CA2502069C - Spacer profiles for double glazings - Google Patents

Abstract

Spacer profiles (1) for double glazing units (20) may include a deformable profile body having first and second side walls (3) extending from a base wall (2). First and second connecting segments (5) respectively connect the first and second side walls (3) to an upper wall (4) and respectively define inwardly projecting grooves (9). A hollow chamber (7) may include a first space (11) disposed adjacent to the base wall (2), which first space (11) has a greater width than a second space (10) disposed adjacent to the upper wall (4). Further, the profile body preferably has a heat conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/(m.cndot.K). A reinforcement layer (6) may be permanently coupled to at least the upper wall (4), the first and second connecting segments (5), and the first and second side walls (3), and preferably has a heat conductivity of less than about 50 W/(m.cndot.K).

Description

CA UZSOZ069 LUUD-U3-Zd SPACER P'ROFILBS FOR DOUBLE GLAMGS
TECFII=AL FIFI.D
[0001] Tye praseat inveation relates to spacer pm$les that can be formed (e.g., beat) iom tpaeer frames ibr momtiag withim ea imaating wisidow uait (double glrzing) The spaex profiles ate deaigned to support and separata two window panes.

DESCRBTION OF'1HE RF.Y.A71D ART

[0002] Kwwn qa= pmfda we tu*t by cosmmnly-owaed U S. Patent Nos.
6,035,596, 6,389,779 and 6,339,909. Additional spacer profiles ara taught by U.S. Patent Ncs. 5,460,862, 3,962,090, 6,061,994, 6,192,652 and 6,537,629. PCT Publicanon Nos.
WO 03114830 and WO 03l74831, Ompm I'atmtt Publication No. 0 003 715 and Getman Patent PublitWon No. 33 02 659.
100031 Kaown insnladmg vvindow uaits ntilize two or mm glass psm. The sptcer pcofite is placed bete-m two glass paaes in order to suppott and sepaiate the tovo glass pa=s. The space batween tha gisse pam is tlua typically filed with an inert, insu[rtiu,g gas, such as argoa, sad the space is scsted. The window panes also may be coated or finished in order to iazpart speCid fvnations to tht bmbting window ueic, mh as iaccqsed heat inaulatiag and/or sowd insulating upabilities.
[00041 Insulating window uaita that are intended to provide high insalation values sre typically desiped to rninimize 9ie heat transmission charactesis6cs of tha pecipberal connecti*s), including tlte spaoer frame. In addition, the spmenr profile is p:rSersbly cksigned to munimize or eliminate tha formetion of water condwsttion on the ianer susfaces of the window penes, even when subjected to cold outside tempecatmres.
Moreovec, the spacer proftle pemabty shoeld be t eadily beadable evea at relatively low temperataees (e.g., raom tanperature) without aubsisntiolly dQforming thz stivcQM
defining the spacer profile.

SUMMARY OF THE IN'V'ENTTON
100051 It is one object of the present teachings to provide improved spacer profiles.
[0006} In one aspect of the present teachings, spaccr profiles are taught that can be inexpensively manufactured in, large volumes, while providing good heat insulating properties, minimizing water condensation inside the assembled insulating window unit (double glazing) and being readily bendable without undesired defonnation.
Such spacer profiles offer advantageous applications in the field of "warm-edge"
insulating window units that seek to minirnixc or prcv,eat watcr condensation on an inner surtace of an inner window pane by maintainizxg the temperature at an edge connection area as high as possible, even when the outer window pane is subjected to relatively cold outside temperatures.
-. ~ 100071 in another aspect of the present teacbangs, spacer profiles are taught that enable . -, the production of one-piece' spacer frames by bending a linear spacer profile.
T'he resulting bent spacer frame does not have undesirable deformations, even when the spacer profile is bent while cold or only slightly warmed using conventional bending machinery.
Further, insulating window units may be prcpated by.placing the bent spacer frame between two window panes in a manner and position that permits a limited range of relative movement by the window panes when the assembled insulating window unit is subjected to pressure changes and/or shearing stt=ai.n.
[0008] In another aspect of the present teachings, spacer profilcs preferably include a profile body contprising an elastically-plastically deformable material (e.g., a plastic or resin material) having relatively low heat conductivity. A deform.able reinforcenunt material or layer (e.g,, a metal) preferably is coupled to the elastically plastically deformable anaterial. Optioaally, terminal cnd portions of the reintforcemant layer may be or partially or completely embedded within the profile body. In another optional embodinaent, the eatire reinforcement layer may be partially or completely embedded (disposed) within the profile body. The combined structure (i.e., the profile body and the reinforcement layer, which will be refetred to as a "spacer profile" herein) is preferably bendable without undesirable deformation of the inherent sttuttures, even when bent at relatively low temperatures.
[ooo9) Prefenrd elasticapy-plastically deformable materials include synthetic or natural mateials that undergo plastic, irreversible deformation after the elastic restoring forces of the bent material have been overcome. In such preferred matcrials, substantially no clastic restoring forces are active af-or deformation (bending) of the spacer profile beyond its apparent yielding point. Representative plastic materials also preferably exhibit a relatively low heat conductivity (i.e., preferred materials are heat-insulating materials), such as heat conductivities of less than about 5 W/(m=K), more preferably less than about I'W'l(m=K), and even more preferably less thaa about 0.3 W/(m=K). Particularly preferred material,s for the profile body are thermoplastic synthetic materials including, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide and/or polycarbonate.
Thc plastic matcrial(s) may also contain commonly used fillers (e.g., fibrous materials), additives, dyes, U'V' protection agents, etc.
[oolol Preferred plastically deformable reinforcement materials include metals that provide substantially no elastic restoring force after being bent beyond the apparent yielding point of the metal. Prefen-ed materials for the profile body optionally exbibit a heat conduction value that is at least about 10 times less than the heat conduction value of the reinforrement m,ateriat, more preferably about 50 times less tbm the heat canduction value of the reinforcement material and most preferably about 100 times less thaa the beat conduction value of the reinforcement material.
[00111 In another aspect of the present teachings, spacer profiles preferably include a relatively large hollow inner space or chamber, which rtiay be partially or completely coated andlor filled with a hygroscopic material (also known as a'desiccant or dzying agent). Preferably, the hygroscopic material is disposed in a manner that permits the hygroscopic material to communicate with the space (i.e., gas) defined between the window panes of the assembled insulating window unit (double glazing). In this case, the hygroscopic matezial can remove (absorb) moisture from the gas disposed between the window panes. By removing moisture, it is possible to minirnixe or prevent the formation of water condensatioh (fogging) on the inner sutface(s) of the window pane(s).
Two or more hygroscopic materials may be utilized in combination and the present teachings are not particularly limited concerning the types of hygroscopic materials that may be disposed within the hollow chamber of the spacer profile.
100121 In one representative embodiment, the plastic portion (profilc body) of the spacer profile may be permanently coupled (or materially connected) to the reinforcement layer, e.g., by co-extruding cho profila body with thc rainforcement laycr. In the altcrnarive, thc reinforcement layer may be permanently coupled (materially connected) by larninating the reinforcement layer on the plastic portion and/or by disposing an adhesive between the plastic portion and the reinforcement layer. In this case, the reinforcement layer is preferably bonded to the profile body with a peeling value (forceJadhesion width) of equal to or greater than 4 NAnm using a 180 peeling test on the finished product. A
variety of manufacturing techniques may be utilized to make the spacer profiles of the present teachings, which manufacturing techniques are not particularly limited.
[00131 In another aspect of the present teachings, the cross-section of the hollow inner space or chamber of the spacer profile is preferably substantially T-shaped, bell-shaped or stepped pyramid-shapad. In othcr words, thc width of the hollow inner space or chamber preferably decreases in the height dircction of the spacer profile. The width of the hollow inner space or chamber may decrease continuously or in a step-wise manner, or partially continuously and partially step-wise. Various chamber designs are possible within this aspect of the present teachings, as will be discussed furth.er below.
lo0141 In one prefexred ex.ample; the widest width space of the chamber prefembly is adjacent to a base wall of the spacer profile. The base wall is designed to face the inner space defined between the two window panes when the insulating window unit is assembled. Further, a plurality of apertures is preferably defined in the base wall, thereby enabling.the hygroscopie material disposed within the chamber to readily communicate with the inner space of the insulating window unit. Thus, by designing the chamber in this manner, a relatively large surface area of hygroscopic material faces the base wall and the inner space of the ixisulating window unit.
[0015] In another preferred example, the hollow chamber may be defined as containing a first space and a second space, The cross-section of one or both of the first space and second space may be substantially rectangular or oval shape. For example, the width of the first space is preferably gre= tltan the width of the second space and the f rst space is closest to the base wall. The width direction of the first spaoe and the second space is defined as being parallel to the base wall. The second space optionally may have a substantially square or circular shape in cross-section.
[0016] The reinforcement layer is preferably disposed on the side of the spacer profile (e.g., the upper wall of the spacer profile) that will face towards the outside of the iansuIating window unit after the spacer profile has been bent into the spacer frame. At least a portion of the reinforcement layer, such as peripheral terminal edge portions thereof; optionally may be partially or cotnpletely embedded within the spacer profile. As a result of the geometric confignrations of the rcinforcement layers taught herein, att arc-preserving bending resistance moment is imparted to the spacer, profile. Such are-preserving being resistance contributes to the cold pliability of the spacer profile, which permits bending of the spacer profile without undesirable deformations. In addition or in the atternative, the reinforcement layer and the side walls of the profile body may define a flush surface, if the reinforcement layer does not completely cover the side walls.
100171 The reinforcement layer preferably extends continuously from a first side wall across an upper wall to a second side wall of the spacer profile. Further, the reinforcement layor prcferably covcl,s Cirsi and second connecting segments provided between the upper wall azid the respective first and second side walls. By introducing additional bends, curves andlor angles along the lateral width of the reinforcement layer (i.e., from the first side wall to the second side wall), a relatively high arc-preserving bending resistance moment can be imparted to the spacer profile. In this case, although stronger be~nding forces may be resluired to bend the spacer profile ta form the spacer frame (i.e., than the bending forces required to bend spacer profiles without such additional bends, curves or angles), the resulting spacer frame will have a particularly low resilience and a high degree of comer stiffness, [0018] According to one advantageous embodiment of the preseat teachings, the connecting segments are preferably defined at corner portions of the hollow chamber. If the reinforcement material covers the connecting segments, the bending behavior and the heat insulating properties of the spacer profile are improved. In otuer words, the path of the reinforcemcnt layer is prcferably modified, such that the length of the reinforcement layer is greater than the distance between the two window panes in the insulating window unit. Such designs serve to improve the overall beat insulating propeRies of the spacar profile. In other words, if the reinforc,ement material is made of a metal that conducts heat relatively welt, the overall heat conduction properties of the reinforcement material can be reduced by extending the Iength of the reinforcement material. For example, by introducing additional bends, curves or angles along the path of the reinforcement material, a longer heat conduction path is provided between the first window and the second window of the assembled insulated window unit, thereby reducing the ove,rall heat conduction of the reinforcement layer.
100191 In addition to advantageous mechanical properties, the reinforccmertt layer optionally also may possess gas and vapor barrier propcrties. The reinforcement layer is preferably resistant or substantiafly impermeable to gases diffusing theretbrough in order to maintain the integrity of the insulating gas (e.g., argon) disposed between the window panes in the assembted window unit A gas and vapor barrier can be achieved by utilizing a reinforcement layer, e.g., that comprises stainless steel foil having a thickness of less than about 0.2 mm, more preferably less than about 0.15 mm and most preferably less than or about 0.1 mm. The minimum thiclrness of the reinforcement layer is preferably selected so that the required stiffness of the spacer p'rofile is achieved and the diffusion resistance is also maintained after beuding, particularly in the bent areas or portions.
GeneraIly speaking, for thc abuvc-identfSed metallic materials, a minimum layer thickness of about 0.02 mm is appropriatey although thiclmesses between about 0.5 and 2.0 mm are preferab[e.
[002o1 Depending on the manner in whicla the spacer profile is finally integrated within the insulating window unit, it can be advantageous to also provide a protective layer on the exposed side of the reinforcement layer, which exposed side may be sensitive to mechanical and/or chemical influences. Representative protective layers include, e.g., lacquer andlor plastic materlals. In addition or in the alternative, a thin layer of the beat insulating material may be provided on the reinforcement layer, such as a material exhibiting relatively low heat conductivity. Such a thin layer optionally may be embeddcd in one or more portions of the spacer profile.
[00211 (Ienerally speaking, the walls of the spacer proffiYe that define the chamber may have substantially the same walt thiclsness, It is preferable to maximize the volume of the chamber, whiclt will maximixe the amount of hygroscopic matexi.al that may be disposed within the chamber. For example, the wall thicimess of one or more of the walls is preferably minimized in order to maximiza the chamber volume.
[0022] The present spacer profiles enable the manufacture of insulating window units from a single linear piece that is only required to be bent and then closed by one connector. For example, commorcially available bending tools may be easily utilized to bend the spacer profile so as to provide corners, Preferably, even after being bent, the surfaces of side walls of the spacer profile preferably remain planar (substantially flat), and substaatiaIIy perpcndicular to the base wall, so that the side surfaces will be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the respective window panes in the assembled insulating window unit. I,f thc clastically-plastically defozmable, heat-insulating material is permanently coupled (bonded) to the plasticalty deformable reinforcement layer, a good balance of forces is imparked to the spacer profile, even during cold bending.
However, the " CA 02502069 2008-07-11 expected bending points of the spacer profile may be slightly warmed before bending in order to accelerate relaxation of the spacer profile and reinforcement layer at the portions that will be bent. Moreover, various connectors may be suitably utilized to connect the terminal ends of the bent spacer frame, including corner connectors and straight connectors.
100231 According to another advantageous embodiment, a mechanically stabilizing sealing material may completely fill up the free space defined along the outer peripheral margin of the asscmbkd 'uisulating window unit, or may substantially fil1 up that free space. Commercially available insulating glass adhesives oontaining polysulfides, polyurethartes or silicons are suitable sealing materials. Further, butyl sealing matcrials, e.g., containing polyisobutylenes, are suitable diffason-resistant adhesive materials for bonding the side waIIs of the spacer frame to the respective window panes.
[00241 Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present teachings will be readily understood after reading the following description with reference to the drawings and the appended claims.

BRZEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025) FIG. l shows a representative spacer profile according to the present teachings, loo261 FIG. 2 shows the representative spacer profile of FIG. 1, which has been bent into a spacer fratne and disposed between two window panes to form an asseznbled double glazing (insulating window unit).

DETAILED DESCItIl'TION OF THE INVENTION
100271 In one embodiment of the present teachings, spacer profiles may include a profile body having a base wall, first and second side walls extending from the base wall, and an upper wall extending substantially in parallel with the base wall. A first connecting segment preferably connects the first side wall to the upper waD and a second connecting segment prefeTably connects the second side wall to the upper wall. The first and second connecting segments respectively may define an inwardly curved or angled (e.g., substantially V-shaped or U-shaped) groove (or recess) between the upper wall and the respective first and second side walls. In addition, the profile body prOforably is formed as a single, integral, continuous piece without borders (interfaces) between the various components thereof (i.e., no interfaces between the upper wall, side walls, base wall, and connecting segments). In addition, the profile body preferably comprises an elasticaily-plastically deformable material having a heat conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/(m-K).
Such profile bodies can be readiry manufacWred using known extrusion techniques.
(00281 A hollow chamber is defined within the profile body. Preferably, the hollow chamber includes a first space in communication with a second space. The first space is defined adjacent to the base wall and the seoond space is defined adjacent to the upper wall. Preferably, the first space has a greater width than the second space along a lateral or transverse clirection of the elongated spacer profile.
[00291 A reinforcement layer may be permanently coupled or bonded to at least the upper wall, the 5rst and second connecting segments, and the first and second side walls.
The rcinforcement layer preferably has a heat conductivity of less than about 50 WI(m-K) and optionally is resistant to diffusion of gas and vapor therethrough..
100301 The hollow chamber may baave a cross-section selected from the group consisting of substantially T-shaped, substantially bell-shaped, substantially pyramid shaped and substantially stepped-shaped. In addition or in the alternative, the first and second spaces are each substantially rectangular shaped and the first space optionally may have a larger cross-sectional area than the second space. In another alternative definition of the chamber dimensions, the cbamber may comprise a central space communicating with two IatetaAy periplteral spaces, which laterally peripheral spaces are bounded by the base wall, but are not bounded by the upper wall. As noted abovc, a hygroscopic material optionally may be disposed witban the hollow chamber and a plurality of apertures may be defined in the base wall, 100311 The reinforcement layer of the spacer profile prefc~ably has a breaking dongation of at least 20% and more preferably about 25-30%. The reinforccment layer preferably may comprise a staioless steel layer having a thickness of less than about 0.2 xnm, or morm preferably equal to or less than about 0.1 mm. Morc preferably, the heat conductivity of the reinforcement layer is equal to or less than about 15 W/(m-IG). Further, the spacer profile optionally may have an overall tensile strength of about Nlmma.
[0032] The reinforcement layer preferably extends continuously from the first side wall to the second side wall. The profile body may be formed as one continuous, integral piece (i.e., without interfaces between the various components of the profile body) and may comprise one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyarnide and/or polyearbonate. The profile body may be reinforced or not reinforced. If reinforced, the profile body may comprise one or more fibrous materials, such as a glass fiber, a carbon fiber and/or a natural fiber, dispersed within the profile body. Optionally, the profile body may contain glass particles, such as fiberglass, and/or a filler, such as talc, dispersed therein.
[0033] Optionally, the grooves (or recesses) respectively defined within the connecting segments may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section (e.g., the grooves are inwardly curved, but have substantially perallcl opposing walls) or may have a substantially V-shaped cross-section (e.g., the opposing walls are not parallel to each other). If the cross-section of the groove is substantially V-shaped, the opposing walls of the groove preferably may define an acute angle or a right angle. In one etnbodiinent of a connector segment having a substantially V-shaped groove defined therein, the opposing walls of the groove may define an angle of about 60-90 . A hypothetical vertex formed by the intersection of the opposing walls of the connecting segments is preferably disposed inwardly of a hypothetical line connecting a terminal end of the respective side wall to the terminal end of the upper wall. However, even if the groove is substantially V-shaped, it is not necessary for the opposing walls to intersect at a point. Instead, the opposing walls =may be cottnected by a rounded or carved portion. The cross-section of the rounded or curved portion optionally may be substanrially circular or substantially oval.
100341 In addition or in the alternative, each of the first and second connecting segments may include a first portion (first opposing wall) extending substantially perpendicularly fxom the upper wall and a second portion tsecond opposing wall) connecting the first porcion to the respective side wall. Optionally, the respective second portions of the first and second connecting segments may each extend substantia[ly perpendicularly from the respective side wall. In addition or in the alternative, the first and second grooves may eacb, extend (inwardly) toward the base wall below a hypothetical line cotmecting a terrninal end of the first side wall and a terminal end of the second side wall, which terminal ends arc opposite of the base wall.
100351 Further, the first and second grooves optionally may each have a depth that is between about 0.1 and 1 times the length of the first poraons, In addition or in the altem.ative, the depth of the first and second grooves may be between about 0.5 to 5 times the thickness of the side walls. In addition or in the alternative, the depth of the first and second grooves is preferably less than twice the width of the frst and second grooves.
More preferably, the depth of the grooves is equal to or less than the width of the grooves, [0036] An assembled insulating window uWt preferably may include a first window pane disposed substantially in parallel with a second window pane. A spacer framc is preferably formed by bending and connecting the terminal ends of any one of the spacer profiles described above or below. The bent spacer frame is disposed between and supports the first and second window panes. The respective side walls of the spacer Erame may be adhered to the first and second window panes using an adhesive.
Further, the base wall of the spacer frame is preferably oriented toward a space defined between the first and second window panes. In this case, the upper wall of the spacer frame is thus oriented toward an outer peripheral edge of the first and second window panes. In addition, a mechanically stabilizing sealing matcrial is preferably disposed on the upper wall between the first and second window panes.
[0037] Each of the additional features and teachings disclosed below may be utilized sepaira-tely or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved spacer profiles and methods for designing and using the same. Representative examples of the present invention, which examples utilize many of these additional features and teachings both sepatately and in combination, will now be descn'bed in further detail with reference to the attached drawings. Tltis detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art finther details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to linlit the scope of the invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detail description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taugb.t merely to particularly describe representative examples of the present teachings.
[0038] Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodimenfs of the present teachings. In addition, it is expressly noted that all features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter independent of the compositions of the features in the embodiments and/or the claims. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for tha purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purposc of restricting the claimed subject matter.
[00391 FIG. I shows a cross-section of a representative spacer profile 1 according to the present teachings. A chamber (or hollow space) 7 is preferably defined by a base wa112, a pair of side walls 3 and an upper wa114. Connecting segmertts 5 connect the respective side walls 3 to the upper wal14. The base wall 2 is preferably longer than the upper wall 4. The side walls 3 preferably have the same leagth. For purposes of reference, FIG. 1 sb.ows a cross-section of the representative spacer profile 2 along a Z
ditcction thcrcof ancl defines an X direction and a Y direction of the spacer profile 1. In other words, the Z
direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions and extends perpendicttlarly to the drawing sheet. Thus, the base wall 2 and the upper wall 4 exterad substantially in the X
direction and the side walls 3 extend substantially in the Y direction. The entire spacer profile 1 is elongated in the Z direction. Hereitt, the X direction will also be referred to as the width direction of the spacer profile 1 and the Y direction will also be refetred to as the height direction of the spacer profile 1.
[0040] In this embodiment, the chamber 7 has a substantially T-shaped or bell-shaped cross-section. For example, the chamber 7 may include a base (first) space 11 closest to the base wall 2 that has a longer width or lateral dimension (i.e., along the X direction) than an upper (second) space 10 closest to the upper wal14. As was discussed above, in other embodiments, the chamber 7 may have a cross-section that is substantially stepped-shaped or pyramid-shaaped. In other words, the chamber 7 preferably includes laterally peripheral spaces (i.e., along the X direction) adjacent to the base wal12, which laterally peripheral spaces are tapered or step-wise terminated along the height direction (i.e., the Y
direction) towards the upper wall 4. In addition, the coraers of the chamber 7 may be substantially rounded or cuived, as shown in FIG. 1, or the corners may be nngular, such as right angles, acute angles or obtuse angles.
[0041) The inner surface of the chamber-7 is preferably coated with a hygroscopic material, such as a silica gel or molecular sieves, and/or the chamber 7 may be filled, or substantially filled, with the hygrostopic material or a material that comprises, at least in part, a hygroscopic material. A plurality of apertures 8 is preferably defined, e.g., in the base wall 2, to peimit communication with the chamber 7. Prefened bygroscopic materials are capable of absorbing moisture from the gas (e.g., argon) disposed berween the window panes of the assembled insulting window unit. Thus, by providing the apertures 8, the chamber 7 can communicate with the gas disposed between the window panes in order to remove moisture fram the gas, As a result, the as&embled window unit (double glazing) can be prevented from fogging (i.e., condensed water) on the inside of the window panes during cold weather conditions, because the hygroscopic material maintains the insulating gas in a relatively dry (low humidity) state.
[00421 The side walls 3 preferably each have a length (height) that is less than the distance between the outer peripheral surfaces of the base wall 2 and the upper wall 4. As shown in FIG. 1, a groove (or reccss) 9 ia defanod by tbe sidC wal13, the upper waU 4 and the connecting segtnent 5. However, the groove 9 may be defined by only the connecting segment 5 or by the connecting segment 5 and one of the side wall 3 and the upper wa114.
Further, the shape of the groove 9 is not particularly limited according to the present teaehi.ngs, as the groove 9 may be, e.g., inwardly curved or angled.
100431 preferably, the groove 9 extends at least partially inward (i.e., towards the center or the base wal12 of the spacer profile 1) of a hypothetical line B connecting the terminal end of the side waI13 (which tenninal end is closest to the upper wall 4) and the tenriinal end of the upper wal14 (which tenninal end is closest to the side wal13). In addition or in the aIternative, the groove 9 extends at least partially inward of a hypothetical line A
connecting the terminal ends of the first and second side walJs 3. The size of the side walls 3, upper wall 4 and connecting segments 5 may be suitably modified in order to provide various shapes for the groove 9. For example, the side walls 3, connecting segments 5 and upper wal14 may be preferably designed such that the depth T) of the groove 9 is less than twice the width H of the groove 9 and more preferably, the depth D is less than or equal to the width H.
100441 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the groove 9 is substantially U-shaped.
However, in another preferred embodiment, the groove 9 may be rather shallow and defiwed substantially as a right angle. In another embodiment, the connecting segments 5 may define substantially an acute angle therebetween. For example, the opposing walls of the groove 9 may define an angle of between about 64-90 .
100451 In addition or in the alteznative, the connecting segments 5 may extend from substantially the terminal ends of the respective side walls 3. Tn this case, the connecting segments 5 may extend, e.g., substantially perpetxdicularly from the terminal ends of the side walls 3. As a result, the connecting segments 5 may contiect to the upper wall 4 at substantially a right angle or a relatively large Acute angle. In such an embodiment, the upper space 10 and the base space 11 may each have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Tho width of the upper space 10 (i.e., along the X direction) is preferably less than the width of the base space 11. Optionally, the upper space 10 also may comprise a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectioinal area of the base space 11.
[0046] The side walls 3 preferably extend substantially in parallel along the height or Y
direction of the spacer profile 1, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the walls 2, 3, 4, and the connecting segments 5 may have substantially the same thiclmess. Further, the material for thc walls 2, 3 and 4 and the eonnecting segments 5 is preferably diffusion-proof (impermeable) or diffusion-resistant (substantiaIly impermeable), so as to prevent or at least mininlize the diffusion (htansmission) of gases or liquids through the spacer profile 1.
In addition or in the alteraative, a layer of difFusion-proof material may be disposed on an outer surface of the spacer profile I in order to prevent diffusion of substances, such as water and atmospheric gases (e.g., nitrogen and oxygen), through the spacer profile 1 so as to maintain the integrity of the insulating gas (e.g., argon) disposed between the window panes of the assembled double glazing.
100471 Preferably, a reinforcement material (layer) 6 is disposed along at least the upper wall 4 of the spacer profile 1. More preferably, the reinforcem.eztt 'material 6 also extends along the connecting segments 5 and the side walls 3. By covering the side walls 3 with the reinforcexnent material 6, improved adhesion properties may be attained when the spacer profile I is adbered or bonded to the window panes to form the assembled double glazing. Moreover, the spacer profile 1 will have improved bending properties, due to the permanently bonded sandwich structure (i.e., the connecting segments 5 and the side walls 3 are surrounded by the reinforcenient layer 6). The reinforcement material 6 may be disposed on the outer surface of the spacer profile 1, or may be partially or completely embedded within the spacer profile 1. In the latter case, a protrusion 12 of the side waIl 3 may overlap the terminal end of the reinforcement material6.
100481 If the reinforeetnent material 6 comprises a metal, a heat-conductive path will be defined through the reinforcetnent material 6 from one side wa113, which will be closest to a first window pane, to the other side wall 3, which will be closest to a second window pane. However, as discussed herein, additional measures can be taken to reduce the heat-conductivity of this path in order to improve the overall insulating propenies of the spacer profile 1.

[00491 ln one modification of the spacer profile I shown in FIG, 1, the base wall 2 may be replaced with a porous material that permits moisture to diffuse into the chamber 7. In this case, the apertures 8 optionally may be eliminated.
[0050] In addition oT in the alternative, either another reinforcement material or the same reinforcement material 6 may partially or completely cover the outer surface of the base wall 2. In addition or in the alternative, a decorative layer and/or a heat radiation reflecting layer optionally may be disposed on the outer surface of the basa wall 2.
[00511 Optionally, the side walls 3 may extend from the base wall 2 at other than a right angle. For example, the side walls 3 may extend outwardly from the edge of the base wall 2 so as to form an obtuse or acute angle with the base wa112.
[00521 In another optional modification of the representative embodime,nt shown -in FIG.
1, the base wai12 may be omitted. In that case, the chamber 7 may be designed as a trough or channel. The hygroscopic material may be embedded in a polymer matrix that is disposed in the troughlchannel, thereby filling or substantially filling the trouglt/channel.
Optionally, an adhesive may be coated on the inner surface of the troughlchannel before filling the troughlchannel with the polymer matrix. Moreover, in this optional embodiment, the reinforcement material 6 may be fust disposed along the inner surface of the trougb/channel before filling the troughlchannel with the polymer matrix.
hi this case, the reinforcement material 6 optionally need not be disposed along the outer surface of the upper and side walls 4 and 6 and the connecting segments S.
[00531 The spacer profile I is preferably bendable so as to forrn a support frame. More preferably, the spacer profile I is bezrdable without undesirable deformation along the side walls 3 of the corner portion, even when the spacer profile I is bent at a relatively low temperature (e.g., room fomperature). The bent support frame is then disposed between a pair of window panes 23 to form an assembled double glazing structure (insulating window unit) 20. One representative embodiment of a double glazing structure according to the present teachings is shown in FIG. 2 and is discussed further below.
[00541 Referring to FIG. 2, the respective side walls 3 of the spacer profile I preferably support the respective inner surfaces of the window panes 23. Preferably, even after being bent, the side walls 3 remain substantially perpendicular to the base wai12 so that the side walls 3 are parallcl, or substantially parallel, to the window panes 23 in the assembled double glazing 20. Further, in order to protect the reinforcement material 6, a protective layer optionally may be disposed along the outer surface of the reinforcement material 6 before inserting the spacer profile 1 between the window panes 23.
[00551 Sealing material 22 preferably serves to support the spacer profile 1 between the window panes 23 and imparts an airtight, or substantially air-tigbt, sea], In addition, an adhesive material 21 is preferably disposed between the side walls 3 and the window pa,nes 23, For example, the spacer profile I may be first affixed to the respective inner surfaces of the window panes 23 using the adhesive 21, Then, the remaining space may be filled with a mechanically stabilizing sealing matprial 22, which also prCfCrrably provides an airtight/watertight seal or a substantially airtight/watertight seal. In other words, the sealing materia122 is preferably selected so as to prevent or minimize moisture, and other undesirable gases, from entering Into the enclosed space between the window panes 23 in the assembled double glazing stcucture 20.
10056I In an optional modification of the double glazing struct= shown in FIG.
2, two or more different scaling materials 22 may be u.tilized to fill the outer or peripheral space bounded in part by the spacer profile I and the window panes 23. For example, a first sealing matcrial 22 may be filled into the space and allowed to set.
Thereafter, a second sealing material 22 may be disposed, at least partially, over the first sealixtig material 22.
100571 In particularly prefezxed embodiments of the present teachings, the base, side and upper walls 2, 3, 4 and the connecting segments 5 may comprise polypropylene Novolen 1040K and may have a wall thickness of about ] mm. In the alternative, the base, side and upper walls 2, 3, 4 and the connecting segments 5 may comprise polypropylene MC208U, which comprises 20% talc, or polypropylene BA110CF, which is a beterophasic copolymer, both of which are available from Borealis A/S of Kongens Lyngby, Den,mark.
.J In the alternative, the base, side and upper walls 2, 3, 4 and the connecting segments 5 may comprise AdstxfQD HA840YC., which is a polypropylene homopolymor available from Basell Polyolefins Company NV.
100581 The reinforcement material 6 may be a metal foil or thin metaI plate materia.I, e.g., Andralyt E2, 8/2, 8T57, and may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The metal material 6 may be co-extruded with or laminated onto the upper and side walls 3, 4 and the comecting segments 5. For example, the reinforcement material 6 may be adhered to the plastic portion of the spacer profile I using a 50 micron layer of a bonding agent (adhesive), such as a polyurethane and/or a polysulfide. Further, the outer side of the metal foil or thin metal plate (film) preferably has been treated to prevent corrosion (e.g., rust).
[0059] In an optional embodiment, the reinforcement material 6 may be a tin-plated iron foil. The base portion of the tin-plated iron foil may have a chemical compositioa of:
carbon 0.070%, mangancse 0.400"/0, silicon 0.018 h, aluminum 0.045%, phosphorus 0,020%, nitrogen 0.007%, the balance being iron. A tin layer having a weightlsurface ratio of 2.8 glm2 may be applied to the base portion at a thickness of about 0.38 microns.
[0060] In thc alterr,ative, tla; cninrorc:ement material 6 may preferably comprise a staiuless steel foil, e.g., Krupp Yerdol Aluchaorn I SE, having a thickness of about 0,05-0.2 mm, more preferably about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm and most preferably about 0.1 mm.
The chemical composition of this stainless steel may be approximately:
chromium 19-21%, carbon maximum 0.03%, manganese maxirnum 0,50 l0, silicon maximum 0.60%, =1 =
aluminum 4.7-5.5%, the balance beiAg iron.
[0061) In the alternative, the reinforcement material 6 may comprise aluminum metal having a thickness of about 0.2-0.4 mm.
[o062] In the alternative, a galvanized iron/steel sheet having a thickness of about 0.1-0.1 S mm may be utilized as thc reinforcement material 6.
[0063) Although various dimensions are possible in accord.ance with the present tsachings, the assembled spacer profile 1 preferably may have a width (X
directaon) of about 16 mm and a height (Y direction) of about 6.5 mm. The chamber 7 may have a height of about 5 mm. The base space I1 of the chamber 7 may have a width of about 13.5 mm and the upper spaca 10 of the chamber 7 may have a width of about 10 mm.
[oo64) The charttber 7 may be filled with a lcnown drying agent (hygroscopic m.ateiial), such as the molecular sieve Phonosorb 555, which is manufactured by W.R. Grace &
Company. As discussed above, two rows of apettt=s 8 may be provided in the base wall 2, so,that the drying agent can communicate with the space between the window panes 23.
[0065] The elongated spacer profile 1 optionally may be cut into lengths (i.e., along the Z direction) of 6 meters (20 feet) and then fiuther processed using known bending devices in order to form the support frame. For example, the automatic bending machine made by F.X. BAYBIt can be utilized to form type VE spacer frames cut to customized dimensions.
The spacer profile 1 may be bent to form four corners therein and the terminal Gnds of the bent spacer profile 1 may be connected using a straight connector to form tha spacer frame.

[OO66I Known tec'ques may be utilized to connect the support frame to two large float-glass panes 23 to form the assembled insulating window unit (double glazing structure) 20. One of the window panes 23 optionally may be provided with a heat-protective layer having an emittance of about O.J. The enclosed space defined between the window panes 23 and bounded by the spacer frame may be filled with argon or another inert andlor insulating gaseous substance. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the encloswi space has an argon content of at Ieast about 90% of the total gas volume within the enclosed space.
1o0671 The adhesive 21 preferably may be a butyl sealing material, such as polyisobutylene. The adhesive 21 may have a width of about 0.25 mm and a height of about 4 mm. The sealing mmteria122 may be a polysulfide adhesive having a thic[rness of about 3 mm.
[00681 In prefezxed embodiments, the reinforcement layer 6 and the plastic portion (profile body) of the spacer profile I may exhibit the following preferred properties. The reinforcement layer 6 and the profile body of the spacer profile I
respectively may have an elastic modulus of about 180-220 kNlmrnz and about 1.5-2.5 kNlmm2. In addition or in the alternative, the reinforcement layer 6 and the profile body of the spacer profile I
respectively may have a te,nsile strength of about 350-650 N/mmz and 35-40 N/mmz. The spacer profile 1(i.e., the combined plastic portions (spacer body) and the reinforcement material 6) preferably has a total or overall terisilo strength of about 350-370Nlmsa~.
[0069] In aMkon or in the aitemtive, the reinforcement layer 6 and the plastic portion of the spaccr profile 1 respectively may have an elasticity limit or yield point of about 280-580 N/mmZ and 35-40 N/rnm'. In addition or in the alternative, the reinforcement layer 6 aad the profile body of the spacer profile I respectively tnay have a breaking elongation of about 20-30% and about 500%. More preferably, the reinforcement material 6 has a breaking elongation of about 25-30%.
100701 In addition or in the alteraative, the reinforcement layer 6 and the profile body of the spacer profile I respectively may have a thernnal conductivity of 15-35 W/
m-K and equal to or less than 0.3 W/ m-K, more preferably equal to or less than 0.15 W/ m-K. In addition or in the alternative, the reinforcement layer 6 and the profile body of the spacer profle 1 respcctively have an elastic extensibility of about 0.2% and about 7 !o.
[oon1 St- order to demonstrate the advantages of the present designs when used with the preferred materials, 90 bends were introduced into four different spacer profiles using the automatic bending machine made by F.X. BAYER. The spacer profiles were at room temperature when bent and each spacer profile had a width (X direction) of 16 rnm. The differences between the four spacer profiles are further described in the following.
100721 The first spacer profile I was constrneted according to the present teachings with side walls 3 having a height (Y direction) of 5.2 mm and a total height (Y
direction from ttxe outer surface of tbo base r+va112 to the outer surface of the upper wall 4) of 7.0 rnm.
The upper wall 4 had a width of 11.1 mm. The distance from the outer surface of the upper wall 4 to the base of groove 9 was 2.4 rnnm. A first portion uf the bollow chamber 7 closest to the base wall 2 had an inner width (X direction) of 13.3 mm and a height of 3.1 mm. A sedond (adjoining) portion of the bollow chamber 7 closest to the upper wall 4 had a width of 9.43 mm and a height of 2,4 mm. The spacer body was" formed of polypropylene. The reinforcement layer 6 was disposed on the outer surface of the side walls 3, upper wall 4 and the connecting portions S. In addition, the reinforcement layer 6 had a thickness of 0.13 rnm and was formed of stainless steel!
100731 After bending the first spacer profile 1, the side walls had a height of 4.9 to 5.0 mm at the corner portions and the side walls 3 remained substantially flat and perpmdicular to the base wall 2. No noticeable indetttations were formed in the corner portions. In other words, the spacer profile 1 of the present teachings could be "cold" bent without significant distottion or deformation at the comer portions. Thus, the side walls 3 at the comer portions of the bent spacer profile 1 present a substantially flat surface for adhering to the window panes 23 of the assembled double glazing structare 20.
J00741 The second profile spacer was constructed entirely from stainless steel with the trapezoidal shape described by U.S. Patent No. 6,601,994. Before bending, the side walls of the second profile spacer had a height of 4.4 rttm. After bending, the side waiIs had a height of 3.4 mm at the corner portions and several relatively large indentations were presept in the side walls at the corner portion. Thus, after bending, the stainless steel spacer profile having a trapezoidal shape showed significatit distortions and deformation in the side walls at the cortier portions thereof.
100751 The third profile spacer was constructed entirely from aluminum with the trapezoidal shape described by U.S. Patent No. 6,601,994. Before bending, the side walls of the third profile spacer had a height of 5.0 mm. After bending, the side walls had a height of 4.15 mm at the corner portions and several small indentations were present in the side walls at the corner portions. Thus, after bending, the aluminum spacer profile having a trapezoidaI shape also showed significant distortions and deformation in the side walls at the corner portions thereof. -[0076I The fourth profile spacer was a composite material having the trapezoidal shape described by U.S. Patent No. 6,601,994. The profile body was made of polypropylene. A
reinforcement layer of stainless steel is embedded within the profile body and the reinforcement layer extended from one side wall to the other side wall, along the upper wall of the spacer profile. In other words, the reinforcement layer did not extend along the base wall of the 9paccr profilc. Before bcnding, the side walls of the third profile spacer had a height of 4.7 mm. After bending, the side walls had a height of 4.3 mm at the corner portions and one relatively large indentation was present in the side walls at the corner portions of the spacer profile.' Thus, after bending, the fourth (composite) spacer profile having a trapezoidal shape also showed significant distortions and deformatiott in the side walls at the corner portions thereof.
100771 Thus, these experimental results demonstrate the clear advantages of the present spacer profiles 1, as compared to known designs that have a trapezoidal shape.
I00781 Furthermore, in another advantage of the present teachings, it is noted that the hollow chamber 11 of the first spacer profile describcd in paragraph [0074]
has an inner cross-sectional area of 63.9 square millimetcrs. On the other hand, the improved spacer profile described in U.S. Patent No. 6,339,909 having the same widtb (16 mm) and a height of 6.5 inm has an inner cross-sectional area of 46.1 square millimeters. Thus, the present designs provide an increased volume for accommodating the hygroscopic material without increasing the outer dimensional sizes of the spacer profile.
Consequently, the presemt designs provide the additional advantage of being capable of maintaining the inner (gas) space of the assembled double glazing in a dry state for a longer period of time as compared to spacer profiles having similar outer dimensions (i.e., similar widths and beights).
[0079) Additional teachings relevant to, and advantageously combinable with the present teachings, are found in, e.g., commonly-owned US Patent Nos.
6,035,596, 6,389,779, 6,339,909 and 6,582,643.

Claims (30)

1. A spacer profile comprising:
a profile body comprising an elastically plastically deformable material having a heat conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/(m.cndot.K), the profile body having defined therein:
a base wall, first and second side walls extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite terminal ends of the base wall, an upper wall extending substantially in parallel with the base wall, a first connecting segment connecting the first side wall to the upper wall, the first connecting segment defining a first inwardly curved or angled groove between the upper wall and the first side wall, a second connecting segment connecting the second side wall to the upper wall, the second connecting segment defining a second inwardly curved or angled groove between the upper wall and the second side wall, and a hollow chamber having a first space in communication with a second space, the first space being disposed adjacent to the base wall and the second space being disposed adjacent to the upper wall, the first space having a greater width than the second space, in which the width direction is defined as being parallel to the base wall and upper wall of the profile body, and a reinforcement layer provided in or on at least the upper wall, the first and second connecting segments, and the first and second side walls, the reinforcement layer having a heat conductivity of less than about 50 W/(m.cndot.K).

2. A spacer profile as in claim 1, wherein the hollow chamber has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of substantially T-shaped, substantially bell-shaped, substantially pyramid shaped and substantially stepped-shaped.

3. A spacer profile as in claim 2, wherein the first and second spaces of the hollow chamber are each substantially rectangular shaped.

4. A spacer profile as in claim 3, further comprising a hygroscopic material disposed within the hollow chamber, wherein a plurality of apertures are defined in the base wall.

5. A spacer profile as in claim 4, wherein the reinforcement layer has a breaking elongation of at least 20%.

6. A spacer profile as in claim 5, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises a stainless steel layer having a thickness of equal to or less than about 0.2 mm.

7. A spacer profile as is claim 6, wherein the reinforcement layer has a thickness of equal to or less than about 0.1 mm.

8, A spacer profile as in claim 8, wherein the heat conductivity of the reinforcement layer is less than about 15 W/(mK).

9. A spacer profile as in claim 8, wherein the reinforcement layer has a breaking elongation of about 25-30%.

10. A spacer profile as in claim 9, wherein the spacer profile has an overall tensile strength of about 350-370 N/mm2.

11. A spacer profile as in claim 10, wherein the reinforcement layer extends continuously from the first side wall to the second side wall.

12. A spacer profile as in claim 11, wherein the profile body comprises at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide and polycarbanate.

13. A spacer profile as in claim 12, wherein the profile body is reinforced.

14. A spacer profile as in claim 13, wherein the profile body is reinforced with at least one of glass fiber, carbon fiber and natural fiber.

15. A spacer profile as in claim 12, wherein the profile body is not reinforced.

16. A spacer profile as in claim 12, further comprising at least one of fiberglass and talc dispersed within the profile body.

17. A spacer profile as in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second connecting segments includes a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the upper wall and a second portion connecting the first portion to the respective side wall.

18. A spacer profile as in claim 17, wherein the second portions each extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective side wall.

19. A spacer profile as in claim 18, wherein the first and second grooves each extend toward the base wall inward of a hypothetical line connecting a terminal end of the first side wall and a terminal end of the second side wall.

20. A spacer profile as in claim 19, wherein the first and second grooves each have a depth that is between about 0.1 and 1 times the length of the first portion.

21. A spacer profile as in claim 20, wherein the depth of the first and second grooves is between about 0.5 to 5 times the thickness of the side walls.

22, A spacer profile as in claim 21, wherein the depth of the first and second grooves is less than twice the width of the first and second grooves.

23. A spacer profile as in claim 22, wherein the grooves are one of substantially U-shaped and substantially V-shaped.

24. A spacer profile as in claim 22, wherein opposing walls of the grooves defined an angle of between about 60-90°.

25. An insulating window unit comprising:

a first window pane disposed substantially in parallel with a second window pane, a spacer frame formed by bending and connecting terminal ends of the spacer profile of claim 23, wherein the spacer frame is disposed between and supports the first and second window panes, the respective side walls are adhered to the first and second window panes, the base wall is oriented toward an inner space defined between the fast and second window pants, and the upper wall is oriented toward an outer peripheral edge of the fast and second window panes, and a mechanically stabilizing sealing material disposed on at least the upper wall.

26. An insulating window unit according to claim 25, wherein the mechanically stabilizing sealing material comprises at least one of a polysulfide, a polyurethane and a silicon.

27. An insulating window unit comprising:

a fast window pane disposed substantially in parallel with a second window pane, a spacer frame formed by bending and connecting terminal ends of the spacer profile of claim 1, wherein the spacer frame is disposed between and supports the first and second window panes, the respective side walls are adhered to the first and second window panes, the base wall is oriented toward an inner space defined between the first and second window panes, and the upper wall is oriented toward an outer peripheral edge of the first and second window panes, and a mechanically stabilizing sealing material disposed on at least the upper wall.

28. A spacer profile comprising:

a profile body having a base wall, first and second side walls extending from the base wall, an upper wall extending substantially in parallel with the base wall, a first connecting segment connecting the first side wall to the upper wall and a second connecting segment connecting the second side wall to the upper wall, the first and second connecting segments respectively defining a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped groove between the upper wall and the respective first and second side walls, the grooves each extending inward of a hypothetical line connecting terminal ends of the first and second side walls, wherein a hollow chamber is defined within the profile body, the hollow chamber having a cross-section providing a first substantially rectangular shaped space in communication with a second substantially rectangular space, the first substantially rectangular space being disposed adjacent to the base wall and the second substantially rectangular space being disposed adjacent to the upper wall, the first substantially rectangular space having a width greater than the second substantially rectangular space along a direction parallel to the base and upper walls, and wherein the profile body is integrally formed without interfaces from an elastically-plastically deformable material having a heat conductivity of equal to or less than about 4.3 W/(m.K), and a reinforcement layer permanently coupled to at least the upper wall, the first and second connecting segments, and the first and second side walls, the reinforcement layer having a thickness equal to or less than about 0.2 mm, a heat conductivity of equal to or less than about 50 W/(m.K), a breaking elongation of at least 20% and being substantially impermeable.

29. A spacer profile comprising:

an elongated profile body comprising an elastically plastically deformable material having a heat conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/(m.K), wherein a transverse cross-section of the profile body integrally provides without interface therebetween:

a base wall extending in a width direction of the elongated profile body, first and second side walls extending from opposite terminal ends of the base wall in a height direction of the elongated profile body, the width direction being perpendicular to the height direction, each side wall comprising a terminal end opposite from the base wall, an upper wall extending substantially in parallel with the base wall, a first connecting segment having a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the upper wall and a second portion connecting the first portion to the first side wall, a first groove being defined by the at least one of the first and second portions and extending inward of a hypothetical line connecting the terminal ends of the first and second side walls, and a second connecting segment having a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the upper wall and a second portion connecting the first portion to the second side wall, a second groove being defined by the first and second portions and extending inward of a hypothetical line connecting the terminal ends of the first and second side walls, wherein the first and second grooves each have a depth that is at least one of (a) between about 0.l and 1 times the length of the first portions and (b) between about 0.5 to 5 times the thickness of the side walls, and a hollow chamber defining in communication:

a centrally disposed space bounded in the height direction by the base wall and the upper wall, a first laterally disposed space bounded in the height direction by the base wall and the second portion of the first connecting segment and bounded is the width direction by the first side wall and the centrally disposed space, and a second laterally disposed space bounded in the height direction by the base wall and the second portion of the second connecting segment and bounded in the width direction by the second side wall and the centrally disposed space, and a reinforcement layer permanently coupled to at least the upper wall, the first and second connecting segments, and the first and second side walls, the reinforcement layer having a heat conductivity of less than about 50 W/(m.K).

30. A spacer profile as in claim 29, wherein the second portions each extend substantially perpendicularly from the respective side walls, the hollow chamber has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of substantially T-shaped, substantially bell-shaped, substantially pyramid shaped and substantially stepped-shaped, and the reinforcement layer has a breaking elongation of about 25-30% and comprises stainless steel having a thickness of equal to or less than about 0.1 mm, wherein the heat conductivity of the reinforcement layer is equal to or less than about 15 W/(m.K), the reinforcement layer extends continuously from the first side wall to the second side wall, the depth of the first and second grooves is less than twice the width of the first and second grooves and the profile body comprises at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide and polycarbonate and the profile body is reinforced with a fiber material.