WINDOW FILM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF INSTALLING

• US 20080160241A1
• Filed: 12/29/2006
• Published: 07/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Reuter, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,815,997 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/38
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/02 characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions non-uniform thickness B32B3/263
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/30 Coverings, e.g. protecting against weather, for decorative purposes for door leaves E06B3/7001
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24777 Edge feature
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24942 including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree

Abstract

An assembly, method, and kit particularly adapted for use in mounting a window film structure in spaced apart and juxtaposed relationship to a window of a window assembly.

Claims

1. A window film assembly in combination with an assembly defining an opening around a transparent panel, the combination comprises:

a window film sheet structure covering the transparent panel and having lateral edges extending beyond the opening;

one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions on at least the assembly around the opening and attached to the window film sheet structure; and

one or more trim strip elements adhesively secured to the assembly for covering the lateral edges and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the film sheet structure includes non-adhesive exterior major surfaces.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the film sheet structure is selected from a group that comprises:

solar window film, privacy window film, anti-graffiti window film, security window film, graphic design window film, frosted finish window film, and any combination thereof.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the film sheet structure has a thickness in the order of about 5 mil to about 10 mil.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the one or more trim strip elements have one side provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive portion, and an opposing side provided with an exterior surface for enhancing the decorative appearance of the trim strip elements.

6. A method of assembling a window film assembly in combination with an assembly defining an opening around a transparent panel, the method comprises:

providing a window film sheet structure covering the transparent panel and having lateral edges extendable beyond the opening;

applying one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions on at least the assembly around the opening;

attaching the window film sheet structure to the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions in covering relationship to the opening; and

adhesively securing one or more trim strip elements to the assembly so as to cover the lateral edges and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the providing the film sheet structure includes providing the film sheet structure with non-adhesive exterior surfaces.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the film sheet structure provided has a thickness in the order of about 5 mil to about 10 mil.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the film sheet structure is selected from a group that comprises:

solar window film, privacy window film, anti-graffiti window film, security window film, graphic design window film, frosted finish window film, and any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the strip elements provided include one side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive portion, and an opposing side provided with an exterior surface for enhancing the decorative appearance of the trim strip elements.

11. A kit for making a window film assembly in combination with an assembly defining an opening around a transparent panel, the kit comprises:

a window film sheet structure that is oversized relative to the transparent panel to be covered and has it lateral edges extendable beyond the opening;

one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions adapted to be mounted on at least the assembly around the opening and attachable to the window film sheet structure; and

one or more trim strip elements adhesively securable to the assembly and adapted for covering the lateral edges and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein film sheet structure includes non-adhesive exterior surfaces.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the film sheet structure is selected from a group that comprises:

solar window film, privacy window film, anti-graffiti window film, security window film, graphic design window film, frosted finish window film, and any combination thereof.

14. The kit of claim 11, further comprising:

a roll of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that provides for the adhesive portions.

15. A method of assembling a window film assembly in combination with an assembly defining an opening around a window, the method comprises:

a) providing a window film sheet structure covering the window and having lateral edges extendable beyond the opening;

b) applying one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions on at least the assembly around the opening;

c) attaching the window film sheet structure to the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions in covering relationship to the opening; and

d) adhesively securing one or more trim strip elements to the assembly so as to cover the lateral edges and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions,

e) wherein the applying one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions includes applying a generally elongated portion adjacent one edge of the opening, attaching a corresponding portion of the window film sheet structure to the elongated portion;

applying one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions adjacent another edge of the opening that is opposed to the one edge so that the window film sheet structure is pulled taught and generally flat over the opening, and attaching the window film sheet structure to the pressure-sensitive portions adjacent the another edge.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein overlapping portions of trim strip elements are cut, and the cut trim strip elements are removed.