COLLAPSIBLE ELEMENT FOR FAÇADE SYSTEMS

Abstract

A faade system includes a mullion having exterior and interior portions and defining a glazing pocket between the exterior and interior portions, a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions, the thermal break dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket larger than the shallow pocket, and a collapsible element arranged within the deep pocket and extending between the thermal break and a lateral side of a panel introduced into the deep pocket. The collapsible element is movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible element divides the deep pocket into two or more thermal chambers when in the expanded state to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket.

Claims

1. A faade system, comprising: a mullion having exterior and interior portions and defining a glazing pocket between the exterior and interior portions; a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions, the thermal break dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket larger than the shallow pocket; and a collapsible element arranged within the deep pocket between the thermal break and a lateral side of a panel introduced into the deep pocket, the collapsible element including: a cross-member; a first foldable wall coupled to the cross-member at a first joint; and a second foldable wall coupled to the cross-member at a second joint, wherein the collapsible element is movable between a collapsed state, where at least one of the first or second foldable walls is folded against the cross-member, and an expanded state, where the collapsible element divides the deep pocket into two or more thermal chambers.

2. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the first foldable wall is shorter than the second foldable wall, and wherein the collapsible element divides the deep pocket into two thermal chambers when in the expanded state.

3. The faade system of claim 1, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, an inner surface of the first foldable wall is folded against the cross-member and the second foldable wall is folded against an outer surface of the first foldable wall.

4. The faade system of claim 3, wherein the first foldable wall is shorter than the second foldable wall.

5. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the first joint is located at a transition between a first end of the cross-member and a first end of the first foldable wall, and the second joint is located at a transition between a second end of the cross-member and a first end of the second foldable wall.

6. The faade system of claim 1, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, an inner surface of the first and second foldable walls are folded against the cross-member and an outer surface of the first and second foldable walls are engaged with the lateral side of the panel.

7. The faade system of claim 6, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, a gap is defined between corresponding ends of the first and second foldable walls.

8. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible element further comprises: a first side wall extending from a first end of the cross-member, the first side wall being engaged with a first side of the deep pocket; and a second side wall extending from a second end of the cross-member, the second side wall being engaged with a second side of the deep pocket.

9. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the cross-member is secured to the thermal break.

10. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible element is naturally biased to the expanded state.

11. The faade system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible element is naturally biased to the collapsed state.

12. A method of assembling a faade system, comprising: coupling a first panel to a mullion, the mullion including: an exterior portion and an interior portion; a glazing pocket defined between the exterior and interior portions; and a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions and thereby dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket larger than the shallow pocket, wherein the first panel is received within the shallow pocket; advancing a second panel into the deep pocket and toward the thermal break, wherein a collapsible element is arranged in the deep pocket and includes: a cross-member engageable with the thermal break; a first foldable wall coupled to the cross-member at a first joint; and a second foldable wall coupled to the cross-member at a second joint; transitioning the collapsible element between a collapsed state and an expanded state as the second panel is received within the deep pocket, wherein at least one of the first or second foldable walls is folded against the cross-member, when the collapsible element is moved to the collapsed state; and dividing the deep pocket into two or more thermal chambers with the collapsible element in the expanded state.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, an inner surface of the first foldable wall is folded against the cross-member and the second foldable wall is folded against an outer surface of the first foldable wall.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, an inner surface of the first and second foldable walls are folded against the cross-member and an outer surface of the first and second foldable walls are engaged with the lateral side of the panel.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising drawing the second panel partially out of the deep pocket and thereby allowing the collapsible element to transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the collapsible element is naturally biased to the expanded state and advancing the second panel into the deep pocket comprises collapsing the collapsible element to the collapsed state as the second panel advances into the deep pocket.

17. A faade system, comprising: a mullion having exterior and interior portions and defining a glazing pocket between the exterior and interior portions; a thermal break arranged within the glazing pocket and extending between the exterior and interior portions, the thermal break dividing the glazing pocket into a shallow pocket and a deep pocket larger than the shallow pocket; and a collapsible element arranged within the deep pocket and extending between the thermal break and a lateral side of a panel introduced into the deep pocket, the collapsible element including: a first portion including a first sidewall engaged against a first side of the deep pocket and a first foldable wall coupled to the first sidewall at a first joint; and a second portion spaced laterally from the first portion and including a second sidewall engaged against a second side of the deep pocket and a second foldable wall coupled to the second sidewall at a second joint, wherein the collapsible element is movable between a collapsed state, where the first and second foldable walls are engaged against the thermal break, and an expanded state, where the first and second foldable walls cooperatively divide the deep pocket into three thermal chambers.

18. The faade system of claim 17, wherein, when the collapsible element is in the collapsed state, a gap is defined between corresponding ends of the first and a second foldable walls.

19. The faade system of claim 17, wherein the collapsible element is naturally biased to the expanded state.

20. The faade system of claim 19, wherein the collapsible element is naturally biased to the collapsed state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 is schematic top view of a prior art faade system.

[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top views of an example faade system that incorporates the principles of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic top views of another example faade system, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic top views of another example faade system, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic top views of another example faade system, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic top views of another example faade system, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic top views of another example faade system, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 8-11 depict example attachment means for securing collapsible element within corresponding systems.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a curtain wall system that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side-by-side depictions of thermal simulations of the system of FIGS. 2A-2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure is related to building products and, more particularly, to collapsible elements for reducing heat transfer by convection in faade systems.

[0018] Embodiments described herein disclose various designs and configurations of collapsible elements that may be arranged within glazing pockets of faade systems to help reduce convective heat transfer. The collapsible elements described herein divide the volume of air within the glazing pockets into multiple thermal chambers. This may prove advantageous in providing an inexpensive method of improving the thermal performance of faade systems. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein may be adaptable to existing faade systems and otherwise consist in a universal method that can fit multiple faade systems.

[0019] FIG. 1 is schematic top view of a prior art faade system 100. The faade system 100 (hereafter the system 100) shown in FIG. 1 is an example storefront and could be applicable to large and small commercial buildings or residential buildings. The principles of the present disclosure, however, are also applicable to other types of faade systems, such as curtain wall systems, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] As illustrated, the system 100 includes a vertical mullion 102 having a first or exterior portion 104a and a second or interior portion 104b. The exterior portion 104a is generally exposed to the exterior of a building, while the interior portion 104b is generally exposed to the interior of the building. The vertical mullion 102 may comprise a rigid extrusion made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or other material, including, but not limited to, other metals and alloys.

[0021] The vertical mullion 102 is designed to laterally support and/or secure one or more window panels, shown in FIG. 1 as a first panel 106a and a second panel 106b laterally offset from each other. The panels 106a,b may comprise glazing panels, but may alternatively comprise one or more panes of window glass, one or more panes of polycarbonate, or one or more panels of material that are clear, translucent, tinted, or opaque.

[0022] The panels 106a,b are secured to the mullion 102, at least in part, using one or more seals or gaskets, shown as exterior gaskets 108a and interior gaskets 108b. The exterior gaskets 108a provide a sealed interface between the panels 106a,b and the adjacent exterior portion 104a of the mullion 102, and the interior gaskets 108b provide a sealed interface between the panels 106a,b and the adjacent interior portion 104b of the mullion 102.

[0023] The mullion 102 extends from the exterior to the interior and defines a glazing pocket 110 configured and sized to receive and secure the panels 106a,b. To improve thermal performance of the system 100, the mullion 102 includes and otherwise provides a thermal break 112 that extends through the glazing pocket 110 and interconnects the exterior and interior portions 104a,b. The thermal break 112 may be made of one or more materials having a thermal conductivity that is less than a thermal conductivity of the vertical mullion 102.

[0024] The thermal break 112 may comprise any type of suitable thermal break capable of preventing conductive thermal energy loss between the exterior and interior portions 104a,b. In the illustrated example, the thermal break 112 comprises two interconnected pour and debridge (PND) thermal breaks consisting of a urethane material or the like. Moreover, the portions of the thermal break 112 are connected with a bridge 114, which may be made of aluminum, for example.

[0025] The thermal break 112 effectively divides the glazing pocket 110 into a first or shallow pocket 116a and a second or deep pocket 116b. As illustrated, the mullion 102 is configured such that the shallow pocket 116a exhibits a smaller size or volume as compared to the deep pocket 116b. Inclusion of the shallow and deep pockets 116a,b is designed to help in the assembly or installation process of the system 100.

[0026] More specifically, the system 100 is assembled by first receiving the first panel 106a into the shallow pocket 116a and thereby securing the first panel 106a to the mullion 102. The second panel 106b can then be advanced into the deep pocket 116b and situated perpendicular to the mullion 102. The depth of the deep pocket 116b allows the second panel 106b to be initially advanced into the deep pocket 116b toward the thermal break 112 at an angle offset from perpendicular to the mullion 102, which may be required due to tight manufacturing and construction tolerances and constraints. Once advanced into the deep pocket 116b, the orientation of the second panel 106b can then be adjusted to be perpendicular to the mullion 102, following which the second panel 106b may then be drawn or pulled away from the thermal break 112 a small distance while still remaining within the deep pocket 116b. In some installations, drawing the second panel 106b away from the thermal break 112 within the deep pocket 116b can simultaneously allow the installer to advance the opposing lateral side (not shown) of the second panel 106b into an adjacent shallow pocket (not shown) of an adjacent vertical mullion (not shown).

[0027] While the deep pocket 116b can serve an essential role during installation and assembly of the system 100, a large volume of air remains in the deep pocket 116b following installation. This can contribute to undesirable heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110, and heat transfer by convection through the deep pocket 116b will negatively affect the thermal performance of the system 100.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the thermal performance of the system 100 may be improved by including or otherwise installing a collapsible element within the deep pocket 116b and generally arranged between the thermal break 112 and an adjacent lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. The collapsible element may be designed to divide the deep pocket 116b into two or more thermal chambers, which correspondingly divides the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b and thereby operates to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110.

[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top views of an example faade system 200 that incorporates the principles of the present disclosure. The faade system 200 (hereafter the system 200) may be similar in some respects to the system 100 of FIG. 1 and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto, where like numerals will represent like components not described again in detail. Similar to the system 100, the system 200 may form part of a storefront system, but is equally applicable to other types of faade systems, such as curtain wall systems.

[0030] As illustrated, the system 200 includes the vertical mullion 102 with the exterior and interior portions 104a,b, and the first and second panels 106a,b are secured to the mullion 102 using the exterior and interior gaskets 108a,b. Moreover, the mullion 102 includes the thermal break 112 arranged in the glazing pocket 110 and effectively dividing the glazing pocket 110 into the shallow and deep pockets 116a,b, as generally described above. It should be noted that while the mullion 102 is primarily described herein as a vertically-oriented member, embodiments are contemplated herein where the mullion 102 is installed as a horizontally-oriented member. In such embodiments, the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable.

[0031] Unlike the system 100 of FIG. 1, however, the system 200 includes a collapsible element 202 arranged within the deep pocket 116b. In the illustrated embodiment, the collapsible element 202 extends between the mullion 102 and the adjacent lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. More specifically, the collapsible element 202 extends between the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b and the thermal break 112, which forms part of the mullion 102, as discussed above. In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 202 could alternatively extend between other structural features of the deep pocket 116b, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] The collapsible element 202 may be made of a variety of materials including, but not limited to ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), EPDM foam, foam rubber, thermoplastic vulcanisate (TPV), similar polymers, or any combination thereof.

[0033] The collapsible element 202 is designed to be movable or collapsible between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 2A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 (e.g., attached to the thermal break 112). In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 202 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on (attached to) the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0034] The collapsible element 202 is movable (transitionable) between the collapsed and expanded states during the assembly (installation) process of the second panel 106b. More particularly, in embodiments where the collapsible element 202 is naturally biased to the expanded state, advancing the second panel 106b into the deep pocket 116b, as generally described above, may cause the collapsible element 202 to collapse as the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b approaches the thermal break 112. Upon subsequently drawing or pulling the second panel 106b away from the thermal break 112 a small distance, as also generally described above, the collapsible element 202 may be allowed to expand back to (or at least partially to) the expanded state.

[0035] In contrast, there may be embodiments where the collapsible element 202 is naturally biased to the collapsed state and pre-assembled (installed) on the thermal break 112 within the deep pocket 116b. In such embodiments, the second panel 106b may be advanced into the deep pocket 116b until engaging the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b against the collapsible element 202 in the collapsed state. One or both of the lateral side 118 and the collapsible element 202 may have an adhesive or other coupling mechanism (e.g., Velcro) that attaches the collapsible element 202 to the lateral side 118 once the lateral side 118 contacts the collapsible element. Upon subsequently drawing (pulling) the second panel 106b away from the thermal break 112 a small distance within the deep pocket 116b, as generally described above, the collapsible element 202 may be pulled or urged to expand (at least partially) to the expanded state.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, upon transitioning to the expanded state, the collapsible element 202 may divide the deep pocket 116b into two or more thermal chambers. In the illustrated embodiment, the expanded collapsible element 202 divides the deep pocket 116b into three thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The multiple thermal chambers 1, 2, 3 divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b into fractions equal to the number of thermal chambers, which operates to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the collapsible element 202 exhibits a design similar in some respects to an accordion or bellows. More particularly, the collapsible element 202 includes two side walls 204 designed and otherwise configured to fold (bend) inward upon moving to the collapsed state. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that the collapsible element 202 may exhibit several different designs and configurations that are equally capable of transiting between the collapsed and expanded states, and equally capable of dividing the deep pocket 116b into a plurality of thermal chambers, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0038] It should be noted that the glazing pocket 110 where the collapsible element 202 is located is substantially sealed with the exterior and interior gaskets 108a,b. Consequently, the collapsible element 202 is not intended to operate as a type of gasket or otherwise perform a sealing function for the system 200. Rather, the main function of the collapsible element 202, as indicated above, is to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110. This same principle is applicable to the other collapsible element embodiments described herein.

[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic top views of another example faade system 300, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The faade system 300 (hereafter the system 300) may be similar in some respects to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A-2B and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto, where like numerals will represent like components not described again in detail. Similar to the system 200, the system 300 may form part of a storefront system, but the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other types of faade systems, such as curtain wall systems.

[0040] As illustrated, the system 300 includes the mullion 102 with the exterior and interior portions 104a,b, and the first and second panels 106a,b secured to the mullion 102 using the exterior and interior gaskets 108a,b. Moreover, the mullion 102 includes the thermal break 112 arranged in the glazing pocket 110 and effectively dividing the glazing pocket 110 into the shallow and deep pockets 116a,b, as generally described above.

[0041] The system 300 also includes a collapsible element 302 arranged within the deep pocket 116b and extending between the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112) and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. The collapsible element 302 may be similar in some respects to the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B, and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto.

[0042] The collapsible element 302 is movable or collapsible between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 3A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 302 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 302 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112). In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 302 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0043] The collapsible element 302 may be made of the same or similar materials as the collapsible element 202, and may operate similarly during the assembly (installation) process.

[0044] Upon transitioning to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the collapsible element 302 is designed to divide the deep pocket 116b into three thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1, 2, and 3, which effectively divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b into smaller volumes and thereby reduces heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110. Similar to the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B, the collapsible element 302 exhibits a design similar in some respects to an accordion or a bellows. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the collapsible element 302 includes two side walls 304 designed to fold (bend) outward upon moving to the collapsed state.

[0045] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic top views of another example faade system 400 in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The faade system 400 (hereafter the system 400) may be similar in some respects to the faade systems 200 and 300 of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto. Similar to the systems 200 and 300, the system 400 includes a collapsible element 402 arranged within the deep pocket 116b and extending between the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112) and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0046] The collapsible element 402 may be similar in some respects to the collapsible elements 202 and 302 of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. The collapsible element 402 is movable (collapsible) between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 4A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 402 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 402 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112). In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 402 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0047] The collapsible element 402 may be made of the same or similar materials as the collapsible element 202, and may operate similarly during the assembly (installation) process.

[0048] Upon transitioning to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 4B, the collapsible element 402 is designed to divide the deep pocket 116b into four thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4, which effectively divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b into corresponding fractions that reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110.

[0049] Similar to the collapsible elements 202 and 302 of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, the collapsible element 402 exhibits a design similar in some respects to an accordion or bellows. In contrast to the collapsible elements 202 and 302, however, the collapsible element 402 includes three walls that divide the deep pocket 116b into the four thermal chambers 1, 2, 3, 4. More specifically, the collapsible element 402 provides opposing side walls 404a and 404b, and an inner wall 406 interposing the side walls 404a,b. The side walls 404a,b are configured to exhibit an exterior fold (i.e., fold outward), while the inner wall 406 exhibits a fold directed either inward or outward and toward one side or the other upon moving to the collapsed state.

[0050] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic top views of another example faade system 500, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The faade system 500 (hereafter the system 500) may be similar in some respects to the faade systems 200, 300, and 400 described above and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto. Similar to the systems 200, 300, and 400, the system 500 includes a collapsible element 502 arranged within the deep pocket 116b and extending between the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112) and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0051] The collapsible element 502 may be similar in some respects to the collapsible elements 202, 302, and 402 described above, and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. The collapsible element 502 is movable (collapsible) between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 5A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 502 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the collapsible element 502 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112). In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 502 may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0052] The collapsible element 502 may be made of the same or similar materials as the collapsible element 202, and may operate similarly during the assembly (installation) process.

[0053] Upon transitioning to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 5B, the collapsible element 502 is designed to divide the deep pocket 116b into two thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1 and 2, which effectively divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b and thereby reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110. The collapsible element 502 includes two side walls 504a and 504b and a cross-member 506 extending between the two side walls 504a,b. When the collapsible element 502 is in the collapsed state, the side walls 504a,b may be folded over one another. Upon transitioning to the expanded state, however, at least one of the side walls 504a,b may extend to the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0054] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic top views of another example faade system 600, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The faade system 600 (hereafter the system 600) may be similar in some respects to the faade systems 200, 300, 400, and 500 described above and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto. Similar to the systems 200, 300, 400, and 500, for example, the system 600 includes a collapsible element 602 arranged within the deep pocket 116b and extending between the mullion 102 and the second panel 106b.

[0055] The collapsible element 602 may be similar in some respects to the collapsible elements 202, 302, 402, and 502 described above, and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. The collapsible element 602 is movable (collapsible) between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 6A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 602 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state.

[0056] As illustrated, the collapsible element 602 may comprise multiple portions, shown as a first or exterior portion 604a and a second or interior portion 604b separate from the exterior portion 604a. The portions 604a,b may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 prior to installation of the second panel 106b. More specifically, each portion 604a,b provides a side wall 606 interconnected with a foldable inner wall 608. The side walls 606 may be secured to adjacent inner portions of the mullion 102 and extend substantially parallel with the exterior and interior exposed surfaces 610a and 610b of the second panel 106b.

[0057] In contrast, the foldable inner walls 608 may extend from the corresponding side wall 606 at a living hinge and be able to flex or pivot between the collapsed and expanded states. When in the collapsed state, the inner walls 608 may interpose the thermal break 112 and the lateral side of the second panel 106b. Upon transitioning to the expanded state, however, the inner walls 608 may be configured to flex away from the thermal break 112. In some embodiments, the end of each inner wall 608 may engage the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b when transitioned to the expanded state.

[0058] When transitioned to the expanded state, the collapsible element 602 may be configured to divide the deep pocket 116b into three thermal chambers, identified by numbers 1, 2, and 3, which divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b and thereby reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110.

[0059] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic top views of another example faade system 700, in accordance with one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The faade system 700 (hereafter the system 700) may be similar in some respects to the faade systems 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 described above and, therefore, may be best understood with reference thereto. Similar to the systems 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, the system 700 includes a collapsible element 702 arranged within the deep pocket 116b and extending or extendible between the mullion 102 (e.g., the thermal break 112) and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b.

[0060] The collapsible element 702 may be similar in some respects to the collapsible elements 202, 302, 402, 502, and 602 described above, and therefore may be best understood with reference thereto. The collapsible element 702 is movable (collapsible) between a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 7A, and an expanded state, as shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, the collapsible element 702 may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state.

[0061] As best seen in FIG. 7B, the collapsible element 702 may include opposing side walls 704 secured to and otherwise arranged adjacent opposing inner portions of the mullion 102. The side walls 704 may extend substantially parallel with the exterior and interior exposed surfaces 610a and 610b of the second panel 106b. The collapsible element 702 may further include a cross-member 706 extending between and interconnecting the opposing side walls 704. As illustrated, the cross-member 706 may be secured to and otherwise arranged adjacent the thermal break 112.

[0062] The collapsible element 702 may further include one or more foldable inner walls 708 (two shown) that are able to transition between the collapsed and expanded states. More specifically, each inner wall 708 extends from a transition point where the sidewalls 704 meet the cross-member 706. When in the collapsed state, the inner walls 708 may interpose the cross-member 706 and the lateral side of the second panel 106b. Upon transitioning to the expanded state, however, the inner walls 708 may be configured to flex away from the cross-member 706. In some embodiments, the end of each inner wall 708 may engage the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b when transitioned to the expanded state.

[0063] Upon transitioning to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 7B, the collapsible element 702 is designed to divide the deep pocket 116b into three thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1, 2, and 3, which divide the volume of air within the deep pocket 116b and thereby reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 110.

[0064] As mentioned herein, the presently disclosed collapsible elements may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 102 or alternatively on the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. FIGS. 8-11 depict example attachment means for securing collapsible elements within the corresponding systems.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B secured within the system 200 using an adhesive 802. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive 802 interposes the collapsible element 202 and a portion of the mullion 102, such as the thermal break 112. In such embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed within the deep pocket 116b. In other embodiments, however, the adhesive 802 may interpose the collapsible element 202 and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. In such embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed on the second panel 106b. In yet other embodiments, the adhesive may be applied at both interfaces between the collapsible gasket 202 and the thermal break 112, and between the collapsible gasket 202 and the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. Upon drawing the second panel 106b partially out of the deep pocket 116b, as described herein, the collapsible element 202 may be urged to expand.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B secured within the system 200 using a coupling device 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling device 902 comprises a snap-fit or tongue-and-groove attachment coupled to the collapsible element 202 and capable of being secured to the bridge 114 forming part of the thermal break 112. More specifically, the coupling device 902 may provide or otherwise define a head 904 receivable within an aperture or channel 906 defined in the bridge 114.

[0067] In some embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed within the deep pocket 116b and attached to the bridge 114. In such embodiments, the head 904 may be received within the channel 906, and introducing the second panel 106b into the deep pocket 116b will compress the collapsible element 202, but drawing the second panel 106b partially out of the deep pocket 116b will allow the collapsible element 202 to expand. In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed on and otherwise secured to the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. In such embodiments, introducing the second panel 106b into the deep pocket 116b will allow the head 904 to locate and be received within the channel 906 as the collapsible element 202 is compressed. Once the coupling device 902 is secured to the bridge 114, drawing the second panel 106b partially out of the deep pocket 116b will allow the collapsible element 202 to expand.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B secured within the system 200 using an alternative type of coupling device 1002. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling device 1002 comprises a snap-fit or interference-fit attachment configured to be secured to thermal break 112, such as the bridge 114.

[0069] In some embodiments, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed within the deep pocket 116b and attached to the thermal break 112 (e.g., the bridge 114) using the coupling device 1002. In other embodiments, however, the collapsible element 202 may be pre-installed on and otherwise secured to the lateral side 118 of the second panel 106b. In such embodiments, introducing the second panel 106b into the deep pocket 116b will allow the coupling device 1002 to engage and become secured to the thermal break 112 (e.g., the bridge 114) as the collapsible element 202 is compressed. Once the coupling device 1002 is secured to the thermal break 112, drawing the second panel 106b partially out of the deep pocket 116b will allow the collapsible element 202 to expand.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows the collapsible element 702 of FIGS. 7A-7B secured within the system 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the collapsible element 702 may include a coupling device 1102 configured to secure the collapsible element 702 to the mullion 102 via an interference fit or a snap-fit engagement. More specifically, the opposing side walls 704 of the collapsible element 702 may comprise the coupling device 1102, and may be sized and otherwise configured to form a snap-fit or interference-fit engagement with corresponding grooves 1104 defined by the mullion 102 within the glazing pocket 110 (e.g., the deep pocket 116b). Similar to the side walls 704, the grooves 1104 may extend substantially parallel with the exterior and interior exposed surfaces 610a and 610b of the second panel 106b. The collapsible element 702 may be pre-installed within the deep pocket 116b.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a top view of an example faade system 1200 that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the faade system 1200 (hereafter the system 1200) comprises a curtain wall assembly configured to help laterally support and/or secure the first and second panels 106a,b. As illustrated, the system 1200 may include a vertical mullion 1202, which may comprise a rigid extrusion made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or other material, including, but not limited to, other metals and alloys. The vertical mullion 1202 may be coupled to a building structure, such as a beam that forms part of the building structure.

[0072] The system 1200 may further include a pressure plate 1204 and a cover 1206 removably coupled to the pressure plate 1204. The pressure plate 1204 may be operatively coupled to the vertical mullion 1202 with a fastener 1208, which may be a mechanical fastener, that extends through a glazing pocket 1210 defined laterally between the vertical mullion 1202 and the pressure plate 1204, and defined horizontally between the first and second glazing panels 106a,b. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 1208 comprises a screw that may be received within or otherwise threaded into a tongue 1212 extending from or forming part of the vertical mullion 1202. The system 1200 may further include a thermal separator 1214 positioned within the glazing pocket 1210 and interposing the pressure plate 1204 and the vertical mullion 1202 (e.g., the tongue 1212).

[0073] The system 1200 may further include one or more collapsible elements arranged within the glazing pocket 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, a first collapsible element 1216a is arranged in the glazing pocket 1210 and interposes the tongue 1212 and a lateral end 1218 of the first panel 106a. A second collapsible element 1216b is also arranged in the glazing pocket 1210, but interposes the tongue 1212 and the lateral end 118 of the second panel 106b. The collapsible elements 1216a,b are movable (collapsible) between collapsed and expanded states during installation of the system 1200. In some embodiments, the collapsible elements 1216a,b may be naturally biased to the expanded state, but could alternatively be naturally biased to the collapsed state. In some embodiments, the collapsible elements 1216a,b may be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the mullion 1202 (e.g., the tongue 1212), but could alternatively be attached to and otherwise pre-assembled on the lateral sides 1218, 118 of one or both of the panels 106a,b.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the collapsible elements 1216a,b are the same as or similar to the collapsible element 202 of FIGS. 2A-2B. Accordingly, upon transitioning to the expanded state, as shown in FIG. 12, the collapsible elements 1216a,b may be designed to divide corresponding portions of the glazing pocket 1210 into three thermal chambers, identified by the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The multiple thermal chambers 1, 2, 3 divide the volume of air within the glazing pocket 1210, which operates to reduce heat transfer by convection through the glazing pocket 1210. In other embodiments, however, the collapsible elements 1216a,b may be replaced with any of the collapsible elements described herein, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0075] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side-by-side depictions of thermal simulations of the system 200 of FIGS. 2A-2B. More specifically, FIG. 13A depicts the system 200 without a collapsible element, and FIG. 13B depicts the system 200 including the collapsible element 202, as generally described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B. The thermal simulations were performed using commercially-available heat transfer software.

[0076] Table 1 below provides testing data comparing a conventional vertical mullion system without a collapsible element, to a vertical mullion system that includes a collapsible element, as generally described herein. It can be seen that the U-factor of the system provided with the thermal element is lower, therefore providing a better thermal performance and energy savings.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Improvement System U-factor U-factor [%] Conventional vertical 0.8795 4.9943 W/m.sup.2-K mullion w/o collapsible Btu/h-ft.sup.2-F element Vertical mullion w/ 0.8122 4.6121 W/m.sup.2-K 8.3% collapsible element Btu/h-ft.sup.2-F

[0077] Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of comprising, containing, or including various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also consist essentially of or consist of the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, from about a to about b, or, equivalently, from approximately a to b, or, equivalently, from approximately a-b) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles a or an, as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

[0078] As used herein, the phrase at least one of preceding a series of items, with the terms and or or to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase at least one of allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases at least one of A, B, and C or at least one of A, B, or C each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0079] Although various example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.