U.S. patent application number 11/686714 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for composite spacer bar for reducing heat transfer from a warm side to a cold side along an edge of an insulated glazing unit.
Invention is credited to Raymond G. GALLAGHER.
Application Number | 20070227097 11/686714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556837 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070227097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GALLAGHER; Raymond G. |
October 4, 2007 |
COMPOSITE SPACER BAR FOR REDUCING HEAT TRANSFER FROM A WARM SIDE TO
A COLD SIDE ALONG AN EDGE OF AN INSULATED GLAZING UNIT
Abstract
The subject application is directed to a composite spacer bar
for use in glazing units. The spacer bar includes a low-thermally
conductive inner component and a low-thermally conductive outer
component that partially encases the inner component. The inner
component has four walls of a predetermined thickness that define a
chamber containing a low-thermally conductive material. The
thickness of the outer component is substantially less than the
thickness of the inner component. The outer component also includes
associated longitudinal edges, with the inner component configured
to engage the longitudinal edges of the outer component. The outer
component also includes a portion that extends a predetermined
distance into the top wall of the inner component. The composite
spacer bar is also configured to receive a linear key member that
is configured for insertion into the chamber so as to join ends of
the spacer bar.
Inventors: |
GALLAGHER; Raymond G.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TUCKER ELLIS & WEST LLP
1150 HUNTINGTON BUILDING
925 EUCLID AVENUE
CLEVELAND
OH
44115-1414
US
|
Family ID: |
38556837 |
Appl. No.: |
11/686714 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60782571 |
Mar 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/786.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 3/66314
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/786.13 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/54 20060101
E04C002/54 |
Claims
1. A composite spacer bar, comprising: a low thermal conductivity
inner component having four walls of a predetermined thickness,
defining a chamber disposed therein containing a low thermal
conductivity material; and a low thermal conductivity outer
component partially encasing the inner component having a thickness
substantially less than the thickness of the inner component, the
outer component including a plurality of longitudinal edges
associated therewith, wherein the outer component includes a
portion thereof extending a predetermined distance into a top wall
of the inner component, wherein the inner component is configured
to fit within the outer component and engage the plurality of
longitudinal edges associated with the outer component, and wherein
the composite spacer bar is configured to receive a linear key
member, the linear key member configured for insertion into the
chamber so as to join ends of the spacer bar.
2. The composite spacer bar of claim 1, wherein the inner component
is comprised of a low thermally conductive plastic material.
3. The composite spacer bar of claim 2, wherein the
low-conductivity material contained within the chamber comprises at
least one of the group consisting of a thermally-insulative gas, a
thermally-insulative material, and a desiccant material.
4. The composite spacer bar of claim 1, wherein the outer component
is comprised of at least one of the group consisting of a
butyl-wrapped, low thermally conductive metal and a multilayered
tape.
5. The composite spacer bar of claim 1, wherein the ends of the
composite spacer bar joined by the linear key are square cut.
6. The composite spacer bar of claim 5, wherein the ends of the
composite space bar joined by the linear key are de-burred.
7. The composite spacer bar of claim 6, wherein the linear key is
comprised of a non-porous material.
8. The composite spacer bar of claim 7, further comprising a
sealant overlay emplaced on the ends of the composite space bar
joined by the linear key.
9. An insulated-glazing unit, comprising: at least two glazing
panes arranged to oppose each other; and a composite spacer bar
frame formed from a composite spacer bar separating the at least
two glazing panes and defining a space therebetween, the spacer bar
including: a low thermal conductivity inner component having four
walls of a predetermined thickness, defining a chamber disposed
therein containing a low thermal conductivity material, and a low
thermal conductivity outer component partially encasing the inner
component having a thickness substantially less than the thickness
of the inner component, the outer component including a plurality
of longitudinal edges associated therewith, wherein the outer
component includes a portion thereof extending a predetermined
distance into a top wall of the inner component, wherein the inner
component is configured to fit within the outer component and
engage the plurality of longitudinal edges associated with the
outer component, and wherein the composite spacer bar is configured
to receive a linear key member, the linear key member configured
for insertion into the chamber so as to join ends of the spacer
bar.
10. The insulated-glazing unit of claim 9, wherein the space
defined between the spacer bar frame and the glazing panes contains
at least one of the group consisting of air and an inert gas.
11. The insulated-glazing unit of claim 10, wherein the inner
component is comprised of a low thermally conductive plastic
material.
12. The insulated-glazing unit of claim 11, wherein the
low-conductivity material contained within the chamber comprises at
least one of the group consisting of a thermally-insulative gas, a
thermally-insulative material, and a desiccant material.
13. The insulated-glazing unit of claim 10, wherein the outer
component is comprised of at least one of the group consisting of a
butyl-wrapped, low thermally conductive metal and a multilayered
tape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/782,571, filed Mar. 15,
2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject application is directed to a system, method and
spacer bar for reducing heat transfer between glazings in an
insulated glazing unit. In particular, the subject application is
directed to a spacer bar for reducing the amount of heat
transferred from the warm side to the cold side along an edge of an
insulated glazing unit.
[0003] In the field of insulating glazing units, the use of a
tubular spacer bar to separate panes of glazing forming an
insulated glazing unit are typically used. Common practice
dictates, when forming a rectangular glazing unit, to cut spacer
bar into specific lengths and connect the four pieces using some
sort of connector device or corner key to form the corners of the
spacer arrangement, or frame, of the glazing unit. The device used
to connect the spacer pieces to form the corners of the frame is
referred to as a corner key. Alternatively, a corner of a frame is
suitably bent, in which case a linear key is implemented. In
addition, miscellaneous pieces of spacer bar are generally used to
form a length of the frame, so as to conserve spacer material,
connected via some linear connecting device. The design of the
corner key and its material varies, including stamped metal, cast
alloy piece, injected molded plastic, and the like. This leads to
at least four points at which leaks are capable of developing, as
well as gaps in the spacer component such that continuous
insulation is impossible, irrespective of the type of connector
device used. Bending of a single piece of spacer material so as to
minimize connector device usage has been implemented via a linear
key arrangement. However, even limiting the connection to a single
joint does not entirely minimize heat transfer.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need for a system, method, and
apparatus to minimize the heat transfer from a warm side of the
insulated glazing unit to the cold side of the insulated glazing
unit.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided an energy conservation device for
implementation in an insulated glazing unit.
[0006] Further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided a spacer bar for reducing the amount
of heat transferred from the warm side to the cold side along an
edge of an insulated glazing unit having an increased path length
and minimal secondary sealant.
[0007] Still further, in accordance with one embodiment of the
subject application, there is provided a system, method and device
for reducing heat transfer between components of an insulated
glazing unit.
[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided a spacer bar for heat transfer
reduction in an insulated glazing unit. The spacer bar includes a
spacer back, comprised of plastic-lined, low conductivity metal of
extended length, and an airspace bridge comprised of a low
conductivity plastic.
[0009] In one embodiment of the subject application, there is
provided a composite spacer bar. The spacer bar includes a
low-thermally conductive inner component having four walls of a
predetermined thickness, that define a chamber disposed therein
containing a low-thermally conductive material. The spacer also
includes a low-thermally conductive outer component that partially
encases the inner component. The thickness of the outer component
is substantially less than the thickness of the inner component.
The outer component further includes a plurality of associated
longitudinal edges. Additionally, the outer component includes a
portion that extends a predetermined distance into the top wall of
the inner component. The inner component is also configured to fit
within the outer component and engage the plurality of longitudinal
edges associated with the outer component. The composite spacer bar
is also configured to receive a linear key member, that is
configured for insertion into the chamber so as to join ends of the
spacer bar.
[0010] In another embodiment of the subject application, the inner
component is constructed of a low-thermally conductive plastic
material. Furthermore, the low-conductivity material within the
chamber comprises a thermally-insulative gas, a
thermally-insulative material, and/or a desiccant material.
[0011] In yet another embodiment of the subject application, the
outer component of the spacer bar is constructed of a
butyl-wrapped, low-thermally conductive metal and/or a multilayered
tape.
[0012] In one embodiment the subject application, the ends of the
composite spacer bar joined by the linear key square cut and
de-burred. In addition, the linear key is comprised of a non-porous
material. Furthermore, the spacer bar in such an embodiment
includes a sealant overlay emplaced on the ends of the composite
space bar joined by the linear key.
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided an insulated-glazing unit,
comprising at least two glazing panes arranged to oppose each
other, and a composite spacer bar frame formed from a composite
spacer bar separating the at least two glazing panes and defining a
space therebetween. The spacer bar includes a low thermal
conductivity inner component having four walls of a predetermined
thickness, defining a chamber disposed therein containing a low
thermal conductivity material. The spacer bar also includes a low
thermal conductivity outer component partially encasing the inner
component having a thickness substantially less than the thickness
of the inner component, the outer component including a plurality
of longitudinal edges associated therewith. The outer component of
the spacer bar includes a portion extending a predetermined
distance into a top wall of the inner component. The inner
component of the spacer bar is configured to fit within the outer
component and engage the longitudinal edges associated with the
outer component. Additionally, the composite spacer bar is
configured to receive a linear key member, the linear key member
configured for insertion into the chamber so as to join ends of the
spacer bar.
[0014] In one embodiment of the subject application, the space
defined between the spacer bar frame and the glazing panes contains
air and/or an inert gas.
[0015] In another embodiment of the subject application, the inner
component is comprised of a low thermally conductive plastic
material.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of the subject application, the
low-conductivity material contained within the chamber comprises at
least one of the group consisting of a thermally-insulative gas, a
thermally-insulative material and a desiccant material.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the subject application, the
outer component of the composite spacer bar is comprised of at
least one of the group consisting of a butyl-wrapped, low thermally
conductive metal and a multilayered tape.
[0018] Still other objects, advantages and aspects of the subject
application will become readily apparent to those skilled in this
art from the following description wherein there is shown and
described preferred embodiments of this application, simply by way
of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the subject
application. As it will be realized by those skilled in the art,
the subject application is capable of other different embodiments
and its several details are capable of modifications in various
obvious aspects all without departing from the subject application.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the subject
application, and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the subject application. In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a spacer bar in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a spacer bar in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application; and
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a spacer bar in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The subject application is directed to an energy
conservation device for implementation in an insulated glazing
unit. In particular, the subject application is directed to a
spacer bar for reducing the amount of heat transferred from the
warm side to the cold side along an edge of an insulated glazing
unit. More particularly, there is provided a system, method, and
device for reducing heat transfer between components of an
insulated glazing unit.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross-sectional view
of a spacer bar 100 in accordance with the subject application. As
shown in FIG. 1, the spacer bar is comprised of an inner component
102 and an outer component 104. Preferably, the inner component 102
is composed of a suitable plastic material as is known in the art.
The inner component 102, or liner is advantageously affixed, via
any suitable means, to the outer component 104. In one embodiment,
the outer component 104 is stainless steel, other suitable metal,
or multilayer tape, wherein the butyl coating is suitably applied
during manufacturing of the insulated glazing unit. As shown in
FIG. 1, the outer component 104 is of a substantially smaller
thickness than that of the inner liner 102. The skilled artisan
will appreciate that the measurements illustrated in FIG. 1 are for
illustration purposes only and the subject application is not
limited to the angular, thickness, width, lengths, and materials
shown in FIG. 1. The inner component 102 is formed to receive an
extended portion of the outer component 104 such that the
lengthwise edges of the outer component 104 extend into the sides
of the outward face portion of the inner component 102.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cross-sectional view of the
spacer 100 indicates a hollow opening, running lengthwise of the
spacer. The contents of the hollow opening include any suitable
material known in the art of glazing unit manufacturing. In one
embodiment, a linear-key member (not shown) is advantageously used
so as to connect two ends of the spacer 100 to form a frame of one
continuous piece of spacer material. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the subject application is not limited to a single
continuous piece and that a number greater than one of spacer
pieces are equally capable of being used in accordance with the
subject application. The overall height of the spacer, illustrated
in FIG. 1, is 0.330'', which provides increased spacer stiffness to
the spacer 100 over more commonly used spacers, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. In an alternate
embodiment, the height of the spacer is 0.267''.
[0026] It will further be understood by those skilled in the art
that the shape and construction of the spacer 100, as illustrated
by the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, enables vast cost-savings in
the reduced amount of secondary sealant required by the subject
application. The secondary sealant volume per foot of common
spacers is typically 0.891 cubic inches per foot that results in
25.9 units per gallon of sealant for 2'.times.3' units. With a
sealant price of $19.20 per gallon, each 2'.times.3' unit with a
full secondary sealant includes $0.74 per unit for the secondary
sealant. As the skilled artisan will appreciate with respect to the
spacer illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the estimated secondary sealant
volume per unit is only 0.220 cubic inches per foot or only about
1/4 the full coverage and a $0.19 per unit sealant cost. Thus,
there is a savings of $0.55 per unit. Therefore, a high volume
insulated glazing manufacturer will realize "substantial" annual
savings.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional
view of a spacer 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the
subject application. The spacer 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 also
includes an inner component 202 and an outer component 204.
Accordingly, the inner component 202 is preferably constructed of a
suitable low-conductivity plastic material, as is known in the art.
The inner component 202 is suitably formed such that the
longitudinal edges of the outer component 204 are bent at an angle
and inserted into slots along the sides of the inner component 202,
as demonstrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, the outer component 204 is
constructed of a suitable metal material having low-conductivity
with respect to heat transfer. More preferably, the outer component
204 comprises butyl coated stainless steel, other suitable metal,
or multilayer tape. As previously iterated, the thickness of the
inner component 202 is substantially larger than the thickness of
the outer component 204.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional view of the
spacer 200 indicates a hollow opening, running lengthwise of the
spacer. The contents of the hollow opening include any suitable
material known in the art of glazing unit manufacturing. In one
embodiment, a linear-key member (not shown) is advantageously used
so as to connect two ends of the spacer 200 to form a frame of one
continuous piece of spacer material. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the subject application is not limited to a single
continuous piece and that a number greater than one of spacer
pieces are equally capable of being used in accordance with the
subject application. The overall height of the spacer, illustrated
in FIG. 2, is 0.330'', which provides increased spacer stiffness to
the spacer 200 over more commonly used spacers, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art. In an alternate
embodiment, the height of the spacer is 0.267''. The skilled
artisan will further appreciate that the spacer 200 illustrated in
FIG. 2 does not include the folded over portion of the outer
component 104, as shown in FIG. 1. In place of the folded over
portion of FIG. 1, the spacer 200 incorporates an additional amount
of inner material such that no folded portion is needed to extend
the height of the spacer 200 to 0.330'', as set forth in FIG.
1.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view
of a spacer 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application. FIG. 3 further illustrates a cross-sectional view 302
of an outer component 308, a top view 304 of the spacer 300, and a
cut-out view 310 illustrating the intersection of the outer
component 308 and an inner component 306 according to the subject
application. The spacer 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 also includes an
inner component 306 and an outer component 308. Accordingly, the
inner component 306 is preferably constructed of a suitable
low-conductivity plastic material, and formed such that the
longitudinal edges of the outer component 308 are bent at an angle
and engage slots along the sides of the inner component 306, as
demonstrated in FIG. 3. Preferably, the outer component 308 is
constructed of a suitable low-conductivity metal material,
including, for example and without limitation, butyl coated
stainless steel, other suitable metal or multilayer tape. As
previously iterated, the thickness of the inner component 306 is
substantially larger than the thickness of the outer component 308.
As shown in the cross-sectional view 302 and the cut-out view 310,
the outer component is of approximately 0.0039906'' thick, whereas
the thickness of the inner component 306 is of varying
thicknesses.
[0030] As illustrated by the cross-sectional view 302 of the
subject application, the outer component 304 is pre-bent into an
acceptable shape for coupling the inner component 306 to the outer
component 308. The inner component 306 is formed to create a
tubular hollow opening, running lengthwise of the spacer 300. The
contents of the tubular opening include any suitable material known
in the art of glazing unit manufacturing. Preferably, the hollow is
partially filled with a desiccant material. In other embodiments of
the subject application, the hollow contains a low-heat transfer
material, such as a gas, foam, or the like, advantageously having
low-conductivity with respect to heat transfer. In one embodiment,
a linear-key member (not shown) is used to connect two ends of the
spacer 300 to form a frame of one continuous piece. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the subject application is not
limited to a single continuous piece and that a number greater than
one of spacer pieces are equally capable of being used in
accordance with the subject application. The skilled artisan will
further appreciate that similar to the spacer 200 of FIG. 2, the
spacer 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 does not include the folded over
portion of the outer component 104, as shown in FIG. 1. In place of
the folded over portion of FIG. 1, the spacer 300 incorporates an
additional amount of inner material such that no folded portion is
needed to extend the height of the spacer 300 to 0.330'', as set
forth in FIG. 1.
[0031] The forgoing description allows for appreciation of
significant advantages associated with disclosed structure. The
disclosed spacer technology results in a higher stiffness. This
advantage is attributable to the shape and dimensions chosen for
the spacer design. A height of a space is suitably 0.33 inches,
which is more than the 0.276 inches to which earlier bending
machines have been adjusted. Significant adjustment of fabrication
machinery is costly and time consuming.
[0032] The disclosed spacer also allows for improved, lowered
thermal conductivity. This is resultant from a longer metal path
and missed sealing at a lower portion that forms a secondary seal.
The improved design counteracts thermal loss that would otherwise
be expected given an absence of such a secondary seal. The absence
of this seal also results in a substantial cost savings during
fabrication.
[0033] The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the
subject application has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the subject application to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications or variations are possible in light of the above
teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the
best illustration of the principles of the subject application and
its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to use the subject application in various embodiments
and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the subject application as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which
they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
* * * * *