Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for illuminating and/or providing an aesthetically pleasing lighted structure. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a light fixture, which can incorporate resin elements surrounding a lighted core. Additionally, one or more implementations also include methods of manufacturing the lighted fixture to achieve a desirable aesthetic thereof. Furthermore, in one or more implementations, the light fixture can resemble or imitate a sun, which can appeal to a viewer thereof.
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, resin-based sheets including color and/or multi-decorated images. In particular, at least one implementation includes subjecting at least one surface of a polymer sheet to uniform heat and pressure in order to sublimate a dye into the surface, and ensure that that polymer sheet is not warped or otherwise damaged during processing. Additional implementations include decorative architectural resin panels including a resin sheet having a dye sublimated into one or more surfaces in order to create an effect of depth or other aesthetic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 12, 2012
Date of Patent:
October 1, 2013
Assignee:
3form, Inc.
Inventors:
Wendy E. K. Langan, John E. C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
Abstract: The disclosure involves resin-based sculptures, such as resin-based lighting fixtures, that include resin pieces secured together by resin-based fasteners. One or more resin-based fasteners secure the resin pieces. Furthermore, the resin-based fasteners are configured to blend in with the resin pieces in a manner that reduces the visibility of the resin-based fasteners. For instance, the resin-based fasteners can have a color and/or shade that match the color and/or shade of the resin strips.
Abstract: A panel mounting system configured to securely mount a panel to a support structure includes a channel and a pivoting wedge assembly. The pivoting wedge assembly is configured to selectively lock a panel to the channel. In one or more implementations, the pivoting wedge assembly is configured to automatically rotate between a released position and a locked position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2011
Date of Patent:
September 10, 2013
Assignee:
3form, Inc.
Inventors:
Su-Wen U. Chen, Brian Hillstrom, Michael Damen
Abstract: Panel mounting components and systems for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, can include a melt-bondable panel mounting bracket. Melt-bondable panel mounting brackets can include one or more bonding features configured to be pressed or rotated into a resin-based panel, thereby allowing additional components, such as a twist-lock mounting assembly, to be secured directly to a single side of a panel. Methods of securing melt-bondable panel mounting brackets to a resin panel can include rotating the melt-bondable panel mounting brackets at high speeds of rotation to cause a portion of the resin panel to melt and bond about the melt-bondable panel mounting brackets.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 26, 2013
Publication date:
August 22, 2013
Applicant:
3FORM, INC.
Inventors:
Brian Hillstrom, A. Chase Norton, Bryan K. Harris
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate aesthetically pleasing decorative architectural resin panels having a thin or brittle veneer layer, such as thinly sliced natural wood or stone. In particular, at least one implementation includes a flat or curved decorative resin panel made with a natural wood veneer layer whose structural integrity has been maintained despite being subject to various heats and pressures. The resulting resin panel is at least partially translucent, and allows for a unique display both of the resin sheets used to form the panel and of the thin wood materials encapsulated therein. Additional implementations relate to the use of other brittle veneer layers, such as translucent stone, translucent metals, or the like, which also provide unique, decorative architectural, aesthetic features.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 11, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 20, 2013
Assignee:
3form, Inc.
Inventors:
Ruben Suare, Kriby V. Rea, Raymond L. Goodson, R. Talley Goodson
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods related to mounting decorative slats. In particular, the present invention facilitates accurate mounting and installation of a decorative multi-slat system, which can provide aesthetic enhancement for a particular space. Furthermore, the method of installing the decorative multi-slat system can allow an installer to reduce likelihood of errors and misalignments of the system, which can occur during the installation.
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for embedding objects within thermoplastic resin material and decorative thermoplastic panels resulting therefrom. Implementations include fusing thermoplastic resin particles together to form a decorative resin panel. Furthermore, a manufacturer can place decorative objects within the bed of thermoplastic resin particles to fabricate a decorative resin panel that encapsulates the decorative objects therein.
Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.
Abstract: Resin-based lighting fixtures provide both light and a desirable aesthetic. The resin-based lighting fixtures include a plurality of propellers having curved resin strips that at least partially conceal a light source. The resin strips can form any number of aesthetically pleasing configurations, such as, for example, a blossom. The resin strips can be transparent or translucent. When lit, the light source can illuminate the resin strips.