NZ620470B2 - Add-On Window and Insulation System - Google Patents

Abstract

glazing frame profile configuration A that comprises two substantially parallel slots or recesses for locating a first and second glazing material respectively therein, with a first spacer 3 between the first and second layers of glazing material, and a second spacer 4 located against an exposed face of a pane of the glazing material such that the second spacer 4 is configured to be mounted against an existing window pane B. A gas or air filled cavity is created between the two layers of the first and second glazing material and a second gas or air filled cavity is created between the second glazing material and the existing window pane B. The glazing profile configuration A provides an edge cover to the two layers of glazing material, and includes a flexible material 12 mounted on an outside face of the second spacer 4, such that the flexible material 12 creates an airtight seal when pressed against the existing window pane B. ace of a pane of the glazing material such that the second spacer 4 is configured to be mounted against an existing window pane B. A gas or air filled cavity is created between the two layers of the first and second glazing material and a second gas or air filled cavity is created between the second glazing material and the existing window pane B. The glazing profile configuration A provides an edge cover to the two layers of glazing material, and includes a flexible material 12 mounted on an outside face of the second spacer 4, such that the flexible material 12 creates an airtight seal when pressed against the existing window pane B.

Description

GLAZING FRAME PROFILE CONFIGURATION TECHNICAL FIELD Described herein is a glazing frame profile configuration. More specifically, a glazing frame profile configuration that can be mounted against an existing window pane to improve its insulating properties.

BACKGROUND ART It is a well known problem that houses lose heat through window panes and conductive metal joinery much more readily than insulated walls. This can cause cold spots near windows, draughts and condensation, and can lead to decreased comfort and increased heating costs, particularly during winter.

These problems are particularly severe with traditional single glazed window panes. Double glazed window panes offer a significant improvement over single glazed panes and current building codes require their use in most new homes. In recent years triple glazed window panes have become available, offering further improvements in insulating properties over double glazed panes.

Replacing traditional single glazed window panes in older houses with double glazed or triple glazed panes can be very labour intensive and costly as it typically requires replacement of the existing window frames. This method is also disruptive to the home occupants as they need to provide access for tradespeople to complete the work.

A further disadvantage of traditional double and triple glazed window panes is if the seal is broken, moisture will enter between the panes, reducing their effectiveness and causing condensation to form between the panes. When this happens it is not generally possible to repair the window pane and the entire window pane would need to be replaced, which is both costly and disruptive to home occupants.

From the above, it can be seen that there is a need for an alternative method that can be retrofitted to existing single glazed windows to provide the benefits of double or triple glazing that addresses at least some of the issues with art methods, or at least provides the public with a choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the process and product will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY Described herein is a glazing frame profile configuration. The configuration comprises a glazing frame which holds two substantially parallel pieces of glazing material separated by a first spacer and a second spacer located between the inner piece of glazing material and an existing window pane such that the glazing frame profile configuration may be retrofitted to existing windows or doors to improve insulating properties.

In a first aspect there is provided a glazing frame profile configuration that comprises two substantially parallel slots or recesses for locating a first and second glazing material respectively therein, with a first spacer between the first and second layers of glazing material, and a second spacer located against an exposed face of a pane of the glazing material such that the second spacer is configured to be mounted against an existing window pane; wherein a gas or air filled cavity is created between the two layers of the first and second glazing material and a second gas or air filled cavity is created between the second glazing material and the existing window pane; and wherein the glazing profile configuration provides an edge cover to the two layers of glazing material, and includes a flexible material mounted on an outside face of the second spacer, such that the flexible material creates an airtight seal when pressed against the existing window pane.

Advantages of the above include reducing the amount of labour required to fit the system compared with replacing existing windows, thus reducing time to fit the system, cost of fitting the system and disruption to home occupants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the glazing profile configuration will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration; Figure 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a glazing frame profile configuration; Figure 3 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a glazing frame profile configuration; Figure 4 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame; Figure 5 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with an alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame; Figure 6 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame; Figure 7 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame utilising a mounting system to assist with positioning of the glazing frame; Figure 8 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a spacer formed as a box section and a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame; Figure 9 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with an additional leg to provide insulation/coverage of the window frame; Figure 10 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame utilising a pre-installed section; Figure 11 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame utilising flexible members; and Figure 12 illustrates a glazing frame profile configuration with liquid channels in the glazing sections and a further alternative method of attachment to an existing window pane/frame utilising flexible members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As noted above, described herein is a glazing frame profile configuration. The configuration comprises a glazing frame which holds two substantially parallel pieces of glazing material separated by a first spacer and a second spacer located between the inner piece of glazing material and an existing window pane such that the glazing frame profile configuration may be retrofitted to existing windows or doors to improve insulating properties.

For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or ‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

The terms ‘pane’ or ‘window pane’ or grammatical variations thereof refer to any pane of glazing material used to let light into a building, including but not limited to windows and doors.

The terms ‘frame’ or ‘window frame’ or grammatical variations thereof refer to any frame surrounding a pane or window pane as defined above, including but not limited to a frame surrounding a pane as part of a window or door.

In a first aspect there is provided a glazing frame profile configuration that comprises two substantially parallel slots or recesses for locating a first and second glazing material respectively therein, with a first spacer between the first and second layers of glazing material, and a second spacer located against an exposed face of a pane of the glazing material such that the second spacer is configured to be mounted against an existing window pane; wherein a gas or air filled cavity is created between the two layers of the first and second glazing material and a second gas or air filled cavity is created between the second glazing material and the existing window pane; and wherein the glazing profile configuration provides an edge cover to the two layers of glazing material, and includes a flexible material mounted on an outside face of the second spacer, such that the flexible material creates an airtight seal when pressed against the existing window pane.

The glazing frame profile configuration may be fitted to any existing window or door frames regardless of construction material. It may be mounted on either the inside or the outside of an existing window or door frame. The existing window pane may have a flat surface or it may not have a flat surface, for example it could be obscure glass or lead-light.

The glazing frame profile may be fabricated from low thermal conductive material such as plastic. The glazing frame profile may be formed by extrusion. The glazing frame profile may include an extra leg situated at the inner end to facilitate the attachment of a seal.

The glazing material may be a transparent material. It may be a flexible material such as transparent acrylic sheet. The glazing material may be bonded into the glazing frame. Bonding the glazing material to the glazing frame is particularly advantageous when a flexible glazing material is used as it may result in a much more rigid overall assembly.

The cavities between the glazing sections may be filled with air, or other stable gas such as argon.

Alternatively, the cavities may contain a vacuum or be ventilated.

The glazing frame profile may include a bendable leg for adjustably retaining the glazing frame profile into position with respect to an existing window frame. The additional leg may be formed from a material that will readily bend to assist with positioning of the glazing frame against and existing window frame. An adhesive material may be used to bond the leg to an existing window frame. The bendable leg may include flexible friction fins for adjustably retaining the glazing frame profile configuration into position with respect to the existing window frame.

A portion of the glazing frame profile configuration may be manufactured out of a non-transparent and low-thermal conductivity material that extends over an existing window frame, such that one or more faces of the existing window frame are concealed and insulated by the non-transparent and low-thermal conductivity material. The cover portion of the glazing frame may be fabricated from a material with lower thermal conductivity than the frame that it covers. A foam strip may be bonded to the inside of the cover. An adhesive material may be used to bond the cover to an existing window frame. As many existing window and door frame are constructed of conductive material, a cover may improve the insulating properties of the frame. In addition, older frames may have a faded appearance so the cover may enhance the appearance of the window unit. The leg may comprise a single straight leg with a single return (as illustrated in figure 9), or any other combination of straights, curves and returns.

The position of the parallel slots or recesses in the glazing frame profile may vary relative to the base of the glazing frame. For example, the base of the slots may be flush with the base of the glazing frame, or the open end of the slots may be flush with the base of the glazing frame, or any position in between.

The slots may include channels for a liquid adhesive to flow between a glazing frame and glazing material such that the glazing frame and glazing material are bonded together. Adhesive channels may make the configuration easier to construct by removing the need to rotate the panel.

The spacers may be formed as part of the glazing frame profile or one or more of the spacers may be a separate component. For example, either spacer could have a box section construction. The inner spacer may have a flexible member on its outer edge to act as a seal between the glazing frame profile and an existing window pane. An adhesive material may be included on the outside face of the inner spacer that is substantially parallel to the glazing material, such that the glazing frame profile configuration is attached directly onto the existing window pane by the adhesive material. The adhesive material may be configured to create an air tight seal against the existing window pane.

One side of a glazing section may be manufactured out of a flexible material, such that the glazing material located therein is positioned and retained against a rigid spacer on the opposite side of the glazing section to allow variation in the thickness of the inner piece of glazing material. The flexible material may also assist with gripping the glazing material, which may reduce the amount of adhesive material required to achieve a strong joint between the glazing material and the glazing frame. A flexible section located on the outer edge of the glazing frame may extend to connect to the existing window frame to provide a tidy appearance.

A foam strip may be bonded to the bottom of the glazing frame profile to aid with positioning the glazing frame against an existing window frame.

The adhesive material used to bond the glazing frame to the existing window pane or frame may be an adhesive strip such as mounting tape.

Flexible friction fins may be included on the surface of the glazing frame adjacent to the existing frame to provide an alternative method of holding the glazing frame in position without the use of mounting tape, thus making it easier to remove.

The glazing frame profile may include a fixing element for attaching a pre-installed section of the glazing frame configuration onto an existing window pane or frame. A mounting section or a sheet carrying section of the pre-installed section of the glazing frame configuration may include a flexible material that creates a seal when pressed against the existing window pane or frame. The pre-installed section may comprise a curved section with a bulb on the end as illustrated in figure 10, however it should be appreciated that other profiles may also be used.

Silicone sealant may be used to fill the gap between the outer part of the glazing frame and an existing window frame.

A key advantage of the above described glazing frame profile configuration is that it is able to be retrofitted to existing windows, leading to shorter installation times, reduced installation costs, minimal disruption to home occupants during installation and ease of replacement if the window pane is damaged compared with art methods.

A further advantage is that the glazing frame profile is very versatile, and is able to be fitted inside or outside of existing windows, can be mounted on flat or uneven existing window panes and can accommodate a wide variety of existing frame shapes and materials, thus providing the public with a useful choice not offered by art methods.

In addition, fitting the glazing frame profile to existing window panes and frames means there is minimal effect on the visual appearance of the building. This could be important to many home owners, for example, owners of older homes may not want to install new double glazed windows that would clash with the style of their home, or they may have windows made from special glass (eg lead-light) which they do not want to replace.

A further advantage is that the glazing frame profile is able to provide an insulating cover for existing window frames, thus providing better overall improvements in insulating properties compared with only insulating the window pane, as well as potentially providing aesthetic improvements.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as of individually set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLES The above described glazing frame profile configuration is now described by reference to specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate alternative glazing frame profile configurations A positioned relative to an existing pane B. The configurations comprise a first slot or recess 1 and a second slot or recess 2 suitable for locating first and second glazing material sections (not shown) respectively therein. A first spacer 3 separates the glazing sections and a second spacer 4 separates the second slot or recess 2 from the existing pane B.

EXAMPLE 2 With reference to figures 4, 5 and 6, methods of attaching the glazing frame profile configuration A to the existing pane B and/or frame E utilising double-sided mounting tape C are shown as follows: Figure 4 shows glazing frame profile configuration A with a leg 12 provided on the edge of the second spacer 4 that is closest to the pane. Double-sided mounting tape C is used to bond the leg 12 to the existing pane B.

Figure 5 shows the method of attachment illustrated in Figure 4 with the addition of a foam strip D bonded to glazing frame A to aid with positioning of the glazing frame A within the existing window frame E.

Figure 6 shows glazing frame profile configuration A with the addition of a foam strip D bonded to glazing frame A. Double-sided mounting tape C is used to bond the foam strip D to the existing window frame E. The foam D presses up against the existing pane B to give a tidy appearance when viewed from that side. Silicone sealant G is used to fill the gap between glazing frame A and existing frame E on the opposing side. The foam D is suitably wide to give the silicone sealant G the correct width to depth ratio indicated by the silicone manufacturer’s recommendation. This embodiment is particularly suited for use on existing window panes that do not have a flat surface, for example obscure glass or lead-light.

EXAMPLE 3 Figure 7 shows glazing frame profile configuration A with the addition of bendable leg 6, which extends from the end of the glazing frame A farthest from the existing pane. Leg 6 is made from a flexible material configured to bend when the glazing frame is fitted to existing frame E and can therefore be used as a mounting system to assist with the positioning of glazing frame A. Double-sided mounting tape C is used to bond the leg 6 to the existing frame E. A flexible member 5 is provided on the edge of the second spacer 4 that is closest to the existing pane B, which presses against the existing pane B to form a seal.

EXAMPLE 4 Figure 8 shows the glazing frame profile configuration A with the first spacer 3 formed as a box section.

The glazing frame profile A includes flexible friction fins 7 adjacent to the frame which provide a frictional mounting system that does not require adhesive.

EXAMPLE 5 Figure 9 shows glazing frame profile configuration A with the addition of a leg 8, which extends from the end of glazing frame A farthest from the existing pane and covers part of the existing window frame E.

Leg 8 is made out of a non-transparent and low-thermal conductivity material. A foam strip D is bonded to the inner surface of leg 8 and double-sided mounting tape is used to bond foam D to existing window frame E. This embodiment not only enhances the overall appearance of the window unit, it also improves the insulting properties of existing frame E.

EXAMPLE 6 Figure 10 shows the glazing frame profile configuration A mounted onto preinstalled section F. Section F is bonded to the existing window frame E prior to installation of glazing frame A.

EXAMPLE 7 With reference to figures 11 and 12, alternative glazing frame profile configurations A which utilise flexible materials on one side of each glazing section are shown as follows: Figure 11 shows the glazing frame profile configuration A with a first flexible member 9 forming one side of the first slot or recess 1 and a second flexible member 10 forming one side of the second slot or recess 2 to allow for variation (tolerance) in thickness of the glazing material (not shown). The flexible members 9,10 also help to grip the glazing material against the spacers 3,4, reducing the amount of adhesive required to achieve a strong joint between the two. The glazing frame A includes a leg 6, similar to that shown in Figure 7. Leg 6 is bonded to existing frame E using mounting tape C. The flexible member 9 extends to meet existing window frame E to give a tidy finished appearance.

Figure 12 shows the glazing frame profile illustrated in figure 11 with the addition of adhesive channels 13 and 14 set into the outer corners of spacer 3. Adhesive channels 13,14 aid with gluing the glazing material (not shown) to the glazing frame A by removing the need to rotate the unit during construction.

In addition, flexible fins 11 are attached to leg 6 to provide an alternative method of holding glazing frame A in position without the use of mounting tape, thus making it easier to remove.

Aspects of the glazing frame profile configuration have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims (12)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: What I/we Claim is:

1. A glazing frame profile configuration that comprises two substantially parallel slots or recesses for locating a first and second glazing material respectively therein, with a first spacer between the first and second layers of glazing material, and a second spacer located against an exposed face of a pane of the glazing material such that the second spacer is configured to be mounted against an existing window pane; wherein a gas or air filled cavity is created between the two layers of the first and second glazing material and a second gas or air filled cavity is created between the second glazing material and the existing window pane; and wherein the glazing profile configuration provides an edge cover to the two layers of glazing material, and includes a flexible material mounted on an outside face of the second spacer, such that the flexible material creates an airtight seal when pressed against the existing window pane.

2. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in claim 1, that includes an adhesive material on an outside face of the second spacer that is substantially parallel to the glazing material, such that the glazing frame profile configuration is attached directly onto the existing window pane by the adhesive material.

3. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive is a strip of adhesive material configured to create an air tight seal against the existing window pane.

4. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, that includes a fixing element for attaching a preinstalled section of the glazing frame configuration onto the existing window pane or an existing frame.

5. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in claim 4, wherein a mounting section or a sheet carrying section of the preinstalled section of the glazing frame configuration includes a flexible material that creates a seal when pressed against the existing window pane or the existing frame.

6. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the glazing frame is manufactured out of a non-transparent and low-thermal conductivity material that extends over an existing window frame, such that one or more faces of the existing window frame are concealed and insulated by the non-transparent and low- thermal conductivity material.

7. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slots or recesses for receiving the glazing material therein include channels for a liquid adhesive to flow between a glazing frame and glazing material such that the glazing frame and glazing material are glued together.

8. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one side of a glazing section is manufactured out of a flexible material, such that the glazing material located therein is positioned and retained against a rigid spacer on the opposite side of the glazing section to allow for variation in thickness of the glazing material while minimising the amount of adhesive material required to retain the glazing material into position.

9. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in any one of the above claims, that includes a bendable leg for adjustably retaining the glazing frame profile configuration into position with respect to the existing window frame.

10. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bendable leg includes an adhesive material for securing the glazing frame profile configuration to the existing frame.

11. The glazing frame profile configuration as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein the bendable leg includes flexible friction fins for adjustably retaining the glazing frame profile configuration into position with respect to the existing window frame.

12. A glazing frame profile configuration as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying examples and