Thermal composite window

Abstract

A composite window includes an exterior frame having a metal portion. An interior frame is spaced apart from the exterior frame and has a wooden portion. A thermal barrier interconnecting the exterior frame and the interior frame has an uninterrupted wall defining a cavity in cross-section to restrict the flow of heat between the exterior frame and the interior frame.

1 . A composite window comprising:
 an exterior frame having a metal portion;   an interior frame spaced apart from the exterior frame and having a wooden portion; and   a thermal barrier interconnecting the exterior frame and the interior frame as well as having an uninterrupted wall defining a cavity in cross-section to restrict the flow of heat between the exterior frame and the interior frame.   
   
   
       2 . The composite window of  claim 1  further including a glass unit having a first pane of glass extending substantially parallel to and offset from a second pane of glass, a portion of the thermal barrier cavity and a portion of the exterior frame being positioned between planes in which the first and second panes of glass lie. 
   
   
       3 . The composite window of  claim 2  wherein the exterior frame includes two spaced apart supports engaging the glass unit. 
   
   
       4 . The composite window of  claim 3  wherein one of the supports includes a detent in receipt of a glazing bead in engagement with the glass unit. 
   
   
       5 . The composite window of  claim 4  wherein an innermost of the first and second panes of glass is positioned in communication with a glazing cavity formed by the interior frame, the exterior frame, the thermal barrier and the glass unit. 
   
   
       6 . The composite window of  claim 5  wherein the thermal barrier includes an aperture extending therethrough to allow passage of moisture out of the glazing cavity. 
   
   
       7 . The composite window of  claim 2  wherein the glass unit includes a glazing packer extending along edges of each of the first and second panes, the glazing packer being supported by the exterior frame. 
   
   
       8 . The composite window of  claim 1  wherein the thermal barrier includes one of a projection and a pocket and the exterior frame includes the other of the projection and the pocket, the projection being positioned within the pocket to restrict relative motion between the thermal barrier and the exterior frame. 
   
   
       9 . The composite window of  claim 8  wherein a portion of the pocket is deformed to engage the projection and further restrict relative motion between the exterior frame and the thermal barrier. 
   
   
       10 . The composite window of  claim 1  wherein the thermal barrier includes integrally formed fasteners engaging the wooden portion. 
   
   
       11 . The composite window of  claim 1  wherein the exterior frame includes an uninterrupted wall defining a cavity in cross-section. 
   
   
       12 . The composite window of  claim 1  further including a fixed frame rotatably supporting the exterior frame. 
   
   
       13 . The composite window of  claim 1  wherein the thermal barrier restricts moisture from contacting the wooden portion of the interior frame. 
   
   
       14 . A composite window comprising:
 an exterior frame;   an interior frame spaced apart from the exterior frame;   a thermal barrier interconnecting the exterior frame and the interior frame, the thermal barrier having an internal cavity positioned between the exterior frame and the interior frame to restrict the flow of heat between the exterior frame and the interior frame; and   a glass unit positioned within a recess formed by the exterior frame, the thermal barrier and the interior frame.   
   
   
       15 . The composite window of  claim 14  wherein the glass unit is supported by the exterior frame. 
   
   
       16 . The composite window of  claim 15  wherein the glass unit is spaced apart from the thermal barrier. 
   
   
       17 . The composite window of  claim 16  wherein the exterior frame includes an internal cavity. 
   
   
       18 . The composite window of  claim 17  wherein the external frame includes grooves in receipt of projections extending from the thermal barrier to restrict relative movement therebetween. 
   
   
       19 . The composite window of  claim 18  wherein the thermal barrier includes fasteners engaging the interior frame to restrict relative movement therebetween. 
   
   
       20 . The composite window of  claim 14  further including a glazing bead coupled to the exterior frame and retaining the glass unit within the recess. 
   
   
       21 . The composite window of  claim 14  further including a fixed frame having a fixed exterior frame, a fixed interior frame and a fixed thermal barrier interconnecting the fixed exterior and fixed interior frames, the fixed thermal barrier having an internal cavity, the exterior frame being coupled for rotation with the fixed frame. 
   
   
       22 . The composite window of  claim 14  wherein the thermal barrier restricts moisture from contacting the wooden portion of the interior frame.