Insulating Laminated Point Supported Glass System

Abstract

The insulating laminated point supported system of the present invention comprises a plurality of insulating laminated glass, a plurality of stainless steel anchoring systems, and a plurality of structural supports. Each insulating laminated glass comprises a laminated glass inboard lite, a spacer, and an outboard lite. The anchoring system penetrates the laminated glass and connects the glass to the structural support. The outboard lite is not penetrated by the anchor system; it is attached to the laminated glass in a tradition way to form an insulating glass unit. The glass system of the present invention yields a lower U-factor indicating that the present system has higher thermal performance. The present system also meets the hurricane test requirement indicating the system can be used to enclose buildings in hurricane zone. With no aluminum frames, the present system can be used for GREEN or LEED required buildings.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a glass system, and more specifically to a insulating laminated point supported glass system that is tested for hurricane impact and has high thermal performance.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Laminated glass is a type of safety glass. Conventional laminated glass generally comprises interlayer bonded between two or more sheets of glass. In the event of impact, the interlayer keeps the glass from breaking into sharp pieces; the glass will crash into spider web like pattern and still bond to the interlayer if the force is not strong enough to penetrate the glass. Common interlayer includes but is not limited to polyvinyl butyrate (PVB).[0005]Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) comprises two or more panes of glass and a “spacer”, which separates the two panes of glass and seals the gas space between them. The glass panes may be laminated and / or tempered glass. The goal of IGUs is to ins...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an insulating laminated point support system that has a low U-value, making it a more efficient thermal performer. The system also does not use or use less aluminum, making it environmentally friendly. It is a Hurricane impact tested system that is suitable for use in homes and buildings. The system reduces the use of plastics and aluminum, satisfying the requirement for buildings that use GREEN or LEED products. The low U-value of the system will reduce energy costs radically. Blast requirements can also be accommodated with the present system.

Problems solved by technology

An insulating laminated glass assembly may be too thick or heavy to be framed by window and curtain wall system, which support the glass around the perimeter, typically in aluminum frames.

However, there's no existing point supported glass system that have both hurricane resistance and high thermal performance.

Since aluminum is a non-insulating (conductive) material, it may create cold bridges that reduce the thermal insulation performance.

This penetration of the insulation layer by the anchor made of non-insulating material between the interior and exterior environment of the building envelope creates cold bridges that reduce the thermal insulation performance.

Moreover, it was reported that there are environmental impacts associated with each stage of aluminum production, from extraction to processing.

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