Title: Specialty media window
Abstract: A media window system includes a window unit having a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glass unit located within the frame perimeter. The window unit includes a display area adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is configured to project an image onto the display surface. The window unit also includes a speaker element disposed on the window. The display are of the window unit is capable of transforming from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image.
Patent Number: 6,988,339 Issued on 01/24/2006 to Pylkki, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Pylkki; Russell J. (St. Paul, MN);
Libby; James B. (Stillwater, MN);
Heikkila; Kurt E. (Marine on St. Croix, MN)
|
| Assignee:
|
Andersen Corporation (Bayport, MN)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
348039 |
| Filed:
|
January 20, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
52/173.3; 52/204.5; 52/204.59; 52/208; 81/388; 353/70; 353/79; 353/119; 359/444; 359/445; 362/86; 362/87; 381/152; 381/333; 381/425; 381/345 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
E04D 13/18 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
52/2041,204.71,171.3,706.1,800.12
349/16,96,98
359/228
|
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33 pp. (date printed: Feb. 7, 2003).
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Platz are the Ultimate Showcase of NXT's SURFACESOUND™ Technology", http://www.dba-pr.com/client/nxt_plc/releases/glassplatz.htm,
2 pages (Date Printed Jan. 24, 2002).
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|
Primary Examiner: Friedman; Carl D.
Assistant Examiner: Horton; Yvonne M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
Parent Case Text
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/068,070,
titled Specialty Display Window, filed Feb. 6, 2002, which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
Claims
We claim:
1. A media window system comprising:
(a) a window unit including window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glass
unit located within the frame perimeter, the glass unit including a display area
adapted to receive a display image, wherein the display area of the glass unit
can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state;
(b) a display image source configured and arranged to direct a display image
onto the display area; and
(c) a speaker element in the window unit.
2. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the window unit is an interior
window located within the interior of a building comprising a floor, a ceiling,
and at least one wall.
3. The media window system of claim 2, wherein the display image source is fastened
to the ceiling of the structure.
4. The media window system of claim 2, wherein the display image source is fastened
to the wall of the structure.
5. The media window system of claim 2, wherein the display image source rests
on the floor of the structure.
6. The media window system of claim 2, wherein the display image source is disposed
within an object resting on the floor of the structure.
7. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the window unit is located in
an exterior wall of a structure separating an interior environment from an exterior environment.
8. The media window system of claim 7, wherein the window unit is a picture window.
9. The media window system of claim 7, wherein the display image source is located
in the interior environment.
10. The media window system of claim 7, wherein the window unit is a bay window
including a main display window between two side windows, where the main display
window includes the display area.
11. The media window system of claim 10, wherein the main display window includes
an interior pane and an exterior pane, wherein the speaker element is disposed
on the interior pane of the main display window.
12. The media window system of claim 10, wherein each of the side windows includes
an interior pane and an exterior pane, wherein the speaker element is disposed
on the interior pane of one of the two side windows and a second speaker element
is disposed on the other of the two side windows.
13. The media window system of claim 10, wherein the display image source is
fastened to a headboard of the bay window.
14. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the window unit is located in
a wall, wherein the display image source is fastened to a ceiling adjacent to the wall.
15. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the window unit is located in
a wall, wherein the display image source rests on a floor adjacent to the wall.
16. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the window unit is located in
a wall, wherein the display image source is disposed within an object resting on
a floor adjacent to the wall.
17. The media window system of claim 1 wherein the window unit separates a first
space from a second space and the display image source is located in the first
space, wherein the display area is configured and arranged so that the display
image can be viewed from the first space in a first orientation and the display
image can be viewed in a reversed orientation from the second space.
18. The media window system of claim 17 wherein the display image source is configured
and arranged so that the display image can be viewed from the second space in the
first orientation.
19. The media window system of claim 17 wherein the display image source is a projector.
20. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the glass unit includes a first
pane and a second pane, wherein the display area includes an opaque screen disposed
between the first pane and second pane, wherein the screen is configured to move
relative to the frame.
21. The media window system of claim 1 wherein electrical current within the
glass unit causes the glass unit to transform from a first transparent state to
a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display area.
22. The media window system of claim 21 wherein the glass unit comprises a polymer
dispersed liquid crystals positioned between pieces of conducting glass.
23. The media window system of claim 1 wherein the window unit is located within
a door.
24. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the speaker element is disposed
in the window frame.
25. The media window system of claim 1, wherein the speaker element is an exciter
disposed on the glass unit.
26. The media window system of claim 25 wherein the glass unit comprises a first
pane and a second pane, wherein the exciter is disposed between the first pane
and the second pane.
27. The media window system of claim 25, wherein the glass unit is fixed within
the frame perimeter.
28. The media window system of claim 25 wherein the window unit further comprises
a first grill element positioned on the glass unit, wherein the exciter is attached
to the glass unit and positioned at least partially behind the first grill element.
29. The media window system of claim 28, further comprising a dampener, wherein
the dampener is located between the exciter and the second pane and the exciter
is adhered to the first pane.
30. The media window system of claim 28, further comprising a wire for delivering
electronic signals to the exciter wherein the wire is positioned behind the first
grill element.
31. The media window system of claim 28, further comprising a second grill element
intersecting the first grill element, wherein the exciter is positioned at least
partially behind the intersection of the first and second grill elements.
32. The media window system of claim 31 further comprising a decorative element
positioned at the intersection of the first and second grill elements, wherein
the exciter is positioned behind the decorative element.
33. The window unit of claim 32 wherein the decorative element is diamond-shaped.
34. The window unit of claim 33 wherein the decorative element is circular.
35. The window unit of claim 33 wherein an outer diameter of the exciter is less
than or equal to a width of the grill element.
36. A method comprising:
(a) providing a window unit including a window frame defining a frame perimeter
and a glass unit within the frame perimeter, the glass unit including a display
area adapted to receive a display image, wherein the glass unit can transform from
a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state;
(b) disposing a display image source in a position to project an image onto the
display area; and
(c) disposing a speaker element on the window unit.
37. A media window system comprising:
(a) a window unit including window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glass
unit located within the frame perimeter, the glass unit including a display area
adapted to receive a display image, wherein the display area of the glass unit
can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state,
wherein the window unit is installed in an interior wall of a structure;
(b) a display image source configured and arranged to direct a display image
onto the display area; and
(c) a speaker in the interior wall near the window unit.
38. The media window system of claim 37, wherein the display image source is
fastened to a ceiling of the structure.
39. The media window system of claim 37, wherein the display image source rests
on a floor of the structure.
40. The media window system of claim 37, wherein the display image source is
disposed within an object resting on a floor of the structure.
41. The media window system of claim 37 wherein the display image source is a projector.
42. The media window system of claim 37 wherein electrical current within the
glass unit causes the glass unit to transform from a first transparent state to
a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display area.
43. The media window system of claim 42 wherein the glass unit comprises a polymer
dispersed liquid crystals positioned between pieces of conducting glass.
44. A window unit comprising:
(a) a window frame defining a frame perimeter;
(b) a glass unit located within the frame perimeter; and
(c) a first grill element positioned on the glass unit;
(d) an acoustical exciter attached to the glass unit and positioned at least
partially behind the first grill element;
wherein the glass unit is configured to project sound waves by vibrating in response
to signals from the acoustical exciter.
45. The window unit of claim 44, wherein the glass unit located within the frame
perimeter comprises a first pane and a second pane, wherein the acoustical exciter
is disposed between the first pane and the second pane.
46. The window unit of claim 45, further comprising a dampener, wherein the dampener
is located between the acoustical exciter and the second pane and the speaker is
adhered to the first pane.
47. The window unit of claim 44, further comprising a wire for delivering electronic
signals to the acoustical exciter wherein the wire is positioned behind the first
grill element.
48. The window unit of claim 44, wherein the glass unit is fixed within the frame perimeter.
49. The window unit of claim 44, further comprising a second grill element intersecting
the first grill element, wherein the acoustical exciter is positioned at least
partially behind the intersection of the first and second grill elements.
50. The window unit of claim 49 further comprising a decorative element positioned
at the intersection of the first and second grill elements, wherein the exciter
is positioned behind the decorative element.
51. The window unit of claim 50 wherein the decorative element is diamond-shaped.
52. The window unit of claim 50 wherein the decorative element is circular.
53. The window unit of claim 44 wherein an outer diameter of the exciter is less
than or equal to a width of the grill element.
54. A window unit comprising:
(a) a window frame defining a frame perimeter;
(b) a glass unit located within the frame perimeter comprising a first pane and
a second pane; and
(c) an acoustical exciter attached to the glass unit and positioned between the
first and second panes;
wherein the glass unit is configured to project sound waves by vibrating in response
to signals from the exciter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Windows and doors provide an outside view of our surroundings and are often
a prominent feature of living areas in homes. Entertainment systems with televisions
and sound systems are another prominent feature of living areas. Often, the furniture
arrangement of a living area is focused on the entertainment system and does not
take advantage of outside views. Entertainment systems also take up significant
space in a living area. Living area concepts that accommodate both the frequent
use of entertainment centers and a natural outside view are needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A media window system is described having a window unit including window frame
defining a frame perimeter and a glass unit located within the frame perimeter.
The glass unit has a display area that can transform from a first transparent state
to a second increased opacity state to receive a display image. The media window
system also has a display image source that directs a display image onto the display
area and a speaker element in the window unit.
The display image source may be a projector. The transformation of the display
area to a more opaque state may be accomplished by a suspended liquid crystal device
or by a movable screen between two panes of glass. Many different locations for
the projector are possible, such as attached to a ceiling or within an object sitting
on the floor.
A method is also described where a window unit is provided and the glass unit
of
the window unit includes has a display area that can transform from a first transparent
state to a second increased opacity state for receiving a display image. Then a
display image source is positioned to project an image onto the display area and
a speaker is positioned on the window unit.
Another embodiment of a media window system for use in an interior wall also
includes a window unit having a display area that can transform from a first transparent
state to a second increased opacity state. The system also has a display image
source to direct a display image onto the display area and a speaker in the interior
wall near the window unit.
In another embodiment, a window unit includes a window frame defining a frame
perimeter, a glass unit located within the frame perimeter, a first grill element
positioned on the glass unit, and an acoustical exciter attached to the glass unit
and positioned at least partially behind the first grill element. The glass unit
is configured to project sound waves by vibrating in response to signals from the
exciter. The exciter may be positioned between two panes of glass in the glass unit.
In yet another embodiment, a window unit has an exciter positioned between first
and second panes of glass, where the glass is configured to project sound waves
by vibrating in response to signals from the exciter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media window system in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a bay window unit similar to that shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bay window unit of FIG. 2 taken along
line 3—3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative media window system.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the components of the media window system of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a window unit configured for attachment to an
exterior wall.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the window unit attached to an exterior wall.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the window unit attached to an exterior wall
in a state of increased opacity.
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system where a display
image source is fastened to the ceiling of a structure.
FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system where a display
image source is fastened to a headboard of a bay window.
FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system where a display
image source is positioned in an object spaced from the window unit.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a media window system used with an interior
window unit of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system using an interior
window where a display image source is positioned in an object near the window.
FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system using an interior
window where a display image source is positioned on a ceiling near the window.
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a media window system using an interior
window where two display image sources are included.
FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a window unit including a movable
screen as the display surface.
FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of another window unit including a movable
screen as the display surface.
FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a speaker element within a double-paned window.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is applicable to many different types of windows or doors
that include a glazing unit such as glass. Generally, a window unit including a
glazing may be configured to switch from a transparent state to an opaque state.
In the opaque state, a display image may be projected onto the glazing unit. Speakers
included in the window unit or positioned on the glazing provide sound accompanying
the images. As a result, a household window can be transformed into an entertainment
center, reducing the amount of furniture and electronic components in a living
area and allowing the furniture of the living area to be directed toward the window,
to enjoy the outside view when desired or to watch TV or movies when desired.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media window system
180 with a bay
window unit
200 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
bay window unit
200 has a bay window perimeter
220 that attaches
to a wall
295 of a structure. A main window
235 and two side windows
230 are included in the bay window unit and are joined together using conventional
mulling techniques. The bay window unit
200 also includes a seat board
299
and a headboard
304 providing horizontal planes framing the glazing units.
Below the seat board
299, a cabinet area
301 may be provided, which
may store electronic components associated with the media window system
180.
The main window
235 has a frame
211 and a glass unit
212 and
each of the side windows
230 have a frame
213 and a glass unit
214.
The window unit
200 may be capable of being opened or closed. The window
200 may alternatively be, for example, a picture window, bow window, projection
window, a double-hung window, a skylight, egress window, an awning window, a casement
window, a gliding window, and the like.
The window
235 includes a display area
240 adapted to receive a
display image. The display area
240 of the main window
235 can transform
from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving
the display image on the display surface
240. Any means of increasing the
opacity of transparent materials may be used such as, for example, polymer dispersed
liquid crystal technology or a movable screen between two panes of glass. A transparent
state means that a significant percentage of visible light can pass through an
object. Preferably, a large percentage of visible light can pass through an object
in a transparent state. An increased opacity state means that less light passes
through the display area than in the transparent state, and enough light is scattered
so that an image projected on the display surface can be viewed.
Polymer dispersed liquid crystals may be sandwiched between two pieces of
conducting glass. The conducting glass may be a portion of, or the entire windows
230,
235. Polymer dispersed liquid crystals operate on the principle
of electrically controlled light scattering. When electric current is not applied
to the conducting glass, the liquid crystal droplets are randomly orientated, creating
an increased opacity state. When electricity is applied, the liquid crystal droplets
align parallel to the electric field and light passes through, creating a more
transparent state. A polymer dispersed liquid crystal device panel is available
under the tradename Privalite from Saint-Gobain. Polymer-stabilized liquid crystal
devices may also be used with the present invention, where an electric field is
applied to the conducting glass to switch between a transparent and opaque state,
but the field is not needed to maintain either state.
The main display window
235 and the two side windows
230 may be
operated independent of each other. The opacity of the main display window
235
can be increased while leaving one or both side windows
230 transparent.
Alternatively, the opacity of one or both side windows
230 can be increased
while leaving the main display window
235 transparent.
The media window system may include a display image source
250. Image
source
250 may be disposed in many different locations as discussed further
herein. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the image source
250 is located in
an object
260. Object
260 is shown on the surface of floor
270
near window unit
200, spaced from the window unit
200. Object
260
can be a table, footrest, or any other object suitable for containing an image
source
250. However, the display image source may also be located outside
of object
260 while remaining within the scope of the invention. The display
image source
250 can be located directly on floor
270, on top of
object
260, on wall
280 or on a ceiling. Alternatively, more than
one display image source
250 can be located near the window unit
200.
Some of the alternatives are discussed further herein. The display image source
250 may be, for example, a projector.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and cross-sectional views of the bay window unit
200,
with a slightly modified cabinet
297 underneath the unit. The bay window
unit
200 includes angle mull posts
308,
310 that join the
main display window
235 with the two side window units
230. Each
of the windows include horizontal grill members
314 and vertical grill members
318. As will be discussed further herein, the grill members
314 may
be used to hide acoustical exciters
320, also called speaker elements, attached
to the glazing units of the side window units
230 that cause the glass to
act as a speaker. In FIG. 3, the exciters
320 are positioned behind the
horizontal grill members
314, between the two glass panes of the side window
units
230, causing the glass pane to which they are attached to act as a
speaker. The exciter could be located on one of two panes of glass of an insulated
glass unit, or the exciter could be located on a third pane of glass used within
an insulated glass unit. The exciter may also be located on a single pane of glass.
The horizontal and vertical grill elements
314,
318 may be used
to attractively frame the display area
240, which may be smaller than the
overall glass unit
212. An alternative configuration of grill elements is
shown in FIG. 4, a perspective view of an alternative bay window unit
400.
Elements of the bay window unit
400 that are similar to the bay window unit
200 will be referred to using identical reference numbers. The bay window
unit
400 includes a main window
235 and two side windows
230.
A seat board
299 and a headboard (not shown) are also included in the bay
window unit. A cabinet area
302 is located below the seat board
299.
Horizontal grill elements
314 are provided both above and below the display
image surface
240. Vertical grill elements
318 are also provided.
FIG. 5 shows a front view of the window components of the bay window unit
400
of FIG. 4, with the side window units
230 shown in a frontal view, rather
than at an angle, as they would be in an installed configuration. FIG. 5 also illustrates
diamond shaped elements
410 at the intersection of the horizontal grill
elements
314 and vertical grill elements
318 on the side windows
230. Behind the diamond shaped elements
410, an exciter may be located
that causes the glass to act as a speaker to provide sound to accompany the display
image source. The exciter may be located in between two panes of glass that are
included in each of the side windows
230, with wiring for the exciters positioned
behind the horizontal or vertical grill elements to conceal it.
A bay window unit
500 is shown positioned on the exterior wall
295
of a structure shown in FIGS. 6-7. In FIG. 8, the display surface
240 of
the window unit
500 is shown in an opaque state for viewing images. In this
embodiment, the display area
240 is the entire visible area of the main
glass unit
212.
Within a media window system, there are many different possibilities for locating
the display image source. FIGS. 9-11 show three alternative positions for display
image source
250. As shown in FIG. 9, the image source
250 may be
located on a ceiling
906 of a structure to which the bay window unit
500
is attached. The display image source
250 may be located at many different
distances from the bay window unit
500, where the image source would be
adjusted to provide the desired image on the display surface
240. FIG. 10
shows the display image source
250 located on a headboard
907 of
the bay window unit
500. Alternatively, the display image source
250
may be located within an object
260 that is spaced from the bay window unit
500, for example, a coffee table, providing a longer optical path for the
display images. In an alternative embodiment, the projector could be located in
an object positioned directly below the window unit, not spaced from it in the
room. Another alternative is locating the projector within the window frame of
the window unit. Because the projector is relatively close to the display area
in this position, keystoning of the image and other technical issues may need to
be addressed by the display image source.
Instead of a bay window unit, a simple rectangular window unit
600
may be used with the media window system of the present invention, as shown in
FIG.
12. The window unit
600 may be located in either an exterior
wall or an interior wall. FIG. 12 illustrates the window unit
600 in an
interior wall
602, such as a wall that would separate two rooms within a
house. Although many alternatives are possible for the configuration of the window
unit
600, in one embodiment the window unit has three separate vertical
sections defined by two horizontal grill members
606. Preferably, at least
the middle window section
608 is capable of transforming between a transparent
state and an increased opacity state so that images may be viewed on the middle
window section
608. Alternatively, the top window section
610 or
the bottom window section
612 or both may also be capable of transforming
to an increased opacity state. A bench
616 or other object may be provided
below the window unit
600 and may conceal a display image source, such as
a projector.
Where the media window system of FIG. 12 is used in an interior wall, speakers
635 may be positioned on either side of the window unit
600 in an
interior wall
602. In one embodiment, a second pair of speakers may be located
on the opposite side of the interior wall
602. Alternatively, other speaker
locations mentioned herein may be used.
FIG. 13 illustrates a display image source
620 positioned within a bench
616 to project images onto a window unit
600. Alternative projector
positions include a projector on a ceiling
630, as shown in FIG.
14.
Yet another possibility would be to position two display image sources
620
at two different locations, such as within a object or bench
616 and on
a ceiling
630, as shown in FIG.
15. The two display image sources
620 could project images onto two different portions of the window unit
600.
Normally, when a viewer is located on the opposite site of a window unit
600 from the display image source
620, the viewer will see the display
images in reverse, if the increased opacity state is somewhat transparent to allow
this view. This feature may be useful if a parent in one room would like to monitor
the viewing of children in an adjacent room, for example. Alternatively, the display
image source could be programmed to allow reverse the projection of the images,
so that viewers in the room opposite from the display image source could also view
the images in their intended orientation. The users could then choose from which
side of the window unit they wanted to watch the display.
The window unit can be constructed by providing a window frame defining a frame
perimeter and providing a window within the frame perimeter. The window includes
a display area adapted to receive a display image. A display image source can be
disposed in a variety of locations including on the window frame and in an object
on the floor near the window frame. A speaker element can be disposed on the window,
or behind the viewer or listener. In another embodiment, the audio or speaker element
can be used separately. The display surface can transform from a first transparent
state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the
display surface.
An alternative means of changing the opacity of a window unit to provide a display
surface is generally shown in FIG.
16. Screen
900 is disposed between
a first pane
901 and second pane
902. Screen
900 may be comprised
of any material capable of receiving an image from a projector, such as typical
projector screen materials.
The first and second panes may or may not be joined in a sealed manner to form
an insulated glass pane around the screen. A screen may alternatively be provided
between an exterior surface of an insulated glass pane and a third pane of glass.
In one embodiment, screen
900 can be rolled onto the exterior surface
of
drum
904. Drum
904 rotates to move screen
900 toward stop
903, thereby providing an alternative display surface. Drum
904 is
preferably at least as long as the width of screen
900. This enables screen
900 to roll onto drum
904 in a smooth and even manner while helping
to protect screen
900 from unnecessary deformation. Unnecessary deformation
could cause damage to screen
900 and impair its effectiveness as display
surface
140. Drum
904 also comprises a diameter suitable for allowing
screen
900 to be disposed about drum
904 without causing permanent
deformation to screen
900. If the diameter of drum
904 is very small,
creases may develop. The diameter of drum
904 is typically greater than
0.25", preferably greater than 0.5", and more preferably greater than 1.0".
Drum
904 may be comprised of a variety of materials including wood, plastic,
metal or fiberglass. In any case, drum
904 is typically strong enough to
support the added weight of screen
900. Drum
904 may be rotated using
a variety of means. For example, a user may rotate drum
904 with a handle
or cord. In other embodiments, a motor, like an electric motor, may be employed.
In the case of the electric motor, care must be taken to avoid having the screen
900 come into contact with contaminants from the motor.
FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative means for moving an alternative screen
906.
Screen
906 is disposed about drum
904 and drum
905. Screen
906 may include a portion with an opening or transparent section that is
moved into place within the panes when a transparent state is desired.
With reference to FIG. 2, the window unit
200 may also include an exciter
320 that causes the glass to act as a speaker. The exciter
320 may
be disposed in one or more of the windows
230,
235. The exciter
320
can produce sound in response to an audio signal. The audio signal may be an analog
signal, a digital signal or an analog and digital signal, and the like. The exciter
320 can be located on or in the window
230. Alternatively, the exciter
320 can be located between panes of glass in the window
230. The
exciter
320 may operate in cooperation with the display image source
250
to provide sound for the display images. In alternative embodiments, an exciter
may be located on the edge or corner of the glass within the window frames
211
or
213. Alternatively, a simple speaker may be incorporated into one or
more of the window frames
211 or
213, or in the wall adjacent to
the window unit
200. The term speaker element will be used herein to either
refer to a complete conventional speaker including a substrate or to an exciter
that causes a glass pane to act as a speaker.
FIG. 18 shows a side cross sectional view of a double-glazed window
800
incorporating a sound generator. Windowpane
802 and windowpane
804
are separated by spacer elements
806 and
808 fitted on all sides
of windowpanes
802 and
804. Windowpane
802 and windowpane
804 are preferably comprised of glass, although plastic windowpanes can
be used in alternative embodiments. The windowpanes
802 and
804 are
generally connected to the spacer elements
806 and
808 by the adhesive
nature of the spacer elements themselves or by a coat of adhesive. One type of
spacer element is available from Edgetech of Cambridge, Ohio under the tradename
Super Spacer®.
Exciter
810 is positioned between a first grill
812 and second
grill
814. First grill
812 is generally disposed on windowpane
802
and second grill
814 is generally disposed on windowpane
804. Internal
dividers
816 and
818 can be disposed between windowpanes
802
and
804 at the top and bottom of the exciter
810 to generally conceal
a view of exciter
810. Alternatively, the window unit
800 may not
include any internal dividers. It is generally desirable for the distance between
dividers
816 and
818 to be the same as the distance between the top
820 of first grill
812 and bottom
822 of first grill, as illustrated,
so that the exciter is concealed behind the grill elements
812 and
814.
The width and height of windowpanes
802 and
804 shall preferably
be greater than 10 inches (25.4 centimeters), more preferably 20 inches (50.8 centimeters).
As the dimensions are greater, the double-glazed window
800 will be increasingly
capable of producing low tones. An exciter
810 is disposed between windowpane
802 and windowpane
804. Exciter
810 is adhered to windowpane
802 to cause windowpane
802 to vibrate with respect to windowpane
804. The exciter
810 can be supplied with varying voltage by means
of a wire.
In a preferred embodiment, the wire is led between the windowpanes
802
and
804 between internal divider
816 and
818. Next, the wire
can go through a spacer to be connected to an electric signal generator, which
will cause windowpane
802 to vibrate and act as a speaker.
In one embodiment, cushion
824 is disposed between exciter
810
and
windowpane
804 to prevent the exciter
810 from rattling against the
windowpane
804. This configuration provides a certain amount of damping
to windowpane
804 relative to windowpane
802. In some embodiments,
several exciters
810 can be provided to increase the vibration of either
one or both of windowpanes
802 and
804. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates
two exciters
300 positioned on each of two side windows
230 behind
a grill element
314. Horizontally, the exciters
300 are approximately
spaced at one-third points across the width of the side windows
230. Vertically,
the exciters are about 16 inches (41 centimeters) from the top edge of the glass
unit, where the entire glass unit has a height of about 48 inches (122 centimeters).
FIG. 3 illustrates two exciters positioned on each of two side windows
230
behind diamond-shaped decorative elements
410. Vertically, each exciter
is about 8 inches (20 centimeters) from the top or bottom of the glass unit which
has a total height of about 48 inches (122 centimeters). Horizontally, each exciter
is centered.
Examples of acoustic devices suitable for use in the present invention are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,427,016 and 6,496,586, entitled ACOUSTIC DEVICES
and THIN LOUDSPEAKER respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein. An exciter that can be used with the present invention is available
from NXT plc of London.
When manufacturing window
800, it is generally desirable to clean the
surfaces
828 and
826 of windowpanes
802 and
804, especially
where exciter
810 will be positioned. An acrylic bead/organic acid mixture
is often present on the glass to protect it during shipping and can be removed
with a glass cleaner. Next, the area of windowpane
802 or
804 adjacent
to where exciter
810 will be positioned is marked and masked. A material
such as masking tape is generally useful for masking the surfaces of windowpanes
802 and
804.
Once the surface
828 and
826 of windowpanes
802 and
804
is masked, the glass surfaces where exciter
810 will be positioned are abraded.
Sandpaper comprising approximately 150 grit is generally useful for abrading the
surface of the windowpanes
802 and
804. The masking tape protects
the portions of the glass, which are not abraded. The process of abrading the surface
of glass can create sanding debris, which should generally be removed. Once the
sanding debris is removed, the surface of windowpanes
802 and
804
may be cleaned again. Next, an epoxy can be applied to the surface
830,
832, and
834 of the exciter
810 that will contact windowpane
802. Instead of an epoxy, cyanoacrylate may be used to adhere the exciter
to glass surface, in which case the masking and abrading steps can be skipped.
Next, the side
830,
832, and
834 of exciter
810 containing
epoxy or cyanoacrylate is placed on the surface of windowpane
802 until
the substance sets. Cushion
824 is then placed on surface
836 of
exciter
810. Windowpane
804 may then be positioned against the spacers
806 and
808 and secured in place on a coat of adhesive or by the
adhesive nature of the spacers.
Alternatively, embodiments similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS.
1-16 may be constructed using a door unit. A door unit may include one or two doors.
The doors may open by sliding or rotating the door about a hinge. A door unit may
also include a stationary component including a glazing unit. One or more of the
glazing units in the door may be capable of switching from a transparent state
to an increased opacity state. A display image source may be provided in the door
frame, the door unit frame or otherwise proximate to the door unit to project an
image onto some portion of a glazing unit or units. For example, a door unit may
include two doors and the display image source may project on only the glazing
unit or window of only one door. Alternatively, the display image may project one
image on the glazing units of both doors, or may project two different images onto
the glazing units of the two doors. In addition, one, two, or more speaker elements
may be disposed on one or more of the windows or glazing units of the door unit.
The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention has been presented
for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the
scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather
by the claims appended hereto.
*
