Supplemental window and insulation for fenestration

Abstract

A supplemental window for fenestration suitable for use with existing windows. The supplemental window, in one embodiment, comprises plastic sheet material with a brim along each edge which add rigidity, strength, and / or a surface for attaching to a seal, framework or a second sheet material in several embodiments. An attachment mechanism secured either to the sheet material, the edge or a window frame element functions to fasten, hold and / or seal the supplemental window to an existing window or second supplemental window. A seal functions to substantially enclose (i.e. trap) a volume of air between the windowpane and a plastic sheet material. The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of air enclosed is of an optimum thickness within a preferred range of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties of the supplemental window.

Description

PATENT APPLICATIONSUPPLEMENTAL WINDOW AND INSULATION FOR FENESTRATIONPRIORITY

[0001] This application is a national stage application of U.S. Application Serial No. 63 / 651,180 filed May 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] 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.BACKGROUND

[0003] In recognition of the ecological and cost impact of fossil fuels and other conventional energy sources, significant effort has been expended in developing methods for more efficient use of such energy sources. An important area of energy use for which greater energy efficiency is needed is the heating and cooling of spaces in which human activity is desired. Many approaches have been developed to decrease the amount heat transfer through the shell of such spaces. One of the most active and important areas of activity is the transfer of energy through fenestration where the activity has included use of window films or inserts, increasing the number of glazings per opening, and window treatments such as drapes, blinds, etc. While these approaches have shown considerable improvement in building energy efficiency, significant problems prevent more widespread and effective utilization.

[0004] Several problems exist in the approaches to minimizing heat transfer through fenestration. In particular for existing windows, it is desirable to maintain undistorted optical transparency, operation of the window treatments and windows and the aesthetics of the interior view of the window while providing thermal insulation. Furthermore, reuse of the insulating materials is highly desirable so that new materials do not need to be purchased each season. Supplemental windows known in the art either require the end user to customize one or more supplemental windows features to the dimensions of each window at the site of installation or are designed in ways that make size customization difficult in manufacturing.

[0005] When adding supplemental window features such as films, film support elements and window treatments, ease of installation (including measurement and fabrication), reusability andstorage and aesthetics during and after use are very important while obtaining the thermal and radiation insulation desired. With 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. In addition, such window films often must be mounted in such a way that inhibits the operability of non-fixed windows. Further, such 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.

[0006] Another problem with existing solutions is that most do not have any features designed to eliminate or reduce air flow or leakage around various elements of the window while maintaining operability of the window and associated window treatments with the supplemental window remaining in place. For example, it is common in sliding windows to have air leakage through the gaps between the jamb and the window frame, between the upper and lower sashes, between the sashes and the parts of the window frame that are in contact with them when in a closed state.

[0007] There is thus a need for a reduced cost frameless supplemental window that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art supplemental windows and that is effective at minimizing heat loss, retaining transparency and minimizing refractive index changes in the non-perimeter area of the window pane, is relatively simple to manufacture, prevents or minimizes air leakage between window elements, is easy to install and remove and does not impede the operability of the existing window.SUMMARY

[0008] 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. In several embodiments, a supporting framework or nesting of supplemental window elements add rigidity and strength to comers and edges. In several embodiments, 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. In several embodiments, 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 toaid 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.

[0009] Several advantages of the supplemental window 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Operability of the fenestration and associated treatment during use of the supplemental window can be maintained without the need to demount the entire supplemental window. Since the fenestration is often designed for opening and closing, it is beneficial to maintain this capability while the supplemental window is in place or to design the supplemental window to be very easily dismounted and remounted. This would allow for temporarily bringing fresh air into the space adjacent to the fenestration. This can be particularly useful during periods of moderate temperatures within a heating or cooling season.

[0012] 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 presenttechnology. 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.

[0013] 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. 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.

[0014] There is thus provided in accordance with the technology, 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.

[0015] There is also provided in accordance with the technology, 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.

[0016] There is further provided in accordance with the technology, 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.

[0017] There is also provided in accordance with the technology, 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.

[0018] There is also provided in accordance with the technology, 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.

[0019] There is further provided in accordance with the technology, window frame insulation that attaches to a window frame wherein the window frame insulation covers a perimeter portion ofthe 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.

[0020] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The technology is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Fig. 1 A is a front view of a first example frameless supplemental window.

[0023] Fig. IB is an isometric view of the example frameless supplemental window ofFigure 1A.

[0024] Fig. 2A is a front view of the first example framed supplemental window of FIG. 1A mounted on a window.

[0025] Fig. 2B is a side sectional view B-B’ at A- A’ of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.

[0026] Fig. 2C is a side sectional view of a comer of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.

[0027] Fig. 2D is an isometric view of a framework comer of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.

[0028] Fig. 2E is a front view of a framework corner of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.

[0029] Fig. 2F is an exploded view of a clip and clip base of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.

[0030] Fig. 2G is an isometric view of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2A.

[0031] Fig. 2H is an isometric view of the framework of the example framed supplemental window of Figure 2 A.

[0032] Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a framework comer of a top corner of a framed supplemental window.

[0033] Fig. 2J is an isometric view of a framework comer of an interface corner of a tiled framed supplemental window.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Fig. 3A is a front view of tiled framed supplemental windows mounted within a window frame.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Fig. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of a two sheet nested frameless supplemental window mounted on a windowpane.

[0039] Fig. 4B is a side sectional view at F-F’ of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4 A.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Fig. 4E is an isometric view of an example comer closure with outcrop of the two sheet nested frameless supplemental window of Figure 4A.

[0043] Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a first example framed two sheet supplemental window.

[0044] Fig. 5B is an isometric sectional view at G-G’ of the first example framed two sheet supplemental window of Figure 5 A.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIG. 6E is a side sectional view of an exemplary frame insulation with an aesthetic shell.

[0050] FIG. 6F is a side sectional view of another exemplary frame insulation with an aesthetic shell.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technology is described below, with reference to detailed illustrative embodiments. It will be apparent that the technology can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0052] 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. The term “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. The term “framework supplemental window" refers to a supplemental window that has a perimeter rigid or non-flexible structure attached to one or more sheet materials.

[0053] In the present technology, in one embodiment, 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). In one embodiment utilizing a nested construction, 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. Optionally, the sheet material (typically clear but may be tinted or coated) may function as a portion of the edge seal. In one embodiment, 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. In several embodiments, 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 criticalto 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.

[0054] In a further embodiment, 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. When electrically active components are used, 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. Electrical connection of 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. When using a battery, the battery may be attached to the supplemental window apparatus. In one example, the battery is attached to the supplemental window apparatus in a location that is not optically intrusive, such as at a comer or edge. When a flap is present as part of the supplemental window apparatus, the battery may be attached to the flap. In one example the smallest dimension of the battery is positioned parallel to the flap.

[0055] Note that such embodiments may be specified using manual measurement of the fenestration or portions thereof or, specified and delivered using the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 8,923,650 to Wexler and U.S. Patent No. 9,230,339, to Wexler et al., each entitled “System And Method Of Measuring Distances Related To An Object,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition to these measurement methods, the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 9, 230,339 may be used to confirm the accuracy of manual measurements taken by the user that are provided to the service provider or fabricator as well as to provide feedback to the manual measurement taker regarding such accuracy, optionally including a request for re-measurement is the measurements do not pass certain criteria.

[0056] Various terms are used in the art to describe aspects of fenestration and windows in particular. In describing the present technology, “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. In describing the present technology, 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.

[0057] Note that various people or entities may perform different aspects of the present technology. 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] To allow for actuation of window or window treatment operating elements with the supplemental parts mounted, the plastic sheet may be mounted such that the entire supplementalwindow 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. One aspect of the current technology that enables opening and closing of the window, especially for vertical or horizontal sliding windows, is the capability for easy mounting and dismounting of part of the custom supplemental window apparatus.

[0060] 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. Note that 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. As described infra, 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. In one embodiment, illustrated in the shallow angle isometric view of supplemental window 14 from the exterior side view (Figure IB), 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. 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. In an alternative embodiment, both bend line angles are approximately 90 degrees and an adhesive is on the surfaceof brim 24 along the length of brim 24 facing the windowpane 16 when mounted, omitting seal 26. In this embodiment, such adhesive functions as an attachment mechanism and comer closing optionally may be accomplished by welding or use of an adhesive. Note that 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.

[0061] 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. In this embodiment, 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.

[0062] 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. 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.

[0063] The dimension of 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 betweenwindowpane 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.

[0064] Also illustrated in Figure 2C are framework comer legs 50 which fit snugly into the inside of framework extrusion 40. When viewed from the interior when supplemental window 34 of this embodiment is mounted on window 30, 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.

[0065] 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 beadingor caulk that may be present at the windowpan e / sill interface does not interfere with contact of standoff 66 with the window sill.

[0066] Referring again to Figure 2A, 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. For large supplemental windows or tiled supplemental windows, 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. For aesthetic purposes, 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.

[0067] While the above description illustrates attachment of a clip to a window element using preferably two parts, clip base 46 and clip 48 may be made as a single part. When separate parts are used, an expanded view of clip base 46 and clip 48 is illustrated in Figure 2F. 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. In this embodiment, clip base 46 has a tapped hole 76 for receiving a bolt (not shown) that attaches clip 48 to clip base 46. In this embodiment, 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. In another embodiment, which may omit adhesive 74, 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.

[0068] An embodiment of a supplemental window 34 is illustrated in Figure 2G in an isometric view. In this embodiment, 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. As shown in FIG. 2H, 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. For example, 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. For ease of installation, it is preferable for 42” and 42’” to be identical with only contours on adjacent sides with no standoff.

[0069] Figure 21 illustrates a preferred embodiment for framework corners 42” and 42’” (shown in FIG. 2H), located at the top of supplemental window 34. In this embodiment for top comers (92), 42” and 42’” are identical with contours 94 on adjacent outward facing sides, where 42” and 42’” are rotated 90 degrees from each other in orientation in Figure 2H. Figure 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. As described below, flat interface surfaces on framework interface comer 96 are in the tiling interface while contour 94 is oriented perpendicular to the tiling interface.

[0070] 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 deformsinward from its relaxed state when contacting window frame element 32. Near mid-arc location 88 of seal 44 contacts windowpane 36 and deforms in an interior direction from its relaxed state. Resilient arc portion 90 contacts and conforms to framework extrusion 40 and framework comer 42 of FIG. 2G while deforming from its relaxed state in an outward direction. The resilient material is preferably an ultraviolet stable material such as silicone or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0071] When framed supplemental windows are tiled for use on very large windows, framework corners without standoffs may be used at the tiling interface. An embodiment of tiled framed supplemental windows 104 / 106 is illustrated in Figure 3 A, Figure 3B, and Figure 3C. In this embodiment, 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. In this embodiment, bottom framed supplemental window 104 and top framed supplemental window 106 nearly abut. The gap between bottom tile’s top framework extrusion 110 and top tile’s bottom framework extrusion 112 is closed with tile interface closure 118. Preferably, 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. To aid with installation, 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. In this embodiment, flat interface surface 98, as illustrated in Figure 2J, is in the interface of two tiled framed supplemental windows. 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. As illustrated in Figure 3C (with clip base and clip omitted for clarity, 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). After placing top framed supplemental window, 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.

[0072] 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, whenused in a frame configuration for a planar sheet material, thin flexible glass such as is known in the art. When using thin flexible glass, 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. When using polymer plastic material such as PET, 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). When using 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. For PET, a sum of the edge bends and sheet thicknesses is preferably greater than about 6 millimeters for ease of handling.

[0073] 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. When using PET, PETG, polyethylene or polypropylene, 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. For example, a cap layer, containing ultraviolet absorbing material, placed on the exterior surface of sheet material can extend sheet lifetime while simultaneously inhibiting degradation of items on the interior side.

[0074] 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 Melinex™ or Hostaphan™ line of filmproducts such as manufactured by Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc., Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc., Greer, South Carolina, USA.

[0075] To attain high performance for energy savings, 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. In this embodiment, 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. When using clip assemblies with frameless supplemental windows, clip assembly parts are preferably made to be transparent and colorless for less aesthetic impact.

[0076] In this embodiment, inward supplemental window 202 is attached to a perimeter region of outward supplemental window 204. In one embodiment shown in Figure 4B as a windowpane side isometric cross-section at F-F’ of Figure 4A, 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. In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 4B, outward supplemental window 204 has each brim 226 outward relative to each edge 228. In this embodiment, 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.

[0077] Additional detail of an 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). In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 4D, comer opening 232 is closed with inward supplemental window corner closure spacer 240 by attaching wings 242 to bent edge 220. Not shown on comer closure spacer 240 is an optional brim that is coplanar with brim 214.

[0078] In another embodiment, 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. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 4F and Figure 4G, 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. In this embodiment, 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.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, 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. In this case, seal 230 is attached to the exterior facing surface of each brim of inward secondary window 202.

[0080] Embodiments for two-sheet framed supplemental windows will now be described.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. For clarity, seals along each perimeter edge are omitted. In this embodiment, the framework extrusion is shown as a non-square rectangle with the largerrectangle 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.

[0081] Referring to Figure 5A, 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. In this embodiment, 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.

[0082] Referring to Figure 5B G-G’ cross-sectional view, 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.

[0083] In another embodiment, 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. In this embodiment, 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.

[0084] In another embodiment, 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. In this embodiment, 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.

[0085] In a further embodiment, 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.

[0086] In another embodiment that utilizes a resilient press of friction fit tube with a channel groove for holding a transparent panel as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,272,178, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In this embodiment, both the transparent panel and brims 260 of inward supplemental window 258 may be held within a channel groove. In this embodiment, supplemental window 258 may be on the interior side or the exterior side of the transparent panel when attached to a window. Optionally in this embodiment, brims 260 may be attached, using adhesive or welding, to the outward perimeter region of such a transparent panel. In further related embodiments, 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.

[0087] For either frameless or framed supplemental windows having more than one sheet with a cavity formed prior to mounting on a window, further energy saving performance may be attained with methods known in the art. For example, such a cavity may be filled with an inert gas such as argon, krypton or xenon or with an aerogel slab that is preferably encapsulated. For example, 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. Making 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.

[0088] When adding such an encapsulated aerogel material, it is preferred to use 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. When encapsulating aerogel, the encapsulating sheet surfaces not contacting the aerogel are preferably treated to minimize transmission of moisture and oxygen through the sheet.

[0089] 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. For the two-sheet supplemental windows described supra that are mounted to a single pane window, 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. When a two-sheet supplemental window is mounted to a double pane window, 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. Generally, for applications where low solar heat gain is desirable, 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. Also beneficial when incorporating low-emissivity layers is the optional addition of edge sealing to inhibit corrosion / oxidation. 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.

[0090] When using 2-sheet supplemental windows on operable sliding windows, it is desirable to minimize the overall thickness to maintain window operability without creating an interference that could block movement of one of the sashes. When decreasing the gaps formed tobelow about 0.375 inch, 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. The shape of such inter-sheet features is 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. When using an internal muntin within each gap, 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.

[0091] 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. When insulating with, for example, polyisocyanurate faced on its major surfaces with aluminum as found in commercially available products such as ECOMAXci FR or Thermashield products commercially available from Sika and RMax, providing an air gap, as illustrated in Figure 6E, 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. Preferably, 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. In a similar manner to that just described, an air gap may be provided between the aluminum facing and the aesthetic cover material. Preferably, 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 toelements 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. 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.

[0092] Figure 6A illustrates an interior view of a window with frame insulation material 280,286 and 290 and glazing insulation 282. 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. When used with glazing attached technologies, 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. In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 6F cross- sectional views along H-H’ or I-I’, 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.

[0093] When used with the supplemental windows described herein, configurations of window frame insulation with the supplemental windows may be particularly useful as shown in Figure 6A, Figure 6C and Figure 6D. 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.

[0094] Embodiments illustrated in Figure 6C and Figure 6D are viewing along H-FF at G-G’ of Figure 6 A. In these configurations, 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. Also shown in Figure 6C and Figure 6D is fastener 209 attached to each spacing comer closure 210. In these embodiments, window frame insulation 284 has, for example, a thickness of about 20 mm is shown. In this embodiment, 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. Also shown in Figure 6B, Figure 6C and Figure 6D is outward window frame insulation 286 covering the outward surface of window frame 212 and abutting wall 288 in which the window is held.

[0095] In Figure 6C, 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.

[0096] In Figure 6D, 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.

[0097] 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. In the embodiment for window frame insulation with a frameless supplemental window, the window frame insulationthickness is less than or equal to the perimeter gap between the frameless supplemental window and the window sash or frame element. In this embodiment, the window frame insulation decreases the cross section through which heat transfer occurs through the perimeter gap from the windowpane to the interior room. In the embodiment for window frame insulation with a framed supplemental window, 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. In this embodiment, 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. Also when used with a framed supplemental window held by clip assemblies, window frame insulation may be shaped to cover clip assemblies or have cutouts to avoid clip assemblies.

[0098] In another embodiment, 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. In one such example, 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. When an air gap is created on one or both sides of the frame insulation, it is beneficial to add a sealing mechanism 297 at one or more frame insulation interfaces with existing window frame 212, adjacent wall 288, windowpane 206 and / or a supplemental window apparatus element (for example, comer closure 210, sheet 218, bent edge 220, or window film). A sealing mechanism 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 byreference in its entirety, or pile weatherstripping 298 such as shown in Figure 6F or compressible foam or bulb weatherstripping. 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. When using 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. 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. When friction fitting is used, a kerf-mount base may be used. 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. When providing such sealing mechanisms and / or weatherstripping as just described, 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.

[0099] 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. When used with operable 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.

[0100] In each of the above-described window frame insulation embodiments, 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. In each of the above-described window frame insulation embodiments, 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. When used on existing windows having infiltration, the encapsulating portion of windowframe 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.

[0101] When using configurations with pane fastener to mating fastener attachments, for example at a comer, 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.

[0102] 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. 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. When attachment material is used in conjunction with pane and mating constraints, 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. In addition, 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 acomplete circuit. Alternatively, 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.

[0103] 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. In addition, when near or in contact with a pane constraint, 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. Preferably, 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 DOWSIL™ 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. Shortfull 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.

[0104] Unexpectedly, 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. In addition, it has been found that 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 Lock™ 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. Following the bond build time, the supplemental window apparatus is attached to the fasteners.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The fasteners described supra for supplemental window apparatuses may be, for example, mushroom head fasteners such as 3M Dual Lock fasteners or similar snap togetherfasteners. When used with comers that are made of, for example an injection molded plastic, it can be beneficial to add materials that absorb or otherwise stabilize plastic material that can degrade when exposed to excessive ultraviolet light. For example, 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. Alternatively, 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] When an end user no longer wishes to use the custom supplemental parts, for example due to moving to a different location, the custom supplemental parts may be recycled or reused by a subsequent occupant at the location of the installation. When 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. When 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. For example, the shape of a plastic sheet might be altered slightly by cutting along an edge while other components are re-used without modification.

[0108] Alternatively, 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.

[0109] Additionally, a plastic sheet, edge seal and / or infiltration blocker may comprise other materials dispersed within it or in the form of layers. For example, 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 alaminate, 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. When used in the present technology, having such 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. When 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. When 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. 2020 / 0139935, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) film laminates that are applied as a thin layer to transparent sheets. Such materials may also act as a filter for reflecting most ultraviolet and / or infrared wavelengths while allowing transmission of visible light. For the purpose of laser welding, the plastic sheet or edging may comprise an infrared absorber near the joining surface of one of the parts to be welded.

[0110] Alternatively, a plastic sheet and / or edging may comprise materials that control the visible light transmitted for effecting privacy purposes. When using emissivity or reflectivity control layers or treatments, 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.[0U1] 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. For plastic sheet parts, mechanical, optical and thermal conduction properties of the sheet may be optimized in differentways depending upon the end user product choices. When used on the exterior of the original window, high impact resistance may be desirable.

[0112] In the foregoing, use of expressions such as “comprise”, “include”, “incorporate”, “is”, “are”, “have”, “contain” are not intended to be exclusive, namely such expressions are to be construed to allow other unspecified items also to be present. Reference to the singular is to include reference to the plural and vice versa. In the accompanying claims, numerals included within parentheses (if any) are for assisting understanding of the claims and are not intended to influence claim scope.

[0113] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0114] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present technology has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the limited number of embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the technology and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the technology for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A supplemental window apparatus comprising: a first substantially non porous sheet having a sheet area substantially similar to a windowpane area of a window defined by the interior surfaces of a first window element, the first substantially non porous sheet having two parallel bend lines at each edge thereof; and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the supplemental window apparatus to a windowpane, wherein the two parallel bend lines and the attachment mechanism define an air gap dimension between the first substantially non porous sheet and the windowpane when installed on the window.

2. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a constraint configured to be attached to a windowpane constraint at a comer area of the first window element of an existing window, the comer area defined by interior surfaces of the first window element holding the windowpane.

3. The supplement window apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is an adhesive.

4. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 3, wherein the adhesive extends along a length of a brim located along each edge of the first substantially non porous sheet.

5. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seal.

6. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stiffener.

7. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second a substantially non porous sheet having two parallel bend lines at each edge thereof.

8. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second substantially non porous sheet comprises a brim that is attached to the first substantially non porous sheet.

9. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second substantially non porous sheet is attached inward from a first sheet bend line.

10. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second substantially non porous sheet is attached outward from a first sheet bend line.

11. A supplemental window apparatus comprising: a framework; a first substantially non porous sheet; and a seal in contact with at least one of the sheet or the framework.

12. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 11, wherein the seal contacts at least one of an existing windowpane or a window element when mounted to an existing window.

13. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 11, wherein the framework comprises a framework corner j oining two framework extrusion elements.

14. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 12, wherein the framework comer comprises a standoff feature.

15. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a second substantially nonporous sheet.

16. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a bend line along each edge thereof.

17. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second substantially non porous sheet has two substantially parallel bend lines along each edge thereof.

18. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 16, wherein a brim of the second substantially non porous sheet attaches to at least one of the first substantially non porous sheet or the framework.

19. The supplemental window apparatus of claim 11, wherein a framework extrusion element is bowed inward.

20. A supplemental frame insulation assembly comprising: a frame insulation material; and an attachment mechanism attaching the frame insulation material to an existing window frame element.

21. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 20, wherein the attachment mechanism is an adhesive.

22. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 20, wherein the attachment mechanism is a sealant.

23. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 20 further comprising an aesthetic shell.

24. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 23, wherein the frame insulation material is attached to the aesthetic shell.

25. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 24, wherein the frame insulation material is separated from the aesthetic shell by an air gap.

26. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 20, wherein the frame insulation material comprises a low emissivity material on a major face of the frame insulation material.

27. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 25, wherein the frame insulation material is separated from the aesthetic shell by an air gap.

28. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 20, wherein the frame insulation is separated from the existing window frame element by an air gap when mounted.

29. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 25, wherein the frame insulation is separated from the existing window frame element by an air gap when mounted.

30. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 23, further comprising a sealing mechanism31. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 30, wherein the sealing mechanism is a sealant.

32. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 31, wherein the sealant contacts the supplemental frame insulation assembly at two locations and at least two of an existing window element, an adjacent wall, or a glazing attached supplemental window apparatus.

33. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 32, wherein the glazing attached supplemental window apparatus has an air gap between the supplemental window apparatus and the glazing.

34. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 32, wherein the glazing attached supplemental window apparatus is a window film.

35. The supplemental frame insulation assembly of claim 30, wherein the sealing mechanism is a weatherstripping element.

36. A method of air sealing a window in an exterior wall of a building comprising: attaching frame insulation to a window frame and adding a sealing mechanism at the interface between the frame insulation and at least one of a window element, wall and supplemental window apparatus.

37. A method of air sealing a window in an exterior wall of a building comprising: attaching a frame insulation assembly to a window frame, the frame insulation comprising a sealing mechanism.

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