Substantially transparent insulating anti-condensation structure

Abstract

In a substantially transparent insulating structure, positionable between a warmer region and a colder region, the improvement comprising an infrared reflecting visible light transmitting coating, applied to a surface of a pane in the structure. The coating reflects a substantial portion of infrared radiation incident thereon, so as to restrict substantial transmission of infrared radiation from the warmer region to the colder region. The reflected infrared radiation heats the surface exposed in use to the warmer region sufficiently to inhibit formation of a visibility-impeding layer thereon, without using electrical energy therefor. The reflected infrared radiation is reradiated into the warmer region, thereby inhibiting reradiation of such reflected infrared radiation into the colder region. The coating further transmits a substantial portion of visible light radiation incident thereon, to enable substantially clear visibility therethrough. In a single pane structure, the coating provides insulating properties equal to or better than a double pane uncoated structure. The single pane structure further includes an antiabrasion coating applied over the infrared reflecting coating, to protect the infrared reflecting coating from abrasion which might otherwise result from contact therewith. In a multi-pane structure, the coating provides increased insulating properties. In a structure positionable in use in a substantially horizontal plane between a warmer region thereabove and a colder region therebelow, infrared radiation reflected by the coating in combination with infrared radiation rising substantially vertically are sufficient to heat the surface exposed in use to the warmer region so as to inhibit formation of a visibility-impeding layer thereon without using electrical energy therefor. In a fluorescent lamp guard structure, the coating enables heating of the flourescent lamp for more efficient operation thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.