Window Decoration Kit and Method of Application Thereof

A window decoration kit for adding various tinting effects to a back-lit window or other transparent panel without the use of adhesives and/or chemicals, the window decoration kit has a plurality of colored film sets of different colors, each colored film set further consists of a colored vinyl film, a clear acetate film and a white paper backing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a window decoration kit, and more particularly, to adherable, multi-colored vinyl cut-outs of various shapes and sizes for easy positioning and repositioning for decorating any clear window in a creative, unique manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common glass window treatment is window film. There are many types, grades, shades, colors and thicknesses of window films available today. As best shown inFIG. 1, window films90are a retrofit upgrade for existing glass that can be used to address a range of problems inherent to glazing, such as but not limited to heat and glare reduction, thermal insulation, UV filtration, safety and security, privacy, decoration, graffiti protection. Window films90are typically one-sided and available in regular shapes and sizes such as rectangle, square, circle, oval, etc., to match most windows in autos, homes and buildings. They are usually made of transparent or translucent plastic materials bearing printed decorative patterns, creating an effect similar to stained glass or Tiffany glass. A common application method is using transparent, permanent adhesive which is applied on the back of the window films90. Once the window films90are adhered to the windows and/or other glass panels, they are very difficult to detach without causing damages to the films90, making repositioning and reuse of window films90impossible.

ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a window decoration kit that allows users to create their own colored pattern designs on windows. The two-sided color cut-outs which take inspiration from the Matisse cut-outs created and made famous by French artist Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse can be applied, repositioned and overlapped based on predetermined designs or users' own creative designs, without any adhesive or chemicals. In addition, the present invention can be easily incorporated into an educational game that teaches children or adults the basic concepts of shapes, color combinations, abstraction, balance, etc., in 2D design. Applicant submits that there is no window decoration kit found in the marketplace similar to the present invention.

One object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an easier and more convenient way to decorate a back-lit glass window/panel.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a basic design kit for users to decorate glass window/panels with unique designs based on their creativity.

Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a more versatile and flexible window decoration treatment by repositioning and reusing decorative pieces.

Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to eliminate the use of adhesive and chemical that makes the application of window films difficult and inflexible.

Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to allow users to change their window decoration designs as often as desired without buying new window films and/or window decoration kits.

Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a decoration kit to windows/glass panel of all sizes.

Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an opportunity to teach children and/or adults and allow them to explore the basic design elements of shapes, color combinations.

Further details, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent through the following descriptions, and will be included and incorporated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein.

It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodiments have similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar or identical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understood that such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely for efficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are identical.

FIG. 2is a representative isometric view of an embodiment of a colored film assembly300of window decoration kit of the present invention100. In one embodiment, each window decoration kit100has a plurality of colored film assemblies300and each colored film assembly300further consists essentially of a colored die-cut film104on top of a paper backing108, optionally separated by a clear acetate film106. In one embodiment, the common size of colored die-cut film104, paper backing108, and clear acetate film106is 8.5″×11″, or more or less.

FIG. 3Ais a representative top view of an embodiment of colored die-cut film104of the present invention100. In one embodiment, colored die-cut film104is made with 6-60 gauge, preferably 9 to 12 gauge, fluorescent colored tinted clear plastic vinyl and/or 100% poly vinyl chloride for its flexibility and waterproofing nature. In one embodiment, the thickness of 9 gauge tinted transparent plastic vinyl is 0.009″ (±5%), 10 gauge is 0.010″ (±5%), 11 gauge is 0.011″ (±5%) and 12 gauge is 0.012″ (±5%). The original material usually comes in the form of a 54″ wide roll which is subsequently cut into the 8.5″×11″ customized size. In alternative embodiments, a variety of sizes of colored die-cut film104′ can be produced. In one embodiment, each colored die-cut film104is translucent in nature which allows light to come through partly and is tinted with different colors such as red, orange, pink, purple, blue, green, crimson, yellow and smokey grey. Due to its material and method of construction, light weight and preferable thickness between 0.009″ to 0.012″, colored die-cut film104can be adhered to any clean or essentially clean glass, plexiglass and/or acetate surfaces and/or each other. Due to the translucent nature of colored die-cut film104and cut-outs120, when they are overlapping, a new shade of color different than either one of the individual cut-outs120separately will be produced.

As best shown inFIG. 3A, a design pattern was created as shown by cut-out perimeters102, making colored die-cut film104an assembly of geometric shaped cut-outs120. Cut-out perimeters102are created by the die cutting process and consequently each cut-out120is completely detachable from colored die-cut film104. In one embodiment, each colored die-cut film104has a different design pattern110such as standard geometric shapes or a combination of squares, circles, ovals, abstract shapes, customized shapes such as Matisse cut-outs, etc. Some colored die-cut films104may feature no design pattern110so they can be used as a colored background or foreground in an overall design. As best shown inFIG. 2, after die cutting, colored die-cut film104is optionally placed on clear acetate film106as the static charge between the two films104and106helps hold colored die-cut film104as one piece so cut-outs120do not disengage from the film106easily prior to removal by a user.

FIG. 3Bis a representative top view showing cut-outs120detached from colored die-cut film104. As explained, since the design pattern is die cut, cut-outs120can easily be detached from colored die-cut film104. Depending on the design pattern110, each cut-out120is in an unique shape as best shown inFIG. 3B. In one embodiment, cut-outs are reversible, i.e., users can use both sides of cut-outs120to complete their own design on a window/glass panel80.

FIG. 4is a representative top view of an embodiment of paper backing108of the present invention100. In one embodiment, paper backing108is a piece of white paper with the design pattern110printed on. It helps users to put back cut-outs120together according to the printed design pattern110if they choose to.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare representative views of method of use of window decoration kit of the present invention100showing overlapping of cut-outs120. As best shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, users can apply the present invention100on the inside or outside of any window or glass panel. Recommended application steps are as follows:1. Choose a window/glass panel80. User should choose a window/glass panel80that they want to decorate. For example, a west-facing window will create an afternoon and late afternoon cast of light and an east-facing window will cast the morning light. A south-facing window will provide a back-lit window in places in the northern hemisphere, depending on the angle of the sun. Bright colors will bring warmth to a north-facing window but not necessarily cast direct sunlight. Typically, windows decorated according to kit and method steps of the present invention will look best from the inside and will create privacy for the inside from the outside. Decorative effects will alter as light changes at different times of day and different times of year. In addition, window/glass panel80of essentially any size can be decorated with the decoration kit100of the present invention.2. Wash the window prior to use. Prior to use, users need to wash the application surface of the window/glass panel80being used with any suitable window cleaner, and let it dry prior to use. This will facilitate the adhesion of cut-outs120and colored die-cut film104on said surface of the glass panel80.3. Apply each of the large rectangular colors first. Although it is not mandatory, users can start placing a colored die-cut film104with no design pattern110of any color as a background. This process creates a base that unifies the colors and help holds the subsequently applied cut-outs120in place. Start by placing a right angle of any large rectangle of color in the corner of the window. Other ways to provide an overall background will be apparent to those skilled in the art.4. Use a brayer to flatten. With the unique material of construction of the colored die-cut film104and cut-outs120, they can be adhered on the application surface of the window/glass panel80easily. In the event that there are air bubbles trapped between cut-outs120and the window/glass panel80that can't be removed by hand, they can be easily removed by running a brayer or other roller device over the area.5. Place the large rectangles in the other three corners. These can be used along the remaining sides of the window/glass panel80, overlapping the previous cut-outs120and create additional colored shapes200by overlapping cut-outs120of different colors.6. Place larger cut-outs120over cut-outs120of different geometric shapes, overlapping several colors at once to create new colored shapes200.7. Continue to place cut-outs120of different sizes and shapes, overlapping each other and braying when needed. Users can use as many, or as few, shapes of cut-outs120as they like.

In one embodiment, cut-outs120are reversible, i.e., both sides of cut-outs120and colored die-cut film104can be applied and automatically cling on to any clean window/glass panel80, clear acetate film106, plexiglass and each other without any adhesive and/or chemicals. The force of adhesion between the window/glass panel80and cut-outs120is created by apparent static charge and ambient air pressure. Using typical material of construction, light weight, and optimum thickness of cut-outs120of between 0.009″ to 0.012″, cut-outs120can be adhered to window/glass panel80without any supplemental adhesive or chemicals. Besides, since cut-outs120are extremely light in weight, they will not fall off the window/glass panel80easily if all air-bubbles are squeezed out or otherwise removed. As best shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, due to the unique material of construction and physical nature of cut-outs120and colored die-cut film104, users can freely apply cut-outs120of different shapes and color, overlapping two or more cut-outs120either partly or completely to create new colored shades and shapes200to enhance their own design. For example, overlapping red and blue cut-outs120will create a purple shade200. Additionally, cut-outs120can be peeled off from window/glass panel80easily without causing damage both to the window/glass panel80and to cut-outs120since no adhesives were applied. Users can freely add, subtract, reposition, overlap, reapply both sides of any cut-outs120and colored die-cut film104for as many times as they wish, until they are satisfied with their final design, and they can change their design as frequently as they wish.

FIGS. 5C and 5Dare representative views of an alternative method of use of window decoration kit of the present invention100. Instead of placing cut-outs120directly on window/glass panel80to create a final design as described inFIGS. 5A and 5B, users can create their desirable design by placing cut-outs120on clear acetate film106, as best shown inFIG. 5C. Users can simply utilize clear acetate film106as a canvas for their design by placing and repositioning cut-outs120on it until a final design is attained. Subsequently, users can position and press clear acetate film106, having the cut-outs120adhered on top of it, against a window/glass panel80. Users can then carefully peel off the clear acetate film106and a mirror image of the final design they created on the clear acetate film106will be adhered to the window/glass panel80. Alternatively, as best shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D, users can also retain the final design they created on the clear acetate film106by framing it. In one embodiment, frame502is a picture frame with or without a stand or holder504made of card board, wood or other light materials with compatible size to clear acetate film106. User can optionally place another piece of clear acetate film on top of clear acetate film106to protect the final design before framing it.

FIG. 6is a representative view of method of use of window decoration kit of the present invention100showing the completed window decoration500on a window80. It shows overlapping of cut-outs200, empty spaces with cut-outs120, application of colored die-cut film104without any design pattern and combination thereof to create a unique design for window decoration500.

Window decoration kit100of the present invention can be transformed into a puzzle game. Users first disengage all cut-outs120of colored die-cut film104, flip some or all cut-outs120and then assemble the complete colored die-cut film104on the clear acetate film106according to its original design110. To lower the level of difficulty for younger people, the paper backing108which has the tracing of the design pattern110can be placed underneath the clear acetate film106so users can assemble the design pattern110more easily.

FIG. 7is a representative view of method of use of window decoration kit of the present invention100utilized as an interactive educational instructional game123. Alternatively, window decoration kit100can be transformed into an interactive education tool for 2-D design. The instructor can ask participants456to put cut-outs120of different sizes and shapes on a clean window/glass panel or clear acetate film106. Participants456can add, take out, overlap, reposition cut-outs120and the instructor can explain the related theory(ies) of color, abstraction, design elements, figure/ground relationship, positive and negative space, composition, balance, process and science of light.

Also Available:

One kit covers approximately 30″×30″ or three square feet of window area. Multiple kits can be combined to cover larger areas.1. Choose a window. A west-facing window will create late afternoon cast light. An east-facing window will cast morning light. A south-facing window will provide some cast light depending on the angle of the sun. Bright color will bring warmth to a north-facing window but no cast light. The window will look best from the inside and will create privacy from the outside. Notice how the light changes at different times of day and different times of year.2. Wash the window3. Apply each of the large rectangular colors first. This process creates a base that unifies the colors and holds the smaller shapes in place. Start by placing a right angle of any large rectangle of color in the corner of the window.4. Use the brayer to flatten and remove the air bubbles under each cut-out as you go.5. Place the large rectangles in the other three corners and along the remaining sides of the window, overlapping the previous shapes. Notice the additional colors created by overlapping.6. Now have fun placing the larger cut design shapes over the geometric shapes, overlapping several colors at once to create new shapes.7. Apply the smaller shapes, overlapping and braying as you go.8. Use as many, or as few, shapes as you like. Rearrange, add, subtract.

HAVE FUN. THERE ARE INFINITE SOLUTIONS AND NO WRONG ANSWERS. ENJOY!

Color Play without a Window1. Putting the colored shapes away becomes a puzzle. Match each of the shapes to the paper design underneath.2. To create an even bigger challenge, put each of the colors back in place WITHOUT the design underneath.3. Use one sheet of clear acetate (over a white sheet of paper) as a base for creating a composition using any variety of cut shapes. Play with overlapping shapes to create multiple colors and compositions.

a.) Then, one at a time, place each large rectangle of color behind the composition as background. Notice how the composition changes when the background color changes. What happens when you put the background color on top?

b.) This composition on clear acetate can also be placed in a window by pressing the cut shape side directly to the window and removing the clear acetate sheet.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.