Abstract:
The invention utilizes a number of thin, flexible layers placed in parallel to each other and the back wall of a window well. The inner layer is translucent such that when lit, the lighting shines through the layer and illuminates the middle and outer layers or shines through all the layers and through the window well and into the room. Alternatively, the inner layer is reflective so that it reflects light directed towards it into the other layers. The various layers can be variably transparent, translucent and/or opaque and can be shaded. By spacing the layers apart, depth can be imparted to a viewer. The outermost layer can have the appearance of a metallic film and/or artistic representations. This outer film can be stenciled such that patterns of light shine through in various places.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/519,144 entitled LIGHTED MULTI-PLANE WINDOW WELL ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM and filed on May 17, 2011 which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it discloses and teaches. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to window wells, and more particularly to a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are many types and styles of window wells used in both residential and commercial construction. They are commonly employed when a basement or first floor room has windows that are partially below grade (i.e., the dirt or ground level outside the window is above the bottom of the window itself). This occurs most often because of drainage issues—the ground level must be sloped away from the building in order to ensure that rain and other moisture is not directed towards the building but instead flows away from it. Most building codes require approximately six inches of clearance between the bottom of a window and the grade. If this minimum isn&#39;t met, a window well can be employed to keep the soil back, away from the window. Window wells ensure that outside light and ventilation can reach the window while allowing the window to open so that occupants of the room can exit the building through the window in case of fire, etc. 
         [0004]    Window wells are usually constructed using galvanized steel, concrete block, or other materials which lack visual appeal. They are not designed to be pleasing to the eye, but are instead functional objects which work like a dam to hold soil away from a window that is located at least partially below grade. Nevertheless, when occupants of a room look out a window that has a window well, they view only the raw galvanized steel, concrete block, or other window-well material. Because of this lack of visual appeal, various efforts have been made to cover the window well material or otherwise beautify it. However, care must be taken when undertaking such efforts as objects which block or otherwise obstruct egress through the window well can be a dangerous violation of fire codes. Additionally, the bottom of a window well must not be obstructed as water enters the window well and must be able to drain away. Furthermore, because window wells are at ground level, they can provide an easy means of ingress into a building. Obviously, security and safety concerns then arise, and so there are many devices that are designed to secure the window well against unauthorized entry into a building. It is important that any beautification efforts do not thwart the functionality of such devices or impede their installation. 
         [0005]    Therefore, what is needed is a decorative or eye-pleasing enhancement system that can be added to existing window wells or incorporated into the installation of new window wells. Such a system must be thin so that it does not inhibit egress through the window well and yet it must be durable to withstand the deleterious effects of wind, rain, sunlight, etc. The system must not obstruct the bottom of the window well such that water drainage remains unimpeded. Additionally, the system should be modular so that components can be removed for cleaning, replacement, customization, and to allow the user to modify the artistic and decorative aspects to suit their current interior decorating motif or seasonal decorations. Furthermore, it must be able to be installed without inhibiting the installation and functionality of security measures designed to keep intruders from using the window well as a means of entering the building. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a number of thin layers of flexible material(s). The materials can be any relatively thin, flexible material that can be cut and shaped as described below. One exemplary material is polycarbonate resin thermoplastic (e.g., Lexan®). Layers of Lexan® can be cut and shaped to the desired dimensions (approximately the same size as the back wall of the window well) and can then be laminated together into a semi-rigid layered material. Multiple such configurations could be employed; alternatively, individual layers of Lexan® could be employed instead. In either case, the layers are placed approximately in parallel to each other and the back wall of a window well. The inner layer, the one closest to the back wall of the window well, can be transparent or translucent such that when LED lighting (or other type of lighting) is attached thereto, the lighting shines through the layer and illuminates the outer layers or shines through all the layers and through the window well and into the interior space. In another embodiment, the inner layer is reflective (e.g., a bright white color) so that it reflects light directed towards it into the other layers. The various layers can be transparent, translucent or opaque and can be shaded so as to color or shade any transmitted or reflected light. Ideally, two to three layers are utilized: a generally translucent (or reflective) inner layer, a middle layer (optional, but if present, usually colored/shaded), and a viewable outer layer. By spacing the layers approximately one-half to one inch apart (in other embodiments other spacing distances are used), a feeling of depth can be imparted to someone viewing the system from the interior. The layers can be clipped to the top and/or bottom edges of the rear wall of the window well and can be installed from above or from inside the window well. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the outermost layer can have the appearance of a metallic film. It can comprise a lightweight contact paper that is an adhesive film. Such films are commonly used in printed outdoor signage. This outer film can have shapes cut from it (similar to stenciling) such that patterns of light shine through in various places. In addition, the outer layer can be constructed using a material that has a plurality of small perforations to let light through. A structural under layer can be employed to give form and strength to this outer layer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system highlighting the support member and hanging apparatus; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system highlighting the support member and hanging apparatus; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a window well prior to installation of the system; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a window well after installation of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system  100  installed in a window well. When a person looks through a window frame having a multi-plane window well enhancement system  100  installed, instead of seeing detritus, rust, etc., the person sees a much more pleasant vista. The back wall of the window well  101  is no longer visible and is instead replaced by an artistic outer layer  130  having a plurality of artistic representations  132  and  134  that can be backlit by an eye-pleasing inner layer  110 . The outer layer  130  shown in  FIG. 1  is a mostly opaque artistic representation  132  and  134  that is meant to be eye-catching and visually interesting. Because of the multi-layered nature of the system  100 , the design appears to be three-dimensional. 
         [0014]    The layers of the system  100  can comprise any material that is relatively thin and flexible. In one embodiment, the system  100  employs sign film that is laminated to polycarbonate sheet. A material such as Lexan® has appropriate properties for the supporting polycarbonate sheet material. Lexan® can also be finished and colored in other ways besides through the application of a film on its outer surface. For example, the outer surface can be digitally printed, painted, silkscreened, etc. In another embodiment, durable and flexible materials other than film can be applied to the outer surface of the relatively thin and flexible outer layer  130  of the system  100 . Examples of such materials include fabrics meant for outdoor use (such as banner material or materials like Sunbrella®, which is used for patio umbrellas and boat canopies, etc.). Furthermore, because such materials often possess substantial rigidity and structural strength in their own right, a supporting layer of polycarbonate sheet or Lexan® may not be necessary. 
         [0015]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the inner layer  110  is lit by a soft light from the plurality of lights  180 ,  182 ,  184 , and  186 . The plurality of lights  180 ,  182 ,  184 , and  186  are positioned in the embodiment in  FIG. 1  to shine downwards from above onto a reflective inner layer  110 . The light is then reflected outwards through the middle layer  120  and outer layer  130 . In another embodiment, the lights are positioned behind the inner layer  110  and the inner layer  110  is translucent. The translucent nature of the inner layer  110  allows the light to be transmitted at various intensities through the inner layer  110 . If, instead, the lighting components  180 ,  182 ,  184 , and  186  are installed at the base of the lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system  100 , then the bottom portions are more brightly lit than the upper portions. Other lighting configurations are contemplated. 
         [0016]    The lighting components  180 ,  182 ,  184 , and  186  can comprise any number of currently known lighting means. In one embodiment, a strip of LED lights are placed behind the multi-plane layers and are directed to shine up and through the layers. The lighting component can be customized such that it is dimmable, programmable, etc. For example, a lighting control module can be employed that automatically dims the lighting during certain time periods (for example, late at night) and/or turns it off completely (for example, during the work-day hours), etc. Furthermore, the lighting system can employ colored lights that can be selected by the user or through an automated control module. Patterns, randomization, pulsing, flashing, color-changes, movement, etc. can be employed. 
         [0017]    In addition to replacing the unpleasant view of the back wall  101  of the window well, the system  100  can also incorporate eye-pleasing floor features positioned near the floor of the window well. Such features can include colored, tumbled glass or similar materials which would add beauty to the window well while not interfering with the drainage function of the existing gravel base. Such added features could also be enhanced by a dedicated lighting device. 
         [0018]    The left side wall  102  of the system  100  is shown in  FIG. 1  as is the right side wall  104 . These walls serve as first and second end attachments, respectively, for the layers  110 ,  120 , and  130  of the system  100 . In one embodiment, the walls are attached to the exterior wall of the building at approximately the point where the back wall  101  of the window well attaches thereto. 
         [0019]    The plurality of hanging apparatuses  140 ,  150 , and  160  are shown in  FIG. 1 . The hangers  140 ,  150 , and  160  support the layers  110 ,  120 , and  130  and keep them properly spaced in order to impart the three-dimensional appearance. The bottom brackets  171 ,  174 , and  177  perform a similar spacing function and serve to secure the layers  110 ,  120  and  130 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bottom brackets  171 ,  174  and  177  utilize a paper-clip style attachment to clip the brackets to the layers. Other attachment means are contemplated. Additionally, in some embodiments, bottom brackets are not utilized. 
         [0020]    The exemplary embodiment of the layers shown in  FIG. 1  can comprise a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system. Three layers are shown: an inner reflective layer  110 , a translucent middle layer  120  and an outer design layer  130 ; in other embodiments, the number of layers can vary. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the outer layer  130  is depicted as being an opaque, silver metallic film that is cut and laminated over a clear polycarbonate sheet to give it structure and rigidity. The inner layer  110  is depicted as being a reflective white color, that allows the lights to shine down onto it and be reflected outwards through the middle layer  120  and out of the outer layer  130 . In other embodiments the inner, middle and outer layers  110 ,  120 , and  130  can be configured differently, having different colors, shapes, etc. 
         [0021]    The lighting component  180 ,  182 ,  184 , and  186  can comprise conventional incandescent lights, LED lights, fluorescents lights, laser lights, or any other type of lights. In one embodiment, a strip of LED lights are attached near the bottom of the inner layer  110  using a self-adhesive strip or a series of clips. The lights can be configured to point upwards and shine through the inner layer  110  and onto and through the open spaces in the outer layer  130 . The lighting may be dimmable, programmable for color, brightness, time of day, etc. and can be controlled by a wired or wireless controller that can be situated inside the room to which the window well is attached so that the lighting can be controlled without having to open the window or go outside. Additionally, the lights can incorporate movement, music, and any other known “light-show” components as requested by the user. 
         [0022]    As discussed above, the layers  110 ,  120  and  130  can be modular so that they can be individually removed for cleaning or to clean the space between them. Further, other system components are also modular so that the user can replace the lighting, layers, etc. in order to change the color and design elements of the window well enhancement system as desired. In one embodiment, a middle layer is removed. By spacing the layers and incorporating cut-outs/stencils, a three-dimensional appearance is created that gives the viewer a sense of depth. 
         [0023]    As discussed above, the materials that can be used to construct the layers are varied. In one embodiment, high-performance vinyl is cut and shaped using cutters/plotters, in another embodiment, graphics and other items can be printed on banner materials and then applied to a structural sheet that provides rigidity. As another example, a two-part film/carrier medium can be employed that utilizes a top surface film that comes on a carrier having a built-in adhesive. Once the desired pattern has been cut or the desired scene has been printed, the backing can be removed to expose the built-in adhesive. The film is then applied to a structural sheet and a squeegee or similar device is used to remove air-bubbles and smooth the film (this is similar to the application of window tinting film). In another embodiment, the translucent middle layer can be a frosted, colored, or painted/air-brushed Lexan® or other polycarbonate-like material. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system highlighting the support member  206  and hanging apparatus  240 . The back wall  201  of the window well is shown for reference. The support member  206  is attached to the window well and provides a solid anchor point for the hanging apparatus  240 . A pressure clip  241  is shown in  FIG. 2  as a possible embodiment for the attachment means between the hanger bar  242  and the support member  206 . Other types of attachment means are contemplated. The lower portion of the hanging apparatus  240  abuts a twist stop  207 , for more details see  FIG. 3 . 
         [0025]    The hanger bar  242  attaches to a layer  220  of the system via a bar clip  290 . A second bar clip  289  is also shown. The bar clip  290  attaches to the hanger bar  242  and provides a location for a hanger hook  244  to be suspended therefrom. The hanger hook  244  can attach to a layer with adhesives, screws, hook-and-loop materials, or by any other suitable attachment means. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the hanger hook  244  has a U-shaped hook which is placed through a corresponding hole in the middle layer  220  so that the layer  220  can hang suspended from the hanger hook  244 . The outer layer  230  can similarly hang suspended from the second hanger hook  245 . The hanger hooks  244  and  245  can simply hang from the bar clips  290  and  289  or they can snap-in or otherwise be attached to the bar clips  290  and  289 . 
         [0026]    The hanger bar  242  is shown in  FIG. 2  with a structural support  243 . This support  243  allows the hanger bar  242  itself to be made lighter or out of less expensive materials; it is optional in other embodiments. 
         [0027]    The inner layer  210  is shown in  FIG. 2  attached near the lower end of the support member  206 . The inner layer attachment  205  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a push-in rivet. Other attachments are contemplated. In another embodiment, a support member  206  is unnecessary as the hanger bar  242  can attach directly to the back wall  201  of the window well. However the hanger bar  242  is supported, it is positioned such that it extends outwards over the window well and provides an approximately horizontal surface from which to hang layers. Similarly, the inner layer  210  can be suspended from the hanger bar  242  instead of being attached to the support member  206  or directly to the back wall  201  of the window well. 
         [0028]    The horizontal protrusion of the hanger bar  242  provides a continuous surface from which to hang the layers  210 ,  220 , and  230 . Thus, the layers  210 ,  220  and  230  can be adjusted closer to and further from the back wall  201  of the window well as desired. The bar clips  290  and  289  can be manipulated so that they slide up and down the hanger bar  242  and lock into place once they are positioned as desired. As noted above, other embodiments can have fewer or more layers, necessitating fewer or more fastener bar clips be added to the hanger bars. The means of fastening the layers to the bar clips can vary from the hanger hooks  244  and  245  and can include, for example, snaps, hook-and-loop material, buttons, magnets, or any other suitable means that allows for removal and customization of the layers. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system highlighting the support member  306  and hanging apparatus  340 . The hanger bar  342  is shown in cross-section as is the structural support  343 . This allows for the shape and nature of the bar clip  390  to be illustrated. The bar clip  390  begins with the left hook  391  which holds the bar clip  390  to the left side of the hanger bar  342 . The left top  392  of the bar clip  390  extends above the structural support  343  and connects to the right extension  393  of the bar clip  390 . The right extension  393  attaches to the bottom spar  394  which provides the attachment means for the hanger hook  344 . The bottom spar  394  then attaches to the left extension  395  which brings the clip  390  back around the hanger bar  342 . The left extension  395  connects to the right top  396  which extends over the structural support  343  and connects to the right hook  397  which holds the bar clip  390  to the right side of the hanger bar  342 . The above described arrangement for the bar clip  390  allows the clip  390  to grip the hanger bar  342  tightly when in its desired position and yet through a simple squeezing manipulation, the left hook  391  and right hook  397  release the hanger bar  342  and the entire bar clip  390  can be slid along the hanger bar to a new desired position. 
         [0030]    The hanger hook  344  is shown in  FIG. 3  as hanging from the bottom spar  394  of the bar clip  390 . The hanger hook  344  can slide back and forth in response to wind, user manipulation, etc. as needed. Also shown in  FIG. 3  are the first and second twist stops  307  and  309 . These are protrusions on the support member  306  that ensure the hanging apparatus  340  can not twist too far in either direction do to external pressures (such as wind). 
         [0031]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a window well prior to installation of the system. The window frame  413  is illustrated as is a middle upright  414  of the frame. The floor  415  of the window well is shown as is the back wall  401 . The plurality of corrugations  403  are illustrated as this is a common and visually unappealing feature of many window wells. Such window wells typically become unsightly, having rust stains and otherwise unpleasant features. Further, the window well often collects detritus such as sticks, leaves, and other unsightly debris on the floor  415  of the window well. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a window well after installation of a lighted multi-plane window well enhancement system. As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , when viewed from the interior of the room, the window well is surrounded by the window frame  413  and  414 . A person positioned in the room can no longer view the rust, detritus and other generally unpleasant aspects of typical window wells when looking out through the window frame. Instead, the viewer sees the outer layer of the system as well as the lights and three-dimensional appearance caused by the translucent, reflective, transparent, and/or opaque portions of the layers. 
         [0033]    In addition to being employed in window wells, the described enhancement system can also be customized to hide foundation walls, soffits (interior and exterior), and unsightly walls or windows having poor views. The system can also be used as a portable room divider to carve out private spaces in lofts or other large rooms, offices, etc. The system can be configured to hang from a wall as wall art and can be used in children&#39;s rooms as lighted, dimmable art having various childhood themes such as nursery rhymes, cartoons, etc. Additional configurations include: as lighted furniture components (such as a headboard for a bed), replacing/enhancing sconces and lamps, as artistic pieces on decks/patios or other outdoor locations, as party/wedding/event decorations, enhancing bollards and monuments, as fireplace surrounds, as under-cabinet wall/lighting in kitchens, etc. 
         [0034]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims. 
         [0035]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0036]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0037]    In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0038]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. 
         [0039]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.