Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Outside corner or peripherally bordered
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-08
2002-04-30
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Outside corner or peripherally bordered
C052S222000, C052S202000, C160S057000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378267
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to the field of replaceable window screens. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure for releasably mounting a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material in a window opening.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known that most screens manufactured today include a replaceable screen fabric. In the event the fabric is torn, stretched, or otherwise damaged, the fabric is removed and replaced with another such fabric. Typically this task is accomplished by removing a gasket-type device from within a recess formed around the perimeter of a frame. The gasket retains the fabric edges within the recess such that when the gasket is removed, the fabric is likewise removed. A new fabric is then stretched across the frame and the gasket is replaced within the recess. Excess fabric along the perimeter of the screen—and specifically that material along the perimeter of the fabric and on the side away from the gasket—is then trimmed.
Although this is a simplistic procedure to describe, it is well known that stretching the fabric and maintaining it in a stretched manner while the gasket is replaced is a difficult task. What typically occurs when the appropriate tools are not available is that as the gasket is forced into place, the fabric loosens or is pulled in a direction such as to create wrinkles. Further, due to the tension on the fabric during installation, it is often difficult to force the gasket into the recess without damaging the fabric, or without releasing the tension on the fabric.
Other devices have been produced to provide a window screen construction. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
Pat. No.
Inventor(s)
Issue Date
918,676
H. W. Johnson
Apr. 20, 1909
1,586,708
A. W. Sandelin
June 1, 1926
3,469,695
C. D. Greeninger
Sep. 30, 1969
3,696,857
F. M. Le Tarte
Oct. 10, 1972
3,980,555
M. F. A. Freissle
Sep. 14, 1976
4,234,035
F. W. Babbs
Nov. 18, 1980
4,658,522
M. L. Kramer
Apr. 21, 1987
5,666,773
C. J. Librande et al.
Sep. 16, 1997
5,904,200
J. E. Agen
May 18, 1999
6,032,433
T. Hatziathanasiou
Mar. 7, 2000
Of these patents, the '676 patent issued to Johnson discloses a metal window screen having a metal frame. The interior perimeter of the metal frame defines a bent edge. The screen fabric, or wire netting, is positioned over the frame opening and retaining strips are fastened to the frame over the bent edges, with the wire netting positioned between. The retaining strips are fastened with bolts or screws, the bolts or screws being forced through the netting. The terminal edge of each retaining strip is deformed into a U-shaped configuration to cooperate with the bent edge of the frame such that as the retaining strip is secured to the frame, the netting is tightened. However, because the netting is damaged during installation, the same cannot be removed and reused as desired.
That device disclosed by Sandelin ('708) is similar to the '676 device in that a retaining frame is screwed onto a screen frame, with a screen fabric disposed therebetween. Similarly, the screen fabric is damaged upon installation by the fasteners.
Greeninger ('695) discloses a screen tightening apparatus for a vibrating screen. Opposing edges of the screen fabric are mounted on a rotating member, each rotating member being provided with a lever to impart rotation thereon. Such an apparatus, while useful in the environment proposed by Greeninger, is impractical in the environment of the present invention. Specifically, the '695 device is impractical for placing a screen over the opening of a window.
The '857 patent issued to Le Tarte discloses a more conventional screen frame wherein a fabric is stretched across an opening in the frame. A plastic, generally Y-shaped, strip is then oriented and pressed into place in the frame such that the edges of the fabric are pressed into a recess defined by the frame, thus holding the fabric in place.
Freissle ('555) discloses a replaceable screen having a frame, but does not disclose a frame having a construction to allow for the replacement of the screen fabric itself.
Babbs ('035) discloses a trim lock for holding the edge of one or two pieces of trim fabric in relation to a frame member of upholstered furniture. Similar to conventional screens, the trim lock is forced into a channel with the trim fabric being disposed between the trim lock and the channel. The '433 device disclosed by Hatziathanasiou is similar to the '035 device disclosed by Babbs.
The '522 device taught by Kramer is used for tensioning a piece of fabric for needlework. A frame defines a circular cross-section, while a plurality of clamps define an arcuate configuration. The clamps are configured to closely receive the frame such that the clamps may pivot over the frame when attached. The fabric is tensioned by so rotating the clamps over the frame. However, Kramer does not disclose a manner in which the fabric is maintained in a tensioned state.
The '773 device disclosed by Librande et al., includes a screen frame to which is releasably mounted a screen. A plurality of rail operators is provided for accomplishing the mounting of the screen on the frame. However, such operators are not disclosed for self-tightening the screen fabric while installing the same on the frame.
Finally, the Agen device ('200) is an improvement to the convention screen installation system, wherein a number of barbs extend inwardly and downwardly in alternating succession on either side of a channel defined by the frame. The screen fabric is inserted into the channel, with the barbs serving to retain the fabric therein. However, as in other conventional screens, there is no provision for self-tightening of the screen fabric as it is installed on the frame.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a means for installing a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material on a frame in such a manner as to self-tighten as it is installed.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such a means for installing a screen fabric or other pliable material such that the screen fabric may be removed, saved, and reinstalled as necessary.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a means whereby the screen fabric or other material is substantially undamaged during installation and removal.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an extrusion for mounting a screen fabric thereon in a removable fashion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Other objects and advantages will be accomplished by the present invention which is designed for releasably mounting a screen fabric or other pliable sheet material in such a manner as to self-tighten the fabric or material during installation. While a hammer may be used to secure a trim mold to the screen frame, tightening of the screen or fabric is accomplished without the use of any tools. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment the screen frame and trim mold are designed to allow for the mounting of the fabric or material without damaging the same such that it may be removed and reused as required. The present invention is designed to allow for the replacement of the screen fabric with any other suitable sheet material such as vinyl.
A screen is disposed and held securely in place between a screen frame and a trim mold. To accomplish the disposition and retention of the screen, the screen frame and trim mold are each extruded members. The screen frame extrusion defines a mounting surface disposed below and parallel to an exterior face. A vertical surface extends between and perpendicular to the exterior face and the mounting surface. A mounting rib extends along the mounting surface parallel to the vertical surface. The mounting rib terminates below the exterior face in the preferred em
Friedman Carl D.
Pitts & Brittian P.C.
Varner Steve M
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