Patent Publication Number: US-10774577-B2

Title: Window system with insert for preventing glass breakage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/318,997, filed Jan. 18, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,563,452, which is the national phase of, and claims priority to, International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/042815, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which designated the U.S. and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/364,129, filed Jul. 19, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/405,501, filed Oct. 7, 2016. The applications are each incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     All windows, regardless of whether they are single pane, double pane, made of pure glass, or acrylic are subject to breakage due to forces that are received upon one or more of the panes of windows. A breakage occurs when a force that is received by the window pane is greater than that which the window pane was designed to withstand. Acrylic glass windows, such as Plexiglas®, Acrylite®, Lucite®, and Perspex®, were designed using poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate), which gives the window increased resiliency and ability to resist breakage. Unfortunately, however, cracks and breaks still occur and require repair, or in some cases, total replacement. 
     An additional flaw of many windows is their inability to dampen outside noise. A windows&#39; ability to block out or reduce noise is quantified according to a Sound Transmission Class (STC). STC ratings measure the average amount of noise stopped at 18 different frequencies, in decibels. The higher the STC value, the more sound is stopped. The STC rating for an average double-pane window is usually in the range of about 26 to 33. By comparison, a single pane glass window has an STC rating of about 26-28. Even the best dual pane windows, which may have an STC rating of 35, still allow a significant amount of noise to transfer through to the other side. 
     A simple but effective system for reducing a window&#39;s susceptibility to breakage and increasing noise blockage would be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects thereof. The 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 herein. 
     In one embodiment, a window system for dissipating impact forces happening upon a window includes first and second window panes separated by a spacer and tubing positioned between the first and second window panes substantially adjacent the spacer. The tubing includes at least one tab extending outwardly from the tubing. In a use configuration, the tab extends partially along a width of the spacer and is positioned between the spacer and one of the first and second window panes. The spacer is coated with an adhesive, which causes a seal to be formed between the first and second window panes around the tab. In use, an initial force happens upon one of the first and second window panes and is at least partially shifted to the tubing causing the tubing to temporarily deform. The tubing subsequently returns to its initial shape. 
     In another embodiment, a window system for dissipating impact forces happening upon a window includes first and second window panes separated by a spacer and tubing positioned between the first and second window panes substantially adjacent the spacer. The spacer is coated with an adhesive, the adhesive causing a seal to be formed between the first and second window panes. In use, a waveform energy having a fundamental frequency is received by one of the first and second window panes and is partially transferred to the tubing. The tubing attenuates the impact of the energy on the window. 
     In still another embodiment, a window system for dissipating impact forces happening upon a window includes first and second window panes spatially separated and surround by a window frame; and tubing positioned between the first and second window panes around a perimeter of the window. A waveform energy having a fundamental frequency is received by one of the first and second window panes and is partially transferred to the tubing. The tubing attenuates the impact of the energy on the window. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a section of a window having tubing disposed therein according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a section of a window according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of a piece of tubing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a piece of tubing according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a piece of tubing according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a front view of a piece of tubing according to still yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3E  is a front view of a piece of tubing according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3F  is a front view of still another piece of tubing according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3G  is a perspective view of a piece of tubing according to still yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3H  is a perspective view of a piece of tubing according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a section of a window having tubing disposed therein according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a section of a window according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a section of a window according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a section of a window according to still yet another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of a window according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Window systems for preventing damage to the window and reducing noise transmissions are disclosed herein.  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a cut-out portion of a double-pane window  100  having a sash  105  supporting first and second window panes,  108   a  and  108   b  respectively. A spacer  115  coated with an adhesive (e.g, butyl) is positioned around the perimeter P of the window between the first and second window panes  108   a  and  108   b . The spacer  115  ensures that the panes  108   a  and  108   b  are kept a uniform distance apart. Additionally, the spacer  115  can help to insulate the window. Less metal spacers and no metal spacers incorporate foam to reduce heat transfer through the window and avoid condensation buildup. In the void  117  between the window panes  108   a  and  108   b , window manufacturers will often inject gas to act as further insulation. 
     Thus, while there are incorporated within a window insulating systems, windows do not have systems for preventing glass breakage and/or systems for reducing sound transmission. In an embodiment of the invention, tubing  110  is positioned around the perimeter P of the window  100  between the window panes  108   a  and  108   b  to provide breakage protection and noise reduction. The tubing  110  may abut the spacer  115 . Depending on the size (diameter) of the tubing, a portion of the tubing  110  may extend into the main portion  112  of the window  100 . By extending into the main portion  112  of the window  100 , the tubing  110  may be better able to diffuse the forces received by the main portion  112  of the window. The tubing  110  may thus be visible through the window  100 , and therefore, it may be desirable for the tubing  110  to be substantially transparent. In a preferred embodiment, the tubing  110  is configured as a clear material such that the tubing  110  is as inconspicuous as possible. 
     In one embodiment, the tubing  110  may be a simple cylindrical tube, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the tube  110  may take a variety of alternate configurations.  FIGS. 3A-3H  illustrate several possible configurations of the tubing.  FIG. 3A  shows the tubing  110  having one or more tabs  111 .  FIG. 3B  shows the tubing  111  with a single tab  111  running along the length of the tubing  110 . Alternately,  FIG. 3C  shows a plurality of tabs  111  disposed along the length of the tubing.  FIGS. 3A-3C  show the tab(s)  111  extending outwardly from the tubing  110  such that the tab  111  is tangential to a point along the outer perimeter of the tubing  110 . Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that the tabs  111  may be co-molded, co-extruded, or extruded with the tubing  110  as a single unitary piece. Alternately, the tabs  111  may be manufactured separately from and subsequently adhered to the tubing  110 . 
     In still other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3D , the tab  111  includes a side portion  111 ′ and a top portion  111 ″ extending perpendicularly from the side portion  111 ′. The side portion  111 ′ may preferably be co-molded with the tubing  110  or may be otherwise attached to the tubing  110  as appropriate. In a further embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3F , the tubing  110  is provided in a “U” shape, rather than a cylindrical shape. 
     The tabs  111  may be useful, among other things, to ensure that the tubing  110  does not move from its intended position. The tab  111  may extend away from the tubing  110  a sufficient distance such that, when placed along the spacer  115 , it extends toward the center of the spacer.  FIG. 4  illustrates tubing  110 A having a plurality of tabs (e.g.,  111   a ,  111   b ,  111   c ,  111   d ,  111   e , etc.) which extend into and along the width of the spacer  115 . Also illustrated is tubing  110 B having a single tab  111   f  which runs along the length of the spacer  115 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3F  show tubing  110  having filaments  120  disposed within the center portion of the tubing  110 . The filaments  120  may be provided in addition to the tabs  111 , or in a simple cylindrical tubing  110  without tabs  111 . The filaments  120  may be formed from a flexible material that moves (e.g., resonates) as a result of forces that happen upon one or more of the window panes  108 . Forces may include physical forces to the window (e.g., a rock hitting the window) but may also be forces that are much smaller in magnitude, such as sound waves, radio waves, seismic waves, etc. 
     The filaments  120  may be particularly useful to prevent sound from transmitting through the window  100 . The filaments  120  may be provided in varying lengths to stifle varying frequencies of sound waves. The filaments  120  may be co-molded, co-extruded, or extruded with the tubing  110 , as is known to those of skill in the art. 
       FIGS. 3H and 3G  illustrate additional alternative embodiments of a window system  300  having tubing  310  with splines  312  extending through the center thereof. A central spline  312   a  extends transversely across the tube  310 , and at least one, and preferably more than one, additional spline  312   b  extends diagonally across the tube  310 . The outer wall  311  of the tubing  310  (and/or tubing  110 ) may be formed of any flexible plastic, and may have a durometer of 0 to 80 on the Shore A durometer scale. The splines  312  may additional be formed of any plastic material having a durometer of 0 to 80 on the Shore A scale. Preferably, the splines  312  may have a lower durometer than that of the outer wall  311 . Further, the central spline  312   a  may have a higher durometer than the diagonal splines  312   b.    
     Those of ordinary skill in the art shall understand that the varying levels of hardness of the outer wall  311  and splines  312  may allow the tubing  310  the flexibility to prevent breakage of the window due to impact forces, but also to decrease the amount of sound waves (or other energy waves) that can pass through the window  100 . For example, the central spline  312   a  may block different frequencies of waves than then splines  312   b  due to the difference in the hardness of material of the splines  312 . Nevertheless, it shall be understood that the splines  312  are flexible such that the tubing  310  is compressible. 
     Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 3G , the tubing  310  may further include a pedestal  315 . The pedestal  315  may be formed from the same or similar material as the tubing outer wall  311  or the splines  312 . The pedestal  315  may be configured to slide into and fit within the spacer of a window in order to hold the tubing  310  in place. In one embodiment, the tubing  310  may optionally be configured with tabs as described above. Preferably, the tubing  310  is provided along the entire perimeter P of the window. 
     The tubing  110 ,  310  may be selected from any visco-elastic material that is capable of reducing the forces received by a window pane as a result of an impact, such as urethane polymers, rubber, silicone, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonates, et cetera. Additional materials which may be utilized include sound absorbing materials, including but not limited to traditional foam, foamed elastomers, open celled polyurethane foams, composites, et cetera. In one embodiment, the tubing  110  is made of Sorbothane®. In another embodiment, the tubing  110  is manufactured from polynorbornene, Noene, or Astro-sorb. As noted above, it may be desirable for the tubing  110  to be substantially transparent so as to not to obstruct the view into or out of the window. 
     In one embodiment, it may be desirable for sound to be allowed to travel partially through the tubing. In order to avoid further impediment to the sound waves, the tubing  110 ,  310  may have a plurality of apertures  130  formed therein, through which sound waves are allowed to travel. The apertures  130  may take the form of slits or holes ( FIG. 4 ). The apertures  130  may have a small profile, allowing some of the waves to penetrate the tubing  110  through the apertures  130 . A portion of the sound waves may be trapped in the tubing  110 ; thereby reducing the amount of sound that travels through the window. 
     The tubing  110 ,  310  may be supplied on a roll for easy placement along the perimeter P of the window  100 . In this way, several benefits may be recognized, including reduced factory footprint, increased efficiency due to ease of use and placement, and little waste. The tubing  110  may be placed within the window panes  108   a  and  108   b , generally according to the methods of constructing double pane window. Typically, double pane windows are constructed by first placing a first window pane (e.g.,  108   a ) on a preparation surface. A spacer  115  coated with an adhesive (e.g., butyl) is laid around the perimeter P of the first window pane  108   a . The second window pane (e.g.,  108   b ) is then aligned with the first window pane  108   a  and placed atop the adhesive to seal the two panes  108   a  and  108   b  together. Here, once the spacer  115  is in position along the perimeter of the first window pane  108   a , the tubing  110 ,  310  may be rolled into place along the perimeter P of the window  100 . In embodiments, the tubing  110  is rolled into place such that the tabs  111  (if any) are in the correct position as described above. In other embodiments, the pedestal  315  is inserted into the spacer  115  and the tubing  310  is slid into position. Finally, the second window pane  108   b  may be aligned with the first window pane  108   a  and placed into position. 
     As described above, the tabs  111  may extend partially along the width of the spacer  115 . The adhesive on the spacer  115  interacts with the tabs  111  to keep the tubing  110  in the desired position. The area of the spacer  115  around the tabs  111  adhere to the second window pane  108   b , as is typical, in order to seal the window panes  108   a  and  108   b  together. It is imperative that the seal between the window panes  108   a  and  108   b  is not impaired by the tabs  111 . Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that the tabs  111  may have a very thin profile such that they do not excessively interfere with the ability of the adhesively-coated spacer  115  to seal the window panes  108   a  and  108   b  together. 
     As the tubing  110 ,  310  is placed along the perimeter P of the window  100 , the worker may cut the tubing  110 ,  310  at positions corresponding to the corners of the window  100  (for example) so that the tubing  110 ,  310  fits snugly into the corners of the window  100 . 
     When the tubing  110 ,  310  is placed in position around the perimeter P of the window  100 , forces that act upon the window  100  (such as rocks, heavy wind, flying debris, sound, etc.) are mitigated and may prevent the window  100  from cracking or breaking.  FIGS. 2, 5, and 6  illustrate front views of various embodiments of the tubing  110  and  310  situated between two window panes  108   a  and  108   b . In the figures, it can be seen that the tubing  110   110 ′, and  310  is slightly squished between the window panes  108   a  and  108   b  to ensure that the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  is in constant contact with the window panes  108   a  and  108   b . With the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  in constant contact with the window panes  108   a  and  108   b , when a force happens upon one of the window panes  108   a  or  108   b , the glass transfers a portion of the force to the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310 , which may cause the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  to be further squeezed between the window panes  108   a  and  108   b . The tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  may then return to its original form (e.g., before the force), thus returning some of the force to the window pane  108 . Due to unavoidable losses, the force that is returned to the window pane  108  is less than the force that was initially received thereupon. The tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  thus takes some of the force that is received by the window pane and may prevent the window  100  from cracking and/or breaking, as the window panes  108  may be better able to withstand the lesser return forces from the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310 . 
     Similarly, the tubing  110 ,  110 ′, and  310  may dissipate vibrations caused as a result of sound impacting the window panes  108 . As described above, the filaments  120  or splines  312  may be configured in a variety of lengths and/or durometers. When energy waves of varying frequencies hit the window pane(s)  108 , the filaments  120  or splines  312  may absorb some of the wave, thereby reducing the noise traveling through the window  100 . It shall be understood that absorption of the waveform energy may attenuate several frequencies simultaneously. Additionally, the fundamental frequency of the waveform, as well as other harmonic frequencies contained in the composite set of energy waves, may be attenuated based on the material attributes, temperature, and density of the materials used. The reduction of frequency subsets within the overall frequency spectrum may help to dampen the overall noise profile travelling through the window  100 . 
     It shall be recognized that while the description herein is focused on the use of a double-pane window system  100  for a building, the window system described herein may be used in other applications, including but not limited to car windshields, etc. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  show alternative embodiments of the invention. In  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the window system  200  includes two window panes  208   a  and  208   b  separated by a spacer  210 . The spacer  210  may be made of a flexible and/or resilient material, such as a urethane, for example. The spacer  210  may be equipped with polarized magnets  212  ( FIG. 7A ) on either end of the spacer  210 . Alternatively, springs  214  (or other biasing apparatus) may be provided on either end of the spacer  210  ( FIG. 7B ). A weight  216  may be positioned between the magnets  212  (or the springs  214  or other biasing apparatus, as the case may be). For example, the polarizing magnets  212  may suspend the weight  216  along the length of the spacer  210 , such that the weight  216  can translate along the length of the spacer  210  when a force is imparted upon one or more of the window panes  208 . Alternately, the springs  214  may bias the weight  216  toward the center of the spacer  210 . 
     When a force happens upon the window pane(s)  208 , a portion of the force is transferred to the biasing apparatus (e.g., magnets  212 , springs  214 , etc.), causing the weight  216  to shift from its initial position. The weight  216  subsequently returns to its initial position, thereby imparting a second force on the window pane(s) via the biasing apparatus, which is less than or equal to the force that was initially received upon the window pane(s)  208  in the first place. The window panes  208  may thus be less likely to break or crack due to the force that happens upon the panes  208 , in the event of a physical force received by the window. Further, other forces of smaller magnitude may be dissipated. 
     The window systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  may additionally be equipped with electronic capabilities. Sensors (e.g., motion), microphones, temperature gauges, cameras, recording devices, lights, etc. (collectively “sensors”  180 ) may be provided along with (or separate from) the tubing  110  or  310  or spacer construct  210  to allow the window system  100 ,  200 , and  300  to monitor and/or influence activity in or around the window  100  or  200 . For example, the sensors located at or near the window  100  or  200  may be programmed to set off an alarm (e.g., auditory, visual (e.g., lights), etc.) if a force exceeding a threshold value is received by one or more of the window panes  108 . 
     Optionally, the camera and/or recording device may record the happenings around the window  100  or  200 . The camera and/or recording device may be activated in response to an event (e.g., a force received and recognized by a sensor in communication with the camera and/or recording device). Alternately, the camera and/or recording device may record during a specified and programmable period of time (e.g., while on vacation). 
     The electronic components may be powered via connection to the low-voltage power system within the home. Alternately, a battery may be provided at or near the window to provide power to the system. The battery may be re-chargeable, and in embodiments, may be charged via solar power. In still another alternative, the electronic components themselves may be solar powered, or powered using any other method now known or later developed. 
     Information from the sensors  180  may be transmitted according to methods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., wirelessly over a network) to a remote computing device, which may store and/or otherwise monitor the information therefrom. In embodiments, the information from one sensor  180  (e.g., a motion sensor) may cause a response by another sensor  180  (e.g., lights). For example, if a motion sensor detects movement at or near a window, it may activate the lights, which may be provided around the frame, between the panes of glass  108   a  and  108   b , or any other location at or near the window. 
     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.