Abstract: A thermal break frame for supporting a planar object such as a pane of glass is disclosed. The thermal break frame includes a main frame member, a secondary frame member, and a thermal break material which supports the main frame member and secondary frame member in spaced relationship. The thermal break material also thermally insulates the main frame member from the secondary frame member. The planar object is held between the main frame member and the second frame member in a vertical orientation. A load transfer member is provided to support the planar object and this load transfer member is in turn supported by the main frame member so that the main frame member supports substantially all the weight of the planar object.

Abstract: A thermally broken frame having a plurality of bridging flanges to prevent separation of the frame members upon failure of the thermal breaking material is disclosed. A method of manufacturing such a thermally broken frame is also disclosed and includes the steps of producing a frame having the frame members connected by a long bridging flange, subsequently connecting the two frame members together with a thermal break material, and finally removing portions of the long bridging flange so that small remaining sections of the bridging flange remain to prevent separation of the frame members should the thermal break material fail. Preferably, the frame members and bridging flange are initially integrally formed and the thermal break material is anchored in both frames. Sections of the bridging flange are removed by cutters.