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WO2025245428A1 - Fenêtre supplémentaire et isolation pour fenestration - Google Patents

Fenêtre supplémentaire et isolation pour fenestration

Info

Publication number
WO2025245428A1
WO2025245428A1 PCT/US2025/030738 US2025030738W WO2025245428A1 WO 2025245428 A1 WO2025245428 A1 WO 2025245428A1 US 2025030738 W US2025030738 W US 2025030738W WO 2025245428 A1 WO2025245428 A1 WO 2025245428A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
window
supplemental
frame insulation
sheet
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/030738
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ronald M. Wexler
Paul J. Yarnall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wexenergy LLC
Original Assignee
Wexenergy LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wexenergy LLC filed Critical Wexenergy LLC
Publication of WO2025245428A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025245428A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/34—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving hydrolase
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6809—Methods for determination or identification of nucleic acids involving differential detection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6813—Hybridisation assays
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • E06B2009/2464—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • E06B2009/2476—Solar cells

Definitions

  • the present technology relates generally to fenestration and in particular to a supplemental window and related methods of construction and mounting for use with existing windows.
  • window fdms intended for creating an additional “dead air” insulating layer adjacent to the window as well as window treatments
  • the dimension of the “dead air” space perpendicular to the window pane is subject to the fdm attachment areas that are generally dictated by existing features of the window and/or frame.
  • window films often must be mounted in such a way that inhibits the operability of non-fixed windows.
  • window films are generally made for use only on the interior side of the window pane.
  • Other window films such as tints, infrared or ultraviolet reflective, or low-e films, generally adhere directly to the window pane and do not allow for simultaneous formation of an insulating layer.
  • the present technology is supplemental window elements for fenestration suitable for use with existing windows.
  • the supplemental window element in one embodiment, comprises sheet material with an edging seal around it.
  • a supporting framework or nesting of supplemental window elements add rigidity and strength to comers and edges.
  • nesting of supplemental windows provides additional insulation.
  • An attachment mechanism secured either to the sheet material or the edging functions to fasten and/or seal the supplemental window to an existing window.
  • embodiments utilizing supporting framework have a restraining mechanism secured to a window frame element to keep the supplemental window near an existing windowpane or framework corners with additional features to aid in positioning and enclosing a volume of air between the windowpane and the sheet material.
  • the edging functions to substantially enclose (i.e., trap) a volume of air between the window pane and a sheet material.
  • the supplemental window is configured such that the layer of trapped air is of an optimum thickness within a preferred range of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties and mechanical stability of the supplemental window when mounted. Additional insulation may be provided by incorporating aerogel or porous glass layers with the sheet material or material that is placed over or on a frame portion of a window.
  • supplemental window Several advantages include (1) designs that significantly reduce material cost; (2) decreased heat transfer through the window pane area; (3) retaining undistorted visual transparency through the window; (4) decreased heat transfer through the various window elements other than the window pane by the use of infiltration blockers or frame inuslators; (5) having a reduced cost of manufacture; (6) ease of mounting and dismounting; (7) designable so as to not impede the operability of the existing window or associated window treatments; and (8) self adjusting dimensions to fit the window while allowing for measurement error.
  • the aesthetics of the fenestration during and after use of the supplemental window can be maintained. This relates to maintaining the appearance of the interior view of the fenestration and its immediate surrounding as well as the ability to see through the fenestration when desired. Also, it relates to the ability to return the fenestration to its original state when the supplemental element is not being used without the need to repair mounting areas.
  • the supplemental window also provides the ability to gain energy efficiency improvement during both heating and cooling seasons.
  • the advent of spectrally selective, infrared reflective and low-emissivity coatings or laminates for window films provides for additional energy savings. Incorporation of such coatings or films in the sheet, infiltration blocker and/or edging provides an opportunity for combining these additional energy saving technologies with the insulating properties provided by the substantially enclosed air volume provided by the present technology. Optimal placement of such films, however, requires the ability to move such films to either keep heat in during the heating season or keep heat out in the cooling season.
  • Additional advantages may be provided by incorporating active layers such as electrochromic, thermochromic, liquid crystal, solar cells or similar components as layers or films added to the supplemental window.
  • active layers such as electrochromic, thermochromic, liquid crystal, solar cells or similar components as layers or films added to the supplemental window.
  • Such components may provide energy benefits such as dynamic shading, dynamic light blocking or energy collection in addition to the supplemental window insulation and/or ease of mounting to an existing window.
  • a supplemental window apparatus comprising a substantially non porous sheet material having dimensions defining a perimeter area of a window pane, wherein a sheet material comprises a brim along each edge of the supplemental window configured to attach to a seal material or a framework.
  • a supplemental window apparatus comprising a clip configured to hold the supplemental window apparatus in a vertical orientation when mounted to a window and a clip based configured to attach to a window element and the clip.
  • a supplemental window apparatus comprising two sheets, wherein a first sheet is nested within and attached to at least one of a second sheet or a framework.
  • a method of mounting a supplemental window apparatus comprising a framework, wherein the framework has framework comer standoff features that support the framework when mounted within a window frame and has resilient edge seal material along each edge, framework comers having contour features configured to contact the edge seal material to substantially block air communication between interior room air and air trapped with a cavity formed by a supplemental window apparatus sheet material and a windowpane when the supplemental window apparatus is mounted within a window frame.
  • a method of mounting a plurality of supplemental window apparati to large windows wherein the plurality of supplemental window apparati are tiled and adjacent edges of the supplemental window apparati at the tiling interface are separated by a resilient foam material.
  • window frame insulation that attaches to a window frame wherein the window frame insulation covers a perimeter portion of the window pane.
  • the window frame insulation may fill a portion of a gap between an edge of a supplemental window apparatus and the window frame.
  • Also provided in accordance with the technology is a method of mounting window frame insulation with a sealing mechanism such that the a sealing mechanism creates a seal at the interface between the frame insulation and a window element, wall or a supplemental window apparatus.
  • Fig. 1 A is a front view of a first example frameless supplemental window.
  • Fig. IB is an isometric view of the example frameless supplemental window of
  • FIG. 2A is a front view of the first example framed supplemental window of FIG. 1A mounted on a window.
  • Fig. 2B is a side sectional view B-B’ at A- A’ of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.
  • Fig. 2C is a side sectional view of a comer of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.
  • Fig. 2D is an isometric view of a framework comer of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.
  • FIG. 2E is a front view of a framework corner of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.
  • Fig. 2F is an exploded view of a clip and clip base of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.
  • Fig. 2G is an isometric view of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.
  • Fig. 2H is an isometric view of the framework of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.
  • Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a framework comer of a top corner of a framed supplemental window.
  • Fig. 2J is an isometric view of a framework comer of an interface corner of a tiled framed supplemental window.
  • Fig. 2K is a side sectional view of a seal of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A when installed on a window.
  • Fig. 3A is a front view of tiled framed supplemental windows mounted within a window frame.
  • Fig. 3B is a side sectional view C-C’ at D-D’ of the tiling interface of the example tiled framed supplemental windows of Figure 3 A.
  • Fig. 3C is a side sectional view C-C’ at E-E’ of the tiling interface of the example tiled framed supplemental windows of Figure 3A.
  • Fig. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of a two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on a windowpane.
  • Fig. 4B is a side sectional view at F-F’ of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4 A.
  • Fig. 4C is an isometric view of a first example of the inward supplemental window of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4A.
  • Fig. 4D is an isometric view of a second example of the inward supplemental window of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4A.
  • Fig. 4E is an isometric view of an example comer closure with outcrop of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4A.
  • Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a first example framed two sheet supplemental window.
  • Fig. 5B is an isometric sectional view at G-G’ of the first example framed two sheet supplemental window of Figure 5 A.
  • Fig. 6A is a front view of one example embodiment of frame insulation with a two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on a window.
  • Fig. 6B is a side sectional view H-H’ at I-F of a first example frame insulation with the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on the window of Figure 6A.
  • Fig. 6C is a side sectional view H-H’ at I-F of a second example frame insulation with the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on the window of Figure 6A.
  • Fig. 6D is a side sectional view H-H’ at I-F of a third example frame insulation with the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on the window of Figure 6A.
  • FIG. 6E is a side sectional view of an exemplary frame insulation with an aesthetic shell.
  • FIG. 6F is a side sectional view of another exemplary frame insulation with an aesthetic shell.
  • the present technology provides for several embodiments for mounting of sheet material in or over fenestration and substantially enclosing or trapping one or more volumes of gas in or adjacent to the fenestration.
  • frameless supplemental window in the present technology refers to a supplemental window that lacks a substantially rigid or non-flexible structure, comprised of one or more parts having different material composition than the sheet material, completely surrounding an area that is approximately the same size as the windowpane on which the supplemental window is to be mounted.
  • framework supplemental window refers to a supplemental window that has a perimeter rigid or non-flexible structure attached to one or more sheet materials.
  • sheet material, a spacer of predetermined dimension perpendicular to the sheet material, an edge seal, a comer closure brace, and infdtration blocker are combined together to provide a frameless supplemental window unit that substantially encloses and traps a volume of gas (typically air but not limited to air).
  • a volume of gas typically air but not limited to air.
  • the gas volume between the inward sheet and outward sheet may be a hermetically sealed volume containing predominantly an inert gas such as argon, krypton or xenon.
  • the sheet material typically clear but may be tinted or coated
  • the corner closure may contact or attach to the windowpane of the fenestration.
  • the sheet material can be any desired type of material such as, but not limited to, clear, non-opaque, translucent, low emissivity, semi-transparent, opaque, visible light transmitting, infrared reflecting or a material having minimal refractive distortion when viewed from the interior side of the window, etc.
  • the same or different low emissivity and/or infrared reflecting coatings are added to different sheet materials of nested constructions.
  • the extent of visible light transmission properties of the sheet material is not critical to the insulation aspect of the technology, although it is preferred to maintain as much as much undistorted optical clarity as possible to maintain the function of the window for viewing through the fenestration.
  • the sheet material may comprise an electrically or thermally active material, layer or device, such as electrochromic, polymer dispersed liquid crystal or solar cell materials, layers or devices or thermochromic materials.
  • electrically active components such as electrochromic, polymer dispersed liquid crystal or solar cell materials, layers or devices or thermochromic materials.
  • stiffening parts located at or near the perimeter of the supplemental window may provide a dual function of acting as a busbar oriented perpendicular to the active layer. With the busbar stiffener having a much smaller dimension parallel to the windowpane compared to its dimension perpendicular to the windowpane, the optical and aesthetic impact of the busbar on the viewing area of the window is minimized while maximizing the stiffening effect and providing electrical conductivity in the desired region of a device.
  • the stiffener to the electrically active component may be accomplished through via holes in the sheet when the electrically active component resides on the opposite side of the sheet from the stiffener.
  • the power source for active materials requiring external power may be derived from a battery or from an AC power source such as a wall outlet located near the window to which the supplemental window apparatus is attached. Connection from such external power to the supplemental window apparatus may be made using an electrically conductive wire, strip or similar connection.
  • the battery may be attached to the supplemental window apparatus.
  • the battery is attached to the supplemental window apparatus in a location that is not optically intrusive, such as at a comer or edge.
  • the battery may be attached to the flap. In one example the smallest dimension of the battery is positioned parallel to the flap.
  • window may refer to window components within a single frame that includes one light or multiple lights that are not separated by a mullion or transom.
  • the terms “interior” and “exterior” are used to describe the indoor side and outdoor side, respectively, relative to a perimeter wall in which the fenestration resides.
  • “Inward” and “outward” refers to location in a direction closer to and further from, respectively, the center of the fenestration.
  • the term “window element” refers to any window part including but not limited to the windowpane, frame, sash, rail, style, muntin, track, check rail, jamb, or parts thereof.
  • An “end user” refers to a person or entity or their designee, that specifies, orders, installs or uses the supplemental parts of the present technology and may perform digital image capture, supply metadata and/or confirmation of design steps of the process of the present technology.
  • a “service provider” refers to a person or entity performing a service that is part of the method of the present technology such as reviewing and accepting or confirming orders from an end user, providing image processing capability, designing (as a “designer”), fabricating (as a “fabricator”) or installing (as an “installer”) parts, or providing support for installation of such parts.
  • Each supplemental window embodiment creates a substantially “dead air” space or layer of substantially enclosed or trapped air adjacent to a windowpane or, when nesting is used between the nested inward sheet and the outward sheet, preferably having a dimension between the windowpane and inward sheet or between the two sheets in the range of approximately 0.15 to 0.75 inches that provides insulating properties and preferably inhibits the formation of convective loops.
  • a dimension less than about 0.15 inches will likely impact insulating properties and a dimension greater than about 0.75 inches will likely lead to undesirable convective heat transfer.
  • Such “dead air” spaces optionally may have a desiccant material contacting the “dead air” space to keep the humidity of the space low and decrease the possibility of condensation forming in the space, particularly when one side of the space is a windowpane in direct contact with the outdoors. While many embodiments described herein refer to mounting of a supplemental window to the interior of an existing window, it will be appreciated that analogous supplemental window embodiments may be mounted to the exterior of an existing window.
  • the plastic sheet may be mounted such that the entire supplemental window unit, or a portion thereof is mounted so as not to interfere with movement or actuation of any window treatment, window treatment operating elements or moveable portions of the window.
  • FIG. 1A A front interior view of a first example frameless supplemental window 14 for a window 10 is shown in Figure 1A.
  • the window 10 comprises an existing window frame or sash 12, the frameless supplemental window 14 mounted on the existing window 10, and a windowpane 16 exterior to the supplemental window 14.
  • the supplemental window 14 may be mounted to the exterior side of the windowpane 16 such that the windowpane 16 faces the interior side of the supplemental window 14.
  • the supplemental window 14 comprises a sheet material 18, a substantially planar edge or seal 26 (shown in Figure IB), a comer closure 22, an attachment mechanism 20 (e.g., mushroom head fastener) attached to the comer of windowpane 16 to which a mating fastener (not shown) on an exterior face of corner closure 22 is attached.
  • an attachment mechanism 20 e.g., mushroom head fastener
  • perimeter edges 17 of sheet material 18 are formed to create two substantially parallel bend lines 19 and 21 along each edge 17, preferably with a first bend direction toward and substantially perpendicular to the windowpane 16 when mounted, and a second bend direction substantially outward for the bend nearest the windowpane 16 when mounted.
  • the bend angle nearest the windowpane 16 deviates slightly from parallel with respect to the sheet plane, forming a brim 24 along each sheet edge 17 and, when mounted, with respect to the windowpane 16, preferably at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees, preferably between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees.
  • brim 24 The same relative configuration of brim 24 with respect to the plane of sheet material 18 may be accomplished with a first bend angle slightly outward from perpendicular to the windowpane 16 when mounted and a second bend angle of substantially 90 degrees. In this case the comer closure configuration is adjusted to match the first bend angle to substantially close the corner.
  • Seal 26 is substantially planar and attached to the exterior facing surface, when mounted, of brim 24. When supplemental window 14 is attached to windowpane 16, seal 26 resiliently bends to conform to the interior surface of windowpane 16, enclosing an insulating dead air space. Not shown is an optional stiffener (described infra) attached to each sheet edge 17 that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of sheet material 18.
  • both bend line angles are approximately 90 degrees and an adhesive is on the surface of brim 24 along the length of brim 24 facing the windowpane 16 when mounted, omitting seal 26.
  • adhesive functions as an attachment mechanism and comer closing optionally may be accomplished by welding or use of an adhesive.
  • the sheet material 18 defines a perimeter area that extends between the edge of the sheet projected onto the windowpane 16 and the nearest edge of the windowpane 16.
  • FIG. 2A An example framed supplemental window 34 for a window 30 is illustrated in Figures 2A through 2K.
  • a front interior view of the example framed supplemental window 34 is shown in Figure 2A.
  • the window 30 comprises an existing window frame or sash 32, the framed supplemental window 34 mounted on the existing window 30, and windowpane 36 (shown in Figure 2B) exterior to the supplemental window 34.
  • Figure 2B illustrates cross-section A-A' viewed along B-B’ of supplemental window 34 on window 30 of Figure 2A.
  • the supplemental window 34 comprises sheet material 38, the perimeter edges of which are attached to a framework 39 which in one embodiment is comprised of rectangular tubing framework extrusion 40 and framework corners 42, a seal 44, shown in profile in Figure 2C in a relaxed state attached to framework corner 42.
  • the perimeter edges 41 of sheet material. 38 are substantially parallel to the plane of sheet material 38 and are attached to framework extrusions 40 and framework comers 42.
  • Attachment of sheet material 38 to framework extrusion 40 and corners 42 may be accomplished with an adhesive layer 54, as illustrated for example in Figure 2C.
  • an adhesive layer 54 for example, a strong acrylic based adhesive, such as 3M VHB adhesive, may be used for the adhesive layer 54.
  • the thickness of the adhesive layer 54 may be in the range of about 0.02 to 0.12 inch and comprised of a foam material that can deform in a direction parallel to the sheet material 38 to accommodate dimensional changes in the sheet material 38 while maintaining tension in the sheet material 38. Additional tension may be applied to sheet material 38 by creating an inward bow along each framework extrusion 40 where the inward bow creates an outward force on sheet material 38.
  • framework extrusion 40 perpendicular to sheet material 38 is preferably approximately 0.5 inch so that a nearly optimal insulating air gap spacing 43 inward of framework extrusions 40, of sheet material 38 from windowpane 36, can be attained.
  • Framework comers 42 may be provided with a small protrusion (not shown) on the framework comer face nearest windowpane 36 or be dimensioned to extend slightly further from sheet material 38 than framework extrusion 40, preferably by about 0.003 inch to about 0.008 inch, so only a minimal area of the framework contacts windowpane 36 when framed supplemental window 34 is mounted to window 30.
  • Such extended portions of framework corners 42 provide a thermal break between windowpane 36 and framework extrusions 40 while minimizing potential communication between interior room air and the insulating air gap 43 formed.
  • Attachment of sheet material 38 to framework components in this embodiment is accomplished, for example, using adhesive 54 continuously situated around the perimeter of sheet material 38 between the exterior facing perimeter edge surface of sheet material 38 and the interior facing surfaces of framework extrusion 40 and framework comer 42.
  • the exterior facing side of framework tubing may be treated or covered, for example anodized, painted or covered with white tape, so as to make the framework extrusion 40 reflect light to minimize heating of the framework when exposed to sunlight.
  • framework comer legs 50 which fit snugly into the inside of framework extrusion 40.
  • the shape of seal 44 is such that seal 44 covers the perimeter portion of sheet material 38, framework extrusion 40, and framework corner 42.
  • the shape of seal 44 and framework corner 42 are such that seal 44 may contact a contour surface 52 of framework corner 42 to minimize air communication between the interior room air and the insulating air gap 43 formed when framed supplemental window 34 is mounted on window 30.
  • Framework comer 42 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 2D (isometric view) and Figure 2E (plan view) for framework comer 42 that are located at the bottom of framed supplemental window 34.
  • Framework comers 42 may have features to aid in one or more of defining the spacing between windowpane 36 and sheet material 38, minimizing contact area between the framework 39 of supplemental window 34 and windowpane 36, mechanically stabilizing framed supplemental window 34, and/or sealing of seal 36 to maintain a substantially dead air layer between sheet material 38 and windowpane 36.
  • Framework comer 42 illustrated in Figure 2D has legs 50 that fit into framework extrusions 40 and faces 64 that abut the ends of framework extrusions 40.
  • Standoff 66 extending from the bottom of framework corners 42 of this embodiment, provides a flat surface that rests on the window sill portion of the window frame 32.
  • Standoff 66 bears the weight of framed supplemental window 34 when mounted and allows seal 44 along the bottom edge of the framed supplemental window 34 to contact the window sill when mounted.
  • Seal 44 along the bottom edge of the framed supplemental window 34 contacts contour surface 68, while seal 44 along a side edge of the framed supplemental window 34 contacts contour surface 70.
  • Seals 44 may have mitered ends as illustrated in Figure 2F for framed supplemental window 34 (isometric view).
  • Optional framework corner bead cutout 72 is provided so that beading or caulk that may be present at the windowpan e/sill interface does not interfere with contact of standoff 66 with the window sill.
  • clip base 46 is attached to an inward facing surface near each comer of window frame 32 to which a clip 48 (Figure 2G) is attached.
  • additional clip assemblies comprising adhesive, clip base 46 and clip 48 may also be placed at one or more locations along one or more perimeter edges of a supplemental window and/or at tiling interface locations as described infra.
  • Clip base 46 may attach to an inward facing surface of window frame 32 adhesively using a thin, strong adhesive, for example an acrylic adhesive such as 3M VHB, or mechanically using a screw that penetrates window frame 32.
  • Clip base 46 and clip 48 function to maintain mechanical stability and location of supplemental window 34 when mounted on window 30.
  • Clip base 46 and clip 48 may be anodized or coated so as to substantially color match the color of window frame 32.
  • a thin cover (not shown) extending from each inward edge of window frame 32 to the inward edge of seal 44 or the inward edge of framework extrusion 40 may be placed along each perimeter edge region and held in place between clip 48 and the portion of seal 44 contacting the interior surface of sheet 38 at each window frame comer.
  • the color of the interior surface of the thin cover is preferably made to substantially match the color of window frame 32.
  • Such a thin cover may be made of a stiff material, for example aluminum, and may also function to apply outward pressure on seal 44 to force seal 44 into contact with windowpane 36 and/or window frame 32.
  • clip base 46 and clip 48 may be made as a single part.
  • Adhesive 74 adhered to a main surface of clip base 46, is provided with a liner (not shown) on adhesive 74 surface opposite from clip base 46. The liner is removed prior to attaching clip base 46 to a frame element such as a mullion or jamb.
  • clip base 46 has a tapped hole 76 for receiving a bolt (not shown) that attaches clip 48 to clip base 46.
  • clip 48 is right angle shaped aluminum with a clearance hole 78, which may be circular or elliptical in shape, in clip angle leg 80. Clearance hole 78 that is oversized for the bolt threads so that clip 48 position may be adjusted for clip angle leg 82 to contact and hold a supplemental window in contact with windowpane 36.
  • clip base 46 may be provided with countersunk holes to accommodate screws that may be used to penetrate a frame element for attachment of clip base 46 to a window frame element.
  • An embodiment of a supplemental window 34 is illustrated in Figure 2G in an isometric view.
  • sheet material 38 is attached to framework 50 (Figure 2H) comprising of polygonal (e.g., rectangular) framework extrusions 52 and framework comers 42 prior to adding seals 44. Attachment may be made using adhesive material between exterior facing surface of sheet material 38 and interior facing surfaces of framework 50 as described supra, where these surface orientations are defined when the supplemental window 34 is mounted on window 10.
  • pairs of framework comers such as 42 and 42’ and/or 42”and 42”’ are mirror image pairs, where 42 and 42”, and 42’ and 42”’ may be identical pairs.
  • framework comers 42 and 42’ each have a standoff (for contacting the sill of window 10) and are a mirror image pair at the bottom of the supplemental window 34, while 42” and 42’” each have a standoff and are a mirror image pair at the top of the supplemental window 34, where 42 and 42” may be identical and rotated 180 degrees from each other in the framework while 42’ and 42’” may be identical and rotated 180 degrees from each other in the framework.
  • 42 and 42’ it is preferable for 42” and 42’” to be identical with only contours on adjacent sides with no standoff.
  • Figure 21 illustrates a preferred embodiment for framework corners 42” and 42’” (shown in FIG. 2H), located at the top of supplemental window 34.
  • FIG. 2J illustrates a preferred embodiment of one framework interface comer 96 used at a tiling interface.
  • the mirror image of framework comer illustrated in Figure 2J is also used at tiling interfaces with one of each mirror image pair present at the top comers of a bottom tile and the one of each mirror image pair present at the bottom corners of a top tile.
  • flat interface surfaces on framework interface comer 96 are in the tiling interface while contour 94 is oriented perpendicular to the tiling interface.
  • a plurality of seals 44 are shown, one each along each perimeter edge of supplemental window 34.
  • Each seal 44 in Figure 2G is shown in a relaxed state.
  • Each seal 44 is comprised of a resilient material so that each seal conforms to window frame or sash 32 in Figure 2A and to contour surfaces of framework corners 42 to minimize air communication between interior room air and the dead air layer between sheet material 38 and windowpane 36.
  • One embodiment of seal 44 (when framed supplemental window 34 is mounted) is illustrated in cross section in Figure 2K where resilient arc 84 of seal 44 contacts both windowpane 36 and a window frame element 32 such as the sill, header or mullion holding windowpane 36. Tail 86 of seal 44 contacts and deforms inward from its relaxed state when contacting window frame element 32.
  • the resilient material is preferably an ultraviolet stable material such as silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
  • FIG. 3 A An embodiment of tiled framed supplemental windows 104/106 is illustrated in Figure 3 A, Figure 3B, and Figure 3C.
  • window 100 is a fixed window with window framing 102.
  • Mounted on window 100 are the bottom framed supplemental window 104 and the top framed supplemental window 106, that are tiled on windowpane 108 held by window framing 102, each creating an air gap 109 adjacent to windowpane 108.
  • a cross-sectional view of the tiling interface, viewing along C-C’ at D-D’ is illustrated in Figure 3B.
  • tile interface closure 118 is a dark material such that when viewed from the interior side, framework extrusions 110 and 112, along with interface closure 118, appear as a continuous dark mullion.
  • tile interface closure 118 is a resilient material such as closed cell foam and is adhered along the entire interface length of bottom tile top framework extrusion 110 and the flat interface surfaces of interface framework corners 96 inserted at each end of extrusion 110.
  • flat interface surface 98 is in the interface of two tiled framed supplemental windows.
  • top framed supplemental window 106 When top framed supplemental window 106 is mounted, it is placed with its bottom framework extrusion 112 in contact with and compressing interface closure 118.
  • seals 114 and 116 are made to extend into the interface region and may abut or nearly abut. Seals 114 and 116 may be adhered along their abutting or nearly abutting ends, using for example a silicone sealant (preferably neutral cure).
  • clip 48 is attached to clip base 46 positioned so that clip 48 contacts both tiles 104 and 106 as shown in Figure 3 A.
  • a sheet material such as sheet material 38, may comprise, for example, a polymer plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET- G), polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate or polypropylene (UV stabilized preferred) or, when used in a frame configuration for a planar sheet material, thin flexible glass such as is known in the art.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PET- G polyethylene terephthalate glycol
  • UV stabilized preferred UV stabilized preferred
  • thin flexible glass such as is known in the art.
  • it is preferred to use such glass which has transparent polymeric film laminated thereto. Additional insulating properties may be obtained by adding or incorporating into, on or with the sheet, aerogel or porous glass materials such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 11,170,750, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the recommended thickness is in the range from about 3 to about 25 mil. Preferably, 10 to 25 mil thickness is employed to minimize optical distortions and keep such distortions localized to the perimeter area.
  • the factors used in determining the thickness include ease of handling by the user, weight constraint for reduced cost, the mounting integrity and the size of the attachment (i.e., higher weight may necessitate larger attachment area to the windowpane).
  • attachment mechanisms such as a dry adhesive or 3M VHB acrylic adhesive mechanisms describe infra
  • thicker sheet material may be used as a result of high load capability and larger attachment surface area.
  • the combination of one or two bends per edge adds beam strength and, along with greater sheet thickness, provides ease of handling.
  • a sum of the edge bends and sheet thicknesses is preferably greater than about 6 millimeters for ease of handling.
  • Suitable materials for use as the edge seal, such as edge seal 26, include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), polypropylene, or polyethylene, e.g., about 1 mil to about 10 mil thick, preferably about 1 mil to about 6 mil thick PET commercially available under a variety of trade names.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PETG polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified
  • polypropylene or polyethylene, e.g., about 1 mil to about 10 mil thick, preferably about 1 mil to about 6 mil thick PET commercially available under a variety of trade names.
  • an ultraviolet stabilizer may be incorporated in the material to improve the useful life of the supplemental window.
  • Ultraviolet absorbing stabilizers may be incorporated in the material or a cap layer to also inhibit ultraviolet degradation of items on the interior side of the supplemental window apparatus.
  • Such ultraviolet absorbing stabilizers are beneficially used to extend the lifetime of supplemental window insulation materials.
  • the edge material may be optically clear, semi-transparent, translucent or opaque.
  • Non-limiting examples of non-clear materials include plastic materials comprising gas or air microvoids or high index materials, such as an inorganic oxide or sulfate materials, such as may be found in commercially available materials such as the well known MelinexTM or HostaphanTM line of film products such as manufactured by Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc., Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc., Greer, South Carolina, USA.
  • a supplemental window assembly 204 may have more than one sheet so that two or more gaps are provided when such a supplemental window is mounted on a window.
  • Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary frameless two-sheet supplemental window assembly 200.
  • inward supplemental window 202 is nested within outward supplemental window 204.
  • Outward supplemental window 204 attaches to windowpane 206 with comer fastener attachment mechanisms described infra.
  • Figure 4A illustrates use of mushroom head pane fasteners 208 adhered to windowpane 206 at each corner adjacent to existing window frame 212, with a mating fastener adhered to each spacing comer closure 210 at each comer of outward supplemental window 204.
  • Attachment durability may be enhanced by adding sealant at each comer as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0401400, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and/or by adding clip assemblies at each corner as described supra.
  • clip assembly parts are preferably made to be transparent and colorless for less aesthetic impact.
  • inward supplemental window 202 is attached to a perimeter region of outward supplemental window 204.
  • brim 214 oriented substantially parallel to sheet areas 216 and 218 of inward and outward supplemental windows, respectively, attaches along each perimeter edge region of sheet area 218 of outward supplement window 204.
  • Adjacent to each brim 214 is edge 220 which is oriented with a perpendicular component with respect to brim 214 and sheet 216 to determine gap dimensions 222 and 224 between sheet areas 216 and 218 and sheet area 216 and windowpane 206, respectively.
  • outward supplemental window 204 has each brim 226 outward relative to each edge 228.
  • brim 214 approaches or abuts edge 228 such that the distance from edge 220 to edge 228 is less than or equal to about 0.375 inch, preferably less than or equal to about 0.25 inch.
  • Attached to each brim 226 on outward supplemental window 204 is a substantially planar seal 230.
  • Brim 226 is configured to be at a small non-zero angle outward and toward sheet areas 216 and 218 so that seal 230 is forced into contact with and conforms to windowpane 206 when frameless two- cavity supplemental window 200 is attached to windowpane 206.
  • inward secondary window 202 is illustrated in Figure 4C where other parts are omitted for clarity.
  • Inward secondary window 202 is shown with a corner opening 232 at each corner and brim cutout 234 to each side of each comer opening 232.
  • Each brim cutout 234 makes brim 214 outward dimension smaller to avoid interference with each wing 236 of outward supplemental window comer closure spacers 238 ( Figure 4B).
  • comer opening 232 is closed with inward supplemental window corner closure spacer 240 by attaching wings 242 to bent edge 220.
  • comer closure spacer 240 is an optional brim that is coplanar with brim 214.
  • outward supplemental window spacing corner closure 210 includes outcrop 244 protruding from spacing corner closure 210 inward surface 246 as illustrated in Figure 4E, sized to substantially close corner opening 232 of inward supplemental window 202 when assembled with outward supplemental window 204 by meeting our penetrating corner opening 232.
  • Outcrop 244 or comer opening 232 may optionally be provided with extensions to facilitate attachment of inward supplemental window 202 to outward supplemental window 204.
  • Attachment and sealing of comer closure spacer 240 or outcrop 244 to inward supplemental window 202 may be accomplished with tape, adhesive, welding or heat sealing.
  • extension 247 and 249 are provided that extend from inward sheet 216 comer and bent edges 220, respectively, adjacent corner opening 232. Extensions 247 and 249 are configured to hinge or flex at their connection lines to sheet 216 and bent edges 220, respectively, so as to substantially close corner opening 232.
  • outcrop 244 may be provided to be smaller than comer opening 232 and/or with an inward dimension so the outcrop acts to mechanically hold one or more of extensions 247 and 249.
  • inward secondary window 202 may be configured so each of its brims may be attached to corresponding brims of outward secondary window 204 such that inward secondary window 202 is nested within outward secondary window 204.
  • seal 230 is attached to the exterior facing surface of each brim of inward secondary window 202.
  • FIG. 2A When viewed from the interior side of a window, such supplemental windows appear as shown in Figure 2A for a single sheet framed supplemental window.
  • Figure 5A and Figure 5B illustrate isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, from the exterior (windowpane) side of a two- sheet framed supplemental window 250.
  • seals along each perimeter edge are omitted.
  • the framework extrusion is shown as a non-square rectangle with the larger rectangle dimension perpendicular to the sheets. Seals having a “J” shape outward from the framework extrusion are used so that the seal tail contacts both the windowpane and window frame or mullion when the framed supplemental window is installed on a window.
  • interior sheet 252 is attached to framework extrusions 254 and framework corners 256 in a manner analogous to that described supra.
  • Inward supplemental window 258 is nested within and attached to the framework extrusions 254 through brims 260 that are adhered to the exterior windowpane side of the framework.
  • framework comers 256 may be designed to protrude toward the exterior side relative to framework extrusions 254 and/or brims 260.
  • Inward supplemental window 258 may have comer openings (not shown) which may be closed in a manner analogous to those described supra.
  • gap 262 is shown between sheet portion 264 of inward supplemental window 258 and sheet 252.
  • Sheet 252 is substantially planar with its perimeter regions attached to framework component interior surfaces which are substantially planar and parallel to the windowpane being covered.
  • Inward supplemental window 258 is shown with two bend lines 266 and 268 along each perimeter edge. Bending along bend lines 266, outward of the predominant transparent viewing area of inward supplemental window 258, creates edges 270 that are substantially perpendicular to sheet 252 and the windowpane being covered when mounted. Bending along bend lines 268 creates brims 260.
  • inward supplemental window 258 of Figure 5 A and Figure 5B may be inverted so that brims 260 are situated and attached between interior surfaces of framework components (framework extrusions 254 and framework corners 256) and sheet 252 when mounted on a window.
  • the perimeters of sheet 252 and inward supplemental window 258 are attached to each other, which may be accomplished by, for example, use of adhesive, welding or heat sealing.
  • inward supplemental window 258 of Figure 5A and Figure 5B may maintain the same orientation shown in these figures but attach to the interior side of sheet 252.
  • sheet 252 is attached to interior surfaces of framework components and exterior facing surfaces of brims 260 attach to the interior perimeter regions of sheet 252.
  • inward supplemental window 258 of framed two-sheet supplemental window 250 is inverted and attached via brims 260 to sheet 252 inward from framework components in a manner similar to that described supra for frameless supplemental window 200.
  • both the transparent panel and brims 260 of inward supplemental window 258 may be held within a channel groove.
  • supplemental window 258 may be on the interior side or the exterior side of the transparent panel when attached to a window.
  • brims 260 may be attached, using adhesive or welding, to the outward perimeter region of such a transparent panel.
  • frameless supplemental window 200 may be attached to such a transparent panel using attachment mechanisms such as mushroom head fasteners inward from the tube of U.S. Patent No. 8,272,178, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • a cavity may be filled with an inert gas such as argon, krypton or xenon or with an aerogel slab that is preferably encapsulated.
  • an aerogel slab that is preferably encapsulated.
  • such a panel may be formed by sandwiching the aerogel layer or slab between two layers, where the layers may be plastic, thin glass (less than 1/8 inch thick) or flexible glass. Such a panel is best dimensioned to be substantially the same dimensions as the large planar interior surfaces of the window element to which it is attached.
  • This transparent insulation panel less than about 0.2 inches thick allows for convenient use on the stationary sash of a low clearance sliding window.
  • An adhesive such as strong, clear adhesive materials that are compatible with glass, plastic and aluminum, such as 3M 4905 or 4910 VHB acrylic or 77 spray adhesive may be used to attach the separate transparent insulation panel to a sash, frame or mullion while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the underlying sash, frame or mullion.
  • an encapsulating material that is readily joined to the supplemental window, for example where the encapsulating material has flap extensions that are easily adhered to or welded to perimeter regions of sheets or framework components of a supplemental window.
  • the encapsulating sheet surfaces not contacting the aerogel are preferably treated to minimize transmission of moisture and oxygen through the sheet.
  • Another example of further energy saving performance is to add coatings or films to sheet areas of supplemental windows that impart low emissivity (low-e) or solar heat gain (SHG) reduction properties.
  • Assembly of supplemental windows having more than one sheet allows for incorporating the same or different properties to each sheet.
  • low-e or SHG properties may be added to surfaces 3 or 4 and 5 or 6, or any one of these surfaces only (i.e., only one of surfaces 3, 4, 5 or 6), with surface 1 being the exterior of the single pane window counting toward the interior.
  • the added low-e or SHG properties may be added to surfaces 5 or 6 and 7 or 8, or any one of these surfaces only.
  • maximizing SHG reducing coatings near the exterior is preferred, whereas for applications that benefit from high solar heat gain, SHG coatings should be avoided or minimized while locating such coatings near the interior.
  • the use of more than one of these properties in one supplemental window allows for tuning solar heat gain properties and heat reflecting properties for different geographic locations or facade orientations. For example, placing heat reflecting low-e material on the interior sheet while placing a high solar heat gain material on the exterior sheet of a supplemental window may provide optimal performance in cold climates.
  • Particularly useful low-emissivity materials are durable low- emissivity layer structures such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,723,102 and 11,414,924, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. These layer structures generally have a metal layer and one or more zirconium nitride layers or metal oxide layers such as zinc tin oxide layer adjacent the metal layer as well as a layer containing a silicon compound and a layer containing radiation-cured acrylate. Also useful are structures described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,613,822; 8,637,169; 8,771,444; 9,097,842; and 8,753,758, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
  • These structures generally have an abrasion resistant hardcoat underlayer, a crosslinked acrylate polymer and a metallic layer which may be encased in metal oxide layers, at least one infrared reflective layer, a transparent protective top coat of cured fluorinated resin.
  • edge sealing may be accomplished using one or more known non-limiting methods such as substrate edge melting, adding edge sealant, edge cauterization, solvent sealing, plastic overlayer, corrosion inhibitor edge treatment, seaming tape, etc.
  • an inter-sheet feature for example a muntin, cylinder or a half-sphere (cabochon) may beneficially be added within one gap or each gap.
  • Such inter-sheet features may function to help maintain the spacing between the two closely spaced sheet portions.
  • Such intersheet features may be transparent or opaque and are preferably thermally insulating.
  • Non-limiting materials useful for such inter-sheet features include polymeric plastics, fiberglass or encapsulated aerogels.
  • inter-sheet features are chosen to minimize contact area with the sheet material and/or windowpane, which can be accomplished through use of rounded and/or intermittent contacting surfaces on the inter-sheet feature.
  • the end of each section of the inter-sheet feature may be bent so the end fits within the space between the inward and outward supplemental windows.
  • alignment of the inter-sheet feature may be accomplished using a magnetic material in each inter-sheet feature that attracts and aligns the intersheet feature.
  • FIG. 1 Further energy saving performance of old windows can be attained through addition of insulation on the interior of the window frame, sashes or mullions. This is especially helpful for windows with such elements constructed from thermally unbroken metal such as aluminum.
  • Nonlimiting examples of frame insulation materials useful for reducing heat flow due to highly thermally conductive window elements may include aerogel, fiberglass, rock wool, cork, expanded cork, or extruded or expanded polystyrene or urethane foam or polyisocyanurate.
  • Such frame insulation materials 280, 286 and 290 may be enhanced by facing one or more exposed surfaces with aluminum or other low-emissivity material as illustrated in Figures 6A through 6F.
  • an air gap between the aluminum facing and the existing window frame and/or between the aluminum facing and frame insulation aesthetic cover or cap can beneficially reduce radiative heat transfer.
  • An air gap between the aluminum facing and existing window frame may be accomplished using a spacing material, for example, a foam tape adhesive.
  • the spacing material has a thickness of from about 0.062 inch to about 0.125 inch.
  • Such insulation materials may be pre-applied to an aesthetic cover material as described infra and adhered to window elements.
  • an air gap may be provided between the aluminum facing and the aesthetic cover material.
  • adhesive is applied to less than 50% of an aluminum facing area, more preferable less than 25% of an aluminum facing area, most preferably less than 10% of an aluminum facing area Due to elements related to existing windows such as window frames, sashes, muntins, mullions, window treatments and wall area surrounding windows, it is desirable to minimize the thickness of insulation, air gaps and adhesives added to the interior surfaces of existing window elements. Particularly useful are aerogel materials that can provide sufficient additional insulation even when very thin.
  • Such aerogel materials may be in the form of an opaque insulation panel or blanket comprising an aerogel layer, aerogel particles embedded in polymer fibers or aerogel slab, for example a silica aerogel layer or slab, that may be opaque, translucent or transparent. Such materials may be attached or adhered to an opaque window element, such as a sash, a frame or a mullion, to decrease heat transfer through the opaque window element.
  • an opaque window element such as a sash, a frame or a mullion, to decrease heat transfer through the opaque window element.
  • Commercially available aerogel materials available at thickness of less than one inch and useful in these cases include PyroGel®, Cryogel® Z and Pyrothin® products manufactured by Aspen Aerogels or Armagel products manufactured by Armacell.
  • Such materials are preferably encapsulated in elastomeric polymer material, for example polyolefin such as polyethylene or cellulose reinforced with fiberglass and aluminum foil as found in products such as Lamtec R-3035 and which may be used in conjunction with aluminum foil tape such as 3M Venture Tape to encapsulate the aerogel material.
  • polyolefin such as polyethylene or cellulose reinforced with fiberglass and aluminum foil as found in products such as Lamtec R-3035 and which may be used in conjunction with aluminum foil tape such as 3M Venture Tape to encapsulate the aerogel material.
  • Figure 6A illustrates an interior view of a window with frame insulation material 280
  • Figure 6A also illustrates a frame insulation assembly comprised of four separate frame insulation subassemblies assembled with butt joints at each subassembly interface 281.
  • Frame insulation subassembly interfaces 281 may optionally be sealed with, for example, sealant or caulk.
  • Figure 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view along H-FF or I-I’ using frame insulation material on existing window without additional glazing insulation 282.
  • Figures 6C and 6D illustrate cross-sectional views along H-FF or I-I’ in Figure 6A of frame insulation materials used with a transparent supplemental window apparatus of the present technologies or other window products such as window film, the frame insulation may cover a perimeter portion of the window glazing area.
  • the frame insulation materials may optionally cover a portion of glazing and the glazing insulation technology when viewed from the interior.
  • Figure 6E illustrates a further embodiment as a cross- sectional view along H-H’ or I-I’ in which air gaps are created within and adjacent frame insulation 280 when mounted to a window frame.
  • additional sealing mechanism materials 297 may be used to stop air movement through the glazing/frame interface and/or the frame/wall interface, respectively. While this embodiment utilizes sealing mechanism 297 in addition to other attachment mechanisms, sealing mechanism 297 may also function as an attachment mechanism without other attachment mechanisms when a sealant is used as sealing mechanism 297.
  • Figure 6A illustrates a frameless supplemental window of Figure 4A with window frame insulation 280 over the window frame as viewed from the interior side.
  • the window frame insulation 280 is opaque, though in Figure 6A it is shown with transparency to show its relation to the supplemental window.
  • Embodiments illustrated in Figure 6C and Figure 6D are viewing along H-FF at G-G’ of Figure 6 A.
  • added window frame insulation functions in the same way as clip assemblies described supra and may allow for minimizing the number of clip assemblies used and/or eliminating the use of sealant at comer attachment locations.
  • fastener 209 attached to each spacing comer closure 210.
  • window frame insulation 284 has, for example, a thickness of about 20 mm is shown.
  • inward facing window frame surface 282 is partially covered by inward facing window frame insulation 284 having a thickness large enough to cover the entire perimeter edge of outward supplemental window 204.
  • outward window frame insulation 286 covering the outward surface of window frame 212 and abutting wall 288 in which the window is held.
  • inward facing window frame insulation 285 has a thickness of about 10 mm and is partially covering inward facing window frame surface 282. In this embodiment, inward facing window frame insulation 285 has a thickness large enough to cover an outward portion of spacing corner closure 238 at each corner of the outward supplemental window.
  • inward facing window frame insulation 290 has a thickness of about 6 mm or less and covers more than about 75 percent of inward facing window frame surface 282. This embodiment provides more window frame area coverage due to the thin insulation fitting between spacing comer closures 238 and the nearby window frame elements. Very thin window frame insulation 290 is also useful on stationary sashes of operable sliding windows.
  • the configuration illustrated in Figure 6D provides maximum window frame area insulation while fitting into the perimeter gap of frameless supplemental windows or into the open interior facing edge seal tail of framed supplemental windows described supra.
  • the window frame insulation thickness is less than or equal to the perimeter gap between the frameless supplemental window and the window sash or frame element.
  • the window frame insulation decreases the cross section through which heat transfer occurs through the perimeter gap from the windowpane to the interior room.
  • the window frame insulation thickness is less than or equal to the gap between the interior edge seal tail and the edged seal portion immediately outward from the sheet.
  • the window frame insulation decreased the cross section through which heat transfer occurs through the perimeter gap between the supplemental window framework and the window frame while also applying a force on the edge seal tail toward the windowpane and/or window frame.
  • window frame insulation may be shaped to cover clip assemblies or have cutouts to avoid clip assemblies.
  • frame insulation is provided with an aesthetic shell 296 that covers the interior facing portions of the frame insulation materials 280, 286 and 290 as illustrated in Figure 6E and Figure 6F.
  • the insulation material 286 is attached to the aesthetic shell 296.
  • Aesthetic shell 296 may be comprised of, for example, aluminum, vinyl, wood or wood-plastic composite material having thickness of about 0.025 inch to about 0.1 inch.
  • the attachment of the insulation to the aesthetic shell may be provided by one or more attachment mechanisms such as, for example, adhesive 291, such as double-sided foam adhesive, and mechanically using screws that penetrate both the frame insulation and the aesthetic shell.
  • the attachment between the frame insulation material and the aesthetic shell may be made to leave no air gap or with an air gap 292, 293 may be created as shown in Figure 6E and Figure 6F.
  • the air gap 293, when created between the frame insulation and the aesthetic shell, is preferably between 0.0625 inch and 0.25 inch to provide additional insulation to the window frame.
  • a similar dimension air gap 292 may be created between the frame insulation and the existing window frame.to provide additional insulation. Attachment of each window frame insulation subassembly to existing window frame 212 may be accomplished, for example by using adhesive 294 and/or mechanical fastening such as a screw.
  • a sealing mechanism 297 may be a sealant, such as neutral cure sealants, a compressible foam, infiltration blocker as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,663,983, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or pile weatherstripping 298 such as shown in Figure 6F or compressible foam or bulb weatherstripping.
  • sealant When sealant is used for the sealing mechanism, such sealant also functions to aid in mechanically holding the frame insulation assembly on the existing window frame.
  • pile, compressible foam or bulb weatherstripping, or an infdtration blocker as the sealing mechanism, such sealing mechanisms deform when making contact against the transparent supplemental window apparatus, window element (e.g., windowpane sash, frame, mullion) or wall.
  • window element e.g., windowpane sash, frame, mullion
  • Such deformable sealing mechanisms may be pre-attached to a pre-assembled aesthetic shell/frame insulation material assembly. For example, as shown in Figure 6F for pile weatherstripping, such pre-attachment may be made through the pile base 299 with adhesive to the aesthetic shell or the frame insulation material or by friction fitting between the shell and frame insulation or within frame insulation material 280, 286 or 290.
  • a kerf-mount base When friction fitting is used, a kerf-mount base may be used.
  • the pile When using a pile, the pile may include one or more fins to further assist in air sealing, such as those commercially available from Ultrafab, Inc.
  • a method is provided for air sealing frame portions of an existing window while simultaneously adding substantial insulation (e.g., greater than about R2) to the existing window frame area.
  • the frame insulation and sealing mechanism illustrated in Figure 6F is also beneficially used on existing operable windows, such as casement, awning, hopper, horizontal slider or single and double hung windows.
  • the frame insulation may be provided with integrated (z.e., pre-attached) compressible pile, foam or bulb weatherstripping on the interior side of the window as the operable window opens.
  • each window frame insulation part is attached the window frame. Attachment may occur using, for example, a thin, strong adhesive such as, for example, a 3M VHB adhesive. Such adhesive may be placed between the window frame insulation and window frame to create an air gap to further thermally insulate the window frame area as well as inhibiting radiative heat transfer when the frame insulation is faced with a low emissivity material.
  • frame insulation parts optionally may be covered with a thin aesthetic cover (not shown) on window frame insulation surfaces visible from the interior when attached to a window frame.
  • Frame insulation encapsulation materials may optionally be fabricated with aesthetic features such as color and/or texture such that the overall thickness of the encapsulated frame insulation is minimized.
  • the encapsulating portion of window frame insulation may extend beyond the insulation material to form an infiltration blocking feature.
  • Such infiltration blocking features may have added adhesive to attach the infiltration blocking feature to a portion of the supplemental window, to a window element, to the wall adjacent to an existing window frame to which the window frame insulation is attached or to another section of window frame insulation.
  • a second attachment mechanism to the windowpane may be added using an attachment material as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0401400, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • Such second attachment is especially useful for a larger or heavier supplemental window apparatus.
  • Such attachment material may be beneficially added to also perform protection of material that adheres a pane constraint to the windowpane.
  • Materials useful for such attachment may include adhesives, sealants or caulks. Such material may be added during the installation process after engagement of constraints, such as corner mating constraints of the supplemental window apparatus.
  • a second attachment mechanism may be formed during installation of a supplemental window apparatus by use of an attachment material such as adhesive, sealant or caulk to provide attachment of a comer feature such as a foot and/or an edge feature such as a stiffener or flap to the windowpane.
  • an attachment material such as adhesive, sealant or caulk to provide attachment of a comer feature such as a foot and/or an edge feature such as a stiffener or flap to the windowpane.
  • Such second attachment material may be added after pane constraints are attached or engaged to mating constraints.
  • a cured attachment material may be load bearing and/or provide load sharing with constraints when constraints are present.
  • the pane and mating constraints may serve either as a temporary load bearing mounting attachment or a permanent partial load bearing attachment to the windowpane.
  • an attachment material may provide a sealing function, which optionally may be redundant with other sealing mechanisms and sealing material, to inhibit air movement into or out of the air gap formed when a supplemental window apparatus is mounted to a windowpane.
  • Attachment material may be located outward from a seal or a sealing material contact with a windowpane to make application of the attachment material easier for an installer.
  • Attachment material may be applied only at a comer location, only along an edge or a portion of an edge of the supplemental window apparatus such that one or more of a flap or stiffener is adhered to the windowpane by attachment material, or at both a corner location and an edge location as described infra.
  • Attachment material application may be applied continuously to form a continuous seal around the supplemental window apparatus perimeter at the windowpane perimeter region to form a complete circuit.
  • attachment material may be applied to isolated or discontinuous locations of the supplemental window apparatus perimeter such as corners locations and/or portions of edge locations to limit cost, time needed to apply the attachment material, and aesthetic impact of the attachment material while providing sufficient holding capacity to maintain the desired enclosed air gap for the supplemental window apparatus.
  • Sufficient attachment material may be applied such that it flows near or into contact with a pane constraint, thus acting to protect the pane constraint attachment to the windowpane from moisture that could compromise the pane constraint attachment to the windowpane over time.
  • attachment material may limit displacement of a pane constraint and/or the constraint’s adhesive if stressed with a very high load.
  • Attachment materials adhere to the windowpane perimeter abutting or inward from the daylight opening perimeter interface of the windowpane with its associated sash, frame, mullion or muntin.
  • Attachment materials may include adhesives, sealants or caulks such as acrylic, urethane, cyanoacrylate, silicone, or epoxy materials. Such materials typically are applied as a flowable fluid or paste which cures at temperatures in the range of about 5 degrees Celsius to about 40 degrees Celsius with exposure to a curing agent such as oxygen, moisture or ultraviolet light.
  • attachment materials should have some flexibility and/or resistance to degradation by ultraviolet light over long time periods.
  • Neutral cure materials are also preferred, such as neutral cure silicone based sealant or adhesive, to limit installer or occupant exposure to odors or vapors.
  • Non-limiting commercially available examples of such silicone based materials are GE silicones such as GE Silicone 2 sealants, Dow Corning silicones such as DOWSILTM Glass & Metal Silicone Sealant or 737 Neutral Cure Sealant, Sikasil® WS-290, and American Sealants, Inc. sealants such as ASI 335 and ASI 388. While structural sealant or adhesive material may be used, the examples described are generally used for non- structural or weatherproofing purposes and are sufficient due to the very lightweight nature and interior mounting of the supplemental window apparatus technology. Another desirable characteristic of attachment materials is short full cure time.
  • Short full cure time may be from less than about four hours for a site with a relatively small number of supplemental window apparati to install to less than about 30 hours for a site with a relatively large number of supplemental window apparti to install. Short full cure time for these materials can make installation at a site more efficient and require fewer site visits to complete installation. Short full cure time attachment material allows the installer to adhere pane constraint to the windowpane and attach mating constraint fasteners of the supplemental window apparatus during the same site visit. Short full cure time attachment material allows the installer to remove a protective liner material or label from the sheet portion of a supplemental window apparatus during the same site visit as installation of pane constraints without disruption of the attachment material.
  • the bond build time required when using mushroom head fasteners with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be significantly reduced or nearly eliminated when using attachment material compared to embodiments that use mushroom head fasteners with PSA without attachment material.
  • use of primer may optionally be eliminated from the installation process when using attachment material that cures in less time than the recommended mushroom head fastener adhesive full bond build time.
  • a typical recommended method for use of mushroom head fastener with PSA is described in 3M Application Guide for Dual LockTM Reclosable Fasteners with Acrylic Foam Tape. The glass is first cleaned with a standard window cleaner and dried. The area to which the PSA is to be adhered is then cleaned with isopropanol and dried.
  • Glass primer such as 3M Silane Glass Treatment API 15 is applied and dried.
  • the mushroom head fastener is then adhered to the glass and sufficient pressure applied to the entire fastener area.
  • the fastener PSA bond is then allowed to build over time without application of load, which may be as much as 72 hours or more if done at temperatures below room temperature.
  • the supplemental window apparatus is attached to the fasteners.
  • the infiltration blockers described herein may comprise a non porous flexible material.
  • Thin pieces of thermoplastic film or sheet may be used, for example, polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of approximately 0.002 to about 0.020 inch and preferably approximately 0.003 to about 0.010 inch.
  • the thin pieces of non-porous flexible material may be attached to the plastic sheet or the edge seal along each perimeter edge of the supplemental window. The attachment to the sheet or edge seal may be accomplished by any of the means described supra, including welding (e.g., ultrasonic, laser, RF, etc.) or adhesive means.
  • the infiltration blockers on the window sides and top are sized such that they deform, compress or bend, relative to their relaxed shapes, when in contact the window stop, jamb, frame, sill or header, thus covering potential infiltration regions between the sash stiles or sash rails and the respective jambs, frames, sill or header when the window is in the closed position.
  • the edges of the edge seal and infiltration blockers that are not attached to the supplemental window may be curled, curved, polished or beaded to avoid exposed sharp edges.
  • the fasteners described supra for supplemental window apparatuses may be, for example, mushroom head fasteners such as 3M Dual Lock fasteners or similar snap together fasteners.
  • mushroom head fasteners such as 3M Dual Lock fasteners or similar snap together fasteners.
  • seals may contain ultraviolet absorbing material. When such seals compress between the spacer and windowpane, this ultraviolet absorbing material can protect the spacer. Foot portions of corner elements may be protected by placing within the fastener a material similar to ultraviolet absorber containing seal. In such cases, the film may be patterned with holes or slits that conform to the locations of fastener engagement elements such as mushroom heads and stems.
  • a layer of ultraviolet absorber containing material may be sprayed on one or both sides of a fastener used to connect a foot portion to a windowpane [0107]
  • the custom supplemental parts may be recycled or reused by a subsequent occupant at the location of the installation.
  • recycling the custom supplemental parts such recycling may be achieved by the end user through a local recycling program, sent to a local retailer for recycling or sent to the service provider for recycling.
  • the custom supplemental parts may also be resold, with refurbishment or remanufacturing if necessary, to a different end user having similar, though perhaps slightly different, design requirements as the original end user.
  • the shape of a plastic sheet might be altered slightly by cutting along an edge while other components are re-used without modification.
  • the service provider may separate the custom supplemental parts from multiple end users so that such parts may be recombined in different combinations to meet the design requirements of a new end user.
  • Another recycling route that may be used by the service provider or fabricator is to have the received parts enter a recycling stream in which the parts reenter a manufacturing stream at a raw material stage where they are reformed into a new shape or part.
  • the materials used for comer braces, the plastic sheet, or the edging may be chosen to optimize certain characteristics, depending on the part and end user design choices. It is preferred that the materials used for each part are chosen so that each part may be reused, recycled or remanufactured.
  • a plastic sheet, edge seal and/or infiltration blocker may comprise other materials dispersed within it or in the form of layers.
  • a plastic sheet, edge seal or infiltration blocker comprising other materials is particularly useful when emissivity, transmittance, absorptance and/or reflectance control is desired.
  • One type of such material may be the addition of a laminate, for example a multilayer laminate comprising an infrared reflective layer and a scratch resistant layer such as those found in currently available window films or an amorphous diamondlike carbon film, which may be fluorinated and/or hydrogenated.
  • scratch resistant layer on the interior side of the supplemental window apparatus sheet is beneficial to inhibit scratching due to sliding by a movable sash over the apparatus on a stationary windowpane.
  • a scratch resistant layer is applied to the sheet as part of a laminate as found in window films, it can be beneficial to include a UV blocking cap layer on the exterior facing side of the sheet or to incorporate a UV stabilizer within the bulk of the sheet material.
  • a laminate as found in window films is applied to the exterior side of the sheet, such laminate generally provide UV protection for the sheet material.
  • Such sheets, edge seals or infiltration blockers may include materials such as transparent plastic that has been metalized or dyed, or may comprise ceramic (inorganic oxides such as tin oxide or indium oxide, or metal hexaboride or metal nitride or metal oxynitride or metal silicide, preferably less than 200 nm in diameter, more preferably less than 100 nm in diameter or hydrogenated metal nitride, such as aluminum nitride, titanium nitride or titanium aluminum nitride dielectric layer less than about 150 nm in thickness as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
  • ceramic inorganic oxides such as tin oxide or indium oxide, or metal hexaboride or metal nitride or metal oxynitride or metal silicide, preferably less than 200 nm in diameter, more preferably less than 100 nm in diameter or hydrogenated metal nitride, such as aluminum nitride, titanium nitride or titanium
  • the plastic sheet or edging may comprise an infrared absorber near the joining surface of one of the parts to be welded.
  • a plastic sheet and/or edging may comprise materials that control the visible light transmitted for effecting privacy purposes.
  • the sheet may be mounted on the interior or exterior side of the window pane to provide the surface treatment location that provides optimal energy savings. For example, during cold weather seasons, mounting a low-e or infrared reflective material to the interior of the pane is preferred, while during hot weather seasons it is preferable to mount the low-e or infrared reflective material to the exterior of the pane.
  • a plastic sheet may also have printing on the portion through which the window pane is visible. Such printing may include logos, decals or figures for desired aesthetic purposes, or line patterns, such as those used to inhibit bird strikes on the window.
  • printing may include logos, decals or figures for desired aesthetic purposes, or line patterns, such as those used to inhibit bird strikes on the window.
  • line patterns such as those used to inhibit bird strikes on the window.
  • mechanical, optical and thermal conduction properties of the sheet may be optimized in different ways depending upon the end user product choices. When used on the exterior of the original window, high impact resistance may be desirable.

Landscapes

  • Securing Of Glass Panes Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une fenêtre supplémentaire pour une fenestration appropriée pour être utilisée avec des fenêtres existantes. La fenêtre supplémentaire comprend, dans un mode de réalisation, un matériau en feuille plastique ayant un rebord le long de chaque bord qui ajoute de la rigidité, de la résistance et/ou une surface destinée à être fixée à un joint, un châssis ou un second matériau en feuille dans plusieurs modes de réalisation. Un mécanisme de fixation fixé soit au matériau en feuille, soit au bord, soit à un élément de cadre de fenêtre a pour fonction de fixer, maintenir et/ou sceller la fenêtre supplémentaire à une fenêtre existante ou à une seconde fenêtre supplémentaire. Un joint a pour fonction d'enfermer sensiblement (c'est-à-dire piéger) un volume d'air entre la vitre et un matériau en feuille plastique. La fenêtre supplémentaire est configurée de telle sorte que la couche d'air enfermée a une épaisseur optimale dans une plage préférée de 0,15 à 0,75 pouce pour maximiser les propriétés d'isolation thermique de la fenêtre supplémentaire.
PCT/US2025/030738 2024-05-23 2025-05-23 Fenêtre supplémentaire et isolation pour fenestration Pending WO2025245428A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463651180P 2024-05-23 2024-05-23
US63/651,180 2024-05-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025245428A1 true WO2025245428A1 (fr) 2025-11-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Link
WO (1) WO2025245428A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6256956B1 (en) * 1997-06-27 2001-07-10 Lawrence R. Davis Moisture and air resistant wrap for windows, doors and sliders and method of using same
US20050028458A1 (en) * 2003-06-23 2005-02-10 Rosskamp Barent A. Integrated window sash with lattice frame and retainer clip
US20180347258A1 (en) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 WexEnergy LLC Frameless supplemental window for fenestration
US20230374851A1 (en) * 2020-10-02 2023-11-23 WexEnergy LLC Frameless supplemental window for fenestration

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6256956B1 (en) * 1997-06-27 2001-07-10 Lawrence R. Davis Moisture and air resistant wrap for windows, doors and sliders and method of using same
US20050028458A1 (en) * 2003-06-23 2005-02-10 Rosskamp Barent A. Integrated window sash with lattice frame and retainer clip
US20180347258A1 (en) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 WexEnergy LLC Frameless supplemental window for fenestration
US20230374851A1 (en) * 2020-10-02 2023-11-23 WexEnergy LLC Frameless supplemental window for fenestration

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