Removable protective covering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for masking a planar surface and providing information at the point of use of an assembly including the planar surface are disclosed. In one advantageous method in accordance with the present invention, a masking material comprising a substrate and an adhesive disposed over a first face of the substrate is provided. One or more strips of masking material are applied to a planar surface, and an information bearing sheet is applied over the one or more strips of masking material. In some embodiments, the protective covering comprises a free portion and a fixed portion. The free portion of the protective covering defining a first side of a channel and the face of the pane defining a second side of the channel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates generally to protective masking material that can be applied to insulating glass units, monolithic panes, and other workpieces. More particularly, the present invention relates to advantageous configurations of masking material which may be easily removed from a workpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In most industrialized countries, windows touch people's lives everyday. Wherever people work and live there are windows. Windows allow the occupants of a building to view the outside world while allowing sun light to enter the interior of the building. Sunlight is a natural antidepressant and helps the human body produce vitamin D. Thus, a certain amount of sunshine is essential to mental and physical well being.

[0006] In extreme climates significant energy may be lost through windows during the winter when a building is being heated, and/or during the summer when a building is being cooled. With the rising cost of energy, efforts have been made to provide homes and other buildings with insulation that will more efficiently prevent the transfer of heat between the inside and the outside of a building. Insulating glass units have been developed to reduce the amount of heat transfer through windows.

[0007] There are basically three types of insulating glass units commercially available today. These three types are often referred to as single glazing, double glazing, and triple glazing. Double glazed insulating glass units are the most common. These insulating glass units include a space sealed between two panes of glass. This sealed space provides insulation, the insulating effect may be enhanced by filling the space with an insulative gas such as argon, or krypton. Compared with a single pane, a double glazed insulating glass unit can cut heat loss through a window nearly in half.

[0008] Because of the dramatic energy savings which can be achieved with insulating glass units, building codes in many jurisdictions have been revised to require the installation of insulating glass units. The relative energy performance of these insulating glass units is clearly an important factor to be considered when windows are purchased by a consumer. The federal government of the United States of America has developed an Energy Star designation which may be used to identify windows which meet certain energy performance criteria. In another attempt to help consumers make informed decisions regarding window purchases, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has recently instituted new labeling requirements for windows. The NFRC requirements include both a permanent marking and a temporary label. The NFRC label includes ratings for U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT), and air leakage (AL). These ratings must be provided for both residential and non-residential applications. All of these ratings typically vary from one window to the next. The labeling of windows may also include additional information such as a model number, the window style, the window dimensions, and a date code. This information also typically varies from one window to the next. The labeling requirements described above present a challenge to window manufacturers since a great deal of information is required, and since this information frequently varies from one window to the next.

[0009] Human beings have a relatively narrow temperature range in which they are comfortable. Unfortunately, infrared (IR) energy from the sun entering a room through a window can quickly raise the temperature to an uncomfortable level. Many windows include low emissivity coatings that have been developed to prevent heat spikes within a room by reflecting a large portion of incident infra red energy. Recently, self cleaning coatings have also been developed for use on window glass. These coatings may eliminate the need to clean the glass of an insulating glass unit.

[0010] Because the glass of an insulating glass unit typically includes special coatings, temporary labels that are applied to the glass are typically manufactured using special paper and special inks so that the coatings on the glass will not be damaged. The coatings on an insulating glass unit may also be damaged during transportation to a building site, or during the building process. The building process typically involves the efforts of a variety of crafts people such as carpenters, masons, and painters. During the building process the coatings on an insulating glass unit can be scratched or covered with paint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates generally to protective masking material that can be applied to insulating glass units, monolithic panes, and other workpieces. More particularly, the present invention relates to advantageous configurations of masking material which may be easily removed from a workpiece. An assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a pane having a face and a protective covering overlaying the face of the pane.

[0012] In some implantations, the protective covering includes a free portion which overlays the face of the pane and is easily lifted away from the face of the pane. In some advantageous implementations of the present invention, the free portion of the protective covering is dimensioned so as to be easily pinched between the thumb and index finger of a human hand.

[0013] Some implementations of the present invention include a pull tab comprising a portion of a strip which extends beyond an outer perimeter of the protective covering. In some cases, the pull tab extends between the outer perimeter of the protective covering and an inner border of a frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an additional perspective view of the strip shown in the previous figure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a first strip having an adherent portion and a non-adherent portion.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including the insulating glass unit of the previous figure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including the protective covering shown in the previous figure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first strip having an adherent portion and a non-adherent portion.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including the first strip shown in the previous figure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly including an insulating glass unit.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly including the protective covering shown in the previous figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered identically. The drawings depict selected, exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, for example, the thickness of some elements may be exaggerated for the purposes of illustration. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements. All other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 1 comprises a pane 100 and a strip 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an adherent portion 104 of strip 102 is fixed to a face 106 of pane 100 by an adhesive 108. A first channel 120 and a second channel 122 are defined by non-adherent portions 124 of strip 102 and face 106 of pane 100.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an additional perspective view of strip 102 shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 2 it may be appreciated that strip 102 comprises a substrate 126 having a major surface 180. In FIG. 2, adhesive 108 is shown disposed on major surface 180, so that major surface 180 of substrate 126 includes an adhesive covered portion 128 and a plurality of non-adhesive portions 130.

[0029] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a first strip 302A having an adherent portion 304 and a non-adherent portion 324. First strip 302A includes a substrate 326 having a major surface 380. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A comprises an adhesive 308A which is shown overlaying an adhesive covered portion 328 of major surface 380 of substrate 326. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, non-adherent portion 324 comprises a non-adhesive portion 330 of substrate 326.

[0030] It is to be appreciated that substrate 326 of first strip 302A may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include cellulostic materials (e.g., paper), metal foil, and polymeric film. Examples of polymeric materials which may be suitable in some applications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (e.g., PET), polyamide, and polyimide.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 4 comprises an insulating glass unit 332 including a first pane 300A. A first strip 302A is disposed on a face 306 of first pane 300A in FIG. 4. First strip 302A includes an adherent portion 304 and a non-adherent portion 324. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A is fixed to face 306 of first pane 300A by an adhesive 308A.

[0032] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a channel 320 is defined by first strip 302A and first pane 300A. More particularly, channel 320 has a first side 334 defined by face 306 of pane 300A and a second side 336 defined by non-adherent portion 324 of first strip 302. Channel 320 also includes a third side 338 defined by adhesive 308A. In FIG. 4, adhesive 308A can be seen extending between adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A and face 306 of pane 300A.

[0033] It should be appreciated that FIG. 4 is not necessarily drawn to scale. In a preferred embodiment, for example, adhesive 308A is generally thinner than substrate 326 of first strip 302 A. In FIG. 4, channel 320 is shown having a thickness that is similar to a thickness of adhesive 308A. In some embodiments, channel 320 may be generally thinner than adhesive 308A. For example, non-adherent portion 324 of first strip 302A contacts face 306 of pane 300A in some embodiments.

[0034] Insulating glass unit 332 of FIG. 4 includes a first pane 300A, a second pane 300AB and a spacer 340 interposed between first pane 300A and second pane 300AB. First pane 300A, second pane 300AB, and spacer 340 preferably define a interpane space. In some embodiments, an insulative gas (e.g., argon, krypton, and/or others) may be disposed within the interpane space. Embodiments are also possible in which the interpane space contains air or vacuum. Insulating glass unit 332 may be generally referred to as a double glazed insulating glass unit. Other embodiments of insulating glass unit 332 are possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, insulating glass unit 332 may be a single glazed insulating glass unit, or a triple glazed insulating glass unit.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including the insulating glass unit 332 of the previous figure. In FIG. 5, a protective covering 342 is shown overlaying face 306 of first pane 300A. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, protective covering 342 comprises a plurality of strips 302 disposed in an overlapping arrangement.

[0036] In FIG. 5, it may be appreciated that protective covering 342 comprises a fixed portion 344 and a free portion 346. In FIG. 5 free portion 346 of protective covering 342 is shown overlaying a channel 320. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, free portion 346 of protective covering 342 is dimensioned to be pinched between the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In some cases, for example, free portion 346 of protective covering 342 has a width that is similar to the thickness of a human finger.

[0037] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, free portion 346 of protective covering 342 comprises a non-adherent portion 324 of a first strip 302A and a portion of a second strip 302B which is fixed to first strip 302A by a second adhesive 308B. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, fixed portion 344 of protective covering 342 comprises an adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A that is fixed to first pane 300A by a first adhesive 308A. Additionally, fixed portion 344 of protective covering 342 comprises a portion of second strip 302B which is fixed to first pane 300A by second adhesive 308B.

[0038] In FIG. 5 it may be appreciated that protective covering 342 also includes a third strip 302C which partially overlaps second strip 302B and a fourth strip 302D which partially overlaps third strip 302C. It is to be appreciated that protective covering 342 may comprise any number of strips without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, third strip 302C comprises a substrate that is preferably fixed to first pane 300A and second strip 302B by a third adhesive 308C. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, fourth strip 302D comprises a substrate that is preferably fixed to first pane 300A and third strip 302C by a fourth adhesive 308D.

[0039] It is to be appreciated that the substrates of second strip 302B, third strip 302C and fourth strip 302D may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include cellulostic materials (e.g., paper), metal foil, and polymeric film. Examples of polymeric materials which may be suitable in some applications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (e.g., PET), polyamide, and polyimide.

[0040] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a channel 320 is defined by first strip 302A and face 306 of first pane 300A. More particularly, channel 320 has a first side 334 defined by face 306 of first pane 300A and a second side 336 defined by non-adherent portion 324 of first strip 302. Channel 320 also includes a third side 338 defined by adhesive 308A. In FIG. 5, adhesive 308A can be seen extending between adherent portion 304 of first strip 302A and face 306 of first pane 300A.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, face 306 of first pane 300A includes an unmasked apron 348 extending between an outer perimeter 350 of protective covering 342 and an outer extent 352 of first pane 300A. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, unmasked apron 348 is dimensioned to mate with a frame. Also in some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, outer perimeter 350 of protective covering 342 is dimensioned so as to be disposed within an inner boundary of a frame.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, channel 320 includes a first opening 354 and a second opening 356. In FIG. 5, these openings can be seen extending between free portion 346 of protective covering 342 and face 306 of first pane 300A. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, first opening 354 and second opening 356 are both disposed directly adjacent to unmasked apron 348 of first pane 300A. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, first opening 354 is substantially aligned with a first edge 382 of outer perimeter 350 of protective covering 342. In FIG. 5 it may also be appreciated that second opening 356 is substantially aligned with a second edge 358 of outer perimeter 350 of protective covering 342.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly including protective covering 342 shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 6, a portion of protective covering 342 is shown disposed between the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In a preferred embodiment, free portion 346 of protective covering 342 is adapted to be easily lifted away from face 306 of first pane 300 A.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 7 includes a first pane 500A and a protective covering 542 overlaying a face 506 of first pane 500A. The assembly of FIG. 7 also includes a pull tab 560. In the embodiment Of FIG. 7, pull tab 560 comprises a portion of a first strip 502A which extends beyond an outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, an adherent portion 504 of first strip 502 is fixed to face 506 of first pane 500A by an adhesive 508.

[0045] A first channel 520 and a second channel 522 are defined by non-adherent portions 524 of first strip 502A and face 506 of first pane 500A. First channel 520 communicates with a first opening 554 and a second opening 556. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, first opening 554 is substantially aligned with a first edge 582 of outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 5, second opening 556 is substantially aligned with an outer extent 552 of first pane 500A.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly of FIG. 8 includes an insulating glass unit 532 comprising a first pane 500A. In FIG. 8, a protective covering 542 is shown overlaying a face 506 of first pane 500A. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, face 506 of first pane 500A includes an unmasked apron 548 extending between an outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542 and an outer extent 552 of first pane 500A.

[0047] The assembly of FIG. 8 also includes a frame 562 which is fixed to unmasked apron 548. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a portion of frame 562 is cut away for purposes of illustration. In many embodiments, frame 562 completely surrounds an outer extent of insulating glass unit 532.

[0048] In FIG. 8 a pull tab 560 can be seen extending between an outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542 and an inner boundary 566 of frame 562. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, pull tab 560 comprises a portion of a first strip 502 which extends beyond outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, outer perimeter 550 of protective covering 542 is dimensioned so as to be disposed within inner boundary 566 of frame 562.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first strip 702A having an adherent portion 704 and a non-adherent portion 724. In FIG. 9 it may be appreciated that first strip 702 comprises a substrate 726 having a major surface 780. In FIG. 9, a first adhesive 708A is shown overlaying major surface 780 of substrate 726. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, non-adherent portion 724 of first strip 702A comprises a portion of adhesive 708A which is covered by a liner 768. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 9, adherent portion 704 of first strip 702 comprises a portion of adhesive 708A which is not covered by a liner 768. It is to be appreciated that liner 768 may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include cellulostic materials (e.g., paper), metal foil, and polymeric film. Examples of polymeric materials which may be suitable in some applications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (e.g., PET), polyamide, and polyimide.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including first strip 702A shown in the previous figure. In FIG. 10, a protective covering 742 is shown overlaying a face 706 of a first pane 700A. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, protective covering 742 has a free portion 746 and a fixed portion 744. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, free portion 746 of protective covering 742 comprises non-adherent portion 724 of first strip 702A. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 10, fixed portion 744 of protective covering 742 comprises adherent portion 704 of first strip 702A.

[0051] Liner 768 is visible in FIG. 10. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, free portion 746 of protective covering 742 is dimensioned to be pinched between the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In some cases, for example, liner 768 has a width that is similar to the thickness of a human finger.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly including an insulating glass unit 932. In FIG. 11, a protective covering 942 is shown overlaying a face 906 of a first pane 900A of insulating glass unit 932. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, protective covering 942 comprises a plurality of strips 902 disposed in an overlapping arrangement.

[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, protective covering 942 comprises a second strip 902B which is adhered to face 906 of pane 900 by a second adhesive 908B and a first strip 902A. An adherent portion 904 of first strip 902A is fixed to second strip 902B by an adhesive 908. In FIG. 11 it may be appreciated that first strip 902A and second strip 902B define a channel 920. More particularly, a non-adherent portion 924 of first strip 902A defines a first side 934 of channel 920 and a back surface 984 of second strip 902B defines a second side 936 of channel 920.

[0054] Insulating glass unit 932 of FIG. 11 includes a first pane 900A, a second pane 900B and a spacer 940 interposed between first pane 900A and second pane 900B. First pane 900A and second pane 900B may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include glass, metal, and plastics.

[0055] A free portion 946 of protective covering 942 overlays channel 920. In some advantageous embodiments of the present invention, free portion 946 of protective covering 942 is dimensioned to be pinched between the thumb and index finger of a human hand. In some cases, for example, free portion 946 of protective covering 942 has a width that is similar to the thickness of a human finger.

[0056] Also in the embodiment of FIG. 11, a first opening 954 communicating with channel 920 is offset from a first edge 982 of an outer perimeter 950 of protective covering 942 by a finite distance. In some advantageous embodiments, this distance is similar to the width of a human hand. In these advantageous embodiments, the offset may provide easy access to first opening 954 by a users hand. For the purposes of this disclosure, the width of a human hand may be defined as the distance extending from the outer side of the index finger to the outer side of the pinky finger.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly including protective covering 942 shown in the previous figure. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, an information bearing sheet 970 is disposed over protective covering 942. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, information bearing sheet 970 comprises a sheetstock 972 and a fifth adhesive 908E overlaying a surface of sheetstock 972.

[0058] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a channel 920 is defined by first strip 902A and second strip 902B. More particularly, a non-adherent portion 924 of first strip 902A defines a first side 934 of channel 920 and a back surface 984 of second strip 902B defines a second side 936 of channel 920. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, an indicia 974 is disposed on a the surface of sheetstock 972 of information bearing sheet 970 in a location which overlays channel 920. In this arrangement, a users attention is likely to be drawn to indicia 974 when the user grasps free portion 946 of protective covering 942.

[0059] Several forms of invention have been shown and described, and other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in art. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. An assembly, comprising: a pane having a face; a protective covering overlaying the face of the pane; the protective covering comprising a free portion and a fixed portion; the free portion of the protective covering defining a first side of a channel; and the face of the pane defining a second side of the channel.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fixed portion of the protective covering comprises an adherent portion of a first strip that is fixed to the pane by an adhesive; and the free portion of the protective covering comprises a non-adherent portion of the first strip.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first strip comprises a substrate and the adhesive overlays at least an adhesive portion of the substrate.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first strip comprises an adhesive free surface of the substrate.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first strip comprises a liner overlaying a portion of the adhesive.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel further includes a third side defined by the adhesive.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel communicates with an opening extending between the free portion of the protective covering to the face of the pane.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the opening is substantially aligned with an outer perimeter of the protective covering.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the face of the pane includes an un-masked apron extending between an outer perimeter of the protective covering and an outer extent of the pane.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the opening faces the unmasked apron of the pane.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further including a frame fixed to an unmasked apron of the face of the pane; and a tab extending between an outer perimeter of the protective covering and an inner border of the frame.

12. The assembly of claim 1, further including a pull tab comprising a portion of a strip which extends beyond an outer perimeter of the protective covering.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the free portion of the protective covering contacts the face of the pane and is easily lifted away from the face of the pane.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the free portion of the protective covering has a width that is similar to a thickness of a human finger.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective covering comprises a plurality of strips disposed in an overlapping arrangement.

16. The assembly of claim 1, further including an information bearing sheet overlaying the protective covering.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the information bearing sheet is disposed proximate the free portion of the protective covering so that a persons attention is drawn to information bearing sheet when the person grasps the free portion of the protective covering.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the information bearing sheet overlays the free portion of the protective covering.

19. An assembly, comprising: a pane having a face; a protective covering overlaying the face of the pane; the protective covering comprising a first strip overlaying a second strip; a adherent portion of the first strip being fixed to a back surface of the second strip by an adhesive; a non-adherent portion of the first strip defining a first side of a channel; and the back surface of the second strip defining a second side of the channel.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the channel further includes a third side defined by the adhesive.

21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the non-adherent portion of the first strip overlays the back surface of the second strip and is easily lifted away from the back surface of the second strip.

22. A method of protecting a masked area of a pane comprising the steps of: applying a plurality of strips on a surface of a pane, the strips being dimensioned and positioned to define an unmasked apron extending between an outer perimeter of a protective covering and an outer extent of the pane.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the unmasked apron dimensioned to mate with a frame.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the strips are positioned so as to at least partially overlap.