Window film assembly and method of installing

• US 7,815,997 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2006
• Issued: 10/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Reuter, Robert J
• Primary Examiner(s): Sample; David R
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ferguson; Lawrence D
• Application Number:
  US11/618,001
• Publication Number:
  US 20080160241A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,390 Days
• Field of Search: 428/212, 428/192, 428/38, 522/02, 522/03
• US Class Current: 428/212
• 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 a window assembly comprising a window frame defining an opening around a transparent panel, the combination comprising:

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 the window frame and attached to the window film sheet structure; and

one or more trim strip elements adhesively secured to the window frame for covering the lateral edges of the window film sheet structure and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions, 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.

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

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the window 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 window film sheet structure has a thickness in the order of about 5 mil to about 10 mil.

5. The window film assembly of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the one or more trim strip elements provides a wood grain appearance.

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

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

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

one or more trim strip elements adhesively securable to the window frame and adapted for covering the lateral edges of the window film sheet structure and the one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive portions, 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.

7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the window film sheet structure includes non-adhesive exterior surfaces.

8. The kit of claim 6, wherein the window 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.

9. The kit of claim 6, further comprising:

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

10. The kit of claim 6, wherein the exterior surface of the one or more trim strip elements provides a wood grain appearance.