Patent Publication Number: US-2010115863-A1

Title: Curtain Walling

Description:
The present invention relates to an adapter for attaching a solar-shading bracket to a curtain walling mullion, a method of mounting a solar-shading bracket to a curtain walling mullion using such an adapter, and to apparatus for attaching solar shading to a curtain walling mullion, the apparatus including an energy break device. 
     In order to hang, typically exterior, solar shading across an expanse of glass, it is known from EP 1239094B1 to provide a solar-shading bracket for attachment to a curtain walling mullion. However, there are a variety of manufacturers producing curtain walling mullions with varying specifications, and yet further manufacturers producing brackets, also with varying specifications. It has therefore become increasingly difficult for a supplier to supply solar-shading brackets which fit curtain walling mullions already installed on a building, and especially where glass has been installed. 
     The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to this problem. 
     Furthermore, through research, it has been determined that energy transfer, both in terms of heat and sound, into and out of a building, through a curtain walling mullion, to an attached solar-shading bracket and thus into the environment is reasonably significant. 
     Therefore, the present invention also seeks to address this problem. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter for attaching a solar-shading bracket to a curtain walling mullion, the adapter comprising a body element for location on the curtain walling mullion and adapted to support the solar-shading bracket, mullion attaching means for attaching the body element to the curtain walling mullion, and bracket attaching means for attaching the solar-shading bracket to the adapter. 
     Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims  2  to  17 , inclusive. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a solar-shading bracket in combination with one or more adapters for attaching a solar-shading bracket to a curtain walling mullion, the adapter comprising a body element for location on the curtain walling mullion and adapted to support the solar-shading bracket, mullion attaching means for attaching the, body element to the curtain walling mullion, and bracket attaching means for attaching the solar-shading bracket to the adapter, the solar-shading bracket having a mullion engaging formation at one end, and the body element of the adapter being shaped to receive the mullion engaging formation of the bracket. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a solar-shading bracket to a curtain walling mullion, the method comprising the steps of : a) providing an adapter comprising a body element adapted to support the bracket, mullion attaching means, and bracket attaching means; b) fastening the body element to the mullion using the mullion attaching means; and c) fastening the bracket to the body element using the bracket attaching means. 
     Preferable and/or optional features of the third aspect of the invention are set forth in claims  21  to  25 , inclusive. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a apparatus for attaching solar shading to a curtain walling mullion, the apparatus comprising a solar-shading bracket, a curtain walling mullion to which the solar-shading bracket is attachable, and an energy break device interposed therebetween, the energy break device preventing or reducing energy transfer between the mullion and the bracket. 
     Preferable and/or optional features of the fourth aspect of the invention are set forth in claims  27  to  35 , inclusive. 
    
    
     
       The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of an adapter, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, attached to a glazing bar of a curtain walling mullion, and also a first embodiment of an energy break device forming part of apparatus for attaching solar shading to a curtain walling mullion, in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a solar-shading bracket attached to the adapter; 
         FIG. 3  shows a first fastener used to connect a body element of the adapter to the mullion; 
         FIG. 4  shows a second embodiment of an adapter, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, attached to a glazing bar of a curtain walling mullion, and having a modified first fastener used to connect the body element of the adapter to the mullion; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the modified first fastener shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a third embodiment of an adapter, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in exploded fashion relative to a glazing bar of a curtain walling mullion; 
         FIG. 7  shows the mullion, third embodiment of the adapter, energy break device, and solar-shading bracket, when assembled; 
         FIG. 8  shows a fourth embodiment of an adapter, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and interposed between a curtain walling mullion and a solar-shading bracket; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the adapter shown in  FIG. 8 , from another direction; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an energy break device, in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an adapter, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, mounted to a curtain walling mullion via an energy break device, glazing units, a pressure plate, and with a solar-shading bracket attached to the adapter; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective exploded view of the fifth embodiment, with the glazing units and pressure plate removed for clarity; and 
         FIG. 13  shows a diagrammatic side view of a sixth embodiment of a curtain walling mullion with two adaptors supporting a single solar-shading bracket. 
     
    
    
     Referring firstly to  FIGS. 1 to 3  of the drawings, there is shown a known curtain walling mullion  10  which comprises a box-section mullion  12  having an integral glazing bar  14  extending along a length of an in use front face of the mullion. The mullion is typically extruded in aluminium. 
     The glazing bar  14  has a stem portion  16  which projects forwardly from, and which extends centrally or substantially central along, the front face of the mullion  12 . 
     The stem portion  16  has a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped lateral cross-section, thus defining an open channel  18 . Opposing side walls  20  of the channel  18  are typically serrated to receive self-tapping screws during installation of glazing assemblies on the glazing bar  14 . 
     An adapter  22  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , attached to the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 . The adapter  22  comprises an elongate, typically metal or insulating plastics or rubber, body element  24  which is positionable directly on the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 , mullion attaching means which includes first fasteners  26  for fastening the body element  24  to the glazing bar  14  and/or box-section mullion  12  itself, bracket attaching means which includes second fasteners  28  for attaching a solar-shading bracket  30  to the body element  24 , and energy break means for preventing or reducing thermal and/or acoustic energy transfer between the mullion  12  and a solar-shading bracket  30 . 
     The body element  24  has a width which matches or substantially matches an exterior width of the stem portion  16 , so that the body element  24  can be seated on and supported by the walls  20  of the channel  18  of the stem portion  16 . The body element  24  also has a length which matches or substantially matches a mullion contacting portion  32 , generally being a U-shaped saddle portion  34 , of the solar-shading bracket  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). The U-shaped saddle portion  34  of the bracket  30  is shaped to, typically, complementarily receive or engage the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14  therein. 
     The body element  24  is generally cuboid shaped, and has a front bracket-facing surface  36 , a rear mullion-facing surface  38 , two major side surfaces  40  contiguous with the front and rear surfaces  36 ,  38 , and two minor end surfaces  42  contiguous with the front, rear and side surfaces  36 ,  38 ,  40 . The major side surfaces  40  have longitudinal extents which are significantly greater than lateral dimensions of the minor end surfaces  42 . 
     As part of the mullion attaching means, the front surface  36  includes a plurality of equi-distantly spaced recesses  44  along the entire longitudinal extent of the body element which thus aids bearing capacity. In this embodiment, the recesses  44  break out onto the major side surfaces  40 . However, the recesses can be formed to be enclosed. 
     The break out of the recesses  44  results in castellations  46  or a tooth-like profile being formed along the body element  24 . 
     A through-hole  48  is formed in the base of each recess  44  to extend to and break out from the rear surface  38  of the body element  24 . The recesses  44  and the through-holes  48  are dimensioned to receive as a close-fit the first fasteners  26  of the mullion attaching means. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first fasteners  26  have an elongate shank  50 , at least threaded at a head-end  52 , and a pivotable catch element  54  at or adjacent to a tail-end  56 . A face  58  of the shank  50  at the head-end  52  preferably includes a slot (not shown) to receive a screw-driver or similar tool. The pivotable catch element  54  has a pivot axis which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the shank  50 . The pivotable catch element  54  is asymmetric about the pivot axis, resulting in the pivotable catch element  54  having the tendency to pivot to a position in which a longitudinal extent of the catch element  54  is normal to the longitudinal extent of the shank  50 . 
     The energy break means comprises a plurality of energy break devices, including an insulating sheet  60  for interposition between the rear mullion-facing surface  38  of the body element  24  and the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 , an insulating flanged sleeve  62  for location on the base of each recess  44  and which projects into the through-hole  48 , and an insulating cap  64  for positioning in the recess  44  to cover the head-end  52  of the first fastener  26 . 
     The tail-end  56  and/or the pivotable catch element  54  of the first fasteners  26  is/are also, preferably, formed of or covered in insulating material, thus also forming part of the energy break means. 
     To attach the body element  24  of the adapter  22  to the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 , through-holes  66  of sufficient dimension to receive the tail-end  56  of the first fasteners  26  are first formed, typically by an installer using a drill, in the base of the channel  18  of the stem portion  16  and into the box-section mullion  12 . The body element  24  is placed on the edges of the stem portion  16 , with the insulating sheet  60  therebetween. The first fasteners  26  are slid into the respective recesses  44  in the body element  24 , into the insulating flanged sleeves  62 , and through the through-holes  48 ,  66 , until the tail-ends  56  project into the interior of the box-section mullion  12 . Once free of the constraints of the through-holes  66 , the pivotable catch elements  54  pivot and abut against an interior surface of the box-section mullion  12 , thus preventing the first fasteners  26  from being withdrawn. A mating threaded nut  68  is then wound onto the head-end  52  of the shank  50 . The nut  68  is wound down into the recess  44  until it abuts against the insulating flanged sleeve  62  on the base of the recess  44 . The body element  24  is thus securely clamped to the stem portion  16 , and the insulating caps  64  are pressed into the recesses  44 . 
     The first fasteners  26  described above are obviously beneficial, since they provide far greater load bearing capacity for the solar-shading bracket  30 . However, other kinds of fasteners can be utilised, for example, self-tapping screws. In this case, through-holes  66  which extend between the base of the stem portion  16  and the interior of the box-section mullion  12  could be dispensed with, and the self-tapping screws can simply engage with the side walls  20  of the channel  18  of the stem portion  16 . 
     As part of the bracket attaching means, a plurality of lateral through-openings  70  are formed through the major side surfaces  40  of the body element  24 . The through-openings  70  are dimensioned to closely receive the second fasteners  28  of the bracket attaching means. The mullion attaching means and the bracket attaching means thus in use extend transversely, and typically laterally, to each other. 
     To attach the solar-shading bracket  30  to the installed adapter  22 , the U-shaped saddle portion  34  is simply seated on the body element  24 . Side walls  72  of the U-shaped saddle portion  34  of the bracket  30  are typically preformed with holes which match the through-openings  70  formed in the body element  24  of the adapter  22 . The second fasteners  28  are thus slid through the holes in the side walls  72  of the saddle portion  34  of the bracket  30 , and through the though-openings  70  in the body element  24 , thereby engaging the bracket  30  with the adapter  22 . 
     The glazing bar  14  typically has insulating rubber strips which run in spaced parallel relationship with the stem portion  16 . The panes of glass abut the insulating strips, and a pressure plate is then used to clamp the panes of glass in place. The pressure plate is connected to the stem portion  16  by threaded fasteners. The pressure plate also includes similar insulating rubber strips which oppose those on the glazing bar  14 . Thus, each pane of glass is sandwiched tightly between the glazing bar and the pressure plate. This is common practice and well known in the field. 
     In the present invention, the adapter  22  is installed on the glazing bar side of the pressure plate, on the solar-shading bracket side of the pressure plate, or passing though the pressure plate. In the latter case, the pressure plate is formed with a suitably dimensioned opening which will accept the adapter  22 . 
     The second fasteners  28  can be, for example, screw-threaded devices, such as nuts and bolts, or even self-tapping screws. 
     Some known solar-shading brackets have openings (not shown) in a web portion  76  which extends between the side walls  72  of the U-shaped saddle portion  34 , instead of the above-described openings which extend in a lateral direction to the direction of projection of the in use bracket  30 . The web portion  76  defines a base of the U-shaped saddle portion  34 , and these openings thus extend in parallel with the direction of projection of the in use bracket  30 . 
     A solar-shading bracket having such openings is thus traditionally engaged with the glazing bar  14  simply by locating screws or bolts in the openings and fastening in the channel  18  of the stem portion  16 . 
     To provide for this alternative method of attachment of the bracket, the bracket attaching means of the body element  24  of the adapter  22  includes end-openings  78  formed in the front surface  36 , adjacent to the minor end surfaces  42 . The end-openings  78  are though-holes, suitable for receiving self-tapping screws or nuts and bolts. In this regard, the bracket attaching means thus extends in parallel or substantially parallel with the mullion attaching means. 
     The energy break means described above can also be applied to the bracket attaching means. 
     The adapter  22  can be provided with only the lateral through-openings  70 , only the end-openings  78 , or both. 
     With the adapter  22  attached to the glazing bar  14 , and the solar-shading bracket  30  attached to the adapter  22 , solar shading can thus be hung, in any suitable known manner, from an, typically planar, arm portion  80  which extends forwardly from the U-shaped saddle portion  34 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5  of the drawings, a second embodiment of an adapter  122  is shown. This adapter  122  is similar to that of the first embodiment, except for a first fastener  126  of the mullion attaching means. These first fasteners  126  have improved loading bearing characteristics over those described above, and also form part of adjustment means which allows for adjustment of a body element  124  relative to the first fasteners  126 . 
     The box-section mullion  12  and glazing bar  14  with central or substantially central stem portion  16  are as described above, and the same references are used. Consequently, further detailed description is omitted. 
     The first fastener  126  includes an, at least partially screw-threaded, elongate shank  150 , a head-end  152  having a slot in an adjacent end face for receiving a screw-driver or other similar tool, and a tail-end  156  having a movable catch element  154  engaged thereon. The catch element  154  is angularly displaceable about the longitudinal extent of the shank  150  by rotation of the shank  150 , and includes two elongate offset arm members  182  which extend generally radially outwardly and in generally opposite but offset directions from each other. 
     The first fastener  126  also includes a bearing element  184  which is threadingly engaged on the shank  150 . The bearing element  184  includes a bearing portion  186  intermediate the head-end  152  and the tail-end  156 , and two offset prong elements  188  which extend in parallel or substantially parallel spaced relationship along opposite sides of the shank  150 . The two prong elements  188  extend to a plane which is normal to the longitudinal extent of the shank  150  and in which the catch element  154  lies. 
     Energy break means are again utilised for preventing or limiting the transfer of thermal and/or acoustic energy between the body element  124  and the box-section mullion  12 . The energy break means comprises an insulating flanged sleeve  162  and an insulating cap  164  as described above. Furthermore, the movable catch element  154  and the bearing element  184  are formed from insulating, typically plastics, material. 
     The first fastener  126  of the second embodiment is used in a similar manner to the first fastener  26  of the first embodiment. However, the recesses  144  and through-holes  148  of the mullion attaching means through the body element  124  are dimensioned to receive the catch element  154  and the prong elements  188 . In a first condition in which the offset arm members  182  of the catch element  154  lie against a first portion of the offset prong elements  188 , a compact oval or other non-circular lateral cross-sectional shape is formed. In a second condition in which the catch element  154  is angularly displaced so that the arm members  182  lie against a second portion of the offset prong element, opposite the first portion, due to the arm members  182  and the prong elements  188  being offset, an enlarged oval or non-circular lateral cross-sectional shape results. 
     The recesses  144  and the through-holes  148  of the mullion attaching means are thus shaped to substantially match the compact oval or other non-circular shape, thereby allowing passage of catch element  154  and prong elements  188  when in the first condition. 
     In a similar fashion, the through-holes  66  (see  FIG. 1 ) formed in the base of the channel  18  of the stem portion  16  and through into the interior of the box-section mullion  12  match or substantially match those formed in the body element  124 . As before, the body element  124  is placed on the edges of the stem portion  16  with the insulating sheet  160  therebetween, and, with the catch element  154  and the prong elements  188  adopting the first compact condition, the first fasteners  126  are slid into the respective non-circular recesses  144  in the body element  124 , and through the non-circular through-holes  66 , until the tail-ends  156 , including the catch element  154  and end portions of the prong elements  188 , project into the interior of the box-section mullion  12 . The bearing portion  186  of the bearing element  184  is received in the recess  144  in the body element  124 , and abuts against the base of the recess  144  without passing into the through-hole  148 . By then turning the shank  150 , the catch element  154  rotates to adopt the second enlarged condition, causing the catch element  154  to overlap the through-hole  66  in the box-section mullion  12 . 
     By rotating the shank  150 , the catch element  154  is wound along the shank  150  until, due to the overlap, it contacts the interior surface of the box-section mullion  12 . The body element  124  is thus clamped to the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14  via the bearing portion  186  of the bearing element  184  and the arm members  182  of the catch element  154 . 
     A nut  168  is typically threaded onto the head-end  152  to prevent loosening, and the insulating cap  164  is pressed into the recess  144 . 
     Due to the non-circular recesses  144  and through-holes  148 ,  66 , adapter  122  is provided with adjustment means. The shank  150  of the first fastener  126  has a, typically circular, lateral cross-section which has a dimension smaller than that of the non-circular recesses  144  and through-holes  148  formed in the body element  124 . As such, limited movement of the shank  150  of the first fastener  126 , in a direction normal to the longitudinal extent of the shank  150 , relative to the body element  124  is possible. This is extremely advantageous, since it dispenses with the need for particularly accurate alignment tolerances when the installer is forming the through-holes  66  in the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14  and into the interior of the box-section mullion  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown a third embodiment of an adapter  222  for mounting a solar glazing bracket  30  to an extruded, typically aluminium, glazing bar  14  of a curtain walling mullion  10 . 
     The mullion  10 , glazing bar  14 , and solar-shading bracket  30  are as described in the first embodiment. Consequently, identical references are used for identical parts, and further detailed description is omitted. 
     The adapter  222  in this embodiment comprises an elongate, typically metal, body element  224  which is positionable directly on or in the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 , mullion attaching means, bracket attaching means, and energy break means. 
     The mullion attaching means includes a plurality of hooks  290 , being in this case three. The hooks  290  project from a rear mullion-facing surface  238  of the body element  224 , and are integrally formed as part of the body element  224 . However, the hooks can be formed as discrete elements and attached to the body element. The hooks are fasteners. 
     The recesses and through-holes of the mullion attaching means of the first and second embodiments, which are formed in the body element, are thus dispensed with. However, they can be provided in addition to the hooks  290 , in order to provide an installer with further installation options. 
     The mullion attaching means also includes through-holes  292  formed laterally through each hook  290 , which correspond to through-openings  294  formed in side walls  20  of the stem portion  16 . 
     The bracket attaching means is as described with reference to the first embodiment of the adapter. As such, a plurality of lateral through-openings  270  are formed through major side surfaces  240  of the body element  224  at positions which align with the holes  274  formed in the side walls of the U-shaped saddle portion  34  of the solar-shading bracket  30 . The through-openings  270  in the body element  224  are dimensioned to closely receive second fasteners  228  of the bracket attaching means. 
     The energy break means includes an insulating cover  294  which is positionable over the body element  224 . The insulating cover  294  has a generally U-shaped lateral cross-section. 
     To attach the body element  224  of the adapter  222  to the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 , slots (not shown) of sufficient dimension to receive the hooks  290  are first formed in spaced relationship in the base of the channel  18  of the stem portion  16  and, typically, into the interior of the box-section mullion  12 . The body element  224  is placed on to the edges of the stem portion  16 , such that the hooks  290  engage in the slots. Third fasteners  296  are then inserted transversely through the through-openings  294  of the stem portion  16  and the through-holes  292  of the hooks  290  to securely retain the body element  224  in place. 
     The solar-shading bracket  30  is attached in the manner described above. The insulating cover  294  is placed on the body element  224 , and the U-shaped saddle portion  34  of the bracket  30  is seated directly on the insulating cover  294 . The second fasteners  228  are used to engage the bracket  30  with the body element  224  such that the insulating cover  294  is interposed therebetween. 
     To further limit undesirable transfer of thermal and/or acoustic energy, the first, second and/or third fasteners described above can be formed from, or include, insulating material, thus forming part of the energy break means. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a third embodiment of an adapter  322  is shown. Again, the mullion  10  and glazing bar  14  are as described above, and thus identical references are used to refer to identical parts. The solar-shading bracket  330  is similar to that described above, except that the mullion contacting portion  332 , instead of being a U-shaped saddle, is a solid mounting portion. This solar-shading bracket  330  is another known bracket, similar to that described above, and the two known solar-shading brackets can be interchanged for use with the adapters of the invention. 
     The adapter  322  comprises an elongate body element  324 , mullion attaching means, bracket attaching means, and energy break means. The mullion attaching means and the bracket attaching means can utilise any of the methods or devices mentioned above, and thus further description is omitted. 
     The body element  324  can be formed from any suitable material, including metal. However, preferably, the body element  324  is formed of insulating material, thus being an energy break device and forming part of the energy break means. 
     The body element  324  of this embodiment is formed with a generally U-shaped saddle portion  398  in which the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14  is received. The saddle portion  398  extends the length of the body element  324 . 
     In order to promote stability of the adapter  322 , the saddle portion  398  can optionally have a front-to-back depth which allows contact with surfaces of the glazing bar  14  adjacent to the stem portion  16 . 
     The bracket attaching means can include the mullion attaching means, thus allowing one set of fasteners to be used to both attach the bracket  330  to the body element  324  and to attach the body element  324  to the stem portion  16  of the glazing bar  14 . However, for ease of installation, it is preferable that the mullion attaching means and the bracket attaching means are separate. 
     The mullion attaching means also includes a discrete reinforcing element  400  which is provided in the interior of the box-section mullion  12  during installation. The reinforcing element  400  is a generally U-shaped channel which helps to spread load applied the solar-shading bracket  330 . 
     The other energy break devices forming the energy break means are similar to those described above, and include at least insulating sleeves  362  and insulating caps  364 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The energy break means described above can utilise any insulating device formed from appropriate insulating material for spacing apart the body element and the curtain walling mullion, the mullion attaching means and the curtain walling mullion, the bracket attaching means and the body element, and/or the body element and the solar-shading bracket. 
     Although it is preferable that the energy break means fully or substantially fully isolates the curtain walling mullion from all attachments thereto, being for example the adapter and the solar-shading bracket, along with any and all fasteners, isolation from some, but not all, of the attachments will provide energy saving benefits. 
     The insulation material used to form the devices comprising the energy break means is preferably plastics, for example rubber, silicon, polymide, and EPDM having a suitable Shore hardness in relation to compressability. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a modification to the energy break devices (generally referenced as  500 ) described above and forming the energy break means is shown. In this embodiment, one or more of the devices  500 , such as the insulating sheet, includes a sealed chamber  502 . The sealed chamber  502  has a vacuum therein, or is alternatively filled with an insulating gas, such as an inert gas, for example Argon. 
     In a further embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the mullion  610  with glazing bar  614 , typically integrally extruded together, support elongate insulating strips  700 . A pane of glass  702  bears against each insulating strip  700 , either side of the central stem portion  616  of the glazing bar  614 . 
     An insulating sheet or strip  660  is interposed between the adapter  622  and the front edges of the central stem portion  616 . As above, the insulating sheet or strip is formed of an insulating material, such as plastics, for example, nylon, or rubber. 
     The adapter  622  is connected to the mullion by the mullion attaching means, which in this case includes a plurality of screw-threaded fasteners  626  which are recessed into the adapter  622  and insulated therefrom by the use of insulating bushes or sleeves  704  and caps  706 . Again, the sleeves and caps are typically formed from plastics or rubber. 
     As in the third embodiment, a discrete reinforcing element or spreader plate  708  is received within the mullion  610 . The spreader plate  708  includes screw-threaded apertures  710  to receive the fasteners  626 . 
     To hold the panes of glass in place  702  in place, a pressure plate  712  with further insulating strips  714  is fastened either directly to the central stem portion  616  of the glazing bar  614  and/or to the adapter  622 . The panes of glass  702  are thus securely sandwiched between the glazing bar  614  and the pressure plate  712 . 
     The solar-shading bracket  630  is attached as described above. In other words, the bracket attaching means, for example being screw-threaded fasteners  628 , is preferably separate of the mullion attachment means. Consequently, the load imparted to the bracket by the solar shading can be better spread due to the use of more fasteners  628  than would otherwise be possible if attaching the bracket to the adapter using the same fasteners  626 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 12 , the adapter  622  has a U-shaped lateral cross-section or channel  714  running along its longitudinal extent. Recessed apertures  644  are formed to receive the first fasteners  626 , forming part of the mullion attaching means, as well as the insulating bushes  704 . The insulating sheet or strip  660  is interposed between the adapter  622  and the central stem portion  616 . 
     The spreader plate  708  screw-threadingly engages the first fasteners  626 . The insulating caps  706  are pressed into the recessed apertures  644  to cover the heads of the fasteners  626 . 
     The solar-shading bracket  630  is slid into the channel  714 . A keyway  715  is defined in the channel  714  along its longitudinal extent and the bracket  630  includes a keying formation  717  including a waisted or necked portion extending therealong adjacent to one edge. The keying formation  717  keys or engages in the channel, only allowing the bracket  630  to be slid in a longitudinal direction out of an end of the channel and thus out of engagement. 
     Extending laterally to the recessed apertures  644 , through-openings  670  are formed in alternating fashion with the recessed apertures  644 . As in the first embodiment, the bracket  630  includes lateral holes which are alignable with the through-openings  670 , thus allowing insertion of the second fasteners  628 . 
     The keying is important, since it spreads the load applied by the in use bracket. Consequently, the second fasteners take a reduced load and thus assume more of a locating role for holding the bracket in place, rather than a primary load bearing role. 
     The pressure plate  712  is then connected either separately to the adapter  622  or directly to the glazing bar  614  via further screw-threaded fasteners. 
     Any further capping plate  716  to provide a neat external appearance and to cover the recessed apertures  644  can then be applied. 
     This preferred embodiment can of course be modified by features of the above described embodiments. 
       FIG. 13  shows a curtain walling mullion system  810 , similar in arrangement to those described in the preceding embodiments. However, in this arrangement, two adapters  822  with insulating energy break devices, being the sheet or strip  860 , bushes  804  and caps  806 , are utilised in order to support a much larger solar-shading bracket  830 . The adaptors  822  are longitudinally aligned and fastened to the mullion again via the mullion attachment means, in this case including the first fasteners  828  and the spreader plates  808 . 
     Although in this embodiment, the adapters  822  pass through the pressure plate  812  of the mullion system  810 , which holds the panes of glass of the glazing units in place, the adaptors can sit on the outside of the pressure plate with the fasteners passing through the pressure plate and engaging the spreader plates  808  within the mullion. 
     It is of course also feasible that the adapters could sit on the inside of the pressure plate, instead, such that the pressure plate is interposed between the solar-shading bracket and the adaptors. 
     Conveniently, the adaptors are dimensioned to be interposable between fasteners of the pressure plate. In this embodiment, the fasteners  900  of the pressure plate are spaced by around 250 mm, and the adaptors have a longitudinal extent which is 210 mm. By providing a solar-shading bracket  830  with two legs  831 , one of the pressure plate fasteners  900  can be spanned or bridged. 
     This arrangement is advantageous, since the standard centres of the pressure plate fasteners do not have to be altered to fit around the adapters. Furthermore, the correct pressure is maintained by the pressure plate holding the glazing units in place, which is critical. 
     The energy break means has been shown, through research, to reduce thermal energy transfer between the curtain walling mullion and the solar-shading bracket. The energy break means has also been shown to reduce acoustic energy transfer between the curtain walling mullion and the solar-shading bracket. 
     It will be readily appreciated, that the adapter described above can be used without the energy break means, and that, with regards to the adapter, although beneficial, it is entirely optional as to whether the energy break means is utilised. 
     It will also be readily understood, that the energy break means can be used without the adapter. In this case, the energy break means is simply interposed between a known solar-shading bracket and a known curtain walling mullion. In this case, the bracket attaching means, typically supplied with the solar-shading bracket, can be utilised. The fitting of the energy break means can be undertaken either at the time of installation, or as a retro-fit to a previously installed solar-shading bracket. 
     Although the adapter is intended to be engaged with a stem portion of a glazing bar, the stem portion can be dispensed with in favour of only using the adapter. 
     Although typically a solar-shading bracket is provided to which a solar-shading arm supporting the solar-shading louvers is connected, the arm could be directly connected to the adapter, and thus the arm in this case can be considered to be the bracket. 
     The adapter thus provides a universal interface between glazing bars and solar-shading brackets provided by different manufacturers. The adapter is simple to manufacture and cost-effective. The adapter allows a supplier to supply any curtain walling mullion and/or any solar-shading bracket, also known as a brise soleil bracket, in the knowledge that the adapter can be utilised as an interface between the two parts. 
     It is also possible to significantly improve the energy efficiency associated with the installation of solar shading, by the use of an energy break device, whilst also preventing interstitial condensation in the mullion. The energy break device can be used in conjunction with, or independently of, the adapter. The Centre For Window Cladding And Technology (CWCT Services Ltd), of University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom, was commissioned to perform an independent study regarding the improvement in energy efficiency through use of the energy break device, and in particular when using the insulating sheet or strip, insulating sleeves and insulating caps. The result of the study was extremely positive, showing a significant reduction in thermal energy transfer. The conclusion of the report states:
         ‘The thermally broken brise soleil bracket has a much improved thermal performance compared to conventional aluminium brise soleil bracket when inserted into a Technal MX mullion.   The point thermal transmittance represents the extra heat loss due to the cold bridge induced by the bracket. The pure improvement percentage of the bracket without taking into account of the influence of the glazing unit is 70.43 per cent and the improvement percentage of the bracket is 67.61 per cent when a 6/16/6 air filled DGU with soft low-E coating is used.   Furthermore, the thermally broken bracket also increases the minimum internal surface temperature of the back box by 6.4° C. when the above DGU is used, the minimum internal surface temperature at the edge of the glazing by 1.1° C.       

     Although the fixing bolts penetrate the back box, there is no interstitial condensation risk at Surface A—the surface between the spreader plate and the back box providing that the mullion is well-sealed at the joints.’ 
     By using only parts of the energy break means or energy break device, for example the insulating sheet, or the bushes, or the caps, a reduction in thermal energy transfer will also be realised, although not as great as when using all parts of the energy break means together. 
     A further independent study was also commissioned from Industrial Commercial and Technical Consultants of 29a Ashburton Road, Croydon, CR0 6AQ, Surrey, United Kingdom regarding the improvement in energy efficiency through use of the energy break device, and in particular when using the insulating sheet or strip, insulating sleeves and insulating caps. The result of the study was extremely positive, showing a significant reduction in acoustic energy transfer. The conclusion of the report states :
         ‘the inclusion of the isolation material in the bracket design offers approximately 95% isolation for the frequency band 2000 Hz to 5500 Hz.   Isolation takes effect from around a frequency of 700 Hz onwards.   This range of frequencies covers the range of frequencies that can be excited in louvers and associated structural components, the bracket therefore reduces the risk of induced audible sound levels being transmitted to building structure.’       

     It is known in the field that specialist and expensive independent acoustic isolation equipment, located within the building, generally achieves around 90% acoustic isolation, with 95% being the preferred target. The present invention thus achieves the preferred target by a simple and cost-effective energy break device or energy break means incorporated during attachment of the solar shading, or as a retrofit. 
     The embodiments described above are given by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example, instead of a plurality of hooks, a single hook can be provided by which the body element is engageable with the curtain walling mullion.