Patent Application
20160145934
The glazing of windows and doors with clear rigid panels and the use of window films for safety and security are used in many different industries and has a very significant presence within the building industry and for some vehicles (busses for example). In nearly all of these instances they are framed in a manner similar to that typically found in common building practice. This is true even for ballistic protection, where the panel may be placed as double glazing in front of original glass, once again in typical and separate framing supports.
In an increasing violent society, businesses, educational institutions, and homes are subject to an increased number of threats against life, liberty and property. These threats can include ballistic threats, threats of explosive blasts, forced entry threats, and others. Businesses and homes in areas of high crime are increasingly forced to employ security measures to protect against these threats. These security measures can include the installation of glazing with increased strength. For example, bullet resistant glazing or glazing that can resist various impacts and attempts at intrusion are finding their way onto both residential and industrial buildings. Additionally, window films are marked with security claims that they protect against intrusion and projectiles from would-be perpetrators.
Buildings in areas that are subject to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe storms, require weatherproofing and additional protection from the elements. With climate change concerns, families, businesses, and governments seek effective yet low-cost means to protect structures and lives.
Several products are available to protect inhabitants of buildings from intrusion by unwanted humans or wind-born debris: new windows/doors with stronger glass, additional panels with mechanical attachments, and window films. Unfortunately, each has many negative attributes, one being cost for those alternatives that are truly effective against intrusion.
For example, conventional security improvement schemes require that the existing window and frame be removed and replaced with a new, stronger glazing and framing system. Because the old windows and frames need to be removed first before the new windows and frames can be installed, the costs of such jobs are greatly increased. Moreover, lead times to supply the frames and glazing and the area downtime, that is, the time required for workmen to come in, tear down the existing structure, and install the new structure, is also substantial. Furthermore, there is a risk of contamination to the work-area resulting from the demolition and reconstruction of the frame and surrounding building structure. This of course affects the occupants who need the building for their daily living or business needs.
Another disadvantage of conventional schemes is that the noise, commotion and disruption inherent in tearing out the old frame and existing building materials, in addition to the significant down-time, precludes a discreet security enhancement. Because of the conspicuous nature of conventional schemes, they may unnecessarily cause fear in the workplace or unwittingly reveal to third parties the additional security measures.
Conventional retrofit methods for increasing the security of a building are usually not aesthetically pleasing and leave unsightly anchoring, such as screws or other evidence of sizing the frame (e.g., cut marks, edges, and scratches).
Once the typical new window glazing is in place, conventional frames do not allow for upgrades to glazing with a greater thickness. In order to upgrade with conventional frames, the entire frame must be removed and a suitable frame having dimensions to accommodate the glazing having a greater thickness must be installed.
In many cases impact glass and window films are used to add security. However, with both of these solutions, under impact, the underlying glass is broken sufficiently to allow intruders to breech the protection, and the impact glass must be replaced adding cost, and disruption. The key to intrusion protection is keeping the intruder out for sufficient time to allow police to arrive. Window films and to a lesser degree impact glass cannot keep the intruder out. This is a key element that is not delivered by these methods. Given that the glass normally breaks with these methods, the entire glass and surrounding structure must be replaced. This a costly consequence of defeated glazing systems. More costly is that once the intruder is in, lives may be at stake.
Another disadvantage is that conventional frames and methods to install them are costly, time-consuming with long lead times, and require two or more workers to aid in positioning the glass or glazing in the frames, and the normal operations of the building occupants is compromised especially if the weather or climate is inclement, requiring the addition of plastic sheeting etc., to protect the interior.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the industry for an improved window and/or door protection system to fit the need that overcomes the advantages set forth previously.
It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved system for supporting and holding a secondary security glazing panel without the need to remove or replace an existing glazing and existing frame.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved and robust attachment system that adjusts to glazing of different thicknesses, lengths, and widths. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved installation process that does not disturb the interior environment by retaining the original glazing such that the previous envelope is never disturbed or penetrated.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a security solution that is virtually un-noticeable, aesthetically pleasing, and which does not use any screws requiring drilling into the existing framework which may compromise the warranty of the existing glazing.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved installation that is cost-effective and a method of installing that is suitable for one-person to handle that reduces the amount of time, cost, and effort involved in installation.
Referring to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are primarily described with reference to the figures.
For purposes of this description the following definitions are being adopted. “Inside of Frame” means surface of the frame that is substantially perpendicular to both the protective panel and the glazing pane being protected.
In some embodiments, panel 103 is typically shaped to the same dimensions of the visible underlying glazing being protected including, but not limited to, trapezoidal, circular, rectangular or oddly shaped openings. It may be clear or opaque, wood, metal, or plastic. In the preferred embodiment, a polycarbonate plastic may be used that permits light to pass yet is extremely strong against forces of nature or man. Panel 103 may be selected from, but is not limited to, Bayer Makrolon GP polycarbonate sheet material. Various other polycarbonate sheet materials may be used depending on the application, even up to ballistic grade. One potential panel material is Bayer Makrolon polycarbonate sheet, having a polished surface, is optically clear, can be UV stabilized, and is a transparent sheet product. It features outstanding impact strength, light weight, superior dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and high clarity. Other polycarbonate sheet products can also be used offering a variety of physical properties useful for the intent of this invention. The thickness of the polycarbonate sheet products may range between 0.210″ and 0.500″.
If the application is storm-related (e.g., for hurricane or typhoon), a triple wall, extremely light weight polycarbonate sheet may be used that could if wanted, permit air to enter the structure and is described in more detail below.
Standoff/anchor means 105 may be selected from a range of materials including wood, metal, and plastic, however, in the preferred embodiment, aluminum may be chosen for its strength to weight ratio. The shape of standoff/anchor means 105 may take different forms. In two different preferred embodiments, right angle aluminum or box channel may be used as shown in
Adhesive means 104 may be selected from a range of products. VHB tapes (“Very High Bond” tapes) may be optimal for multiple reasons including a) the bonding agent used strongly grips relevant metals, glass, and plastics and b) the foam between the bonding agent on each side serves as both a cushion and provides additional standoff distance that may protect the original window glass from impact. Lab-tested and proven under real conditions, VHB tape eliminates rivets, bolts, screws and welds, and the need to drill holes and to use screws, etc., that would mar the normally clean installation of the existing framework and likely void the window warranty. It forms strong bonds with polycarbonate, vinyl, plastics and both painted and unpainted metals. “VHB” is intended herein to be a generic term being sourceable from any manufacturer, e.g., 3M, Essentra, etc.
In some embodiments, to prevent liquid, vermin, and other air-borne debris intrusion, a clear sealant 102 may be applied around panel 103 and opening frame 101. This sealant should be compatible with the panel 103 and form a strong bond with it and all frame materials. It may be beneficial for the sealant to be able to expand and contract with the panels in heat, cold, direct sunlight, shade, etc.
In most embodiments, edge banding 106 may be used to camouflage the view beneath. This camouflage feature is very important because it hides from view the standoff/anchor means 105 and the adhesive means 104; this feature helps good inhabitants not feel like they are incarcerated and fools crime perpetrators into not realizing the protection is in place making it more difficult to detect and overcome the system. Edge banding 106 may, for example, comprise a PVC tape with adhesive on one side; the other side may be color-matched to the frame for colors and textures including metallic views. Edge banding tape does not contribute to structural integrity. It is of particular importance for buildings that need to maintain their “curb appeal” (such as stores), and for educational institutions that desire a secure environment that does not appear to be fortress-like. The width of the edge banding 106 may be of a dimension to substantially hide the components beneath it.
In other embodiments, a reinforcing mullion 107 may be added if the opening is of sufficient size that the panel 103 might deflect and impact the original glass. Such mullions are common in the industry, may be constructed from aluminium and other materials, and may be affixed to the original frame behind panel 103 via adhesive means or traditional hardware. Depending upon the size of the glazing being protected, a cushion made of spongy material may be located between the mullion and the original glazing to prevent or mitigate abrupt movement of the mullion into the glass. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a mullion, a cushion of variable height could be adhered to either the panel 103 or the original pane 108 in approximately the center of the panels to cushion any potential impact between the pane and the panel.
Important to the protection of the original glass pane 108 is the standoff distance 112 between original glass panel 108 and panel 103. It is preferred that the deflected panel 103 not come in contact with original pane 108. It is also preferred for sufficient bonding surface to be available on frame 101 for adhesive means 104 to adhere for maximum bonding strength. Standoff distance 112 is dependent on the size of the opening being protected with large panes requiring more standoff distance to absorb impacts before recoiling to the pre-impact conformation. In the preferred embodiment, 1 inch may be generally specified.
It is important to note that additional standoff via adhesive/standoff means 211 is achieved because different adhesive tapes have core/substrates that may come in varying depths, thus additional standoff can be achieved with thicker foam core/substrates. In an alternative embodiments, plastic, metal or wood strips of rectangular cross section can be added as a standoff with additional strips of double sided adhesive around the same perimeter.
Adhesive means 204b bonds the panel 203b to the door skin 201b. Edge banding 206b may be applied to hide components below it and may match the color of the opening. Sealant 202b may be applied around the polycarbonate sheet 203b.
For higher wind zones, another embodiment of the invention may use cargo type belts 314 as an additional anchoring means to affix panel 303 to the structure of the building. Strap brackets 313 in to which cargo type belts 314 thread, may be removable. In this embodiment, these plate metal brackets may have “keyhole” openings to allow easy installation and removal. Hurricane rated anchors with exposed heads may be used in the bracket slots, and bolted to the structure with approved hurricane anchors. The panel may be bonded to the building frame via attachment means 305 which may be “VHB snap back tape”. This Velcro type system uses “mushroom” shaped caps which interlock creating a secure form of attachment which is easily applied with pressure until a “snap” is heard, confirming that the panel is securely attached to the building. The panel can be applied and removed hundreds of times. One side of the two piece tape system may remain permanently on the building while its mate may be permanently attached to the panel.
Nothing in this description is intended to preclude the preparation of this system at a location away from the job site. For instance, with dimensions of a particular job, preparers may precut the panels and the standoffs. As the adhesive means may typically be double-sided with pull-away backings, preparers may affix one side of the adhesive to both sides of a standoff 306c. At the job site, the remaining backings would be removed enabling the proper placement of the components. For additional ventilation, two or more layers of the ribbed panel material may be built up via a bonding agent, thus increasing the standoff distance from the opening. If this system is intended to be temporary,
The standoff 306c may be bonded to the frame via the “snap back” system described in
These last 2 embodiments may offer protection from storms using inexpensive, lightweight multiwall polycarbonate sheets in a removable (temporary) application. It is designed to replace plywood that is often used as an inexpensive (but ineffective) storm protection. Many of the qualities expressed above are retained in a non-permanent version that can be set up and removed many times as it is affixed to the building using VHB snap-back tapes. These tapes are composed of hundreds of mushroom caps that interlock to create a strong but removable attachment.
It is worth noting that different types of adhesive means may be used. “Very High Bond” (VHB) tapes are permanent. If a snap lock type of VHB tape is used, the panel will be temporary and can be removed and reapplied several times, as would be relevant if the desired protection is wind-storm related. This feature may also allow the system to comply with the fire code for egress/ingress. The multi-wall polycarbonate panel is light emitting contrary to plywood room darkening properties.
The use of decorative edge banding self-adhesive tapes on the outside edge of the panels to make the permanent installation seem almost invisible.
In an alternative embodiment, a graffiti window film can be applied to protect panels from scratching and attempts to deface the panel, and to add another layer of UV protection.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62075287 | Nov 2014 | US |
