Metallic fenestration systems with improved thermal performance and methods of manufacturing same
AssigneeRehme Custom Doors & Lighting, Inc.
InventorsPeter James Rehme, Aaron Hawkins, Mark Joseph Rehme
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Thermally broken fenestration systems are provided that improve performance characteristics or combinations thereof, including strength and thermal conductivity. Embodiments disclosed include one or more fenestration frame assemblies, each having an interior frame member and an exterior frame member. The interior frame members and exterior frame members are coupled together via a plurality of bridges distributed along the length of the respective fenestration frame assembly. The bridges provide structural rigidity, while providing a plurality of air gaps between interior frame member and the exterior frame member to provide a thermal break.
Claims17
A thermally broken fenestration frame for a fenestration assembly comprising:
- an interior frame member having a first end and a second end;
- an exterior frame member disposed generally parallel to the interior frame member;
- and
- a plurality of bridges aligned along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, each bridge of the plurality of bridges rigidly and permanently coupled to both the interior frame member and the exterior frame member forming a plurality of thermal bridges and a plurality of gaps formed between interior frame member and the exterior frame member and between adjacent bridges, wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and plurality of bridges are comprised of a metallic material.
A method of providing structural rigidity and thermal isolation to a fenestration frame assembly, the method comprising:
- providing an interior frame member having a first end and a second end;
- providing an exterior frame member disposed generally parallel to the interior frame member;
- and
- permanently and rigidly coupling the interior frame member to the exterior frame member via a plurality of bridges spaced apart and aligned along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, a plurality of gaps formed between the interior frame member and the exterior frame member and between adjacent bridges, and wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and the plurality of bridges are comprised of a metallic material.
A fenestration assembly comprising:
- a fenestration frame having a plurality of fenestration frame members forming a perimeter of the fenestration frame;
- and
- one or more fenestration panels coupled to the fenestration frame within the perimeter of the fenestration frame;
- wherein each fenestration frame member further comprises:
- an interior frame member having a first end and a second end,
- an exterior frame member disposed generally parallel to the interior frame member, and
- a plurality of bridges aligned along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, each rigidly and permanently coupled to both the interior frame member and the exterior frame member forming a plurality of thermal bridges and a plurality of gaps formed between the interior frame member and the exterior frame member and between adjacent bridges, wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and plurality of bridges are comprised of a metallic material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.