U.S. patent application number 10/662623 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for window or door facade.
Invention is credited to Vella, David.
Application Number | 20050055921 10/662623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34274156 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050055921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vella, David |
March 17, 2005 |
Window or door facade
Abstract
The invention concerns a custom made magnetic pad having a
sheet, the sheet having a first side having a magnetic material and
a second side. The second side displays a graphic representation.
The graphic representation is chosen from a window or door and
includes a grille and a plurality of geometric panels.
Inventors: |
Vella, David; (Clearwater,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephan A. Pendorf
Pendorf & Cutliff
5111 Memorial Highway
Tampa
FL
33634-7356
US
|
Family ID: |
34274156 |
Appl. No.: |
10/662623 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/311.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/00 20130101;
E06B 3/7001 20130101; B44C 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/311.1 |
International
Class: |
E04F 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A custom made magnetic pad comprising: a sheet, the sheet having
a first side having a magnetic material and a second side, wherein
the second side displays a graphic representation; and wherein the
graphic representation is chosen from a window or door.
2. A magnetic pad according to claim 1, further comprising a
protective coating adjacent to the second side.
3. A magnetic pad according to claim 1, wherein the graphic
representation is applied to the pad by screen-print, digital
print, paint, stencil, ink, or vinyl film.
4. A magnetic pad according to claim 1, wherein the pad is shaped
by die-cut or manually to the shape of the graphics.
5. A magnetic pad according to claim 1, the graphic representation
includes a grille and a plurality of geometric panels.
6. A method for enhancing the appearance of a metallic surface
comprising: placing a window or door facade on the metallic
surface, wherein the window or door facade is cut to a user-defined
shape and size and comprises: a sheet, the sheet having a first
side having a magnetic material and a second side, wherein the
second side displays a graphic representation; and wherein the
graphic representation the graphic representation is includes a
grille and a plurality of geometric panels.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the grille and the
plurality of geometric panels are color-coded to match the metallic
surface.
8. A custom made window or door facade comprising: a sheet cut to a
user-defined shape and size, the sheet having a first side having a
magnetic material and a second side, wherein the second side
displays a graphic representation; and wherein the graphic
representation is includes a grille and a plurality of geometric
panels.
9. A custom made window according to claim 8, wherein the grille
and the plurality of geometric panels are color-coded.
10. A custom made window or door facade comprising: a sheet; at
least one magnet attached to the sheet; and a graphic
representation placed on the sheet; wherein the graphic
representation includes a grille and a plurality of geometric
panels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a window or door facade, and more
specifically, to magnetic window or door facades that are applied
to the exterior or interior of buildings.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A recent innovation in garage doors has been the inclusion
of a series of decorative windows incorporated usually in the upper
section of the garage door. These windows are formed in individual
panels of the upper section and provide daylight illumination of
the closed garage. A window opening is formed in each panel.
Conventionally, a rather cumbersome window and window framework
system is then inserted in the opening.
[0005] However, many homeowners are hesitant to cut openings in
their garage doors, especially if they desire the aesthetic effect
of a window, but have no utilitarian need for windows in their
garage door.
[0006] Moreover, many garage doors provide insulating capabilities,
and cutting through a panel may compromise its insulating
properties.
[0007] In recent years, the building codes regulations of some
states in the United States of America either do not permit garage
doors to have windows, or the window must meet stringent wind codes
because of the potential risk of hurricanes. Thus, the homeowner is
either stuck with a windowless garage door, or pay for expensive
windows that meet the building codes regulations. This represents
an inconvenience to the homeowner who is use to the aesthetic
effect of windows in their garage door.
[0008] The prior art teaches a method for creating the appearance
of garage door windows in which an array of dark-colored shapes is
painted on the door to create the desired illusion. Unfortunately,
homeowners may not wish to undergo the chores of handling paints,
brushes, and the associated cleaning. Furthermore, painting an
array of consistent looking windows requires great skill and
labor.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,345 entitled "Garage Door Window Facade"
to Pelusio discloses a garage door window facade is constructed
from a flat panel having a plurality of apertures shaped to
resemble small window openings. The assembly is rigidly secured to
a standard garage door by security means such as bolts, screws,
adhesive, or the like to give the illusion that the garage door has
windows.
[0010] A disadvantage of the windows of the Pelusio reference is
that once engaged, the security means are very difficult to remove
in the event any component of the window requires replacement. In
addition, the number of components that constitute the window
provides a product that is difficult to assemble as well as to
disassemble. Also, the increased costs involved with the various
components, along with the labor required for its assembly, limit
its universal application for all garage door installations.
[0011] United States Published Patent Application No.
US20020157294A1, entitled "Magnetic Decorative Appliqus" to
Stanley, discloses multiple magnetic decorative appliqus for
attaching to a garage door. Each appliqu includes a sheet having a
magnetic material on one side and a smooth layer on the other side.
The smooth side includes painted or printed decorative matter in
the form of alpha/numeric indicia.
[0012] Unfortunately, the Stanley published patent application is
only directed to seasonal decorations and not to a window facade
that provides the illusion of real windows.
[0013] Consequently, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive
garage door window facade that is easily constructed and installed.
There is a further need in the art for a garage door window facade
that provides the illusion of real windows.
[0014] Accordingly, many homeowners wish to provide a more pleasing
aesthetic appearance to their garage door without incurring
significant expense and without sacrificing the structural
integrity of their existing garage door.
[0015] There is a further need in the art for a garage door window
facade that is resistant to the elements of weather and retains its
appearance over time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention offers at least one of the following
advantages:
[0017] provides an aesthetically-pleasing metallic surface having
the appearance of windows or doors formed therein without incurring
the expense of installing real windows.
[0018] provides a window or door facade that may be installed
without cutting openings into a pre-existing metallic surface.
[0019] provides a door or window facade that is resistant to the
effects of long-term exposure to the elements.
[0020] provides a window or door facade that is easy to apply and
remove from a metallic surface without additional means of support
and without causing damage to the support surface.
[0021] provides safety and security to the homeowner by not having
glass incorporated in the design of the product.
[0022] provides the homeowner with a product that it not subject to
stringent Hurricane wind codes/regulations implemented by various
US coastal counties.
[0023] The present invention satisfies the need of the homeowner of
having windows in their garage door in places where the stringent
Hurricane wind codes/regulations do not permit the garage to have
windows.
[0024] The present invention solves significant problems in the art
by providing a magnetic window or door facade that is easy to
install, attractive in appearance, inexpensive to manufacture, and
resistant to various weather conditions.
[0025] The invention concerns to a magnetic pad comprising:
[0026] a sheet, the sheet having a first side having a magnetic
material and a second side,
[0027] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation;
and
[0028] wherein the graphic representation is chosen from a window
or door.
[0029] In addition, a protective coating is added to the second
side.
[0030] The graphic representation is applied to the pad by
screen-print, digital print, paint, stencil, ink, or vinyl film.
Furthermore, the pad is shaped by die-cut or manually to the shape
of the graphics.
[0031] The graphic representation includes a grille and a plurality
of geometric panels.
[0032] Furthermore, the present invention concerns a method for
enhancing the appearance of a metallic surface comprising:
[0033] placing a window or door facade on the metallic surface,
wherein the window or door facade is cut to a user-defined shape
and size and comprises:
[0034] a sheet, the sheet having a first side having a magnetic
material and a second side,
[0035] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation;
and
[0036] wherein the graphic representation the graphic
representation is includes a grille and a plurality of geometric
panels.
[0037] The grille and the plurality of geometric panels are
color-coded to match the metallic surface.
[0038] In addition, the present invention concerns a custom made
window or door facade comprising:
[0039] a sheet cut to a user-defined shape and size, the sheet
having a first side having a magnetic material and a second
side,
[0040] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation;
and
[0041] wherein the graphic representation includes a grille and a
plurality of geometric panels.
[0042] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood, and so that the present contribution to the art can be
more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will
be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of
the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the concept and the specific embodiments disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other window
facade for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.
It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such
equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The description of the invention, together with the
accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the
invention to the example shown and described, because those skilled
in the art to which this appertains will be able to devise other
forms thereof within the ambit of the appended claims.
[0044] FIG. 1a illustrates the invention as installed on a typical
garage door.
[0045] FIG. 1b illustrates the invention as installed on an
alternate door.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows embodiments of the design for the window facade
according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows more embodiments of the designs for the window
facade according to the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the magnetic window
facade according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The present invention offers significant improvements over
prior art attempts to provide a metal surface with a window facade
in an outdoor surface of a building. The advantages include:
[0050] No tools are needed for installation or removal;
[0051] The materials of construction are weather-, rust- and
stain-resistant;
[0052] Installation is readily accomplished by merely allowing the
magnetic pad to stick to the metallic surface;
[0053] A tight seal around the perimeter of the metallic surface is
attained;
[0054] All components are capable of being color-coded together to
match the color of the dwelling surrounding architecture;
[0055] No interference occurs with the metal surface operation;
[0056] The enclosure can roll up for storage; and
[0057] The overall cost to manufacture is low since there are no
moving parts and the enclosure is lightweight.
[0058] The window facade of the present invention is custom
designed to fit a specific door. Thus, unlike the prior art
decorations, the window facade according to the present invention
will not work on all doors, and need to be custom designed to fit
the manufactures dimension specification of the garage door. In
addition, the window facade provides the customer with the color to
match their home/environment.
[0059] The present invention concerns a magnetic pad 10
comprising:
[0060] a sheet 20, the sheet having a first side having a magnetic
material 30 and a second side 40,
[0061] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation
50; and
[0062] wherein the graphic representation is chosen from a window
or door.
[0063] The invention process would implement a new use for flexible
magnetic material sheeting of any gauge or color held by magnetic
attraction against a support surface. The graphic surface would
have colors applied permanently by means of, but not limited to,
screen-print, digital print, paint, stencil, ink, or vinyl film.
The invention would be either die-cut or manually cut to the shape
of the graphics.
[0064] Furthermore, the magnetic pad 10 comprises a protective
coating layer 60 on top of the graphic representation. Coating
layer 60 protects the graphics from environmental conditions in
case the magnetic pad 10 is used outside of the building.
[0065] The graphic 50 of the window or door facade includes a
grille 70 and a plurality of geometric panels 80, each of which is
formed with a predetermined geometric profile creating the illusion
of a true window. Preferably, panels 80 are dark or black in color,
but may be any other color that provides the illusion of depth.
Panels 80 may have perfectly flat surfaces, or it may be textured
to enhance the illusion of depth.
[0066] The grille may be any color; thus, the grille can match the
color of the home/environment.
[0067] The use of magnetic means enables the window or door facade
to be easily fitted to the metallic surface without the need for
tools and without drilling into, or otherwise affecting, the
existing metallic surface, and thus, can avoid impinging on any
manufacturer's warranties, especially of garage doors.
[0068] The window or door facade may be easily removed from the
metallic surface for servicing; and in the event that the metallic
surface, such as a door, breaks down and needs replacing, it is a
simple matter to remove the window or door facade from the metallic
surface and attach it to a replacement metallic surface.
[0069] As the door or window facade is placed outdoors, and
therefore exposed to various weather conditions, it is recommended
that all the materials of the window or door facade are
non-corrosive, resistant to color change, and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0070] The window facade according to the present invention is a
durable product made to withstand all environmental conditions
including, but not limited to wind, rain, snow, direct sunlight,
and earthquakes.
[0071] FIG. 1a illustrates the invention as installed on a typical
garage door. FIG. 1b illustrates an alternate door is illustrated
which is still metal, and, as previously described, the arrangement
of the magnetic facade may be of any pattern selected by the
user.
[0072] FIG. 2 shows embodiments of the design for the window facade
according to the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 3 shows more embodiments of the design for the window
facade according to the present invention
[0074] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic pad 10 of
the invention.
[0075] Tight surface-to-surface contact between the magnetic sheet
and the metallic door provides an effective seal along the full
length of the pad.
[0076] The shape of the magnetic pad may take the form of a window
or door facade and the choice of colors, lines, and denotations is
at the selection of the user.
[0077] The magnetic pad of the present invention may be used on
metal metallic surfaces, particularly, but not limited to, garage
doors, doors of mobile homes, motor homes, or the like,
refrigerator doors, file cabinets.
[0078] The window or door facade is easy to put on and take off
because of the magnetic attraction, and no electricity is required.
The window facade of the invention is very light in weight and
weather resistant.
[0079] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that changes and modifications may be made without
departing from this invention in its broader aspects and,
therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such
changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and
scope of this invention.
[0080] A casual inspection of the metallic surface will not reveal
that the window or door is not real. The metallic surface equipped
with the novel invention has a greatly enhanced aesthetic appeal,
and the homeowner has not been required to cut holes in the
metallic surface to retrofit windows or doors thereto, or to incur
the expense of a new garage door.
[0081] Moreover, since the magnetic pad, according to the
invention, is thin in structure, the window or door facade is
almost flush with the metallic surface and does not interfere with
the opening and closing of the metallic surface such as a door.
[0082] The invention solves a need for window or door facade that
are easily installed and removed, space-saving, timesaving,
weatherproof, durable, non-invasive, low maintenance, conveniently
stored, and functions outdoors and indoors. It may be used in
residential or commercial setting on any ferrous surface.
[0083] For installation, the consumer would clean the support
surface with soap and water and dry completely using a clean dry
cloth and then allow to air dry. The invention is then applied
flush with the support surface.
[0084] The present invention also concerns a method for enhancing
the appearance of a metallic surface comprising:
[0085] placing a window or door facade on the metallic surface,
wherein the window or door facade is cut to a user-defined shape
and size and comprises:
[0086] a sheet, the sheet having a first side having a magnetic
material and a second side,
[0087] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation;
and
[0088] wherein the graphic representation the graphic
representation is includes a grille and a plurality of geometric
panels.
[0089] The grille and the plurality of geometric panels are
color-coded to match the metallic surface.
[0090] Furthermore, the present invention concerns a custom made
window or door facade comprising:
[0091] a sheet cut to a user-defined shape and size, the sheet
having a first side having a magnetic material and a second
side,
[0092] wherein the second side displays a graphic representation;
and
[0093] wherein the graphic representation is includes a grille and
a plurality of geometric panels.
[0094] Finally, the present invention concerns a custom made window
or door facade comprising:
[0095] a sheet;
[0096] at least one magnet attached to the sheet; and
[0097] a graphic representation placed on the sheet;
[0098] wherein the graphic representation includes a grille and a
plurality of geometric panels.
[0099] The users may change the decorations as frequently as
desired without causing damage to the support structure. Also, it
is reusable for many years, not just a one-time application.
[0100] In addition, the present invention provides protection to
the homeowner, because the content behind the structure is not
visible to people trying to take a look of the content behind the
structure.
[0101] The invention has been described in detail with particular
emphasis on the preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be
understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention might occur to those skilled in the art of
which the invention pertains.
* * * * *