Patent Application
20080263992
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to window shutters and more particularly to systems for securing shutters to a wall while providing a finished look.
2. Description of Related Art
Within the window design industry, and in particular within the shutter market, there are several known options for designing and securing a shutter to a wall in a decorative manner. As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,038 to Nien, et al, the standard method of nailing or screwing a wood shutter to a wall leaves a marred surface where the nail or screw passes through the finished surface. This requires that the surface be finished after securing or that the finish be touched up after securing.
Nien provides one solution to this problem involving a concealing strip placed into a mounting channel. This solution requires very tight manufacturing tolerances to ensure a friction fit between the concealing strip and the mounting channel. Such tight tolerances increase the cost of manufacturing and the return rate of products due to minor damage, such as warping. Other problems, such as material reactions to humidity and temperature changes, may limit the application of the Nien method.
A final issue with the Nien system is that the concealing strip fits within the mounting channel, thereby limiting the decorative variations available for a given rail. The Nien concealing strip can only change the profile of the shutter rail between the edges of the channel.
A need exists, therefore, for a system that provides a concealing cover that may be attached in a way that does not require tight manufacturing tolerances and the attendant costs. The method will also need to be simple enough for consumers to perform without extensive directions to avoid excessive returns.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
The problems presented in the shutter arts are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a shutter clip is provided along with matching channels in the frame rail and concealing cover to allow for simple and secure installation of the concealing strip without the limitations of the prior art.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
Decorative cover 14 has a similar channel 118 and decorative profile 120. Cover channel 118 has features similar to rail channel 18, such as cover channel lips 122, cover channel lip width 124, cover channel bottom width 126, cover channel depth 128, cover channel lip height 130, cover channel lip thickness 132, and cover channel lip depth 134 as shown in
Continuing with
Arms 40 of clip 36 are shown positioned to extend between lips 22 once clip 36 is installed as described above. Arms 40 have a thickness that is based on the material used and the amount of deflection required to allow heads 42 to engage cover lips 122. A stiffer arm 40 may make installation difficult, or even damage cover 14 while a thin arm 40 may break easily or provide a loose fit. Heads 42 have a ledge 44 that is shown parallel to but spaced apart from shoulder 50. The space between ledge 44 and shoulder 50 is the sum of rail lip thickness 30 and cover lip thickness 130.
The primary advantage of the present invention is an easy and secure installation without the cost of high tolerance manufacturing.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
