NL2033836B1

NL2033836B1 - Method of covering a window by means of a film, window-frame, and combination of a window-frame and a film

Info

Publication number: NL2033836B1
Application number: NL2033836A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Leeuwenburgh Peter
Original assignee: Oos Safety & Inspections B V
Priority date: 2022-12-24
Filing date: 2022-12-24
Publication date: 2024-07-05

Abstract

Method of covering a window (2) by means of a film. The method includes providing the film folded and at least partly rolled around an elongated core (12), and attaching an adhesive to a window—frame. The method includes attaching an open portion (20) of the folded film (10) to a portion of the adhesive (26.1) attached to a first frame part (4.1), at a position that enables overlap of the folded film (10) with a portion of the adhesive (26.3) attached to a third frame part (4.3). The method includes unrolling the folded film (10) to enable it to overlap with a portion of the adhesive attached to a fourth frame part (4.4). The method includes unfolding an unrolled portion of the folded film (10), and attaching it to a portion of the adhesive attached to a second frame part, so that the window (2) is covered.

Description

Title: Method of covering a window by means of a film, window-frame, and combination of a window-frame and a film

FIELD

The invention relates to a method of covering a window that is surrounded by a window-frame, by means of a film that preferably is transparent. The invention also relates to a window-frame that surrounds a window that is covered by means of a film that preferably is transparent. The invention further relates to a combination of a window-frame and a film that preferably is transparent.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that windows can make a building attractive for living or working therein. The windows can for example allow daylight to enter an interior of the building, and can offer persons being inside the building a view of the environment of the building. However, windows can also cause a loss of heat, or cold, from the interior of the building to the environment outside the building. Such heat loss may be disadvantageous during winter, while loss of cold may be disadvantageous during summer.

In window-frames of relatively old buildings, often, classic types of glass panes are mounted that have relatively poor heat-isolating properties and often form single glazed windows. In modern buildings, the problem of loss of heat and cold is met by modern types of glass panes mounted inside the window-frames, often forming double or triple glass pane units. In the last decades, the thermal isolation provided by glass panes has improved significantly. However, such modern glass panes with improved heat-isolating properties are relatively expensive compared to the classic types. Moreover, replacing classic types of glass panes can be expensive.

The problem of loss of heat or cold can be met by using a thin transparent film to cover a window, often in addition to a glass pane already present inside the window-frame. The use of a transparent film for reducing loss of heat or cold through a window, can be relatively inexpensive. Nowadays, various producers provide packages that contain a loose sheet of transparent shrink film in a predefined size. In order to fit inside such packages, the sheet has to be folded to contain many layers and with folds extending in different direction that are transverse to each other. A user is supposed to remove the sheet from the package, to unfold it many times, to initially cut the sheet to a size that is significantly larger than the window-frame, to apply the remaining sheet to the window-frame, and to remove excess parts of the sheet. For example, patent publication US 4,911,964 relates to the use of such a sheet.

However, it turns out in practice that cutting and handling of a sheet sold in a package, is difficult for many persons buying such a package. This is partly inherent to the nature of the film, which is usually relatively thin, slippery, vulnerable, and difficult to handle. For example, the sheet of the film can wrinkle, can cling to other objects that are present in a vicinity of the window-frame, can be blown away or otherwise move in unwanted directions, can be accidentally torn during cutting of the film, can pick up contamination from a surface on which it is spread out, etc. A user may even need to use multiple sheets before being able to successfully cover a single window, Moreover, often relatively large portions of the film that are outside of the dimensions of the window-frame are wasted.

Patent publications US 5,937,596 and US 6,141,921 relate to a method of applying a weather barrier, using a film that is folded multiple times to obtain a stack of eight film layers, and is provided with a stiffening band. The stiffening band is provided with an adhesive that is to be applied directly on the window-frame. The use of a stiffening band however increases manufacturing costs. Moreover, the film may be vulnerable to temperature-induced dimensional changes, for example during storage or transport. As a result, after applying the stiffening band, deformation of the tilm may occur near the stiffening band. This may reduce a quality of the film when used for covering a window.

The above disadvantages have contributed to a limited use of transparent films for covering windows. In particular, currently available products are directed to the consumer market instead of to the professional market. Professional covering of windows by means of transparent films, however, can be expected to require methods and products that can be applied faster and more easily that the current products directed to consumers. The limited use of transparent films for covering windows has led for example to unnecessarily high energy use during winter for heating inside buildings or during summer for cooling inside buildings. There thus is a need for improved possibilities of covering a window that is surrounded by a window-frame, by means of a film that is transparent.

SUMMARY

There is provided a method of covering a window that is surrounded by a window-frame, by means of a film that preferably is transparent, the window-frame having a first frame part and a second frame part that is spaced apart from the first frame part, the window-frame further having a third frame part and a fourth frame part that is spaced apart from the third frame part, the method including: providing the film folded and at least partly rolled around an elongated core, so that the film extends in a width direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film that includes a fold in the folded film, to an open portion of the folded film; attaching an adhesive to the window-frame, so that the adhesive extends along, and is attached to, the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part; attaching the open portion of the folded film to a portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, at a position that enables, and preferably causes, overlap of the folded film with a portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part; unrolling the folded film, to enable, and preferably cause, the folded film to overlap with both the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and a portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part; and unfolding an unrolled portion of the folded film, to obtain an unfolded portion of the film, and attaching the unfolded portion of the film to a portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, so that the window is covered.

The method may enable an improved control of the film during handling of the film. For example, attaching the film to the portion of the adhesive that is already attached to the first frame part while the film is still folded, reduces a risk of wrinkling and the occurrence of unwanted movement of the film. In addition, the overlap with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part may facilitate the handling of the film when attaching it thereto. The same holds for the overlap with the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Moreover, by having the folded film at least partly rolled around the elongated core, control of the folded film during the handling thereof for covering the window, may be improved as well.

According to an aspect, the unrolling is carried out to increase a distance over which the open portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part. Preferably, the unrolling includes moving the elongated core relative to, and preferably along, the first frame part and preferably towards the fourth frame part. Preferably, the unrolling is carried out after attaching the folded film to the adhesive attached to the first frame part. In an embodiment, during the unrolling, the film is pressed against the portion of the adhesive that is attached to the first frame part. In this way, adhesive contact can be ensured between the open part of the folded film and the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part.

Attaching the folded film to the portion of the adhesive that is already attached to the first frame part while the folded film is at least partly rolled around the elongated core, further facilitates handling of the film, e.g. further enables reducing a risk of wrinkling and the occurrence of unwanted movement of the film. The method enables reaching a similar effect by unrolling the folded film to increase a distance over which the open portion is attached to the portion of the adhesive that is attached to the first frame part. After all, attaching the film to the adhesive attached to the first frame part from a roll around an elongated core and while it is still folded, enables a relatively good control of the film during the handling thereof for covering the window. For example, a risk of unwanted movement of the film may be reduced by means of the elongated core and attaching the folded film from the roll.

Preferably, the open portion of the folded film extends in a direction along, or substantially parallel with, the closed edge portion. Preferably, at the open portion of the folded film, a single layer of the film can be separated from one or more other layers of the folded film. Preferably, the open portion of the folded film is an open edge portion of the folded film. Preferably, the open portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part so that an edge of the film that extends along the first frame part, when covering the window, points in a direction away from the window.

As a result of the overlap of the folded film with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth 5 frame part, the folded film is positioned for attachment with these portions of the adhesive. Preferably, the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part is attached thereto before the attaching of the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part. Preferably, the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part is attached thereto before the unrolling of the folded film to increase a distance over which the open portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part.

In an embodiment, the window is surrounded, preferably is enclosed, by the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part. Preferably, the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part extend along the window, preferably continuously. Preferably, the second frame part is spaced apart from the first frame part by means of the window that is positioned in between the first frame part and the second frame part.

Preferably, the fourth frame part is spaced apart from the third frame part by means of the window that is position in between the first frame part and the second frame part. Preferably, the elongated core extends longitudinally in an elongated core direction, the width direction being directed along the elongated core direction.

The folded film preferably includes two film sections that are positioned at opposite sides of the fold. The film sections preferably are substantially flat.

Optionally, the film sections are provided with one or more further folds. Preferably, the film sections form surfaces, such as inner surface and outer surfaces, of the folded film. Preferably, the film sections cling together along the inner surfaces of the folded film. Preferably, the film sections that cling together are releasable from each other during the unfolding. Preferably, the folded film has not more than two layers of film, formed by the two film sections. The two film sections preferably are without further folds. Preferably, the folded film that is at least partly rolled around the elongated core is free from additions, such as adhesive strips or adhesive bands, that are designed to attach the film to the window-frame and/or that increase a thickness of the film.

Preferably, the fold in the folded film extends in a length direction of the folded film.

The length direction is transverse to, optionally is perpendicular to, the width direction.

In an embodiment, the folded film has an end portion that is spaced apart from the elongated core, the method including: attaching the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, at a position that enables, and preferably causes, overlap of the end portion of the folded film with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part. Preferably, the folded film is open at the end portion. Preferably, the film sections of the folded film can be separated from each other at the end portion. By having the end portion of the folded film overlapping with the third frame part, the folded film may be used efficiently.

Moreover, an amount of film that extends beyond the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, can be reduced. This enables further improvement of the handling of the film. For example, a risk of unwanted movement of excess parts of the folded film extending beyond the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part in a direction away from the window, can be reduced. In addition, a need of cutting the folded film near the third frame part, may be absent.

In an embodiment, the method includes: cutting the folded film. Preferably, the unrolled portion of the folded film is cut after the unrolling. Preferably, the method includes: cutting the folded film, so that the unrolled portion of the folded film is separated from a portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core.

In an embodiment, the folded film is cut after the unrolled portion of the folded tilm is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, and after the folded film is positioned and dimensioned to overlap with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. After the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, the film can be cut, unfolded and further attached to the window-frame in a controlled way, as the attachment along at least the first frame part will determine a position of the film during cutting.

Preferably, the unrolled portion of the folded film is cut along the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Preferably, the unrolled portion of the folded film is cut along the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part at a side of the adhesive that is away from the window. Preferably, the folded film is cut along the width direction of the folded film, more preferably substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the elongated core during the unrolling. Preferably, the unrolled portion of the folded film is cut before the unfolding. This facilitates control of the film during cutting.

In an embodiment, the method includes: attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part; and/or attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Such attachment to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third and/or second frame part, may further improve the positioning of the film for covering the window. This may facilitate control of the film during further steps of covering the window.

In an embodiment, the method includes: attaching the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and/or to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Preferably, after the unfolding, a distance over which the film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part is increased by also attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or a distance over which the film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part is increased by also attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Attaching the film to the third and/or fourth frame part while it is still folded, enables a better control during attaching because of the larger thickness of the folded film. It also enables a better control during further attaching of the film after unfolding, as the film is already partly attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third and/or fourth frame part before unfolding.

In an embodiment, the method includes: attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and/or to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, before attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the second frame part. Such attachment to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third and/or fourth frame parts, may be beneficial for handling the unfolded portion of the film for attachment to the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part.

In an embodiment, the method includes, during the unrolling: covering, at least partly, the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, by means of a protective strip that is removable.

Optionally, the method includes, during the unrolling: covering, at least partly, the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, by means of the protective strip that is removable.

In an embodiment, the film is a heat-shrinkable film, preferably substantially made of polyolefin. Preferably the method includes, after attaching the film to the portions of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third, and fourth frame parts: heating the attached film for flattening the film, thus covering the window with a flattened film. By means of the heating, coverage by means of a relatively flat film can be achieved. This may improve a view through the window covered by the film. In this embodiment, the film preferably is attached to the portions of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third, and fourth frame parts, to form an adhesive zone that surrounds, and preferably encloses, the window.

In an embodiment, the window-frame includes a transparent pane. Preferably, after the heating of the film, the film extends along, and is spaced apart from, the pane so that air that is contained in a space between the film and the pane forms a barrier against transport of heat or cold through the window. Such an isolating layer of air may effectively reduce loss of cold or heat through the window. The transparent pane preferably is a glass pane. The glass pane preferably is intact, but alternatively may be broken. Optionally, the pane is formed by another film.

According to a further aspect, the unrolling is carried out before the attaching of the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, the method including: before the unrolling, fixing a position of the elongated core relative to the window-frame; and/or after the unrolling, releasing the elongated core from its fixed position relative to the window-frame. Such a further aspect may in particular be beneficial to handling of the folded film in case of windows that have a relatively large height, e.g. a height of at least two metre or a height of at least three metre.

In an embodiment, the position of the elongated core is fixed relative to the window-frame by mechanically connecting the elongated core to the glass pane. A mechanical connection between the elongated core and the glass pane can for example be arranged by means of one or more vacuum suction cups that are mechanically connected to the elongated core, and are arranged for mechanically connecting to the glass pane.

In an embodiment, the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the first frame part. This may in particular be beneficial to handling of the folded film if the third frame part extends sidewards. In an embodiment, the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the first frame part before the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the third frame part. This may in particular be beneficial to handling of the folded film if the first frame part extends sidewards. Preferably, as a result of the folded film being attached to the third frame part extending sidewards or the first frame part extending sidewards, the unrolled portion of the film may hang down and have a relatively stable position relative to the window-frame, in particular after cutting.

Preferably, the adhesive is attached to an inside surface of the window-frame.

Covering the window from the inside of a building, normally enables a stronger attachment between the film and the window-frame. Optionally, the adhesive is attached to an outside surface of the window-frame. In some embodiments, the window-frame is covered both at the inside of the window-frame and at the outside of the window-frame. Such a double coverage enables an improved isolation against heat or cold. It may be applied for example in situations wherein the pane inside the window-frame is damaged.

In an embodiment, the first frame part and the second frame part are directed sidewards and the third frame part and the fourth frame part are directed upwards.

Preferably, the first frame part is positioned higher that the second frame part.

Preferably, the window-frame has a rectangular shape. Preferably, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the elongated core is directed upwards or downwards during the unrolling. This embodiment enables, and preferably causes, the unrolled portion of the folded film to extend downwards from the first frame part.

This may facilitate the control of the unrolled folded film portion and/or the the unfolded film portion. It may also facilitate attaching the folded film and/or the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part.

In an embodiment, the first frame part and the second frame part are directed upwards and the third frame part and the fourth frame part are directed sidewards.

Preferably, the third frame part is positioned higher that the fourth frame part.

Preferably, the window-frame has a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the elongated core can be directed sidewards during the unrolling. Preferably, the unrolling is carried out by moving the elongated core upwards or downwards. The combination of this embodiment with the further aspect, may be appreciated, in particular if the unrolling includes a downwards movement of the unrolled portion of the folded film while the elongated core is substantially fixed relative to the window-frame.

In an embodiment, the elongated core extends out of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core, to form at least one projecting core end part, preferably to form two core end parts at opposite ends of the elongated core.

Preferably, during the unrolling, the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core is stabilised and/or guided by means of the at least one projecting core end part, preferably by the two projecting core end parts. Such stabilising may for example be appreciated when fixing the position of the elongated core relative to the window-frame, according to said further aspect.

Preferably, the at least one core end part is provided with an end ring that is arranged for limiting movement, in the width direction, of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. Preferably, the two core end parts are each provided with an end ring that is arranged for limiting movement, in the width direction, of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. Such an end ring can, for example, hinder movement of the folded film rolled around the elongated core and the elongated core relative to each other, in the longitudinal direction of the elongated core. In particular, such end rings can hinder sliding down of the elongated core when holding the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core at a perimeter of the folded film, and sliding down of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core when holding the elongated core at one or two core end parts.

In an embodiment, the end ring, preferably each of two end rings provided at the core end parts, has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. In this way, the end ring may be placed against the first frame part during the unrolling. This enables stabilising the roll during unrolling. This further improves control of the film.

In an embodiment, the unrolling includes moving the elongated core along the first frame part towards the fourth frame part. Preferably, the at least one end ring is arranged for rotation relative to the elongated core. Preferably, the method includes: positioning the at least one end ring against the first frame part during the unrolling, so that the at least one end ring can rotate relative to the elongated core when moving the elongated core, along the first frame part, towards the fourth frame part. As a result of said positioning, the elongated core may be stabilised relative to the first frame part in a direction perpendicular to the window. The rotatable at least one end ring may facilitate the movement towards the fourth frame part.

In an embodiment, the at least one projecting core end part extends out of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core, near the closed edge portion of the folded film. In an embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the at least one projecting core end part extends out of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core, near the open portion of the folded film. Preferably, the core end part near the open portion, preferably the open edge portion, of the folded film is provided with an indication element, such as a coloured tie-wrap. As a result, the open portion can be easily distinguished from the closed edge portion.

Alternatively or additionally, the core end part near the closed portion of the folded film is optionally provided with an indication element for distinguishing the closed edge portion from the open end portion.

In an embodiment, the folded film, at least partly, extends in the width direction of the folded film over a width of at least 50 centimetre and/or at most 120 centimetre, preferably over at least 70 centimetre and/or at most 100 centimetre.

Such a width of the folded film may be convenient as, after unfolding, such a width may enable covering window-frames with dimensions that often occur. Moreover, such a width of the folded film is still practical to use.

In an embodiment, the folded film extends around the elongated core in a length direction of the folded film, which is transverse to the width direction, over a length of at least 10 metre, preferably at least 20 metre, more preferably at least 40 metre. As a result of providing the folded film rolled around an elongated core, such lengths can be handled and well controlled. However, when using a known sheet from a package that is to be unfolded before attaching it to adhesive attached to the window-frame, such lengths will normally be too large to be used.

In an embodiment, the folded film includes a single fold that is formed by the fold included by the closed edge portion of the folded film. In view of typical dimensions of windows in many buildings, by means a folded film having single fold a typical vertical dimension of a window can be covered while having a folded film width that can still be handled conveniently during covering the window. Moreover, a single fold enables a relatively good control of the folded film during cutting and enables a relatively simple manufacturing process of the folded film rolled around the elongated core.

In an embodiment, the fold is one of at least two, or at least three, folds in the folded film that extend in a length direction of the folded film. Such embodiments allow for various ways of folding the film. For example, if the open portion of the folded film is located at a central position along the width direction, both edge portions of the folded film may include a fold. Optionally, the fold is one of at most three, or at most two, folds in the folded film that extend in a length direction of the folded film.

In an embodiment, the folded film includes a stack of at least three layers or at least four layers. Such a stack of layers may be useful for windows having a relatively large size, in particular a relatively large height. Such stacks of layers may be useful for windows having a relatively large size, in particular a relatively large height. In an embodiment, the folded film includes a stack of at most four layers, preferably at most three layers, more preferably at most two layers. Such stacks of layers may cause the folded film to be easier to manufacture, for example.

In an embodiment, the adhesive includes, or is formed by, a tape that is adhesive at both sides. Preferably, the tape has a width of at least 14 millimetre, preferably at least 18 millimetre. Such a width may increase a strength of the attachment between the adhesive and the window-frame, and between the adhesive and the preferably transparent film. Such strength may be especially appreciated during the heating of the attached film that covers the window for flattening the film.

Optionally, the adhesive includes, or is formed by, an adhesive sealant or glue.

In an embodiment, during the unrolling, the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or the portion of the adhesive to the fourth frame part, is at least partly covered by a removable cover for covering the adhesive. At least partly covering portions of the adhesive prevents unwanted adhesive contact with uncovered portions of the adhesive and the film. For example, after attaching the folded film to the adhesive attached to the first frame part, the removable cover may be removed from the portions of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, third frame part, and/or fourth frame part.

The latter embodiment may combine well with said further aspect.

Alternatively or additionally to the combination of the latter embodiment, said further aspect optionally is combined with at least partly covering the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, by the removable cover for covering the adhesive.

In an embodiment, the method includes: heating the window-frame, before attaching the adhesive thereto. Preferably, the heating includes mounting an isolating material that extends along at least part of the window-frame, wherein heating further includes providing heat in a space between the isolating material and the at least part of the window-frame.

In an embodiment, the method includes: extruding the film from an orifice so that a tube of extruded material is formed as a result of the extruding, the tube extending along a longitudinal tube direction; and/or flattening the tube and opening the tube along the longitudinal tube direction. Preferably, the method includes providing the film folded and extending in the width direction of the folded film from the closed edge portion of the folded film to the open portion of the folded film.

In an embodiment, the method includes: after flattening of the tube, rolling the folded film around the elongated core to obtain the folded film that is at least partly rolled around the elongated core.

In an embodiment, the film is provided with powder particles that are arranged for hindering adherence of surface portions of the folded film to each other.

Preferably, the folded film has a surface that is arranged for facing away from the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window. Preferably, a majority, e.g. at least 70 weight % or at least 90 weight %, of said powder particles are provided on said surface arranged for facing away from the window. Preferably, the folded film has a surface that is arranged for facing towards the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window. Preferably, said surface arranged for facing towards the window is substantially free from the powder particles. For example, a collective weight of the powder particles applied on the surface arranged for facing away from the window is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, times a collective weight of the powder particles applied on the surface arranged for facing towards the window.

There is also provided a window-frame that surrounds a window that is covered by means of a film that preferably is transparent, wherein the film is attached to an adhesive attached to the window-frame by a method according to the invention.

There is also provided a combination, or an assembly, of a window-frame and a film that preferably is transparent and that is provided folded and at least partly rolled around an elongated core, the window-frame having a first frame part and a second frame part that is spaced apart from the first frame part, the window-frame further having a third frame part and a fourth frame part that is spaced apart from the third frame part, wherein the folded film extends in a width direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film that includes a fold in the folded film, to an open portion of the folded film, wherein an adhesive is attached to the window-frame, so that the adhesive extends along, and is attached to, the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part, wherein the open portion of the folded film is attached to a portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, at a position that enables, and preferably causes, overlap of the folded film with a portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part. The combination may facilitate handling of the film when covering a window.

Preferably, the open portion of the folded film is an open edge portion of the folded film. Preferably, the open portion of the folded film extends in a direction along, or substantially parallel with, the closed edge portion. Preferably, the elongated core extends longitudinally in an elongated core direction, the width direction being directed along the elongated core direction.

In an embodiment, the folded film overlaps with both the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and a portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. As a result, the folded film is positioned for attachment with these portions of the adhesive.

In an embodiment, a portion of the folded film is unrolled and forms an unrolled portion of the folded film, wherein the unrolled portion of the folded film is arranged to be cut so that the unrolled portion of the folded film is separated from a portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core, and wherein the unrolled portion of the folded film is arranged to be unfolded to obtain an unfolded portion of the film that can be attached to a portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, so that the window is covered.

In an embodiment, the film is provided with powder particles that are arranged for hindering adherence of surface portions of the folded film to each other, wherein the folded film has a surface that is arranged for facing away from the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window, wherein a majority of said powder particles are provided on said surface that is arranged for facing away from the window. As a result, closing in powder particles in between a pane mounted in the window and the film covering the window, may be largely avoided.

In an embodiment, the folded film includes two film sections at opposite sides of the fold, wherein both film sections are, at least partly, inclined with respect to each other. Such an inclination may e.g. be obtained while unfolding an unrolled portion of the folded film.

In an embodiment, the combination, or the assembly, is obtained by carrying out a method according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting figures, wherein:

Figure 1A illustrates a rectangular window-frame;

Figure 1B illustrates a round window-frame formed by a wall portion;

Figure 1C illustrates a triangular window-frame;

Figure 2A shows a schematic side view of a folded film that is partly rolled around an elongated core;

Figure 2B shows a schematic top view of the folded film that is partly rolled around the elongated core, shown in the schematic side view in figure 2A;

Figure 2C schematically shows the folded film of figures 2A and 2B, in a cross- section indicated in figure 2B;

Figure 2D shows an elongated core that extends out of a portion of a folded film that is rolled around an elongated core, wherein core end parts are each provided with an end ring;

Figure 3A illustrates a window-frame that encloses a window;

Figure 3B illustrates a window-frame to which an adhesive is attached;

Figure 3C illustrates a window-frame in combination with a transparent folded film that is partly rolled around an elongated core;

Figure 3D illustrates a folded film that is partly unrolled and attached to a portion of an adhesive attached to a first part of a window-frame;

Figure 3E illustrates an unrolled portion of a folded film that is positioned and dimensioned to overlap with both a portion of an adhesive attached to a third frame part and a portion of an adhesive attached to a fourth frame part;

Figure 3F illustrates an unrolled portion of a folded film, after it is cut from a remainder of the folded film that is partly rolled around an elongated core;

Figure 3G illustrates a cut unrolled portion of a folded film after unfolding, attached to a portion of an adhesive attached to a first frame part, to a portion of an adhesive attached to a second frame, to a portion of an adhesive attached to a third frame part, and to a portion of an adhesive attached to a fourth frame part;

Figure 3H illustrates an unfolded film portion covering a window, after removing excess parts of the unfolded portion of the film and after heating the unfolded portion of the film;

Figure 4A illustrates a window surrounded by a window-frame that includes a glass pane and is covered by a transparent film, in a cross-section indicated in figure 3H;

Figure 4B shows a detail of figure 4A;

Figure 5A illustrates a folded film that includes a stack of four layers;

Figure 5B illustrates a folded film that includes a stack of three layers;

Figure 5C illustrates a folded film that includes a stack of four layers, wherein three folds in the folded film extend in a length direction of the folded film;

Figure 5D illustrates a variation wherein an open portion of the folded film is not an edge portion of the folded film;

Figure 6A schematically shows a top view of an extruder having an orifice from which a tube of extruded material can be formed;

Figure 6B schematically illustrates flattening of a tube of extruded material along a longitudinal tube direction;

Figure 7A illustrates a window that is surrounded by a window-frame;

Figure 7B illustrates unrolling a folded film;

Figure 7C shows an unrolled portion of a folded film after cutting the folded film; and

Figure 7D illustrates unfolding an unrolled portion of a folded film, to obtain an unfolded portion of a film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a method of covering a window that is surrounded by a window-frame, by means of a film that preferably is transparent.

The window-frame has a first frame part and a second frame part that is spaced apart from the first frame part. The window-frame further has a third frame part and a fourth frame part that is spaced apart from the third frame part. The method includes providing the film folded and at least partly rolled around an elongated core. The folded film extends in a width direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film that includes a fold in the folded film, to an open portion, preferably an open edge portion, of the folded film. The open portion extends in a direction along, or substantially parallel with, the closed edge portion. The elongated core extends longitudinally in an elongated core direction, while the width direction is directed along the elongated core direction. In the method, the folded film rolled around the elongated core is used for covering the window.

In known examples of covering a window, films are used that include a heat- shrinkable material. Such films are preferably used in methods according to the present disclosure as well. In the present disclosure, the film typically may have a thickness of at least about 5 micrometre or at least about 10 micrometre, and/or at most about 30 micrometre or at most about 100 micrometre. The thickness of the film may e.g. be about 20 micrometre. The film may be substantially made of polyolefin such as e.g. polyethylene and/or polypropylene, although other materials may be used as well. In the present disclosure, a film is used that is folded and is, at least partly, rolled around an elongated core. The elongated core according to the present disclosure can for example be an axle. The elongated core preferably is hollow, so that its weight is reduced.

In the present disclosure, the folded film that is at least partly rolled around the elongated core can be free from additions, such as adhesive strips or adhesive bands, that are designed to attach the film to a window-frame and that significantly increases a thickness along the film. Such an adhesive band is inherent to the disclosure of patent publications US 5,937,506 and US 6,141,921. A thickness of the folded film according to the present disclosure however, may be substantially uniform. For example, in the width direction, the thickness of the folded film can be at most 150 %, preferably at most 125 % or at most 110 %, of a minimum thickness along said width direction. Alternatively, or additionally, other limitations to thickness variations may apply as well. For example, in the width direction a thickness of the folded film can be limited to at most two times, or at most three times, an average thickness of the film in said width direction. Typically, in the width direction a thickness of the folded film is limited to at most four times an average thickness of the film in said width direction.

Unlike the film of US 5,937,596 and US 6,141,921 where the film is provided with a band that has another composition than the film, a composition of the film according to the present disclosure typically may be substantially uniform. A folded film having a relatively uniform thickness and composition, may be rolled around a core without creating relatively large stresses in the film. Variations, such as dissimilarities, in thickness and composition, in particular in the width direction, of the folded film, could lead to internal stress in the film and could additionally lead to stress between the adhesive and the film. Such types of stress may lead to difficulties in using the film for covering windows. Compared to US 5,937,596 and US 6,141,921, the present disclosure enables covering windows without introducing significant stress. Alternatively or additionally to having a uniform composition and thickness, this can also be enabled by attaching the folded film to portions of an adhesive only after the adhesive is attached to the window-frame. Stress that may be present in a folded film according to the present disclosure when rolled around the elongated core, is typically released after unrolling and unfolding.

A folded film generally has at least two film layers that typically cling to each other. Without wanting to be bound by theory, such clinging together may typically be caused by electrostatic charge and/or by cooling of the folded film after it is rolled around the elongated core. Film sections are formed by sections of the film at opposite sides of a fold in the folded film. Such film sections may form inner surfaces and possibly outer surfaces of the folded film containing a stack of two or more layers. The film sections typically cling together along the inner surfaces of the folded film. As a result of such clinging together, the folded film is maintained folded. A strength with which film sections that form a stack of three or more layers cling together, may vary in a thickness direction of such a folded film as a result of manufacturing of the folded film. However, film layers that cling to each other can typically be released from each other manually, when unfolding the folded film.

It was found that using the film folded and, partly or completely, rolled around an elongated core, enables reaching a number of advantages. Compared to a single sheet of film, the folded film is normally less vulnerable to wrinkling and unwanted damage, for example during cutting of the folded film. Having the folded film at least partly rolled around an elongated core, further improves control of the film when handling the folded film. In known methods, a single sheet of film being loose and having a size larger than a typical window, can easily be damaged and/or contaminated. Such damage and contamination can e.g. occur when initially cutting the single sheet of film before starting to attach it to a window-frame. Moreover, during this initial cutting (or, in other words, pre-cutting), the film usually is cut at least twenty centimetre too large in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, in order to compensate for possible measuring errors of the window-frame and along the film. Such measuring and pre-cutting can be time-consuming too.

When having the folded film at least partly rolled around the elongated core according to the present disclosure, for many windows there is no need anymore to pre-cut the film, to a size that is significantly larger than the measured dimensions of the window-frame, before starting to attach the film to the window-frame to cover the window. Instead, according to methods presented in the present disclosure, the folded film has a fixed position when cutting the film. For example, the film may be directly attached to an adhesive that is attached to the window-frame, and be cut only after the folded film is held in place before the window by means of the attachment. The folded film can be fixed relative to the window-frame in other ways as well. This facilitates cutting the folded film to the right size, and may reduce a possibility of damaging or contaminating the film. It moreover improves control of the cutting, as a result of the fixed position of the folded film relative to the window-frame that surrounds the window that is to be covered. Such advantages are particularly relevant if large amounts of windows are to be covered.

A particular advantage of using a folded film can arise from its manufacturing.

The folded film may be manufactured by means of an extruder. In particular, the folded film may originate from a tube of extruded material that flows out of an orifice of the extruder. The tube may be cut open and a centre folded film may be obtained, which can be rolled around an elongated core of a master roll. Smaller rolls of folded film can subsequently be obtained by unrolling the master roll. In a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure, the folded film may be obtained from the master roll or may, alternatively, be rolled directly around an elongated core that is suitable for use in a method of covering a window according to the present disclosure.

Thus, by obtaining the tube of extruded material, it is possible to subsequently rewind on smaller cores to provide these with folded films of smaller length. The film in the present disclosure is preferably folded once, after flattening and opening of a tube of extruded material. Known rolls of folded film however are usually folded at least eight times. However, this is difficult to realise in an inline process from an extruder, as it requires several folding operations and/or rewinding operations. Too many folding operations may increase internal stresses in the film, which may subsequently reduce a quality, such as a strength and/or a flatness, of the transparent film when covering a window.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a method of covering a window that is surrounded by a window-frame is provided. Figures 1A-1C show three windows 2 having different shapes. The windows 2 of figures 1A-1C are surrounded by window- frames 4 having different shapes as well. Figure 1A illustrates a rectangular window- frame 4. Figure 1B illustrates a round window-frame 4 formed by a portion of a brick wall 6. Alternatively, the window-frame is formed by another type of wall. Figure 1C illustrates a triangular window-frame 4. As illustrated by means of figure 1B, the window-frame does not have to be separate from a wall wherein the window is positioned. Thus, the window-frame may optionally be formed by a portion of a wall wherein the window is present. The wall can e.g. be a wall of a ship. In the examples of figures 1A-1C, each of the window-frames 4 forms a structure that completely surrounds, i.e. encloses, one of the windows 2. However, in other examples, the window-frame may have discontinuities, i.e. may surround the window without enclosing the window.

At least four, preferably exactly four, parts of the window-frame 4 may be defined. Such frame parts may be formed by distinguishable elements of the window- frame, such as frame sill, a window-frame head, or a vertical stile of the window- frame. Alternatively, frame parts may be defined in a continuous construction of the window-frame, e.g. if the window-frame is made as one piece. In the rectangular window-frame of figure 1A, the third frame part and the fourth frame part may be formed by vertical stiles of the window-frame. The first frame part and the second frame part may be formed by a window-frame head and a frame sill, respectively. In examples of window-frames having such elements that can be distinguished from each other, boundaries that define the frame parts may coincide with boundaries between the elements of the window-frame. However, this is not necessary.

Optionally, one or more boundaries that define the frame parts do not also form a boundary between distinguishable frame elements.

In the examples of figures 1A-1C, the first frame part and the second frame part are directed sidewards and the third frame part and the fourth frame part are directed upwards. Figures 1A-1C illustrate example of defining a first frame part 4.1, a second frame part 4.2, a third frame part 4.3, and a fourth frame part 4.4. The second frame part is spaced apart from the first frame part by means of the window 2 that is positioned in between the first frame part and the second frame part. The fourth frame part is spaced apart from the third frame part by means of the window 2 that is position in between the first frame part and the second frame part. The first frame part may be positioned higher than the second frame part. In figures 1A-1C,

boundaries 5 that define the frame parts 4.1-4.4 are indicated by dotted lines. The first, second, third, and fourth frame parts may be defined in other ways as well.

However, typically, the window is surrounded, and preferably enclosed, by the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part.

Thus, typically, the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part extend along the window, preferably continuously.

In the first embodiment, the window is covered by means of a film that is transparent, at least after application of the film. Although the film could somewhat decrease a quality of a view through the window, a film through which objects are visible for humans during daylight may still be considered transparent. Thus, after covering the window by means of the film, the window may still offer a view therethrough. The film may for example be considered transparent if, at a visible wavelength, such as 500 nanometer, 550 nanometer, or 600 nanometer, a proportion between an intensity of incident light falling perpendicularly on the film and an intensity of said light transmitted through the film, is in a range from one to ten, is in a range from one to five, or is in a range from one to two. However, also a film having a lower transparency outside those ranges could still be considered transparent if a human can see through the film during daylight.

The method in the first embodiment includes providing the film folded and, partly or completely, rolled around an elongated core. Figure 2A shows a schematic side view of the folded film 10 partly rolled around the elongated core 12. The elongated core 12 may include a material having a relatively low density, so that the elongated core may have a relatively low weight. The elongated core may be hollow, e.g. may be formed by a tube. The elongated core may e.g. include carton, plastic, and/or aluminium. The elongated core may for example be made substantially from carton, plastic, and/or aluminium. The elongated core may be reused after the folded film rolled around the elongated core is used. Such reuse may include using the elongated core in a manufacturing process of rolls of folded film.

The elongated core may extend out of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around it, to form at least one projecting core end part. Figure 2B shows a schematic top view of the folded film partly rolled around the elongated core 12,

which is shown in the schematic side view in figure 2A. Figure 2B shows the elongated core 12 extending out of the roll of folded film at opposite sides, forming two core end parts 12.1, 12.2 that project out of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. As is visible in figures 2A and 2B, the film that is partly rolled around the elongated core may include a portion 10.1 that spirals around the elongated core and a portion 10.2 that extends away from the elongated core. Thus, the folded film may be partly rolled around the elongated core and may be partly unrolled.

Figure 2C schematically shows the folded film of figures 2A and 2B, in a cross- section A-A’ indicated in figure 2B. Figure 2C illustrates that the folded film includes film sections 11.1, 11.2 at opposite sides of the fold 22. The film sections cling together along inner surfaces 13.1, 13.2 of the folded film. Thus, the film sections 11.1, 11.2 are separated from each other by the fold 22. The two film sections are substantially flat.

The two film sections may be without further folds. Thus, more in general, the folded film may optionally form a two-layer stack of film sections. Thus, optionally, the folded film has not more than two layers of film, formed by the two film sections 11.1, 11.2. This can be obtained by means of a folded film that includes a single fold 22 that extends in a length direction 17 of the folded film (indicated in figure 2B). For typical types of film that can be used in method according to the present disclosure, such a double film is thin enough to be easily cut but at the same time is thick enough to prevent it from being easily damaged during cutting. Thus, a folded film, and in particular a stack of two film sections, enables a good control during cutting.

The folded film may extend in a width direction 16 of the folded film, from a closed edge portion 18 of the folded film to an open edge portion 20 of the folded film.

In another embodiment, the open portion is not an edge portion, but is located e.g. at a central position along the width of the folded film. Thus, in another embodiment, both edge portions may be closed. In the first embodiment, the closed edge portion 18 includes the fold 22 in the folded film. The elongated core extends longitudinally in an elongated core direction 14. The width direction is directed along the elongated core direction 14. Thus, the width direction 16 is directed along the elongated core 12.

The folded film 10 further has an end portion that is spaced apart from the elongated core 12. The end portion is indicated in figures 1A and 1B with reference number 10.3. If, for example, all of the folded film 10 is rolled around the elongated core, the end portion 10.3 of the folded film is still spaced apart from the elongated core 12 by a remainder of the folded film that is in between the end portion 10.3 of the folded film and the elongated core 12. The folded film is open at the end portion, so that the folded film sections can be separated from each other along the open end portion. Thus, the end portion includes an open edge that preferably extends in the width direction 16. The end portion 10.3 may extend, in the length direction 17 of the folded film, over a distance of at least 5 centimetre and/or at most 30 centimetre.

The folded film also extends in the length direction 17 of the folded film. More in general, the folded film may extend in the length direction of the folded film around the elongated core and away from the elongated core to an end portion of the folded film. The length direction is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the width direction 16. As illustrated in figure 2B, the fold 22 extends in the length direction of the folded film. The end portion 10.3 forms an end of the folded film in the length direction of the folded film. The folded film may extend, at least partly, around the elongated core in the length direction 17. The length direction is directed away from the elongated core 12 to the end portion 10.3 of the folded film. The folded film may extend in the length direction 17 over a length of at least 10 metre, preferably at least 20 metre, more preferably at least 40 metre. The folded film may extend in the width direction 16 over a width W of at least 50 centimetre and/or at most 120 centimetre, preferably over at least 70 centimetre and/or at most 100 centimetre. Such dimensions of length and width of the folded film may be convenient, in view of a length and weight of the roll of folded film that is practical and in view of dimensions of windows and window-frames that often occur. The closed edge portion, the open edge portion, and the open portion referred to in the present disclosure, may typically extend in the width direction over a distance equal to 20% of the width W of the folded film.

Figure 2D shows, in an example, the folded film of figures 2A-2C completely rolled around the elongated core 12. The elongated core 12 extends out of the portion of the folded film 10 that is rolled around the elongated core, to form the two projecting core end part 12.1, 12.2. Both core end parts are provided with an end ring 24 that is arranged for limiting movement, in the width direction, of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. Thus, by means of the end rings 24, the folded film can be limited in its movement. This may restrict unwanted movement of the folded film along the elongated core, in particular if the elongated core is directed upwards. In this situation, it will be appreciated to have one of the end rings positioned at an elongated core end part that points downwards. The end rings preferably have a diameter F that is larger than a diameter E of the portion of the folded film 10.1 that is rolled around the elongated core. In this way, the end rings may effectively limit movement of the portion of the folded film 10.1 that is rolled around the elongated core, in the width direction along the elongated core.

The end rings may e.g. be substantially made of plastic, such as nylon.

Preferably, the end rings 24 are arranged for rotation relative to the elongated core 12.

For example, the end rings 24 may be rotatable around the elongated core. Such rotatability may e.g. be achieved by means of a cylindrical elongated core and end rings 24 that have a central opening that has a diameter that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of said cylindrical core. In this way, the end rings may rotate freely around the elongated core. At both sides of the end rings, rubber rings {not drawn but conventional as such) may be provided to limit movement of the end rings in a longitudinal direction of the elongated core. Alternatively or additionally, other elements may be used for limiting movement of the end rings is the longitudinal direction of the elongated core, in particular to prevent the larger end rings 24 to skid off the elongated core. The core end part 12.2 near the open edge portion may be provided with an indication element, such as a coloured tie-wrap (not drawn in the figures but conventional as such). As a result, the open edge portion can be distinguished from the closed edge portion. Alternatively or additionally, the core end part 12.1 near the closed portion of the folded film may provided with an indication element for distinguishing the closed edge portion from the open end portion.

The method in the first embodiment is further illustrated by means of figures 3A-3H. Figure 3A illustrates the window-frame 4 that encloses the window 2. Figure

3B illustrates the window-frame of figure 3A, to which an adhesive 26 is attached. In the first embodiment, the method includes attaching the adhesive 26 to the window- frame 4. As illustrated in figure 3B, the adhesive is attached to the window-frame so that it extends along, and is attached to, the first frame part 4.1, the second frame part 4.2, the third frame part 4.3, and the fourth frame part 4.4. As a result, the adhesive surrounds the window. The adhesive may e.g. be formed by a tape that is adhesive at both sides. However, other types of adhesives may also be used, alternatively or additionally to such a tape. Examples of suitable adhesives that are arranged for attaching the film to the window-frame, are known as such to the skilled person.

Optionally, the adhesive includes, or is formed by, an adhesive sealant or glue. When covering a window from the outside of a building, the adhesive is preferably arranged for adhesion at low temperatures as well.

Figure 3C illustrates the window-frame of figure 3B, in combination with the transparent folded film 10 rolled around the elongated core 12. In this embodiment, the folded film has two, and not more than two, layers of film, formed by two film sections at opposite sides of the fold. In the first embodiment, the method includes attaching the open edge portion 20 of the folded film 10 to a portion of the adhesive 26.1 (indicated in figure 3C) attached to the first frame part 4.1. The open edge portion 20 of the folded film is attached at a position along the first frame part that enables overlap of the end portion 10.3 of the folded film with a portion of the adhesive 26.3 attached to the third frame part 4.3. Such overlap enables attachment of the end portion of the folded film with the adhesive attached to the third frame part.

The folded film can be attached from the roll, without first having to make measurements of the window-frame, and without having to initially cut a loose sheet to a size that is significantly larger than the size of the window-frame. In the method of the first embodiment, a brief assessment of the width of the folded film relative to dimensions, such as a width and height, of the window-frame usually suffices. For example, the method in the first embodiment may be applied for a window-frame having a rectangular shape, if a minimum outer dimension of the window-frame is at most two times the width of the folded film, while a maximum outer dimension of the window-frame is smaller than the length of the folded film that is still present on the roll. If may thus be clear that handling of the film in the first embodiment, is improved compared to working with a single loose sheet of film.

As is visible in figures 2A and 2B, the folded film that is partly rolled around the elongated core may include a portion 10.1 that spirals around the elongated core and a portion 10.2 that is unrolled and extends away from the elongated core. It has proven to be convenient for starting attachment of the open edge portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, to have the folded film partly unrolled. For example, when starting attaching, the portion 10.2 that extends away from the elongated core has a length, measured in the length direction of the folded film, of at least 2 centimetre and/or at most 30 centimetre. Alternatively, the folded film may be substantially completely rolled around the elongated core when attaching the open edge portion 20 of the folded film 10 to the portion of the adhesive 26.1 attached to the first frame part.

Figure 3D again shows the combination, or the assembly, of the window-frame and the transparent folded film 10 that is partly rolled around the elongated core 12, which combination, or assembly, is also shown in figure 3C. Compared to figure 3C, figure 3D illustrates the method in the first embodiment at a further stage of applying the method of the first embodiment. Figure 3D illustrates unrolling the folded film 10 to increase a distance D over which the open edge portion 20 is attached to the portion of the adhesive 26.1 attached to the first frame part 4.1. During unrolling of the folded film, the elongated core may be moved along the first frame part and towards the fourth frame part 4.4. During the unrolling, the folded film may be carefully pushed towards, and thus pressed against, the portion of the adhesive that is already attached to the first frame part. As a result of the unrolling, the folded film can be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part over an increasingly larger distance D. Having the folded film rolled around the elongated core, moreover enables detaching the folded film in an orderly manner from the adhesive by moving the roll of folded film away from the window-frame. This can be useful if the folded film is misguided or for another reason accidentally is attached to the adhesive in an unwanted manner.

During the unrolling, the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core may be stabilised and/or guided by means of the projecting core end parts 12.1, 12.2. (illustrated in figure 2B). The core end part 12.1 near the closed edge portion 18 of the folded film may in particular be appreciated for such stabilising. The end ring (not drawn in figures 3C-3F but indicated with reference number 24 in figure 2D) may be provided around the core end part 12.1 near the closed edge portion of the folded film, to prevent outer portions of the folded film to slide downwards when the elongated core points upwards. It may be appreciated if the end ring has a diameter F (indicated in figure 2D) that is larger than a diameter E (indicated in figure 2D) of the portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. Such a proportion of diameters may be appreciated for carrying out the unrolling as well, as the end ring near the open edge portion of the folded film may be positioned against the first frame part during the unrolling. As a result, the at least one end ring may rotate relative to the elongated core when moving the elongated core along the first frame part towards the fourth frame part. This enables stabilising the roll during unrolling, which may further improve control of the film. Moreover, having the core end part 12.2 near the open side of the folded film provided with the end ring, can also be useful for limiting movement of the folded film rolled around the elongated core in the width direction.

By means of the end ring at the core end part 12.2 near the open edge portion of the folded film, sliding downwards of the elongated core relative to the portion of the folded film rolled around it may be limited or prevented, when holding the portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core 12 at an outer perimeter of said portion of the folded film.

As a result of the positioning of the folded film 10 during the initial attachment to the portion of the adhesive 26.1 attached to the first frame part, an unrolled portion of the folded film 10 is allowed to overlap with the portion of the adhesive 26.3 attached to the third frame part 4.3. As a result of the unrolling, in the first embodiment, the folded film is also enabled to overlap with a portion of the adhesive attached 26.4 to the fourth frame part 4.4. This overlap is illustrated in figure 3E.

Figure 3E thus illustrates the unrolled portion 10.4 of the folded film 10 being positioned and dimensioned to overlap with the portion 26.3 of the adhesive attached to a third frame part 4.3 and the portion 26.4 of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part 4.4. The unrolled portion thus bridges the distance between the third and fourth frame parts. The unrolled portion referred to in the present disclosure may coincide with the portion 10.2 that extends away from the elongated core, as shown in figure 2A. However, in the present disclosure the unrolled portion may alternatively be larger or smaller than said portion 10.2. In some examples or embodiments, in the length direction of the folded film, the unrolled portion of the folded film does not extend up to the portion 10.1 of the folded film that spirals around the elongated core.

The method in the first embodiment may further include cutting the folded film. The folded film may be cut along a line that is directed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated core. As a result of the cutting, a cut unrolled portion 10.4 of the folded film 10 is obtained, shown in figure 3F. The cut unrolled portion 10.4 is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part and is positioned and dimensioned to overlap with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part.

Such overlap enables attachment of the cut unrolled portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. The cutting as such is not shown in the figures, but may be carried out using conventional means, such a knife or a pair of scissors. In a variation to the first embodiment, the cutting may be carried out by providing perforations or another weakened part in the folded film, and may included tearing the folded film so that is yields along the weakened part. It may thus be clear that the term “cutting” as used herein is to be interpreted broadly.

The method in the first embodiment may further include unfolding the cut unrolled 10.4 of the folded film 10, to obtain an unfolded portion of the film. Such unfolding may include separating the film sections (indicated with 11.1 and 11.2) of the folded film from each other so that they are only connected with each other via the fold. During such separating, both sections are usually, at least partly, inclined with respect to each other. Figure 3G illustrates the unfolded portion 30.1 of the film, after unfolding. The position of the original fold 22, indicated in figures 2A-2C, is also indicated in figure 3G by dotted line 32. The fold 22 may still be visible in the unfolded portion 30.1 of the film. It may thus be clear that, e.g., figures 3C-3E show a portion of the folded film that is unrolled and forms an unrolled portion of the folded film. The unrolled portion of the folded film is arranged to be cut so that the unrolled portion of the folded film is separated from a portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core.

The unrolled portion of the folded film may be arranged to be unfolded to obtain an unfolded portion of the filin that can be attached to a portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, so that the window is covered. The method may include attaching the unfolded portion 30.1 of the film to the portion of the adhesive 26.4 attached to the second frame part 4.2, thus covering the window. It may be clear from, i.a., figures 3C, 3D, and 3G that the open portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part so that an edge 29 of the film that extends along the first frame part, when covering the window, points away from the window 2. In the first embodiment, the method further includes attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and to the fourth frame part, e.g. to lower parts thereof. This is preferably carried out before attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part. However, it can be carried out, partly or completely, after attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part.

Before the unfolding, the method in the first embodiment may include attaching the end portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part. For example, the end portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part directly after, directly before, or simultaneously with, attaching the open edge portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part. Thus, the end portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the cutting. Alternatively, or additionally, the cut unrolled portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part. Thus, the end portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part after the cutting. This may optionally increase a distance along which the end portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part.

Before the unfolding, the method in the first embodiment may include attaching the unrolled portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. For example, the end portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part just before the cutting, so that it stays well positioned during the cutting. Thus, the unrolled portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part before the cutting. Alternatively, or additionally, the cut unrolled portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. Thus, the cut unrolled portion of the folded film may be attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part after the cutting. This may optionally increase a distance along which the cut unrolled portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part.

After attaching the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the window- frame, the method in the first embodiment may include removing excess parts of the film. Such excess parts extend beyond the window-frame, in particular beyond the adhesive attached to the window-frame, in a direction away from the window.

Because of the method of applying the window-covering film according to the present disclosure, excess parts extending beyond the first, third, and fourth parts of the window-frame, may however be relatively small. After all, if the window-frame is rectangular, the open edge portion of the folded film and the end part of the folded tilm, may be positioned to just overlap with the portions of the adhesive attached to the first and third frame parts, respectively. Moreover, for a rectangular window- frame, the folded film may be cut relatively close to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part as well. This may further prevent, or at least keep small, excess parts of the film.

Figure 3H illustrates the film of figure 3G with excess parts of the unfolded film removed. The film extends continuously from the third frame part to the fourth frame part, and from the first frame part to the second frame part. For a rectangular window-frame, some excess parts of the film usually need to be removed that extend beyond the adhesive attached to the second frame part. Such an excess part is indicated in figure 3G with reference number 30.2. Thus, in the first embodiment, the method may include removing an excess part 30.2 of the unfolded portion of the film that extends beyond the second frame part in a direction away from the window.

However, by choosing the width W (indicated in figure 2B) of the film at about two times a height of the window-frame, the area of excess parts of the film may be further reduced. It may be clear from e.g. figure 3H that, more in general, when covering the window, the film preferably also covers the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part.

In the first embodiment, the film is a heat-shrinkable film (or, in short, a shrink film) made of polyolefin, such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene. For example, the film may be a heat-shrinkable film based on polyethylene, equipped with a polypropylene sealing. Examples of such films are known as such. After attachment of the unfolded film to the portions of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third, and fourth frame parts, the heat-shrinkable film is heated. As a result of the heating, the film will shrink so that film flattens. Fold, wrinkles etc. may disappear or at least be reduced. Moreover, the heating and subsequent shrinking may make the film more rigid and less vulnerable. Preferably, the film covering the window is attached to the adhesive along a line that encloses the window and that is closed it itself. Thus, preferably, the film is attached to the portions of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third, and fourth frame parts, to form an adhesive zone (or, in other words, line) that encloses the window. Such a complete attachment of the film that covers the window to the window-frame that encloses the window, improves uniformity of the flattened film after heating. After all, disruptions of the attachment may easily lead to distortions in the flatness of the film after heating.

Figure 4A illustrates the window 2 surrounded by a window-frame 4 wherein a transparent glass pane 34 is mounted and that is covered by the flattened transparent film, in a cross section B-B’ illustrated in figure 3H. After the heating of the film, the film may form a flattened film layer 40 that extends along, and is spaced apart from, the pane 34 so that air that is contained in a space 38 between the film and the pane 34 forms a barrier against transport of heat or cold through the window. Thus, the film may improve heat isolation of the window.

Figure 4B illustrates a detail of figure 4A, schematically illustrating the adhesive 26 that may be formed by the tape that is adhesive at both sides. A width Y of the adhesive 26 may be at least 14 millimetre, preferably at least 18 millimetre.

Such lower boundaries for the width Y are still small enough to fit on many window- frames, while it enables a relatively secure attachment. The lower boundaries of the width may be particularly relevant during heating of the heat-shrinkable film. After all, such heating typically induces shear stress between film and adhesive, and between adhesive and window-frame.

Other embodiments of a method according to the invention, may include one or more features described with reference to the first embodiment. In a second embodiment, during the unrolling, the portions of the adhesive attached to the second, third, and/or fourth frame part may be covered by a removable cover for covering the adhesive. Such a removable cover may e.g. be formed by a removable protective strip. Such a removable strip is not shown in figures 3A-3H, but examples of such strips are known as such. The tape that is adhesive at both sides for example, may be provided at both sides with the removable cover. Before attaching one side of the tape to the window-frame, the protective strip at one side of the tape is removed.

The protective strip at the other side of the tape is typically removed after the tape is attached to the window-frame. If, in the first embodiment, such a tape is used, the protective strip is removed from the portion of the tape that is attached to the first frame part when attaching the open edge portion of the folded film thereto. However, the removable cover may optionally be kept in place to cover the portions of the adhesive attached to the second, third, and/or fourth frame parts during the unrolling.

Thus, the method in said second embodiment may include, during the unrolling, covering, partly or completely, the portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part,

and/or the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, by means of the protective strip that is removable. At least partly covering portions of the adhesive prevents unwanted adhesive contact with uncovered portions of the adhesive and the film. However, in other embodiments, all portions of the adhesive may be uncovered during the unrolling.

At least partly uncovering the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the folded film overlaps with the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, enables attaching the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the folded film overlaps with the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part. As also described with reference to the first embodiment, such early attaching along the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, may enable an improved control of the film. The method in the second embodiment may include attaching the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part. At least partly carrying out such attaching before completely unrolling, may improve the positioning and control of the folded film during at least part of the unrolling.

In a third embodiment, the method may include heating the window-frame, before attaching the adhesive thereto. This may improve attachment of the adhesive to the window-frame, in particular if the window-frame has a low temperature. The window-frame having a low temperature, may make difficult to attach the adhesive to the window-frame. Heating the window-frame may include mounting an isolating material that extends along at least part of the window-frame. Heating may further includes providing heat in a space in between the isolating material and the at least part of the window-frame.

Variations of the first, second and third embodiment are illustrated with reference to figures 5A-5D. In the variations of figures 5A and 5D, the fold 22 as described in the first embodiment, is one of two folds in the folded film 10 that extend in the length direction 17 of the folded film. In the variations of figures 5B and 5C, the fold 22 as described in the first embodiment, is one of three folds in the folded film 10 that extend in the length direction 17 of the folded film. The fold 22 is included by the closed edge portion 18 of the folded film 10. The open portions 20 are also illustrated in figures 5A-5D. In figure 5D, the open portion is not an open edge portion. The variations of figures 5A-5D illustrate that there are various ways of folding the film.

For example, if the open portion of the folded film is not an edge portion, like in figure 5D, both edge portions of the folded film may include a fold. In the embodiment of figure 5B, the folded film 10 includes a stack of three layers. In the embodiments of figures 5A and 5C, the folded film 10 includes a stack of four layers. Such stacks of layers may be useful for windows having a relatively large size, in particular having a relatively large height.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a fourth embodiment of a method according to the invention. In the fourth embodiment, the method includes manufacturing of a folded film that is transparent and is at least partly rolled around an elongated core. Figure 6A schematically shows a top view of an extruder 48 having an orifice 50 from which a tube of extruded material can be formed, e.g. by means of a blown film extrusion process. The tube of extruded material can e.g. be formed as a result of extruding from a circular orifice, or from an orifice having another shape that also is closed in itself and thus also is arranged to produce a tube of extruded material.

Figure 6B shows a schematic side view of an extruded tube of material 52 that may be formed by the extruder 48 of figure 6A and that extends in a longitudinal tube direction 54. The longitudinal tube direction 54 may point upwards. Figure 6B schematically illustrates the flattening of the tube along the longitudinal tube direction 54, as a result of which the shape of the tube is changed. Examples of flattening a tube of extruded material for producing films are known as such, The flattened tube can be transported by means of rotatable transport cylinders 56 that may also contribute to the flattening. In addition to the tlattening, the tube is opened.

This may e.g. be carried out by transporting the tube along one or more knifes that create one or more openings in the tube along the longitudinal direction 54 of the tube. After opening of the tube, one or more folded films can be obtained from the extruded tube, possibly after further folding operations. Such folded films include a fold that is included by the closed edge portion of the folded film. The fold may result from flattening the tube 52 of extruded material or may result from another folding operation. The opening of the tube may be carried out before, during and/or after the flattening.

In the fourth embodiment, and/or in other embodiments described herein, the film may be provided with powder particles, such a chalk powder particles, that are arranged for hindering adherence of surface portions of the extruded tube to each other. In order to prevent inner surface parts 53.1, 53.2 of the tube 52 to adhere to each other too strongly, powder particles may be blown or otherwise applied to an inside of the tube 52. The powder particles may e.g. be blown inside the tube 52 via an opening 58, indicated in figure 6A. Such particles may accumulate between the tube inner surface parts 53.1, 53.2 after flattening. In this way, a too strong adherence between the inner surface parts of the tube 52 may be prevented. The tube inner surface is especially vulnerable to such adherence, because inner surface parts of the tube typically contact each other shortly after extrusion when a temperature of the extruded material may still be elevated. It may thus be clear that, in the manufacturing according to the fourth method, more powder particles may be applied to the tube inner surface compared to tube outer surface. Thus, a majority of the powder particles may be provided on the tube inner surface.

The folded film used in methods according to the present disclosure, typically has a surface that is arranged for facing away from the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window. In the example of figure 2C, the surface arranged for facing away from the window is formed by the inner surfaces 13.1, 13.2 of the folded film of figure 2C. Preferably, inner surfaces 13.1, 13.2 of the folded film are formed from parts 53.1, 53.2 of the tube inner surface. Thus, at least part of the tube inner surface may form a film surface that is arranged for facing away from the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window. A majority, e.g. at least 70 weight % or at least 90 weight %, of said powder particles may be provided on said surface that is arranged for facing away from the window. This may be achieved e.g. by blowing or otherwise applying powder particles to the inside of the tube 52. Such powder particles may be removed relatively easily from a surface facing away from the window, in particular after flattening the film covering the window by heating for obtaining a flattened covering film layer. Also, stains that can occur as a result of wetting and drying of such particles, may be prevented or may be removable relatively easily from a surface facing away from the window. The tube outer surfaces parts 55.1, 55.2 may form a surface of the folded film that is arranged for facing towards the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window.

Preferably, said surface arranged for facing towards the window is substantially free from the powder particles. For example, a collective weight of the powder particles applied on the surface arranged for facing away from the window is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, times a collective weight of the powder particles applied on the surface arranged for facing towards the window.

The manufactured film according to the method in the fourth embodiment, extends in a width direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film that includes a fold in the folded film, to an open portion of the folded film. The open portion may be an open edge portion of the folded film, as e.g. illustrated in figure 2C. The width direction is directed along the elongated core. An embodiment of such a folded film is illustrated with reference to figures 2A-2D. At the open edge portion of a folded film having a stack of two layers, layers of the folded film that cling to each other when rolled around the elongated core can be separated from each other when covering a window. More in general, at the open portion of the folded film, a single layer of the film can be separated from the other one or more layers of the folded film. Thus, at the open portion, portions of inner surfaces of the flattened tube can be separated from each other.

Figures 7A-7D illustrate a fifth embodiment of a method according to the invention. Figure 7A illustrates a window 2 that is surrounded by a window-frame 4.

As shown in figures 7A and 7B, the window-frame 4 has a first frame part 4.1 and a second frame part 4.2 that is spaced apart from the first frame part 4.1. The window- frame further has a third frame part 4.3 and a fourth frame part 4.4 that is spaced apart from the third frame part 4.3. In the fifth embodiment, the method includes providing the folded transparent film 10 that is partly rolled around the elongated core 12. As is indicated in figure 7B, the folded film 10 extends in a width direction 16 of the folded film 10, from a closed edge portion 18 of the folded film that includes a fold 22 in the folded film, to an open portion 20, in this embodiment an open edge portion, of the folded film. The open edge portion extends in a direction 60 along the closed edge portion 18, preferably substantially parallel with and spaced apart from the closed edge portion 18. It may be clear that the direction 60 along which the closed edge portion 18 and the open portion extend, coincide with the length direction of the folded film, as e.g. indicated in figure 2B. Thus, more in general, the closed edge portion and the open portion may extend along the length direction of the folded film.

In the fifth embodiment, the method may include attaching the adhesive 26 to the window-frame. Figures 7A-7D illustrate that the portion of the adhesive 26.1 attached to the first frame part 4.1, the portion of the adhesive 26.2 attached to the second frame part 4.2, the portion of the adhesive 26.3 attached to the third frame part 4.3, and the portion of the adhesive 26.4 attached to the fourth frame part 4.4. As a result, the adhesive extends along, and is attached to, the first frame part, the second frame part, the third frame part, and the fourth frame part.

Figure 7B illustrates unrolling the folded film, to enable the folded film to overlap with both the portion of the adhesive 26.3 attached to the third frame part 4.3 and the portion of the adhesive 26.4 attached to the fourth frame part 4.4. In the fifth embodiment, before such unrolling to enable such an overlap, a position of the elongated core relative to the window-frame 4 is fixed. Such fixing may be conveniently carried out by mechanically connecting the elongated core 12 to a glass pane 34 that is mounted in the window-frame 4. A mechanical connection between the elongated core and the glass pane can for example be arranged by means of one or more vacuum suction cups that are mechanically connected to the elongated core. For example, a vacuum suction cup may be mechanically connected to each of both core ends 12.1, 12.2 indicated in figures 2B. The vacuum suction cups are arranged for mechanically connecting to the glass pane. Examples of such vacuum suction cups are known as such and may be used for handling of glass panes. After the unrolling, the method in the fifth embodiment may include releasing the elongated core from its fixed position relative to the window-frame.

Figure 7C shows an unrolled portion of the folded film after cutting the folded film. After such cutting, the cut unrolled portion 10.4 of the folded film is obtained separate from a portion of the folded film that is rolled around the elongated core. In the fifth embodiment, the open portion of the cut unrolled portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, and is positioned and dimensioned to overlap with the portion of the adhesive 26.3 attached to the third frame part and the portion of the adhesive 26.4 attached to the fourth frame part. In the fifth method, the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the folded film is attached to the adhesive attached to the first frame part. In this way, overlap of the folded film with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part when attaching the open portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, can be ensured. The unrolling illustrated in figure 7B is carried out before the attaching of the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part and before the attaching of the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part.

Figure 7D illustrates unfolding the unrolled portion 10.4 of the folded film 10 (indicated in figure 7C), to obtain the unfolded portion 30.1 of the film. In the unfolded portion 30.1, the position of the original fold 22 is indicated by dotted line 32. The fold 22 may still be visible in the unfolded portion 30.1 of the film. The fifth embodiment includes attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portion of the adhesive 26.2 attached to the second frame part, thus covering the window 2. The method further includes attaching the unfolded portion of the film to the portions of the adhesive attached to the third respectively fourth frame part, after the optional attaching of the folded film 10 to the adhesive attached to the third respectively fourth frame part. An excess part 30.2 of the film that extend beyond the window-frame in a direction away from the window, may be removed. In the fifth embodiment, the film preferably is attached to the portions of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third, and fourth frame parts, to form an adhesive zone that surrounds, and preferably encloses, the window. This may improve the flattening of the film after subsequent heating of the film.

Applying the method in the fifth embodiment, may in particular be beneficial to handling of the folded film in case of windows that have a relatively large height.

After all, such a large height may make it difficult to move the elongated core upwards or downwards. The unrolled film may hang down after cutting and have a relatively stable position relative to the window-frame, in particular during cutting. The fifth embodiment may include heating the film covering the window and being attached to the adhesive 26 that encloses the window, for flattening the film. As a result, the window may be covered with a flattened film.

The invention is not limited to an aspect, embodiment, feature, variation, or example of the present disclosure. For example, unlike the window-frames shown in figures 3A-3H, when covering the window, the first frame part and the second frame part may be directed upwards and the third frame part and the fourth frame part may be directed sidewards, like shown in figures 7A-7D. For such a definition of frame parts, steps described with respect to figures 3A-3H may be carried out in a frame of reference that is rotated 90 degrees compared to that of figures 3A-3H. Typically, in such a situation, the fold 22 may be directed upwards and unfolding may be in a sideward direction, instead of a downward direction as illustrated with reference to figures 3A-3H. As another example, instead of the third frame part being left of the fourth frame part (as depicted in figures 1A-1C), the third frame part may alternatively be right of the fourth frame part.

The term “film” (or, in other words, “foil”) as used herein may refer to various kinds of films, such as plastic films or foils and in particular polymer films or foils. In the present disclosure, the use of terms like “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth” etc. when indicating a feature or embodiment does not imply an order or preference, but is merely in order to distinguish between features or embodiments. The term “at least part of” a feature may imply both a part of that feature and the feature as a whole. Similarly, terms like “at least partly” may imply the option “partly” and the option “completely”. Use herein of terms like “a”, “an”, “the” etc. does not exclude a plurality. The use of expressions like “preferably”, “more preferably”, “typically”, “normally”, “in particular”, “particularly”, “variation”, “e.g.”, “for example”, “such as”, “may”, “can”, “embodiment”, “aspect”, “especially” etc., or variations of such expressions, is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. A method of covering a window surrounded by a frame by means of a film which is transparent, the frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion spaced from the first frame portion, the frame also having a third frame portion and a fourth frame portion spaced from the third frame portion, the method comprising: - providing the film folded and at least partially rolled around an elongated core such that the film extends in a widthwise direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film containing a fold in the folded film to an open portion of the folded film; - attaching an adhesive to the frame such that the adhesive extends along, and is attached to, the first frame portion, the second frame portion, the third frame portion and the fourth frame portion; 5 - attaching the open portion of the folded film to a portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame part, at a position allowing overlap of the folded film with a portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part; - unrolling the folded film, so as to allow overlap of the folded film with both the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and with a portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part; and - unfolding an unrolled portion of the folded film, so as to obtain an unfolded portion of the film, and attaching the unfolded portion of the film to a portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, so as to cover the window.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the unrolling is performed to increase a distance over which the open portion of the folded foil is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame portion.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, during unrolling, the foil is pressed against the part of the adhesive that is attached to the first frame part.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the folded film has an end portion spaced from the elongated core, the method comprising: - attaching the open portion of the folded film to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame portion at a position allowing overlap of the end portion of the folded film with the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame portion.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: - cutting the folded film so that the unrolled portion of the folded film is separated from a portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the folded film is cut after the unrolled portion of the folded film is attached to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame member, and after the folded film is positioned and dimensioned to overlap the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame member and the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame member.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: - attaching the unfolded portion of the foil to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame portion; and/or - attaching the unfolded portion of the foil to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame portion.

8. The method of claim 7, comprising:

- attaching the folded foil to the part of the adhesive attached to the third frame part and/or to the part of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part; whereby, after unfolding, a distance over which the foil is attached to the part of the adhesive attached to the third frame part is increased by also attaching the unfolded part of the foil to the part of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or whereby a distance over which the foil is attached to the part of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part is increased by also attaching the unfolded part of the foil to the part of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, comprising: - attaching the unfolded portion of the foil to the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame portion and/or to the portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame portion, prior to attaching the unfolded portion of the foil to the second frame portion.

10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising, during unrolling: - covering, at least partially, the part of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the part of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or the part of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, by means of a protective strip that is removable.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the film is a shrink film, the method comprising, after attaching the film to the parts of the adhesive attached to the first, second, third and fourth frame parts: - heating the attached film to smooth the film, thus covering the window with a smoothed film.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a transparent panel, wherein, upon heating the foil, the foil forms a foil layer extending along and spaced from the panel such that air contained in a space between the foil and the panel forms a barrier to heat or cold being transported through the window.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transparent panel is a glass panel.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the unrolling is carried out prior to attaching the open portion of the folded foil to the portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame portion, the method comprising: - prior to unrolling, fixing a position of the elongated core relative to the frame; and - after unrolling, releasing the elongated core from the fixed position relative to the frame.

15. Method according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the position of the elongated core is fixed relative to the frame by mechanically connecting the elongated core to the glass panel.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the folded foil is attached to the adhesive attached to the third frame part before the folded foil is attached to the adhesive attached to the first frame part.

17. Method according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first frame part and the second frame part are directed sideways and the third frame part and the fourth frame part are directed upwards.

18. Method according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first frame part and the second frame part are directed upwards and the third frame part and the fourth frame part are directed sideways.

19. Method according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame has a rectangular shape.

20. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the elongated core extends beyond the portion of the folded film rolled about the elongated core to form at least one protruding end portion of the core.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein, during unrolling, the part of the folded film rolled around the elongated core is stabilized and/or guided by means of the at least one protruding end portion of the core.

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the at least one end portion of the core is provided with an end ring adapted to restrict movement, in the width direction, of the portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core.

23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the end ring has a diameter greater than a diameter of the portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the unrolling comprises moving the elongated core along the first frame part towards the fourth frame part, the at least one end ring being adapted for rotation relative to the elongated core, the method comprising: - positioning the at least one end ring against the first frame part during the unrolling, such that the at least one end ring can rotate relative to the elongated core as the elongated core is moved, along the first frame part, towards the fourth frame part.

25. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the at least one protruding end portion of the core extends beyond the portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core, adjacent the closed edge portion of the folded film.

26. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the at least one protruding end portion of the core extends beyond the portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core, adjacent the open portion of the folded film.

27. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the elongated core extends beyond the portion of the folded film rolled about the elongated core to form two projecting core end portions at opposite ends of the elongated core.

28. Method according to any of claims 1-27, wherein the folded film extends, at least partly, in the width direction of the folded film over a width of at least 50 centimetres and/or at most 120 centimetres, preferably over a width of at least 70 centimetres and/or at most 100 centimetres.

29. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the folded film extends around the elongated core in a longitudinal direction of the folded film, which is transverse to the width direction, over a length of at least 10 metres, preferably at least 20 metres, more preferably at least 40 metres.

30. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the folded film comprises a single fold formed by the fold contained by the closed edge portion of the folded film.

31. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the adhesive is formed by a tape that adheres on both sides.

32. Method according to claim 31, wherein the tape has a width of at least 14 millimeters, preferably at least 18 millimeters.

33. Method according to any of claims 1 to 32, wherein, during unrolling, the part of the adhesive attached to the second frame part, the part of the adhesive attached to the third frame part, and/or the part of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame part, is at least partially covered by a removable protection for covering the adhesive.

34. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 33, comprising: - heating the frame prior to attaching the adhesive thereto.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the heating comprises applying an insulating material extending along at least a portion of the frame, the heating further comprising providing heat in a space between the insulating material and the at least portion of the frame.

36. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 35, comprising: - extruding the film from an opening such that a tube of extruded material is formed as a result of the extrusion, the tube extending along a lengthwise direction of the tube; - flattening the tube and opening the tube along the lengthwise direction of the tube; and - providing the film folded and extending in the widthwise direction of the folded film from the closed edge portion of the folded film to the open portion of the folded film.

37. A method according to claim 36, comprising: - after flattening the tube, rolling up the folded film around the elongated core to obtain the folded film at least partially rolled around the elongated core.

38. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the film is provided with powder particles adapted to prevent surface parts of the folded film from sticking together, the folded film having a surface adapted to face away from the window when the unfolded part of the folded film covers the window, a majority of said powder particles being provided on said surface adapted to face away from the window.

39. A frame surrounding a window covered by a transparent film, the film being attached to an adhesive attached to the frame by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 38.

40. Combination of a frame and a film which is transparent and which is folded and at least partially rolled around an elongated core, the frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion spaced from the first frame portion, the frame also having a third frame portion and a fourth frame portion spaced from the third frame portion, the folded film extending in a widthwise direction of the folded film from a closed edge portion of the folded film containing a fold in the folded film to an open portion of the folded film, an adhesive being attached to the frame such that the adhesive extends along and is attached to the first frame portion, the second frame portion, the third frame portion and the fourth frame portion, the open portion of the folded film being attached to a portion of the adhesive attached to the first frame portion at a position allowing overlap of the folded film with a portion of the adhesive that is attached to the third frame section.

41. The combination of claim 40, wherein the folded film overlaps both the portion of the adhesive attached to the third frame member and a portion of the adhesive attached to the fourth frame member.

42. The combination of claim 40 or 41, wherein a portion of the folded film is unrolled to form an unrolled portion of the folded film, the unrolled portion of the folded film being adapted to be cut so as to separate the unrolled portion of the folded film from a portion of the folded film rolled around the elongated core, and the unrolled portion of the folded film being adapted to be unfolded to provide an unfolded portion of the film which can be attached to a portion of the adhesive attached to the second frame portion so as to cover the window.

43. The combination of claim 42, wherein the film is provided with powder particles adapted to prevent surface portions of the folded film from sticking together, the folded film having a surface adapted to face away from the window when the unfolded portion of the folded film covers the window, a majority of said powder particles being provided on said surface adapted to face away from the window.

44. A combination according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the folded film comprises two film sections on opposite sides of the fold, both film sections being, at least partly, inclined relative to each other.

45. A combination according to any one of claims 40 to 44, obtained by performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 38.