Patent ID: 6286288
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: E06B,Y02A,Y02B

Abstract:
A multipane window unit comprising:a window sash that provides a structural frame having an inside perimeter;a glazing pane spacing and mounting structure comprising at least two spaced, parallel glazing legs formed integrally with and extending from a main structural portion of said window sash, said spaced legs terminating in ends that define a viewing perimeter smaller than said inside perimeter to provide a viewing opening for said window unit, said ends being independent of one another and unconnected along substantially the entire viewing perimeter of said structural frame to preclude the transfer of stresses therebetween;a first glazing pane having edges defining a perimeter that is greater than said viewing perimeter and less than the inside perimeter of said structural frame, said first glazing pane being adhesively mounted to float on one of said glazing legs such that the glazing pane edges are unconstrained along substantially the entire first glazing pane perimeter; anda second glazing pane having edges defining a perimeter that is greater than said viewing perimeter and less than the inside perimeter of said structural frame, said second glazing pane being adhesively mounted to float on the other of said glazing legs such that the glazing pane edges are unconstrained along substantially the entire second glazing pane perimeter;said spacing and mounting structure maintaining planar window surfaces of said first and second glazing panes substantially parallel to each other with a fixed space therebetween, such that the glazing panes are isolated from one another and function independently with respect to stresses.