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
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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 spaced apart along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, each bridge of the plurality of bridges immovably coupled to both the interior frame member and the exterior frame member forming a plurality of thermal bridges extending between the interior frame member and the exterior frame member, wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and 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
- forming a plurality of thermal bridges extending between the interior frame member and the exterior frame member by immovably coupling the interior frame member to the exterior frame member via a plurality of bridges spaced apart along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and 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 spaced apart along a length of the interior and exterior frame members between the first and second ends, each bridge of the plurality of bridges immovably coupled to both the interior frame member and the exterior frame member forming a plurality of thermal bridges extending between the interior frame member and the exterior frame member, wherein the interior frame member, exterior frame member, and bridges are comprised of a metallic material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.