Abstract:
A composite article includes a first window layer formed from a vitreous material and a reinforced silicone layer disposed adjacent the first window layer. The reinforced silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition and a fiber reinforcement. Due to the presence of the cured silicone composition in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article exhibits excellent fire resistance and will not emit as much smoke and toxic gases as composite articles including primarily carbon-based materials. Further, due to the presence of the fiber reinforcement in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article maintains excellent structural integrity even after a breach is formed in the composite article due to heat. As such, the composite articles of the subject invention may be suitable for load-bearing applications that are not possible with existing composite articles.
Abstract:
A glass reinforcing strip for a glass pane is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The glass reinforcing strip includes a first substantially planar contact portion formed of a sheet material and a second substantially planar contact portion formed of the sheet material and substantially coplanar with the first contact portion. The glass reinforcing strip further includes a displaced portion formed of the sheet material and located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and non-coplanar with the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The displaced portion creates at least some rigidity in the glass reinforcing strip.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a blast resistant assembly for use as a window, door, or the like, that is capable of withstanding a bomb blast, hurricane, tornado, or other strong force. The assembly includes a composite panel that comprises a glass sheet bonded to a polymeric layer, and a frame that surrounds the composite panel. In the event of an explosion or other strong force, the composite panel is secured within the frame by one or more retainers. Each retainer includes an extension that is embedded within the polymeric layer. The composite panel may also be pivotally mounted to the frame to facilitate deflection of the composite panel during a blast, and to provide a means for emergency exit.
Abstract:
A method for installing a vehicle window assembly in a vehicle includes selecting a vehicle interior accessory member from the group including a storage system, a lighting system, an instrument display system, an electrical power system, a temperature controlled air system, a system control panel, a window panel shade system, an interior trim component, a hand grip, and a sun visor assembly, forming the window assembly by securing the selected vehicle interior accessory to a predetermined area of the inner surface of a window panel, and installing the vehicle window assembly over or within a window opening of the vehicle after securing the interior accessory to the window panel such that the interior accessory is accessible to an occupant of the vehicle from the vehicle interior after installation.
Abstract:
Bonded vehicular glass assemblies utilizing two-component urethane adhesives to attach dynamic load-bearing attachment members to glass substrates to form a joint suitable for use on a vehicle, and related methods of forming are described herein. In addition, methods of attaching components to glass by use of these adhesives are disclosed. The two-component urethane adhesives utilized in this invention have been found to provide surprisingly strong bonds between glass and other materials which meet or exceed OEM requirements, and be particularly well suited for use in vehicles.
Abstract:
A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly. The interior accessories may be interconnected to the window panel by a variety of fasteners which provide the ability to quickly interchange an interior component and/or provide sufficient tensional strength characteristics to suspend the interior accessory from the interior surface of the window panel. Also provided are a perimeter storage and concealment system for providing a finished interior and storage capability about the interior of the window opening. Preferably, the assembly is used in the roof area of the vehicle such that the accessories are supported overhead of the passenger compartment.
Abstract:
A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly. The interior accessories may be interconnected to the window panel by a variety of fasteners which provide the ability to quickly interchange an interior component and/or provide sufficient tensional strength characteristics to suspend the interior accessory from the interior surface of the window panel. Also provided are a perimeter storage and concealment system for providing a finished interior and storage capability about the interior of the window opening. Preferably, the assembly is used in the roof area of the vehicle such that the accessories are supported overhead of the passenger compartment.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a laminated glazing pane which may be used as an aircraft windshield. The pane comprises at least two glass sheets connected together by an intermediate layer of polyvinyl butyral and, in its marginal zone, between at least one glass sheet and the intermediate layer, at least one adhesive ring comprising a plastic material which absorbs at least a portion of the stresses to which the pane is subjected during operation.
Abstract:
A wired glass having a wire mesh formed of wires each comprising a core and a decorative coating of different color to the core. The decorative coating provides the wired glass with an attractive visual appearance.
Abstract:
A glass/polycarbonate laminate is provided with an edge attachment configuration that reduces the deflection of the laminate and reduces the loading on the polycarbonate plies of the laminate.