WO2001077039A1 - Reinforced glass panel - Google Patents

Reinforced glass panel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001077039A1
WO2001077039A1 PCT/GB2001/001398 GB0101398W WO0177039A1 WO 2001077039 A1 WO2001077039 A1 WO 2001077039A1 GB 0101398 W GB0101398 W GB 0101398W WO 0177039 A1 WO0177039 A1 WO 0177039A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
glass panel
reinforced glass
mesh
glass
reinforced
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/001398
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jonathan Adam Richards
Original Assignee
Southfields (Fabric Systems) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Southfields (Fabric Systems) Limited filed Critical Southfields (Fabric Systems) Limited
Priority to AU89317/01A priority Critical patent/AU8931701A/en
Publication of WO2001077039A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001077039A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10376—Laminated safety glass or glazing containing metal wires
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10293—Edge features, e.g. inserts or holes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10366—Reinforcements of the laminated safety glass or glazing against impact or intrusion
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C14/00—Glass compositions containing a non-glass component, e.g. compositions containing fibres, filaments, whiskers, platelets, or the like, dispersed in a glass matrix
    • C03C14/002—Glass compositions containing a non-glass component, e.g. compositions containing fibres, filaments, whiskers, platelets, or the like, dispersed in a glass matrix the non-glass component being in the form of fibres, filaments, yarns, felts or woven material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C2214/00—Nature of the non-vitreous component
    • C03C2214/02—Fibres; Filaments; Yarns; Felts; Woven material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C2214/00—Nature of the non-vitreous component
    • C03C2214/02—Fibres; Filaments; Yarns; Felts; Woven material
    • C03C2214/03—Fibres; Filaments; Yarns; Felts; Woven material surface treated, e.g. coated
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C2214/00—Nature of the non-vitreous component
    • C03C2214/08—Metals
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C2214/00—Nature of the non-vitreous component
    • C03C2214/12—Polymers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C2214/00—Nature of the non-vitreous component
    • C03C2214/30—Methods of making the composites

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a reinforced glass panel .
  • Glass is a commonly used material in building construction and has the well-known property that it is translucent, thereby permitting light to enter a building or the like. Nevertheless, glass is inherently a fragile material and therefore the use of glass is subject to limitations as to area and span unless the glass is toughened or reinforced. In the absence of some form of reinforcement or strengthening, glass can very easily be broken to enable unauthorised access to a building or the like, or it can collapse causing injury. In building constructions having fa ⁇ ades, walls or flat or sloping roofs of glass, some form of reinforcement or strengthening is essential .
  • Relatively thick sheets of glass are generally stronger than relatively thin sheets.
  • Laminated sheets, usually with a clear polycarbonate layer, are also generally stronger than plain sheets of glass.
  • Glass can also be toughened by rapid cooling after casting.
  • One well known means by which glass can be strengthened is to laminate a sheet of glass with, or cast into a sheet of glass, a mesh of monofilament metal wire. This is known as wire- reinforced glass.
  • Wire-reinforced glass is a traditional material in common use in building construction. However, even with the insertion of stronger and thicker gauges of metal wire mesh, glass remains a relatively weak and vulnerable material.
  • wire-reinforced glass is in general not as strong as plane glass of the same thickness, but wire- reinforced glass is particularly useful in fire-resistant glazing for holding broken fragments of glass together. Wire-reinforced glass also helps to restrict access to buildings.
  • the mesh of metal wire is composed of woven or welded monofilaments of a suitable metal, generally stainless steel. The mesh is incorporated into a glass sheet either by casting molten or semi-molten glass around the wire mesh or by hot press laminating in which the mesh is laminated between two sheets of glass, the mesh being coated in polyvinyl butyral resin.
  • a reinforced glass panel comprising a mesh of multifilament cord incorporated into a sheet of glass.
  • the mesh of multifilament cord may be cast into the sheet of glass.
  • the mesh of multifilament cord may be laminated between two sheets of glass, for example with a thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral resin.
  • the mesh may be woven or unwoven.
  • the multifilament cord may comprise two or more metal wires twisted into a multifilament strand.
  • One or more multifilament strands may be twisted to form the cord.
  • Each wire may have a diameter in the range from 0.05 mm to 1.25 mm. Adjacent cords may be spaced by 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.
  • the cords of the mesh may protrude beyond the edges of the glass sheet and may be secured to a strip member along at least two opposing edges of the glass sheet.
  • An elastomeric seal for example of rubber or plasticised polymer, may be provided between the glass sheet and at least a part of the strip member.
  • the protruding mesh may be secured to the strip member by means selected from a weld and clamping means .
  • the strip member may comprise part of a frame surrounding the glass sheet.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows one application of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 shows another application of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention.
  • the reinforced glass panel shown in Figure 1 comprises a sheet 1 of glass with a mesh 3 of cords 5 which has been cast into the glass when molten or semi-molten. That is, a continuous ribbon of glass is extruded in effectively the same manner as for monofilament reinforcement both under and over the mesh and the combination is passed between rollers. At this stage the sheet is also calendered.
  • the cords are made of two or more metal wires which are twisted into a multifilament strand, with one or more multifilament strands being twisted into a cord.
  • the mesh may be in the form of a plain or twill weave in which warp and weft cords pass under and over each other, an unwoven configuration in which the cords simply pass over each other (and may, if desired, be welded or stitched together) , or may be knitted to form the mesh.
  • the material of the metal wires may be steel, such as stainless steel, where high strength is required, but can be other metals which may have alternative desirable characteristics such as polished bronze which provides an unusual and attractive appearance.
  • the reinforced glass sheet of the present invention can provide highly decorative as well as strong rigid glass panelling.
  • the number of strands will depend on the requirements for any particular application, but can readily be determined. For example nine or twelve strands are particularly convenient, with the strands being twisted first in small groups (say three or four, or initially into groups of two and subsequently into groups of four) and the groups then being twisted together.
  • Each filament may have a diameter in the range of, for example, 0.05 mm to 1.25 mm, with adjacent cords being spaced by, for example, 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.
  • the mesh 3 and cords 5 are within the confines of the sheet 1 of glass.
  • the glass may be, for example, ground or polished, clear or opaque, coloured and/or textured.
  • the reinforced glass panel shown in Figure 2 is made by a laminating process and the extent of the mesh 15 is greater than that of the glass sheets 11, 13, although the mesh need not have a greater extent than the glass sheets.
  • the cords 16 of the mesh 15 protrude from the edges of the glass sheets 11, 13 at least on two opposing sides, and preferably on all sides.
  • the reinforced panel shown in Figure 2 is made by a process similar to that for monofilament reinforcement. That is, a sheet of glass 11 is coated with a film 17 of thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral, the multifilament cord mesh 15 is laid on the film 17, a further film 19 of thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral is laid over the mesh 15 and a further sheet of glass 13 is laid over the further film 19.
  • the assembly of glass, resin and mesh is passed through nip rollers in an autoclave and the heat and applied pressure fuses the films over the mesh and bonds the mesh and films to the glass.
  • the reinforced glass panel can be used, for example, as shown in Figure 3 which shows part only of a panel assembly. That is, a reinforced glass panel 21 may be mounted in an edge channel 23 together with an elastomeric seal 25, for example of rubber or plasticised polymer. The edged panel can then be incorporated into a traditional frame 27, for example of wood, metal or plastics material. The free end of the seal may extend over an edge of the frame for weatherproofing purposes .
  • the protruding portion of the mesh can be secured to joining strips and/or a frame such as by welding or by clamping, for example with the aid of suitable bolts.
  • the joining strips or frames with the reinforced glass panel secured thereto can then be mounted in a supporting framework of a building construction such that the joining strips or frames are mechanically joined to the supporting framework.
  • the direct securement of the multifilament metal mesh to the joining strips or frames is not limited in any way by the strength of the glass, but only by the significantly greater strength of the metal mesh or of the join between the mesh and the joining strip or frame. This enables much greater stress and strain to be taken by the building construction and consequently enables the reinforced glass panel according to the present invention to extend over wider spans and permits larger areas between frames and structures in vertical walling and flat or sloping suspended glass panel roofing.
  • FIG. 4 Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 4 which again shows part only of a panel assembly. That is, a reinforced glass panel 31 may be mounted in an edge channel 33 together with an elastomeric seal 35, for example of rubber or plasticised polymer.
  • the edge channel 33 is in two substantially L-shaped portions 37, 39 and the ends of the cords 41 forming the mesh 43 extend beyond the edge of the glass and between adjacent edges of the portions 37 and 39. Screws or bolts 45 pass through one of the portions 39, between adjacent cords 41 and are retained in the other portion 37 and serve, when tightened, to secure the cords between the L-shaped portions. Any cord ends protruding beyond the edge channel 33 can be trimmed.
  • the adjacent surfaces of the portions can be profiled or roughened, for example with shallow grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the cords 41, to improve grip between the portions 37, 39 and the cords 41.
  • a generally Z-shaped joining strip (not shown) comprising three elongate portions formed along their length at right angles to each other can be secured to one of the L-shaped portions 37, 39 and can be provided with suitable means, such as drilled holes, to secure the joining strip to a structure.
  • the reinforced glass panel according to the present invention is significantly stronger, that is about 4 to 5 times stronger, than conventional monofilament wire reinforced glass of substantially the same weight for a number of reasons .
  • the multifilament cord is inherently stronger than monofilament wire having the same mass of metal and this inevitably results in greater strength.
  • protruding cord ends are secured to frames and/or joining strips, the resulting combination is significantly stronger than when monofilament wires are secured to such frames or joining strips.
  • the greater strength of the reinforced glass panel according to the present invention provides a more effective barrier against heat, smoke and fire, reduces the risk of falling glass in the event of a fire, after malicious damage or in the event of an accident, and deters and resists the passage of potential intruders.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Joining Of Glass To Other Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A reinforced glass panel comprises a mesh (3; 15; 43) of multifilament cord (5; 6; 41) incorporated into a sheet (1; 11, 13) of glass. The multifilament cord may be cast into the sheet of glass or it may be laminated between two sheets of glass.

Description

REINFORCED GLASS PANEL
This invention relates to a reinforced glass panel .
Glass is a commonly used material in building construction and has the well-known property that it is translucent, thereby permitting light to enter a building or the like. Nevertheless, glass is inherently a fragile material and therefore the use of glass is subject to limitations as to area and span unless the glass is toughened or reinforced. In the absence of some form of reinforcement or strengthening, glass can very easily be broken to enable unauthorised access to a building or the like, or it can collapse causing injury. In building constructions having faςades, walls or flat or sloping roofs of glass, some form of reinforcement or strengthening is essential .
Relatively thick sheets of glass are generally stronger than relatively thin sheets. Laminated sheets, usually with a clear polycarbonate layer, are also generally stronger than plain sheets of glass. Glass can also be toughened by rapid cooling after casting. One well known means by which glass can be strengthened is to laminate a sheet of glass with, or cast into a sheet of glass, a mesh of monofilament metal wire. This is known as wire- reinforced glass. Wire-reinforced glass is a traditional material in common use in building construction. However, even with the insertion of stronger and thicker gauges of metal wire mesh, glass remains a relatively weak and vulnerable material. Indeed, wire-reinforced glass is in general not as strong as plane glass of the same thickness, but wire- reinforced glass is particularly useful in fire-resistant glazing for holding broken fragments of glass together. Wire-reinforced glass also helps to restrict access to buildings. The mesh of metal wire is composed of woven or welded monofilaments of a suitable metal, generally stainless steel. The mesh is incorporated into a glass sheet either by casting molten or semi-molten glass around the wire mesh or by hot press laminating in which the mesh is laminated between two sheets of glass, the mesh being coated in polyvinyl butyral resin.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reinforced glass panel which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above strength disadvantages of known wire- reinforced glass.
According to the present invention there is provided a reinforced glass panel comprising a mesh of multifilament cord incorporated into a sheet of glass.
The mesh of multifilament cord may be cast into the sheet of glass. Alternatively, the mesh of multifilament cord may be laminated between two sheets of glass, for example with a thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral resin.
The mesh may be woven or unwoven.
The multifilament cord may comprise two or more metal wires twisted into a multifilament strand. One or more multifilament strands may be twisted to form the cord.
Each wire may have a diameter in the range from 0.05 mm to 1.25 mm. Adjacent cords may be spaced by 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.
The cords of the mesh may protrude beyond the edges of the glass sheet and may be secured to a strip member along at least two opposing edges of the glass sheet. An elastomeric seal, for example of rubber or plasticised polymer, may be provided between the glass sheet and at least a part of the strip member. The protruding mesh may be secured to the strip member by means selected from a weld and clamping means . The strip member may comprise part of a frame surrounding the glass sheet.
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention;
Figure 3 shows one application of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention; and
Figure 4 shows another application of a reinforced glass panel according to the present invention.
The reinforced glass panel shown in Figure 1 comprises a sheet 1 of glass with a mesh 3 of cords 5 which has been cast into the glass when molten or semi-molten. That is, a continuous ribbon of glass is extruded in effectively the same manner as for monofilament reinforcement both under and over the mesh and the combination is passed between rollers. At this stage the sheet is also calendered. The cords are made of two or more metal wires which are twisted into a multifilament strand, with one or more multifilament strands being twisted into a cord. The mesh may be in the form of a plain or twill weave in which warp and weft cords pass under and over each other, an unwoven configuration in which the cords simply pass over each other (and may, if desired, be welded or stitched together) , or may be knitted to form the mesh. The material of the metal wires may be steel, such as stainless steel, where high strength is required, but can be other metals which may have alternative desirable characteristics such as polished bronze which provides an unusual and attractive appearance. Thus, the reinforced glass sheet of the present invention can provide highly decorative as well as strong rigid glass panelling.
The number of strands will depend on the requirements for any particular application, but can readily be determined. For example nine or twelve strands are particularly convenient, with the strands being twisted first in small groups (say three or four, or initially into groups of two and subsequently into groups of four) and the groups then being twisted together. Each filament may have a diameter in the range of, for example, 0.05 mm to 1.25 mm, with adjacent cords being spaced by, for example, 5 to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.
As shown in Figure 1, the mesh 3 and cords 5 are within the confines of the sheet 1 of glass.
The glass may be, for example, ground or polished, clear or opaque, coloured and/or textured.
The reinforced glass panel shown in Figure 2 is made by a laminating process and the extent of the mesh 15 is greater than that of the glass sheets 11, 13, although the mesh need not have a greater extent than the glass sheets. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment the cords 16 of the mesh 15 protrude from the edges of the glass sheets 11, 13 at least on two opposing sides, and preferably on all sides.
The reinforced panel shown in Figure 2 is made by a process similar to that for monofilament reinforcement. That is, a sheet of glass 11 is coated with a film 17 of thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral, the multifilament cord mesh 15 is laid on the film 17, a further film 19 of thermoset resin such as polyvinyl butyral is laid over the mesh 15 and a further sheet of glass 13 is laid over the further film 19. The assembly of glass, resin and mesh is passed through nip rollers in an autoclave and the heat and applied pressure fuses the films over the mesh and bonds the mesh and films to the glass.
When the metal cord mesh 15 does not protrude beyond the edges of the glass sheet, the reinforced glass panel can be used, for example, as shown in Figure 3 which shows part only of a panel assembly. That is, a reinforced glass panel 21 may be mounted in an edge channel 23 together with an elastomeric seal 25, for example of rubber or plasticised polymer. The edged panel can then be incorporated into a traditional frame 27, for example of wood, metal or plastics material. The free end of the seal may extend over an edge of the frame for weatherproofing purposes .
With the metal mesh protruding beyond the edges of the glass sheet, the protruding portion of the mesh can be secured to joining strips and/or a frame such as by welding or by clamping, for example with the aid of suitable bolts.
The joining strips or frames with the reinforced glass panel secured thereto can then be mounted in a supporting framework of a building construction such that the joining strips or frames are mechanically joined to the supporting framework. This contrasts with the current practice of securing the glass panel to a joining strip or frame by resin bonding or bolting. The direct securement of the multifilament metal mesh to the joining strips or frames is not limited in any way by the strength of the glass, but only by the significantly greater strength of the metal mesh or of the join between the mesh and the joining strip or frame. This enables much greater stress and strain to be taken by the building construction and consequently enables the reinforced glass panel according to the present invention to extend over wider spans and permits larger areas between frames and structures in vertical walling and flat or sloping suspended glass panel roofing.
Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 4 which again shows part only of a panel assembly. That is, a reinforced glass panel 31 may be mounted in an edge channel 33 together with an elastomeric seal 35, for example of rubber or plasticised polymer. The edge channel 33 is in two substantially L-shaped portions 37, 39 and the ends of the cords 41 forming the mesh 43 extend beyond the edge of the glass and between adjacent edges of the portions 37 and 39. Screws or bolts 45 pass through one of the portions 39, between adjacent cords 41 and are retained in the other portion 37 and serve, when tightened, to secure the cords between the L-shaped portions. Any cord ends protruding beyond the edge channel 33 can be trimmed.
For improved retention of the cords between the L-shaped portions 37, 39, the adjacent surfaces of the portions can be profiled or roughened, for example with shallow grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the cords 41, to improve grip between the portions 37, 39 and the cords 41.
To facilitate joining of the panel assembly to a building or other structure, a generally Z-shaped joining strip (not shown) comprising three elongate portions formed along their length at right angles to each other can be secured to one of the L-shaped portions 37, 39 and can be provided with suitable means, such as drilled holes, to secure the joining strip to a structure.
The reinforced glass panel according to the present invention is significantly stronger, that is about 4 to 5 times stronger, than conventional monofilament wire reinforced glass of substantially the same weight for a number of reasons . The multifilament cord is inherently stronger than monofilament wire having the same mass of metal and this inevitably results in greater strength. However, in addition, we have found the glass bonds more effectively to the relatively rough surface of the multifilament cords than it does to monofilament reinforcing wires. Moreover, when protruding cord ends are secured to frames and/or joining strips, the resulting combination is significantly stronger than when monofilament wires are secured to such frames or joining strips. The greater strength of the reinforced glass panel according to the present invention provides a more effective barrier against heat, smoke and fire, reduces the risk of falling glass in the event of a fire, after malicious damage or in the event of an accident, and deters and resists the passage of potential intruders.

Claims

1. A reinforced glass panel characterised in that a mesh (3; 15; 43) of multifilament cord (5; 16; 41) is incorporated into a sheet (1; 11, 13) of glass.
2. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the mesh (3; 43) of multifilament cord (5; 41) is cast into the sheet (1) of glass.
3. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the mesh (15; 43) of multifilament cord (16; 41) is laminated between two sheets (11, 13) of glass .
4. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the mesh (15; 43) is laminated with a thermoset resin (17, 19) between the two sheets (11, 13) of glass.
5. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the thermoset resin (17, 19) comprises polyvinyl butyral resin.
6. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the mesh (3; 15; 43) is woven.
7. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the mesh (3; 15; 43) is unwoven.
8. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the multifilament cord (5; 16; 41) comprises two or more metal wires twisted into a multifilament strand.
9. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that one or more multifilament strands are twisted to form the cord (5; 16; 41) .
10. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterised in that each wire has a diameter in the range from 0.05 mm to 1.25 mm.
11. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that adjacent cords (5; 16; 41) are spaced by 5 to 50 mm.
12. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that adjacent cords (5; 16; 41) are spaced by 5 to 20.
13. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the cords (41) of the mesh (43) protrude beyond the edges of the glass sheet and are secured to a strip member (33) along at least two opposing edges of the glass sheet.
14. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that an elastomeric seal (35) is provided between the glass sheet and at least a part of the strip member (33) .
15. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the elastomeric seal (35) is selected from rubber and plasticised polymer.
16. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, characterised in that the protruding mesh (43) is secured to the strip member (33) by means selected from a weld and clamping means (37, 45) .
17. A reinforced glass panel as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, characterised in that the strip member (33) comprises part of a frame surrounding the glass sheet.
PCT/GB2001/001398 2000-04-10 2001-03-29 Reinforced glass panel WO2001077039A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU89317/01A AU8931701A (en) 2000-04-10 2001-03-29 Reinforced glass panel

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0008617A GB0008617D0 (en) 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 Reinforced glass panel
GB0008617.3 2000-04-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001077039A1 true WO2001077039A1 (en) 2001-10-18

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PCT/GB2001/001398 WO2001077039A1 (en) 2000-04-10 2001-03-29 Reinforced glass panel

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AU (1) AU8931701A (en)
GB (1) GB0008617D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2001077039A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1430972A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-06-23 Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Wire for wired sheet glass and method of manufacturing the wire
WO2004070148A2 (en) * 2003-02-06 2004-08-19 Glaswerke Arnold Gmbh & Co. Kg Bird protection device
WO2005058596A1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 E.I. Dupont De Nemours And Company Glass laminates having improved structural integrity against severe impacts comprising a flexible attachment
WO2005061220A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-07-07 Neugebauer Juergen Composite glass pane
EP1651428A2 (en) * 2003-07-16 2006-05-03 Dorstener Wire Tech Wire mesh panel and method
WO2011107315A1 (en) * 2010-03-04 2011-09-09 Evonik Röhm Gmbh Moulded body which is reinforced by a metal mesh and is in the form of a domelight
US20120057281A1 (en) * 2010-09-03 2012-03-08 Chia-Yu Lee Mobile solar energy system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1312136A (en) * 1970-09-10 1973-04-04 Bennett Ltd Thomas Glass laminates and a method of the manufacture thereof
WO1988005031A1 (en) * 1987-01-07 1988-07-14 Hughes Aircraft Company Strengthening glass structures
EP0279634A1 (en) * 1987-02-20 1988-08-24 Miller Construction Limited Fire-resistant safety glass
US4824722A (en) * 1986-03-17 1989-04-25 Deltaglass Sa Safety glass laminates
EP0525690A2 (en) * 1991-07-30 1993-02-03 BGT Bischoff Glastechnik GmbH & Co. KG Element for a glass construction
DE29521460U1 (en) * 1995-10-21 1997-05-07 Degussa Fire-proof, transparent pane element
WO2000076763A1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Werner Sobek Ingenieure Gmbh Laminated glass system

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1312136A (en) * 1970-09-10 1973-04-04 Bennett Ltd Thomas Glass laminates and a method of the manufacture thereof
US4824722A (en) * 1986-03-17 1989-04-25 Deltaglass Sa Safety glass laminates
WO1988005031A1 (en) * 1987-01-07 1988-07-14 Hughes Aircraft Company Strengthening glass structures
EP0279634A1 (en) * 1987-02-20 1988-08-24 Miller Construction Limited Fire-resistant safety glass
EP0525690A2 (en) * 1991-07-30 1993-02-03 BGT Bischoff Glastechnik GmbH & Co. KG Element for a glass construction
DE29521460U1 (en) * 1995-10-21 1997-05-07 Degussa Fire-proof, transparent pane element
WO2000076763A1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Werner Sobek Ingenieure Gmbh Laminated glass system

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1430972A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-06-23 Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Wire for wired sheet glass and method of manufacturing the wire
EP1430972A4 (en) * 2001-09-28 2005-04-13 Asahi Glass Co Ltd Wire for wired sheet glass and method of manufacturing the wire
WO2004070148A2 (en) * 2003-02-06 2004-08-19 Glaswerke Arnold Gmbh & Co. Kg Bird protection device
WO2004070148A3 (en) * 2003-02-06 2004-09-16 Arnold Glaswerke Bird protection device
EP1651428A2 (en) * 2003-07-16 2006-05-03 Dorstener Wire Tech Wire mesh panel and method
EP1651428A4 (en) * 2003-07-16 2007-06-27 Dorstener Wire Tech Wire mesh panel and method
WO2005058596A1 (en) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 E.I. Dupont De Nemours And Company Glass laminates having improved structural integrity against severe impacts comprising a flexible attachment
US7537836B2 (en) 2003-12-16 2009-05-26 E.I. Du Pont De Nemors And Company Glass laminates having improved structural integrity against severe impacts comprising a flexible attachment
WO2005061220A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-07-07 Neugebauer Juergen Composite glass pane
WO2011107315A1 (en) * 2010-03-04 2011-09-09 Evonik Röhm Gmbh Moulded body which is reinforced by a metal mesh and is in the form of a domelight
CN102906355A (en) * 2010-03-04 2013-01-30 赢创罗姆有限公司 Moulded body which is reinforced by a metal mesh and is in the form of a domelight
US20120057281A1 (en) * 2010-09-03 2012-03-08 Chia-Yu Lee Mobile solar energy system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8931701A (en) 2001-10-23
GB0008617D0 (en) 2000-05-31

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