Other

Pittsburgh Corning Corporation

Quanex Corporation

John T Verch

Donald E Hock

Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Glass block with internal capsule

The present invention relates to corner keys used in assembling structural components to form various structural shapes, such as a frame and sash section for a window, door panel, or other building or architectural construction. The structural members are formed by a process that includes continuously roll-forming a first sub-part and a second sub-part from pre-treated metal in flat coil-stock form. A thin layer of Extrudable Thermal plastic (ETP) is then selectively extruded to both the outside and inside surfaces of the sub-parts. Some of the ETP is extruded onto the roll-formed sub-parts in a functional shape, such as a 'C' shaped pocket used to clip parts together. The sub-parts are joined together to form structural component material that can then be cut and fabricated to form individual structural components. Once the roll-formed structural components are selectively joined or coupled together to form a frame or sash, a shot of urethane foam is injected into the frame or sash and allowed to expand to fill the interior of the frame or sash. The addition of the foam provides permanent adhesion among the various structural components and significantly improves the structural integrity of the window casement. Hollow corner keys, the subject of the present invention, can be further added to improve the structural integrity of the window casement.

Corner key for window component assembly

The present invention provides for a process for constructing structural members and the resultant product, particularly, but not exclusively, a frame and sash section for a window, door panel, or other building or architectural construction. The process is comprised of continuously roll-forming structural shapes from pre-treated metal in flat coil-stock form. A thin layer of Extrudable Thermal plastic (ETP) is then selectively extruded to both the outside and inside surfaces of the roll-formed shape. Some of the ETP is extruded onto the roll-formed shape in a functional shape, such as a 'C' shaped pocket used to clip parts together. Once the roll-formed shapes are selectively joined or coupled together to form a frame or sash, a shot of urethane foam is injected into the frame or sash and allowed to expand to fill the interior of the frame or sash. The addition of the foam provides permanent adhesion among the various structural members and significantly improves the structural integrity of the window casement. Hollow corner keys can be further added to improve the structural integrity of the window casement.

Growing community of inventors

Coldwater, MI, United States of America

John T Verch