Patent Application
20090090160
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process for making corrugations used to strengthen a metal window well less visible and the resultant product.
2. Description of the Related Art
In lines 42 through 44 of column 3, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,503 states, “ . . . Preferably, the interior surface [of the window well] is colored and textured to simulate a brick wall, granite or the like.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,300 provides, in lines 40 through 53 of column 1, “Certain alterations to galvanized window wells are possible. Some homeowners may resort to painting the galvanized window wells to improve their appearance. However, the galvanized surface generally does not hold paint well, thereby frustrating a homeowner's desire for a low maintenance window well. A liner, made from a flexible synthetic material, is commercially available for placement interior to a galvanized window well to provide a more pleasing appearance from inside the house. However, when adding a liner, a homeowner pays for two structures to do the job an efficiently constructed window well can do. A stone facade or stucco-like material may also be applied to certain window wells to provide an improved cosmetic appearance to a viewer from inside a dwelling.” This patent, moreover, specifies, in line 66 of column 3 through line 2 of column 4, “ . . . In contrast to metal walls, and even to galvanized metal walls, the composite material forming the walls of the instant invention are [sic] rust-proof. . . . ”
And United States patent publication no. 20050252103 declares, in paragraph 0026, “The front surface 24 [of a window well formed from a composite material] may have a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design formed thereon. The decorative design may simulate a natural substance such as stone, wood or boulders. The decorative design may simulate other substances such as bricks or blocks, or any decorative look desired. The decorative design may also simulate natural landscape scenes such as trees, flowers, vine scenes or any other pleasing scene. The decorative design illustrated in FIG. 1 is meant to simulate the look and texture of stone blocks. The decorative design may be incorporated onto the front surface 24 during the production process. For example, a molding process may be used to form the decorative design in the front surface 24.”
Thus, neither the two patents nor the patent publication suggests painting to create an image of a “solid variegated surface,” which as used herein shall mean a surface imitating brick, stone (especially granite), or the like. Nor do these documents indicate using perspective to create a three-dimensional painting of the solid variegated surface. And, finally, there is no hint in the three documents that such a three-dimensional painting of the solid variegated surface would “obscure,” which as used herein shall mean tend to make less visible, corrugations used to strengthen a metal window well.
A process is, however, known for painting metal using perspective to create a three-dimensional painting of a solid variegated surface, especially granite.
In the process of the present intention a perspective painting of a solid variegated pattern using perspective to create a three-dimensional effect is placed upon the face a window well-either before or after the window well is formed.
Moreover, the process of forming and painting may either be continuous or discrete but is preferably continuous.
Many traditional window wells 1 are made of metal; have a top 2, bottom 3, face 4, and back 5; are formed, as viewed either from the top 2 or the bottom 3, into a generally U-shaped configuration with corrugations 6 to strengthen the resultant window well 1.
An important feature of the present process and resultant product is the painting of a solid variegated pattern using perspective to create a three-dimensional effect 7 onto the face 4 of the window well 1 as can be seen in
Preferably, the solid variegated pattern using perspective to create a three-dimensional effect 7 is first painted onto a metal surface. The metal is preferably then rolled in order to be formed with a continuous process. Individual sheets of metal can, however, be painted for subsequent forming in a discrete process.
The painting can be done through any technique that is well known in the art but is preferably done through a commercially available technique by Pre-coat Metals of St. Louis, Mo.
Preferably, after the painting the metal is formed into window wells I having corrugations. In a continuous process, which is preferred, both cutting and forming are involved. Before forming a roll of metal is cut into a piece having dimensions that permit the piece to be formed into a single window well.
The forming (and cutting) can be done with any technique that is well known in the art but is preferably done with a roll former such as that which is commercially available from ASC of Spokane, Wash., or with a break press.
Optionally, the painting can be done after the forming.
The metal is preferably steel, and the solid variegated surface is preferably stone and, even more preferably, granite.
Although it would have been logical to believe that the corrugations would cause the solid variegated surface not to resemble the pattern it is intended to imitate, the inventor has learned that the solid variegated surface actually tends to hide, i.e., obscure the corrugations.
As used herein, the term “substantially” indicates that one skilled in the art would consider the value modified by such terms to be within acceptable limits for the stated value. Also as used herein the term “preferable” or “preferably” means that a specified element or technique is more acceptable than another but not that such specified element or technique is a necessity.
