Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing architectural resin panels having a thick three-dimensional interlayer. In particular, at least one implementation includes a layup assembly that includes a decorative interlayer, positioned between resin sheets, that decorative interlayer comprising one or more three-dimensional decorative objects and one or more resin blocks. At least one implementation also includes a single-step lamination or pressing process that uses a combination of heat and pressure to melt the resin sheets and the resin blocks together, forming a decorative resin panel which includes the three-dimensional objects.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 10, 2012
Publication date:
November 15, 2012
Applicant:
3FORM, INC.
Inventors:
Guillaume Martin, Charles H. Moore, Matthew T. Sutton
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:
July 10, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 9, 2012
Assignee:
3form, Inc.
Inventors:
Wendy E. K. Langan, John E. C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.
Abstract: A twisted resin panel of typically several feet in length can be twisted after being subject to heat, pressure, and a rotation assembly. In one implementation, a manufacturer can clamp opposing ends of a heated resin panel, such as a panel comprising a one or more layers (e.g., tie/EVA layer, image layer(s), etc.) thermoformed within opposing resin sheet layers. The manufacturer can then elevate the resin panel, and then twist at least one end of the resin panel to a specified degree to achieve a desired aesthetic. Upper securing means (e.g., vertical clamps, rig hardware) at the upper end of the resin panel can be configured to move up or down during the twist of the resin panel in order to accommodate length variations thereof. Upon twisting, the resin panel will then cool into the desired position, and thus be used for any number of decorative architectural purposes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 10, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 11, 2012
Assignee:
3form, Inc.
Inventors:
Bryan Harris, Kevin Fisher, Jeremy Porter, Venugopal R. Ghatikar, Guillaume Martin
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.
Abstract: A semi-private partition or covering includes a collapsible structure having a plurality of uniform perforations formed therein. The plurality of uniform perforations can be configured in size, shape, and dimension to provide not only aesthetic but functional differences from one partition to the next. A manufacturer can make a partition by forming a collapsible structure, such as by bonding a plurality of elongate cells along a plurality of different horizontal seams. The manufacturer can then position a plurality of cutout apparatus about the structure and apply the cutout apparatus to create hollow perforations passing through the entire depth of the collapsible structure (e.g., when expanded). The partition can be mounted to a top or side support structure for any combination of vertical or horizontal expansion/contraction of the partition.
Abstract: A decorative architectural glass panel comprises a two or more glass sheets separated by a resin in which one or more decorative objects are suspended. A method of making the glass panel comprises positioning one or more spacers and one or more decorative objects on a first glass sheet, placing a second glass sheet about the first glass sheet, sealing the edges of the first glass sheet and second glass sheet, and filling the space between the first and second glass sheets with a curable liquid resin. The resin can be poured using a substantially horizontal pour in order to keep the decorative objects from substantially shifting when pouring the liquid resin. The resin can also be poured in combination with a vacuum force. In some implementations, the glass panel may also be substituted with a resin panel using polymeric resin sheets.
Abstract: A variable angle panel mounting system can include at least one variable-angle panel mounting member, which in turn includes an elongate support member and an angularly-adjustable mounting plate adapted to secure an end of the elongate support member to a plurality of mounting surface angles. In some embodiments, the variable angle panel mounting system may also include a pressure-fit mounting system. These components can provide the ability to angularly and vertically adjust the variable-angle panel mounting member between opposing support surfaces.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 23, 2012
Publication date:
August 2, 2012
Applicant:
3FORM, INC.
Inventors:
William Gatti, Michael Damen, Venugopal R. Ghatikar, Guillaume Martin
Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.
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:
Application
Filed:
April 12, 2012
Publication date:
August 2, 2012
Applicant:
3FORM, INC.
Inventors:
Wendy E.K. Langan, John E.C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
Abstract: Adjustable bushing assemblies for mounting panels to a support surface include an upper bushing and a lower bushing. The upper bushing is configured to be secured to the lower bushing and prevent over tightening of a fastener secured through the upper and lower bushings. In addition, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more support surfaces using one or more adjustable bushing assemblies.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 19, 2011
Publication date:
July 19, 2012
Applicant:
3FORM, INC.
Inventors:
Danielle M. Putz, William Gatti, Brian Hillstrom, Bryan K. Harris
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: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.