Impact resistant window

Abstract

A novel impact and blast resistant window is presented. A surface of a glazing pane has a durable transparent polymer film coated or adhered thereto. The surface of the window pane having the film is sealed to the sash by double sided tape. The resulting window produces an unexpected ability for the durable transparent polymer film to retain pieces of broken glass driven toward the interior of the building by a missile striking an exterior of the window, without the durable transparent polymer film pulling loose from the window sash.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation in part of and claims priority of application Ser. No. 12 / 694,467, filed Jan. 27, 2010, which is a continuation in part and claims priority of application Ser. No. 12 / 217,425, filed Jul. 3, 2008, which is a continuation in part and claims priority of application Ser. No. 12 / 077,113, filed Mar. 17, 2008, which is a continuation in part and claims priority of application Ser. No. 12 / 070,687, filed Feb. 20, 2008, which is a continuation in part and claims priority of application Ser. No. 11 / 705,979, filed Feb. 13, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to windows, and more particularly to windows that are impact resistant.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Windows and glass panes in doors, panels and the like are a major source of unwanted heat loss and gain in a structure. With increased cost of fuel and energy, the moderation of unwanted energy losses on account of these structures has become of increasing importance.[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention is directed to a novel multiple glazed impact resistant window and a method of making the multiple glazed impact and blast resistant window. The method includes forming a window sash that delineates a mounting space for mounting a first pane and a second pane opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from each other. A durable transparent or translucent polymer film is attached to a surface of a glazing pane that is mounted in the window sash. The film inhibits pieces or shards of glass and missiles from entering the structure if the glass is broken by an impact or a blast. Double sided tape adheres the film to the window sash so that the film is inhibited from pulling away from the window sash during impact. The resulting window will pass applicable missile tests. The resulting window also provides additional security protection for the building in which it is installed, and for the building's inhabitants.

Problems solved by technology

Windows and glass panes in doors, panels and the like are a major source of unwanted heat loss and gain in a structure.

Although double glazing successfully reduces the energy transfer through a window, the use of two panes of glass substantially increases the weight of the window.

Increased weight in windows is normally unwanted because of the need for heavier frames and sashes, heavier mounting hardware, and more rigid sash materials.

Moreover, construction of double glazed windows is more complex than normal window construction, because the double glazed pane unit is constructed separately from the sash unit and then the sealed double glazed pane unit is mounted into the sash to assemble the insulated window.

The now shattered pane of glass separates from the sashes and enters the structure in the direction of travel of the missile, creating a hazard.

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