Importance

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Abstract

A composite structure comprising a preformed flexible laminate in adhering contact with at least a first and second transparent or translucent panel members such as would be useful as an insulated glass unit. The flexible laminate contains an undulating spacer element either partially or totally embedded within a core material and has a polymeric coating on at least one surface thereof. The flexible laminate effectively seals the interior of the panel structure from air and/or moisture and maintains a desired distance between the panels. A multi-cavity extrusion die for forming the preformed flexible laminate has a core cavity for receiving the core material as well as the undulating continuous spacer element. Converging walls within the core cavity serve to embed at least one side of the spacer element in the core material and a land area forms a desired shape or configuration wherein the spacer element undulation is maintained. At least one polymeric feed cavity located downstream from said core cavity and said land area applies a polymeric film or coating to at least a surface of the embedded spacer element. A plurality of optional feed cavities can apply the same or different polymers to additional surfaces of the embedded spacer element and can totally cover or encapsulate the same.

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First Claim