Abstract:
A composite construction for windows and doors has one or more components of the frame and/or window unit fabricated as a composite having a structural foam intermediate member onto which exterior and interior aluminum extrusions are mechanically and adhesively attached. The foam member functions as a structural bridge between the extrusions, as a thermal break and may also provide support for an internal seal to prevent air infiltration.
Abstract:
A pre-formed insert with stable dimensions for mechanical insertion into a hollow member and that reduces the Nusselt number and convection across the hollow member. The insert may be formed of a low heat conducting material like PVC and have extensions and internal voids that impede convection in the hollow and conduction through the insert. The inserts may be used in heads and sills of aluminum windows, doors and frames. In one embodiment, an insert is received in an open hollow and may cooperate with an insert in a frame hollow to decrease convection at the head end of a sliding window or door. An insert may be placed within the hollow of a window or door beside a roller assembly.
Abstract:
A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the frame of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product.
Abstract:
A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the sash of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product.
Abstract:
To improve thermal and acoustic insulation between the outside (O) and the inside (I) of a structure having windows or doors therethrough, stationary frames (10, 12; 52, 54) are secured to the building, retaining movable window or door frames (2). The stationary frames include two metal rails (10, 12; 52, 54), one (10, 52) of the frames being located at the outside (O) of the building and the other (12, 54) at the inside (I) of the building. The inner and outer rails are separated from each other by a double-walled chambered strip (14) having first and second elongated strip portions connected by cross ribs (21, 22, 23) which, therebetween, define chambers (17-20). The chambers are serially located in a direction of thermal gradient between the outside and the inside of the building and arranged in stepped or Z-shaped configuration. The chambered strips are rigidly connected at lateral portions thereof with the inside and outside rails, for example by interengaging, interlocking arrangements including interfitting dovetail-shaped portions.
Abstract:
A high-performance fenestration system that includes a pressure chamber formed between longitudinally adjacent fenestration members. The pressure chamber is positioned on one side of the thermal break. The fenestration system can be configured so to create a continuous pressure chamber around the closed perimeter of the fenestration between the frame and sash. The resulting fenestration system enjoys significantly better water penetration resistance as compared with conventional high-performance doors and windows. Because of the positioning and structural configuration of the pressure chamber, the fenestration system can be configured to accept different hinge styles including Euro-style and American-style hinges without significant loss of performance. In addition, the system can accept American-style door hardware or Euro-style door hardware.
Abstract:
A window assembly according to various embodiments includes a frame, a sash, an insulating unit (e.g., one or more glass panels), a glass stop, an elongated frame insulating element slidably disposed on an inner surface of the frame, an elongated sash insulating element slidably disposed on an outer surface of the sash, and an elongated inner sash insulating element slidably disposed on an inner surface of the sash. The elongated frame insulating element, the elongated sash insulating element, and the elongated inner sash insulating element each define a plurality of chambers that extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each element. These chambers reduce the size of the space between the frame and sash and the size of the space between the sash, the insulating unit, and the glass stop, which results in smaller convection currents within these spaces and a more thermally efficient window assembly.
Abstract:
A system provided with panels, for instance glass sheets, and with elements (1, 2) which extend along edges of the panels, comprising:—at least a first element (1) which extends along a first edge of at least one panel (P), wherein the first element (1) is manufactured from metal, and is of solid design;—at least a second element (2) which extends along a second edge of the at least one panel (P), and—a connection (3, 4) between said first and second element (1, 2) which connection comprises at least a solid metal, preferably steel connecting element (3), wherein said connection is also provided with a thermally insulating part (4), wherein the thermally insulating part (4) is preferably substantially located in a space located opposite an end face of the panel (P).
Abstract:
An insulating insert for improving the thermal characteristics of a metal frame, such as an aluminum window or door frame. The insert has an elongated hollow enclosure defining at least one air chamber and a plurality of spacers adapted to engage interior surfaces of a metal frame to secure the insert within the metal frame. Preferably, the spacers form a seal with the metal frame that substantially impedes air exchange. The invention also includes metal frames having such insulating inserts and methods of insulating metal frames with the inserts.
Abstract:
A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements providing pivot axes received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. At least one guide rail has a stop across which the wings cannot move. The free wing edge has a profiled strip at a side facing the stop. The profiled strip projects past the pivot axis of the guide element provided at the free wing edge and has a slanted portion facing the stop and slanted in a direction toward the free wing edge. The slanted portion extends at least across the stop height.