Method of making insulated stained glass unit

#The present invention relates to methods for making multi-paned decorative window members of the type having patterns, pictures or the like formed by stained or clear glass members which are cut to various shapes and held together by came-simulating structure.

#Since ancient times, homes, places of worship and other buildings have been decorated through the use of stained glass windows. These windows generally comprise leaded or stained glass members of different shapes and/or colors which together, when placed in a predetermined mosaic form a desired picture or pattern.

#While the term "stained glass" is commonly used, it is generally a misnomer. Many coloring methods are and have been employed and the best medieval glass made little use of actual stained glass. Today, plastics are also used in place of glass.

#One way of carrying out the invention is described in detail below with reference to drawings which illustrate only one specific embodiment of the invention and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a view of a pattern useful for practicing the method of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a view of templates made from a copy of the pattern of FIG. 1 useful for cutting glass;

#Referring to FIG. 1, the fabrication of a stained glass type window constructed in accordance with the present invention begins with the creation of a pattern 10 which is made of a sheet 12 of paper or other similar materials. Sheet 12 has thereon depictions of the various elements of the stained glass window. In the case of the example, such depiction includes a quarter 14 of a circle and a remainder shape 16.

#In making the pattern for the stained glass window, it is important for the designer to keep in mind that the peripheral area of the colored members will be covered and that the visible area of the pattern will only be the central portion thereof. In the example of FIG. 1, this central portion is shown in imaginary lines 18. These lines may be actually drawn on sheet 12, although this is not necessary.

#After the pattern 10 is made, several copies are produced by xerographic or other appropriate methods for use in later fabrication steps. One of these copies is then cut using a scissors, Exacto brand knife or a razor blade into the various shapes which are indicated for the stained glass elements. More particularly, in the example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the quarter pattern is cut into a quarter template 20 and the shape pattern is cut into a shape template 22. It is noted that in FIG. 2 these templates have been turned over into the position that they will be used in during later steps in the manufacturing process.