Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/479,491 ; filed 27 April 201 1 ; and entitled "Window Cover," which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

The disclosed subject matter of the application relates to an interior window cover for selective insulating and sealing of a window to inhibit temperature disparity, heat loss, and/or excessive solar heating of a room. Description of the Prior Art

Significant heat loss from a building often occurs through the windows of the building. In cold weather conditions, substantial heat is often lost from a room through window glass, particularly if the window glass includes only single-pane glazing. The heat loss through windows also results in temperature disparities in a room wherein undesirable, relatively cold zones are found in the vicinity of the windows. Moreover, when windows lack adequate sealing, whether as a result of the absence of a seal or a defective seal, the amount of heat loss is increased. Inadequate sealing is often found between the window frame and an adjacent wall and/or between window parts, such as between the movable parts of a sash -type window.

Conversely, in hot weather conditions, solar heating of a room via the windows of the room often result in uncomfortably hot conditions within the room.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the leftmost significant digit(s) in the reference numerals denote(s) the first figure in which the respective reference numerals appear, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of a window cover;

Figure 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view of an attachment device of the window cover of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective, partially exploded view of an illustrated embodiment of a window cover; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the window cover of Figure 3, taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective, partially exploded view of an illustrated embodiment of a window cover;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet cover member of the window cover of Figure 1 or Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a perspective, partially exploded view of an illustrated embodiment of a window cover assembly;

Figure 8 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a portion of the window cover assembly of Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the window cover assembly of Figure 7.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter of the application provides a window cover including a frame defining an opening and a sheet cover member affixed to the frame to at least substantially fill the opening of the frame. The sheet cover member includes a heat and solar reflective side and a heat and solar absorbent side. The window cover further includes an attachment device for releasably attaching the frame to an interior surface of a window frame, such that the window cover can be reversed with respect to the window frame. In one embodiment, the attachment device is capable of releasably attaching the frame to the interior surface of the window frame in a "non-intrusive" manner. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "non-intrusive" means that the attachment device does not penetrate the window frame when in use and does not compromise the structural and/or thermal integrity of the window frame, thus obviating drafts and/or air leaks resulting from such penetrations. Moreover, the term "non-intrusive" is used herein to describe a configuration that seeks not to affect any guarantee or warranty of the window frame.

It should be noted that, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "window frame" may include an existing window frame including glazing for use in an opening of a building or it may be a retrofit window frame for use adjacent to an existing window frame for the window cover to attach to, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter of the application. Such a retrofit window frame may include glazing to provide at least double glazing to an existing window or window frame.

In one embodiment, the attachment device includes at least a first attachment part on or in the frame. The first attachment part may be disposed on a first and/or second side of the frame or in the frame. In one embodiment, the first attachment part may engage with a corresponding second attachment part on an interior surface of a window frame, such that the first and second parts engage to form the attachment. A first attachment part may be disposed on the first side of the frame and another first attachment part may be disposed on the second side of the frame to provide the reversible attachment of the window cover to a window frame. For example, where the room temperature is uncomfortably high in hot weather conditions, the window cover may be attached to the window frame so the solar reflective side of the cover member is outer facing thereby to reflect and inhibit further solar energy from entering the room space. Alternatively, where the room temperature is relatively low in cold weather conditions and relatively warm air within a room is being drawn towards a relatively cold window, the window cover may be attached to the window frame so the solar absorbent side is outer facing and the solar reflective side is facing into the room space thereby to provide an insulating effect. Including the first attachment part on both sides of the frame conveniently allows for simple and selective reversal of the window cover when required depending on room temperature and/or weather conditions. In various embodiments, the first attachment part may comprise a single part or a plurality of parts which are spaced around the frame to correspond with second attachment parts spaced around the window frame. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second attachment parts comprise at least one strip. In some configurations, a first attachment strip may engage with a second attachment strip. Alternatively, a plurality of first attachment parts spaced around the first or second side of the frame may engage with a second attachment strip disposed around the window frame, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the attachment device includes a hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro ^® provided by Velcro USA, Inc., wherein the first attachment part comprises a plurality of hooks and the second attachment part comprises a plurality of loops, or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the attachment device includes at least one magnet. In such an embodiment, the attachment device may include at least one first magnetic part mounted on or in the frame. The at least one first magnetic part may engage or correspond with at least one second magnetic part mounted on or in the window frame to which the first magnetic part is attracted to form a secure attachment. For example, the first magnetic part may comprise a plurality of magnets spaced equally around the first and/or second sides of the frame and the second magnetic part may comprise a metallic strip around the window frame, or vice versa. The first and second magnetic parts may both be magnetic strips. Alternatively, the frame may be made of a metal material, such as steel, and the second magnetic part on the window frame may comprise a magnetic strip, or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises steel to allow the frame to be magnetically attachable to and detachable from a second magnetic part mountable on the interior side of a window frame. The second magnetic part may be surface mounted or mounted in a recess of the window frame to allow for direct engagement of the frame with the window frame. In one embodiment, such a recess extends around the window frame. Alternatively, the second magnetic part may be mounted inside the window frame to correspond with and attach the frame to the window frame. In one embodiment, the second magnetic part comprises a magnetic strip.

The magnetic strip may be a single continuous strip or comprise a plurality of magnetic strips each mountable on a side forming the window frame. In one embodiment, each strip engages an adjacent strip thereby to provide a continuous magnetic attachment part around the window frame. The magnetic strip may be disposed in a recess of the window frame provided around an inner edge to receive a window cover of corresponding size and area. Alternatively or additionally, a magnetic strip may be disposed in a recess or surface provided around an outer edge to receive a window cover of relatively larger size and area. Further alternatively, a magnetic strip or component may be provided in the window frame to correspond with the first attachment part on or in the window cover.

As described herein, the window frame may be an existing window frame installed in a window opening of a building or may be a retrofit window frame mountable internally adjacent to an existing window frame. A retrofit window frame may suitably mounted in an opening of building internally of an existing window frame by a mounting device. Such a mounting device may comprise at least one mounting bracket for attaching the window frame to the walls of an opening. In one embodiment, a mounting bracket is provided for mounting each corner of the window frame to an opening. Each bracket may be fastened to the building with a suitable fastener, such as a screw, and the retrofit may be mounted to each bracket by adhesive strips, for example. Adhesive strips desirably do not penetrate the window frame or compromise its integrity. Each side of such a retrofit window frame may be extruded to provide the recess for the magnetic strip and each side suitably connected to form the window frame. The window frame may then be easily mounted to the brackets and orientated so the recess is facing into the room. The magnetic strip may be adhered in the recess of the window frame using a high strength adhesive or similar. The window cover is then selectively mountable to the retrofit window frame in a desired orientation depending on the environment of the room and weather conditions outside. In one embodiment, the recess in the window frame allows a user to easily access behind the window cover to pull the window cover from the window frame and to compromise the secure magnetic attachment when removing or reversing the same for a desired characteristic.

In an embodiment wherein the attachment device includes a magnetic strip mountable on a window frame, the magnetic strip is continuous to provide an effective seal around and between the window frame and frame when in use. In one embodiment, the magnetic strip is pliable in a direction perpendicular to the window frame surface on which it is mounted to further enhance the sealing effect of the strip around and between the window frame and the frame when in use. Such a configuration inhibits the adverse effects of drafts blowing through unsealed window units and also provides a 'dead air' space between the existing window glass and the cover member which substantially improves infiltration and/or exfiltration characteristics of the window.

In one embodiment, the frame is complementarily sized and shaped with a window frame so as to generally fully cover and seal the window opening. For example, a steel frame engaging with a magnetic strip mountable on a window frame, or equivalent attachment means as described above, allows for simple and easy reversal of the window cover when required. However, the window cover may be any size to at least span the width of an existing window and more than one window cover may be provided for an existing window. For example, two window covers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter of the application may be provided to cover upper and lower portions of the window respectively. Both covers may be arranged in similar orientations to provide the effect of a full height single window cover in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, one cover may be reversed relative to the other to provide an opposite insulating or heat collecting or reflecting characteristic, as required. Further alternatively, single and/or multiple window covers may be used on each window of a room to provide an overall insulating or reflecting characteristic or a combination of characteristics. In a room having three windows, for example, one window may be fully covered by a single window cover and arranged to absorb heat/solar energy into the room whereas each of the two remaining windows may be fully covered by single window covers arranged to reflect heat/solar energy from entering the room. Therefore, the window cover in accordance with the present invention provides significant flexibility in how the temperature of room having at least one window can be selectively controlled. In one embodiment, the frame may be a two-part structure between which the sheet cover member is sandwiched and secured. The cover member comprises a laminated flexible sheet having insulating and heat collecting and reflecting characteristics. In one embodiment, the laminated sheet comprises an intermediate sheet member, a heat/solar reflecting sheet member, and a heat/solar absorbent sheet member. In one embodiment, the intermediate member is a plastic substrate forming a major part of the laminated sheet and dark in color, such as black, to provide the heat/solar absorbent characteristic. In such an embodiment, the heat/solar reflective sheet member is a metalized plastic sheet member, such as an aluminium coated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet member. A substantially transparent plastic sheet member is provided on the opposite side of the intermediate sheet member relative to the reflective sheet member. In one embodiment, the intermediate sheet member and heat/solar reflective sheet member define corresponding perforations to allow for vision and light through the cover member and the transparent layer is solid to prevent airflow through the cover member whilst allowing light and vision therethrough.

Advantageously the window cover comprises no mechanical or moving parts which undesirably require costly and time consuming maintenance and repair. Furthermore, the frame is of minimal thickness so is only an extension of an existing or retrofit window frame. This provides an aesthetically-pleasing window cover having no protruding parts which could otherwise be a hazard to people in the vicinity of the window, particularly if at head height. The cover can be easily and quickly reversed when required, as described above, without the use of tools. The window cover is lightweight which allows for easy storage when not in use and attachment/detachment from a window frame. It is also simple and inexpensive to manufacture in light of the minimal number of components.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a window cover according to the present invention and a window frame adapted for releasably attaching the frame of said window cover thereto in a non-intrusive and reversible manner.

Figure 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a window cover 101 according to the disclosed subject matter of the application. In the illustrated embodiment, window cover 101 comprises a frame 103 defining an opening 105 and a sheet cover member 107 affixed to frame 103 and at least substantially filling opening 105 of frame 103. Sheet cover member 107 comprises a heat and solar reflective side 109 and a heat and solar absorbent side 1 1 1 . Window cover 101 further includes an attachment device having various embodiments as disclosed herein for releasably attaching frame 103 to an interior surface of a window frame, such as a window frame 701 of Figure 7, such that window cover 101 can be reversed with respect to the window frame for at least the reasons set forth herein.

As discussed herein, window cover 101 further comprises at least one attachment device 1 13 for releasably attaching frame 103 to the interior surface of a window frame. In the illustrated embodiment, and with reference also to Figure 2, attachment device 1 13 comprises a first attachment part 201 affixed to a first surface 1 17 of frame 103 and a second attachment part 203 configured to be attached to the interior surface of the window frame. First attachment part 201 and second attachment part 203 cooperate to releasably affix window cover 101 to the window frame so that heat and solar reflective side 109 of sheet cover member 107 generally faces the window frame. Attachment device 1 13 further comprises another first attachment part 201 affixed to a second surface 121 of frame 103 which also cooperates with second attachment part 203 to releasably affix window cover 101 to the window frame so that heat and solar absorbent side 1 1 1 of sheet cover member 107 generally faces the window frame. Attachment device 1 13 may employ any of a variety of technologies to releasably attaching frame 103 to the interior surface of the window frame. For example, attachment device 1 13 may comprise hook-and-loop components, such as those comprising Velcro ^® , such that, for example, first attachment part 201 is a hook component and second attachment part 203 is a loop component, or vice versa. In another example, attachment device 1 13 may comprise ferromagnetic components, such that , for example, first attachment part 201 is a magnet and second attachment part 203 is a magnet or a ferromagnetic material, or vice versa. Other such attachment technologies are contemplated by the disclosed subject matter of the application.

It should be noted that many various particular shapes and/or sizes of components of attachment device 1 13, such as first attachment part 201 and second attachment part 203, are contemplated by the disclosed subject matter of the application. Moreover, a plurality of attachment devices 1 13 may used in window cover 101 or only a single attachment device 1 13 may be used. For example, as shown in Figure 3, attachment device 1 13 comprises a first attachment part 301 that extends at least substantially around a periphery of opening 105 of frame 103 and a second attachment part 303 configured to be affixed to a window frame. As in other embodiments disclosed herein, first attachment part 301 and second attachment part 303 cooperate to removably affix window cover 101 to the window frame.

In any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 -3, first attachment part 201 , 301 may be disposed within frame 103 when first attachment part 201 , 301 is a magnet and second attachment part 303 comprises a ferromagnetic material or a magnet, or when first attachment part 201 , 301 comprises a ferromagnetic material or a magnet and second attachment part 303 comprises a magnet. Such an embodiment is particularly useful when frame comprises a non-ferromagnetic material, such as aluminum, a polymer, or the like.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 4, wherein first attachment part 201 , 301 comprises a magnet or a ferromagnetic material, frame 103 further defines a recesses 401 , 403 in which first attachment part 201 , 301 resides. It should be noted that one or both of first attachment parts

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, frame 103 may comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as a steel, and second attachment part 303 comprises a magnet. In such an embodiment, the need for first attachment part 201 , 301 is obviated.

Figure 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of sheet cover member 107. In the depicted embodiment, sheet cover member 107 is a laminated, flexible sheet comprising a heat and solar reflecting sheet member 601 , a heat and solar absorbent sheet member 603, and a substantially transparent sheet member 605. Heat and solar reflecting sheet member 601 comprises, in one embodiment, a metalized plastic sheet member, such as an aluminium coated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet member. Heat and solar absorbent sheet member 603, which is disposed between heat and solar reflecting sheet member 601 and substantially transparent sheet member 605, is a plastic substrate and is dark in color, such as black. In one embodiment, heat and solar absorbent sheet member 603 and heat and solar reflecting sheet member 601 define corresponding perforations to allow for vision and light through sheet cover member 107 and substantially transparent sheet member 605 is solid to prevent airflow through sheet cover member 107.

Figures 7-9 depict a further illustrative embodiment of a window cover 101 comprising a ferromagnetic material, such as a steel, according to the disclosed subject matter of the application. In each of the figures, a window frame 701 is further depicted to illustrate an implementation of window cover 101 , as described in the various embodiments herein. In the illustrated embodiment, a retrofit window frame 701 , such as a PVC retrofit window frame, has four extruded sides 705 (only one indicated for clarity) connected together at mitre joints to form the frame. The window frame is sized to fit in an existing window opening (not shown) of a building. Mounting brackets 707 are fixed at each corner of the opening by suitable means, such as screws 709 (only two indicated for clarity) and wall plugs. Adhesive tape 71 1 attaches retrofit window frame 703 at each corner to a corresponding bracket 707. This ensures retrofit window frame is not penetrated or compromised by other fastening means such as screws or the like which could otherwise allow drafts or leaks through the frame and into the room.

Each side 705 has a recess 713 at its inner edge sized to receive the correspondingly sized window cover 101 . Recess 713 also receives a magnetic strip 715 which adheres to window frame 701 in recess 713. The steel window cover 101 is selectively mountable in the recess and is releasably engageable with the magnetic strip in the recess of the window frame 703. Alternatively the window cover may be a plastics material such as PVC and also have a magnetic strip which corresponds with the magnetic strip in the recess of the window frame. The magnetic strip is substantially pliable to offer a sealing property to provide an effective seal between the cover member and the window frame to prevent cold air in the form of a draft entering the room or warmer air undesirably leaving the room.

The brackets are positioned to be close to an existing window frame whilst providing an air gap between the window cover 101 when in use and an existing window pane. This provides additional insulating properties to complement those of an existing double or triple glazed window.

The invention provides a user with a flexible system for selectively controlling the conditions inside a room depending on the conditions outside the building. For example, where the room temperature is uncomfortably high in hot weather conditions, the window cover 101 may be attached to the retrofit window frame 703 so the solar reflective side of the cover member is outer facing thereby to reflect and prevent further solar energy from entering the room space. Alternatively, where the room temperature is relatively low in cold weather conditions and relatively warm air within a room is being drawn towards a relatively cold window, the window cover 101 may be attached to the window frame 703 so the solar absorbent side is outer facing and the solar reflective side is facing into the room space thereby to provide an insulating effect. The magnetic attachment between the cover frame 103 and window frame 703 conveniently allows for simple and selective reversal of the window cover when required depending on room temperature and/or weather conditions. Furthermore, a single window cover 101 may be complementarily sized and shaped to fully cover and seal an existing window opening. A steel cover frame 103 engaging with a magnetic strip on a window frame 703, or equivalent attachment means as described above, allows for simple and easy reversal of the window cover when required. However, the window cover may be any size to at least span the width of an existing window and more than one window cover may be provided to cover the height of an existing window. For example, two window covers in accordance with the present invention may be provided to cover upper and lower portions of the window respectively. Both covers may be arranged in similar orientations to provide the effect of a full height single window cover in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, one cover may be reversed relative to the other to provide an opposite insulating or heat collecting or reflecting characteristic, as required.

Single and/or multiple window covers may be used on each window of a room to provide an overall insulating or reflecting characteristic or a combination of characteristics. In a room having three windows, for example, one window may be fully covered by a single window cover and arranged to absorb heat/solar energy into the room whereas each of the two remaining windows may be fully covered by single window covers arranged to reflect heat/solar energy from entering the room. Therefore, the window cover in accordance with the present invention provides significant flexibility in how the temperature of room having at least one window can be selectively controlled. Where a plurality of covers are used over each opening of a plurality of openings in a room, a particularly flexible and effective means of controlling the temperature of a room is provided. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.