Window trim for recreational vehicles

Abstract

The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to window assemblies for recreational vehicles, and more particularly, to structures for securing such window assemblies in walls of recreational vehicles.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The use of recreational vehicles has increased dramatically over the last several years. Due to the large amount of time people often spend in recreational vehicles, it is important that the interior of these vehicles be pleasing in appearance. Toward this end, numerous improvements have been made to the living space provided in recreational vehicles, including, e.g., the addition of room extensions and specialty windows.

[0005] Along these lines, recreational vehicles typically include several windows, each of which is initially assembled separately and installed as part of an assembly. A typical window assembly comprises a frame having a plurality of channels for mounting one or more window panels, and a circumferential flange for overlapping the interior surface of the frame to secure the window assembly to the wall.

[0006] Conventionally, a plurality of screws are drilled around the periphery of the interior circumferential flange of the window frame. Although this method secures the frame to the wall, it has numerous disadvantages. For instance, securing the window frame to the wall of the recreational vehicle in the conventional manner typically requires numerous screws. Each screw must then be individually and manually drilled into the window frame and through the wall. Finally, for cosmetic reasons, the heads of these screws are typically painted to match the color of the window trim. Although the screw heads are individually painted, they are still clearly visible from the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] A further disadvantage is that, due to the large number of screws required to secure the window frame to the wall, a large margin of error exists. For example, the screws may be drilled to the frame at the wrong location, or they may be drilled at an angle, rather than straight as desired. Errors such as these are likely to result in an unsatisfactory installation, which may lead to problems with ineffective sealing and eventual leaking.

[0008] This conventional installation process is unsatisfactory because it results in a window which is displeasing in appearance and which is susceptible to seal failure.

[0009] What is needed in the art is a window mounting which is more efficient and less time consuming to install, and which is aesthetically pleasing to the end user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is a window trim system with brackets and a trim ring for effectively and efficiently securing a window frame to the wall of a recreational vehicle. The window trim system of the present invention positions the trim ring such that it contributes aesthetically to the appearance of the interior of the vehicle.

[0011] The present invention involves an apparatus for installing a window frame in a fixed position in an aperture in a vehicle wall. The window frame is shaped to conform to the shape of the aperture in the wall surface to which it is being installed. The frame includes means for mounting one or more window panels, and has a circumferential flange for overlapping the interior surface of the frame, such that the frame partially or completely surrounds the aperture. The frame is an extruded unitary structure typically manufactured from a soft metal, such as aluminum alloy.

[0012] The window assembly is secured to the wall of the recreational vehicle through the use of the clamping brackets and trim ring of the present invention. Advantageously, the present invention allows the window frame to be secured to the wall of the recreational vehicle with a minimal number of clamping brackets.

[0013] The clamping bracket of the present invention comprises an elongated flange having first and second ends. The first end of the flange is press fit into a channel in a predetermined location in the window frame. Once the clamping bracket is press fit into the window frame, a screw is drilled through a groove disposed at the second end of the flange, through the flange of the bracket, and finally through the preformed channel in the window frame. In this manner, the bracket and screws serve to secure the window assembly to the wall of the recreational vehicle.

[0014] Once the screw and clamping bracket have secured the window frame to the wall, the trim ring of the present invention is introduced. The trim ring is adapted for attachment with the clamping brackets, and is snapped and locked onto the brackets to hide the screw heads from sight. The use of the trim ring obviates the need to manually paint the screw heads, and the trim ring may be provided in a color which is complementary with the window frame.

[0015] The clamping bracket and trim ring of the present invention may be used on the exterior of the recreational vehicle as well. For example, the clamping bracket and the trim ring may be used on the exterior of the recreational vehicle in order to secure the window assembly to the exterior wall of the recreational vehicle. Additionally, the clamping bracket and trim ring of the present invention may be used to secure the exterior wall panels to the internal support structure, i.e., support beams or joists, of the recreational vehicle.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a window trim system which is capable of efficiently and effectively installing a window assembly into a wall in a recreational vehicle.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a window trim system which improves the aesthetic quality of the interior of a recreational vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The aforementioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of several embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window having a window trim of the prior art;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a window having a window trim fitted with the clamping brackets of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a window fitted with the window trim of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 is the bracket of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a trim ring adapted for use with the clamping bracket of FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 4 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 6;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trim ring which is adapted for use with the clamping bracket of FIG. 8;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 8 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 9;

[0029] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 7, but depicts the orientation of the clamping bracket of FIG. 4 and trim ring of FIG. 6 with the window frame;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trim ring of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 12 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 13;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trim ring of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 15 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 16;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trim ring of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 18 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 19;

[0039] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the trim ring of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 21 attached to the trim ring of FIG. 22, the combination mounted on a window frame;

[0042] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket and trim ring combination mounted on a window frame;

[0043] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket and trim ring combination mounted on a window frame;

[0044] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 24 attached to the trim ring combination of FIG. 25;

[0045] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping bracket and the trim ring combination of the present invention, and depicts the trim ring coming into contact with the clamping bracket; and

[0046] FIGS. 28-30 are cross-sectional views of further alternative embodiments of the clamping bracket and the trim ring of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a recreational vehicle having its exterior wall panels secured through the use of the clamping bracket and trim ring of the present invention; and

[0048] FIG. 32 is taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

[0049] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0050] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art might utilize their teachings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a window secured through the use of a prior art window trim. Screws 56 can be plainly seen from the interior of the vehicle.

[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a window secured with brackets 10 of the present invention. FIG. 2 could be either an interior view or an exterior view of the window, depending on whether the brackets and trim ring sections of the present invention are installed on the interior or the exterior of the window. Although the particular embodiment depicted shows the use of six clamping brackets, it is contemplated that as few as one up to several brackets may be utilized depending upon the size, shape, and weight of the window being installed and the amount of sealing that is necessary for the installation.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an exterior view of a window which has been fully installed with exterior trim 50 held over a window frame 51 installed with brackets 10 and one or more trim rings 30 of the present invention.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 4, clamping bracket 10 includes flange 12, which with branch 20, defines channel 25. Flange 12 has first end 14 and second end 16. Second end 16 of flange 12 includes groove 18. Clamping bracket 10 further comprises first end 19, second end 21, branch 20, and arm 22. Arm 22 extends at a substantially right angle from branch 20, and arm 22 includes depression 24. Branch 20 lies flush with the interior circumferential flange of the window frame. FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the bottom of bracket 10, taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0055] Flange 12 of bracket 10 mounts bracket 10 with window frame 52 as it is adapted to be press fit into preformed channel 58 in window frame 52 (as seen in FIG. 11). Once first end 14 of flange 12 is press fit into the preformed channel in window frame 52, screw 56 (as seen in FIG. 11) is drilled through groove 18 disposed at second end 16 of flange 12. Screw 56 travels through flange 12, either by drilling through the material of flange 12 or by extending through a preformed opening in flange 12, and into window frame 52, thereby mounting and securing bracket 10 to window frame 52.

[0056] FIG. 6 depicts the uniform cross-sectional aspect of trim ring 30. Trim ring 30 is adapted to snap onto or be press fit over bracket 10. Trim ring section 30 comprises first end 34 and second end 36. First end 34 includes depression 37, which may be manually snapped onto first end 19 of bracket 10. Depression 37 receives first end 19 of bracket 10, such that first end 34 is engaged with first end 19 of bracket 10. Second end 36 of trim ring 30 includes protrusion 38. Protrusion 38 is adapted to be received by depression 24 disposed in second end 21 of bracket 10. In this manner, trim ring 30 may be manually snapped onto, and, by virtue depression 24 receiving protrusion 38, and by first end 19 of bracket 10 receiving depression 37, be retained by bracket 10. Alternatively, trim ring 30 may be manually press fit over bracket 10 to make the same connections as described above.

[0057] Slot 27, defined by projections 29a, 29b, is formed on the interior surface of trim ring 30. Slot 27 is adapted to accommodate the insertion of connector 31, for example a piece of soft metal such as aluminum or a hard polymer, which acts to connect the ends of a single trim ring section 30 or connect ends of individual sections of trim rings 30. Advantageously, slot 27 and projections 29a, 29b allow the window trim to be completed without an overlap. This gives the illusion that the window trim is a single circumferential piece, and is more aesthetically pleasing than the conventional method which leaves an undesirable overlap where the window trim is pulled together. Additionally, notches 40, or any variety of aesthetically pleasing features, may be added to the exterior surface of trim ring 30.

[0058] Bracket 10 and trim ring 30 are preferably manufactured by an extrusion process from a soft metal, e.g., aluminum and aluminum alloys, or a hard polymer. However, it is contemplated that other materials could be utilized so long as they are malleable and strong enough to effectively install the window in the recreational vehicle.

[0059] As discussed herein above, bracket 10 and trim ring section 30 are adapted to be mounted in either the exterior or the interior of the recreational vehicle. When mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, brackets 10 and trim ring 30 may function to secure the window assembly to the outer exterior walls of the recreational vehicle.

[0060] FIG. 7 depicts window trim 50, which is a combination of bracket 10 and trim ring 30. Trim ring 30 is snapped or press fit onto bracket 10, such that depression 37 of trim ring 30 receives first end 19 of bracket 10 and depression 24 of bracket 10 receives protrusion 38 of trim ring section 30. When trim ring 30 is snapped or press fit onto bracket 10, trim ring 30 and bracket 10 are affixed together. The fixture of bracket 10 and trim ring 30 may be further secured by an adhesive or by the strength of the crimping of trim ring 30 on bracket 10. If desired, the affixation may be decreased by changing or deleting such affixative or by decreasing the extent of crimping.

[0061] FIGS. 8-10 are similar to FIGS. 4-7, but depict an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the body of bracket 110 includes branch 120 which extends straight across to arm 122. Arm 122 extends at a substantially right angle from branch 120, and arm 122 includes second depression 138.

[0062] FIG. 11 depicts the orientation of window trim 50 with window frame 52 disposed in recreational vehicle wall 54. Window frame 52 is inserted onto vehicle wall 54 from the exterior of the vehicle. In order to install bracket 10 in window frame 52, first end 14 of flange 12 is press fit into preformed channel 58 in window frame 52. By press fitting first end 14 of flange 12 into window frame 52, bracket 10 is temporarily secured in window frame 52. Screw 56 is then drilled into groove 18 in second end 16 of flange 12. By drilling screw 56 through flange 12 and into frame 52, bracket 10 is secured in, and attached to, window frame 52. The length of bracket 10 may be varied to accommodate any number of screws which may be drilled through flange 12 of bracket 10. Branch 20 lies flush with window frame 52 to fix window frame 52 on vehicle wall 54.

[0063] FIGS. 12-14 depict an alternative embodiment in which bracket 210 comprises first branch 220 and second branch 256. Second branch 256 includes catch 258. With reference to FIG. 13, trim ring section 230 comprises first and second arms 260, 262. Second arm 262, in this embodiment, is slightly longer than first arm 260, and is resilient. Second arm 262 further comprises catch 264. Second branch 256 is adapted for insertion between arms 260, 262, such that when second branch 256 of bracket 210 is inserted between arms 260, 262, second arm 262 flexes to accommodate second branch 256. Catch 258 of second branch 256 and catch 264 of second arm 262 engage one another, causing bracket 210 and trim ring 230 to be secured to one another (FIG. 14).

[0064] FIGS. 15-17 depict another alternative arrangement. Bracket 310 comprises first branch 320 and second branch 356. Second branch 356 comprises H-shaped structure 366. H-shaped structure 366 further comprises a pair of notches 368, 369. FIG. 15 depicts trim ring 330 which includes first and second arms 370, 372. First and second arms 370, 372 are resilient and each include catches 374, 375. As shown in FIG. 17, H-shaped structure 366 is received by arms 370, 372 of trim ring 330, and notches 368, 369 of H-shaped structure 366 are caught by catches 374, 375 of first and second arms 370, 372. By press fitting arms 370, 372 over H-shaped structure 366, bracket 310 is secured to trim ring 330.

[0065] FIGS. 18-20 depict an alternative arrangement in which bracket 410 comprises first branch 420 and second branch 456. Second branch 456 includes aperture 474. Aperture 474 may be virtually any size or shape, and as depicted in FIGS. 18-20, resembles a Christmas tree. Trim ring 430 comprises structure 476 which corresponds in size and shape with aperture 474, such that structure 476 may be manually press fit into aperture 474 of bracket 410.

[0066] FIGS. 21-23 are similar to FIGS. 17-19, but depict aperture 574 of bracket and structure 576 of trim ring 530 as a serrated size and shape. FIG. 23 illustrates the orientation of trim ring system 550 with window frame 52.

[0067] FIGS. 24-27 depict an alternative embodiment in which bracket 610 comprises branch 620 having arm 622. Arm 622 comprises a plurality of teeth 678 which correspond with, and engage teeth 680 of trim ring 630. Additionally, end 634 of bracket 610 is adapted to engage teeth 682 of trim ring 630. FIGS. 24-27 also depict the insertion of bracket 610 into trim ring 630.

[0068] FIGS. 28-30 depict covers 96 and 98 which engage brackets 710 and 810, so that the trim ring apparent in the vehicle interior is provided by both the bracket and the cover.

[0069] FIG. 31 is an exterior view of a recreational vehicle having its exterior wall panels 66 secured to the support beams or joists 67 through the use of bracket 110 and trim ring 130. When bracket 110 and trim ring 130 are used to secure exterior wall panels 66 to the internal support structure, i.e., support beams or joists 67, of the recreational vehicle, flange 112 of bracket 110 is press fit into preformed channel 68 in support beam 67. Screw 56 is then drilled through groove 118 of flange 112, and bracket 110 is secured to support beam 67. Trim ring 130 is installed in the same manner discussed above with respect to the installation of a window assembly. FIG. 32 is taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31, and is a cross-sectional view of bracket 110 and trim ring 130 securing exterior wall panel 66 to support beam 67.

[0070] The various alternative constructions of brackets and trim rings may be manufactured in a uniform cross-sectional aspect by an extrusion process, although other manufacturing processes, such as sheet metal stamping, may be employed to construct these structures. While the exemplary embodiments are described as using a soft metal, structures which may mount window frames and engage trim rings may also be made from polymer or similar materials. Both the brackets and trim rings may be manufactured in a variety of lengths, then cut for particular dimensions or loading conditions. For example, a bracket may be relatively narrow and only accommodate one screw for a light weight load, or may be relatively wide to accommodate several screws for a heavy load or wind resistance.

[0071] While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A trim assembly for use on a panel adapted for installation on exterior of a recreational vehicle, said trim assembly comprising: a bracket, said bracket comprising a mounting portion and a receiving portion, said mounting portion adapted to attach to the support structure of said recreational vehicle; a trim ring, said trim ring defining an exterior surface adapted to cover said bracket, said trim ring including an engagement portion adapted to connect with said receiving portion of said bracket.

2. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said panel comprises a window.

3. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said panel comprises an exterior panel.

4. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said trim ring has a uniform aspect in cross-section.

5. The trim assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said brackets.

6. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said trim ring comprises a plurality of trim ring sections.

7. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said receiving portion of said bracket comprises a depression and said engagement portion of said trim ring comprises a depression and said bracket comprises a projection, said projection of said bracket adapted to form an interference fit with said depression of said trim ring.

8. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said trim ring comprises an interior surface, said interior surface comprises means for attaching ends of said trim ring.

9. The trim assembly of claim 1, wherein said mounting portion of said bracket includes an opening for receiving a screw.

10. The trim assembly of claim 9, wherein said mounting portion capable of accommodating a plurality of screws.

11. A window trim assembly for use on a window adapted for installation in a wall, said window trim assembly comprising: a bracket, said bracket comprising a mounting portion and a receiving portion, said mounting portion adapted to attach to the wall; and a trim ring, said trim ring defining an exterior surface adapted to cover said bracket, said trim ring including an engagement portion adapted to connect with said receiving portion of said bracket.

12. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said trim ring has a uniform aspect in cross-section.

13. The window trim assembly of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of said brackets.

14. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said trim ring comprises a plurality of trim ring sections.

15. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said receiving portion of said bracket comprises a depression and said engagement portion of said trim ring comprises a depression and said bracket comprises a projection, said projection of said bracket adapted to form an interference fit with said depression of said trim ring.

16. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said receiving portion of said bracket comprises a branch and said engagement portion of said trim ring comprises first and second arms, said second arm having a catch, said first and second arms of said trim ring adapted to resiliently receive said branch of said bracket, said catch latching on said branch.

17. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said engagement portion of said bracket comprises an H-shaped structure and said engagement portion of said trim ring comprises a pair of arms adapted to resiliently receive said H-shaped structure.

18. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said receiving portion of said bracket comprises a serrated structure and said engagement portion of said trim ring comprises an aperture adapted to form an interference fit with said serrated structure.

19. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said trim ring comprises an interior surface, said interior surface comprises means for attaching ends of said trim ring.

20. The window trim assembly of claim 11, wherein said mounting portion of said bracket includes an opening for receiving a screw.

21. The window trim assembly of claim 20, wherein said mounting portion is capable of accommodating a plurality of screws.

22. A window assembly for installation in an interior wall of a recreational vehicle, said window assembly comprising: a window frame, said window frame comprising a circumferential flange which lies flush with said interior wall of said recreational vehicle, said window frame further comprising a channel and an exterior periphery; a bracket, said bracket comprising a flange adapted to be press fit into said channel of said window frame; a trim ring defining an exterior surface extending over said exterior periphery of said window frame, said trim ring adapted for attachment with said bracket.

23. The window trim assembly of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of brackets.

24. The window trim assembly of claim 22, wherein said trim ring comprises a plurality of trim ring sections.

25. The window trim assembly of claim 22, wherein the flange of said bracket is capable of accommodating a plurality of screws.

26. The window trim assembly of claim 22, wherein said flange of said bracket is capable of accommodating a plurality of screws.

27. The window trim assembly of claim 22, wherein said trim ring sections comprise an interior surface, said interior surface comprises means for attaching individual trim ring sections to one another, whereby said trim ring sections do not overlap one another.

28. A method of securing a window frame in an opening in the wall of a recreational vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bracket with a mounting portion and a receiving portion; providing a trim ring with an exterior surface and an engagement portion; fixing a screw through the mounting portion of the bracket to the window frame; and attaching the trim ring to the clamping bracket by interfitting the engagement portion with the receiving portion, wherein said screw is hidden from view by the exterior surface of the trim ring.