CA1186614A - Insulator roller assembly for a window - Google Patents
Insulator roller assembly for a windowInfo
- Publication number
- CA1186614A CA1186614A CA000405300A CA405300A CA1186614A CA 1186614 A CA1186614 A CA 1186614A CA 000405300 A CA000405300 A CA 000405300A CA 405300 A CA405300 A CA 405300A CA 1186614 A CA1186614 A CA 1186614A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- window opening
- window
- flexible
- edge frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/40—Roller blinds
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/02—Shutters, movable grilles, or other safety closing devices, e.g. against burglary
- E06B9/08—Roll-type closures
- E06B9/11—Roller shutters
- E06B9/15—Roller shutters with closing members formed of slats or the like
- E06B2009/1505—Slat details
- E06B2009/1527—Transparent slats or transparent sections in slats
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An insulator assembly for windows is disclosed.
The assembly has a flexible film sheet with a reflective section and a transparent suction for use in winter and summer.
The flexible sheet has sufficient width to extend across the width of the window opening and a length of at least the height of the window opening, the sheet having an insulating opaque portion extending for at least the height of the window opening and a transparent portion. A top roller is provided for rolling and unrolling the sheet, and applying a tension to the sheet. A bottom roller is also provided for the sheet at the bottom of the window and an edge frame around the window opening has a sealing surface to seal the sheet over the window opening.
An insulator assembly for windows is disclosed.
The assembly has a flexible film sheet with a reflective section and a transparent suction for use in winter and summer.
The flexible sheet has sufficient width to extend across the width of the window opening and a length of at least the height of the window opening, the sheet having an insulating opaque portion extending for at least the height of the window opening and a transparent portion. A top roller is provided for rolling and unrolling the sheet, and applying a tension to the sheet. A bottom roller is also provided for the sheet at the bottom of the window and an edge frame around the window opening has a sealing surface to seal the sheet over the window opening.
Description
The present invention relates -to an insulator assembly for windows. More specifically, the present invention provides a roller blind type of insulator which may be fitted on an edge frame around the periphery of a window opening and provides a thermal insulating assembly which seals two the edge frame.
In these days of rising energy costs, it is becoming more and more important to insulate houses, office buildings, and the like, as efficiently as possible to reduce heat 10s5, thus keep heating and cooling costs as low as possible. Windows represent perhaps the most inefficient insulated areas in a building, and have high heat losses, both during winter months and summer months. A double glazed window is better than a single glaze window because a pocket of air is maintained between the two glass panes which effectively insulate the building. However, heat loss by radiation still occurs even through multiple glaze windows Efforts to improve the insulation of windows include removable panels and temporary installations of flexible sheets, such as thermoplastic film. Such systems improve insulation properties, however, they are generally only useful for either winter use or summer use, but are not applicable for both winter and summer. Furthermore, in many cases, the temporary installation has to be removed in order to let the light through the window.
The present invention provides a flexible sheet which is kept in tension and seals around the edges to an edge frame Jo around the periphery of the window opening. The sheet winds up on a roller, and slides up and down having a portion which is opaque and insulating and in a preferred embodiment at least one other portion which is transparent or translucent. Thus, the window can have a fully insulated sheet which forms a substanti-ally airtight seal in the window opening, or in the preferred embodiment only a portion of the insulated sheet is positioned a-t the top or at the bottom of the window opening depending upon whether one is attempting to keep the cold air out or the warm air out.
The present invention provides an insulator assembly for a window opening having a predetermined width and height comprising a flexible impervious sheet having sufficient width to extend across the width of the window opening, and a length of at least twice the height of the window opening, the sheet having an insulating opaque portion extending for the height of the window opening, wherein both faces of the sheet have reflective surfaces and at least one transparent or translucent portion, a top roller for the sheet located at the top of the window opening, and having a spring return and tension means, a bottom roller for holding the sheet in tension, the bottom roller located at the bottom of the window opening, with means for winding and unwinding the sheet from one roller to another, and an edge frame around the periphery of the window opening the edge frame having vertical sides which are bowed out in a substantially continuous curve from the window opening, and the sheet is held in tension against the bowed vertical sides, the edge frame having sealing means to seal the portion of the sheet over the window opening.
In other embodiments a handle is provided on the bottom roller to rotate the bottom roller and unwind or;
wind the sheet and the top roller has a spring return that applies tension to the sheet, alternatively the top roller and bottom roller are motorized.
In other embodiments the flexible sheet has transparent or translucent portions at each end and an opaque reflective portion in the center. The flexible sheet in one embodiment is formed of two clear plastic sheets, and the opaque portion has reflective metal foil secured between the two clear plastic sheets. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is a clear plastic sheet and the opaque portion is impregnated with a metallic oxide or carbonate.
In drawings which illustrate the embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ' :, insulator assembly for a window opening according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken at line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a view of an unrolled flexible sheet showing both insulating opaque portions and transparent or translucent portions.
Figs. 4 - 7 show front views of window openings, having different arrangements of insulating opaque portions and ; transparent or translucent portions of the flexible sheet.
; 10 Fig. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken at line 9-9 of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a front view of a further embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken at line 11-11 of Fig.
10 .
Fig. 12 is a partial cross sectional view taken at line 12-12 of Fig. 10.
Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of an insulator assembly according to the present invention, suitable *or installation in a window opening. A
flexible sheet 15 stretches from a top roller 16 to a bottom roller 17 across an edge frame 18 which has two bowed vertical strips 19. The strips are bowed out in a substantially continuous curve such as an arc of a circle, part of an ellipse, paraboloid or other continuous curve which ensures that whether the sheet is fully wrapped around the top roller or the bottom roller, it always rests and seals on these two bowed vertical strips 19.
The edge frame exactly fits about the periphery of the window opening so that an existing window 20 and a portion of the flex-isle sheet 15 form an air space 21 which contains the air inasmuch as the top, bottom and side edges of the sheet 15 are _ sealed to the edge frame I
The bottom roller 17 has a shaft 22 extending there-from connected to a handle 23 which when rotated either pulls the sheet 15 down and winds it onto the bottom roller 17 or, alternatively, unwinds the sheet from the bottom roller 17 so that a spring return in the top roller 16 winds the sheet around the top roll 16 as in a window blind configuration. The spring tension in the top roll I maintains a sufficient tension on the sheet 15 at all times to seal the edges of the sheet to the edges of the edge frame 18. Not too high a tension is needed in the sheet, just sufficient for the edges of the sheet to stay in contact with the edge frame 18. A soft sealing surface may be applied to the edges where the sheet touches the edge frame 18 to prevent wear and to improve the sealing properties. It is preferred that this seal provide an air-tight joint to retain air in the air space 21 within the window opening.
Fig. 3 shows a layout of an unrolled flexible sheet which has a top portion 30 either transparent or translucent Jo which extends for approximately half the height of a window opening. A center portion 31 is an insulating opaque portion which extends for at least the full height of the window opening and a lower portion 32 extends for the full height of the window opening, and is a transparent or translucent portion. Fig. 4 illustrates a window opening with a top transparent or trays-lucent portion 30 at the top of the window, and the insulating opaque portion 31 at the lower window. In this manner, the cold air during winter months remains at the bottom of the window opening retained within the air space 21 between the window and the flexible sheet 15 and yet some light passes through the top portion 30 of the sheet 15 into a room. Fig. 5 shows the situation where you have the complete window opening blanked out by the insulating opaque portion 31. No light passes through the window in this case. In Fig 6 the second transparent or translucent portion 32 is at the bottom of the window and the top of the window has the insulating opaque portion 31. This situation is specifically useful in summer so that the hot air is bottled up at the top of the window between the insulating portion 31 of the sheet 15 and the window itself. Fig. 7 shows the bottom transparent or translucent portion 32 across the complete window opening.
The flexible sheet is preferably a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. In one embodiment two flexible clear plastic polyethylene sheets are joined together with an opaque portion in the form of a reflective metal foil secured between the two sheets. In another embodiment a plastic sheet is impregnated with a suitable filler, such as a titanium Dixie-ides magnesium carbonate, lithopone, zinc oxide, or other highly reflective metallic or non-metallic oxides, which give insulate in properties for both radiation and conduction. In yet a further embodiment the opaque portion of the sheet is a woven sheet impregnated with a suitable filler and secured between clear plastic sheets. In a preferred embodiment the insulating property of the opaque insulating portion is nearly proportional to the reflectivity and emissivity from the surface of the sheet.
A further embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 wherein the bottom roller is replaced by a strap 40 which has a yipping surface to clamp the sheet and prevent it from winding up on the top spring roller 16. A trough 41 is provided below the clamp 40 to hold the portion of the sheet which is not over the window opening. In one embodiment, the sheet may be only the height of the window opening, and be completely opaque with reflective surfaces on both sides. In such a case the trough 41 is not required, and the sheet is pulled down to the bottom of the window opening and held by a string or other suitable means so that a tension is kept at all times in the sheet and the edges of the sheet always rest and seal on the edge frame 21 to seal a pocket of air between the window and the sheet 15. The opaque reflective sheet provides insulation by reflecting most of the radiated heat on the inside of the window opening and having a low emissivity on the outside. A further insulation is obtained by the air pocket between the window and the sheet.
Such systems are more applicable in houses or apartments having small window openings.
Figs. lo and 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein the top roller 16 and the bottom roller 17 each have individual electric motors 50 and 51. The motors may be synchronized to operate together and are arranged so that there is always a small tension in the sheet 15 over the window opening.
A single motor with a mechanical linkage system may be used in place of two motors. A movable frame 52 is positioned within a fixed frame 53 in the window opening, and has four spring assemblies 54 at each corner of the frame to provide a clamping action pushing the movable frame 52 against the fixed frame 53 to hold the sheet 15 at the top, bottom and sides and provide a seal as in the previous embodiments. Electric magnet assemblies 55 are also provided at each corner which when activated open the movable frame 52 from the fixed frame 53 so that the sheet `; 15 is free to move up and down.
Details of a spring assembly 54 and electric magnet ; assembly 55 are shown in Fig. 12 wherein a bolt 60 extends through aligned holes in the movable frame 52 and the fixed frame 53, and passes through a tube 61 having a compression spring 62. A large washer 63 on the end of the bolt 60 retains ' the spring 62 and a nut 64 on the end of the bolt provides ad-justment for the spring force to hold the movable frame 52 against the fixed frame 53. The electric magnet assembly 55 has a pin 66 which passes through a hole 67 in the fixed frame 53 and can push against the movable frame 52. The pin 66 passes through an electric coil 68 and has a magnetic plate 69 at the end held by a nut 70 at the end of the pin 66. The complete unit is retained by a cover 71. In operation when the coil 68 is energized, the magnetic plate 69 is pulled inwards towards the coil, and the pin 66 pushes against the movable frame 52 opening it far enough for the sheet 15 to move up and down.
In operation, the magnet assemblies 55 are first activated to release the sheet 15, then the motors 50 and So on the top roller 16 and bottom roller 17 are operated to allow the sheet 15 to be moved up or down. When the motors stop operating, the magnet assemblies are de-energized and the movable frame 52 clamps the sheet 15 against the fixed frame 53.
In the case of large buildings, especially office buildings, a computer may record atmospheric conditions of the outside and would be able to guide the operation of the flexible sheet to determine what portion of the window should haze the insulating opaque portion of the sheet across it, in order to maximize the thermal insulation while providing for light during the day.
Various changes may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope, which is limited only by the following claims.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
It has now been found that an improvement can be made to the insulator assembly of the present invention, which constitutes further embodiments. The edge frame comprises side : members with vertical grooves therein, the flexible swept has edge sealing strips attached to both sides to fit and slide in the vertical grooves and seal the sheet to the edge frame. A
top member and bottom member may also be part of the edge frame, both members having slots therein through which the sheet passes, the slots having flexible membranes on hot sides of at lest one slot opening to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
Flexible membranes may also be provided on both sides of the grooves to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
In another embodiment, the flexible sheet has edge sealing strips that extend beyond the sheet for at least the height of the window, thus permitting the sheet to be rolled up and leave the window opening with no portion of the sheet there-in r and the strips to be rolled up to move the sheet back into the window opening.
In a still further embodiment the edge frame is located between glazings of a double glazed window, and the flexible sheet passes between the glazings.
In drawings which illustrate the Supplementary Disclosure embodiments of the invention, Fig. 13 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken at line 13-13 of Fig. 13.
Figs. 15 and 16 show front views of window openings with edge sealing strips on the sides of the sheet with the sheet partially in front of the opening, and wound up on a roller.
Fig. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 18 is a partial sectional view taken at line 18-18 of Fig. 14.
Fig. 19 is a partial sectional view taken at line 19-19 of Fig. 13.
30 ` Fig. 20 is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly positioned between two fixed glazings.
_ g _ Figs. 13 end 14 illustrate an embodiment of the invention which provides a frame with side rnembexs 80 having grooves 81 therein. The side edges 82 of the flexible sheet 15 fit and slide within the grooves 81 and a seal is provided which is detailed hereafter. The top roller 16 is encased in an enclosed box 83 extending for the width of the window open-in and has a slot 84 in line with the grooves 81 in the side members 80 to permit the flexible sheet 15 to be wound and unwound from the top roller 16. The bottom roller 17 is con-twined in a second enclosed box 85 having a slot 86 for the flexible sheet 15~ Details of sealing the sheet in the upper slot 84 and lower slot 86 are shown hereafter. Sufficient space is maintained between the surface of the glass in the window and the flexible sheet 15 to avoid cracking or breaking the class due to thermal shock when the sheet 15 is moved from the insulating mode to the transparent or translucent mode, or vice versa. Movement of the sheet 15 is achieved either by a crank handle similar to that shown in Fig. I on the bottom roller 17, and a spring return on the top roller 16, or alter-natively motorized rollers similar to that shown in Fig. 10.
Jo In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the flexible sheet 15 has edge sealing strips 90 attached to each side of the sheet 15. The edge strips 90 when used with the configuration shown in Figs. 13 and 14 have the advantage of providing strips to roll the sheet up on the top roller 16.
Fig 15 shows the bottom transparent or translucent portion 32 of the flexible sheet 15 extending half way down the window ; opening and supported on each side by the edge strips 900 Fig. 12 shows no flexible sheet in front of the window opening, ' however, the edge strips 90 permit the sheet 15 to be wound up on the bottom roller 17. Permanent tension is maintained on the edge strips 90 between the top roller 16 and the bottom roller 17. The edge strips are completely hidden from view as they are contained in side Gus 91 as shown in Fig. 13 and full access to the window it provided without having to remove the sheet I or the rollers 16, 17.
In another embodiment a portion of the flexible sheet 15 may have a plurality of opaque strips 100 as shown in Fig. 17 with transparent or translucent strips 101 inter-spaced there-between. This portion is arranged between the opaque portion 31 and the transparent or translucent portions 30, 32 to minimize thermal shock that may occur under certain weather conditions, and can in some circumstances break the glass in the window. The opaque strips 100 may be reflective on both sides, or plastic impregnated with a thermal insulating filler material. In use the opaque strip portion is positioned in front of the glass for a short period of time in between change - in from the opaque portion 31 of the sheet 15 to one or other of the transparent portions 30, 32. Thus thermal shock from the sudden change of temperature is reduced. In all instances the space between the glass surface of the window and the flexible sheet 15 is sufficient to avoid a thermal shock at temperature extremes that would cause the glass to crack. The opaque strips are particularly applicable to large windows.
Figs. I and 19 illustrate details of typical seals for the sealing assembly shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The flex-isle sheet 15 has edge sealing strips 90, preferably formed from a ribbon of PVC or ether suitable material which are joined by means of a lap joint 110 to the edges 82 of the sheet 15.
The strip 90 has split ends 111 which open outwards to touch the sides of the groove 81 in the side members 80. The split ends 111 close when the strip 90 is rolled up on a roller. In addition flexible lips 112 are attached to the side members 80 on each snide of the groove 81 extending inwards to touch the sheet 15 on both sides and provide a further seal. The flex-ability of the lips 112 is sufficient so that if air pressure builds up on either side of the sheet 15, the strip 90 moves in the groove 81 but the lips 112 still provide a seal. The edge seal may have either the split ends 111, the flexible lips 112 or both of these features.
The seals in the top slot 84 and bottom slot 86 of the upper box 83 and the lower box 85 are substantially the same, as can be seen in Fig. 14, two flexible lips 113, one on each side of the slot 86 touch both sides of the sheet 15 to prevent air escaping. The lips 113 do not prevent movement of the sheet through the slot 86.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 20 wherein the flexible sheet 15 is positioned between ; two glazings 120, 121. The top roller 16 and bottom roller 17 are positioned in cavities 122, 123 in the wall, and a sealing system such as that shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is preferably I; employed to prevent air leaks at the periphery of the sheet 15.
Jo The rollers 16 J 17 may be operated manually or may be motorized, ensuring that a tension remains in the sheet 15 at all times.
This particular embodiment is particularly applicable to new installations rather than in existing buildings.
; - 12 -
In these days of rising energy costs, it is becoming more and more important to insulate houses, office buildings, and the like, as efficiently as possible to reduce heat 10s5, thus keep heating and cooling costs as low as possible. Windows represent perhaps the most inefficient insulated areas in a building, and have high heat losses, both during winter months and summer months. A double glazed window is better than a single glaze window because a pocket of air is maintained between the two glass panes which effectively insulate the building. However, heat loss by radiation still occurs even through multiple glaze windows Efforts to improve the insulation of windows include removable panels and temporary installations of flexible sheets, such as thermoplastic film. Such systems improve insulation properties, however, they are generally only useful for either winter use or summer use, but are not applicable for both winter and summer. Furthermore, in many cases, the temporary installation has to be removed in order to let the light through the window.
The present invention provides a flexible sheet which is kept in tension and seals around the edges to an edge frame Jo around the periphery of the window opening. The sheet winds up on a roller, and slides up and down having a portion which is opaque and insulating and in a preferred embodiment at least one other portion which is transparent or translucent. Thus, the window can have a fully insulated sheet which forms a substanti-ally airtight seal in the window opening, or in the preferred embodiment only a portion of the insulated sheet is positioned a-t the top or at the bottom of the window opening depending upon whether one is attempting to keep the cold air out or the warm air out.
The present invention provides an insulator assembly for a window opening having a predetermined width and height comprising a flexible impervious sheet having sufficient width to extend across the width of the window opening, and a length of at least twice the height of the window opening, the sheet having an insulating opaque portion extending for the height of the window opening, wherein both faces of the sheet have reflective surfaces and at least one transparent or translucent portion, a top roller for the sheet located at the top of the window opening, and having a spring return and tension means, a bottom roller for holding the sheet in tension, the bottom roller located at the bottom of the window opening, with means for winding and unwinding the sheet from one roller to another, and an edge frame around the periphery of the window opening the edge frame having vertical sides which are bowed out in a substantially continuous curve from the window opening, and the sheet is held in tension against the bowed vertical sides, the edge frame having sealing means to seal the portion of the sheet over the window opening.
In other embodiments a handle is provided on the bottom roller to rotate the bottom roller and unwind or;
wind the sheet and the top roller has a spring return that applies tension to the sheet, alternatively the top roller and bottom roller are motorized.
In other embodiments the flexible sheet has transparent or translucent portions at each end and an opaque reflective portion in the center. The flexible sheet in one embodiment is formed of two clear plastic sheets, and the opaque portion has reflective metal foil secured between the two clear plastic sheets. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is a clear plastic sheet and the opaque portion is impregnated with a metallic oxide or carbonate.
In drawings which illustrate the embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ' :, insulator assembly for a window opening according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken at line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a view of an unrolled flexible sheet showing both insulating opaque portions and transparent or translucent portions.
Figs. 4 - 7 show front views of window openings, having different arrangements of insulating opaque portions and ; transparent or translucent portions of the flexible sheet.
; 10 Fig. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken at line 9-9 of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a front view of a further embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken at line 11-11 of Fig.
10 .
Fig. 12 is a partial cross sectional view taken at line 12-12 of Fig. 10.
Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of an insulator assembly according to the present invention, suitable *or installation in a window opening. A
flexible sheet 15 stretches from a top roller 16 to a bottom roller 17 across an edge frame 18 which has two bowed vertical strips 19. The strips are bowed out in a substantially continuous curve such as an arc of a circle, part of an ellipse, paraboloid or other continuous curve which ensures that whether the sheet is fully wrapped around the top roller or the bottom roller, it always rests and seals on these two bowed vertical strips 19.
The edge frame exactly fits about the periphery of the window opening so that an existing window 20 and a portion of the flex-isle sheet 15 form an air space 21 which contains the air inasmuch as the top, bottom and side edges of the sheet 15 are _ sealed to the edge frame I
The bottom roller 17 has a shaft 22 extending there-from connected to a handle 23 which when rotated either pulls the sheet 15 down and winds it onto the bottom roller 17 or, alternatively, unwinds the sheet from the bottom roller 17 so that a spring return in the top roller 16 winds the sheet around the top roll 16 as in a window blind configuration. The spring tension in the top roll I maintains a sufficient tension on the sheet 15 at all times to seal the edges of the sheet to the edges of the edge frame 18. Not too high a tension is needed in the sheet, just sufficient for the edges of the sheet to stay in contact with the edge frame 18. A soft sealing surface may be applied to the edges where the sheet touches the edge frame 18 to prevent wear and to improve the sealing properties. It is preferred that this seal provide an air-tight joint to retain air in the air space 21 within the window opening.
Fig. 3 shows a layout of an unrolled flexible sheet which has a top portion 30 either transparent or translucent Jo which extends for approximately half the height of a window opening. A center portion 31 is an insulating opaque portion which extends for at least the full height of the window opening and a lower portion 32 extends for the full height of the window opening, and is a transparent or translucent portion. Fig. 4 illustrates a window opening with a top transparent or trays-lucent portion 30 at the top of the window, and the insulating opaque portion 31 at the lower window. In this manner, the cold air during winter months remains at the bottom of the window opening retained within the air space 21 between the window and the flexible sheet 15 and yet some light passes through the top portion 30 of the sheet 15 into a room. Fig. 5 shows the situation where you have the complete window opening blanked out by the insulating opaque portion 31. No light passes through the window in this case. In Fig 6 the second transparent or translucent portion 32 is at the bottom of the window and the top of the window has the insulating opaque portion 31. This situation is specifically useful in summer so that the hot air is bottled up at the top of the window between the insulating portion 31 of the sheet 15 and the window itself. Fig. 7 shows the bottom transparent or translucent portion 32 across the complete window opening.
The flexible sheet is preferably a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. In one embodiment two flexible clear plastic polyethylene sheets are joined together with an opaque portion in the form of a reflective metal foil secured between the two sheets. In another embodiment a plastic sheet is impregnated with a suitable filler, such as a titanium Dixie-ides magnesium carbonate, lithopone, zinc oxide, or other highly reflective metallic or non-metallic oxides, which give insulate in properties for both radiation and conduction. In yet a further embodiment the opaque portion of the sheet is a woven sheet impregnated with a suitable filler and secured between clear plastic sheets. In a preferred embodiment the insulating property of the opaque insulating portion is nearly proportional to the reflectivity and emissivity from the surface of the sheet.
A further embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 wherein the bottom roller is replaced by a strap 40 which has a yipping surface to clamp the sheet and prevent it from winding up on the top spring roller 16. A trough 41 is provided below the clamp 40 to hold the portion of the sheet which is not over the window opening. In one embodiment, the sheet may be only the height of the window opening, and be completely opaque with reflective surfaces on both sides. In such a case the trough 41 is not required, and the sheet is pulled down to the bottom of the window opening and held by a string or other suitable means so that a tension is kept at all times in the sheet and the edges of the sheet always rest and seal on the edge frame 21 to seal a pocket of air between the window and the sheet 15. The opaque reflective sheet provides insulation by reflecting most of the radiated heat on the inside of the window opening and having a low emissivity on the outside. A further insulation is obtained by the air pocket between the window and the sheet.
Such systems are more applicable in houses or apartments having small window openings.
Figs. lo and 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein the top roller 16 and the bottom roller 17 each have individual electric motors 50 and 51. The motors may be synchronized to operate together and are arranged so that there is always a small tension in the sheet 15 over the window opening.
A single motor with a mechanical linkage system may be used in place of two motors. A movable frame 52 is positioned within a fixed frame 53 in the window opening, and has four spring assemblies 54 at each corner of the frame to provide a clamping action pushing the movable frame 52 against the fixed frame 53 to hold the sheet 15 at the top, bottom and sides and provide a seal as in the previous embodiments. Electric magnet assemblies 55 are also provided at each corner which when activated open the movable frame 52 from the fixed frame 53 so that the sheet `; 15 is free to move up and down.
Details of a spring assembly 54 and electric magnet ; assembly 55 are shown in Fig. 12 wherein a bolt 60 extends through aligned holes in the movable frame 52 and the fixed frame 53, and passes through a tube 61 having a compression spring 62. A large washer 63 on the end of the bolt 60 retains ' the spring 62 and a nut 64 on the end of the bolt provides ad-justment for the spring force to hold the movable frame 52 against the fixed frame 53. The electric magnet assembly 55 has a pin 66 which passes through a hole 67 in the fixed frame 53 and can push against the movable frame 52. The pin 66 passes through an electric coil 68 and has a magnetic plate 69 at the end held by a nut 70 at the end of the pin 66. The complete unit is retained by a cover 71. In operation when the coil 68 is energized, the magnetic plate 69 is pulled inwards towards the coil, and the pin 66 pushes against the movable frame 52 opening it far enough for the sheet 15 to move up and down.
In operation, the magnet assemblies 55 are first activated to release the sheet 15, then the motors 50 and So on the top roller 16 and bottom roller 17 are operated to allow the sheet 15 to be moved up or down. When the motors stop operating, the magnet assemblies are de-energized and the movable frame 52 clamps the sheet 15 against the fixed frame 53.
In the case of large buildings, especially office buildings, a computer may record atmospheric conditions of the outside and would be able to guide the operation of the flexible sheet to determine what portion of the window should haze the insulating opaque portion of the sheet across it, in order to maximize the thermal insulation while providing for light during the day.
Various changes may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope, which is limited only by the following claims.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
It has now been found that an improvement can be made to the insulator assembly of the present invention, which constitutes further embodiments. The edge frame comprises side : members with vertical grooves therein, the flexible swept has edge sealing strips attached to both sides to fit and slide in the vertical grooves and seal the sheet to the edge frame. A
top member and bottom member may also be part of the edge frame, both members having slots therein through which the sheet passes, the slots having flexible membranes on hot sides of at lest one slot opening to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
Flexible membranes may also be provided on both sides of the grooves to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
In another embodiment, the flexible sheet has edge sealing strips that extend beyond the sheet for at least the height of the window, thus permitting the sheet to be rolled up and leave the window opening with no portion of the sheet there-in r and the strips to be rolled up to move the sheet back into the window opening.
In a still further embodiment the edge frame is located between glazings of a double glazed window, and the flexible sheet passes between the glazings.
In drawings which illustrate the Supplementary Disclosure embodiments of the invention, Fig. 13 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken at line 13-13 of Fig. 13.
Figs. 15 and 16 show front views of window openings with edge sealing strips on the sides of the sheet with the sheet partially in front of the opening, and wound up on a roller.
Fig. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly.
Fig. 18 is a partial sectional view taken at line 18-18 of Fig. 14.
Fig. 19 is a partial sectional view taken at line 19-19 of Fig. 13.
30 ` Fig. 20 is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of an insulator assembly positioned between two fixed glazings.
_ g _ Figs. 13 end 14 illustrate an embodiment of the invention which provides a frame with side rnembexs 80 having grooves 81 therein. The side edges 82 of the flexible sheet 15 fit and slide within the grooves 81 and a seal is provided which is detailed hereafter. The top roller 16 is encased in an enclosed box 83 extending for the width of the window open-in and has a slot 84 in line with the grooves 81 in the side members 80 to permit the flexible sheet 15 to be wound and unwound from the top roller 16. The bottom roller 17 is con-twined in a second enclosed box 85 having a slot 86 for the flexible sheet 15~ Details of sealing the sheet in the upper slot 84 and lower slot 86 are shown hereafter. Sufficient space is maintained between the surface of the glass in the window and the flexible sheet 15 to avoid cracking or breaking the class due to thermal shock when the sheet 15 is moved from the insulating mode to the transparent or translucent mode, or vice versa. Movement of the sheet 15 is achieved either by a crank handle similar to that shown in Fig. I on the bottom roller 17, and a spring return on the top roller 16, or alter-natively motorized rollers similar to that shown in Fig. 10.
Jo In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the flexible sheet 15 has edge sealing strips 90 attached to each side of the sheet 15. The edge strips 90 when used with the configuration shown in Figs. 13 and 14 have the advantage of providing strips to roll the sheet up on the top roller 16.
Fig 15 shows the bottom transparent or translucent portion 32 of the flexible sheet 15 extending half way down the window ; opening and supported on each side by the edge strips 900 Fig. 12 shows no flexible sheet in front of the window opening, ' however, the edge strips 90 permit the sheet 15 to be wound up on the bottom roller 17. Permanent tension is maintained on the edge strips 90 between the top roller 16 and the bottom roller 17. The edge strips are completely hidden from view as they are contained in side Gus 91 as shown in Fig. 13 and full access to the window it provided without having to remove the sheet I or the rollers 16, 17.
In another embodiment a portion of the flexible sheet 15 may have a plurality of opaque strips 100 as shown in Fig. 17 with transparent or translucent strips 101 inter-spaced there-between. This portion is arranged between the opaque portion 31 and the transparent or translucent portions 30, 32 to minimize thermal shock that may occur under certain weather conditions, and can in some circumstances break the glass in the window. The opaque strips 100 may be reflective on both sides, or plastic impregnated with a thermal insulating filler material. In use the opaque strip portion is positioned in front of the glass for a short period of time in between change - in from the opaque portion 31 of the sheet 15 to one or other of the transparent portions 30, 32. Thus thermal shock from the sudden change of temperature is reduced. In all instances the space between the glass surface of the window and the flexible sheet 15 is sufficient to avoid a thermal shock at temperature extremes that would cause the glass to crack. The opaque strips are particularly applicable to large windows.
Figs. I and 19 illustrate details of typical seals for the sealing assembly shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The flex-isle sheet 15 has edge sealing strips 90, preferably formed from a ribbon of PVC or ether suitable material which are joined by means of a lap joint 110 to the edges 82 of the sheet 15.
The strip 90 has split ends 111 which open outwards to touch the sides of the groove 81 in the side members 80. The split ends 111 close when the strip 90 is rolled up on a roller. In addition flexible lips 112 are attached to the side members 80 on each snide of the groove 81 extending inwards to touch the sheet 15 on both sides and provide a further seal. The flex-ability of the lips 112 is sufficient so that if air pressure builds up on either side of the sheet 15, the strip 90 moves in the groove 81 but the lips 112 still provide a seal. The edge seal may have either the split ends 111, the flexible lips 112 or both of these features.
The seals in the top slot 84 and bottom slot 86 of the upper box 83 and the lower box 85 are substantially the same, as can be seen in Fig. 14, two flexible lips 113, one on each side of the slot 86 touch both sides of the sheet 15 to prevent air escaping. The lips 113 do not prevent movement of the sheet through the slot 86.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 20 wherein the flexible sheet 15 is positioned between ; two glazings 120, 121. The top roller 16 and bottom roller 17 are positioned in cavities 122, 123 in the wall, and a sealing system such as that shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is preferably I; employed to prevent air leaks at the periphery of the sheet 15.
Jo The rollers 16 J 17 may be operated manually or may be motorized, ensuring that a tension remains in the sheet 15 at all times.
This particular embodiment is particularly applicable to new installations rather than in existing buildings.
; - 12 -
Claims (10)
1. An insulator assembly for a window opening having a predetermined width and height comprising, a flexible impervious sheet having sufficient width to extend across the width of the window opening, and a length of at least twice the height of the window opening, the sheet having an insulating opaque portion extending for the height of the window opening wherein both faces of the sheet have reflective surfaces and at least one transparent or translucent portion, a top roller for the sheet located at the top of the window opening and having a spring return and tension means, a bottom roller for holding the sheet in tension, the bottom roller located at the bottom of the window opening with means for winding and unwinding the sheet from one roller to another, and, an edge frame around the periphery of the window opening, the edge frame having vertical sides which are bowed out in a substantially continuous curve from the window opening, and the sheet is held in tension against the bowed vertical sides, the edge frame having sealing means to seal the portion of the sheet over the window opening
2. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein a handle is provided on the bottom roller to rotate the bottom roller for winding and unwinding the sheet.
3. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the top roller and the bottom roller are motorized.
4. The assembly according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the flexible sheet has transparent or trans-lucent portions at each end and an opaque reflective portion in the center.
5. the assembly according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the flexible sheet is formed from two clear plastic sheets and the opaque portion has reflective metal foil secured between the two clear plastic sheets.
6. The assembly according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the flexible sheet is a clear plastic sheet and the opaque portion is impregnated with a metallic oxide or carbonate.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY
DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY
DISCLOSURE
7. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the edge frame comprises side members with grooves therein, the flexible sheet having edge sealing strips attached to both sides of the sheet to fit and slide in the grooves and seal the sheet to the edge frame.
8. The assembly according to claim 7 wherein the edge frame has a top member and a bottom member with slots therein through which the flexible sheet passes, the slots having flexible membranes on both sides of at least one slot opening to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
9. The assembly according to claim 8 wherein the grooves in the side members have flexible membranes on both sides of the grooves to seal the sheet to the edge frame.
10. The assembly according to claim 7 wherein the edge sealing strips extend beyond the sheet for at least the height of the window, adapted to permit the sheet to be rolled up and leave the window opening with no portion of the sheet therein, and to roll up the strips and move the sheet into the window opening.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000405300A CA1186614A (en) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-06-16 | Insulator roller assembly for a window |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000405300A CA1186614A (en) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-06-16 | Insulator roller assembly for a window |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1186614A true CA1186614A (en) | 1985-05-07 |
Family
ID=4123025
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000405300A Expired CA1186614A (en) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-06-16 | Insulator roller assembly for a window |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1186614A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5887637A (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 1999-03-30 | Phyper; Duncan | Aperture covering system |
-
1982
- 1982-06-16 CA CA000405300A patent/CA1186614A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5887637A (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 1999-03-30 | Phyper; Duncan | Aperture covering system |
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