Thermal damping devices for window systems

Abstract

A window system includes a frame, a glazing assembly housed within the frame and includes a glass stop that can be fixed to the frame, wherein the fixing of the glass stop to the frame defines an air pocket between the glass stop and the frame, and a thermal damping device located within the air pocket and defining one or more discrete cavities.

Description

Thermal damping devices for window systems Background Windows are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings, for example, in storefronts and curtain walls on the facades of high-rise buildings. Aesthetic considerations play a significant role in the architectural design of buildings, including the design of their window systems. However, another important factor in architectural design is a building's overall energy efficiency, which includes the energy transfer characteristics of its window systems. There is an ongoing demand for building features and construction methods that improve energy efficiency. Some windows and window systems use frames made of metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and such metal frames can reduce a building's thermal efficiency by acting as conductors of heat between the exterior and interior of a building. Improved and / or alternative structures and / or methods for controlling the heat transfer characteristics of windows and window structures, while simultaneously achieving or maintaining aesthetic design objectives, remain desirable. Document DE 9422032 U1 shows a window system with a glass infill and stop. Summary of the description The invention provides embodiments according to claim 1, including a window system comprising a frame, a glazing assembly contained within the frame, and a glass stop attachable to the frame, wherein attaching the glass stop to the frame defines an air gap between the glass stop and the frame, and a thermal damping device positioned within the air gap and defining one or more discrete cavities. In a further embodiment, the frame includes a head, a sash, and opposing left and right vertical jambs extending between the head and the sash, wherein the glass stop is attachable to any of the head, the sash, and the opposing left and right vertical jambs. According to the invention, the thermal damping device provides a base and fins extending from the base, the fins defining one or more discrete cavities.According to the invention, the thermal damping device is removably attached to the glass top. In another further embodiment, the fins extend and engage with the frame. According to the invention, the window system comprises a thermal break mounted on the frame, wherein two fins make contact with the thermal break. In another further embodiment, the base and the fins are made of a thermoplastic polymer. According to the invention, the base is made of a rigid material, and the fins are made of a flexible material different from the rigid material. In another further embodiment, the base and the fins are co-extruded. In another further embodiment, the thermal damping device extends between and contacts the glass top and the frame. In another further embodiment, the thermal damping device provides multiple structural members that cooperatively define one or more discrete cavities.In another additional embodiment, at least a portion of the thermal damping device is made of an elastomer to seal an interface between the frame and the thermal damping device. The embodiments described herein may further include a method for reducing heat transmission through a window system according to claim 7. The method includes the steps of placing a thermal damping device within an air gap defined between a glazing stop of a glazing assembly and a window frame, wherein the thermal damping device defines one or more discrete cavities, and reducing heat transmission through the air gap with the thermal damping device. In a further embodiment, the method further includes reducing heat transfer by convection through the air gap with the one or more discrete cavities. In another further embodiment, the thermal damping device extends between and contacts the glazing stop and the frame, the method further comprising reinforcing the glazing stop with the thermal damping device.In another additional embodiment, at least a portion of the thermal damping device is made of an elastomer, the method further comprising sealing an interface between the frame and the thermal damping device with the thermal damping device. The embodiments described herein may further include a method for adapting a window system according to claim 11. The method includes the steps of removing a glass stop from a glazing assembly contained within a window assembly frame, arranging a thermal damping device so that it is positioned within a defined air pocket between the glass stop and the frame when the glass stop is attached to the frame, and reattaching the glass stop to the frame, wherein the thermal damping device defines one or more discrete cavities. In a further embodiment, the thermal damping device extends between and contacts the glass stop and the frame. The method further comprises reinforcing the glass stop with the thermal damping device.In another embodiment, providing the thermal damping device comprises removably attaching the thermal damping device to the glass top. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the thermal damping device is made of an elastomer, the method further comprising sealing an interface between the frame and the thermal damping device with the thermal damping device. Brief description of the drawings The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of this description and should not be considered as exclusive modalities. The subject described is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this description. Figure 1 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a 100 window system that may incorporate the principles of the present description. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 1, taken along the corresponding section lines indicated in Figure 1, according to one or more modalities. Figure 3 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the window assembly of Figure 1, taken along the corresponding section lines indicated in Figure 1. The embodiment of Figure 3 is not part of the claimed invention, but helps to understand the invention. Detailed description The present description refers to window systems and, more particularly, to thermal damping devices deployed in glass retaining devices 25 or "glass stops" for the purpose of reducing thermal transmission (radiant, convective, etc.) through a large air pocket defined, at least partially, by the glass retaining device. Window systems often include large air cavities, commonly formed by deep and / or tall glass retaining devices, alternatively called "glazing stops." These air cavities facilitate a high rate of heat transmission from the exterior to the interior of a building, and vice versa. The window system configurations described herein incorporate the use of a thermal damping device, which can be located within the large air cavity of a glazing stop to mitigate or reduce heat transmission through the window system. The illustrative thermal damping devices can be made of low-emissivity thermoplastic polymers or other low-emissivity materials.Furthermore, the thermal damping devices described herein may include structural features that effectively break the air pocket into smaller air cavities, thereby helping to break down and slow the thermal waves into smaller, interrupted waves, and thus mitigating or interrupting heat transmission through the air pocket. Portions of the thermal damping devices described herein may also be made of flexible materials, allowing the thermal damping device to adapt to various glass top designs and configurations. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative window system 100 that may incorporate the principles of the present description. As illustrated, the window system 100 includes a frame 102, and the upper and lower glazing assemblies 104a and 104b (alternatively referred to as "glass assemblies") are held within the frame 102. The frame 102 includes a horizontally mounted head 106 and a horizontally mounted sash 108 vertically opposite the head 106. The opposing left and right vertical jambs 110a and 110b extend vertically between the head 106 and the sash 108 to complete the sides of the frame 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower glazing assemblies 104a, b are separated by an integral horizontal rail 112, alternatively referred to as the "meeting rail", which extends horizontally between the vertical jambs 110a, b. In other embodiments, however, the horizontal rail 112 is omitted and the upper and lower glazing assemblies 104a, b could be combined into a single monolithic glazing assembly, without departing from the scope of the present description. The upper glazing assembly 104a includes a first glazing or infill 114a held in place, at least partially, by an upper glazing adapter 116a that matches the head 106 and the left and right vertical jambs 110a, b. More specifically, the upper glazing adapter 116a includes opposing left and right vertical glazing adapters 118a and 118b, and an upper horizontal glazing adapter 120a that extends horizontally between the vertical glazing adapters 118a, b. Similarly, the lower glazing assembly 104b includes a second infill 114b held in place, at least partially, by a lower glazing adapter 116b that matches the stile 108 and the left and right vertical jambs 110a, b.The lower glazing adapter 116b includes opposing left and right vertical adapters 122a and 122b, and a lower horizontal glazing adapter 120b extending horizontally between the vertical glazing adapters 122a, b. The infills 114a, b may comprise, for example, window glass panels, polycarbonates, or other transparent, translucent, tinted, or opaque panels. Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the window assembly 100, taken along the corresponding section lines indicated in Figure 1, according to one or more modalities. More specifically, Figure 2 represents a sectional view of the upper portion of the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106), to which the upper horizontal glazing adapter 120a of the upper glazing assembly 104a is attached. Although the description below addresses a section of the frame 102 located at the head 106, the principles described herein are equally applicable to other sections or locations of the frame 102, such as the lower portion of the frame 102 (i.e., the sash 108 in Figure 1) or any of the vertical jambs 110a, b, without departing from the scope of the description. As illustrated, the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106) may include a first or "outer" portion 202a and a second or "inner" portion 202b. The outer portion 202a is generally exposed to the exterior of a building, while the inner portion 202b is generally exposed to the interior of the building. To improve the thermal performance of the window assembly 100, the frame 102 may include a thermal break 204, which serves to interconnect the outer and inner portions 202a, b while simultaneously preventing the loss of conductive thermal energy between the outer and inner portions 202a, b. The thermal break 204 may be made of one or more materials having a thermal conductivity that is lower than the thermal conductivity of the frame 102, such as a polyurethane foam, a polymer, or similar material. As depicted in Figure 2, the first filler 114a is secured between the upper horizontal glazing adapter 120a and a glass stop 206. Both the upper horizontal glazing adapter 120a and the glass stop 206 are attached to the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106). An outer gasket 208a is interposed between the first filler 114a and the upper horizontal glazing adapter 120a, and an inner gasket 208b is interposed between the first filler 114a and the glass stop 206. The gaskets 208a and b can be made of a variety of materials capable of creating a sealed interface at their respective locations. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner gasket 208b comprises a bulb gasket, but it could alternatively comprise a wedge gasket or another type of gasket, without departing from the scope of the description. The glass stop 206, alternatively referred to as the "glass retaining device," "glass molding," or "glazing molding," provides or otherwise defines a base 210 that extends laterally from the first filler 114a inward. As illustrated, the inner gasket 208b is arranged to provide a sealed interface between the base 210 and an inner surface of the first filler 114a. The glass stop 206 also includes one or more legs 212 extending from the base 210 to secure the glass stop 206 to the head 106. In some embodiments, the legs 212 can be configured to removably attach the glass stop 206 to the head 106. More specifically, one or both of the legs 212 can include a joining mechanism 214, which can comprise any type of structural or mechanical joining means capable of removably attaching the glass stop 206 to the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106). In the illustrated embodiment, the joining mechanism 214 is provided on each leg 212 in the form of hook features configured to locate and engage corresponding structural features provided by the frame 102. In such embodiments, the joining mechanism 214 allows the glass stop 206 to form a snap-fit ​​joint to the frame 102. In some embodiments, the legs 212 may extend perpendicularly from the base 210, but they could alternatively extend at an angle offset from the perpendicular. Furthermore, although two legs 212 are shown in Figure 2, the glass top 206 could include more or fewer than two, without departing from the scope of the description. When the glass stop 206 is secured to the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106), an air pocket 216 is defined between the glass stop 206 and the frame 102. During installed use of the window assembly 100, heat may tend to transfer from the outside to the inside by passing (at least partially) through the air pocket 216. According to the embodiments of the present description, such heat transfer may be reduced (mitigated) by placing a thermal damping device 218 within the air pocket 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal damping device 218 provides a base 220 and a plurality of fins 222 (three shown) extending from the base 220. The base 220 may provide a substantially flat substrate, and the fins 222 may extend from the base 220 in a variety of directions or angles. In some embodiments, for example, one or more of the fins 222 may extend perpendicularly from the base 220. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the fins 222 may extend from the base 220 at an angle offset from the perpendicular to the base 220. The thermal damping device 218 is removably attached to the glass stop 206. For example, in at least one embodiment, the base 220 may include one or more joining features 224 configured to locate and form a press-fit coupling with the corresponding joining features provided by the glass stop 206. In other embodiments, however, the thermal damping device 218 may be secured to the glass stop 206 by a press fit or by the use of one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws). In still other embodiments, the thermal damping device 218 may simply be placed in contact with the glass stop 206, as it is inserted longitudinally into the airbag 216 (e.g., slid into the airbag 216). The base 220 is made of a rigid material, such as a low-emissivity thermoplastic polymer. This allows the base 220 to be coupled to the glass top 206 while simultaneously maintaining its shape under wind loads and other external forces. The fins 222 can also be made of a low-emissivity thermoplastic polymer, but they are made of a more flexible material than the base 220 and otherwise exhibit a lower durometer compared to the base 220. In at least one embodiment, the fins 222 can be co-extruded with the base 220, but they can alternatively be attached to it by a variety of other means, such as laser welding, an interference fit, a press-fit coupling, mechanical fasteners, or any combination thereof. The flexibility of the fins 222 can be advantageous by allowing them to dynamically adapt to the shape of the airbag 216 when installed, and to otherwise be compatible when in contact with the thermal break 204 or portions of the frame 102 (e.g., the head 106). As a result, the thermal damping device 218 can be incorporated into a variety of design configurations for the frame 102, since the fins 222 are able to adapt to varying shapes and sizes of the thermal break 204 and the frame 102. The thermal damping device 218 can also be advantageous in helping to reinforce the glass stop 206 during heavy wind loads or installation. More specifically, as illustrated, one or more of the fins 222 can be extended to engage (contact) one or both of the frame 102 (e.g., the head 106) or the thermal break 204. By extending to the frame 102 or the thermal break 204, the thermal damping device 218 can transfer the load from the glass stop 206 to the frame 102. However, without the thermal damping device 218, the glass stop 206 may tend to bend, flex, and even sag during heavy wind loads or installation. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal damping device 218 includes three fins 222 extending from the base 220, thereby defining one or more discrete cavities 226 separated by laterally adjacent fins 222. The resulting fins 222 and cavities 226 break the air pocket 216 into smaller air cavities, mitigating heat transfer by convection and thus helping to reduce or interrupt thermal transmission through the air pocket 216. This results in reduced heat flow and higher thermal performance of the entire glazing system. In some embodiments, the thermal damping device 218 may be part of a retrofit of older glazing units (e.g., windows and window systems). In such embodiments, the glass stop 206 may be separated from the head 106, and the thermal damping device 218 may be arranged so that it resides within the air pocket 216 when the glass stop 206 is reattached to the head 106. In at least some embodiments, this may require a new or updated design for the glass stop 206, and otherwise a glass stop that is designed to receive and seat the thermal damping device 218.By reattaching the glass stop 206 to the head 106, the thermal damping device 218 will effectively divide the air bag 216 into the plurality of discrete cavities 226 separated by laterally adjacent fins 222, as generally described above, and in this way provide a more thermally efficient and robust window. Figure 3 is another schematic sectional view of the window assembly 100, taken along the corresponding section lines indicated in Figure 1, according to one or more modalities. More specifically, Figure 3 represents a sectional view of the lower portion of the frame 102 at the sash 108, which is coupled to the lower glazing assembly 104b. Although Figure 3 represents a section of the window assembly 100 at the sash 108, the principles described below are equally applicable to other sections of the frame 102, such as the upper portion of the frame 102 (i.e., the head 106 in Figure 1) or any of the vertical jambs 110a, b, without departing from the scope of the description. As depicted in Figure 3, the second filler 114b is secured between the lower horizontal glazing adapter 120b and a glass stop 302. Both the lower horizontal glazing adapter 120b and the glass stop 302 are attached to the frame 102 (i.e., the stile 108). An outer gasket 304a is interposed between the second filler 114b and the lower horizontal glazing extrusion 120b, and an inner gasket 304b is interposed between the second filler 114b and the glass stop 302. Similar to gaskets 208a, b in Figure 2, gaskets 304a, b can be made from a variety of materials capable of creating a sealed interface at their respective locations. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner gasket 304b comprises a wedge gasket, but could alternatively comprise a bulb gasket or other types of gaskets, without departing from the scope of the description.Similar to the glass stop 206 in Figure 2, the glass stop 302 provides or otherwise defines a base 306 that extends laterally from the second filler 114b and inward when installed. The inner gasket 304b is arranged to provide a sealed interface between the base 306 and an inner surface of the second filler 114b. The glass stop 302 may also include one or more legs 308 extending from the base 306 to secure the glass stop 302 to the stile 108. In some embodiments, the legs 308 may be configured to removably attach the glass stop 302 to the stile 108. More specifically, at least one of the legs 308 may include a joining mechanism 310, which may comprise any type of structural or mechanical joining means capable of removably attaching the glass stop 302 to the frame 102 (i.e., the stile 108). In the illustrated embodiment, the joining mechanism 310 is provided on both legs 308 in the form of hook features configured to locate and engage corresponding structural features provided by the frame 102. Accordingly, the joining mechanism 310 allows the glass stop 302 to form a snap-fit ​​joint to the frame 102. In some embodiments, the legs 308 may extend perpendicularly from the base 306, but they could alternatively extend at an angle offset from the perpendicular. Furthermore, although two legs 308 are shown in Figure 3, the glass top 302 could include more or fewer than two, without departing from the scope of the description. When the glass stop 302 is secured to the frame 102 (i.e., the sash 108), an air pocket 312 is defined between the glass stop 302 and the frame 102. During installed use of the window assembly 100, heat may tend to transfer from the outside to the inside, or vice versa, by passing (at least partially) through the air pocket 312. According to the embodiments of the present description, such heat transfer may be reduced (mitigated) by placing a thermal damping device 314 within the air pocket 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal damping device 314 extends between the glass stop 302 and the frame 102 (i.e., the stile 108). In at least one embodiment, as illustrated, the thermal damping device 314 can be extended to engage the frame 102 and, more particularly, a thermal break 316 mounted on or otherwise forming part of the stile 108. In some embodiments, the thermal damping device 314 may be positioned (e.g., slid into place) before the glass stop 302 is installed. In other embodiments, the thermal damping device 314 may be removably attached to the glass stop 302. In at least one embodiment, for example, the glass stop 302 may provide or otherwise define one or more joining features 318 configured to be received by or within a corresponding joining feature provided by the glass stop 302. In such embodiments, the joining feature 318 may facilitate a press fit or coupling with the glass stop 302. In other embodiments, however, the thermal damping device 314 may be secured to the glass stop 302 by a press fit or by the use of one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws).In still other embodiments, the thermal damping device 314 can simply be placed in contact with the glass stop 302, as it is inserted longitudinally into the air bag 312 (e.g., it slides into the air bag 312). Although Figure 3 shows the thermal damping device 314 removably attached to the glass stop 302, it is contemplated in the present description that the thermal damping device 314 can alternatively be removably attached to the frame 102 (e.g., the stringer 108), without departing from the scope of the description. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal damping device 314 provides or otherwise includes multiple structural members 320 that cooperatively define one or more discrete cavities 322. More specifically, the structural members 320 may comprise vertical and horizontal members that jointly create the cavities 322, but could alternatively comprise members that extend in directions offset from the vertical and horizontal directions. The structural members 320 and the resulting cavities 322 can be advantageous by breaking the air pocket 312 into smaller air cavities, thereby mitigating convective heat transfer and thus helping to reduce or interrupt thermal transmission through the air pocket 312. This results in reduced heat flow and higher thermal performance of the entire glazing system. In some embodiments, the 314 thermal damping device may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer (of low thermal conductivity). In other embodiments, however, part or all of the 314 thermal damping device may be made of an elastomer, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV). In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the 314 thermal damping device may have a coating of a low-emissivity material applied to it. Having the 314 thermal damping device made of an elastomer may be advantageous in several ways. First, this allows the 314 thermal damping device to be flexible while still providing structural support (reinforcement) to the 302 glass top.More specifically, placing the thermal damping device 314 in the airbag 312 helps to transfer the load from the glass top 302 to the thermal damping device 314, which transfers at least a portion of the load to the frame 102 (i.e., the stringer 108). Secondly, having the thermal damping device 314 made at least partially of an elastomer allows it to function as a type of gasket or seal within the airbag 312. More specifically, the thermal damping device 314 can form a sealed interface at the stringer 108 (e.g., at the thermal break 316) and thereby help prevent fluids (e.g., water and air) from migrating through the airbag 312 from the outside to the inside. Instead, any fluid that does find its way into the airbag 312 can be stopped by the thermal damping device 314 and forced into a fluid filtration system (not shown). The thermal damping device 218 in Figure 2 may be useful in a glass stop 206 that is long or otherwise extends deep into the building. Conversely, the thermal damping device 314 in Figure 3 may be useful and otherwise advantageous for incorporation into a glass stop 302 that is shorter or more compact. However, both thermal damping devices 218 and 314 may prove advantageous for structurally reinforcing the corresponding glass stop 206 and 302. For example, in some applications, the interior gaskets 208b and 304b in Figures 2 and 3, respectively, may comprise a wedge gasket that needs to be manually installed, requiring the wedge gasket to be inserted (forced) between the fillers 114a and 114b and the corresponding glass stop 206 and 302.During this process, the glass stop 206, 302 may be prompted to flex and rotate outwards, and in some cases this may cause the glass stop 206, 302 to separate from the frame 102 in the joining mechanism 214, 310. However, the inclusion of the thermal damping device 218, 314 will help resist flexing / rotation and maintain the straightness of the glass stop 206, 302 when actuating the inner seal 208b, 304b. In some embodiments, the thermal damping device 218, 314 may be sufficiently elastic to cause the corresponding glass stop 206, 302 to return to its natural position once the seal 208b, 304b is fully installed. Similar to the thermal damping device 218 in Figure 2, the thermal damping device 314 in Figure 3 can also be part of a retrofit of older glazing units (e.g., windows). Applying the thermal damping devices 218, 314 in a stock-length form to their mating glass butt 206, 302 allows the two members to be cut to length simultaneously, thereby reducing labor costs. Therefore, the systems and methods described are well suited to achieve the aforementioned purposes and advantages, as well as those inherent in them. The particular modalities described above are illustrative only. Furthermore, no limitations are intended on the details of construction or design shown herein, beyond those described in the claims below. The systems and methods described herein can be properly practiced in the absence of any element not specifically described herein and / or any optional element described herein. While the compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods may also "essentially consist of" or "consist of" the various components and steps.All the numbers and intervals described above may vary to some extent. Whenever a numerical interval is described with a lower and an upper limit, any number and any included interval falling within that interval shall be specifically described. In particular, each interval of values ​​(of the form, "from approximately aa to approximately b," or equivalently, "from approximately aab," or equivalently, "from approximately ab") described herein shall be understood to place each number and encompassed interval within the broader interval of values. Furthermore, the terms in the claims have their ordinary and plain meanings unless explicitly and clearly defined otherwise by the inventor. In addition, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more of the items they introduce.If there is any conflict in the uses of a word or term in this description and one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated into this description by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this description should be adopted. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items, with "and" or "or" separating any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each individual item. The phrase "at least one of" allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C. The use of directional terms such as up, down, superior, inferior, upward, downward, left, right, and the like is used in relation to the illustrative modalities as represented in the figures; the upward direction is toward the top of the corresponding figure, and the downward direction is toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

Claims

1. A window system (100), comprising: a frame (102); a glazing assembly (104a, 104b) retained within the frame and including: a filler (114a, 114b); and a glass stop (206) having a glass stop base (210) extending laterally from the filler and one or more legs (212) extending from the glass stop base and attachable to the frame, wherein attaching the one or more legs to the frame defines an air pocket (216) between the glass stop and the frame; a thermal damping device (218) positioned within the airbag and removably attachable to the glass top, the thermal damping device providing a base (220) and a plurality of fins (222) extending from the base, the plurality of fins defining one or more discrete cavities (226); and a thermal break (204) mounted on the frame,The window system (100) is characterized in that the base is made of a rigid material and the plurality of fins is made of a flexible material different from the rigid material, and in that a first fin and a second fin of the plurality of fins engage the thermal break to define a cavity or one or more discrete cavities between the first fin and the second fin.

2. The window system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (102) includes a head (106), a sash (108), and opposite left and right vertical jambs (110a, 110b) extending between the head and the sash, and wherein the glass stop (206) can be attached to any of the heads, the sash, and the opposite left and right vertical jambs.

3. The window system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base (220) is removably attached to the glass stop (206).

4. The window system (100) according to claim 3,wherein the plurality of fins (222) extend and attach to the frame (102).

5. The window system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base (220) and the fins (222) are made of a thermoplastic polymer.

6. The window system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base and the fins are co-extruded.

7. A method for reducing thermal transmission through a window system (100), comprising: positioning a thermal damping device (218) within an air pocket (216) defined between a glazing assembly (104a, 104b) and a frame (102) of the window system, wherein the thermal damping provides a base (220) and a plurality of fins (222) extending from the base, wherein the base is made of a rigid material and the plurality of fins is made of a flexible material different from the rigid material, wherein the plurality of fins define one or more discrete cavities (226),wherein a first fin and a second fin of the plurality of fins engage a thermal break mounted on the window system frame to define a cavity of one or more discrete cavities between the first fin and the second fin, and wherein the glazing assembly includes: a filler (114a, 114b); and a glass stop (206) having a glass stop base (210) extending laterally from the filler and one or more legs (212) extending from the glass stop base and attaching to the frame, wherein attaching one or more legs to the frame defines the air pocket between the glass stop and the frame, and wherein the thermal damping device is removably attached to the glass stop; and reducing thermal transmission through the air pocket with the thermal damping device.

8. The method of claim 7,further comprising reducing convective heat transfer through the air pocket (216) with one or more discrete cavities (226).

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the thermal damping device extends between and contacts the glass stop and the frame, the method further comprising reinforcing the glass stop with the thermal damping device.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the thermal damping device (218) is made of an elastomer, the method further comprising sealing an interface between the frame (102) and the thermal damping device with the thermal damping device.

11. A method for retrofitting a window system (100), comprising: removing a glass stop (206) from a glazing assembly (104a, 104b) contained within a frame (102) of the window system,the glass stop having a glass stop base (210) extending laterally from a filler (114a, 114b) of the glazing assembly and one or more legs (212) extending from the glass stop base and attachable to the frame, wherein attaching one or more legs to the frame defines an air pocket (216) between the glass stop and the frame; a thermal damping device (218) arranged so as to be positioned within the air pocket when the glass stop is attached to the frame, wherein the thermal damping device provides a base (220) and a plurality of fins (222) extending from the base, wherein the base is made of a rigid material and the plurality of fins is made of a flexible material other than the rigid material; and reattaching the glass stop to the frame, wherein the thermal damping device is removably attached to the glass stop.wherein the plurality of fins defines one or more discrete cavities (226), and wherein a first fin and a second fin of the plurality of fins engage with a thermal break mounted on the window system frame to define one or more discrete cavities between the first fin and the second fin.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermal damping device (218) extends between and contacts the glass stop (206) and the frame (102), the method further comprising reinforcing the glass stop with the thermal damping device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein arranging the thermal damping device (218) comprises removably attaching the thermal damping device to the glass stop (206).

14. The method of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the thermal damping device (218) is made of an elastomer,the method further comprising sealing an interface between the frame (102) and the thermal damping device with the thermal damping device,

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