Protective Window Barrier

The present invention relates to a protective window barrier or cover that ensures the privacy of individuals inside a housing dwelling, while allowing natural light and fresh air to penetrate through the windows. The protective window cover comprises a pair of lateral frames for fastening to wall structures of a window frame, on which a plurality of translucent and mottled panels are fastened in an overlapping and staggered manner such that each pair of adjacent panels creates a gap. The gap between each pair of adjacent panels provides a passage for fresh air and light transmission across the panels while providing privacy due to an obstructed view from an outside viewer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of windows. More specifically, the present invention relates to a protective window barrier featuring a plurality of staggered panels that overlap each other to ensure light and air can travel through the window to a home interior, while maintaining the privacy of the people inside the home. The staggered panels are made up of translucent, mottled, and/or frosted composition that ensures outside eyes cannot see through the panels and into the window. The panels of the secure window barrier can be made from a material comprising of a plastic, a Plexiglas, a glass and other suitable materials. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, in every conventional housing or dwelling construction (e.g., single and multifamily homes, apartments, townhouses, et. al.), windows are installed during construction to provide ventilation and outside views for the individuals living in the dwelling property or dwelling. A window is a vented barrier provided in a wall opening to admit light and air into the structure. Typically, the windows in any housing construction, especially in homes, are equipped with a mesh screen to keep insects out and small debris from entering inside the home, while functioning as a protective barrier. However, with the standard mesh screens attached to the windows, people from outside can easily see through the window and obtain views inside the dwelling. The conventional screened barriers do not offer privacy when the window is opened and cause an invasion of privacy to the individuals inside the dwelling.

To prevent people outside a dwelling from interfering with the privacy of individuals inside a standard window, people can use a variety of window coverings available in the state of the art. The window coverings for protecting privacy of the individuals may be opaque to completely block the view of the people from inside, and that does not allow others to view inside housing through the windows. Although the aforementioned window coverings ensure privacy to the individuals inside the dwelling, these window coverings are required to be removed in order to allow light and air to pass through the window. In situations where the window coverings are removed for light transmission and air ventilation, people outside the dwelling can easily see through the windows, which interferes with the individual's privacy inside the dwelling. Heretofore known devices do not provide a window barrier that ensures the privacy of the individuals within a dwelling while the windows are open.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that can be attached to standard window panes to ensure privacy of the individuals inside the dwelling. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that allows the light and air to pass through the window opening, while maintaining the privacy of the users. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that does not require the barrier to be completely removed to allow the light and wind to pass through the window openings. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that ensures individuals outside a dwelling cannot view through the windows, and cannot invade the privacy of individuals inside the dwelling. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that is neither opaque nor transparent. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that can be easily attached to the windows of any housing construction. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that ensures light and air can travel through window openings to a home interior, while providing privacy to the occupants.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises a protective window barrier privacy device that is configured and designed to fit in a window frame for providing privacy, fresh air, and natural light. The protective window barrier privacy device further comprises: an upper lateral frame having a first side and a second side, and having clamps, clips, brackets or similar hardware at opposing ends for fastening the upper lateral frame to the wall structures of the window frame; a lower lateral frame having a first side and a second side and having clamps at opposing ends for fastening the lower lateral frame to wall structures of the window frame; a plurality of frosted and translucent panels fastened to the upper lateral frame and the lower lateral frame; wherein, adjacent panels are fastened to opposite sides of the upper lateral frame and the lower lateral frame in an overlapping manner, such that a gap is created between adjacent panels for fresh air to pass through. The frosted and translucent panels allow light to pass through and prevent onlookers from seeing through the panels.

In this manner, the novel protective window barrier of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy and convenient solution that functions as a protective barrier to ensure privacy of individuals inside housing construction, while allowing the light and wind to pass through the windows. The protective window barrier of the present invention includes a translucent surface that ensures outside viewers cannot see through the windows. The protective window barrier can be used with any conventional window panes of any housing construction, as per the desires of the users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises a protective window barrier privacy device that is configured and designed to fit in a window frame for providing privacy, fresh air and natural light. The protective window barrier privacy device further comprises: an upper lateral frame having a first side and a second side, and having clamps at opposing ends for fastening the upper lateral frame to wall structures of the window frame; a lower lateral frame having a first side and a second side, and having clamps at opposing ends for fastening the lower lateral frame to wall structures of the window frame; a plurality of frosted and translucent panels fastened to the upper lateral frame and the lower lateral frame; wherein, adjacent panels are fastened to opposite sides of the upper lateral frame and the lower lateral frame in an overlapping manner, such that a gap is created between adjacent panels for fresh air to pass through. The frosted and translucent panels allow light to pass through and prevent onlookers from seeing through the panels.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a window protective cover is disclosed. The window protective cover includes: a pair of lateral frames for fastening to the wall structures of a window; a plurality of translucent and mottled panels fastened in an overlapping manner to the pair of lateral frames wherein the adjacent panels are fastened on opposite sides of the pair of lateral frames to create a gap for providing a passage for fresh air; and the panels provide light transmission across the panels and provide privacy due to an obstructed view.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for illuminating and receiving fresh air in an area through a window while maintaining privacy is disclosed. The method includes: providing a protective window barrier attachable to a window frame; the protective window barrier including an upper lateral arm and a lower lateral arm; a plurality of frosted and mottled panels; each panel is configured to allow light to pass through but prevent viewing across or through the panel; each panel is fastened to both the upper lateral arm and the lower lateral arm; and, each pair of adjacent panels are fastened to opposite sides of the upper lateral arm and the lower lateral arm for creating a gap to allow fresh air to pass there through.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the panels are staggered and overlapped to ensure light and air can travel through gaps in the window barrier. The mottled or frosted composition of the panels maintain privacy despite the window being opened. The lateral arms are clamped onto an open window frame via a screw mechanism, thereby firmly securing the barrier inside the window frame.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of each panel can generally be from about 2 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, and can be configured to protect from ultra-violet rays. The panels can be slightly flexible. The fastening mechanism for fastening the lateral frames includes clamps and screws used for screwing the frames to grooves in the wall structures of the windows, and/or expanding the length of the screws for retention within the window openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that can be attached to standard window panes to ensure privacy of the individuals inside the dwelling. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that allows the light and air to pass through the window opening while maintaining the privacy of the users. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that does not require the barrier to be completely removed to allow the light and wind to pass through the window openings. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that ensures individuals outside a dwelling cannot view through the windows, and cannot invade the privacy of individuals inside the dwelling. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that is neither opaque nor transparent. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that can be easily attached to the windows of any housing construction. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a window barrier that ensures light and air can travel through the window openings to a home interior, while providing privacy to the occupants.

The present invention, in one potential embodiment, includes a novel window protective cover. The window protective cover includes: a pair of lateral frames for fastening to or securing there between wall structures of a window; a plurality of translucent and mottled panels fastened in an overlapping manner to the pair of lateral frames, wherein the adjacent panels are fastened on opposite sides of the pair of lateral frames to create a gap for providing a passage for fresh air; and the panels provide light transmission across the panels and provide privacy due to an obstructed view.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a protective window barrier of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The protective window barrier or window cover100of the present invention includes a frosted plastic or glass panel for attaching to a window frame and that functions as an obstruction to a clear interior view for individuals located outside of a dwelling. The window cover100clamps onto an open window frame via a screw mechanism, or expansion clamp, for maintaining privacy.

The window cover100includes an upper lateral frame102and a lower lateral frame104. Both the upper lateral frame102and the lower lateral frame104are constructed of a sturdy material such as a wood, metal or heavy-duty plastic. The upper lateral frame102includes a first fastening clamp106and expansion screw206at a first end1020, and a second fastening clamp108and expansion screw208at a second end1022. The opposing fastening clamps106,108enable the upper lateral frame102to be secured to a window frame by screwing expansion screws206,208into respective fastening grooves2020,2040at opposing side walls of a window frame. The lower lateral frame104includes a first fastening clamp110and expansion screw210at a first end1040, and a second fastening clamp112and expansion screw212at a second end1042. The opposing fastening clamps110,112enable the lower lateral frame104to be secured to the window frame by screwing expansion screws210,212into respective fastening grooves2022,2042at opposing side walls of the window frame.

The window cover100includes a plurality of translucent, mottled material panels positioned in a staggered orientation that are fastened to the upper lateral frame102and the lower lateral frame104. Each panel is positioned in a coronal plane, thereby ensuring light travels through the panels, while maintaining privacy due to the translucent mottled material of the panels. A first group of panels122,126,130can be fastened on a first side114of the upper lateral frame102and on a first side118of the lower lateral frame104. A second group of panels124,128are fastened on a second side116of the upper lateral frame102and on a second side120of the lower lateral frame104, such that adjacent panels slightly overlap one another. Gaps134are created between the adjacent panels, thereby allowing fresh air to pass through the panels while maintaining privacy.

As shown, a first panel122is fastened to the first side114of the upper frame102and the first side118of the lower frame104, using a plurality of mechanical fasteners132. A second panel124is positioned adjacent to the first panel122, and is fastened to the second side116of the upper frame102and the second side120of the lower frame104, using a plurality of mechanical fasteners132. The first panel122and the second panel124are positioned such that they slightly overlap with each other. The mounting of panels122,124to opposite sides of the frames102,104creates a gap134with a width generally equivalent to the width of the upper lateral frame102and the lower lateral frame104.

Similarly, a third panel126positioned adjacent to the second panel124can be fastened to the first side114of the upper frame102and the first side118of the lower frame104using a plurality of mechanical fasteners132. The third panel126and the second panel124are positioned such that they slightly overlap with each other, and create a slight gap134with a width generally equivalent to the width of the upper lateral frame102and the lower lateral frame104. The fourth panel128and the fifth panel130can be positioned in a similar staggered manner enabling them to function as a visual barrier without preventing natural light or fresh air penetration.

Using the fastening clamps106,108,110,112, and expansion screws206,208,210,212, the window cover100clamps onto, or into, an open window frame via a rotation of the expansion screws to firmly secure the cover100inside the window frame. The mottled or frosted composition of the panels122,124,126,128,130maintains privacy and security, despite the window being opened. It is to be appreciated that the size and number of panels used in the window cover100are not limited and can vary, depending on the window size and the length of upper/lower lateral frames.

FIG. 2illustrates a front perspective view showing a securement mechanism of the lateral frames of the window cover to a window frame in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The fastening clamp106of the upper lateral frame102can be screwed to a groove2020of a first vertical wall202of a window frame using a mechanical screw206. Similarly, the fastening clamp108of the upper lateral frame102can be screwed to a groove2040of a second vertical wall202of a window frame using a mechanical screw208. The mechanical screws206,208are easily screwed within the grooves2020,2040and the fastening clamps106,108.

For securing the lower lateral frame104, a fastening clamp110of the lower lateral frame104can be screwed to a groove2022of the first vertical wall202using a mechanical screw210. Similarly, the fastening clamp112of the lower lateral frame104can be screwed to a groove2042of the second vertical wall204using a mechanical screw212.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view showing how the window barrier of the present invention fits within walls of a window frame in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Privacy through a window300is lost when a window door302is opened. The window barrier100fits within the vertical walls202,204of the window frame300using the clamps106,108,110,112and expansion screws206,208,210,212, as described inFIG. 2. Once the window barrier100is fit within the window frame300, the frosted plastic or glass panels122,124,126,128,130function as a visual barrier, while allowing natural light and fresh air penetration. The mottled or frosted composition of the panels122,124,126,128,130maintain privacy, despite the window302being open.

In practice, a single user can install the window barrier100without any professional help, by fitting each clamp in its corresponding groove on a window wall structure. As such, a single user can install and finish installation of the window barrier100quickly and easily and with little need for extensive training and experience. Additionally, the panels122,124,126,128,130can be prefabricated and fastened in window frames, such that the panels closely match window sizes and are dimensionally to scale.

The window barrier100is for shading and covering a window opening in a building, such as a residence, office or other inhabited space. It should be noted that the window barrier100is installable in a window opening in place of an existing window section, on the inside of an existing window frame unit or on the outside of an existing window frame unit.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view showing how the window barrier of the present invention improves security and could prevent a child from falling while providing privacy in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Once the window barrier100is fitted within the window frame structure202,204of the window300, the window barrier100provides privacy through the mottled and frosted panels122,124,126,128,130. A person positioned outside is prohibited from seeing through the window barrier100due to the frosted and mottled nature of the panels122,124,126,128,130. Fresh air is maintained through the staggered positioning and the gaps134between the adjacent panels, and natural light can easily pass through the translucent panels122,124,126,128,130. Thus, even when the window door is open, the window barrier100provides protection to small children400and prevents them from falling through the window300. The frames102,104are used for fastening the window barrier100to the wall structures202,204. It should be appreciated that the window barrier100can come in various sizes to adjustably fit to the different window frame sizes. Additional or selective placement of the grooves in the window walls202,204for fitting the frames102,104, can be drilled easily using a power drill tool.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “protective window barrier”, “protective window barrier privacy device”, “window protective cover”, “window cover”, “window barrier”, “secure window barrier”, and “barrier”, are interchangeable and refer to the protective window barrier100of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the protective window barrier100of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the protective window barrier100as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the protective window barrier100are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the protective window barrier100are important design parameters for user convenience, the protective window barrier100may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.