MXPA96004059A - Spacer for an insulation unit that has improved resistance to deformation by tors - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spacer block and / or spacer frame having a pair of spaced outer legs joined by a base having an integral reinforcing member with the base and an insert between the legs to reduce the degree of torsional deformation of the base. spacer block and / or spacer frame. In an embodiment during the formation of the spacer block, a member configured in the form of a "T" integral with the base is formed to reduce the degree of deformation by torsion.

Description

SPACER FOR AN INSULATION UNIT THAT HAS IMPROVED RESISTANCE TO TORQUE DEFORMATION ASSOCIATE APPLICATION This application is a continuation application in part of the United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 326,565 filed on October 20, 1994, in the name of Mark L. Bulger and Albert E. Thompson, Jr. for multiple sheet glazing unit and method of manufacturing it.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a spacer block and / or spacer frame for use in the manufacture of a multiple sheet glazing unit and, in particular, to a spacer block and / or spacer frame formed thereafter same that has improved resistance to torsional deformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The publication of European patent application No. 0 475 213 Al published on 18.03.92 Bulletin 92/12 (hereinafter "EP application") based on United States Patent Applications No. 578,697; 578,696 and 686,956 filed on September 4, 1990; September 4, 1990, and April 18, 1991, respectively, discloses a thermal insulation glazing unit having an edge assembly having low thermal conductivity and a method of manufacturing thereof. In general, the EP application teaches a thermal insulation glazing unit having a pair of glass sheets on an edge assembly and sealed thereto to provide a sealed compartment between the sheets. The edge assembly includes a spacer frame having a generally U-shaped cross section having a sealant on each of the outer surfaces of the vertical legs, and optionally on the outer surface of the base of the spacer frame and a bead Adhesive that has a seam on the inside adhered to the interior surface of the base of the spacer frame. U.S. Patent No. 5,177,916 issued on U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 578,697 filed September 4, 1990, discloses a smooth metal substrate that can be transformed into a spacer block and subsequently formed in a spacer frame for use in the manufacture of an isolation unit of the type described in the EP application. The spacer block described in U.S. Patent No. 5,177,916 has a pair of outer legs spaced apart from each other and joined together by a base. European Patent Application No. 90 304 456.8 describes an isolation unit having a pair of glass sheets separated by a spacer frame and secured thereto, having a "W" shaped cross section. Although the design of the spacer block and / or of the spacer frame described in the EP application, in US Patent No. 5,177,916 and in European Patent Application No. 90 304 456.8 is acceptable, it has limitations. More particularly, the spacer block has incremental torsional deformation, because the legs of the spacer block and / or the spacer frame are only interconnected by the base. As can be seen, as the length of the spacer block or the sides of the spacer frame between adjacent corners increases, the degree of torsion of the spacer block between the ends or sides of the spacer frame between adjacent corners increases.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art of manufacturing multi-pane glazing units, it would be advantageous to provide a spacer block design which minimizes, but eliminates the torsional deformation of the spacer block and / or of the spacer frame formed subsequently for facilitate the manipulation of the spacer block / spacer frame during the manufacture of a multi-leaf glazing unit.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a spacer block and / or spacer frame for use in the manufacture of insulation units. The spacer block and / or spacer frame has a pair of outer legs spaced apart and joined together by a base. The base is provided with a reinforcing member to reduce the degree of torsional deformation between the ends of the spacer block and / or the side between adjacent corners of the spacer frame. The reinforcement member can be an insert, but preferably it is integral with the spacer block and / or spacer frame and has a vertical extension extending between the outer legs and optionally a horizontal member to provide the member with a "T" shaped cross section when considered alone, and when considered with the base of the spacer block and / or spacer frame has a cross section configured in the form of "I". The member is intended to reduce torsional deformation when an insert is secured between the outer legs of the spacer block and / or the spacer frame. Additionally, the invention relates to a glazing unit having a pair of sheets spaced apart from each other by the spacer frame of the present invention and secured to the outer legs of the spacer frame. Additionally still, the invention relates to a method of forming the spacer block and / or the spacer frame of the present invention and / or manufacturing a multiple glazed unit using the spacer block and / or the spacer frame of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a multi-pane glazing unit incorporating characteristics of the invention.

Figure 2 is a view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating an embodiment of a spacer frame of the invention. Figure 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a spacer block incorporating characteristics of the invention. Figure 4 is a plan view of a strip formed to have characteristics of the invention to reduce the degree of torsional deformation. Figure 5 is a view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a plan view of a strip after drilling and before the formation of the spacer block to have characteristics of the invention to reduce the degree of torsional deformation. Figure 7 is a plan view of the strip shown in Figure 6 after forming the spacer block so that it has characteristics of the invention to reduce the degree of torsional deformation. Figure 8 is a side view of the strip shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a side view similar to the view of Figure 8 of the spacer block after the outer legs of the spacer block are formed. Figure 10 is a view similar to the view of Figure 2 showing a multi-pane glazing unit having the sheets separated by a spacer frame incorporating characteristics of the invention. Figure 11 is a view similar to the view of Figure 2 showing another embodiment of a triple glazed unit constructed with a spacer frame incorporating characteristics of the invention. Figure 12 is a fragmentary plan view of another embodiment of the spacer block incorporating characteristics of the invention. Figures 13-15 are cross-sectional views of the spacer block and / or spacer frame illustrating various designs of inserts incorporating features of the invention to reduce or eliminate torsional deformation of the spacer block and / or spacer frame. Figure 17 is a view similar to the views of Figure 2 showing another embodiment of the triple glazed unit having an insert of the present invention for securing the intermediate sheet in position and for reducing or eliminating torsional deformation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The various embodiments of the spacer block and / or spacer frame of the present invention will be described in the construction of a glazing unit having a low thermal conductive edge determined as described in the EP application, whose description it is incorporated by reference. As will be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to a multiple glazing unit that is thermally insulating and / or has a low thermal conductive edge, and the embodiments of the present invention can be used with a multi-pane glazing unit. , regardless of its thermal insulation value. In the following description, if not otherwise indicated, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements. Additionally, "and / or" and "/" are used interchangeably in the following description. Additionally still, the description of the torsional deformation of the spacer block, if not otherwise indicated, is applicable to the side of the spacer frame between adjacent corners and vice versa. Figure 1 illustrates an isolation unit 20, and Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the isolation unit 20 having the spacer frame 22 incorporating characteristics of the invention. With specific reference to Figure 2, the unit 20 includes the spacer frame 22 between a pair of outer sheets 24 and 26 and secured thereto to provide a compartment 28 between the sheets 24 and 26. Preferably, but without limiting the invention, the compartment 28 is sealed against the inlet and outlet of gas, for example air, moisture and / or dust (hereinafter referred to individually and collectively as "ambient air") in the manner described below. In the following description, sheets 24 and 26 are sheets of glass; however, as will be apparent, the sheets can be made of any material, for example glass, plastic, metal and / or wood, and the selection of the materials does not limit the invention. Additionally, the sheets can be all of the same material or the sheets can be made of different materials, and one sheet can be a monolithic sheet and the other sheet a laminated sheet, for example made of one or more monolithic sheets laminated together in any usual way .

Additionally, still, one or more of the surfaces of one or more of the sheets can be coated, for example transparent sheets of glass or plastic can have an opaque coating of the type used in the manufacture of eardrums or an environmental coating to pass selectively ranges of predetermined wavelengths of light. United States Patents No. s. 4,610,711; 4,806,220; 4,853,256; 4,170,460; 4,239,816 and 4,719,127 incorporated herein by reference describe coated sheets that can be used in the practice of the invention; however, as can be appreciated, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the practice of the invention, but without limiting it, one or more of the glass sheets may be colored sheets coated and / or uncoated, for example, but without limiting the invention, colored sheets of the type described in the patents of the United States. United N ° s. 4,873,206; 4,792,536; 5,030,593 and 5,240,886, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. The outer sheets 24 and 26 preferably have the same peripheral configuration and dimensions; however, as can be seen, one outer sheet may be larger than the other outer sheet, and one sheet may have a different peripheral configuration than the other sheet. With continued reference to Figure 2, spacer frame 22 includes a pair of spaced outer legs 30 and 32 secured to a base 34. Each of the outer legs having extension 36 are preferably spaced apart from each other and are only in contact with each other. yes by means of the base 34 to provide the unit with a low thermal edge. The base 34 is provided with a vertical reinforcing member or torsional deformation resistance member 38, as seen in Figure 2, which incorporates features of the invention. The vertical portion 38 in the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a horizontal member 40 attached to a vertical member 42 as seen in Figure 2 to provide the torsional deformation resistance member 38 with a cross-section shaped in the shape of "T", when viewed alone and an "I" shaped cross section when joined to the base 34. The resistance member 38 is described in more detail below. Although the vertical members 42 are shown as two members in Figure 2, as can be appreciated, they can be a member and the invention is not limited thereto.

A layer 44 of a moisture impervious sealant, for example an adhesive sealant material of the type used in the art of manufacturing multi-pane glazing units having compartments sealed between the sheets, is provided on the exterior surface 46 of the outer legs 30 and 32 of the spacer frame 22 to secure the outer sheets 24 and 26 to outer legs 30 and 32, respectively, of the spacer frame 22 to seal the compartment 28 against movement of ambient air in and out of the compartment. With continued reference to Figure 2, and without limiting the invention, a layer 48 of a sealant or sealant-adhesive may be provided on the outer surface 50 of the base 34 of the spacer frame 22. The layer 48 may be a material similar to the material of layer 44; however, it is preferred that the material of the layer 48 be non-tacky so that the units when stored or carried over the edge do not adhere to the support surface. Additionally, the units having the layer 48, have the spacer frame 22 preferably below the peripheral edges of the outer sheets 24 and 26 to provide a channel for receiving the layer 48 as shown in Figure 2. As can be seen from Those skilled in the art of multi-pane glazing units, layer 48 can be removed by adjusting the outer surface 50 of the base 34 level with the peripheral edges (see Figure 10), or extending beyond the peripheral edges of the leaves. The spacer frame of the present invention can be made of any material, for example wood, plastic, cardboard, compressed paper, metal, for example stainless steel, galvanized iron, tin-coated steel, or aluminum having any cross-sectional configuration for provide the spacer block and / or spacer frame with resistance to torsional deformation. Preferably in the practice of the invention, the spacer block / spacer frame is made of metal. With continued reference to Figure 2, cords 52 are provided on the portions of the inner surface 54 of the base 34 of the spacer frame 22. The cords 52 may be of any material and are preferably made of a moisture-permeable material having a secant 56 for absorbing moisture in the compartment 28. The cords 52 may be of any material known in the art of multiple sheet insulation glazing units. The use of a fluid material makes it easier to automatically position the cords 52 on the base and / or for the manufacture of the units. The materials that can be used in the practice of the invention for the cords are materials that are of the type taught in the EP patent application, and in the United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 102,596. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Serial No. 08 / 102,596 is incorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated, a cord can be used in place of the two cords 52 as shown in Figure 2. The spacer frame of the present invention having resistance to torsional deformation can be formed to have continuous corners, for example of the type described in the EP application and in US Pat. No. 5,177,916, or can be formed by joining ends of spacer sections by corner keys or by welding, as is known in the art of manufacturing Multiple sheet insulation glazing. When used herein, a continuous corner is a corner that has the base of the continuous spacer frame around the corners and / or portions of the legs at the continuous corners in contrast to joining ends of spacer sections, for example by keyways of corner or by welding. The spacer frame of the present invention can be made of any material and configuration, provided that the spacer block and spacer frame have resistance to torsional deformation. Preferably, but without limiting the invention, the spacer frame has structural stability to maintain the outer glass sheets 24 and 26 in spaced relation to each other when deflecting forces are applied to secure the unit 20 in a window sliding frame or in a system of curtain wall. Although the spacer frame of the present invention can be made of any material, it is preferred that the spacer frame be made of metal and it is preferred that the spacer frame have low thermal conductivity, so that the edge assembly of the unit including the spacer frame 22, the layers 44, the layer 48 (when present) and the strands 52 have a low thermal conductivity or a high RES-value as described in the EP application. Additionally, as can be seen, the spacer frame 22 is preferably made of a material that is impervious to moisture and / or gas, such as, for example, but without limiting the invention, stainless steel, but includes halogenated polymeric material and / or spacers made of a gas permeable material and covered with a waterproof film, for example metal film or polyvinylidene chloride. With respect to the edge set having a low thermal conductivity, the spacer frames made of aluminum conduct heat better than the spacer frames made of metal coated steelFor example, galvanized and tin-plated steel, spacer frames made of carbon-coated metal steels conduct heat better than spacer frames made of stainless steels, and spacer frames made of stainless steels conduct heat better than spacer frames made of plastic. The plastic provides spacer frames better from the point of view of low thermal conductivity; however, metal is preferred for spacer frames because in many cases it is easier to configure and leads itself more easily to automation than plastic materials. In the description of the present invention and in the claims, the RES-value is defined as the resistance to heat flow of the edge assembly per unit of perimeter length.

For a low thermal conductive edge of a multi-sheet unit of the present invention, a RES-value of at least about 10 is acceptable, a value of at least about 50 is preferred and a RES-value of at least about 100 is more favorite. The units filled with an insulating gas, for example argon, preferably have the adhesive sealant layer 44 and the layer 48 of a moisture and / or gas impermeable material to maintain the insulating gas in the compartment 28. It is recommended that the layer Sealant-Adhesive 44 is thin and long to reduce the diffusion of insulating gas out of the unit's compartment and the environmental gas inlet into the unit's compartment. The material for layer 44 preferably has a moisture permeability of less than 20 gm mm / M2, and more preferably less than 5 gm mm / M2, determined using the method of ASTM F 372-73. The invention can be practiced with the sealant-adhesive layer 44 with a thickness of about 0.005 inches (hereinafter "cm")) to about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), preferably about 0.010 inches. (0.025 cm) to about 0.020 inches (0.050 cm) and more preferably about 0.015 inches (0.38 cm), and layer 44 with a length or height as seen in Figure 2 of about 0.010 inches (0.025 cm) to about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm), preferably from about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm) to about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm) and more preferably about 0.200 inches (0.50 cm). Sealants-adhesives that can be used in the practice of the invention include, but are not limited to butyl, silicones, polyurethane adhesives, and preferably butyl and hot butyl smelters, such as HB Fuller 1191, HB Fuller 1081A and sealant. Butyl 4442 from PPG Industries, Inc. The degree of torsional deformation is a term used to describe the torsion of the spacer block or the sides between adjacent corners of the spacer frame. By way of illustration, a spacer block having a length of 2 inches (5.08 cm) may have a torsion radian. For every additional two inches of spacer block length, the spacer block between the ends will have an incremental radial torsion. Therefore, for a spacer block of 10 inches (25.4 cm) in length, the degree of torsional deformation is 5 radians.

The height of the vertical member 42 and the width of the horizontal member 40 do not limit the invention and depend mainly on the length of the extensions, the length of the spacer block, the length of the sides between the corners of the spacer frame, the spaced distance of the legs vertical, and the thickness of the spacer block. By increasing the length of the extensions 36 (FIG. 2) (or extensions 58 in FIG. 11), the degree of torsional deformation of the spacer block decreases and vice versa; increasing the length of the spacer block or the sides of the spacer frame between adjacent corners, while maintaining all other constant variables, increases the degree of torsional deformation of the spacer block between its ends or sides of the spacer frame between adjacent corners and vice versa; increasing the spaced distance of the vertical legs, while maintaining the remaining constant variables, decreases the degree of deformation by twisting and vice versa; increasing the thickness of the spacer block, while keeping all other variables constant, decreases the degree of deformation by twisting and vice versa; by increasing the shear modulus of the spacer block material, while maintaining the remaining constant variables, the degree of deformation by torsion decreases and vice versa; increasing the height of legs 30 and 32 of the spacer blockwhile maintaining the other constant variables, the degree of deformation by torsion decreases and vice versa. As can be appreciated, the above description does not limit the invention and is presented to appreciate the interaction of the spacer block parts when they relate to the degree of torsional deformation. In the practice of the invention, it is recommended by aesthetics that the total height of the member 38 be less than the height of the legs 30 or 32. In the event that a total height greater than the height of the legs 30 or 32 is required , two spaced vertical members can be used. In general, the spacer block and spacer frame made of 304 stainless steel and having vertical legs 42, each 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) high and a horizontal member 40 0.254 inches wide (0, 64 cm) will provide 0.166 T radians / inch of torsional deformation per inch of spacer block, where T is the torque applied in pound-inch. By way of example, but without limiting the invention, for steel 1040 the torsion is 0.145 T radians per inch. In the practice of the invention, for spacer block made of 304 stainless steel, a torsional deformation from one end to the other lower than 0.15 radians per inch (8.6 degrees per inch) is acceptable, 0.075 radians per inch (4 , 3 degrees per inch) is preferred and no torsion or zero torsion is more preferred. For stainless steel, a maximum torque of 0.23 radians per inch is acceptable, 0.115 radians per inch is preferred and zero torsion is more preferred. As can be appreciated, the above examples are presented for purposes of illustration and do not limit the invention. The torsion acceptable to other metals and non-metals can be determined by a person skilled in the art from the above information. In the practice of the invention, the torsional deformation should not be of a magnitude that permanently deforms the spacer block and / or the spacer frame allowing the shear stress to exceed the elastic limit of the material of the spacer block and / or spacer frame. The description will now be directed to the formation of the spacer block and / or spacer frame incorporating characteristics of the invention.

With reference to Figure 3, one technique for forming a spacer frame of the present invention is to join ends 60 of sections or spacer block 62 (only one section is shown in Figure 3) in any convenient manner, for example the ends 60 of the spacer block 62 can be welded together, joined by corner keys or held together by an adhesive. The description will now be directed to forming a spacer frame using sections or spacer block 62 that incorporate features of the invention. The sections 62 have their ends 60 curved at an angle or miter, so that when the ends 60 of the sections 62 are joined together, a closed spacer frame is formed, for example the ends 60 have an angle of 45 ° to form a spacer frame in the form of a parallelepiped, for a spacer frame in the form of a pentagon, the ends 60 of the sections 62 have an angle of 54 °. Although not limiting the invention and with reference to Figures 3-5, a technique for forming the sections 62 consists in forming in any usual manner a smooth strip 64, for example a strip of stainless steel having corners 66 curved at an angle, of so that when the spacer block 62 shown in FIG. 3 is formed, the ends 60 are beveled. The strip 64 is formed, for example, by rolling in any usual manner to provide the reinforcing member or member resistant to twisting deformation 38. More particularly, and with reference to Figure 5, the reinforcing member 38 is formed by bending central portions of the strip 64 towards one another and one below the other to form the horizontal member 40 and subsequently towards each other to form the vertical members 42. In the lower part of the vertical members 42, as seen in the figure 5, the strip is preferably smooth to provide the base of the spacer block. With continued reference to Figure 5, the height of the vertical members 42, and the width of the horizontal member 40 do not limit the invention; however, they should be of sufficient height and width to reduce the degree of torsional deformation of the spacer block and / or of the spacer frame, as described above. After the member 38 is formed, end portions of the strip 64 on each side of the base having the member 38 are folded, formed or configured in any convenient manner to provide the legs 30 and 32 spaced apart from each other (see Fig. 2) and the mitred ends 60 (see Fig. 3). As shown in Figure 2, while not limiting the invention, the outer legs 30 and 32 of the spacer frame 22 are bent towards each other to provide the extensions 36 to further reduce the torsional deformation of the spacer section or spacer block 62. The invention is not limited to the length of the extensions 36; however, it is recommended in the practice of the invention that the leg extensions 36 remain spaced apart to eliminate a thermal conduction path. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art of metal forming or metal shaping, the torsionally resistant member 38, the outer legs 30 and 32, and the extensions 36 of the outer legs can be formed simultaneously or in any sequence and the sequence of formation or configuration does not limit the invention. Another manufacturing technique of the spacer block and / or spacer frame incorporating features of the present invention is to configure an elongated strip to provide a spacer block section having sufficient length to provide a spacer frame having continuous corners. Spacer frames of this type are described in the EP application, in the United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 102,596 and in United States Patent No. 5,177,916, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the practice of the invention it is preferred to manufacture spacer frames having continuous corners. The invention will be described for making a glazing unit similar to the unit 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 having a spacer frame with continuous corners. Each of the outer sheets 24 and 26 are clear glass sheets that have a length of approximately 42-7 / 8 inches (108, 9 cm) and a width of approximately 19-3 / 4 inches (50.17 cm). Each of the sheets has a thickness of approximately 0.090 inches (0.229 cm). One of the glass sheets 24 or 26 is coated, and the coating is coated glass of the type sold by PPG Industries under its Sungate trademark <; R > 100. The coated surface of the sheet 24 or 26 is directed towards the compartment 28. With reference to Figures 6-9 when necessary, a spacer frame having three continuous corners can be manufactured in the following manner. A smooth tin coated steel strip (not shown) having a length of approximately 126 inches (320 cm), a width of approximately 2.00 inches (5.08 cm) and thickness of approximately 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) ) is die-cut to have a design similar to that shown in Figure 6. The die cut strip 68 has a bifurcated tapered and wedge-shaped end 70 having a pair of holes 72 in the members 74 of the bifurcated end 70. The notch 76 formed by the members 74 has a width of approximately 1.070 inches (2.71 cm) and a length of approximately 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). The opposite end 78 of the strip 68 receives the members 74 of the bifurcated end 70 and has holes 80 which are aligned with holes 72 when the closed spacer frame is formed. Material spaced in positions of approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), approximately 21-1 / 8 inches (53.65 cm), approximately 63-7 / 8 inches (162.24 cm), and approximately 83-1 / 2 inches (212.09 cm) is removed from portions of the opposite end 82 of the substrate 68 to provide sets of notch pairs 84, 86, 88 and 90, respectively. The notched areas form the folded portions 92 (see Figure 2). Fold lines 94 are provided in the notches as shown in Figure 6 to facilitate folding of the bent portions. Each of the notches of the set of notch pairs 86, 88 and 90 have a length of about 0.536 inches (1/36 cm) at the edge 82 of the substrate, a depth of about 0.170 inches (0.43 cm) measured from the edge 82 of the substrate towards the center of the substrate. The notches 84 are similar in size to the notches 86, 88 and 90, but the left side of the notch, as shown in Figure 6, is further cut to insert the bifurcated members 74 of the end 70 into the end 78 after that the strip 68 is formed to have a generally U-shaped cross section defined by the vertical legs and the base. The distance between the points of pairs of notches depends on the width of the base, that is to say, of the desired spacing between the outer sheets. The unit has the point of the fold lines spaced approximately 0.282 inches (0.71 cm) from the edge 211 of the substrate to provide the base after the reinforcing member 38 is formed with a width of approximately 0.50 inches (2). , 42 cm) and a width of approximately 1.23 inches (3.124 cm) before the member 38 is formed. Slots 96 are provided between each of the notches 86, 88 and 90, at the end 78 of the strip 68 is the cut 97 and at the end 76 is the cut 98. The slits 96 and the cuts 97 and 98 are dimensioned. This is so that after the member 38 is formed, the continuous edges of the corners are bevelled as shown in Figures 7 and 8 at 144 to form the continuous corner of the spacer frame. After the strip is perforated to provide the strip 68, the strip 68 is configured in any convenient manner to provide a strip 112 shown in Figure 7 having the member 38. The vertical members 42 have a length of approximately 0.125 inches ( 0.32 cm) and the horizontal member 40 has a length of approximately 0.250 inches (0.62 cm). With reference to Figures 7 and 8, slits 96 as shown in Figure 6 appear as V-shaped cuts 114 and miter ends 116, respectively, in member 38. Strip 112 is further configured to provide the block spacer 118 (see Figure 9) having legs 30 and 32 which, with base 34, provide the U-shaped cross section shown in Figure 2. In Figure 9 the side view of spacer block 118 is shown. After the spacer block 118 is formed, the cords 52 having the secant 56 are provided by conveniently extruding the HB Fuller butyl hot casting matrix HL-5102-X-125 having the secant 56 inside on the inner surface 52 of the base 34 on each side of member 38 (see figure 2). The sealant-adhesive layers 44 are extruded on the outer surface 46 of the legs 30 and 32. The adhesive-sealant of the layers 44 can be of the type sold as hot butyl HB Fuller 1191. The layers 44 have a thickness of approximately 0.020 inches (0.05 cm) and a height of approximately 0.300 inches (0.76 cm). As can be seen, the cords 52 having the secant 56 can be extruded on the base of the spacer block before, after or during the extrusion of the layers 44 on the surface 46 of the legs 30 and 32, and the layers 44 can be extruded. applying to the outer surface 46 of the legs 30 and 32 during or after the strip 112 is formed in the spacer block 118. The spacer block 118 is bent in the notches 88 and 90, in the notch 86 and subsequently in the groove 84, while the tapered members 74 of the bifurcated end 70 are telescoped into the end 78 of the spacer block 118 to form the spacer frame having continuous corners. The holes 72 and 80 are aligned with each other and can be sealed with polyisobutylene polyol, or joined with a rivet or closed end screw. The outer glass sheets 24 and 26 are subsequently placed on the sealant-adhesive layer 44 and diverted towards each other so that the sealant-adhesive layer 44 flows to secure the outer glass sheets to the legs 30 and 32 of the spacer frame. Subsequently, the sealant-adhesive 48 flows into the channel formed by the marginal edge portions of the sheets and the base 34 of the spacer frame. As can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments of the invention that were presented for illustrative purposes and do not limit the invention. With reference to Figure 10, a triple glazed unit 120 having outer glass sheets 24 and 26 and spacing frames 122 embodying features of the invention is shown. One of the spacer frames 122 is between the outer sheet 26 and the intermediate sheet 124 and is secured thereto, and the other of the spacer frames 122 is between the outer sheet 24 and the intermediate sheet 124 and is secured thereto.; in each case by the layers 44 of sealant. The torsionally deformable member 126 incorporating features of the invention and similar to the member 38 shown in Figure 2 to reduce the degree of torsional deformation, has a vertical leg 128 having a circular end 130. Referring now to Figure 11, the triple glazed unit 132 includes the outer sheets 24 and 26 separated by the spacer frame 134 and joined thereto by the sealant layers 44. An intermediate sheet 136 is supported on the base 138 of the spacer frame 134. The member torsional deformation resistant 140 incorporating features of the invention to reduce the degree of torsional deformation includes vertical members 142 and 143, and horizontal members 144 and 146, with horizontal member 144 extending to the left and extending horizontal member 146 toward the right, as seen in Figure 11. The extensions 58 of the outer legs 150 of the spacer frame 134 are extend more than the extensions 36 of the legs 30 and 32 of the spacer frame 22 shown in FIG. 2. The vertical members 142 and 143 of the reinforcing member 140 form a groove 152 for receiving marginal edges of the intermediate sheet 136, as shown in Figure 11. It is recommended that an elastic material 154 be provided in the groove 152 to prevent the edge from damaging the intermediate sheet 136. A spacer block is shown in Figure 12. 156 having the reinforcing member 38 shown with dashed line. The spacer block 156 has a cutout 158 configured in a "V" shape on each of the legs 160 (only one is shown in Figure 11). When the spacer block 156 is bent to form a spacer frame, the legs 160 are bent toward each other to form the corner that closes the "V". Base (not shown) of spacer member 160 is continuous, as described for the spacer block formed from strip 118 (see Figure 9) providing a spacer frame with a continuous corner. As can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to forming the reinforcing member or the torsional deformation resistance member from the strip forming the spacer / spacer frame block. For example and with reference to Figures 13-16, several inserts are shown to eliminate or reduce the torsional deformation that can be placed between the vertical legs 30 and 32 of the spacer block used. With specific reference to Figure 13, the reinforcing member 162 for reducing the degree of torsional deformation has a semicircular cross section with ends 164 of the member 162 that engage extensions 36 or 58 (see Figure 11) of the spacer block. A cord 52 having the secant 56 is provided on the surface of the member 162 in front of the compartment 28 (see Figure 2). In Figure 14, the reinforcing member 166 is similar in design to the member 38 of Figures 2 and 5. More particularly, the member 166 is formed by the horizontal member 168, the vertical member 169, a "I" cross section. "and the base 170. The base 170 is secured to the interior surface of the base 172 of the spacer block 174 by the cord 52 that has the secant 56 (see Figure 2). In Figure 15, the reinforcing member 176 is similar to the member 162, except that the member 176 has the raised portion 178 similar to the reinforcing member 166 shown in Figure 14. In Figure 16, the member 180 is similar to the member. 166 shown in Figure 14, except that it has vertical legs 182 that engage the extensions 36. The reinforcing members 162, 166, 176 and 180 that incorporate features of the invention to eliminate or reduce torsional deformation can be made of any material, for example plastic, wood, pressed paper, cardboard or metal. The advantage of using inserts instead of forming the torsion-resistant member from a substrate forming the spacer block is that it reduces the cost of changing process or equipment. The reinforcing members 162, 166, 176 and 180 can be of any length, for example they extend between adjacent corners of the spacer frame, or be in sections between corners of the spacer frame. The moisture permeable adhesive 52 that has the secant 56 (see Figure 2) can be used to help secure the members 162, 166, 176 and 180 in place. When the members extend between adjacent corners of the spacer frame and the adhesive 52 is below the members, holes can be provided in the reinforcing members to provide communication between the compartment 28 and the secant 56 in the adhesive 52 (see Figure 2). ). As can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to the use of insert members for manufacturing insulation units having two outer sheets. For example, and without limiting the invention, Figure 17 shows a tip glazed unit 184 having a reinforcing insert member 186 for reducing the torsional deformation ensured between the legs 30 and 32 of the spacer frame 190 by means of the cord. 52. The reinforcing member 186 is similar in cross section to the reinforcing member 180, except that instead of the member 178 having the T-shaped cross section, it has a notch 192 to receive the marginal edge portion of the sheet. intermediate 194, as shown in Figure 17. Member 186 is smooth and does not reduce the degree of torsional deformation as much as the other members 162, 166, 176 and 180 shown in Figures 13-16; however, if a greater reduction of the torsional deformation is desired, a notch can be provided in the members 162, 166, 176 and 180 to receive the marginal edge of the intermediate sheet in a manner similar to the groove 162 provided as shown in FIG. shows in Figure 11. As can be seen now, the embodiments of the present invention are for purposes of illustration only and do not limit the invention and other embodiments are contemplated by the invention.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS 1. A spacer block comprising: an elongate member having first and second outer legs interconnected by a base, the first and second legs and the base providing a generally U-shaped cross section; and a reinforcing member for reducing the degree of torsional deformation, which mounts the base between the outer legs.
2. 2. The spacer block of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member reduces torsion to less than 0.23 radians per inch.
3. The spacer block of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is integrally formed with the base and has a "T" shaped cross section that includes a vertical member extending between the outer legs and outside the base and a horizontal member.
4. 4. The spacer block of claim 3, wherein the horizontal member has rounded portions.
5. The spacer block of claim 3, wherein the vertical member is a first pair of vertical members and additionally includes a second pair of spaced apart vertical members of the first pair of vertical members to provide a notch in the middle.
6. The spacer block of claim 5, wherein the transverse member is a first horizontal member extending out of the notch toward the adjacent leg and a second horizontal member extending out of the notch toward the other leg.
7. The spacer block of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is an insert mounted between the legs of the spacer block.
8. The spacer block of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member has a base that engages legs of the spacer block and a vertical member connected to the base and extending out of the base between the legs.
9. 9. The spacer block of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member has a base having a notch.
10. The spacer block as set forth in claim 1, wherein the vertical legs and the reinforcing member have portions cut at the provided corners of the spacer frame to be formed from the elongated member.
11. A closed finished spacer frame comprising: a first outer leg attached to a second outer leg by a base to provide the spacer frame with a generally U-shaped cross section; a reinforcing member for reducing the degree of twisting deformation that mounts the base between the outer legs.
12. The spacer frame of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing member reduces the torsion to less than 0.15 radians per inch.
13. 13. A multi-pane glazed unit comprising: a pair of panes; a spacer frame having outer legs joined by a base between the leaves; a sealant that adheres the leaves to the adjoining outer legs; having the spacer frame: a reinforcing member to reduce the degree of torsional flexion that mounts the base between the outer legs.
14. 14. The multi-pane glazing unit as set forth in claim 13, wherein the reinforcing member is integrally formed with the base and has a "T" shaped cross section including a vertical member extending between the vertical legs and outside the base and a horizontal member.
15. 15. The multi-sheet glazing unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein the horizontal member has rounded portions.
16. 16. The multi-pane glazing unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein the vertical member is a first pair of vertical members and the horizontal member is a first horizontal member extending toward the adjacent legs and further including a second member. pair of vertical members spaced apart from the first pair of vertical members to provide a notch between the first and second horizontal member and a second horizontal member connected to the second pair of vertical members and extending from the second pair of vertical members to the leg adjacent and a glass sheet in the notch between the outer sheets.
17. 17. The multi-pane glazing unit as set forth in claim 14, wherein the reinforcing member is an insert having a base that engages with the outer legs to secure the base in the middle.
18. 18. The multi-pane glazing unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the reinforcing member further includes a vertical member secured to the base and extending between the vertical legs.
19. 19. The multi-pane glazing unit as set forth in claim 16, wherein the vertical member has a cross section configured in a "T" shape.
20. 20. The multi-sheet glazing unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the base has a notch for receiving marginal edges of an intermediate sheet.
21. 21. A method of manufacturing a spacer block, comprising the steps of: providing an elongate substrate having a first major surface, a first end, an opposite end defined as a second end, a first edge and an opposite edge defined as a second edge; configuring the central portion of the elongated substrate between the first and second ends to provide the elongate member with a reinforcing member to reduce the degree of torsional deformation of the substrate and the spacer block formed subsequently; and configuring the elongate substrate to provide a first vertical leg and a second vertical leg spaced apart from the first vertical leg.
22. 22. The method as set forth in claim 21, wherein the spacer block is a section of a spacer block and further includes the step of configuring the first and second end so that they have sloping walls of a predetermined angle.
23. The method as set forth in claim 21, further including the step of removing portions of the substrate on each side of the central portion at the provided corners of the spacer frame to be formed and prior to the step of configuring the central portion, eliminating a part of the central portion, so that the member has a spacing at the corners provided.
24. 24. The method as set forth in claim 23, further including the step of folding the spacer in the provided corners and joining the first and second end to form a closed end spacer block.