A tool kit and a method to visualize same color on a glass substrate

Abstract

A tool kit for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate is disclosed. The tool kit comprises of a glass substrate (110), a shade card (120) and a fluid (130) having a matching refractive index as the glass substrate. The glass substrate (110) has a first surface (140) and a second surface (150). The shade card (120) consists of a color to be rendered on the glass substrate (110). A method for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] A TOOL KIT AND A METHOD TO VISUALIZE SAME COLOR ON A GLASS SUBSTRATE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates, in general visualizing shade of colors on a glass substrate. More specifically to a tool kit, and a method for visualizing an actual or true color on a glass without applying a paint or lacquer coating on the glass substrate. Such a visualization of the color is substantially same as the shade card color.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Glass is a versatile material extensively used in various applications, including architectural, automotive, and decorative industries. It is of significance that in these industries, the accurate visualization of shades and colors on glass surfaces is essential for selecting suitable options for final applications. Traditionally, the process of shade visualization on glass involves applying coatings or colorants directly onto the glass surface, which can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and often irreversible.

[0006] Shade card is a tool that helps choose a specific shade from a range of colors for a given application. Visualization of shade on glass becomes challenging as lacquer appears different on the coated side and glass side due to the property of reflection contributed by glass. Efforts have been made in the prior art to overcome the challenges of shade or color visualization on glass. Some prior approaches have utilized shade cards or swatches, which are placed in proximity to the glass to approximate the desired color. However, due to the difference in refractive indices between air and glass, the color appearance on the glass side can differ significantly from what is seen on the shade card, by the end user.

[0007] The visualization of shades and colors on glass is a critical aspect in various industries, including architecture, automotive, interior design, and others. Traditionally, the process of shade visualization involves the application of coatings or colorants directly onto the glass, which can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and irreversible. Other attempts have utilized shade cards or swatches, but the differences in refractive indices between air and glass often lead to inaccurate color representation.

[0008] When a shade card is placed on glass and the shade is visualized on the side opposite the one on which it is placed, the color appears different from what it would look like when lacquered coating is applied on glass. This happens due to the air gap that is caused when the shade card is placed on the glass. When light passes through two media with different refractive indices such as air and glass, the property of reflection occurs. Glass reflects 4% of incident light and absorbs the rest. This phenomenon combined with the presence of iron oxide as a raw material in glass leads to the color being perceived differently on the surface of light interaction and the side from which color is viewed upon.

[0009] Other prior techniques have involved the use of refractive index fluids or index matching fluids to reduce the light scattering effects of air gap between a transparent solid medium and the object under examination. While these fluids can mitigate some of the issues, they have not been considered in the utilization of this tool to render colour on glass accurately. They have also not been effectively integrated into a comprehensive tool kit or system for practical and widespread use.

[0010] The prior art has explored the use of refractive index fluids or index matching fluids to mitigate the reflection effects between the shade card and the glass. However, there has been a lack of an integrated, practical, and comprehensive tool kit and system that combines these concepts to enable accurate and efficient shade visualization on glass.

[0011] Therefore, there remains a need for an improved tool kit and system that allows for accurate and efficient visualization of shades on glass without the need for actual application of coatings or colorants. The present invention addresses these challenges and provides a solution for visualizing shades on glass surfaces.

[0012] OBJECT OF INVENTION

[0013] The main object of the present invention is to provide a tool kit to visualize an actual or true color to be coated on a glass substrate.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool kit to visualize an actual or true color to be coated on a glass substrate, without applying a paint or lacquer coating on the glass substrate. Such a visualization of the color is substantially same as the shade card color.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate, without applying a paint or lacquer coating on the glass substrate. Such a method ensures the appearance of the shade when viewed by an end user from the second surface demonstrating substantially same color of the shade card.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, tool kit for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate is disclosed. The tool kit comprises a glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a shade card consisting of a color to be rendered on the glass substrate; and a fluid having a matching refractive index as the glass substrate. The first surface of the glass substrate is applied with the refractive index matching liquid and the shade card is placed on the first surface of the glass substrate coated with the refractive index matching liquid. The glass substrate when viewed by an end user from the second surface demonstrates substantially same color of the shade card.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate, without applying a paint or lacquer coating on the glass substrate is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: a. providing a glass substrate of predetermined shape and size; b. applying a refractive index matching fluid on a first surface of the glass substrate; c. placing a shade card on the first surface of the glass substrate, the shade card depicting a shade or color to be rendered on the glass substrate; c. viewing the shade or color on the glass substrate from the second surface of the glass substrate; and d. cleaning the glass substrate post-usage. The appearance of the shade when viewed by an end user from the second surface demonstrates substantially same color of the shade card.

[0019] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in the accompanying figures.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a tool kit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As used herein, in every embodiment, it must be understood that the term ‘true color’ or ‘actual color’ or ‘substantially same color’ can be used interchangeably, refers to a color that would appear on a painted or lacquered glass substrate.

[0026] The term ‘glass substrate’ or ‘transparent substrate’, as used herein, interchangeably, refers to a solid-like and transparent material that is used in numerous applications in our daily lives. As referred herein, the substrate is glass which is made from natural and abundant raw materials (sand, soda ash and limestone) that are melted at very high temperature to form a new material.

[0027] As used herein the term ‘shade card’ refers to a card illustrating a range of color samples which would help the customer / end user choose the perfect color. Particularly, in the present invention such a color shall be applied on a glass substrate to make it a lacquered glass.

[0028] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Embodiments disclosed herein are related to a tool kit for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate.

[0029] The present application provides a tool kit for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate, without actual application of paint to make it look like a lacquered glass substrate. Beneficially the tool kit in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need for repetitive coating applications, saving time, resources, and costs. Further, beneficially, the present tool kit allows the glass substrate to be cleaned and used multiple times, promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, specifically, the tool kit allows the end user / customer to confidently select shades for various applications without resorting to irreversible coating applications.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 of the present application, which illustrates a tool kit 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tool kit 100 comprises of a glass substrate 110, a shade card 120 and a fluid 130 having a matching refractive index as the glass substrate. The glass substrate 110 has a first surface 140 and a second surface 150. The shade card 120 consists of a color to be rendered on the glass substrate 110. In accordance with the present invention, the tool kit 100 further comprises a cleaning solution, for cleaning the glass substrate after every use of the shade card 120.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 140 of the glass substrate 110 is applied with the refractive index matching liquid 130. The refractive index matching fluid is transferred on the first surface 140 of the glass substrate with the help of a dropper and spread evenly using a brush to ensure that the fluid spreads uniformly across the glass substrate 110 to cover in entirety. In some embodiments, the refractive index matching fluid 130 can also be transferred on to the shade card with the help of a dropper and spread evenly using a brush to ensure that the fluid spreads uniformly across the shade card 120. In a preferred embodiment the fluid having matched refractive index as glass substrate is selected from the group comprising dimethyl phthalate, ethyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, methyl benzoate, chlorobenze, dimethyl iodide. In a most preferred embodiment fluid having matched refractive index as glass substrate is dimethyl phthalate.

[0032] The refractive index fluids or index matching fluids have been described in literature. These fluids are chosen in such a way that their refractive index matches that of the optical material to be used i.e., the glass substrate 110. When the refractive index matches closely with glass, the effect of reflection at the interface between the shade card 120 and glass substrate 110 is minimized, which enables in viewing the substantially same color as that of a glass substrate coated with the paint.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tool kit 100 comprising the shade card 120 is placed on the first surface 140 of the glass substrate 110 coated with the refractive index matching liquid 130. The shade card is placed on the glass substrate and a gentle pressure is applied manually to ensure that the shade card adheres to the glass substrate. In every embodiment of the present invention the shade card and the glass substrate have substantially same dimensions, for ex., length and width of 100 mm and 100 mm for shade card and glass or 200 mm and 200 mm for shade card and glass. The shade card in accordance with the present disclosure, consists of different colors and decorative designs. The designs can be but not limited to lines, circles, square, triangle, oval, rectangle, octagon, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, stars, gradients or any such abstract shapes.

[0034] The tool kit 100 in accordance with the present invention visualizes any color or shade or design with color on the glass substrate 110 without having to coat the glass with the chosen shade. Beneficially, this minimalizes the time and effort required to generate samples to pick a shade or color as required by the end user / customer for the final application.

[0035] In every embodiment of the present invention, the tool kit 100 components work synergistically to enable users to visualize shades on glass accurately and efficiently.

[0036] The present invention further discloses a method for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate 110. In accordance with the present method, a glass substrate 110 having a predetermined shape and size is provided. In some embodiments the shape of the glass substrate is rectangle, triangle or square. In a preferred embodiment the shape of the glass substrate is square.

[0037] The method further comprises providing a refractive index matching fluid 130 on a first surface 140 of the glass substrate 110. The refractive index matching liquid is applied by means of a dropper and spread evenly with the help of a brush to substantially cover the first surface of the glass substrate. A shade card 120 consisting of a sample color or shade is further placed on the first surface of the glass substrate already applied with the refractive index matching liquid 130. The shade card 120 is placed on the first surface 140 of the glass substrate 110 and a gentle pressure is applied manually to ensure that the shade card adheres to the glass substrate 110. The refractive index matching fluid 130 is allowed to evenly spread and ensure that there are no air bubbles or gaps between the shade card 120 and the glass substrate 110.

[0038] Further, the method in accordance with the present invention allows for multiple usage of the same glass substrate 110 to depict the actual color on the glass substrate same as the color coated with paint on the glass substrate. The cleaning solution is provided to clean the glass substrate after the visualization process. After visualization, the glass substrate 110 can be cleaned using the provided cleaning solution, making it ready for subsequent use. This ensures that the glass is ready for subsequent use and maintains its optical properties. The cleaning solution is selected from the group consisting of acetone, Isopropanol, water, diacetone alcohol, xylene, ethyl alcohol. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning solution is Isopropanol.

[0039] The end user / customer can now view the shade or color on the glass substrate from the second surface of the glass substrate. The end user is enables to view substantially same or actual or true color of the shade card without coating the sample color on the glass substrate. Examples

[0040] Comparative Example 1(a), (b), (c):

[0041] The comparative examples 1(a), (b), (c) relate to colors RAL 8014 (Sepia Brown), RAL 1015 (Light Ivory), RAL 3027 (Raspberry red) respectively, without using refractive index matching liquid and air gap between the glass substrate and the shade card.

[0042] Comparative Example 2 (a), (b), (c):

[0043] The comparative examples 2(a), (b), (c) relate to colors RAL 8014 (Sepia Brown), RAL 1015 (Light Ivory), RAL 3027 (Raspberry red) respectively, using a non- matching refractive index fluid, such as water between the glass substrate and the shade card.

[0044] Inventive Example 1(a), (b), (c):

[0045] The inventive examples 1(a), (b), (c) relate to colors RAL 8014 (Sepia Brown), RAL 1015 (Light Ivory), RAL 3027 (Raspberry red) respectively, using a matching refractive index fluid, such as Dimethyl Pthalate as per the invention.

[0046] Sample 1(a), (b), (c):

[0047] The samples 1(a), (b), (c) relate to colors RAL 8014 (Sepia Brown), RAL 1015 (Light Ivory), RAL 3027 (Raspberry red) respectively which have been coated with the respective colors. These samples are used to evaluate the actual L*,a*,b* values were taken as a reference for color measurements.

[0048] Method of preparation of the samples:

[0049] 1. For the purpose of this experiment, 3 RAL shades were chosen : RAL 8014 (Sepia Brown), RAL 1015 (Light Ivory), RAL 3027 (Raspberry red) respectively.

[0050] 2. These 3 shades mentioned above were coated using spray coating process on 4mm clear glass. L*,a*,b* values were taken as a reference for colour measurements. These colour measurements were done on a spectrophotometer as per ASTM E308: using standard D65 illuminant, 10 deg observing angle. L*,a*b* was measured for the coated side (paint side) and the non-coated side (glass side).

[0051] 3. Colour measurements were also done for the same three shades (Refer point 1 above) on a RAL K5 fan deck purchased commercially. Measurement method adopted is same as that described in point 2 above. The RAL shade card was placed on glass and colour measurements were repeated on the side opposite the side on which the shade card is placed (glass side).

[0052] 4. A refractive index matching fluid (Dimethyl Pthalate) was applied using a dropper evenly on the RAL shade card and placed on the glass. Colour measurements were repeated on the glass side using method described above and values were noted down.

[0053] 5. Experiment described in Point 4 was repeated using water as a fluid and colour measurements were done.

[0054] The results of the color measurement shave been indicated in the below Table 1.

[0055] It can be thus inferred from the above table that using a refractive index matching between the glass substrate and the shade car as per the present invention, the refractive index matching fluid reduces the dE value between the true or actual color observed on glass side of a lacquered glass and shade card when viewed from the glass side.

[0056] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY With the implementation of the tool kit of the present disclosure, shade or actual or true color visualisation on glass can be achieved with applying a paint or coating to make it a lacquered glass. Furthermore, the tool kit minimalizes the time and effort required to generate samples to pick a shade or color required for the final application.

[0057] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description, or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0058] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0059] 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. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, 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 teachings can certainly be used in this application. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0060] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts. While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0062] List of Elements

[0063] Tool kit

[0064] Glass substrate

[0065] Shade card

[0066] Refractive index matching fluid

[0067] First surface

[0068] Second surface

Claims

We Claim:1) A tool kit for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate, the kit comprising: a glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a shade card consisting of a color to be rendered on the glass substrate; a fluid having a matching refractive index as the glass substrate; wherein the first surface of the glass substrate is applied with the refractive index matching liquid, wherein the shade card is placed on the first surface of the glass substrate coated with the refractive index matching liquid, characterized in that the glass substrate when viewed by an end user from the second surface demonstrates substantially same color as the glass coated with a paint of the same color as the shade card.2) The tool kit as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a cleaning solution for cleaning the glass substrate post-usage.3) The tool kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass substrate and the shade card have same dimensions.4) The tool kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid having matched refractive index as glass substrate is selected from the group comprising dimethyl phthalate, ethyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, methyl benzoate, chlorobenze, dimethyl iodide.5) The tool kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass substrate is reusable and can be cleaned and used multiple times as required.6) The tool kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass substrate is provided in a variety of sizes and shapes.7) A method for visualizing substantially same color to be coated on a glass substrate, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing a glass substrate of predetermined shape and size; b. applying a refractive index matching fluid on a first surface of the glass substrate; c. placing a shade card on the first surface of the glass substrate, the shade card depicting a shade or color to be rendered on the glass substrate; c. viewing the shade or color on the glass substrate from the second surface of the glass substrate; and d. cleaning the glass substrate post-usage; characterized in that the appearance of the shade when viewed by an end user from the second surface demonstrates substantially as the glass coated with a paint of the same color as the shade card.8) The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a cleaning solution to clean the glass substrate after visualizing the shade card color.9) The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cleaning solution is selected from the group consisting of acetone, Isopropanol, water, diacetone alcohol, xylene, ethyl alcohol.10) The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the refractive index matching fluid closely matches the refractive index of the glass substrate.

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