1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to windows and more particularly to non-vacuum sealed windows.
2. Related Art
Often in freezer doors, windows are used to aid in determining if it is safe to open the doors and check on the contents without opening the doors and letting warm air into a freezer or cooler. The windows that are found in freezer doors typically have at least two panes of glass with air space between the two panes. The windows in freezer doors are not vacuum sealed and/or gas filled as typically found in highly insulated home windows. This is because such sealed windows cannot withstand the movement and vibrations caused by the opening and closing of the freezer door. The seals prematurely give out causing the window to lose its gas and/or vacuum. A problem exists with windows that have air between the panes when the panes separate cold and warm air as a freezer window does. Namely, condensation appears in the window when moist air makes its way between the panes of glass.
The approaches used in traditional windows of using inert gas or creating a vacuum cannot be used to solve the problem. Current approaches have involved simply replacing the windows every time moisture builds up within the window.
Therefore, there is a need for methods and systems for creating and maintaining non-vacuum sealed windows that enables an increase in serviceability of the window while reducing moisture within the window.
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide an approach for fabricating and maintain a non-vacuum sealed window with reduced moisture between the panes of glass. A window with at least two panes of glass constructed with a location for holding silica. The silica captures any moisture that may be present between the two panes of glass.
Periodically the silica may be replaced in the field enabling the window to continue to be used, rather than replaced.
Other methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Unlike the known approaches previously discussed, a non-vacuum window, such as freezer and cooler windows are able to have moisture removed by silica placed between the panes of the window. Even though freezer windows are used as an example in this application, any non-vacuum sealed windows, such as cooler windows may benefit from the approach described herein.
Turning first to
In
A predetermined place 206 for silica may be affixed or formed between the panes 208 and 210. The silica (silica desiccant) absorbs moisture that may be present between the panes 208 and 210 of the window. The silica in the predetermined place 206 may be loose silica or be packaged into packets. It would be preferable to use packets to increase the ease of changing the silica when needed.
The predetermined place 206 may be a container that is molded or formed in the window 204 with a lid or a box like structure with a lid that is secured in the window 204 between panes 208 and 210. The lid may have one or more perforations that enable moisture (such as water vapor) to come in contact with the silica. In other implementations a bag structure secured in the window 204 between the panes 208 and 210 may be employed. The location of the predetermined place 206 may be anywhere within the window 204 between the panes 208 and 210, including the bottom, side, or top. Further, in other implementations, more than one predetermined place may be present within the window 204. The silica desiccant is an example of a type of material that absorbs moisture. Other materials with similar moisture absorbing properties may be used in place of silica or in addition to silica.
The panes 208 and 210 may be made of glass, polycarbon, or other transparent material. It is noted that polycarbon panes are stronger than glass but are gas permeable and enables water vapor to pass through the panes. The panes 208, 210 may be held in place within a window frame as depicted in
Turning to
In
Turning to
In
The foregoing description of an implementation has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/562,712 filed Nov. 22, 2011, titled “FIELD REPLACEABLE MOISTURE CONTROL IN NON-SEALED WINDOWS,” which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61562712 | Nov 2011 | US |