Window insulation system and method of use thereof

Abstract

A window insulation system including a magnetic strip and / or a magnetic compound coating and a piece of transparent plastic film. The magnetic compound coating is applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and a window is covered with the piece of transparent plastic film to insulate the window. The piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance.

Description

Patent Application of Hua Jin and Jinxiu ZhangForWINDOW INSULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to insulation, and more particularly, to window insulation systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Seasonal temperature fluctuations can lead to significant energy loss through windows, which are often the least insulated parts of a building. During winter, heat can escape through windows, leading to increased energy consumption and heating costs as the heating system works harder to maintain a warm environment. Conversely, in the summer, warm air can infiltrate through the windows, causing air conditioning systems to also work harder to maintain a cool environment, leading to increased energy consumption and associated costs. The increased energy consumption required to maintain the warm or the cool environment also has potential environmental impacts due to the higher demand on energy resources.

[0003] Traditionally, window insulation systems have been used to improve window insulation. These systems often use adhesive-based films or plastic coverings that are affixed to the window frames to improve insulation and reduce air leakage. However, such solutions have several limitations. Adhesive-based systems may leave residue upon removal, can be challenging to install and remove seasonally, and may damage certain window frames. Additionally, current window insulation systems only use a single layer of film or plastic covering, which limits an amount of insulation provided across a surface area of a window on which they are installed. Further, the films or plastic coverings cannot easily open and close in a similar manner to a window once installed, whereby the film orplastic covering may be partially opened and remain partially opened as desired and closed when needed.

[0004] As such, a need exists for an easy-to-install window insulation system that both improves thermal efficiency in winter and summer and can open and close in similar manner to a window.SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the techniques described herein in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0006] One or more embodiments provide a window insulation system, including: at least one of: a magnetic strip; and a magnetic compound coating or two or more substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; and a piece of transparent plastic film; wherein: the magnetic compound coating is applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film; a window is covered with the piece of transparent plastic film to insulate the window; and the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance.

[0007] One or more embodiments include a method for insulating a window, including: applying a magnetic compound coating to a piece of transparent plastic film; and covering the window with the piece of transparent plastic film to insulate the window, wherein the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around a window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance.

[0008] One or more embodiments provide a window insulation system, including: at least one of: a magnetic strip; and a magnetic compound coating or two or more substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; a piece of transparent plastic film; and a frame; wherein: the magnetic compound coating is applied onto thepiece of transparent plastic film; the transparent plastic film is attached to the frame; the frame is secured to a wall or a window trim, whereby the frame is capable of being positioned in a closed position and an open position; when the frame is in a closed position the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film forms a seal around a window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance; and when the frame is an open position the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the another magnetic substance and the window is accessible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0010] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example of a first window insulation system, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a flowchart of an example of a method for insulating a window using a first window insulation system, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example of a second window insulation system, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a flowchart of an example of a method for insulating a window using a second window insulation system, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present inventions will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present inventions. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Further, it should be emphasized that several inventive techniques are described, and embodiments are not limited to systems implanting all of those techniques, as various cost and engineering tradeoffs may warrant systems that only afford a subset of the benefits described herein or that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0015] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.SOME EMBODIMENTS OF A FIRST WINDOW INSULATION SYSTEM

[0016] Some embodiments provide a first window insulation system for insulating a window including a magnetic compound coating or at least two substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; a transparent plastic film; a cylindrical roller; and at least one cylindrical roller stopper. In some embodiments, the first window insulation system further includes a magnetic strip with adhesive backing.

[0017] Some embodiments include a method for insulating a window using the first window insulation system described herein, including: applying one of the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating to at least one of a wall and a window trim around a border of the window (e.g., the wall and / or window trim framing the window); cutting a portion of the transparent plastic film to obtain a piece of transparent plastic film that is sized to cover the window and the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window; and applying the magnetic compound coating around a perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film aligns with the magnetic strip or themagnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window. In some embodiments, applying the magnetic strip around the border of the window requires cutting the magnetic strip to obtain two or more magnetic strips that are applied around the border of the window. In some embodiments, the system includes two or more magnetic strips. For example, four magnetic strips may be cut from the magnetic strip or four magnetic strips are included in the system and each of the four magnetic strips may be applied to a top, bottom, left, or right border of the window. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing the two or more substances to create the magnetic compound coating. In some embodiments, the magnetic compound coating includes a resin, a magnetic powder, and additives. In some embodiments, the two or more substances include a premixture of two of the resin, the magnetic powder, and the additives (e.g., a premixture of the magnetic powder and the additives) and one of the resin, the magnetic powder, and the additives (e.g., the resin). In some embodiments, the magnetic compound coating requires an amount of time for curing (e.g., 2, 5, or 10 minutes). In some embodiments, the magnetic compound coating is flexible and bendable once applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film, including after curing. In some embodiments, magnetic strip with adhesive backing is applied to the piece of transparent plastic film instead of the magnetic compound coating.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the cylindrical roller to an edge of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the cylindrical roller is positioned at a bottom border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic film covers the window. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller is attached to the edge of the piece of transparent plastic film using an adhesive, such as glue. Other means may be used to attach the cylindrical roller to the edge of the piece of transparent plastic film, such as Velcro or tape. The first window insulation system may further include the means for attaching the cylindrical roller to the edge of the piece of transparent plastic film. In some embodiments, the method further includes covering the window with the piece of transparent plastic film by aligning and attaching the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window, whereby the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes securing one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to at least one of the wall and the window trim at a first particular height from a floor surface. In some embodiments, securing one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to at least one of the wall and the window trim includes securing a first cylindrical roller stopper and a second cylindrical roller stopper at the first particular height from the floor surface, proximal to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied to a left border and a right border of the window, respectively. In some embodiments, the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper is secured to the at least one of the wall and the window trim using one or more screws. Other means may be used to the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to the at least one of the wall and the window trim, such as adhesive.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further includes rolling at least a portion of the piece of transparent plastic film around the cylindrical roller to expose a portion of the window covered by the piece of transparent plastic film, wherein the magnetic compound coating applied around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as the cylindrical roller moves upwards towards a top border of the window and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is line with the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper secured to the at least one of the wall and the window trim or is at the first particular height from the floor surface; and engaging the cylindrical roller with the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at the first particular height from the floor surface, thereby keeping the portion of the window exposed. This allows a user to expose the portion of the window without uninstalling the entire transparent plastic film covering the window. For instance, the user may expose the portion of the window to access and open the window for fresh air or to clean the window without uninstalling the entire transparent plastic film. In some embodiments, two or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper are secured to at least one of the wall and the window trim at different heights from the floor surface (e.g., the first particular height from the floor surface, a second particular height from the floor surface, a third particular height from the floor surface, and so on) such that the usermay choose to expose different sized portions of the window covered by the piece of transparent plastic fdm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller engages with the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at a particular height from a floor surface. In some embodiments, the at least one cylindrical roller stopper includes at least one pair of brackets that are securable to a wall and / or window trim. The cylindrical roller may rest on the pair of brackets secured to the wall and / or window trim at a particular height from the floor such that the cylindrical roller is held in position at the particular height from the floor surface. In some embodiments, each bracket of the pair of brackets are U-shaped to keep the cylindrical roller from rolling or falling off each of the pair of brackets. Various means for holding the cylindrical roller in position at a particular height from a floor surface may be used in different embodiments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes unrolling the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film from the cylindrical roller to cover the exposed portion of the window, whereby the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as it is unrolled. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller moves downwards towards the bottom border of the window as the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window. The at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window when the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window due to magnetic forces. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller moves downwards towards the bottom border of the window as the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is in line with another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper. In some embodiments, the method further includes engaging the cylindrical roller with the another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at a second particular height from the floor surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the transparent plastic fdm is fabricated of one or more of: polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, chitosan,polyvinyl chloride, amorphous copolyester, cyclic olefin copolymer, ionomer resin (e.g., ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer), fluorinated ethylene propylene, styrene methyl methacrylate, styrene acrylonitrile resin, transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic polyimide, cellulose diacetate, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene including high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, perfluoro alkoxy, and polylactic acid. A thickness of the transparent plastic film may vary in different embodiments (e.g., 2, 3, or 10 cm). In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller and the at least one cylindrical roller stopper are each be fabricated of one or more of: a metal, a plastic, and a wood. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller is fabricated of material that is easily cut such that a length of the cylindrical roller can be cut to suit a width of a window. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller is adjustable in length such that its length is adjusted to suit the width of the window.

[0024] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example of the first window insulation system and a method of insulating a window using the first window insulation system. FIG. 1A illustrates the first window insulation system including: a roll of magnetic strip with adhesive backing 100; a magnetic compound coating 101; a transparent plastic film 102; a cylindrical roller 103; and a pair of cylindrical roller stoppers 104.

[0025] FIG. IB illustrates the magnetic strip 100 applied around aborder of awindow 105. FIG. IB further illustrates a piece of transparent plastic film 106 cut from the transparent plastic film 102, sized to cover the window 105 and the magnetic strip 100 applied around the border of the window 105, and the magnetic compound coating 101 applied around a perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 such that the magnetic compound coating 101 applied to the piece of transparent plastic film 106 aligns with the magnetic strip 100 applied around the border of the window 105. FIG. IB further illustrates the cylindrical roller 103 attached to a bottom edge of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 such that the cylindrical roller 103 may be positioned at a bottom border of the window 105 when the piece of transparent plastic film 106 covers the window 105. In some embodiments, the cylindrical roller is attached to the edge of the piece of transparent plastic film using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the first window insulation system may further include the adhesive.

[0026] FIG. 1C illustrates the piece of transparent plastic film 106 covering the window 105, with the cylindrical roller 103 positioned at the bottom border of the window 105. The magnetic compound coating 101 applied around the perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 is aligned with and attached to the magnetic strip 100 applied around the border of the window 105, whereby the piece of transparent plastic film 106 remains in place and forms a seal around the window 105 due to magnetic forces.

[0027] FIG. ID illustrates the pair of cylindrical roller stoppers 104 secured to a wall 107 using screws 108 at a first particular height from a floor surface 109, proximal to the magnetic strip 100 applied to a left border and a right border of the window. FIG. ID further illustrates a portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 rolled around the cylindrical roller 103 to expose a portion of the window 105. The magnetic compound coating 101 applied around the perimeter of the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 rolled around the cylindrical roller 103 is detached from the magnetic strip 100 applied around the border of the window 105, the two detaching as the cylindrical roller 103 moved upwards towards a top border of the window 105 as the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 was rolled around the cylindrical roller 103. The cylindrical roller 103 is line with the pair of cylindrical roller stoppers 104 secured to the wall 107 and engaged with the cylindrical roller stoppers 104, whereby the cylindrical roller 103 is positioned on the cylindrical roller stoppers 104, to hold the cylindrical roller 103 in position at the first particular height from the floor surface 109, thereby keeping the portion of the window 105 exposed. To cover the window 105 once again, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 is unrolled from the cylindrical roller 103 to cover the exposed portion of the window 105. The magnetic compound coating 101 applied around the perimeter of the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 attaches with the magnetic strip 100 applied around the border of the window as the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 is unrolled from the cylindrical roller 103, the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film 106 remaining in place and forming the seal around the window 105 due to magnetic forces.

[0028] FIG. IE illustrates an example wherein the first window insulation system includes two pairs of cylindrical roller stoppers 104 secured to the wall 107 at different heights from the floor surface 109 such that a user may choose to expose different sized portions of the window 105 covered by the piece of transparent plastic film 106.

[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a flowchart of an example of a method for insulating a window using the first window insulation system described herein, including: (200) applying a magnetic strip with adhesive backing to a wall around a border of the window; (201) cutting a portion of the transparent plastic film to obtain a piece of transparent plastic film that is sized to cover the window and the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window; (202) applying a magnetic compound coating around a perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film aligns with the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window; (203) attaching the cylindrical roller to an edge of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the cylindrical roller is positioned at a bottom border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic film covers the window; (204) covering the window with the piece of transparent plastic film by aligning and attaching the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film with the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window, whereby the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces; (205) securing a first and a second cylindrical roller stopper to a wall at a first particular height from a floor surface, proximal to the magnetic strip applied along the right border and the left border of the window, respectively; (206) rolling a portion of the piece of transparent plastic film around the cylindrical roller to expose a portion of the window, wherein the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window as the cylindrical roller moves upwards towards a top border of the window and the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is line with the cylindrical roller stoppers; (207) engaging the cylindrical roller with the cylindrical roller stoppers to hold the cylindrical roller in position at the first particular height from the floor surface, thereby keeping the portion of the window exposed; (208) unrolling the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film from the cylindrical roller to cover the exposed portion of the window, whereby the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window, the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film remaining in place and forming a seal around the window due to magnetic forces.SOME EMBODIMENTS OF A SECOND WINDOW INSULATION SYSTEM

[0030] Some embodiments provide a second window insulation system for insulating a window including: a rectangular frame (hereinafter referred to as “the frame”) to which a first transparent plastic film is attached on a front side and a second transparent plastic film is attached on a rear side; a magnetic compound coating or at least two substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; and at least one hinge. In some embodiments, the second window insulation system further includes at least one handle. In some embodiments, the second window insulation system further includes a magnetic strip with adhesive backing. In some embodiments, the second window insulation system further includes an adhesive.

[0031] Some embodiments provide a method for insulating a window using the second window insulation system described herein, including: applying one of the magnetic strip with adhesive backing or the magnetic compound coating to at least one of a wall and a window trim, around a border of the window (e.g., the wall and / or window trim framing the window); and applying the magnetic compound coating around a perimeter of the second transparent plastic film such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic film aligns with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window. In some embodiments, the magnetic strip is cut to obtain two or more magnetic strips that are applied around the border of the window, as described above for the first window insulation system. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing the two or more substances to create the magnetic compound coating, as described above for the first window insulation system. In some embodiments, magnetic strip with adhesive backing is applied to the piece of transparent plastic film instead of the magnetic compound coating. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing a first part of the at least one hinge to the frame; and securing a second part of the at least one hinge to a wall or a window trim such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic film aligns with and attaches to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window, whereby the frame is in a closed positioned, forming a seal around the window, and remains in the closed position due to magnetic forces.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes gripping an end of the frame opposite the at least one hinge and pulling the frame away from the window to transition the frame from the closed position to an open position, whereby the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic fdm detaches from the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window. When the frame is in the open position, the user has access to the window without uninstalling either of the transparent plastic fdms covering the window. For instance, the user may expose the window to open the window for fresh air or to clean the window. In some embodiments, the method further includes pushing the end of the frame opposite the at least one hinge towards the window to transition the frame from the open position to the closed position, whereby the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic fdm attaches to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing the at least one handle to the front side of the frame, opposite the at least one hinge, for use in opening and closing the frame.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film are pre-attached to the frame (e.g., during manufacturing or packaging). In such embodiments, an inert gas may be provided between the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film to further improve insulative properties.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second window insulation system further includes the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film and the method further includes attaching the first transparent plastic film to a front side of the frame and the second transparent plastic film to a rear side of the frame. In some embodiments, the second window insulation system further includes at least one transparent plastic film and the method further includes: cutting the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film from the at least one transparent plastic film, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film having the same dimensions as the frame; and attaching the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film to the front side of the frame and the rear side of the frame, respectively.

[0035] In one embodiment, the frame is excluded from the second window insulation system the second window insulation system rather includes at least one transparent plastic film. In such embodiments, the method further includes: creating the frame using wood oranother suitable material, the frame having dimensions large enough for the frame to cover the window and the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window; cutting the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film from the at least one transparent plastic film, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film having the same dimensions as the frame; and attaching the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film to the front side of the frame and the rear side of the frame, respectively. In some embodiments, only one of the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film are attached to the front side of the frame and the rear side of the frame, respectively.

[0036] In one embodiment, the frame is excluded from the second window insulation system the second window insulation system rather includes an adjustable rectangular frame (hereinafter referred to as “the adjustable frame”) and at least one transparent plastic film. In such embodiments, the method further includes: adjusting the adjustable frame to have dimensions large enough for the frame to cover the window and the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window; cutting the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film from the at least one transparent plastic film, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film having the same dimensions as the adjusted adjustable frame; and attaching the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film to the front side of the frame and the rear side of the frame, respectively.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film are attached to the front side of the frame and the rear side of the frame, respectively, using the adhesive. Other attachment means may be used in different embodiments.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first and the second transparent plastic films are fabricated of one or more of: polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, and chitosan, polyvinyl chloride, amorphous copolyester, cyclic olefin copolymer, ionomer resin (e.g., ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer), fluorinated ethylene propylene, styrene methyl methacrylate, styrene acrylonitrile resin, transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic polyimide, cellulose diacetate, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene,ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene including high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, perfluoro alkoxy, and polylactic acid. A thickness of the first and the second transparent plastic films may each vary in different embodiments (e.g., 2, 3, or 10 cm). In some embodiments, at least one of the first and the second transparent plastic films are replaced with a rigid transparent piece of plastic. In some embodiments, the frame is fabricated of one or more of: a metal, a plastic, and a wood.

[0039] The second window insulation system may be adapted to suit various sized windows. In some embodiments, the second window insultation system is adapted for use with a door, providing a layer of insulation for a door opening.

[0040] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example of the second window insulation system and a method of insulating a window using the second window insulation system. FIG. 3A illustrates the second window insulation system including at least: a transparent plastic film 300; amagnetic compound coating 301; amagnetic strip with adhesive backing 302; hinges 303; and a handle 304.

[0041] FIG. 3B illustrates the magnetic strip 302 applied around a border of a window 305 and a frame 306 with dimensions large enough to cover the window 305 and the magnetic strip 302 applied around the border of the window 305. The frame 306 may be included in the second window insulation system or may be fabricated by a user. FIG. 3B further illustrates a first transparent plastic film 307 and a second transparent plastic film 308 cut from the transparent plastic film 300 attached to a front side of the frame 306 and a rear side of the frame 306, respectively, the first transparent plastic film 307 and the second transparent plastic film 308 have the same dimensions as the frame 306. FIG. 3B further illustrates the magnetic compound coating 301 applied around a perimeter of the second transparent plastic 308, such that the magnetic compound coating 301 applied to the second transparent plastic film 308 aligns with the magnetic strip 302 applied around the border of the window 305. FIG. 3B further illustrates a first part of the hinges 303 secured to the frame and the handle 304 secured to the front side of the frame 306, opposite the hinges 303.

[0042] FIG. 3C illustrates a second part of the hinges 303 secured to a wall 309 such that the magnetic compound coating 301 applied to the second transparent plastic film 308 aligns with and attaches to the magnetic strip 302 applied around the border of the window305, whereby the frame 306 is in a closed positioned, forming a seal around the window 305, and remains in the closed position due to magnetic forces.

[0043] FIG. 3D illustrates a user 310 gripping the handle 304 and pulling the frame 306 away from the window 305 to transition the frame 306 from the closed position (see, FIG. 3C) to an open position, whereby the magnetic compound coating 301 applied to the second transparent plastic film 308 detaches from the magnetic strip 302 applied around the border of the window 305. To return the frame 306 to the closed position, the user uses the handle 304 to push the frame 306 towards the window 305 until the magnetic compound coating 301 applied to the second transparent plastic film 308 attaches to the magnetic strip 302 applied around the border of the window 305.

[0044] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a flowchart of an example of a method for insulating a window using, including: (400) applying a magnetic strip with adhesive backing to a wall around a border of the window; (401) creating a frame using wood or another suitable material, the frame having dimensions large enough for the frame to cover the window and the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window; (402) cutting a first transparent plastic film and a second transparent plastic film from a larger sized transparent plastic film, the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film having the same dimensions as the frame; (403) attaching the first transparent plastic film and the second transparent plastic film to a front side of the frame and a rear side of the frame, respectively; (404) applying magnetic compound coating around a perimeter of the second transparent plastic film such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic film aligns with the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window; (405) securing a first part of each of two hinges to the frame; (406) securing a handle to the front side of the frame, opposite the hinges; (407) securing a second part of each of the two hinges to the wall such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic film aligns with and attaches to the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window, whereby the frame is in a closed positioned, forming a seal around the window, and remains in the closed position due to magnetic forces; (408) gripping the handle and pulling the frame away from the window to transition the frame from the closed position to an open position, whereby the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic film detaches from the magnetic strip applied around the border of the window; and (409) gripping the handle and pushing the frametowards the window to transition the frame from the open position to the closed position, whereby the magnetic compound coating applied to the second transparent plastic fdm attaches to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window.

[0045] Embodiments herein provide window insulation systems that employ magnetic forces to securely seal insulative transparent plastic fdm around a window for added insulation during the winter and summer seasons. Embodiments herein further provide window insulation systems that easily open and close in a similar manner to a window once installed, whereby the transparent plastic fdm may be partially opened and remain partially opened as desired and closed when needed. Further, embodiments herein further provide a window insulation system including a double layer of transparent plastic fdm to improve insulative properties of the window insulation system.

[0046] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are presented by way of example, and that numerous variations, modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In some instances, certain features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment, or multiple embodiments may be integrated together to achieve a desired result. Additionally, certain elements or steps of the described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or altered depending on the specific implementation or application.

[0047] In various embodiments, certain components, methods, or functionalities described herein may be modified or adapted to fit specific use cases or design constraints. These modifications may be made in view of particular user requirements, environmental conditions, or regulatory considerations.

[0048] Alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are also possible. In some cases, a particular feature described with reference to one embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. Similarly, the order of steps in a process / method or the arrangement of components in a system or apparatus may be altered, provided that the underlying principles of the invention are maintained.

[0049] While particular embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may be employed in place of the specifically described forms. In some cases, specific components may be replaced with functionally equivalent alternatives,and in others, operational steps may be rearranged or omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A window insulation system, comprising: at least one of: a magnetic strip; and a magnetic compound coating or two or more substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; and a piece of transparent plastic film; wherein: the magnetic compound coating is applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film; a window is covered with the piece of transparent plastic film to insulate the window; and the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the another magnetic substance comprises at least one of a magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied to at least one of a wall and a window trim around a border of the window; the magnetic compound coating is applied around a perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film aligns with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic film covers the window; and the window is covered with the piece of transparent plastic film by aligning and attaching the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic film with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the system further comprises: a cylindrical roller; and at least one cylindrical roller stopper; the cylindrical roller is attached to an edge of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the cylindrical roller is positioned at a bottom border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic film covers the window;at least a portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller to expose a portion of the window covered by the piece of transparent plastic film, wherein: the magnetic compound coating applied around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as the cylindrical roller moves upwards towards a top border of the window and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller; and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is line with one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper secured to the at least one of the wall and the window trim or is at a first particular height from a floor surface; and the cylindrical roller engages with one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at the first particular height from the floor surface, thereby keeping the portion of the window exposed.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper is secured to the at least one of the wall and the window trim at the first particular height from the floor surface.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein: the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper comprises a first cylindrical roller stopper and a second cylindrical roller stopper; and the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper are secured at the first particular height from the floor surface, proximal to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied to a left border and a right border of the window, respectively.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein: the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper comprise a first bracket and a second bracket; and the cylindrical roller engaging with the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper comprises the cylindrical roller resting on the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical roller engages with another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at a second particular height from the floor surface to expose a different sized portion of the window than the portion of the window exposed when the cylindrical roller is held in position at the first particular height from the floor surface.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein: the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller to cover the exposed portion of the window, wherein the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window; the cylindrical roller moves downwards towards the bottom border of the window as the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window; and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window when the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window due to magnetic forces.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein: the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller to cover the exposed portion of the window, wherein the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window; the cylindrical roller moves downwards towards the bottom border of the window as the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is in line with another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper; and the cylindrical roller engages with the another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at a second particular height from the floor surface.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical roller is attached to the edge of the piece of transparent plastic fdm using an adhesive.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein: the system further comprises a transparent plastic fdm; the transparent plastic fdm is cut to obtain the piece of transparent plastic fdm; and the piece of transparent plastic fdm is sized to cover the window and the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window.

12. The system of claim 2, wherein the magnetic strip is applied to the at least one of the wall and the window trim around the border of the window.

13. The system of claim 2, wherein the magnetic compound coating is applied to the at least one of the wall and the window trim around the border of the window.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: the magnetic compound coating is comprised of: a resin, a magnetic powder, and additives; and the transparent plastic fdm is fabricated of at least one of: polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, chitosan, polyvinyl chloride, amorphous copolyester, cyclic olefin copolymer, ionomer resin, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, fluorinated ethylene propylene, styrene methyl methacrylate, styrene acrylonitrile resin, transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic polyimide, cellulose diacetate, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene including high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, perfluoro alkoxy, and polylactic acid.

15. A method for insulating a window, comprising: applying a magnetic compound coating to a piece of transparent plastic fdm; and covering a window with the piece of transparent plastic fdm to insulate the window, wherein the piece of transparent plastic fdm remains in place and forms a seal around the window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic fdm and another magnetic substance.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: applying one of a magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating to at least one of a wall and a window trim around a border of the window, wherein: the another magnetic substance comprises the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied to at least one of the wall and the window trim around a border of the window; the magnetic compound coating is applied around a perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic fdm such that the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic fdm aligns with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic fdm covers the window; and the window is covered with the piece of transparent plastic fdm by aligning and attaching the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the piece of transparent plastic fdm with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: attaching a cylindrical roller to an edge of the piece of transparent plastic film such that the cylindrical roller is positioned at a bottom border of the window when the piece of transparent plastic film covers the window; rolling at least a portion of the piece of transparent plastic film around the cylindrical roller to expose a portion of the window covered by the piece of transparent plastic film, wherein the magnetic compound coating applied around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as the cylindrical roller moves upwards towards a top border of the window and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is rolled around the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is line with one or more of at least one cylindrical roller stopper secured to the at least one of the wall and the window trim or is at a first particular height from a floor surface; engaging the cylindrical roller with the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at the first particular height from the floor surface, thereby keeping the portion of the window exposed; and securing the one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to at least one of the wall and the window trim at the first particular height from the floor surface; wherein: the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper are secured at the first particular height from the floor surface, proximal to the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied to a left border and a right border of the window, respectively; the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper comprise a first bracket and a second bracket; and the cylindrical roller engaging with the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper comprises the cylindrical roller resting on the first cylindrical roller stopper and the second cylindrical roller stopper.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: engaging the cylindrical roller with another one or more of the at least one cylindrical roller stopper to hold the cylindrical roller in position at a second particular height from the floor surface to expose a different sized portion of the window than the portion of the window exposed when the cylindrical roller is held in position at the first particular height from the floor surface.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:unrolling the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film from the cylindrical roller to cover the exposed portion of the window, wherein: the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as it is unrolled; the magnetic compound coating around the perimeter of the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film aligns and attaches with the magnetic strip or the magnetic compound coating applied around the border of the window as it is unrolled; the cylindrical roller moves downwards towards the bottom border of the window as the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film is unrolled from the cylindrical roller until the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window; and the at least the portion of the piece of transparent plastic film remains in place and forms a seal around the window when the cylindrical roller is at the bottom border of the window due to magnetic forces.

20. A window insulation system, comprising: at least one of: a magnetic strip; and a magnetic compound coating or two or more substances that are mixed together to create the magnetic compound coating; a piece of transparent plastic film; and a frame; wherein: the magnetic compound coating is applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film; the transparent plastic film is attached to the frame; the frame is secured to a wall or a window trim, whereby the frame is capable of being positioned in a closed position and an open position; when the frame is in a closed position the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film forms a seal around a window due to magnetic forces between the magnetic compound coating applied onto the piece of transparent plastic film and another magnetic substance; and when the frame is an open position the magnetic compound coating applied to the piece of transparent plastic film detaches from the another magnetic substance and the window is accessible.

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