Patent Description:
Composite films can be used as coverings applied to windows in building or vehicles to control the passage of solar radiation through transmission, reflection, and absorption. For certain composite films, visible light transmittance and reflectance must be low and the total solar energy rejection must be high. This combination of features is of great importance for particular systems. As such, a need exists for composite films which have superior combined visible light transmittance, visible light reflectance, and total solar energy rejection properties at the desired levels. <CIT> is an example of a solar control film.

According to a first aspect, a composite film includes a first transparent substrate, a dielectric layer and at least two infra-red reflection stacks. The dielectric layer is located between the at least two infra-red reflection stacks and each of the infra-red reflection stacks includes two titanium blocker layers and a functional layer. The functional layer in each infra-red reflection stack includes silver and is located between the two blocker layers.

According to still another aspect, a composite film may include a first transparent substrate, a first dielectric layer located adjacent to the first transparent substrate layer, a first titanium blocker layer and may be located adjacent to the first dielectric layer, a first functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the first titanium blocker layer, a second titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first functional layer, a second dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the second titanium blocker layer, a third titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second dielectric layer, a second functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the third titanium blocker layer, a fourth titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second functional layer, a third dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the fourth titanium blocker layer, and a second transparent substrate overlying the third dielectric layer.

According to still another aspect, a method of forming a composite film may include providing a first transparent substrate, forming a first titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first dielectric layer, forming a first functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the first titanium blocker layer, forming a second titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first functional layer, forming a second dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the second titanium blocker layer, forming a third titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second dielectric layer, forming a second functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the third titanium blocker layer, forming a fourth titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second functional layer, forming a third dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the fourth titanium blocker layer, and forming a second transparent substrate overlying the third dielectric layer.

According to yet another aspect, a composite film configured for application within a sunroof may include a first transparent substrate, a dielectric layer and at least two infra-red reflection stacks. The dielectric layer may be located between the at least two infra-red reflection stacks and each of the infra-red reflection stacks may include two titanium blocker layers and a functional layer. The titanium blocker layers in each infra-red reflection stack may each have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The functional layer in each infra-red reflection stack may include silver and may be located between the two titanium blocker layers.

According to still another aspect, a composite film configured for application within a sunroof may include a first transparent substrate, a first dielectric layer located adjacent to the first transparent substrate layer, a first titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first dielectric layer, a first functional layer that may include silver and be located adjacent to the first titanium blocker layer, a second titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first functional layer, a second dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the second titanium blocker layer, a third titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second dielectric layer, a second functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the third titanium blocker layer; a fourth titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second functional layer, a third dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the fourth titanium blocker layer, and a second transparent substrate overlying the third dielectric layer. The titanium blocker layers may each have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>.

According to still another aspect, a method of forming a composite film configured for application within a sunroof may include providing a first transparent substrate, forming a first titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first dielectric layer, forming a first functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the first titanium blocker layer, forming a second titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the first functional layer, forming a second dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the second titanium blocker layer, forming a third titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second dielectric layer, forming a second functional layer that may include silver and may be located adjacent to the third titanium blocker layer; forming a fourth titanium blocker layer located adjacent to the second functional layer, forming a third dielectric layer that may be located adjacent to the fourth titanium blocker layer, and forming a second transparent substrate overlying the third dielectric layer. The titanium blocker layers may each have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. Further, the use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application.

As used herein, the term "visible light transmittance" or "VLT" refers to the ratio of total light visible to the human eye (i.e., having a wavelength between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers) that is transmitted through a composite stack/transparent substrate system and may be calculated using an A light source at a <NUM>° angle (i.e., VLT A <NUM>°).

The term "total solar energy rejected" or "TSER" refers to the total solar energy (heat) that is not transferred through the composite stack/transparent substrate system and may be calculated according to the equation TSER=<NUM>-g, where g is equal to the total solar energy transmittance as defined by ISO <NUM>.

The term "total transmitted solar energy" or "TTS" refers to the total transmitted solar energy (heat) that is transferred through the composite stack/transparent substrate system and may be calculated according to the ISO <NUM>.

The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the solar control arts.

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to composite films that include a multi-layer structure having at least one first transparent substrate, a dielectric layer and at least two infra-red reflection stacks. The dielectric layer is located between the at least two infra-red reflection stacks. Each infra-red reflection stack includes two titanium blocker layers and a functional layer that is located between the two titanium blocker layers. The functional layer includes silver. The composite film formed according to embodiments described herein may have particular performance characteristics, such as, a low TTS, a low VLR, a high TSER or a combination of thereof.

These concepts are better understood in view of the embodiments described below that illustrate and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

According to particular embodiments, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may include a polymer material. According to another particular embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a polymer material. According to still other embodiments, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may be a polymer substrate layer. According to particular embodiments, the polymer substrate layer may include any desirable polymer material.

According to still other embodiments, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. According to another particular embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a PET material. According to still other embodiments, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may be a PET substrate layer. According to particular embodiments, the PET substrate layer may include any desirable polymer material.

According to yet another embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may include a glass material. According to yet another embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a glass material. According to still another embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may be a glass substrate layer. According to still other embodiments, the glass material may include any desirable glass material. According to still other embodiments, the glass substrate may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%.

According to still other embodiments, when the first transparent substrate <NUM> is a polymer substrate layer, it may have a particular thickness. For example, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> microns, such as, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> micron or even at least about <NUM> microns. According to still another embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> microns, such as, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns or even not greater than about <NUM> microns. It will be appreciated that the first transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the first transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

It will be further appreciated that when the first transparent substrate <NUM> is a glass substrate layer, it may have any desired thickness.

According to particular embodiments, the first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. According to yet another embodiment, the first functional layer <NUM> may consist essentially of silver. According to still another embodiment, the first functional layer <NUM> may be a silver layer.

According to still other embodiments, the first functional layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the first functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers or even at least about <NUM> nanometers. According to still another embodiment, the first functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the first functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that first functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may include titanium. According to still another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may consist essentially of titanium. According to yet another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may be referred to as a titanium layer.

According to still another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may include titanium. According to still another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may consist essentially of titanium. According to yet another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may be referred to as a titanium layer.

According to still another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to particular embodiments, the second functional layer <NUM> may include silver. According to yet another embodiment, the second functional layer <NUM> may consist essentially of silver. According to still another embodiment, the second functional layer <NUM> may be a silver layer.

According to still other embodiments, the second functional layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the second functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers or even at least about <NUM> nanometers. According to still another embodiment, the second functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the second functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that second functional layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may include titanium. According to still another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may consist essentially of titanium. According to yet another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may be referred to as a titanium layer.

According to still another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may include titanium. According to still another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may consist essentially of titanium. According to yet another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may be referred to as a titanium layer.

According to still another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values.

According to certain embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material. According to still other embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of a dielectric material. The dielectric material of the first dielectric layer <NUM> may be any known transparent dielectric material, such as, any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to certain embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may include any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to still other embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO.

According to yet another embodiment, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers or even at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

It will be appreciated that the first dielectric layer <NUM> may include multiple dielectric layers. It will be further appreciated that any dielectric layer making up the first dielectric layer <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein in reference to the first dielectric layer <NUM>.

According to yet another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular thickness ratio THBL1/THFL1, where THBL1 is the thickness of the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> and THFL1 is the thickness of the first functional layer <NUM>. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL1/THFL1 of not greater than about <NUM>, such as, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM> or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL1/THFL1 of at least about <NUM>, such as, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or even at least about <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL1/THFL1 of any value within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL1/THFL1 of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to yet another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular thickness ratio THBL2/THFL1, where THBL2 is the thickness of the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and THFL1 is the thickness of the first functional layer <NUM>. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL2/THFL1 of not greater than about <NUM>, such as, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM> or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL2/THFL1 of at least about <NUM>, such as, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or even at least about <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL2/THFL1 of any value within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL2/THFL1 of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to yet another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular thickness ratio THBL3/THFL2, where THBL3 is the thickness of the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> and THFL2 is the thickness of the second functional layer <NUM>. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL3/THFL2 of not greater than about <NUM>, such as, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM> or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL3/THFL2 of at least about <NUM>, such as, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or even at least about <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL3/THFL2 of any value within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL3/THFL2 of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to yet another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular thickness ratio THBL4/THFL2, where THBL4 is the thickness of the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and THFL2 is the thickness of the second functional layer <NUM>. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL4/THFL2 of not greater than about <NUM>, such as, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM> or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL4/THFL2 of at least about <NUM>, such as, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or even at least about <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL4/THFL2 of any value within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a ratio THBL4/THFL2 of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to yet other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular VLT. For example, the composite stack <NUM> may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at leas about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a VLT of not greater than about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a VLT within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> have a VLT of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular TSER. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a TSER of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. According to yet other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a TSER of not greater than about <NUM>%, such as, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>% or even not greater than about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a TSER within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a TSER of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to yet other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular Solar Control Ratio VLT/(<NUM>%-TSER). For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a Solar Control Ratio of at least about <NUM>, such as, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> or even at least about <NUM>. According to still other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a Solar Control Ratio of not greater than about <NUM>, such as, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM>, not greater than about <NUM> or even not greater than about <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a Solar Control Ratio within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a Solar Control Ratio of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular TTS. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a TTS of not greater than about <NUM>%, such as, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>% or even not greater than about <NUM>%. According to yet other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a TTS of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a TTS within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a TTS of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a second transparent substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the first dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layers described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG>.

According to particular embodiments, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may include a polymer material. According to another particular embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a polymer material. According to still other embodiments, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may be a polymer substrate layer. According to particular embodiments, the polymer substrate layer may include any desirable polymer material.

According to still other embodiments, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. According to another particular embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a PET material. According to still other embodiments, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may be a PET substrate layer. According to particular embodiments, the PET substrate layer may include any desirable polymer material.

According to the invention the second transparent substrate <NUM> may include a glass material. According to yet another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a glass material. According to the invention the second transparent substrate <NUM> is a glass substrate layer. According to still other embodiments, the glass material may include any desirable glass material. According to the invention, the glass substrate has a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%.

According to comparative examples not according to the invention, when second transparent substrate <NUM> is a polymer substrate layer, it may have a particular thickness. For example, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> microns, such as, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> micron or even at least about <NUM> microns. According to still another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> microns, such as, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns or even not greater than about <NUM> microns. It will be appreciated that second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the first dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the first PVB substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layers described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to particular embodiments, the first PVB substrate <NUM> may comprise a clear PVB material. For purposes of embodiments described herein, a clear PVB material may be defined as a PVB material that does not dye or material darkening agent. According to still other embodiments the first PVB substrate <NUM> may consist of a clear PVB material. According to yet other embodiments, the first PVB substrate <NUM> may be a first clear PVB substrate <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the first PVB substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM> and a second PVB substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the first transparent substrate <NUM> are all located between the first PVB substrate <NUM> and the second PVB substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layers described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to particular embodiments, the second PVB substrate <NUM> may comprise a clear PVB material. For purposes of embodiments described herein, a clear PVB material may be defined as a PVB material that does not dye or material darkening agent. According to still other embodiments the second PVB substrate <NUM> may consist of a clear PVB material. According to yet other embodiments, the second PVB substrate <NUM> may be a second clear PVB substrate <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the second PVB substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM>, a second PVB substrate <NUM> and a first glass substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM>, the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second PVB substrate <NUM> are all located between the first PVB substrate <NUM> and the first glass substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layers described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to the invention, the first glass substrate <NUM> comprises a dark glass material. According to still other embodiments the first glass substrate <NUM> may consist of a dark glass material. According to yet other embodiments, the first glass substrate <NUM> may be a first dark glass substrate <NUM>.

According to the invention, the first glass substrate <NUM> is a first dark glass substrate, the first glass substrate <NUM> has a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. According to the invention, first glass substrate <NUM> has a VLT of not greater than about <NUM>%, such as, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>% or even not greater than about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second dielectric layer <NUM> located so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> is located between the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the second dielectric layer <NUM>, a third dielectric layer <NUM> located so that the second infra-red stack <NUM> is located between the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the third dielectric layer <NUM> and a second transparent substrate <NUM> located within the composite film <NUM> so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM>, the second dielectric layer <NUM> and the third dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layers described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>.

According to certain embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material. According to still other embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of a dielectric material. The dielectric material of the second dielectric layer <NUM> may be any known transparent dielectric material, such as, any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox , TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to certain embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may include any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to still other embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox , TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO.

According to yet another embodiment, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers or even at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

It will be appreciated that the second dielectric layer <NUM> may include multiple dielectric layers. It will be further appreciated that any dielectric layer making up the second dielectric layer <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein in reference to the second dielectric layer <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material. According to still other embodiments, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of a dielectric material. The dielectric material of the third dielectric layer <NUM> may be any known transparent dielectric material, such as, any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to certain embodiments, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may include any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to still other embodiments, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO.

According to yet another embodiment, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM>. According to still another embodiment, the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers or even at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

It will be appreciated that the third dielectric layer <NUM> may include multiple dielectric layers. It will be further appreciated that any dielectric layer making up the third dielectric layer <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein in reference to the third dielectric layer <NUM>.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

According to still another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated the first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to still another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to still another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated the third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

According to still another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a particular thickness. For example, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, such as, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers, not greater than about <NUM> nanometers or even not greater than about <NUM> nanometers. According to yet another embodiment, the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> nanometers, such as, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers, at least about <NUM> nanometers. It will be appreciated that the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values.

According to certain embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material. According to still other embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of a dielectric material. The dielectric material of the first dielectric layer <NUM> may be any known transparent dielectric material, such as, any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to certain embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may include any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to still other embodiments, the first dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO.

According to yet other embodiments, the composite film <NUM> may have a particular VLT. For example, the composite film <NUM> may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at leas about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. According to still another embodiment, the composite film <NUM> may have a VLT of not greater than about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> may have a VLT within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the composite film <NUM> have a VLT of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a second transparent substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the first dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layer described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG>.

According to yet another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may include a glass material. According to yet another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may consist of a glass material. According to still another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may be a glass substrate layer. According to still other embodiments, the glass material may include any desirable glass material. According to still other embodiments, the glass substrate may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%.

According to still other embodiments, when second transparent substrate <NUM> is a polymer substrate layer, it may have a particular thickness. For example, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> microns, such as, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> microns, at least about <NUM> micron or even at least about <NUM> microns. According to still another embodiment, the second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of not greater than about <NUM> microns, such as, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns, not greater than about <NUM> microns or even not greater than about <NUM> microns. It will be appreciated that second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that second transparent substrate <NUM> may have a thickness of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the first dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the first PVB substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM> and a second PVB substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the first transparent substrate <NUM> are all located between the first PVB substrate <NUM> and the second PVB substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first polyvinyl butyral (PVB) substrate <NUM>, a second PVB substrate <NUM> and a first glass substrate <NUM> located within the film so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM>, the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second PVB substrate <NUM> are all located between the first PVB substrate <NUM> and the first glass substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, the second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

According to particular embodiments, the first glass substrate <NUM> may comprise a dark glass material. According to still other embodiments the first glass substrate <NUM> may consist of a dark glass material. According to yet other embodiments, the first glass substrate <NUM> may be a first dark glass substrate <NUM>.

According to still another embodiment, the first glass substrate <NUM> is a first dark glass substrate, the first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of at least about <NUM>%, such as, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% or even at least about <NUM>%. According to still another embodiment, first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of not greater than about <NUM>%, such as, not greater than about <NUM>%, not greater than about <NUM>% or even not greater than about <NUM>%. It will be appreciated that the first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT within a range between any of minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the first glass substrate <NUM> may have a VLT of any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

<FIG> includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a portion of another example composite film <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the composite film <NUM> may include a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a first dielectric layer <NUM> located between that first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> and the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, a second dielectric layer <NUM> located so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> is located between the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the second dielectric layer <NUM>, a third dielectric layer <NUM> located so that the second infra-red stack <NUM> is located between the first dielectric layer <NUM> and the third dielectric layer <NUM> and a second transparent substrate <NUM> located within the composite film <NUM> so that the first infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the second infra-red reflection stack <NUM>, the first dielectric layer <NUM>, the second dielectric layer <NUM> and the third dielectric layer <NUM> are all located between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The first infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a first titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a second titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a first functional layer <NUM>. The first titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The first functional layer <NUM> may include silver. The second infra-red reflection stack <NUM> may include a third titanium blocker layer <NUM>, a fourth titanium blocker layer <NUM> and a second functional layer <NUM>. The third titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second titanium blocker layer <NUM> may have a thickness of at least about <NUM> and not greater than about <NUM>. The second functional layer <NUM> may include silver.

It will be appreciated that the composite film <NUM> and all layer described in reference to the composite film <NUM> may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to corresponding layers in <FIG> or <FIG>.

According to certain embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material. According to still other embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of a dielectric material. The dielectric material of the second dielectric layer <NUM> may be any known transparent dielectric material, such as, any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to certain embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may include any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO. According to still other embodiments, the second dielectric layer <NUM> may consist essentially of any one of ITO, SnZnOx, SiOx, Si<NUM>N<NUM>, Nb<NUM>Ox, TiOx, In<NUM>Ox, ZnOx or AZO.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

The concepts described herein will be further described in the following Examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

Two sample composite films S1 and S2 were configured and formed according to certain embodiments described herein. Sample composite films S1 and S2 both included a first dark glass substrate (i.e., bottom), a first clear PVB substrate, a second clear PVB substrate, first transparent PET substrate (i.e., bottom), a first infra-red reflection stack having a silver functional layer between two titanium blocker layers, a second infra-red reflection stack having a silver functional layer between two titanium blockers layers, and three TiOx dielectric layers. The configuration of layers in the sample composite film, including general layer composition, arrangement and thickness, are summarized below in Table <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the order of the layers listed in Table <NUM> indicates the order of the layers in the composite window film with the bottom row in the table corresponding to the bottom layer in the composite window film.

Optical properties of each sample composite window film are summarized in Table <NUM> below. The summarized optical properties include: VLT, VLR, TTS calculated according to ISO13837 convention "A" AM15, Transmission, and Reflection measured according to ISO <NUM> using a Perkin Elmer Lambda <NUM> spectrophotometer (<NUM> = clear glass side <NUM> = dark glass side). Further, the integrated values (L*, a*, b*) are based on a "D65 <NUM>°" illuminant.

A comparative sample composite film CS1 was analyzed for comparison to the sample composite films S1 and S2. The comparative sample composite film was a commercial film called the XIR75 Blue from Eastman Chemical Company (http://www. com/Brands /XIR/Automotive/Pages/Auto_Overview. Comparative sample composite film CS1 includes a bi-layer stack. The configuration of the bilayer stack, including general layer composition, arrangement and thickness, are summarized below in Table <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the order of the layers listed in Table <NUM> indicates the order of the layers in bi-layer stack with the bottom row in the table corresponding to the bottom layer in the composite window film.

The bi-layer stack was laminated with <NUM> clear PVB substrate and <NUM> clear glass substrate on the top and <NUM> dark glass substrate and <NUM> dark PVB substrate on the bottom. The dark PVB is called RB17 and is <NUM> thick.

Optical properties of comparative sample composite film CS1 are summarized in Table <NUM> below. The summarized optical properties include: VLT, VLR, TTS, Transmission, and Reflection measured according to ISO <NUM> using a Perkin Elmer Lambda <NUM> spectrophotometer.

The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range.

Claim 1:
A composite film (<NUM>) comprising:
a first transparent substrate stack (<NUM>);
a second transparent substrate stack (<NUM>);
a dielectric layer (<NUM>); and
at least two infra-red reflection stacks (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the dielectric layer (<NUM>) is disposed between the at least two infra-red reflection stacks (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
wherein each infra-red reflection stack (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
two titanium metal blocker layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a functional layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising silver between the two titanium metal layers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first transparent substrate stack (<NUM>) comprises a first polymer substrate layer and a first glass substrate layer,
wherein the first glass substrate layer comprises a dark glass, wherein the dark glass has a visible light transmittance (VLT) of at least about <NUM>% and not greater than <NUM>%,
wherein the second transparent substrate stack (<NUM>) comprises a glass material, and
wherein the second transparent substrate stack (<NUM>) has a VLT of at least <NUM>%.