Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE
ENCAPSULATED GLAZING STR~CTURE
BACKGROVND OF THE INVENTION
~nergy efficient window assemblies have become
increasingly more important and necessary. Typically, the
requirement for such window assemblies is a function of fuel
costs. Heretofore, fuel costs were not regarded as being
sign~ficant and, therefore, residential a~d commercial
buildings could be designed and constructed with low thermal
efficient glazing structures. However, the advent of higher
fuel costs dictated glazing structures, as well as other
building components, which exhibited higher thermal
efficiences.
Many attempts have been made to develop window frames
formed of plastic materials, such as polyesters, polyvinyl
chlorides, The structural componerlts of such frames were
typically Eormed by extrus:Lon processes, or in~ectlon molcling
processes and, thence remotely assembled with an appropria~e
2~ glazing material such as panes of glass and
associated hardware.
The plastic materials could contain coloring substances
as an integral part thereof, and therefore the
` - resultant glazing structures would have the advantage of
requiring less maintenar.ce, in respect of painting, and could
be cleaned with minimal effort. Also, the structures were
more thermally efficient when compared to similar structures
formed of metal framing components dua to a reduction in the
thermal conductivity
Whlle there were certain advantages which resided
in these glazing structures utilizing the plastic framing
components, the cost oi fabricating the complete glazing
structure was expensive. The expense resulted from increased
material and labor costs. However, the marketplace has
accepted such increased product cost on the basis that such
cost will be recaptured in reduced fuel costs from both
heatin~ and coolin~ standpoints.
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The next really maJor advancement in the field
of gla~ing for residential and commercial buildings was
manifested in the-development of a glazing component having
an integral frame of plastic material completely surrounding
the peripheral edges thereof and applied by the reaction
ln~ection molding process typically u~ilizing polyurethane
plastic material. This product has been considered to be a
major advancement and one that retains all of the benefits of
the previous designs and simultaneously overcomes the
disadvantages.
The present invention is deemed to be an improvement of
the last mentioned structure.
SUMMARY OF TIIE INVENTION
An obJect of the present invention is to produce an
encapsulated glazlng structure having an in situ molded
encapsulating frame formed with a substantially
hollow interior.
Another ob~ect of the invention is to produce
substantially hollow encapsulating frame molded to the
peripheral edge portion of a glazing material, such as glass
for example, having an integral sealing member extending
laterally outward therefrom to maintain sealing contact with
the static portion of an associated opening.
The above ob~ect, as well as others, may be typically
achieved by an encapsulated glazing structure comprising at
least one pane of optically transparent material; and a frame
molded to encapsulate the peripheral edge portion of the
pane, the frame including a main hollow body portion and a
sealing means coupled thereto and extending outwardly
therefrom.
-~ STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an encapsulated glazing
structure comprising: a main body of glazing material, and
an encapsulating frame molded in sl~u to the per1pheral edge
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portions of the main body, the frame including a hollow interior
body portion definad by a pair of spaced apart substantially
parallel walls extending laterally outwardly of the main body
of glazing material, the parallel spaced apart walls having
inner surfaces adjacent the hollow interior body portion and
outer surfaces opposite the inner surfaces, a plurality of
partition walls formed within the hollow interior body portion,
the partition walls extending between the pair of ~paced apart
walls and laterally outwardly of the main body of glazing
material, and a closure strlp Pormed integrally with the hollow
body portion and extending outwardly therefrom and adapted when
folded to close the hollow lnterior body portion.
~ : BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI~GS
: ~The above objeatives and advantages of the invention
wlll become readily apparent to one skilled in the art from
reading the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment of the invention when considered in light of the
accompanying ~rawings in which:
Figure 1 is a~ perspective view of an encapsulated
~ 20 glazing structure incorporating the features of the invention
: with por~ions broken away to more clearly illustrate portions
:
thereof;
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Figure 2 is a sectional view of the structure
illustrated in Figure 1 taken along line 2--2 thereof;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a structura
similar to that shown in Figure 2 directed to modified form
thereof;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a structure
similar to that illustrated in Figure 2 and 3 showing another
modiEication of the invention as applied to a casement type
window assembly;
Figure 5 i5 a cross sectional view of the structure
illustrated in Figure 4 showing the vertically extending side
stile elements; and
: Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure
: illustrated in figures 4 and 5 showing a latching mechanism
molded as an integral part of the lower horiY.ontally extending
sill element of the encapsulated frame.
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DESCRIPTION_OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 wherein like reference
numerals refer to the same parts, there is illustrated an
lnsulated glazing structure including a pair of spaced apart
panes or sheets 10 and 12 of glass, for e~ample. The sheets
10 and 12 are typically maintained in spaced relation by an
elongate spacer str~p 14. The spacer str-Lp 14 is adapted to
form a continuous band around the margina:L edges of the
faclng surfaces of the sheets 10 and 12 to effectively form a
dead air space 16 between the facing surfaces of the sheets
10 and 12. The entire assembly is framed by a formed frame
member 18, typically formed of a polymeric material which is
polymerized and cured in situ to encapsulate the marginal
peripheral edge portions oE the assemblage.
The frame member 18 is formed by a reaction injection
molding process.
The spacer strip 14 may be any flexible, yet rigid
materlal, such as corrugated aluminum, for example. A
desiccant containing material 20 is disposed on the inner
surface of the strip 14. The material 20 is formed of an
extruded butyl based mastic containing a powdered molecular
sieve desiccant dispersed throughout. The combination of
mastic and deslccant employed should possess the i'ollowing
properties: the rosultant combination'should be chemically
compatible with the other components of the invention; should
have the ability to adhere to the sheet, frame, and spacer
strip materials; should function to assist in the formation
and malntonance oi a hermetic seal; should be stablo over a
wide range of application conditions; and should have the
capacity to prevent condensation iormatlon in the associated
hermetically sealed area. A product is presently available
commercially from Tremco, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. and
sold under the trademark "Swiggle Strip".
Pro;ecting laterally outwardly from the marginal edges
of the sheets 10 and 12, and forming an integral portion of
frame 18, is a hollow box-like portion thereof adapted to
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extend completely around the edge portions of the sheets 10
and 12. The hollow interior portion 26 of the fra~e 18 is
defined by the inner wall 22 and a spaced apart outer wall
24. The hollow interior portion is further defined by a
closure strip ~8. One of the longitudinally extending edges
of the closure strip 28 is coupled to the outermost edge of
the inner wall 22 by a living hinge 30.
Sealing MeanS in the form oE longitudinally extending
ribs 32 and 34 are formed $o extend in laterally opposed
directions to the outer suriaces of the inner and outer walls
22 and ~4, respectively. The ribs 32 and 34 are typically
coextensive with the walls 22 and 24, respectlvely.
Sealing means in the form of longitudinal ribs 36 are
formed to extend outwardly from one surface of the closure
strip 28. The initial step ~n produclng the insulated
glazing structure, thus far described, involves the
appropriate cleaning oE the front and rear surface~, nnd
peripheral edges of the glass sheets lQ and 12 to prepare the
surfaces for adherence with material to be employed ~or the
frame member 18.
The next step in producing the structure is the
application of a primer coating to the previously cleaned
glass surfaces. Satisfactory results can be achieved by
initially employing a primer layer of R product such as
"Betaseal, Glass Primer 43518 Commercial Grade" commerclally
available from Essex Chemical Company, Clifton, New Jersey,
U.S.A. The glass bond area is initially wiped with the
primer to form a layer which functions as a coupling agent.
The primer material is a clear moisture-sensitive primer
comprising gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysllane, which promotes
adhesion between other Betaseal products and glass.
Following the above application of the primer layer, a
second primer layer is applied over the first layer. The
second primer layer assists the rapid formation of a hydroly-
tically stable bond between the glass and associated frame 18of polyurethane, for example. The material comprislng the
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second layer is a primer, such as for example, a blackout
primer, which functions to prevent ultraviolet degradation of
sealants and adhesives, or a primer to be used in con~unction
with a frame 18 which may itselE be a stable polyurethane.
An example of the aforementioned blackout primer ls
commercially available under the description "Betaseal, Glass
Prim~r 43520 Commerclal Grade" from Essex Chemical Company.
Approximately twenty minutes after the superposed pri~er
layers have been applied, the final assemblage may
be commenced. This per~od of time ls necessary to allow
sufficient reaction and drying of the primers. The precise
period of tlme required is dependent upon the particular
primers used. Initially, the glass sheet 10 is placed in a
die cavity of an associated mold. The spacer strip unit 14
is disposed, in continuous fashion, around the peripheral
marginal ~dge portion oi the glass sheet lO. Then, the glnss
sheet 12 is disposed in superyosed relation over and allgned
with the sheet 10. The spacer strip unit 14 functions to
space the facing surfaces of the glass sheets 10 nnd 12 from
one another at a predetermined deslred distance, as well as
cooperate to define a dead air space 16. An associated mold
; element, having a mold cavity formed therein to cooperate
with the aforementioned cavity, is then placed over the lower
mold and locked in a closed position. A charge of
polyurethane reaction mixture is in;ected into the mold
cavity to form a completely encircling frame member 18.
It is often desirable to apply a coating to the outer
e~posed surface of the frame 18 before the multiple glazed
structure is installed in an opening in a building or the
like. Such coating can be a urethane based paint, containing
any desired decorative color producing component such as
pigment, for example. A type of urethane based paint useful
~; for such purpose is one manufactured by PPG Industries, Inc.,
. ~ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. under the designation
f 35 Purethane 700 }ISE-848, for example. The paint coating is
then typically baked at approximately 140 - 150F. for about
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20-30 minutes. It must be understood that in addition to the
decorative e~fect, the layer may function to protect the
exposed polyurethane material forming the frame 18 from
degradation which would otherwise be caused by exposure to
ultraviolet radiation normally present in unfiltered
sunlight. In the event the frame 18 is composed of an
ultraviolet stable polyurethane material, the outermost layer
may not be necessary, however it could be applied for
decorative purposes.
The Erame 18 o~ the structure, above described,
functions to ensure the desired dead air space 16 between the
facing surfaces of the glass sheets 10 and 12 and holds`the
peripheral edges of the glass sheets lO and 12 in tightly
compressed state against the spacer strip unit 14. Also, the
frame 18 may be formed in any desired cross-sectional
configuration to accommodate exlsting window framing members
of the double hung variety, as well as any other framing
configurations.
In order to impart lateral rigidity to the inner wall 22
?0 and the outer wall 24, a plurality of spaced apart
strengtheni.ng partition walls 40 may be formed. The walls 40
are designed to extend across the ~pace 26 and thereby
provide adequate reinforcement to assist in militating
against the inner fle~ure of the associated walls 22 and 24.
The above-described structure produces a frame structure
which provides more value added features and cost reductions
than can be associated with normal polyurethane window frame
structures. More specifically, the improved struc~ure
reduces the amount of polymer necessary in forming of the
frame, eliminates the need for utilizing an interior core
materiaI about which the polymer is molded, incorporates an
integral molding of a weather seal, and as will be explained
in greater detail hereinaEter, enables hardware to be molded
into the frame.
Figure 3 iIlustrates an embodiment o~ the invention
similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. However, the
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8thickness of the inner wall 22, the outer wall 24, and the
closure strip 28 is increased to provide greater rigidity.
Also, the sealing ribs 36 are of slightly different cross-
sectional configuration.
In Figures 4, 5, and 6 there are shown section~ of an
encapsulated glazing structure utilizing the features of the
present invention in a casement-type window assembly. Figure
4, is a section taken through a header portion of a window
opening and the associated upper horizontal frame member and
1~ associated glazing material. The header 50 is provided with
an associated window opening defining member 56. It must be
understood that the member 56 includes associated side stiles
illustrated in Figure 5, and a horizonta:Lly disposecl slll
member illustrated ln Figure 6, which extends in generall.y
parallel spaced relntion to the illu3trated portion o~ the
member 56.
The encapsulating frame 18 includes generally the same
component features as the embodiment illustrated in Figures
1, 2, and 3. More specifically, the sheets of glass lO and
12 are maintained in spaced relation by an elongate spacer
strip 14 to form a dead air space 16 between the facing
surfaces thereof. ProJecting laterally outwardly for the
marginal edges of the glass sheets 10 and 12, and forming an
integral portion of the frame 18, is a hollow box-like
portion thereoE adopted to extend completely around the edge
portions of the glass sheets 10 and 12. The hollow interior
of the frame 18 is defined by an inner wall 52, and an outer
wall 54. A closure strip 58 is coupled to the outermost
edge of the outer wall 54 by a li~ing hinge 60. In the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and
6, the closure strip 58 is adapted to extend coextensively
with only the upper horizontally disposed portion of the
frame 18 and is suitably secured to the member 56 and the
header 50 by spaced apart threaded Eastenings 59, for
example. It wl].l be understood that other types of fastening
means wlll likewlse ba employed to secura the strips 58 to
the member 56.
Extending laterally outwardly from the main body of the
frame 18 and within the hollow interior are spaced apart
sealing ribs 62, the outermost distal ends of which are
adapted to be in sealing contact with the inner wall surface
of the closure strip 58 when the window assembly is in the
closed position. When the window assembly ls in a closed
position, the terminal ends of the sealing rlbs 62 are urged
into snug sealing relation with the contacting lnner facing
surface of the closure strip 58 as illustrated in full. lines
in Figure 4. The dotted line illustration shows the assembly
in an open position with the ends of the ribs 62 is an
unflexed pOsitiOIl, nnd showing the hinge 60 in open window
assembly supporting position.
Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken through one side
stlle of the window defining member 56. The vertical
elements of the member 56 are typically suitably secured
within cooperating building framing members 50' which
cooperate with the header 50 illustrated in Figure 4.
The sealing ribs 62 of the encapsulating frame 18 are
~; adapted to be in sealing relation with an inwardly tapered
surface 56' of the window defining member 56 such that as the
window assembly is swung to a closed position, the terminal
end positions of the sealing ribs 62 are placed under greater
sealing flexure until the assembly is fully closed, thus
establishing a properly sealed assembly.
Figure 6 is a vertical section taken through the
horizontally disposed sill of the window defining member 56.
The lower horizontal element of the member 56 is typically
suitably secured within a building framing member 50'~ which
cooperates with the other Eraming members 50 and 50'
illustrated in Figures 4and 5 to define a window opening.
Further, Figure 6 illustrates the employment of
a latching mechanism which typically includes a vertically
ad~ustable latch 66 slidably received wlthin a latchway 68
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formed in a portion 70 of the frame member 18 which extends
inwardly ~rom the outer surface oi` the inner wall 52. The
lowermost terminal end of the latch 66 is adJusted to be
received wlthin a slot 72 formed in the sill of the window
defining member 56.
It will be seen that the vertically disposed side stile
elemen~s and the horizontally disposed lower sill element of
the window definin~ member 5~ is provided with a stepped
portion at the lnner terminus of the inwardly tapered
surfaces 56' which functions as a finally sealing surface for
the frame 18 of the encapsulated glazing structure to
effectively come to rest against i~ a closed sealing
relationship therewith. To Eacilitate the sealing
relationship, the terminal edge portions of the inner wall S~
may be provided with longitudlnally extending sealing ribs
53. Manifestly, in order to be completely energy efEicient,
the sealing ribs 53 should be coextensive with the associated
inner walls 52.
Accordingly, when the encapsulated glazing structure is
moved to a closed position, the sealing ribs 53 of the inner
walls 52 will contact the stepped portions of the stiles and
sill member 56' and the latch 66 will index with the slot 72.
Thence, the lntch 66 is caused to sllde downwardly through
t~e latchway 68 until fully latching the glazing structure in
sealing relaticn with the window defining member 56.
In the event additional rigidity is required between the
inner walls 52 and outer walls 54, spaced apart strengthening
partition walls 40' are provided. These walls 40' may be
formed as an integral portion of the frame 18.
There may be instances increased rigidity and
dimensional stability may be required. In order to achieve
greater rigidity in the final encapsulated product,
reinforcing core elements may be employed. For example, in
certain applications wherein the invention is contemplated
for use in structures o~ substantial length, such as for
example, in sliding door structures, it may be desirable to
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employ horizontally and vertically extending flexure
resisting core elements formed of wood, for example.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated and described ln accordance with the
provisions of the Patent Statutes, lt must be understood that
the spirit of the invention may be incorporated into
structures other than those speclfically illustrated and
described herein. The limitations of the invention are
defined in the appended claims.
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