AU2013100163A4 - Insulated Window - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insulated window including: a frame having a front face and a back face; a transparent UV protection film pane secured to each of the back and front face of the frame, thereby forming a void between the panes; wherein the insulated window is removably secured to an existing window frame by a securing means.

Description

1 INSULATED WINDOW FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates in general to an insulated window, and particularly to an inexpensive insulated window that is easy to install and retrofit to existing windows. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] In Australia many of the windows installed in houses or other buildings are single panes of glass. Single pane glass windows are not energy efficient and allow heat to pass through in Winter and cold to pass through in Summer. [0003] Better building design has helped overcome some of the temperature and heat loss/gain associated with single pane windows such as eaves on the outside of houses, placing shutters on the outside of windows or placing heavy curtains/blinds on the inside of windows, installing special reflective glass or tinting windows to reflect the sun. [0004] Double glazing is also used to reduce energy losses through windows. Traditional double glazing uses two panes of glass mounted in a frame spaced by a gap filled with air or other gas to reduce the energy loss. However, installing double glazed windows in a new building or replacing all windows and frames in an existing building with double glazed windows and new frames is expensive. It also requires an experienced installer to fit and modify existing windows with an extra glass window pane to form double glazed windows or to remove the existing windows and install pre-assembled double glazed windows. [0005] A further disadvantage is that existing windows are difficult to access and clean, especially the inside face of the existing window pane, once current 2 double glazing windows or other insulated windows are retrofitted to the existing windows. The present invention desirably overcomes this disadvantage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide an individual insulated window and a sliding insulated window able to be easily and inexpensively retrofitted to an existing fixed window to improve its energy efficiency, while still allowing access to the original window. [0007] According to a first specific aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulated window including a frame having a front face and a back face. The insulated window includes a transparent UV protection film pane secured to each of the back and front face of the frame, thereby forming a void between the panes. The insulated window is removably secured to an existing window frame by a securing means. [0008] Preferably the securing means is a material hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. Alternatively the securing means may be removable adhesive tape or other form of removable securing means, such as hooks, hinges etc. [0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulated window instalment including two insulated windows each insulated window including a frame having a front face and a back face, and a transparent UV protection film pane secured to each of the back and front face of the frame, thereby forming a void between the panes. The instalment also includes a brush located between said two insulated windows. The two insulated windows are positioned such that they are slideably moveable along a rail, and the insulated window instalment is removably secured to an existing window frame by a securing means. Preferably the securing means is a material hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. Alternatively the securing means may be removable 3 adhesive tape or other form of removable securing means, such as hooks, hinges etc. [0010] The insulated window may further include handles to assist in removing said insulated window from the existing window frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with respect to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments thereof. Other embodiments of the invention are possible, and consequently, the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. [0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an insulated window according to an embodiment of the present invention affixed to an existing window and window frame. [0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1. [0014] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the insulated window shown in Figures 1 and 2. [0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated window of Figure 3. [0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the insulated window affixed to the existing window and window frame of Figure 1. [0017] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a sliding insulated window according to another embodiment of the present invention and an existing window and window frame.

4 [0018] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding insulated window shown in Figure 6. [0019] Figure 8a is a front view of the sliding insulated window of Figure 6; Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view through the line marked F-F in Figure 8a; and Figure 8c is a cross-sectional view through the line marked G-G in Figure 8a. [0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another sliding insulated window according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [0021] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding insulated window through the line marked A-A DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0022] Embodiments of the insulated window will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0023] In Australia many houses and buildings have single pane windows. These are very energy inefficient because they allow heat transfer leading to significant heat loss/gain and subsequent increased energy usage. To overcome this and to increase energy efficiency, single pane windows are removed and double glazed windows are installed. However, this is costly. [0024] An existing single pane window can be retrofitted to convert it into a double glazed window, however, the retrofit is permanent and does not allow the original window to be accessed. [0025] An embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is an insulated window 100 which is easily retrofitted to an existing window and 5 window frame 110. The window retrofitted to the existing window and frame is illustrated as item 10. [0026] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the insulated window has two panes, a front pane 32, and a back pane 36, each having an inner face and an outer face. The insulated window also has a frame 34. The inner face of each pane 32, 36 is secured to either side of the frame 34 by an adhesive 33 which extends around the perimeter of the frame 34 (not shown in Figures 4 and 5). [0027] The panes 32, 36 are preferably made of transparent UV protection plastic or polymer film having a thickness of between 75-150 microns. The film is pulled taut before being secured to the frame 34. The adhesive may be of any form, including for example, double sided sticky (or Scotch) tape, or glue. [0028] Handles 31 can be attached to the insulated window 100 to aid installation and placement on to an existing window. The handles also assist in straightforwardly removing the insulated window after installation on an existing window, for example to clean the existing window or to install a different insulated window. As shown in Figure 2, the handles can be attached to the frame. Alternatively the handles can be attached to the outer face of the front pane attached to the frame. [0029] It is important to allow access (especially access from inside the building) to the original existing window for cleaning, window repair and maintenance. Therefore one of the many advantages of this invention is that it can be easily put in place and easily removed to allow access to the original window. [0030] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the insulated window is installed in an existing window frame 110 using securing means 37, 120. One portion of the securing means 37 is affixed to the outer face of the back pane 36 preferably in a corresponding position to where the back pane 36 is secured to the frame 34. A 6 corresponding securing means 120 is located on part of the original existing window frame 112 to enable the insulated window 100 to be secured to the original existing window frame 110. [0031] The insulated window 100 is removably secured to part of the existing window frame 112 with the securing means 37. The securing means 37 preferably extends around the perimeter of the outer face of the back pane 36 as shown in Figure 1. The securing means is preferably a fabric hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro@. However, it could be any other securing means which allows the insulated window to be removably secured to the existing window frame, such as removable adhesive tape, a bracket for the insulated window to slide into and out of, corresponding hinges which are mounted on the insulated window and the existing window frame or any other form of securing means which allows the insulated window to be easily installed, removed and reinstalled. [0032] When in place, the insulated window essentially acts to triple insulate the window as shown in Figure 5. This is because when installed there are three panes and two voids. A pocket of air 25 is trapped between the original existing window 21 and the back pane 36 of the insulated window. A second pocket of air 26 is trapped between the two panes 36, 32 of the insulated window. Installing the insulated window of the present invention improves energy efficiency compared to a single pane glass window by approximately 16%. [0033] Preferably there is an opening 38 in the side of the frame 34, as shown in Figure 3, in which a valve 39 is secured. Gas can be inserted into the void 26 in the window through the valve 39. Having the void filled with gas, such as argon or krypton, reduces the heat loss and hence improves the energy efficiency of the window. Because argon has a lower conductivity than air it reduces the heat loss significantly compared to air in a sealed insulated window. The valve 39 can be sealed with a plug (not shown) to stop any gas escaping.

7 [0034] With the frame preferably made of aluminium, this insulated window is extremely light-weight making it easy to install, easy to remove, and importantly it reduces occupational health and safety risks associated with installing insulated windows. Another important advantage is that the present invention is significantly cheaper to manufacture than existing insulated glazed windows used to retrofit existing windows. [0035] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 6-10. This embodiment is a sliding insulated window 200. [0036] As shown in Figure 7 a sliding insulated window 200 is formed from two individual insulated windows as described above. In Figure 7, the first insulated window is formed by two panes 62, 66 secured to a frame 64 with an adhesive 63 that seals each pane to the frame 64 forming a void or air pocket 26 (see Figures 8B and 8C) between the panes. Similarly, the second insulated window is formed by two panes 72, 76 secured to a frame 74 with an adhesive 73 that seals each pane to the frame 74 forming a void or air pocket 26 (see Figures 8B and 8C) between the panes. As described above, preferably the panes are taut, thin UV protection film of approximately 75-150 microns. [0037] Each frame 64, 74 can be slid along a rail 71. To enable this to occur, each frame 64, 74 has wheels 60, 70, rollers or other means to allow the frame to slide and move freely along the rail 71. [0038] As shown in Figures 7, and 8C, the two insulated windows are offset and a brush 51 is positioned between the insulated windows, and secured to one of the panes. This allows the insulated windows to slide past one another whilst maintaining their space relative to each another. Further, it ensures that when in the fully closed position the insulated windows still act as insulated windows because little or no leakage will occur through the brush. Additionally, a brush 67, 77 may also be secured on an outside edge of the frame 64, 74 of each of the two individual insulated windows.

8 [0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the rails 71 of the insulated sliding window are removably fixed to an existing window frame. As the rails only cradle the insulated sliding windows on the top and bottom, the insulated sliding window instalment is only removably secured to the top and bottom of the existing frame. [0040] Figures 8B and 8C show detailed cross-sectional views of the insulated sliding window illustrated in Figure 8A. [0041] Figure 8B illustrates a vertical cross-section of the insulated sliding window at the point labelled F-F in Figure 8A. As shown, the sliding insulated window is installed in an existing window frame using securing means. The rail 71 is secured to the original existing window frame 111 with one portion of the securing means 75 affixed to the rail 71 and the other portion of the securing means 170 affixed to the original existing window frame 111. The securing means for the sliding insulated window is the same as described above for the single insulated window. That is, the securing means is preferably a fabric hook and-loop fastener, such as Velcro@. However, it could be any other securing means which allows the insulated window to be removably secured to the existing window frame, such as removable adhesive tape, a bracket for the insulated window to slide into and out of, corresponding hinges which are mounted on the insulated window and the existing window frame or any other form of securing means which allows the insulated window to be easily installed, removed and reinstalled. [0042] Figure 8C illustrates a horizontal cross-section of the insulated sliding window at the point labelled G-G in Figure 8A. [0043] The sliding insulated window is arranged such that it is possible to access the original outside window 21 to open it or unlock it without removing the sliding insulated window. This is achieved, for example, by sliding one of the insulated windows to access an existing window lock 80.

9 [0044] Although this embodiment has insulated windows that slide allowing access to the existing window, this embodiment when installed also acts as a triple insulated window. As shown in the detailed cross-section of Figure 8C, the brush 51 is positioned between the two individual insulated windows, and is secured to one of the panes. This ensures that when in the fully closed position the insulated windows still act as insulated windows, while being able to slide past one another when required, because little or no leakage will occur through the brush. Air is trapped in the space 25, between the sliding window and the existing window. Additionally, brushes 67, 77 are also secured on one edge of each sliding insulated window which comes into contact with the existing window frame. Alternatively, brushes can be secured to the existing window frame 111. [0045] As for the single insulated window, preferably there is an opening 88 in the side of the frame of each insulated window in which a valve 89 is secured. Gas can be inserted into the void 26 in the window through the valve 89. As detailed above, filling the void 26 with a gas reduces the heat loss and hence improves the energy efficiency of the window. The valve 89 can be sealed with a plug (not shown). [0046] Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the insulated sliding window may additionally have a vertical double rail aluminium profile. This is useful for installing in particular types of windows. In this embodiment, the rails surround the sliding window panes and therefore the sliding window instalment is removably secured to the top, bottom and sides of the existing frame. The insulated windows are formed as described above. A brush 6777 may also be secured on an outside edge of the frame 64, 74 of each of the two insulated windows. When the insulated windows are in a closed position, the brush 64, 74 touches the rail not the existing window frame. [0047] There are several advantages of the present invention, some of which are detailed above. Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows existing windows to be easily cleaned. This is achieved by easily removing or 10 uninstalling the insulated window from the existing window. It is then possible to gain access to the existing window. [0048] Alternatively, instead of using a thin transparent UV protection film for the panes of the insulated window, a very thin pane of glass or other transparent material such as a thin rigid polymer could be used. In another alternative, a transparent thin electric conducting panel, such as a solar panel could be used. [0049] Whilst preferably the frame is made of light-weight aluminium, alternatively it could be made of other lightweight material or steel. [0050] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that other embodiments and arrangements of the window are also possible within the spirit and scope of the invention described herein or as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

1. An insulated window including: a frame having a front face and a back face; a transparent UV protection film pane secured to each of the back and front face of the frame, thereby forming a void between the panes; wherein the insulated window is removably secured to an existing window frame by a securing means.

2. An insulated window instalment including: two insulated windows each insulated window including: a frame having a front face and a back face; a transparent UV protection film pane secured to each of the back and front face of the frame, thereby forming a void between the panes; and a brush located between said two insulated windows, wherein the two insulated windows are positioned such that they are slideably moveable along a rail, and the insulated window instalment is removably secured to an existing window frame by a securing means.

3. An insulated window according to claim 1 or an insulated window instalment according to claim 2 wherein the securing means is any one of: a material hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro, or adhesive tape.

4. An insulated window according to claim 1 or an insulated window instalment according to any one of claims 2 or 3 wherein the frame further includes a hole or valve to allow gas to be inserted into the void between the panes. 12

5. An insulated window according to claim 1 or an insulated window instalment according to claim 2 wherein the insulated window further includes handles to assist in removing said insulated window from the existing window frame. YAKOV ELGART