Patent Publication Number: US-2011073254-A1

Title: Method of decorative window enhancement

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method of decorative window enhancement and, specifically, to providing window panes which simulate the look and character of leaded glass windows with Old English or similar patterns. 
     Traditional leaded glass windows consist of individual panes of glass fastened together by thin, grooved lead rods or similar soft metal rods known as “cames” which are usually soldered together. The cames form patterns into which the panes of glass are secured. These types of windows have been used for hundreds of years in churches, cathedrals, government buildings, manor houses, and palaces, but are still very popular in commercial buildings and private residences. 
     However, such leaded glass windows are very costly to produce since they are handmade, requiring skilled labor. In addition, the windows are inherently weak and over time the seal between the glass and lead cames deteriorates, which allows water to seep through the window. These types of decorative windows also cannot be used on many structures because certain building codes require the use of safety glass windows. 
     To address these disadvantages, a number of decorated window techniques have been developed which attempt to convert the appearance of standard existing panes of glass to leaded glass windows. However, few have successfully incorporated the desired, realistic appearance of patterned lead glass window, with the ease and economy of its manufacture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a method of decorative window enhancement which not only produces a simulated decorative glass window which has the realistic dramatic appearance and beauty of a traditional leaded glass window appearance, but also overcomes the current difficulties and expense of its manufacture. The decorative window method of the invention can be used on a continuous sheet of tempered or similar safety glass. The resulting window enhancement is also weatherproof. In addition, the method allows for a variety of ornamental window patterns. 
     These and other advantages of the invention are accomplished by the present method of decorative window enhancement. An elongated lead strip is provided which has lateral indentations extending the length of the strip. A high bond adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the central section of the lead strip. The lead strip is then placed on a glass surface where pressure is exerted on the strip to bond the strip to the surface. The lateral indentations of the lead strip are formally filled with stain glass putty which is permitted to dry fully in the indentations between the strip and the glass surface. This technique is used with multiple lead strips to form an enhanced, dramatic pattern on the glass surface. 
     The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an example of a decorative window which employs the prior art technique for bonding lead strips to glass. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section of a prior art lead strip. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section of a prior art lead strip attached to glass. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section of the lead strip used in the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the lead strip used in the present invention attached to glass in accordance with the method of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts the steps of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows an example of a decorative window employing the enhancement of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section of an alternate lead strip used in the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section of the lead strip in  FIG. 8  attached to glass in accordance with the method of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of decorative window  10  using the prior art technique which bonds a lead strip onto a glass or plastic surface. Soft metal strip  2  made of lead alloy or similar soft metal, has a standard oval profile. See  FIG. 2 . A transfer adhesive  4  is placed between lead strip  2  and the surface of glass  6 , employing lead strips  2  in a diamond pattern  8  which creates in decorative window  10 . 
     The method of the present invention results in an enhanced decorative window with a more dramatic appearance. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , elongated lead alloy strip  12 , unique in configuration to the method of the present invention, comprises an alternate oval profile with central section  14  having bottom surface  15 , central section  14  being bordered by laterally extending indentations  18  and  20 . These indentations extend for the entire longitudinal length of lead strip  12 . A special high bond adhesive  22  and stain glass putty  28  are also used. 
     The method of the present invention, as best depicted in  FIG. 6 , provides for lead strip  12 . Adhesive  22  is applied to bottom surface  15  of central section  14  of lead strip  12 . Lead strip  12  is then placed on surface  27  of glass  26  and pressure  25  is exerted on the strip to bond it to the glass surface. Once lead strip  12  is securely bonded to glass surface  27 , indentations  18  and  20  are filled with a stain glass putty  28 . Stain glass putty  28  is inserted uniformally along the full length of lead strip  12 , between bottom surfaces  19  and  21  of indentations  18  and  20  and glass surface  27 . The stain glass putty  28  is allowed to sufficiently dry. A plurality of elongated lead strips  12  are bonded to glass surface  27  in this manner to form the desired pattern  29 . 
     The result is an upstanding lead strip  12  with exposed stain glass putty  28  which provides a dramatic effect on glass surface  27 . When arranged in a pattern, as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the decorative window enhancement method of the present invention results in window  30  having an enhanced and more attractive decorative window pattern. 
       FIG. 8  is an example of an alternative lead strip which can be applied to a glass surface, with different effect. Lead strip  32 , with indentations  33  and  35 , is also configured to be positioned on surface  37  of glass  36 . Bonding adhesive  34  and stain glass putty  38  are employed in the same manner as previously described with regard to the first embodiment. 
     While the configurations of two exemplar lead strips  12  and  32  are disclosed, it is contemplated that other strips of different designs and configurations can be employed and the invention, as described herein, should not be considered restricted to the two designs specifically discussed. 
     Thus, the method of decorative window enhancement of the present invention provides decorative windows which accurately and realistically simulate the leaded glass windows of the past while materially enhancing the beauty of plain windows and those which employ existing decorative techniques. The method is relatively simple to properly accomplish and is economical in its manufacture. 
     Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.