Heat transfer through interior cladding of living spaces

Abstract

The efficiency of radiant space heating or cooling is improved and the use of renewable energy sources enabled by reducing the resistance of the thermal path through cladding used in the floor, walls or ceiling of a domestic or commercial living space. The resistance of the thermal path is reduced by constructing the cladding with an array of thermal bridges each comprising a thermal shunt connected to a heat-collecting layer and to a heat-dispersing layer. Such bridged cladding extends the range of choice of interior cladding and of configuration of radiant system.

Claims

1. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer, said cladding being individual layers or laminated multiple layers of material installable in or on the interior walls, ceilings or floors of a living space, whereby said cladding has an interior-facing surface and an exterior facing surface, the method comprising the steps of: assembling an at least one array of a plurality of thermal bridge elements, said elements being uniform in shape, size and spacing between said elements, each of said thermal bridge elements comprising a heat-collecting layer, a heat-dispersing layer and a thermal shunt and each of said array of said thermal bridge elements being constructed of a single piece of thermally conductive material, whereby said single piece of thermally conductive material remains a single piece and said thermal bridge elements in said array are each thermally linked to each other; arranging said thermal bridge elements to cover uniformly a portion of said interior-facing surface; arranging said array of thermal bridge elements with spaces in or between said elements such that when said array of thermal bridge elements is embedded in a primary cladding layer by molding, said primary cladding layer forms a coherent mass; molding said primary cladding layer around said thermal shunts so that said thermal shunts extend through and are embedded in said primary cladding layer, whereby said primary cladding layer comprises a heat absorbing side and a heat-emitting side and said thermal shunts are substantially at right angles to said primary cladding layer; arranging said heat-collecting layer of each of said thermal bridge elements to be contiguous with and in fixed contact with said heat absorbing side of said primary cladding layer; arranging said heat-dispersing layer of each of said thermal bridge elements to be contiguous with and in fixed contact with said heat-emitting side of said primary cladding layer; said primary cladding layer having a thermal conductivity of less than 2 W/m C. and said thermal bridge elements having a thermal conductivity at least ten times greater than the thermal conductivity of said primary cladding layer.

2. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the density of said primary cladding layer remains substantially unchanged during said molding step.

3. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the density of said primary cladding layer is increased by pressing during said molding step.

4. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal bridge elements are made of aluminum (aluminium).

5. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal bridge elements comprise loops.

6. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal bridge elements comprise cuboids.

7. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal bridge elements comprise perforated corrugated material.

8. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermal bridge elements comprise an array of flaps.

9. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of said flaps is constructed from a single sheet of material such that said single sheet of material remains continuous and comprises a shared layer of said plurality of flaps.

10. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 8, wherein said array of flaps is folded by means of at least one roller passing over said array of flaps.

11. A method of prefabricating a cladding for radiant heat transfer as claimed in claim 8, wherein a layer of non-cladding material abuts said primary cladding layer and said array of flaps is arranged to penetrate said primary cladding layer under compression and to emerge from said primary cladding layer into a said layer of non-cladding material, and said layer of non-cladding material is then removed and the emergent portions of said flaps are folded back and made contiguous with and fixed to the surface of said primary cladding layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) All figures are schematic and not to scale.

(2) All figures illustrate embodiments of thermal bridges in cladding.

(3) FIG. 1a: cut-away plan view: panel with thermal bridge using honeycomb aluminum as a thermal shunt.

(4) FIG. 1b: cross-section of panel with thermal bridge using honeycomb.

(5) FIG. 2a: plan view: top of panel with thermal bridge using rectangular aluminum spirals.

(6) FIG. 2b: cross-section of panel with thermal bridge using rectangular aluminum spirals.

(7) FIG. 3a: plan view: panel with thermal bridge using rectangular corrugated aluminum mesh.

(8) FIG. 3b: cross-section of panel with thermal bridge using rectangular corrugated aluminum mesh.

(9) FIG. 4a: plan view: array of L-shaped aluminum strips.

(10) FIG. 4b: cross-section of array of L-shaped strips before moldable filler is added.

(11) FIG. 4c: cross-section: L-shaped strips embedded in a molded panel and bent into a rectangular reverse C shape.

(12) FIG. 4d: cross-section: L-shaped strips embedded in a molded panel and bent into a rectangular S shape.

(13) FIG. 5a: plan view: section of aluminum sheet with pattern of slits for flaps.

(14) FIG. 5b: perspective view: individual raised flap.

(15) FIG. 5c: plan view: section of aluminum sheet with pattern of slits for loops.

(16) FIG. 5d: perspective view: individual raised rectangular loop.

(17) FIG. 6a: cross-section: wrapped separate sections of cladding panel.

(18) FIG. 6b: cross-section: wrapped sections of panel joined together.

(19) FIG. 6c: cross-section: wrapped sections of panel joined together with a ceramic shunt.

(20) FIG. 7a: perspective view: single fiberboard cuboid wrapped in rectangular aluminum spiral.

(21) FIG. 7b: cross-section: cuboids embedded in pre-press mat.

(22) FIG. 7c: cross-section: cuboids embedded in panel.

(23) FIG. 8a: cross-section: array of circular aluminum spirals filled with pre-press mat.

(24) FIG. 8b: cross-section: array of spirals deformed into ovoid spirals in panel.

(25) FIG. 8c: perspective view: circular spirals in vertical arrangement for three-ply panel.

(26) FIG. 8d: cross-section: curved aluminum mesh trough filled with wood strands.

(27) FIG. 8e: cross-section: curved aluminum mesh trough folded to form cylinder.

(28) FIG. 9a: plan view: single cross-shaped cut in aluminum sheet.

(29) FIG. 9b: perspective view: teeth raised from single cross-shaped cut.

(30) FIG. 9c: plan view: single H-shaped cut in aluminum sheet.

(31) FIG. 9d: perspective view: straight edges raised from H-shaped cut.

(32) FIG. 9e: plan view: single H-shaped cut with slanted cross cut in aluminum sheet.

(33) FIG. 9f: perspective view: guillotine edges raised from slanted H-shaped cut.

(34) FIG. 9g: plan view: single H-shaped cut with zigzag cross cut in aluminum sheet.

(35) FIG. 9h: perspective view: saw-tooth edges raised from H-shaped cut with zigzag cross cut.

(36) FIG. 9i: plan view: single V-headed cut at the end of parallel cuts in aluminum sheet.

(37) FIG. 9j: perspective view: aluminum sheet with single raised V-headed member.

(38) FIG. 10a: cross-section: single raised V-headed member penetrating hot-pressed panel and resilient felt layer.

(39) FIG. 10b: cross-section: single raised V-headed member folded and laminated to aluminum sheet.

(40) FIG. 11a: plan view: staggered pattern of H-shaped cuts on aluminum sheet.

(41) FIG. 11b: cross-section: penetrating pressed aluminum sheet on pre-press mat.

(42) FIG. 11c: cross-section: penetrating pressed aluminum sheet embedded in panel.

(43) FIG. 12a: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard without thermal bridge.

(44) FIG. 12b: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard with lower layers thermally bridged by rectangular aluminum spirals.

(45) FIG. 12c: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard with lower layers thermally bridged by a ceramic thermal shunt and aluminum sheets.

(46) FIG. 12d: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard with sections thermally bridged by wrapped aluminum sheet.

(47) FIG. 13a: cross-section: aluminum thread loops projecting through carpet primary backing layer.

(48) FIG. 13b: cross-section: aluminum thread loops embedded in carpet backing cement and folded against the secondary backing layer.

(49) FIG. 13c: cross-section: aluminum granules embedded in carpet backing cement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(50) FIG. 1a: cut-away plan view: panel (1) with thermal bridge using honeycomb (2).

(51) This figure is cut away to show the separate layers of a panel of molded cladding (1) that, for example, can be plasterboard or fiberboard. The panel (1) has an embedded thermal shunt that is an aluminum honeycomb (2). The cells of the honeycomb (2) are filled with the material or filler (3) of the cladding (1). (Only one cell is shown filled in the plan view). The filler (3) can be plaster or can be wood particles combined with resin or can be another moldable constructional material such as, for example, cement. The honeycomb (2) is bonded by adhesive to a first heat collecting/dispersing layer (4) that is aluminum sheet laminated to the lower side of the panel (1) (not shown in the plan view) and to a second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5) that is aluminum sheet laminated to the upper side of the panel (1). In the case of plasterboard, the heat-conducting layers (4 and 5) allow drying of the plaster, for example, by being perforated, as shown in the plan view. The outer layers of the plasterboard are paper (6). The honeycomb (2) and the laminated sheets (4, 5) constitute a uniform array of rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1).

(52) FIG. 1b: cross-section of panel (1) with thermal bridge using honeycomb (2).

(53) FIG. 2a: plan view: top of panel (1) with thermal bridge using rectangular spirals (7).

(54) A panel of molded cladding (1) has an embedded thermal bridge that is a row of rectangular spirals (7) made of aluminum wire or strip. The spaces between the turns of the spirals (7) are filled with the filler (3) of the cladding (1) (the filler is not shown in the plan view). The upper edges of the spirals (7) serve as a first heat collecting/dispersing layer (4) and the lower edges of the spirals serve as a second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5). The spirals (7) constitute a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1). Using almost the same figure, spirals (7) can be substituted by rolls (or cylinders) of aluminum mesh (not shown), also with a rectangular cross-section. Cylinders of rolled mesh are referenced in FIGS. 8d and 8e.

(55) FIG. 2b: cross-section of panel (1) with thermal bridge using rectangular spirals (7).

(56) An almost identical figure would show the spirals (7) substituted by rolls (or cylinders) of aluminum mesh (not shown), also with a rectangular cross-section.

(57) In this instance, the panel (1) is plasterboard and has outer layers of paper (6)

(58) FIG. 3a: plan view: panel (1) with thermal bridge using rectangular corrugated mesh (8).

(59) An aluminum mesh (8) has corrugations with a rectangular profile. The mesh (8) can be substituted by an expanded sheet or by a perforated sheet. The voids in the corrugation are filled with the filler (3) of the cladding (1) (the filler is not shown in the plan view). The upper surface of the mesh (8) serves as a first heat collecting/dispersing layer (4) and the lower surface of the mesh (8) serves as a second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5). The mesh (8) constitutes a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1).

(60) FIG. 3b: cross-section of panel (1) with embedded rectangular corrugated mesh (8).

(61) FIG. 4a: plan view: array of L-shaped strips (9).

(62) L-shaped strips (9) of aluminum sheet are bonded to a lower layer (6): in the example of plasterboard, this layer (6) can be paper. The strips are shown with perforations to assist cohesion with the moldable filler (3, not shown)

(63) FIG. 4b: cross-section of array of L-shaped strips (9) before moldable filler (3) is added. The lower portions of the L-shaped strips (9) are the second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5).

(64) FIG. 4c: cross-section: L-shaped strips (9) embedded in a molded panel (1) and bent into a rectangular reverse C shape.

(65) The upper portions of the strips (9) are laminated against the top surface of the panel (1). The upper portions of the L-shaped strips (9) are a first heat collecting/dispersing layer (4). The lower portions of the L-shaped strips (9) are a second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5). The folded C-shaped strips form a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1)

(66) FIG. 4d: cross-section: L-shaped strips (9) embedded in a molded panel (1) and bent into a rectangular S shape.

(67) The upper portions of the strips (9) are laminated against the top surface of the panel (1). The upper portions of the L-shaped strips (9) are a first heat collecting/dispersing layer (4). The lower portions of the L-shaped strips (9) are a second heat collecting/dispersing layer (5). The folded S-shaped strips form a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1)

(68) FIG. 5a: plan view: section of aluminum sheet (10) with pattern (11) of slits for flaps (13).

(69) An aluminum sheet (10) has a uniform array of pairs of slits (11). Each pair of slits (11) has a linking cut (12) across one end.

(70) FIG. 5b: perspective view: individual raised flap (13).

(71) A flap (13) between each pair of slits (11) in an aluminum sheet (10) is lifted to a vertical position. A uniform array (not shown) of such flaps (13) can be used in the same way as the L-shaped strips (9) (see FIGS. 4a to 4d) to form a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across a panel (1).

(72) FIG. 5c: plan view: section of aluminum sheet (10) with pattern (14) of slits for loops (15).

(73) An aluminum sheet (10) has a uniform array of pairs of slits (14).

(74) FIG. 5d: perspective view: individual raised rectangular loop (15).

(75) The sheet between each pair of slits (14) is pushed up to form a rectangular loop (15). An array (not shown) of such loops (15) can be embedded in a molded panel (1) (not shown) to form a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges.

(76) FIG. 6a: cross-section: wrapped separate sections (16) of cladding panel (1).

(77) Cladding panel (1) is divided into two sections (16). A aluminum sheet (10) is wrapped fully round each section (16) and bonded to each section (10)

(78) FIG. 6b: cross-section: wrapped sections (16) of panel (1) joined together.

(79) Two sections (16) of panel (1) are bonded together. The wrapped aluminum sheet (10) constitutes seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1)

(80) FIG. 6c: cross-section: wrapped sections (16) of panel (1) joined together with a ceramic shunt (17).

(81) A molded porcelain thermal shunt (17) is bonded between the sections (16).

(82) The number and width of sections (16), the thickness of the wrapping layer (10) and the material and geometry of the shunt (17) can all be varied.

(83) FIG. 7a: perspective view: single fiberboard cuboid (18) wrapped in rectangular aluminum spiral (7)

(84) Cuboids (18)rods of fiberboard with a rectangular cross-sectionare formed in a shaped hot press (not shown). The cuboids are wrapped in a rectangular aluminum spiral (7).

(85) FIG. 7b: cross-section: cuboids (18) embedded in pre-press mat (19).

(86) Fiberboard cuboids (18) wrapped in aluminum spiral (7) are arranged in a uniform array on a forming platform (20) with gaps (21) between the cuboids (18).

(87) FIG. 7c: cross-section: cuboids (18) embedded in panel (1).

(88) During pressing, the pre-press mat (19) flows into the gaps (21) between the cuboids (18).

(89) The result is a uniform array of seamless rectangular thermal bridges across the panel.

(90) FIG. 8a: cross-section: array of circular spirals (22) filled with pre-press mat (19).

(91) An array of aluminum spirals (22) (two are shown) of circular cross-section is filled with the pre-press mat (19).

(92) FIG. 8b: cross-section: array of spirals deformed into ovoid spirals (23) in panel (1).

(93) During hot-pressing, the pre-press mat (19) is compressed by a ratio of 5-10. Adjacent circular spirals (22), filled with fibers, are deformed by pressure into flat ovoid spirals (23) and fixed by curing of a binding agent. The ovoid spirals (23) are forced into contact. A series of parallel flat ovoid spirals (23) constitute a uniform array of seamless, rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1).

(94) FIG. 8c: perspective view: circular spirals (22) in vertical arrangement for three-ply panel (1).

(95) A pre-press mat (19) for an OSB panel comprises three layers (24) of circular spirals (22) (single spirals shown) each filled with wood strands (24, not shown) that are generally oriented along the axes of each spiral (22). Spirals (22) in each layer (24) are arranged in a uniform planar array (not shown) at right angles to spirals (22) in adjacent layers (24).

(96) During hot-pressing, the spirals (22) deform into ovoid spirals (23, not shown), are pressed forcefully against adjacent spirals (22), are fixed in place by curing of a binding agent and form a uniform array of effectively seamless, near-rectangular thermal bridges across the panel (1).

(97) FIG. 8d: cross-section: curved aluminum mesh trough (26) filled with wood strands (25).

(98) A curved trough (26) is made by folding perforated aluminum sheet, for example, flattened expanded aluminum mesh. The trough (26) is filled with wood strands (25), with the strands (25) generally aligned with the longer dimension of the trough (26).

(99) FIG. 8e: cross-section: curved aluminum mesh trough (26) folded to form cylinder (27).

(100) The curved trough (26) shown in FIG. 8d is folded over to form a perforated aluminum cylinder (27). A uniform array of such pre-filled cylinders (27) is placed on the forming platform (not shown). During hot pressing, the cylinders (27) deform into cylinders with a flat ovoid cross-section (not shown). The flattened cylinders (not shown) are fixed in place by curing of a binding agent and form a uniform array of effectively seamless, rectangular thermal bridges across the layer (not shown). Pre-filled cylinders (27) can be used to thermally bridge three-layer OSB using the arrangement described in FIG. 8c.

(101) FIG. 9a: plan view: single cross-shaped cut (28) in sheet (10).

(102) An aluminum sheet (10) is cut with a staggered pattern (not shown) of cross-shaped cuts (28).

(103) FIG. 9b: perspective view: teeth (29) raised from single cross-shaped cut (28).

(104) The cross-shaped cuts (28) in the aluminum sheet (10) are pushed up to form an array (not shown) comprising four teeth (29) from each cross-shaped cut (28). The sheet (10) and the array of teeth (29) comprise a penetrating pressed sheet (42, not shown).

(105) FIG. 9c: plan view: single H-shaped cut (30) in sheet (10).

(106) An aluminum sheet (10) is cut with a staggered pattern (not shown) of H-shaped cuts (30).

(107) FIG. 9d: perspective view: straight edges (31) raised from H-shaped cut (30).

(108) The H-shaped cuts (30) in the aluminum sheet (10) are pushed up to form an array (not shown) comprising two edges (31) from each H-shaped cut (30). The sheet (10) and the array of edges (31) comprise a penetrating pressed sheet (42, not shown).

(109) FIG. 9e: plan view: single H-shaped cut with slanted cross cut (32) in sheet (10)

(110) An aluminum sheet (10) is cut with a staggered pattern (not shown) of H-shaped cuts with slanted cross cut (32).

(111) FIG. 9f: perspective view: guillotine edges (33) raised from slanted H-shaped cut (32).

(112) The H-shaped cuts (32) in the aluminum sheet (10) are pushed up to form an array (not shown) comprising two guillotine edges (33) from each H-shaped cut (32). The sheet (10) and the array of edges (33) comprise a penetrating pressed sheet (42, not shown).

(113) FIG. 9g: plan view: single H-shaped cut with zigzag cross cut (34) in sheet (10).

(114) An aluminum sheet (10) is cut with a staggered pattern (not shown) of H-shaped cuts with zigzag cross cut (34)

(115) FIG. 9h: perspective view: saw-tooth edges (35) raised from H-shaped cut with zigzag cross cut (34).

(116) The H-shaped cuts (34) in the aluminum sheet (10) are pushed up to form an array (not shown) comprising two saw-toothed edges (35) from each H-shaped cut (34). The sheet (10) and the array of edges (35) comprise a penetrating pressed sheet (42, not shown).

(117) FIG. 9i: plan view: single V-headed cut at the end of parallel cuts (36) in sheet (10).

(118) An aluminum sheet (10) is cut with a staggered pattern (not shown) of V-headed cuts at the end of parallel cuts (36).

(119) FIG. 9j: perspective view: aluminum sheet (10) with single raised V-headed member (37).

(120) The V-headed cuts (36) in the aluminum sheet (10) are pushed up to form an array (not shown) comprising a V-headed member (37) from each V-shaped cut (36). The sheet (10) and the array of V-headed members (36) comprise a penetrating pressed sheet (42, not shown).

(121) FIG. 10a: cross-section: single raised V-headed member (37) penetrating hot-pressed panel (1) and resilient felt layer (39).

(122) Arranged on a forming platform (20) is a penetrating pressed sheet (42) with a uniform array of V-headed members pointing upwards (37, one only shown). Above the pressed sheet (42) are layers in the following sequence: a compressed panel (1), a plain aluminum sheet (10), a layer of resilient wool or mineral felt (39) and a plate of hardened steel (43). The cross-section shows the result of hot pressing. A mat (19, not shown) has been compressed to form the panel (1). The V-headed member (37) has penetrated the panel, including the aluminum sheet (10) and also the felt (39).

(123) FIG. 10b: cross-section: single raised V-headed member (37) folded and laminated to aluminum sheet (10).

(124) The press has been released, the felt layer (39, not shown) has been peeled off the projecting V-headed member (37). The remaining layers have been compressed again so that the V-headed member (37) has been folded over and laminated against the aluminum sheet. (10)

(125) FIG. 11a: plan view: staggered pattern (41) of H-shaped cuts (30) on aluminum sheet (10).

(126) The pattern of cuts (41) is staggered so that the penetrating pressed sheet (42) is less likely to weaken the panel (1)

(127) FIG. 11b: cross-section: penetrating pressed sheet (42) on pre-press mat (19).

(128) A pre-pressed mat (19) is formed upon an aluminum sheet (10) that is placed on a steel plate (43), preferably made of hardened, wear-resistant steel. A penetrating pressed sheet (42) bearing an array of penetrating members (44) is placed on the top of a pre-press mat (19) with the members (44) facing downwards.

(129) FIG. 11c: cross-section: penetrating pressed sheet (42) embedded in panel (1).

(130) During hot pressing, the penetrating members (44) are driven through the mat (19), come into forceful contact with the lower aluminum sheet (10) and are fixed in pace by curing of a binding agent. The steel plate (43) allows the penetrating members (44) to fully penetrate the aluminum sheet (10) without damage to the press (not shown). As a result a uniform array of effectively seamless, rectangular thermal bridges is formed across the panel (1).

(131) FIG. 12a: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard (45) without thermal bridge.

(132) An engineered floorboard (45) has an upper hardwood layer (46), a central core layer (47) and a lower stabilizing layer (48). The edges (49) of the floorboard (45) are shaped so that adjacent boards (45) interlock. The simplest interlocktongue and grooveis shown. More complex interlock geometries can also be used.

(133) FIG. 12b: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard (45) with lower layers thermally bridged by rectangular spirals (7).

(134) An engineered wood floorboard (45) has a section of the core layer (47) and a section of the stabilizing layer (48) replaced by molded wood composite (50) in which there are embedded thermal bridges: in this case an array of rectangular spirals (7) of heat-conducting wire or strip, as described in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Other embedded thermal bridges described here can be used. The molded wood composite (50) can also replace all the core layer (47) including tongue and groove. (this variant not shown).

(135) FIG. 12c: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard (45) with lower layers thermally bridged by a ceramic thermal shunt (17) and aluminum sheets (10).

(136) An engineered wood floorboard (45) has aluminum sheet (10) laminated between the upper hardwood layer (46) and the central core layer (47) and has aluminum sheet (10) laminated to the base of the stabilizing layer (48). The same sheet (10) is bonded to a ceramic thermal shunt (17).

(137) FIG. 12d: cross-section: engineered wood floorboard (45) with sections thermally bridged by wrapped sheet.

(138) An engineered wood floorboard (45) is the same as shown in FIG. 12c, except that a continuous aluminum sheet (10) is wrapped around sections of the core layer (47) and stabilizing layer (48). An additional thermal shunt (17) is omitted but can be included.

(139) The thermal bridging methods applicable to engineered wood floorboards (45) are also applicable to laminate flooring (not shown). In laminate flooring the upper hardwood layer (46) shown in FIGS. 12a to 12d inclusive is replaced by a combination of protective and decorative upper layers.

(140) FIG. 13a: cross-section: aluminum thread loops (51) projecting through carpet primary backing layer (52).

(141) Primary backing (52) for tufted or loop carpet comprises a net of fibers (not shown). Aluminum thread is woven through the primary backing layer (52) and protrudes in an array of loops (51).

(142) FIG. 13b: cross-section: aluminum thread loops (51) embedded in carpet backing cement (53) and folded against the secondary backing layer (54).

(143) Laminated to the primary backing layer (52) is a layer of backing cement (53), for example, latex. The cement (53) anchors yarn (not shown), that has been pushed through the primary backing layer (52) and bonds to the secondary backing layer (54), which also comprises a net of fibers, including aluminum thread (not shown). The loops (51) are folded against the secondary backing layer (54). The loops (51) constitute thermal shunts, the primary backing (52) is the heat-dispersing layer, and the secondary backing (54) is the heat-collecting layer. In combination, the primary backing (52), the loops (51) and the secondary backing (54) constitute a distributed array of approximately rectangular thermal bridges.

(144) FIG. 13c: cross-section: aluminum granules (55) embedded in carpet backing cement (53).

(145) The primary backing layer (52) and the secondary backing layer (54) both include aluminum thread (not shown). Heat-conducting spherical granules (55) are dispersed uniformly in the cement (53). The diameter of the granules (55) is slightly less than the overall width of the backing so that the granules (55) dispersed in the cement (53) provide a direct thermal path through the backing cement (53) between the two backing layers (52, 54), creating a distributed array of effectively rectangular thermal bridges across the carpet backing.

SCOPE OF INVENTION

(146) A number of embodiments of thermal bridging are described here, with reference to particular forms of interior cladding and in general preferring aluminum as material for thermal bridges. It is envisaged that various details of the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, other variants of interior cladding and other materials for thermal bridging can be considered to be within the scope of the invention. The foregoing descriptions of alternative embodiments of the invention are for illustration and not for the purpose of limitation.