermal break defined by a middle portion of a frame intermediate a first side and a second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a cladding to the frame. The frame includes a first material visible on the first side of the window. The cladding includes a second material visible on the second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a first glass pane to a second glass pane to form an insulated glass unit and positioning the insulated glass unit in the frame. The method further includes aligning the frame thermal break and a pocket of the insulated glass unit such that a central plane of the pocket extends through a middle portion of the frame thermal break. The frame thermal break and the pocket define a continuous thermal break extending through the window.

The system includes a series of operable louvers mounted on a four-sided frame and connected on each side to the operating mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing of the louvers. Every part of the system that is exposing to the exterior of the building is separated from the interior part of the system by a low heat conductivity material as a thermal barrier. Each operable louver is composing of a four-sided main frame, two panes of glass (inner and outer) and a coupling mechanism on each side that connects to the operating mechanism. The main frame acts as the thermal break as well as a system that absorbs the energy created when an outside object impacts the window from the outside. The system incorporates sealing devices between all moving parts to eliminate water and air infiltration. The operating system allows for easy opening and closing of the window by rotating each louver with the crank mechanism assisted by springs.

The system includes a series of operable louvers mounted on a four-sided frame and connected on each side to the operating mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing of the louvers. Every part of the system that is exposing to the exterior of the building is separated from the interior part of the system by a low heat conductivity material as a thermal barrier. Each operable louver is composing of a four-sided main frame, two panes of glass (inner and outer) and a coupling mechanism on each side that connects to the operating mechanism. The main frame acts as the thermal break as well as a system that absorbs the energy created when an outside object impacts the window from the outside. The system incorporates sealing devices between all moving parts to eliminate water and air infiltration. The operating system allows for easy opening and closing of the window by rotating each louver with the crank mechanism assisted by springs.

A window includes an insulated glass unit and a frame supporting the insulated glass unit. The insulated glass unit includes a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced from the first glass pane. A central plane extends through a pocket defined between the first glass pane and the second glass pane. The frame includes a first material visible on a first side of the window. The window also includes cladding connected to the frame. The cladding includes a second material visible on a second side of the window. The frame defines a cavity that extends between the first side and the second side and inhibits moisture from the first side contacting the second material. The window includes a thermal cavity defined by the frame and aligned with the pocket.

A window includes an insulated glass unit and a frame supporting the insulated glass unit. The insulated glass unit includes a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced from the first glass pane. A central plane extends through a pocket defined between the first glass pane and the second glass pane. The frame includes a first material visible on a first side of the window. The window also includes cladding connected to the frame. The cladding includes a second material visible on a second side of the window. The frame defines a cavity that extends between the first side and the second side and inhibits moisture from the first side contacting the second material. The window includes a thermal cavity defined by the frame and aligned with the pocket.

A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The above attributes of the functional units ensures that the composite window units are architecturally pleasing and appear as though they were custom crafted. The system also includes a collection of interior and interior trim units in various architectural styles that can be attached to installed standardized functional units via the common interfaces to match the architecture of a particular home or building. A collection of matching architectural grilles and hardware also are provided, and the trim units, grills, and hardware are all historically and period accurate to represent a wide variety of architectures both past and present. Exterior and interior trim can be built up from a limited number of standard components that can be combined in a large number of ways to create a wide variety of trim profiles.