Abstract:
Apparatus for dispersing impact forces are provided. Provided in one embodiment is an apparatus for dispersing impact forces includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture; and means for securing the housing contact end to a surface. When an impact force is received upon the impact receiving surface, the force is at least partially transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the biasing member, which subsequently returns the contact member to an initial position. The return of the contact member imparts a second force on the impact receiving surface, which is less than the impact force transferred to the contact member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/796,170, filed Mar. 12, 2013 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Impact forces received upon particular materials may compromise the integrity of the material and the purpose for which it is used. For example, glass is an amorphous solid material that is used extensively in everyday life. However, glass products such as automobile windshields and home windows are particularly prone to encounter debris that may result in some degree of cracking, chipping, or even shattering (collectively “breakage”). Rocks are often encountered by automobile tires and projected at following traffic, and lawn mowers may similarly propel debris at windows (and especially those that are adjacent the ground). While manufacturing advancements have been made to improve the resilience of glass products, such improved products may be undesirably expensive and may nevertheless still be susceptible to breakage. Further, those manufacturing advancements do not aid existing products that were made with older technology. 
     Some embodiments set forth herein may inhibit glass breakage without requiring any changes to how the glass is manufactured. Other embodiments set forth herein may be incorporated in the glass manufacturing process as an alternative, or enhancement, to other anti-breakage technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes a housing, a contact member, and a biasing member. The housing has a contact end with an aperture, and the contact member is disposed at least primarily inside the housing. The biasing member biases the contact member toward the housing aperture. Means for fixing the housing contact end to a glass surface are further included. 
     In another embodiment, a method for inhibiting glass breakage begins with obtaining an apparatus having: (a) a housing having a contact end with an aperture; (b) a contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is then adhered to a glass item, and impact force is transferred from the glass item to the biasing member via the contact member. 
     In still another embodiment, a glass product includes a sheet of glass and an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with an aperture; (b) a contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to the sheet of glass, and the contact member rests upon the sheet of glass for receiving an impact force from the sheet of glass. 
     In yet another embodiment, a glass product includes a first sheet of glass, a second sheet of glass laminated to the first sheet of glass, and an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage. The second sheet of glass has an opening therein, and the apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage includes: (a) a housing having a contact end with a first aperture; (b) a first contact member disposed at least primarily inside the housing; and (c) a biasing member biasing the first contact member toward the first aperture. The housing contact end is coupled to at least one of the first sheet of glass and the second sheet of glass, and the contact member passes through the opening in the second sheet of glass and rests upon the first sheet of glass for receiving an impact force from the first sheet of glass. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact forces includes a housing having a contact end with an aperture; a contact member located at least primarily inside the housing; a biasing member biasing the contact member toward the housing aperture; and means for securing the housing contact end to a surface. When an impact force is received upon the impact receiving surface, the force is at least partially transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the biasing member, which subsequently returns the contact member to an initial position. The return of the contact member imparts a second force on the impact receiving surface, which is less than the impact force transferred to the contact member. 
     In still another embodiment an apparatus for dispersing impact forces is provided, which includes a base, a rail, a contact member for contacting an impact receiving surface, a first biasing member located between the base and the rail, and a second biasing member located between the rail and the contact member. The first biasing member biases the rail toward a rest position and the second biasing member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the impact receiving surface. An impact force received on the impact receiving surface is at least partially transferred to the contact member, which temporarily alters the second biasing member. The contact member is subsequently returned to the initial position, which imparts a second force on the impact receiving surface. 
     In still yet another embodiment, an apparatus for dispersing impact forces includes a base, a contact member for contacting an impact receiving surface, and a primary biasing member disposed between the base and the contact member. The primary biasing member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the impact receiving surface. An impact force received on the impact receiving surface is at least partially transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the primary biasing member which subsequently returns the contact member to the initial position. The return of the contact member to the initial position imparts a second force on the impact receiving surface. 
     In still a further embodiment, a window product includes a first window pane, a second window pane, and an apparatus for dispersing impact forces. The apparatus for dispersing impact forces has a base, a contact member for contacting the first window pane, and a primary biasing member disposed between the base and the contact member. The primary biasing member biases the contact member toward an initial position at the first window pane. An impact force received on the first window pane is at least partially transferred to the contact member, which in turn temporarily alters the primary biasing member which subsequently returns the contact member to the initial position. The return of the contact member to the initial position imparts a second force on the first window pane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to one embodiment of the current invention, with a distal end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with a proximal (or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in use, with various elements shown in section taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the housing of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a section view showing a cushion member added inside the housing of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to another embodiment of the current invention, with a distal end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6 , with various elements shown in section taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to still another embodiment of the current invention, with a distal end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 , with a proximal (or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 , with contact members and biasing members separated from a housing. 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of one embodiment of a glass product incorporating the apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12   a  is an exploded view showing another embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  in an example use. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to yet another embodiment of the current invention, with a distal end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13 , with a proximal (or “contact”) end of the apparatus visible. 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13 , with various elements shown in section taken along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to still yet another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a mount of the apparatus of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a section view of part of the apparatus of  FIG. 16 , with various elements shown in section. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage and a resulting glass product according to a further embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the apparatus and resulting glass product of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage and a resulting glass product according to a still further embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG. 22   a  shows an alternate base portion for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage and a resulting glass product according to still yet another embodiment of the current invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 4  show an apparatus for inhibiting glass breakage according to one embodiment  100  of the current invention. The apparatus  100  broadly includes a housing  110 , a contact member  130 , and a biasing member  140 . 
     The housing  110  has a contact end  112   a  opposite a distal end  112   b , and the contact end  112   a  has an aperture  115  ( FIGS. 2 through 4 ). While the housing  110  may be configured in various ways, it may be desirable for the contact end  112   a  to have a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the distal end  112   b . Such increased surface area at the contact end  112   a  may allow the housing  110  to be better coupled to a glass surface (as discussed further below) while minimizing the size of the housing  110  at the distal end  112   b . The housing  110  is shown to have a first portion  113  extending from the contact end  112   a  and a second portion  114  extending from the distal end  112   b , with each portion  113 ,  114  being generally cylindrical and extending to one another. While such configuration is currently preferred in the embodiment  100 , other geometries (conical, rectangular, octagonal, irregular geometries, more or fewer portions, et cetera) may nevertheless be used. 
     The housing  110  may be constructed of plastic, metal, composites, and/or any other appropriate material. Moreover, various manufacturing processes may be used to form the housing, such as molding, casting, machining, and/or 3-D printing. While in some embodiments the housing  110  is formed as a unitary element, in other embodiments it may be multiple elements coupled together. For example, the first portion  113  may be fastened to the second portion  114  after each portion  113 ,  114  is formed. 
     The contact member  130  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) is disposed at least primarily inside the housing  110 , and specifically in a cavity  116  defined by the housing  110 , and the biasing member  140  ( FIG. 3 ) is similarly disposed in the cavity  116  and biases the contact member  130  toward the housing aperture  115 . In the embodiment  100 , the aperture  115  is round and smaller than the contact member  130  such that the contact member  130  cannot completely pass through the aperture  115 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , it may be desirable for the contact member  130  to be generally spherical to provide a single point of contact between the contact member  130  and a sheet of glass  10  with which the apparatus  100  will be used. In addition, a spherical configuration may allow the contact member  130  to be easily seated in the housing  110  at the aperture  115 . Nevertheless, the contact member  130  may be configured to be shaped differently and the aperture  115  may be shaped complementary to the configuration of the contact member  130 . 
     The contact member  130  may be constructed of entirely non-elastic material (e.g., metal). However, it may be desirable for the contact member  130  to be made at least partially of a resilient material such as rubber, or other materials such as glass. A rubberized coating on a non-elastic material may be particularly suitable, allowing some energy to be absorbed upon impact of the glass  10  and the contact member  130  yet transferring most of an impact force from the glass  10  to the biasing member  140 . 
     The biasing member  140  in the embodiment  100  is a helical spring, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Other types of resilient members may alternately (or additionally) be used in different embodiments, such as a flat spring, a gas spring, a hydraulic spring, or a magnetic spring. An endcap  120  is coupled to the housing  110  to prevent the contact member  130  from exiting the housing  110 , and the biasing member  140  may abut the endcap  120 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The housing  110  includes threading  118  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and the endcap  120  includes complementary threading  122  for coupling the endcap  120  to the housing  110 . The endcap  120  may further include a passage or other element  124  for receiving a driver bit, allowing the endcap  120  to be fastened to the housing  110 . While other embodiments may use fastening methods besides threading (for example, adhesive or fusing), it may be desirable for the endcap  120  to be adjustably coupled to the housing  110 ; such adjustment may allow an amount of force on the contact member  130  provided by the biasing member  140  to be altered as desired. 
     Various means may be included for fastening the housing contact end  112   a  to the glass  10  (which may or may not be generally planar). As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , adhesive  150  may be used to couple the contact end  112   a  to the glass  10 . Especially if the housing contact end  112   a  is generally flat or otherwise not of the same curvature as the glass  10 , the adhesive  150  may be particularly desirable to fill the area between the contact end  112   a  and the glass  10  and provide a strong bond. Nevertheless, other embodiments may use magnetic fasteners, fusing processes, and other suitable fastening technology. 
     In use, the apparatus  100  is adhered to (or otherwise coupled to) the glass  10 , as shown for example in  FIG. 3 . The biasing member  140  biases the contact member  130  toward the aperture  115 , and the contact member  130  extends through the aperture  115  and contacts the glass  10 . The system may remain in this configuration until the glass  10  receives an impact force I. For example, the glass  10  may be a windshield or a residential window, and flying debris may provide the impact force I. Upon receipt of the impact force I, the glass  10  may transfer at least a portion of the impact force I to the contact member  130 , which in turn may move from the contact end  112   a  and transfer force to the biasing member  140 . The biasing member  140  may then return to its prior configuration, moving the contact member  140  back through the aperture  115  and contacting the glass  10 . 
     Inefficiencies in the biasing member  140 , for example, may cause less than the full amount of force transferred to the contact member  130  from the glass  10  to be returned to the glass  10 . This may be particularly advantageous if multiple apparatus  100  are used with the glass  10 . In addition, if multiple apparatus  100  are used with the glass  10 , the timing of the force transfer may vary slightly between the different apparatus  100 , allowing forces to be transferred back to the glass  10  at different times. The glass  10  may be able to withstand this staggered return of forces better than the impact force I if the multiple apparatus  100  were not utilized. 
     To further dissipate the impact force I, a cushion  190  may be placed in the housing  110 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In such embodiments, the cushion  190  may be initially compressed when the contact member  130  contacts the glass  10 . Upon movement of the contact member  130  away from the aperture  115  (and the cushion  190 ), the cushion  190  may expand. The cushion  190  may then absorb some force from the contact member  130  when the contact member  130  is returned to the glass  10 , causing the cushion  190  to return to the compressed configuration. 
     The cushion  190  may be constructed of, for example, open celled polyurethane, and a fast-recovery memory foam may be particularly useful. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials which may quickly return to their original configuration after being compressed may similarly be used. 
     While the positioning of the apparatus  100  may vary (based, for example, on the type of glass application), in some embodiments where the glass  10  is a windshield, multiple apparatus  100  may be dispersed along a perimeter of the glass  10  and/or behind the rear view mirror so as not to unnecessarily obstruct the driver&#39;s view. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show another apparatus  200  for inhibiting glass breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  200 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between  200  and  299  may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between  100  and  199  (e.g., housing  210  corresponds generally to the housing  110 ), though with any noted or shown deviations. 
     In embodiment  200 , endcap  220  is fused to housing  210 . For example, the housing  210  and the endcap  220  may be plastic coupled together through friction welding or ultrasonic welding. 
       FIGS. 8 through 11  show another apparatus  300  for inhibiting glass breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  300 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between  300  and  399  may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between  100  and  199  (e.g., housing  310  corresponds generally to the housing  110 ), though with any noted or shown deviations. 
     In embodiment  300 , the housing  310  is sized to contain more than one of the contact members  330 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the housing contact end  312   a  has more than one of the apertures  315 , and the apparatus  300  may further include at least one cushion  390  ( FIG. 11 ) inside the housing  310  associated with each aperture  315 . While embodiment  300  has three rectangular apertures  315 , a generally rectangular contact end  312   a , and a rounded distal end  312   b , the housing  310  can be configured in various ways (as noted regarding the embodiment  100 ) and may include more or fewer apertures  315  of any appropriate shape to correspond to the contact member(s)  330 . And while the drawings show the housing  310  to be a unitary member, it may generally be formed of multiple segments coupled together during a manufacturing process. 
     The contact members  330  are disposed at least primarily inside the housing  310 , with each of the contact members  330  being associated with (and biased toward) a respective aperture  315 . The embodiment  300  includes rectangular contact members  330  each having a recess  331  ( FIG. 11 ), and the apertures  315  are smaller than the contact members  330  such that the contact members  330  cannot completely pass through the apertures  315 . Such sizing may be particularly desirable when the apparatus  300  is for “aftermarket” use (i.e., when the glass product is not sold with the apparatus  300 ). 
     When multiple contact members  330  are included, they may be biased toward the apertures  315  by a single biasing member  340 , or by multiple biasing members  340 . The embodiment  300  includes multiple biasing members  340 , shown to be flat springs  340   a  coupled to one another by a rail  340   b . More particularly, the embodiment  300  includes a piece of stamped metal bent to define the flat springs  340   a . While  FIG. 11  shows an upper end of a respective flat spring  340   a  touching the housing  310 , other embodiments employing flat springs  340   a  may include a spacing between the spring upper ends and the housing  310 . And, as discussed above regarding the embodiment  100 , other types of biasing members  310  may be used. 
       FIG. 12  shows the apparatus  300  in one method of use, and a resulting glass product. First and second sheets of glass  31 ,  32  may be spaced apart or laminated together (as shown). Windshield applications, for example, may include lamination; window applications, for example, may include spacing. The second sheet of glass has at least one opening  32   a  therein, and the contact end  312   a  of the housing  310  is coupled to at least one of the sheets  31 ,  32 . One of the contact members  330  passes through a respective opening  32   a  and rests upon the first sheet  31  for receiving an impact force from the first sheet  31 . Another of the contact members  330  rests upon the second sheet  32  for receiving an impact force from the second sheet  32 . Forces from each sheet  31 ,  32  are transferred generally as described above regarding  FIGS. 1 through 5 . By receiving at least a portion of an impact force from the sheet  31 , the apparatus  300  may be better able to prevent breakage than if only the sheet  32  were contacted. 
       FIG. 12   a  shows the apparatus  300  configured as a ribbon (i.e., with the housing  310  elongated and having a reduced distance between ends  312   a ,  312   b ) and positioned between the windshield  10  and an automobile body  2 . In such embodiments, the windshield  10  may be directly installed atop the apparatus  300 . 
       FIGS. 13 through 15  show another apparatus  400  for inhibiting glass breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  400 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between  400  and  499  may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between  100  and  199  (e.g., housing  410  corresponds generally to the housing  110 ), though with any noted or shown deviations. 
     In embodiment  400 , the housing  410  is configured as a rear view mirror mount, such that the housing  410  may be coupled to a windshield and a rear view mirror may in turn be coupled to the housing  410 . While it may be particularly desirable for the housing  410  to be constructed of metal, other materials (e.g., plastic, ceramic, or glass) may alternately be used. The biasing member  440  shown in  FIG. 15  is another type of flat spring. But, as noted above, other types of biasing members may be used. 
       FIGS. 16 through 18  show another apparatus  500  for inhibiting glass breakage that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  500 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between  500  and  599  may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered between  100  and  199  (e.g., housing  510  corresponds generally to the housing  110 ), though with any noted or shown deviations. 
     In embodiment  500 , the housing  510  is configured to attach to a rear view mirror mount  570 , such that the housing  510  overlays the mount  570  for example. And in the embodiment  500 , endcap  520  is shown fused to the housing  510 . The endcap  520  may extend to a mirror portion  580 , and a ball and socket joint or other structure may be utilized to allow positioning of the mirror portion  580  to be easily adjusted. In other embodiments, the housing  510  may extend to the mirror portion  580  (with any adjustment elements included), and other structure (e.g., set screws or removable plates) may be used to support the biasing member  540 . A cushion corresponding to the cushion  190  may of course be included in the housing  510 . 
     In use, the mount  570  is coupled to a windshield, and the housing  510  is coupled to the mount  570  such that the contact member  530  passes through a hole  575  in the mount  570  and rests on the windshield. Force transfer may occur generally as set forth above to inhibit glass breakage, and the mirror portion  580  may be used in a traditional manner to improve a user&#39;s view. 
       FIGS. 19-20  show another apparatus  600  for inhibiting glass breakage in one method of use, and a resulting glass product. First and second sheets of glass  61 ,  62  are spaced apart by a spacer  63  that includes a ledge  64 . A bonding agent (not shown) may couple the spacer  63  to the glass  61 ,  62 . The apparatus  600  includes a base portion  610 , a contact member  630 , and a biasing member  640 . In some embodiments, the base portion  610 , the contact member  630 , and the biasing member  640  are all made of a continuous, unitary material (e.g., resilient metal, resilient plastic, et cetera), either with or without an overlying coating; in other embodiments, one or more of the portions  610 ,  630 ,  640  are formed separately and coupled to the other portions (e.g., by adhesive, welding, et cetera). The base portion  610  is configured to interact with the ledge  64  to maintain the base portion  610  stationary relative to the glass  61 ,  62  and the spacer  63 . Adhesive or other fastening methods may or may not be used to further fix the base portion  610  to the spacer  63 , and distal end  610   a  of the base portion  610  may or may not extend to spacer face  63   a.    
     Continuing, the contact member  630  abuts the glass  61 , and the biasing member  640  biases the contact member  630  toward the glass  61 . As shown in  FIGS. 19-20 , it may be desirable for the contact member  630  to be generally round to provide a single point of contact between the contact member  630  and the glass  61 . Nevertheless, the contact member  630  may be configured to be shaped differently. As with the contact member  130  described above, rubber and glass may also be suitable materials for the contact member  630 . Rubberized coatings on resilient or non-resilient materials may further be acceptable. The apparatus  600  in  FIGS. 19-20  is formed of a unitary sheet of material bent to define the base portion  610 , the contact member  630 , and the biasing member  640 , and one end of the sheet is rolled to define the contact member  630 . 
     The biasing member  640  specifically causes the contact member  630  to impart a first force in direction F1 on the glass  61 , and the system may remain in this configuration until the glass  61  receives an impact force in direction F2 (e.g., imparted by flying debris). Upon receipt of the impact force F2, the glass  61  may transfer at least a portion of the impact force F2 to the contact member  630 , which in turn may transfer force to the biasing member  640 . The biasing member  640  may then return part of the force F2 to the glass  61  via the contact member  630 . In some embodiments, the contact member  630  may move from the glass  61  upon receiving the portion of the impact force F2. 
     Inefficiencies in the biasing member  640 , for example, may cause less than the full amount of force transferred to the contact member  630  from the glass  61  to be returned to the glass  61 . This may be particularly advantageous if multiple apparatus  600  are used with the glass  61 . In addition, if multiple apparatus  600  are used with the glass  61 , the timing of the force transfer may vary slightly between the different apparatus  600 , allowing forces to be transferred back to the glass  61  at different times. The glass  61  may be able to withstand this staggered return of forces better than the impact force F2 if the multiple apparatus  600  were not utilized. 
     To further dissipate the impact force F2, a cushion may be coupled to the contact member  630  (e.g., using adhesive or other appropriate fastening devices and methods). In such embodiments, the cushion may be initially compressed when the contact member  630  contacts the glass  61 . Upon movement of the contact member  630  away from the glass  61 , the cushion may expand. The cushion may then absorb some force from the contact member  630  when the contact member  630  is returned to the glass  61 , causing the cushion to return to the compressed configuration. The cushion may be constructed of, for example, open celled polyurethane, and a fast-recovery memory foam may be particularly useful. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials which may quickly return to their original configuration after being compressed may similarly be used. 
       FIG. 21  shows an alternate base portion  610 ′ for use in the apparatus  600 . The alternate base portion  610 ′ illustrates that various configurations may be appropriate for interacting with the ledge  64 . 
       FIG. 22  shows the apparatus  600  for inhibiting glass breakage and a resulting glass product (slightly exploded) that is substantially similar to as described above regarding embodiment  600 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. In  FIG. 22 , the spacer  63  is not present (or at least not utilized). As such, the base portion  610  extends in a pressure fit between glass sheets  61 ,  62 . Adhesive or other fastening methods may or may not be used to further fix the base portion  610  to the glass  61 ,  62 . 
       FIG. 22   a  shows another alternate base portion  610 ″ for use in the apparatus  600 . Here, alternate base portion  610 ″ is coupled to the glass sheet  61  (e.g., by adhesive). The alternate base portion  610 ″ illustrates that various base configurations may be appropriate for interacting with the glass  61 ,  62  (or the spacer  63 ). 
       FIG. 23  shows another apparatus  700  for inhibiting glass breakage in one method of use that is substantially similar to embodiment  600 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  700  (and thus the embodiment  600 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between  700  and  799  may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered  600 - 699  (e.g, contact member  630  corresponds generally to contact member  730 ) though with any noted or shown deviations. In an embodiment, the apparatus  700  includes a base portion  710 , a contact member  730 , a first biasing member  740   a , a second biasing member  740   b , and a rail  760 . 
     The rail  760  may be a piece of material extending around the perimeter of a window frame between a first sheet of glass  71  and a second sheet of glass  72  or may be, for example, a grid pattern visible through the glass  71 ,  72 . The first and second sheets of glass  71 ,  72  may be spaced apart by a spacer  73 . The base portion  710  may, for example, fit snugly within the spacer  73  between the first and second sheets of glass  71 ,  72 . The first biasing member  740   a  abuts the rail  760 . The second biasing member  740   b  extends from the rail  760  to the contact member  730 , and the contact member  730  abuts the first sheet of glass  71 . The first biasing member  740   a  biases against the rail  760 , which supports the second biasing member  740   b , which biases the contact member  730  toward the glass  71 . 
     When a force is received against the first sheet of glass  71 , at least a portion of the force is transferred to the contact member  730 . The contact member  730  pushes against the second biasing member  740   b  which causes temporary deformation of the second biasing member  740   b  as it pushes against the rail  760  and may allow the contact member  730  to separate from the glass  71 . If the force upon the first sheet of glass  71  is great enough, then the force transferred to the rail  760  by the second biasing member  740   b  may be sufficient to cause temporary deformation of the first biasing member  740   a  and movement of the rail  760 . The first biasing member  740   a , the rail  760 , the second biasing member  740   b , and the contact member  730  may eventually each return to their initial positions. As described above, cushions may be used (e.g., with the contact member  730 ), and the amount of force transferred back to the first sheet of glass  71  may be less than the force initially received. 
     As set forth in  FIG. 23 , multiple base portions  710 , biasing members  740   a ,  740   b , and contact members  730  may be associated with the rail  760 . 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Various steps in described methods may be undertaken simultaneously or in other orders than specifically provided.