Patent Application
20240200402
The present invention relates to a component based frame and screen system and method. In particular, a component system that allows for rapid assembly and installation of a frame and screen for openings in buildings.
The present disclosure relates generally to a component based frame and screen system and method of assembling the same. Frames, such as those for windows and doors, are utilized to provide a barrier to the elements and provide access to viewing the outdoors. Furthermore, frame comprise design aesthetics and functional features to help protect and create a display to the outdoors.
Typical components of a window, such as a double hung window, are a head that sits on top, a stool forming the bottom bracket, and an apron below the stool. Further, a window may be comprised of jambs on the vertical and a sill for drainage, along with a casing for outer appearance and protection. The frame itself may have a sash, panes, grilles, a sash lock, and a lift (if the frame allows for opening).
Typical components of a door, include a head jamb, a side jamb, a threshold and a sill. Further, the door may include a casing, glazing, screen, or other components. Further, a door may be configured as a screen door and the screen may have grilles running throughout.
The screen configured to a frame, of either a window or door, may be comprised of a metal screen, glass, or composite material, and may have grilles running through the same. Screens are utilized to let light in, while blocking out elements, including pests and debris.
Due to the overall size of windows and doors, shipping and assembling the same are expensive and often require special tools and freight handling. Windows vary greatly in size and can range from 24″ by 36″ on the smaller end and 48″ by 48″ on the larger end. Door assemblies may be even larger and can span distances of over 48″ in width and 96″ in height. Purchasing windows and doors often requires shipping on a truck or other vehicle that can accommodate the size to a customer's installation site. Further, the glazing and screen are often delicate and need protecting during shipping and installation, thus making freight shipment even more costly as expensive packaging materials may be required.
There is a long sought need to provide a frame system that can be purchased, transported, and assembled by consumers without the use of large vehicles, specialized tools, expensive packaging, and time consuming installation. The disclosure herein provides a solution to these problems and more by providing a configurable component based frame system and method.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multiple component frame and screen system, including: lineal components with a hollow body, each lineal component capable of friction locking through the hollow body; corner components, each corner component capable of friction locking with the lineal components; splice components, each splice component capable of friction locking with the lineal components; cross-bar components, each cross bar component capable of friction locking with the lineal components; and a screen that interlocks in a screen lock channel of the lineal components, the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, further including a screen locking insert that interlocks in the screen lock channel by compressing the screen into the screen lock channel.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the lineal components are included of a polymeric material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components are included of a polymeric material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the lineal components are included of a metal.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components are included of a metal.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the lineal components have a ridge to lock the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components when friction locking.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the screen is comprised of fiberglass or metal or vinyl.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the lineal components are at most 16 inches long.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the lineal components, the corner components, the splice components, and the cross bar components are also held together with an adhesive at the friction locking locations.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the cross-bar components interlock with three lineal components.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components have locking teeth to assist in friction fitting.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for assembling a multiple component frame and screen system, including: providing a plurality of lineal components, each with a hollow body; providing a plurality of corner components, splice components, and cross-bar components, wherein each component is capable of friction locking with the hollow body of each of the plurality of lineal components through a locking end placed interior to the hollow body; interlocking the plurality of lineal components to the plurality of corner components, splice components, and cross-bar components, wherein interlocking forms a frame for a window or a door; and applying a screen to a screen lock channel on the plurality of lineal components, corner components, splice components, and cross-bar components.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including applying a screen locking insert that interlocks in the screen lock channel by compressing the screen into the screen lock channel.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the lineal components are included of a polymeric material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components are included of a polymeric material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the lineal components are included of a metal.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components are included of a metal.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the plurality of lineal components have a ridge on the interior of the hollow body to interlock with the plurality of corner components, splice components, and cross-bar components.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the screen is comprised of fiberglass or metal or vinyl.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the each of the plurality of lineal components are at most 16 inches long.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the corner components, the splice components, and the cross-bar components have locking teeth to assist in friction fitting.
Many aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. It should be recognized that these implementations and embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings:
The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “includes” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.
In one aspect, a multiple component frame and screen system reduces environmental impact. Namely, a reduction in shipping and freight costs associated with transporting compact packages. In said aspect, the length of the packaging may be limited to 16 inches, thus allowing more portable transfer and availability of window or door frames. Further, the polymeric material may be of recycled content, and as such reduce the environmental impact. In further industrial applications, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized for purchase by consumers at retail locations, rather than ordering and customized shipments from manufacturing or fabrication facilities.
In another aspect, a multiple component frame and screen system may be installed by consumers, thus eliminating contractors and specialized tools. In said aspect the friction locking features allows for direct assembly with minimal tool requirements. Further, the light weight and compact packaging allow a consumer to purchase, transport, and install without the need for further customization, delivery assistance, and installation services.
In another aspect, the fastener points provide a template for instant installation of a frame and screen in predesigned or situations in which the window or door construction may lack framing elements. Thereby allowing for rapid installation and consumer installation, without the need for contractors or advanced tools.
Referring now to
In one aspect, the frame of
The tightness of fit on friction fitting is controlled by the amount of interference. The allowance is the planned difference from nominal size, which is dependent on the material being utilized to form the frame system. An example of allowance per inch of diameter usually ranges from 0.001 to 0.0025 inches. Applications disclosed herein have an average target for allowance of 0.0015 inches, though other ranges are available and will suit for the applications disclosed herein.
Referring to
Referring now to
Continuing with
Referring now to
Referring to the corner components 302A, in one aspect the corner components form a ninety-degree corner and each corner component 302A interlocks with one lineal component 308A. In this respect, the corner components form the corner of the frame and are typically comprised of a solid metal, whether it be a polymeric material or metal material. Thus, the corner components are more rigid than the lineal components, aiding in the friction fitting.
Referring to the splice components 304A, in one aspect the splice components serve to connect the lineal components to either additional lineal components to subscribe to a specific dimensionality, or to provide additional support for a frame that may require a stronger lineal connection. In the latter aspect, shorter lineal sections may be combined with splice components to increase rigidity. The hollow body lineal components server to reduce material waste while also providing for mating with the connector components. In other aspects, the splice components 304A have locking teeth to friction fit or friction lock with the lineal components. In the same aspect, the splice components 304A are designed to lock with two lineal components, thereby forming a run that may span a width and length of a desired window or door frame.
Referring now to cross-bar components 306A, in one aspect cross-bar components serve to connect the lineal components at a juncture of a grille or bar that runs through the screen area. The cross-bar component is configured to interlock by way of friction fitting, with or without adhesive, to three lineal components. As disclosed in the example of
Referring now to
Further, the interlocking ends of the connector components may also have an adhesive applied that further secures the interlocking of components. Additional features include a nodule or raised indentation inside the hollow body of the lineal components that may engage the teeth or locking features of the connector components. In other aspects the lineal components may have the adhesive applied to the inside. Further, the hollow body of the lineal components may be filled with insulation, or may be comprised of a matrix material, or composite strip that further increases rigidity.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Continuing, the splice component configures and provides for a locking channel 510, upon which the screen components may be attached. In one aspect, the locking channel 510 accepts a screen and a screen locking insert to hold the screen secure with mechanical force. In other aspects, fasteners may be applied to pre-drilled or pre-configured locations within the connector components, wherein a wood panel or storm protection panels may be applied.
Referring now to
Continuing, the screen may be comprised of fiberglass or metal or vinyl, or may be comprised of a polymeric material or any combination thereof. In one aspect, a screen is comprised of fiberglass coated in vinyl or other polymeric material. Further, a screen's gauge or thickness may be designed to protect from certain entomology or other aspects such as wind objects.
In other aspects of
In one aspect, a screen locking insert is a rubber material, in another it is a polymeric material, in yet another it may be comprised of metal, the principle remains the same, the screen locking insert locks the screen into the lineal component and holds it with enough force to withstand outdoor elements. In this regard, the screen locking insert applies mechanical force to hold the screen in place, and allows for rapid exchange of screen materials. Thus, the disclosed screen components allow for use of basic tools to exchange the screens when damaged, as well as replacement of sections with common materials, such as a rubberized bead with a grooved texture that will apply pressure/force to the locking channel in which to hold the screen.
Referring now to
Next, in reference to
Next, in the example method of
Next, applying a screen to a screen lock channel on the plurality of lineal components, corner components, splice components, and cross-bar components 740. In the example, the screen is pressed into the channel and locked through a screen locking insert. The screen locking insert is at a diameter to cause an interference fit with the screen and the locking channel where as to mechanically hold the screen in place. In other aspects, the screen may be replaced with a cloth or fiber material, or may be inset with a metal or wood panel for storm protection. In other aspects, only the lineal components are configured with a screen lock channel, and the various connector components are flush with the screen lock channel whereas to not interfere with the screen locking insert. In additional aspects, the connector components,
Below are examples of polymeric materials disclosed for various applications herein:
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
