Method of preforming plastic film for application to a contoured car window

• US 5,294,272 A
• Filed: 11/30/1992
• Issued: 03/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Curtis A. Peterson, Eugene H. Smith
• Original Assignee: Curtis A. Peterson, Eugene H. Smith
• Inventors: Smith, Eugene H., Peterson, Curtis A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ryan, Patrick J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): DIXON, MERRICK L
• Application Number:
  US07/982,840
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• Field of Search: 156/267, 156/99, 156/101, 156/84, 156/85, 156/86, 156/71, 156/102, 156/106, 156/152, 156/242, 428/31, 428/202, 428/430, 428/914
• US Class Current: 156/85
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/04 of plates or sheets B29C63/04 takes precedence; bending or folding paper B31F1/0003; folding films B65H45/00
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/22 using layers or sheathings having a shape adapted to the shape of the article B29C63/26 and B29C63/38 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3055 Cars
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/778 Windows profiled elements for making window frames B29L2031/005, windscreens B29L2031/3052
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/914 Transfer or decalcomania
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/108 Flash, trim or excess removal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2486 with outer strippable or release layer

Abstract

A method of applying a film having limited light transmitting qualities to the interior surface of a contoured car window wherein the film is first placed against the exterior surface of the window with its transfer coating facing outwardly. The film in this position is subjected to localized heating to selectively shrink the film and transfer coating to the window contour. Then, the film and coating are removed, the coating separated and the film adhered to the interior surface of the car window.

Claims

1. A method for the application of a plastic film to the first curved surface of a flexible window having first and second opposing curved surfaces, said film having an adhesive layer and transfer coating thereon, the method comprising the steps of:

a) placing the film on the second surface of the window with the transfer coating forming the exposed surface;

b) selectively applying-heat by directing a heated air stream onto the transfer coating and film to selectively shrink said transfer coating and film to cause conformance thereof to the contour of the window;

c) removing the conformed film and transfer coating from the second surface of the window;

d) separating the transfer coating from the contoured film; and

e) adhering the contoured film to the first surface of the window.

2. The method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the initial steps of:

a) first placing the film and transfer coating on the second surface of the window with the transfer coating forming the exposed surface; and

b) cutting the film to fit the window.

3. The method in accordance with claim 2 further comprising the step of applying a moisture coating to the second surface of the window prior to placing the cut film thereon.

4. The method in accordance with claim 3 further comprising the step of preparing the first surface of the window to receive the contoured film thereon.

5. The method in accordance with claim 4 wherein the transfer coating is a plastic member releasably secured to the film.

6. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said plastic member is comprised of polypropylene.

7. The method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said film is comprised of a polyester film.