Components for multipane window unit sash assemblies

Abstract

Various desiccant, vapor barrier and/or sealant components are provided for a multipane window unit sash assembly having an integral glazing pane mounting structure. The components have varying shapes and features, which may include glazing pane mounting surfaces, spacer functions, dual seal capabilities and muntin bar retaining functions. Various materials can be used to fabricate the components, including adhesive, sealant, sealant strip, tape, foam, resin, metallic or plastic materials, or combinations of such materials. The components may be preformed, extruded onto the sash, or otherwise applied. Automated assembly of the components to the sash is also disclosed.

1 . A component in combination with a multipane window sash frame having an integral glazing pane mounting structure, 
 said mounting structure comprising a spacer having a defined shape extending from and integral with said sash frame, said spacer having at least two opposing surfaces to which separate glazing panes can be adhesively mounted with the spacer therebetween; and    said component being preformed from a desiccated material in a shape that is adapted to mate with the defined shape of said spacer, for application to said spacer prior to the mounting of glazing panes thereto.    
   
   
       2 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said material has both desiccating and vapor barrier properties.  
   
   
       3 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said material comprises at least one of a tape, foam, adhesive, sealant, resin, metallic or plastic material.  
   
   
       4 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said spacer comprises an interior channel having two side walls and an interior bottom wall,    said side walls each comprise an interior surface, an external surface opposite said interior surface, and a top edge, with said interior surfaces facing one another, said external surfaces each being adapted to accept a glazing pane, and said interior bottom wall being positioned between the interior surfaces, and    said component, when mated with said spacer, extends from the top edge of a first one of the interior side walls to said bottom wall, across said bottom wall, and continues to the top edge of the second one of the interior side walls.    
   
   
       5 . A combination in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said component covers said top edges.  
   
   
       6 . A combination in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein said component continues past said top edges onto exterior surfaces of said mounting structure.  
   
   
       7 . A combination in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said component is preformed to fit into said interior channel.  
   
   
       8 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said component has a projection extending therefrom adapted to receive at least one additional glazing pane.    
   
   
       9 . A combination in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein said mounting structure is adapted to receive two glazing panes, and said projection is adapted to receive at least a third glazing pane.  
   
   
       10 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said component is adapted to be mounted to said mounting structure by at least one of a snap or pressure fit.  
   
   
       11 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said components is provided, each component being adapted to mate with the spacer on a different side of said sash frame and to extend along substantially the entire length of that side.  
   
   
       12 . A combination in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said component comprises a plurality of separate blocks of said material adapted to be mounted to said spacer in spaced relation to one another.  
   
   
       13 . A component for a multipane window sash, comprising: 
 a preformed desiccated element in a shape that is adapted to mate with a shape of a spacer integral with the sash.    
   
   
       14 . A component in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein said element comprises at least one groove for retaining at least one of a muntin bar or additional glazing pane.  
   
   
       15 . A component in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein said at least one groove is adapted to accommodate a retaining element for a muntin bar.  
   
   
       16 . A component in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein two substantially parallel grooves are provided in said spacer to accommodate said retaining element.  
   
   
       17 . A component in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein said retaining element comprises a clip adapted to snap into said at least one groove.  
   
   
       18 . A component in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein said at least one groove is adapted to receive the end of a muntin bar or the edge of an additional glazing pane.  
   
   
       19 . A component in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein said element comprises at least one of a preformed tape, foam, adhesive, metallic or plastic material.  
   
   
       20 . A component in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein said spacer is adapted to mate via at least one of a snap or pressure fit.  
   
   
       21 . A component for a multipane window unit sash assembly, comprising: 
 a preformed spacer for attachment to said sash;    said spacer having mounting surfaces for at least two glazing panes;    wherein:    said mounting surfaces are provided on flanges extending from said spacer; and    said flanges in combination with said sash define a channel therebetween for accommodating at least one of a sealant or adhesive.    
   
   
       22 . An insulating glass unit, comprising: 
 a) a sash member made from a relatively porous material, said sash member including a glass supporting portion with first and second glass supporting surfaces extending away from a sash perimeter toward a viewing opening of said insulating glass unit;    b) a low porosity coating on said glass supporting portion of said sash member;    c) an adhesive on a portion of said coating that covers said first and second glass supporting surfaces; and,    d) a pair of glass lites adhered to said first and second glass supporting surfaces by said adhesive.    
   
   
       23 . The insulating glass unit of  claim 22  further comprising a desiccant applied to a surface of said coating.  
   
   
       24 . A method for fabricating an integrated multipane sash, comprising: 
 providing a length of sash profile having a glazing pane supporting portion with at least first and second glazing pane supporting surfaces;    attaching a preformed desiccated component to said supporting surfaces;    cutting said length of sash profile into pieces;    forming a frame from said pieces; and    adhesively mounting a pair of glazing panes to said first and second glass supporting surfaces.    
   
   
       25 . A method in accordance with  claim 24  wherein said component is applied before said cutting step.  
   
   
       26 . A method in accordance with  claim 24  wherein said component is applied after said cutting step.  
   
   
       27 . A method in accordance with  claim 24  wherein said component is applied after said forming step.