Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Composite prefabricated panel including adjunctive means – Sandwich or hollow with sheet-like facing members
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-23
2001-05-29
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Composite prefabricated panel including adjunctive means
Sandwich or hollow with sheet-like facing members
C052S171300, C052S208000, C052S204530, C052S204593, C052S800140, C428S034000, C428S426000, C156S106000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237306
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to penetration resistant windows, and more particularly relates to laminated window glass which resists damage from hurricanes and the like.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hurricane damage to residential and commercial buildings is a major problem, particularly in coastal regions. For example, Hurricane Andrew which hit Florida in 1992 caused tens of billions of dollars in property damage. A large amount of hurricane damage to buildings is caused by penetration of the building envelope, allowing forceful winds and weather to penetrate or enter the interior of the building. In a typical hurricane scenario, high winds initially throw debris through a building window. The wind then enters through the broken window, increasing internal air pressure within the building. The increased internal pressure places extremely high stresses on the walls and roof, typically causing the remainder of the windows to blow out and, in some cases, the roof to blow off. Hurricanes also exhibit a push-pull effect which creates an alternating pressure differential inside and outside the building.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining window integrity, stringent codes and regulations have recently been enacted in an attempt to reduce hurricane damage. For example, certain regions of Florida have enacted codes which require windows to pass a flying missile and wind load test before an occupancy certificate will be granted. During the test, windows are impacted by a 9 pound 2 by 4 board travelling at 34 mph. After impact, the windows are subjected to alternating push-pull forces comprising 9,000 inward and outward pressure cycles every 1 to 3 seconds, thereby simulating the alternating forces experienced in a hurricane. The windows must withstand penetration during this test in order to meet the code.
One solution to hurricane-induced window damage is to fit metal storm shutters over the windows. While this approach meets the above-noted code, the shutters must be installed prior to a hurricane. If a building is unattended, or if a storm is not anticipated, the metal shutters may not be installed in time to adequately prevent damage. Furthermore, shuttering of unattended buildings sends a signal to potential burglars and vandals that a building is unoccupied.
Another approach for preventing hurricane damage which meets the above-noted code is the use of window glass laminated with several co-extensive polymeric layers. The polymeric layers include a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer attached to the window glass, a polyester middle layer, and an abrasion resistant coating. The composite layers are sold by Dupont under the designation SentryGlas. While window glass laminated with such composite layers meets the above-noted code, the exposed inner surface of the window is relatively susceptible to cuts, abrasions and scratches. Attempts have been made to replace the coextensive abrasion resistant coating with an inner layer of glass in order to improve abrasion resistance. However, windows incorporating such glass inner layers have not adequately prevented penetration, and have not been able to meet the above-noted code.
The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing, and to overcome other deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a penetration resistant window including a frame, window glass constrained within the frame, a penetration resistant sheet substantially co-extensive with the window glass constrained within the frame, and a floating sheet supported on the penetration resistant sheet and substantially unconstrained by the frame.
The present invention also provides a sheet of laminated window glass including a layer of window glass, a penetration resistant sheet adhered to the layer of window glass and substantially co-extensive therewith, and a floating sheet adhered to the penetration resistant sheet having a perimeter that is set back from the perimeter of the window glass layer.
The present invention will more readily understood from the following description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2356878 (1944-08-01), Painter
patent: 2392129 (1946-01-01), Downes
patent: 2401552 (1946-06-01), Cox
patent: 2406939 (1946-09-01), Boicey
patent: 2408483 (1946-10-01), Rodman
patent: 2409808 (1946-10-01), Sowle
patent: 2537804 (1951-01-01), Watkins
patent: 3023864 (1962-03-01), Mostoller
patent: 3061490 (1962-10-01), Ryan
patent: 3081205 (1963-03-01), Shorr
patent: 3781184 (1973-12-01), Domicone et al.
patent: 3881043 (1975-04-01), Rieser et al.
patent: 4020217 (1977-04-01), Karasudani et al.
patent: 4073986 (1978-02-01), Keslar et al.
patent: 4364786 (1982-12-01), Smith, Jr. et al.
patent: 4463053 (1984-07-01), Brinegar
patent: 4546986 (1985-10-01), Roselli
patent: 4594290 (1986-06-01), Fischer et al.
patent: 4642255 (1987-02-01), Dlubak
patent: 4960631 (1990-10-01), Walters et al.
patent: 5002820 (1991-03-01), Bolton et al.
patent: 5426897 (1995-06-01), Gazaway
patent: 5519979 (1996-05-01), Kunert et al.
patent: 5553422 (1996-09-01), Gazaway
patent: 5593786 (1997-01-01), Parker et al.
patent: 5778629 (1998-07-01), Howes
patent: 5937611 (1999-08-01), Howes
patent: 6101783 (2000-08-01), Howes
“Glazing Solutions for Hurricane Protection. Windows: The First Line of Defense”, Dupont (brochure).
“Granto, Different Approaches, Different Solutions. Manufacturers Offer a Variety of Very Different Products Designed to Meet the Codes”,U.S Glass, Metal and Glazing Magazine, Mar. 1995).
“Wind, Rain and Wreckage”,DuPont Magazine, pp. 19-21 (Jul./Aug. 1995).
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott , LLC
Friedman Carl D.
Towner Alan G.
Yip Winnie
LandOfFree
Penetration resistant window does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Penetration resistant window, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Penetration resistant window will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2473288