Screen window retaining rail

Abstract

The present invention relates to a screen window attachment formed by a track having a centrally located chamber for receiving a base member constructed and designed to receive a bead edge of a flexible hurricane screen window. The base member employs an opening having a shaped inlet. The base member is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the forming inlet deforms to clamp the bead edge. The base member includes an expansion member to hold the base member in a retracted position if possible. A clip may be added to support and reinforce the zipper bead edge, which allows an operator to well lift the base slat into the upper housing without the zipper exiting the track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hurricane protection, and more particularly to a retaining track for securing a window screen for use in a high wind environment. Background Art

[0002] Property protection is of vital importance to property owners. Damage caused by strong winds can be prevented by covering openings, patios, and similar structures that are susceptible to strong winds. For example, hurricane-force winds can quickly breach openings in a structure, causing extensive damage. If windows and doors are punctured by flying debris, the entire structure is at risk. Once wind enters a home, the debris and wind can change the air pressure quickly and dramatically. In a matter of minutes, the air pressure changes that accompany wind can lift the roof off a home. In many cases, a breach in one opening can cause the roof to fall off, exposing everything inside the home and potentially destroying it. Covered patios are just another example of an area of ​​property that could be damaged if the wind is able to get below the roof.

[0003] Hurricane shutters are known for their ability to block wind. In many cases, using screens has become a desirable alternative because screens are lighter in weight and easier to store. In many cases, screens can be stored on site using a retractable system or the edges can be passed through a channel to provide a secure hold without the need for additional fasteners. The mechanisms used to secure the screen to a fixed structure can be problematic because the screen is a thin piece of material that requires a frame. For high winds, screens with a continuous edge connection are safer than those with spaced-apart fasteners. While screens allow some wind to pass through, if there is rain, the water acts as a wind barrier, preventing the wind from passing through the screen. When this happens, the screen will act as a sail and put the fasteners under the highest possible stress.

[0004] Various prior art references relate to methods of securing screens. Applicant's patent registration number 11,326,395, entitled "Retractable Screen with Tensioning Track," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a tensioning track for a retractable screen.

[0005] U.S. Patent Publication 2006 / 0137836 discloses a sealing curtain assembly having a pair of tracks attached to opposite sides of an opening. Each track includes a spring system that pushes the track outward to keep the curtain taut. The spring system uses connecting members, preferably bolts, that allow the edge of the track to be separated from the frame member. In one embodiment, a compression spring and a washer are located between the head of each connecting member and the track. The problem with using spring-loaded connecting members is that the spacing between each member provides an area for the screen to be bound between the connecting members.

[0006] U.S. Patent 8,607,841 discloses a screen device having an inner rail embedded in a fixed guide rail that guides a protrusion at the side edge of the screen wound by a reel. Each inner rail has a guide groove into which a guide protrusion is inserted, and an inward flange is provided at the opening of the guide groove. The track member has outer protrusions and inner protrusions of different heights at both side edges of the track substrate. The higher outer protrusions are opposite. The micro gap between the lower inner protrusions extends into the guide groove so that the micro gap is opposite to the guide gap formed between the opposite inward flanges. The guide protrusion is guided by the inner protrusion sliding and in a fall-proof state, so that an extremely thin fastener element can be used as a guide protrusion. Although the spacing of the screen edge allows movement, the use of spaced inner guide rails causes the screen to wrinkle.

[0007] What is needed in the art is a screen retention track wherein the locking strength increases with the amount of wind the screen is exposed to. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention discloses a screen track having a centrally located chamber for receiving a base member constructed and designed to receive a beaded edge of a flexible screen. The base member adopts an opening with a shaped inlet. The base member is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in one embodiment, the shaped inlet is deformed to cause the beaded edge to be squeezed according to the amount of wind pressure applied to the screen. In another embodiment, the base member is movable between a retracted position and an extended position to provide base slat retention. The base member includes an extension member to hold the base member in the retracted position. A clip supports and reinforces the beaded edge (preferably a zipper) all the way to the bottom of the base slat for better operation, which allows the operator to lift the base slat well into the upper housing without the zipper leaving the track.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a secure screen attachment wherein the clamping pressure increases with the amount of wind pressure applied to the screen.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to teach a clamping mechanism that can clamp the edge of the screen under the action of wind.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to include a housing member for applying a constant tension on a flexible screen.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to teach the use of a beaded edge, ie a zipper edge, in conjunction with a clamp.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to teach the use of clips to support and reinforce the zipper edge all the way to the bottom of the base slat for better operation, wherein the operator can lift the base slat well into the upper housing without causing the beaded edge to come off track.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the present invention are described by way of illustration and example. Any drawings included herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a side view of the base slat under minimum force;

[0016] Figure 2 Side view of the base slat under maximum force

[0017] Figure 3 This is a side view of the screen track when the base component is subjected to the least force;

[0018] Figure 4 is a side view of the screen track with the base member in the deployed position;

[0019] Figure 5 is a side view of the screen track when the base member is subjected to the maximum force;

[0020] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the clamp;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a cross-sectional end view of

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Side view of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings a presently preferred but non-limiting embodiment, but it should be understood that this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment shown.

[0024] Referring now generally to the drawings, a screen track assembly 10 is shown having one embodiment for retaining a screen edge and another embodiment for retaining a base slat in conjunction with a screen edge. The track assembly 10 allows for either embodiment. The track assembly 10 is preferably made of aluminum and has a centrally disposed chamber 12 extending along a longitudinal length and defined by upper wall projections 14, 16 separated by an opening 18. The chamber 12 has first and second opposing side walls 20, 21 and a bottom wall 24. A cover 32 snaps onto the track assembly 10 to provide a finished appearance.

[0025] A lower receptacle 26 is formed along the lower portion 30 for securing an expansion member 70. The expansion member is secured to a base member 40 having an upper receptacle 52 that forms an expansion member connection sleeve connection. The base member 40 is constructed and designed to receive the beaded edge 22 of the flexible screen 25 through an opening 34 having a shaped inlet 42, the shaped inlet 42 being defined as a lip having a maximum width W1 proximate the opening 34 and a minimum width W2 at a distance from the opening 34, wherein the shaped inlet 42 closes the opening 34 when the hurricane screen is pulled out, substantially clamping the screen 25 and preventing the beaded edge 22 from being removed. The base member 40 is preferably constructed of a plastic that retains its shape, such as PVC or a similar plastic. The base member 40 is defined by a bottom wall 50 having an upper extension member socket 52, a left side wall 54 having a lower left raised edge 56, a first upper wall 58 having an upper left raised edge 60, a second upper wall 62 having an upper right raised edge 64, and a right side wall 66 having a lower right raised edge 68. The raised edges provide minimal surface contact to allow the base member 40 to easily move from the retracted position to the extended position. The extension member 70 has a first protrusion 72 that is coupled to the upper socket 52 formed in the base member 40, and a second protrusion 74 that is coupled to the lower socket 26 formed in the track 12. The extension member 70 is an elastic material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicon, and PVC-based flexible materials. The base member 40 can move from the retracted position to the extended position when wind strikes the screen. The extension member 70 keeps the screen in a taut position and provides shock absorption when the screen is hit by debris or wind increases. The expansion member 70 is constructed and arranged to draw the base member 40 toward the retracted position.

[0026] In one embodiment, if the screen deflection becomes excessive, e.g. Figure 5As shown, the beaded edge 22 is pulled toward the opening 34, wherein the beaded edge 22 engages with the formed inlet 42, which closes the opening 34 by squeezing the edges 27, 29 together, thereby preventing the beaded edge 22 from being removed. The wall protrusions 14, 16 act to prevent the base member 40 from being removed from the chamber 12. In a preferred embodiment, the beaded edge 22 is further defined as a Delrin zipper, wherein the beaded edge 22 can be easily moved around the corner, or placed on a roll, wherein the screen is used in a retractable form. The formed inlet 42 has an inward slope. When pressure is applied to the screen, the force begins to pivot the material around the wall protrusions 14, 16 and causes a squeezing effect.

[0027] In another embodiment, a clip 100 is used to secure the base strip. The clip 100 is constructed of two parts 102, 102' to secure the edge of the screen 25 therebetween; the first part 102 is approximately 3 inches in length and is defined by a side wall 106 having an L-shaped lip 108 formed along a proximal end and an L-shaped base 110 formed along a distal end. In a preferred embodiment, the first part 102 has first and second countersunk holes 112, 114 and threaded holes 124, 126. The threaded holes 124, 126 are used to receive fasteners 128. The holes 116, 118 in the L-shaped base 110 are fastened to the self-leveling aluminum base strip 120 using fasteners 122. The second part 102' forms a mirror image of the first part 102, and inventory can be reduced by making the parts 102' and 102 interchangeable.

[0028] The L-shaped lips 108, 108' fit within the chamber 12 and cannot be removed once the fasteners 128 are attached. The L-shaped lips 108, 108' engage the wall protrusions 14, 16 when the base member 40 is in the extended position. The felt scrapers 94, 94' engage the side walls 102, 102' to reduce the chance of aluminum damage and prevent debris from entering the chamber. The clips 100 support and reinforce the beaded edge (preferably zipper) all the way to the bottom of the base slats for better handling and to allow the operator to lift the base slats nicely into the upper housing without the beaded edge coming off the track.

[0029] The opening 90 for accessing the screen 25 to the base 40 includes a first passage 92 for receiving a felt wiper 94 on one side of the screen 25, and a second passage 92' for receiving a felt wiper 94' on the other side of the screen 25. When used in conjunction with the slat base, the felt wipers engage each side of the slats.

[0030] Figure 1-2 A base slat 120 is shown. Figure 1 The base slat 120 is shown held at a minimum force, Figure 2The base strip 120 is shown held at maximum force, with the expansion member 70 expanded and the L-shaped lips 108 , 108 ′ engaging the wall protrusions 14 , 16 to limit the expansion member 70 extension.

[0031] Figure 3-5 Screen window connection depicted. Figure 3 is a side view of screen track 12 with base member 40 at minimum force; Figure 4 is a side view of the screen track 12 with the base member 40 in the deployed position; Figure 5 is a side view of screen track 12 with base member 40 under maximum force.

[0032] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. In the claims and / or specification, when used with the term "comprising," the term "a" or "an" may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more" or "at least one." The term "about" generally means plus or minus 5% of the stated value. Use of the term "or" in the claims is intended to mean "and / or" unless it is expressly stated to refer only to alternatives or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, but the present disclosure supports definitions referring only to alternatives and "and / or."

[0033] The terms "include" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of having, such as "having" and "having"), "include" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "comprising"), and "include" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "comprising") are open conjunctions. Thus, a method or apparatus "includes," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements, has these one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only these one or more elements. Similarly, a method step or apparatus element "includes," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features, has these one or more features, but is not limited to having only these one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0034] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which the invention belongs. All patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as each publication is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] It should be understood that although a certain form of the invention has been described, it is not limited to the specific form or arrangement described and shown herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention should not be considered to be limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings / figures included herein.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well suited to achieving the stated objectives and obtaining the stated results and advantages as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein presently represent preferred embodiments and are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations and other uses therein, which are within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be overly limited to these specific embodiments. In fact, various modifications of the described modes of implementing the invention that are apparent to those skilled in the art are included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A screen window track accessory, comprising: a track having a centrally located cavity extending along a longitudinal length of the track; a base member constructed and designed to receive a beaded edge of a flexible hurricane screen through an opening having a shaped access opening, said base member being movable between a retracted position and an extended position within said track cavity; an extension member having a first protrusion connected to the base member and a second protrusion connected to the track; wherein the base member is movable from a retracted position to an expanded position by wind pressure applied to the hurricane screen; wherein the expansion member is constructed and designed to pull the base member toward the retracted position; wherein the shaped inlet forces the base member to react to wind pressure to clamp the beaded edge and prevent the hurricane screen from being removed.

2. A screen track as claimed in claim 1 including felt strips connected to channels in the track and located on each side of the screen.

3. The screen track of claim 1 , wherein the base member is substantially square and is slidable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

4. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The base member includes a raised edge for slidably engaging a wall of the chamber.

5. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The base member is plastic.

6. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The shaped inlet is further defined as a lip having a maximum width proximate the opening and a minimum width at a distance from the opening, wherein the shaped inlet closes the opening when the screen is pulled out.

7. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The shaped inlet has an inward slope.

8. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The beaded edge is further defined as a zipper constructed of Delrin.

9. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion member is an elastic material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone or PVC flexible materials.

10. The screen track of claim 1 including a clip secured to an edge of the screen, the clip having an L-shaped lip to engage a protrusion within the chamber constructed and arranged to support the screen.

11. The screen track according to claim 1, wherein: The screens are constructed and designed to withstand hurricane force winds.

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