GB2472914A

GB2472914A - Glass and polycarbonate multi-glazed window unit

Info

Publication number: GB2472914A
Application number: GB201013763A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Thompson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-17
Filing date: 2010-08-17
Publication date: 2011-02-23
Also published as: GB0914368D0; GB201013763D0

Abstract

A multi-glazed unit 10 comprising at least two spaced-apart sheets 12 14 of transparent or translucent material, wherein at least one of said sheets, preferably the outer sheet, is formed from polycarbonate. The inner sheet may be made from glass. Each polycarbonate sheet may have an anti-scratch resistant surface or a UVA or UVB protective filter. An annular spacer 16 may be used which has a hygroscopic or drier material 18 on the exposed internal surface to absorb moisture. The desiccant material 18 may be silver or aluminium or another suitable material. A foil skin 20 may encompass the glazing unit. A sticker or other means for displaying a message may be attached to the interior surface of one of the sheets 12 14 or to the spacing component 16.

Description

A Multi-2lazed Unit The present invention relates to a multi-glazed unit. By this is meant at least a double or triple glazed unit comprising two, three or more spaced-apart transparent or translucent sheets, each pair of adjacent sheets being spaced-apart with a spacer. Such units are suitable for use in conventional window or door frames.

The multi-glazed unit of the present invention finds use in various security applications. By "security" is meant the ability to withstand deliberate attack which includes physical attack by breakage to permit access of individuals for burglary or of devices such as incendiary devices or the like. The term "security" is also intended to cover armed attack against various types of firearms.

According to the invention there is provided a multi-glazed unit comprising at least two spaced-apart sheets, the sheets being adapted to transmit some light therethrough, at least one of the sheets being formed from polycarbonate.

Preferably, in use, at least the outer sheet is formed from polycarbonate material, i.e. the sheet that is intended to be exposed to an external environment during use.

Suitable polycarbonate materials include those supplied under the Registered Trade Marks APEC, AXXIS, CALIBRE, HYZOD, LEXAN, MAKROLON and TUFFAK, of which polycarbonate supplied under the Registered Trade Mark LEXAN is preferred.

More generally, it is preferred that the polycarbonate sheet be provided with an anti-scratch surface and/or a UVA and/or UVB protective surface. The anti-scratch surface is typically provided on the face of the polycarbonate sheet that is exposed in use to said external environment and, as such, is particularly suitable for the outer sheet of the unit. The anti-scratch surface and/or the UVA and/or UVB protective surface may be provided in any convenient manner, e.g. physical or chemical treatments and/or application of coating(s) and/or layer(s) of protective material.

A second aspect of the invention provides a window frame, or other window structure, incorporating the multi-glazed unit of the first aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention provides a door frame, or other door structure, incorporating the multi-glazed unit of the first aspect of the invention.

Optionally, means for displaying a message is provided between any pair of adjacent sheets of the unit. The display means may comprise, for example, a label or plate fixed to an interior surface of one of the sheets, or to the spacer.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a partial perspective view of a double glazed unit embodying the present invention.

In the drawing, there is illustrated a double glazed unit generally indicated as 10 according to the present invention. The double glazed unit 10 comprises first and second spaced-apart sheets 12, 14, which may be formed from the same or different material. The sheets 12, 14 are parallel and in register with one another. The sheets 12, 14 are typically rectangular but need not necessarily be so. In a preferred embodiment, the outer sheet 14 is made from a polycarbonate material, which may be either transparent, translucent or opaque as is required. The polycarbonate material may have a clear or a matte or a velvet or a suede finish, as is desired, especially on its outer face. In addition, the polycarbonate material may be provided with a scratch resistant coating, especially on its outer face. Suitable polycarbonate materials may have a thickness of 2.5-30mm, as is required. The pair of adjacent sheets 12, 14 are spaced-apart by a spacer or seal 16 comprising, for example, a polysulphide sealant from, for example, Teroson (Trade Mark). The spacer or seal 16 is typically annular, e.g. rectangular, a runs around the periphery of the sheets 12, 14, usually the whole way around the periphery. Advantageously, the seal 16 provides a seal between the adjacent sheets 12, 14 that is substantially air-tight. Along an inner surface of the seal 16 may be provided a layer of hygroscopic material 18 for absorbing water vapour or other moisture in the air or other gas between the adjacent sheets 12, 14 and, therefore, to prevent or at least reduce condensation between the pair of adjacent sheets 12, 14. The hygroscopic layer 18 may comprise a spacer bar 18, which is adapted to absorb moisture. The spacer bar 18, or other layer 18, may for example be formed from silver, aluminium or other suitable material, and containing hygroscopic material.

Along the outer surface of the seal 16 is provided a layer of water resistant material 20, for example a foil skin, which acts as moisture barrier.

If the sheet 12 is a glass sheet, it can be either laminated, toughened or ordinary, depending on the desired application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-glazed unit 10 is a double glazed unit, of which at least the outer sheet 14 is a polycarbonate material. It will, of course, be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, both of sheets 12, 14 may be formed from the polycarbonate material, or even just the inner sheet. It will also be appreciated that, if the multi-glazed unit is a triple glazed unit (not illustrated), then at least the outer most sheet (not shown) should advantageously be a polycarbonate material.

Optionally, means for displaying a message is provided between any pair of adjacent sheets of the unit. The display means may comprise, for example, a label or plate fixed to an interior surface of one of the sheets, or to the spacer 16. Advantageously, the label or plate is orientated such that its message-carrying face is visible from the outer side of the unit 10.

The label or plate may carry a message concerning the characteristics of the multi-glazed unit, or the structure into which it has been incorporated. Such a message may serve as a deterrent against would-be vandals or intruders.

Multi-glazed units embodying the invention may be incorporated into a window frame, or a door frame or other support structure, especially support structures for windows or doors, depending upon its intended use.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A multi-glazed unit comprising at least two spaced-apart sheets of transparent or translucent material, wherein at least one of said sheets is formed from polycarbonate.
2. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said sheets is designated for use as an outer sheet, and wherein at least said outer sheet is formed from polycarbonate material.
3. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein only said outer sheet is formed from polycarbonate material.
4. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the, or each, of said sheets that is not formed from polycarbonate material is formed from glass.
5. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said unit is a double-glazed unit comprising a single inner sheet and a single outer sheet.
6. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheet formed from polycarbonate material is provided with an anti-scratch surface and/or a UVA and/or UVB protective surface.
7. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each sheet formed from polycarbonate material has a thickness of approximately 2.5-30mm.
8. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein adjacent sheets are spaced-apart by a spacing component.
9. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein said spacing component is configured to provide a seal between said adjacent sheets.
10. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said spacing component is annular and runs around substantially the entire periphery of said adjacent sheets.
11. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a layer of hygroscopic material is provided on an exposed internal surface of said spacing element between said adjacent sheets.
12. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein said hygroscopic layer comprises a spacer bar adapted to absorb moisture.
13. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the spacer bar, or other hygroscopic layer, is formed from silver, or aluminium or other suitable material, and includes a hygroscopic material.
14. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein a layer of water resistant material, for example a foil skin, is provided on an external surface of said spacing component.
15. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, incorporated into a window structure.
16. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, incorporated into a door structure.
17. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for displaying a message provided between any pair of adjacent sheets of the unit.
18. A multi-glazed unit as claimed in claim 17, wherein the display means comprises a label or plate fixed to an interior surface of one of the sheets, or to the spacing component.
19. A multi-glazed unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.