SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING AN IMPACT-RESISTANT WINDOW AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

An impact-resistant window may include features that reduce the forces exerted on the edges of related panes, thereby preventing breakage due to impacts. In a described embodiment, the in pact-resistant window comprises at least one pane made of a transparent material and a frame including a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a third frame portion. In this embodiment, the connection between the first frame portion and the third frame portion may be configured to allow movement between the first frame portion and the third frame portion.

Claims

1. An impact-resistant window comprising; at least one pane, which pane is made of a transparent material; a frame comprising: a first frame portion, placed on a first side of the at least one pane; a second frame portion, placed on a second side of the at least one pane; and a third frame portion, placed adjacent to and in contact with the first frame portion; wherein a connection between the first frame portion and the third frame portion is configured to allow movement between the first frame portion and the third frame portion.

2. The impact-resistant window of claim 1, wherein the at least one pane comprises a first subpane and a second subpane.

3. The impact-resistant window of claim 2, wherein the first subpane is a laminated sheet.

4. The impact-resistant window of claim 2, further comprising a fourth frame portion, wherein the fourth frame portion is positioned at least between the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

5. The impact-resistant window of claim 4, wherein the fourth frame portion is positioned at least partially between the first subpane and the second subpane.

6. The impact-resistant window of claim 1, wherein the connection between the first frame portion and the third frame portion comprises a fastener and a crush washer.

7. The impact-resistant window of claim 6, wherein the at least one pane comprises a first subpane and a second subpane.

8. The impact-resistant window of claim 7, wherein the first subpane is a laminated sheet.

9. The impact-resistant window of claim 7, further comprising a fourth frame portion, wherein the fourth frame portion is positioned at least between the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

10. The impact-resistant window of claim 9, wherein the fourth frame portion is positioned at least partially between the first subpane and the second subpane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a front side view of an embodiment of an impact-resistant window in accordance with this Application.

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts cross-sectional view of the embodiment of an impact-resistant window shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an impact-resistant window in accordance with this Application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0027] This disclosure is focused on impact-resistant windows, as well as methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the impact-resistant windows may include features that reduce the forces exerted on the edges of related panes, thereby preventing breakage due to impacts.

[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 herein depict views of an embodiment of an impact-resistant window (100). As depicted primarily in FIG. 2, the largest structural components of the depicted embodiment of the impact-resistant window (100) may include a fixed frame (1), a first glazing bead (2), a second glazing bead (4), a third glazing bead (19), a first pane (6), and a second pane (7). The first glazing bead (2) and the third glazing bead (19) may be connected together using a first bolt (13) and a crush washer (18), which may be flanked by one or two flat washers (17). This connection may allow for some deflection between the first glazing bead (2) and the third glazing bead (19), which ability to deflect may reduce stresses incident upon the first pane (6) or second pane (7) of the window (100) in the event that the first pane (6) or second pane (7) is subjected to an impact from an object.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the window (100). As shown, the first pane (6) and second pane (7) may make up a majority of the front area of the window (100). The first pane (6) and second pane (7) may be flanked by a setting (11), which may be made from any material. In some embodiments, the setting (11) may be made from a polymer material, such as a polycarbonate. Although the window (100) in the depicted embodiment has a generally square shape, any shape may be used, as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] Any pane discussed herein will typically have a substantially flat shape. Such a shape or structure may be referred to herein as a sheet. Although most pales are substantially flat, the terms “pane” and “sheet” include any other shape that may be used for a window of any type when used in this Application.

[0031] FIG. 2 provides a detailed cross-section view of the embodiment of the impact-resistant window (100) shown in FIG. 1, taken along an edge of the window (100). Although this cross-sectional view is intended to generally represent the periphery of the window (100), portions of the window (100) may have varied structures. For example, the areas at the corners of the window (100) may have a different cross-sectional appearance because the relative sizes and extents of some of the pieces of the window (100) may have different lengths and even arrangements. Further, there may be other variations, such as discontinuities for pieces of the window (100), at various portions along the periphery of the window (100). For example, without limitation, any of the pieces of the window (100) discussed herein, such as the glazing bead bulb (9) or the gasket (12), may include some areas of discontinuity around the periphery of the window (100).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the window (100) has a front side (103) and a hack side (105). The front side (103) is intended to face towards the exterior of a building if the window (100) is installed in a building's facade, and the back side (105) is intended to face towards the interior of a building. For entirely interior installation of the window (100), any orientation may be used. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed frame (1) may be positioned on the front side (103) of the window (100), while the first glazing head (2) and the third glazing head (19) may be positioned on the back side (105) of the window (100). The second glazing bead (4) may be positioned between the fixed frame (1) and the first glazing bead (2), as depicted in FIG. 2. The fixed frame (1), first glazing head (2), second glazing head (4), and third glazing bead (19) may be made from any material sufficient for supporting and binding the window (100), and the material for each part may be different or the same across the parts. In some embodiments, the fixed frame (1), first glazing head (2), second glazing bead (4), and third glazing head (19) may each be made from aluminum, steel, a polymer, or similar material. Each of these parts may be made of the same material or different materials. In some embodiments, any of these parts may be made from a composite material.

[0033] The window (100) may include the first pane (6) that comprises, generally, at least one generally planar pane (sheet) of glass or other material. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. the first pane (6) includes two or more subpanes of material laminated together to form a laminated material. Each pane may be made from any glass material, or alternatively, from any material known in the art as suitable for use in a window, such as a generally transparent polymer, including polycarbonate. Additionally, any subpane may itself also be made from a laminate of various materials or may be coated with any material known in the industry to be used to treat glass or other generally transparent materials, such as an antireflective coating or a tinting material. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the first pane (6) comprises three subpanes of high-strength glass (20); a layer of a polymer material (21) formed between two of the subpanes of high-strength glass (20); and a pane spacer (22), which may be formed of any material. Typically, the pane spacer (22) may be made from a polymer rubber, or other flexible and resilient material. Other constructions for the first pane (6) may be used, including, without limitation, a single pane of glass or other generally transparent material.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the second pane (7) may also be included in the window (100). Like the first pane (6), the second pane (7) generally comprises at least one generally planar pane (sheet) of glass or other material. Each pane or subpane may be made from any glass material, or alternatively, from any material known in the art as suitable for use in a window, such as a transparent polymer, including polycarbonate. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the second pane (7) is a relatively thick sheet of polycarbonate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first pane (6) and the second pane (7) may include some additional treatments to assist in providing impact resistance. First, any of the first pane (6) and the second pane (7) may have the sharp corners of its edges substantially de-burred. Further, the edge surfaces of any of the first pane (6) and the second pane (7) may be formed such that the edge surfaces are substantially free of defects (and therefore relatively smooth). This smoothness may be created during the cutting process. Further, or alternatively, the edge surfaces (or sharp corners) may be sanded to improve their smoothness.

[0036] The second glazing bead (4) may be formed, at least in part, between the first pane (6) and the second pane (7). As depicted in FIG. 2, the second glazing bead (4) may be positioned to extend under or around the first pane (6) and up between the first pane (6) and the second pane (7). In other embodiments, the second glazing head (4) may have any shape and may be placed anywhere around or between any panes used in the window. In the depicted embodiment, attached to a portion of the second glazing bead (4) between the second glazing bead (4) and the first pane (6) may be a glazing head bulb (9). The glazing bead bulb (9) may be attached to a portion of the second glazing bead (4) near one end of the second glazing bead (4). In other embodiments, the glazing bead bulb (9) may be positioned at any point that is between the second glazing bead (4) and the first pane (6). The glazing bead bulb (9) may be made of any material, including, without limitation, a polymer, rubber, or similar material. In an embodiment wherein only one pane of material is used for the window (100), the second glazing bead (4) may be omitted, along with the glazing bead bulb (9).

[0037] A gasket (12) may be formed between the second glazing bead (4) and the second pane (7). In the depicted embodiment, the gasket (12) may be positioned proximate to where the glazing bulb (10) is positioned along the second glazing bead (4). In other embodiments, the gasket (12) may be positioned at any point that is between the second glazing bead (4) and the second pane (7). In other embodiments, especially those that only use a single pane for the window (100), the gasket (12) may be omitted. The gasket (12) may be made of any material. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the gasket (12) is made from a PVC foam dry tape. In some embodiments, the glazing bulb (9) may be replaced or supplemented with an additional elastic filler, such as, for example, without limitation, PVC foam dry tape.

[0038] A second glazing bulb (10) may be formed between the second pane (7) and the first glazing bead (2). The second glazing bead bulb (10) may be attached to a portion of the first glazing bead (2) near one end of the first glazing head (2). In other embodiments, the second glazing bead bulb (10) may be positioned at any point that is between the first glazing head (2) and the second pane (7). The second glazing bead bulb (10) may be made of any material, including, without limitation, a polymer, rubber, or similar material.

[0039] The first glazing bead (2) may be connected to a glazing bead cover (3). As depicted, the glazing bead cover (3) may partially surround the first glazing bead (2) and may be connected to the first glazing bead (2) via a friction or snap-in fit. In other embodiments, the glazing bead cover (3) maybe connected to the first glazing bead (2) in any manner. The glazing bead cover (3) and the first glazing bead (2) may enclose the crush washer (18) and the washers (17), as well as portions of the first bolt (13).

[0040] The fixed frame (1) may be connected to the first pane (6) via adhesive materials, or via another fastening system, such a screws or bolts. The fixed frame (1) is typically placed on the front side (103) of the window (100). In the depicted embodiment, the fixed frame (1) may be attached to the other portions of the window (100) using glazing tape (14) or a silicone material (8). In some embodiments, the silicone material (8) may be structural silicone. In other embodiments, any fastening system may be used, so long as the connection provides a sufficient level of bonding, some resilience, and some flexibility. Flexible material may prove the impact resistance of the window (100) by allowing for some deflection of the first pane (6) and by absorbing some of the vibration or deflection energy present in the first pane (6).

[0041] The second glazing bead (4) may also be connected to the fixed frame (1). In the depicted embodiment, a foot portion of the second glazing bead (4) is connected to a slotted portion of the fixed frame (1). This connection is supplemented by the use of an adhesive (8), such as a silicone material. In other embodiments, any material capable of increasing the strength of the connection between the fixed frame (1) and the second glazing bead (4) may be used as the adhesive. In other embodiments, any fastening system may be used to make the connection, so long as the connection provides a sufficient level of bonding, some resilience, and some flexibility.

[0042] On the back side (105) of the window (100) may be a wail install trim (5). This wall install trim (5) may be used to anchor the window (100) to a wall (or other structure, including, without limitation, a door) in which the window (100) is being installed. The wall install trim (5) is typically fastened to the third glazing bead (19). In the depicted embodiment, a second bolt (2) may be used to fasten the wall install trim (5) to the third glazing bead (19). In other embodiments, any other fastening system may be used. The wall install trim (5) may then be fastened to the wall (or other structure). In the depicted embodiment, a third bolt (15) is used to fasten the wall install trim (5) to the wall (or other structure). In other embodiments, any other fastening system may be used.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the first bolt (13) may be used to secure the first glazing bead (2) to the third glaring bead (19). The crush washer (18) may be used to supply some ability for this connection to deflect and otherwise displace an appreciable amount. This movement may allow for stresses within the window (100) system to be dissipated, as discussed above. The crush washer (18) may be made of any material that may provide some movement of the first glazing bead (2) relative to the third glazing bead (19). For example, without limitation, the crush washer (18) may be made from a rubber, polymer, or other flexible and resilient material. The crush washer (18) may also be referred to as a shock washer.

[0044] Other means of allowing this displacement or relative movement to occur may also be used. For example, a spring system may be used in place of the crush washer (18), as would be understood by persons of ordinary shrill in the art. Further, the connection between the first glazing bead (2) to the third glazing bead (19) may have a different placement or orientation in other embodiments. What is most useful is that the glazing bead along the side of the window (100) be able to move somewhat relative to the glazing bead supporting the window in the interior (or otherwise constraining the window). In other embodiments, the third glazing bead (19) may be replaced with a different structure, as long as there is some ability for the first glazing bead (2) to be able to move relative to that different structure. In yet other embodiments, the connections between the first pane (6) or second pane (7) and whatever structure is restraining the panes'(6, 7) ends may be flexible to allow movement of the ends of the panes (6, 7) if an object or other force is incident upon either pane (6, 7).

[0045] The deflection or other displacement occurring in the window may be any type of displacement. For example, in some embodiments, the displacement may be the result of a rotation of the first glazing bead (2) relative to the third glazing head (19). Effectively, this may alter the spring rate of the window panes (6, 7) used in the window (100). In some embodiments, this may have the effect of changing the edge conditions of the panes (6, 7) when the window (100) is considered to be a spring system. In some embodiments, these improvements may allow for smaller windows to be used while retaining the impact resistance of larger, prior windows. In other embodiments, these improvements may simply address some concerns with impact resistance of windows.

[0046] In yet other embodiments, crush washers may be used with the placement of any bolt or other fastener. For example, a crush washer may be used with each of the first bolt (13), the second bolt (23), the third bolt (15), or any other fastener.

[0047] FIG. 3 depicts an additional embodiment of the window (100). Specifically, in this depicted embodiment, the window (100) includes a greater spacing between the window panes (6, 7). Interposed between the window panes (6, 7) may be a spacing glazing head (300). Such a glazing bead may be formed in any manner and in any material, as discussed above with reference to the other glazing beads that may be used in the window (100). In the depicted embodiment, the spacing glazing bead (300) has several different portions, which portions provide some additional spacing between the window panes (6, 7). The spacing glazing bead (300) may be capable of being snapped into place, which may allow for more efficient construction, and may be designed to allow for a controlled application of silicone to assist in construction, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. This additional spacing, as well as the materials within the spacing, may increase the window's (100) impact resistance.

[0048] Further, there may be other additional differences between the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 2. For example, the depicted embodiment shown in FIG. 3 uses multiples of each of its glazing bulbs (9, 10). This difference, as well as the others shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be used in any embodiment of the window (100). Further, a gasket (301) or other bonding or shock-absorbing material may be used between the spacing glazing bead (300) and the first glazing bead (2). In fact, such gaskets may be used between any adjacent portions in any embodiment of the window (100). Moreover, the overall depth of the window (100) may be increased as shown in FIG. 3 when compared to that shown in FIG. 2. The thickness of either or both of the window panes (6, 7) may also be increased in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 when compared to that shown in FIG. 2, or vice versa.

[0049] While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a description of certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to be illustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0050] It will further be understood that any of the ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any single component of the present disclosure can be used interchangeably with any ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any of the other components of the disclosure, where compatible, to form an embodiment having defined values for each of the components, as given herein throughout. Further, ranges provided for a genus or a category can also be applied to species within the genus or members of the category unless otherwise noted.

[0051] Finally, the qualifier “generally,” and similar qualifiers as used in the present case, would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate recognizable attempts to conform a device to the qualified term, which may nevertheless fall short of doing so. This is because terms such as “planar” are purely geometric constructs and no real-world component is a true “planar” in the geometric sense. Variations from geometric and mathematical descriptions are unavoidable due to, among other things, manufacturing tolerances resulting in shape variations, defects and imperfections, non-uniform thermal expansion, and natural wear. Moreover, there exists for every object a level of magnification at which geometric and mathematical descriptors fail due to the nature of matter. One of ordinary skill would thus understand the term “generally” and relationships contemplated herein regardless of the inclusion of such qualifiers to include a range of variations from the literal geometric meaning of the term in a view of these and other considerations. Finally, the qualifier “generally” is intended to capture small variations from the qualified term that do not adversely affect the function or purpose of the qualified term. For example, a pane having a slight bow, or small raised bumps, would be considered a pane as used here.