GB2233020A - Window - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi pane window of circular shape which may be mounted in an outwardly square or rectangular frame that could be adapted to an existing window in a structure has an outer pane made from polarised glass or conventional plate glass with a polarised sheet mounted directly on it or laminated and an inner pane mounted for rotation relative to the outer frame. By rotating this inner layer of glass the light coming through the window can be variably attenuated, from the intensity of light coming through the outer layer to being completely blacked out. <IMAGE>

Description

CIRLUX WINDOW This invention relates to a circular window set where necessary in a metal, wooden or U. P. V. C. frame of adjustable size.

The Cirlux window will fulfill the need for an improved window.

The appealing features of the window would be it's energy efficiency, ease of use and the privacy it could provide. The Cirlux window would represent a unique alternative to awnings, shades, glass blocks and other methods of keeping out light and providing privacy. By turning it1s inner plane vertically through 90 degrees, the amount of light entering a building could be varied from just the effects of the outer polarised sheet to being completely blacked out.

The 'CIRLUX WINDOW' would represent a new type of double pane window. This window would differ from conventional windows in that its panes of glass would be circular, while its frame would be outwardly suare or rectangular, enabling it to be adapted to conventional window openings. Unlike conventional multiple pane windows, the panes of the 'CIRLUX WINDOW1 would not be fixed to each other. Instead, the outer sealed unit would be attached to the france, while the inner one would be free to rotate. This configuration would enable the 'CIRLUX WINDOW' to incorporate a polarising system.

All electromagnetic waves, including visible light , are transverse planar waves. In many cases such as with radio and microwave transmitters, as well as with light produced by lasers,.these waves are emitted in a polarised manner. in others, such as the case with most types of natural and artificial sources of illumination, the elementary radiators, which are the atoms that make up the source, act independently and produce a random pattern about the diection of propagation of unpolarised light.

A polaroid material is a material capable of sorting out the random pattern of planar waves produced by a nonpolarised light source. Only the plight parallel to the long chain molecules or crystals in polaroid material is capable of passing through it. If a second sheet of this material is placed directly behind the first, the light can be further attenuated, depending on it's angle in the vertical plane with respect to the first sheet.

This exact system would be used in the 'CIRLUX WINDOW'. Specifically, the two planes of the 'CIRLUX WINDOW' would be produced either from polarised glass or would incorporate polarised coating or sheets bonded to them. AS the inner pane would be rotated, the homeowner could variably control the amount of light allowed to enetr the room, from a slight tint to being fully blackrd out. In addition to providing incresed privacy, the 'CIRLUX WINDOW'could also be used to conserve energy in the summer months by reducing the amount of radiant heat allowed to enter the structure. The 'CIRLUX WINDOW' could also be offered in electrically actuated versions that could potentially incorporate automatic photoelectric sensor or timer control systems.

it would be fairly economical, being easy to maintain and eliminating the need for drapes, blinds and curtains.

Pig. I Shows a frontal 2-dimensianal view of the CIRLUX window set in the frame which can be made af wood, U.P.V.C. or metal Fig. 2 Shows the side elevation with the the window open on it's pivots.

it illustrates the sealed unit and a third unit which can be rotated manually or electronically in a plane parallel to the sealed unit.

referring to the drawings Figs. I & 2: The cirlux window is composed of a tripe pane, double sealed unit (1) which is pivoted on a metal, wooden or U. P. V. C. frame. (2). The pivots (3) can be situated opposite on any position in the circle.

Two catches (4) lock on the inside and seccure the window.

The frame when present incorporates air vents (5) which can be opened or closed depending on conditions. The double sealed unit is made of plane glass coated on the inside with anticondensation compound(6). The outermost layer (7) has polarising properties as has the third innermost layer (8). This third (8) innermost layer is free to rotate with respect to the outermost layer in a parallel plane.This layer (7) can be rotated manually or electronically.

Claims (1)

1. (i) A circular triple pane window with or without a square or rectangular frame.

   (2) A circular window with a sealed double unit coated on the inside with a material to prevent condensation.

   (3) A circular window the outermost pane of which has polarising properties.

   (4) A circular window with the third innermost pane also made of a material such as glass also with polarising properties. This pane is able to rotate with respect to the outermost pane which is fixed.

   (5) A circular window pivoted in any opposite positions along 360 degrees.

   (6) A circular window which can be set in a wooden, metal or U.P.V.C.frame which can be square or rectangular and which incorporates air vents.

   (7) A circular window with special security catches on the inside.

   (8) A circular window which can be used can be used without a frame in roofs, boats caravans etc. etc.