U.S. patent application number 09/740965 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-10 for retractable screen system and improvements therefor.
Invention is credited to Davies, John Robert, Davies, Sean, Kupenthirarajan, Sinnathamby.
Application Number | 20010000878 09/740965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46255924 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010000878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davies, John Robert ; et
al. |
May 10, 2001 |
Retractable screen system and improvements therefor
Abstract
A continuous roll of screen which may be payed out from said
roll by an installer or manufacturer to a required predetermined
window size, or alternatively patio door size, said screen
comprising a free end which allows the installer to pay the screen
off of the roll upon which the screen is accumulated course upon
course, one end of said screen being disposed at the end of the
courses accumulated on the roll from which the screening is payed
off and the other end being a free end, said screen having side
edges and preferably being manufactured from preferably
vinyl-coated fiberglass, the edges of said screen having affixed
thereto a generally preferably T-shaped key manufactured from a
flexible material, for example polyvinyl chloride, which is affixed
preferably by radio frequency welding (or RF welding) with the
edges and preferably each of the edges, and in one embodiment at
least one edge of said screen, wherein the vinyl coating provided
on the screen melds with the polyvinyl chloride key to form a
resilient anchor for the screen device within any screen roller
assembly.
Inventors: |
Davies, John Robert;
(Vaughan, CA) ; Davies, Sean; (Vaughan, CA)
; Kupenthirarajan, Sinnathamby; (Vaughan, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IVOR M HUGHES
175 COMMERCE VALLEY DRIVE WEST
SUITE 200
THORNHILL
ON
L3T7P6
CA
|
Family ID: |
46255924 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740965 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09740965 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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09035152 |
Mar 5, 1998 |
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09035152 |
Mar 5, 1998 |
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08962263 |
Oct 31, 1997 |
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08962263 |
Oct 31, 1997 |
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08362995 |
Dec 23, 1994 |
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5687506 |
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08362995 |
Dec 23, 1994 |
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08281620 |
Jul 28, 1994 |
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5682710 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/26 ; 160/100;
160/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2201/706 20130101;
E06B 9/58 20130101; E06B 2009/543 20130101; G09F 23/00 20130101;
E05Y 2201/722 20130101; E05Y 2900/132 20130101; E05Y 2900/148
20130101; E06B 3/5018 20130101; E05Y 2900/00 20130101; E05F 7/005
20130101; E06B 3/50 20130101; E06B 9/68 20130101; G09F 23/06
20130101; E05D 15/22 20130101; E05D 15/0604 20130101; E05Y 2900/106
20130101; E06B 9/54 20130101; E06B 9/84 20130101; E05Y 2201/604
20130101; E05Y 2201/716 20130101; E05Y 2201/62 20130101; E05D
13/1253 20130101; E05D 2015/586 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/26 ; 160/27;
160/100 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are as follows:
1. A window assembly comprising a retractable screen disposed
within a framing portion of the assembly, the screen accumulating
on and paying out from a spring biased roll disposed within said
frame portion, the screen being retractable for egress or cleaning
purposes, and available as desired by providing a detent on the
opposite frame portion engageable with the screen when in its
operable position.
2. The screen assembly of claim 1 which is preferably guided to and
from its operative position in guides provided with the jamb, sill
or header, and which allows for the manufacture of heavier screens
in larger sections without continuously covering of the window.
3. A closure assembly comprising a retractable screen disposed
within a framing portion of the assembly, said framing portion
providing a pocket within which the screen is contained in use,
said pocket being bound by at least two sides of said framing
portion thereby forming said pocket, said pocket being closed by a
separate cover closing said framing portion, being positioned in
said pocket prior to the cover closing the pocket is installed
preferably by clipping detents provided with said cover in a
channel provided with at least one of the sides of said framing
portion providing the pocket, the screen accumulating on and paying
out from a spring biased roll disposed within said frame portion,
the screen being retractable for egress or cleaning purposes, and
available as desired by providing a detent on the opposite frame
portion engageable with the screen when in its operable
position.
4. A continuous roll of screen which may be payed out from said
roll by an installer or manufacturer to a required predetermined
window size, or alternatively patio door size, said screen
comprising a free end which allows the installer to pay the screen
off of the roll upon which the screen is accumulated course upon
course, one end of said screen being disposed at the end of the
courses accumulated on the roll from which the screening is payed
off and the other end being a free end, said screen having side
edges and preferably being manufactured from preferably
vinyl-coated fiberglass, the edges of said screen having affixed
thereto a generally preferably T-shaped key manufactured from a
flexible material, for example polyvinyl chloride, which is affixed
preferably by radio frequency welding (or RF welding) with the
edges and preferably each of the edges, and in one embodiment at
least one edge of said screen, wherein the vinyl coating provided
on the screen melds with the polyvinyl chloride key to form a
resilient anchor for the screen device within any screen roller
assembly.
5. The screen of claim 4 wherein the polyvinyl chloride preferably
generally T-shaped key has a head extending from a leg in the shape
of a preferred T, or alternatively a Y, or any other convenient
shape so long as said shape is compatible with the receiving groove
on the handle and roller tube, the leg of said key preferably
including two separable portions within which the edges of a screen
interfit prior to RF welding wherein the screen is payed off of the
roll upon which it is accumulated to the desired dimension of the
window or closure such as a patio door wherein the screen will be
installed, said screen being cut at that predetermined length
cutting also the key proximate at least one end of said screen,
said screen thereafter being installed in the screen assembly or
alternatively replacing the existing screen in a convenient quick
replaceable format.
6. The screen of claim 4 or 5 wherein the generally key-shaped edge
portion of the screen having the two legs which capture the screen
therebetween prior to RF welding includes an extension portion
between the head of the preferably T-shaped key and the two
portions capturing the screen, said extension portion not being RF
welded and being utilized to provide a flexible zone and
accommodating flexing in the screen assembly in a zone other than
the screen, said zone being designed to stretch a predetermined
amount and thereby minimize tearing of the screen when subjected to
a tensioning load.
7. The screen of claim 4, or 5 wherein said screen is cut to size
for installation in a screen assembly with one of the keys being
installed in a preferably spring-biased roller upon which the
screen will accumulate, and the keyed edge remote said roller being
attached to a handle, said roller and said handle each having a
compatibly-shaped groove, channel or recess disposed therein to
capture the key portion proximate the edges of said screen.
8. The screen of claim 7 wherein a screen roller assembly embodying
a cassette is installed within a pocket defined in a closure
assembly , said pocket being provided in the window frame sized of
a predetermined shape to accept the roller screen assembly which
includes all of the necessary mounting pivots and preferably the
mounting brackets to mount the roller screen assembly within the
pocket in the window frame and preferably proximate the inside
corner of the frame portion depending on the window type, said
frame portion providing a pocket between said sides within which
said roller assembly may be installed utilizing a corner bracket
installed where the two sides of the frame portion meet, or
substantially at that point.
9. The screen of claim 8 wherein said frame sections include
recesses proximate the distall ends thereof for each of the sides
thereof to accommodate a snap-fit cover.
10. The screen assembly of claim 8 or 9 further comprising grooves
disposed adjacent to the framing sections depending on the window
type to receive an extension portion of the handle of the screen
assembly also engaged with the keyed edges of the screen assembly
and at the same time engaging the grooves to maintain the
parallelism of the top and bottom or side portions in motion
depending again on the window type as the screen is payed out and
accumulated on the screen roller contained with the pocket provided
in the frame.
11. The screen assembly of claim 8, 9, or 10 wherein the handle
portion disposed proximate one edge of said screen assembly
includes a latch portion, said latch portion for engaging a
compatible detent disposed proximate the edge of a window sash and
moveable between a position wherein said latch engages said detent
of said window sash whereat when said window sash is slid within
its track, said screen will pay out from said roller automatically,
and when said window is returned to its closed position said screen
will accumulate on said roller automatically, wherein at an
unlatched position said window will move between its opened and
closed position without the screen, wherein should it ever be
required to re-engage the screen with the detent on the window
sash, the user merely slides the window to the closed position
wherein the latch of said screen will engage with the detent of
said window sash automatically.
12. The screen assembly of claim 11 wherein the leading edge of
said detent provided with said window sash has a chamfered edge to
cause the latch including a hook portion to ride up on said
chamfered edge and engage with a compatible hook portion disposed
with said detent of said window sash.
13. A method of manufacturing a screen roller assembly comprising
the following steps: 1) forming a screen from suitable screen
material such as fiberglass and preferably coating said screen with
vinyl, 2) forming a generally key-shaped anchor for said screen
preferably from polyvinyl chloride, preferably said key having a
head and a leg comprising two portions and a connector connecting
said leg to said head, preferably said head being generally
T-shaped, 3) separating the two leg portions for receiving the
edges of said screen, 4) radio frequency welding said leg portions
capturing said edges of said screen and preferably melding said
vinyl of said screen with the PVC of said key, 5) forming a
continuous screen to be accumulated on a roll as roll stock to be
supplied to the window manufacturer or repair organization, wherein
at any time a predetermined amount of screen may be payed of the
roll stock roll sized to a predetermined window opening size which
may be easily assembled with the spring-biased roller upon which
the screen will accumulate by a manufacturer or by a repair person
and which also may be engaged with the handle portion proximate the
other edge of said screen, both said roller and said screen handle
including a compatibly shaped generally key-shaped receiving
portion to receive the head of said key for easy installation or
replacement thereof.
14. A roll of improved continuous screening is provided comprising
a preferably "T" shaped edge preferably formed from tough flexible
material fused to to the screen material along the edges of the
screen to which a handle and drum are to be fixed, preferably said
"T" edge being provided proximate both edges of a continuous roll
of mesh.
15. The screen of claim 14 wherein the "T" shaped key further
comprises a "T" head which will hold the screen into a compatible
substantially dovetail-like groove disposed with the roller and/or
the handle, a fusing zone where the screen is fused to the "T" with
the head being preferably a min. 0.375 inches, and a body zone
between the head and the fusing zone with no screen material for
providing the flex and stretching of the screen, wherein the screen
cloth is integrally fused to the key over some distance to achieve
maximum strength.
Description
1. This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/962,263 filed Oct. 31, 1997 which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/362,995
filed Dec. 23, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,710 which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/281,620
filed Jul. 28, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,506 from which priority
is claimed.
FIELD OF INVENTION
2. This invention relates to a retractable screen system for a
closure assembly and improvements thereof which allows the secure
sliding and subsequent retraction of the screen from a operative
position to a retracted position. The invention is preferably
embodied in a window assembly but finds application also in large
pivoting windows and patio doors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
3. The reader is referred to Applicants Co-pending Applications
abovementioned for teachings in relation to improvements to closure
assemblies, the teachings thereof which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
4. Screens are generally provided for doors, patio doors, and
windows. One particular type of screen utilized for patio doors for
example, includes a metal frame having a groove disposed around its
edges. The screen is affixed to the frame by using a spline, a long
extended piece of flexible material, which is forced into the
groove capturing the edges of the screen. The screen is then slid
in front of the opening when the patio door is moved to an opened
position. The screen therefore permanently blocks the view of the
occupant of the dwelling. The same is true for screens provided
with double-hung windows, tilt and slide windows, and casement
windows. The screen generally is always in position whether the
window is opened or closed.
5. Various examples therefore have been developed by inventors to
address this problem.
6. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,244 to Thumann describes a
retractable covering for a door including a housing containing a
roll of screen as best seen in FIGS. 2, 5, 6A and 6B thereof. The
cover may be affixed to a door adjacent the frame thereof as an
after-market product.
7. Another example of an after-market type of product is found in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,786 as best seen in relation to FIG. 6 therein,
the structure is adapted to be mounted on one side of a door jamb
to be releaseably connected to the other. The assembly is quite
complicated and complex and may be considered as an add-on
structure.
8. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,990 provides a screen in
combination with a sliding door. The screen is disposed upon a
spring-loaded roller installed on the exterior of the framing
sections of the opening adjacent to the window frame.
9. U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,852 describes a box-like housing carrying a
tube for paying out and taking up a mesh screen. The housing is
fastened over a window or door and is not part of the framing
section of the door.
10. U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,797 describes a roll-up screen door
included in a narrow housing containing a conventional
spring-biased roll onto which flexible screen material is taken up
and paid out. The housing is mounted adjacent one side of a
vertical curved strip along one side of the door casement opening.
The front vertical edge portion of the screen material is anchored
within a vertical groove of the anchoring strip as best seen in
FIGS. 3 and 5. Again, the housing extends from the framing section
and is not part thereof. A more complex arrangement is found in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,081 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,524.
11. Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 1,150,000 to Matthews, there is
described a window screen coiled on a roller for installation on a
window frame. The roller for the window is illustrated in FIG. 5
including a hook portion for hooking a complementary hook portion
on the screen. The other edge of the screen includes a hook portion
for engaging with the trim portion 34.
12. U.S. Pat. No. 1,141,996 to Vanasdale describes another type of
roller screen which may be attached to the sill or lintel portion
of the frame by mounting brackets as best seen in relation to FIGS.
1 through 6.
13. None of the above-mentioned references teach or even infer the
installation of a screen within the framing sections of a closure
assembly such as a jamb. Each of the products may be considered as
an after-market product which is installed upon, adjacent to, on or
butting up against the framing section of the appropriate closure
member. In essence, some of the installations are unsightly with a
housing extending from the general plane of the home or window,
extending either outwardly away from or inwardly toward the
interior being closed by the closure member. It would therefore be
advantageous to solve this problem by providing a screen assembly
which may be contained within the framing sections of a closure
assembly and which retracts into the frame member and which is
substantially invisible until such time as needed.
14. U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,921 describes a screen assembly having
supporting elements secured along the edge of the material as best
seen in relation to FIGS. 4 and 7. The structure also includes a
spring-biased element which rides in a track. As best seen in FIGS.
9 through 11, the screen is considered to be an add-on,
after-market device as well.
15. U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,890 to Kramer describes a coilable closure
device as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 18 which includes a frame
including a side jamb and a storage jamb, 34 and 36 respectively.
The coilable closure device does not include a post and includes a
multiplicity of sections as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6 which
sections include elements extending up into and down into
respective track areas provided with the frame. The material which
coils upon itself is particularly plastic sheet including
reinforcing ribs which also act as guiding elements for the sheet.
However, nowhere within the reference does it teach the use of such
a structure for a screen, but merely as a closure to replace a door
between adjacent rooms, for example. Nowhere within the reference
does it teach the combination of a closure member such as a window
or patio door and a screen. This is simply not described.
Therefore, one would not be motivated to solve the problem of
combinations of closure members and screens by the reading of the
Kramer reference.
16. There are a number of manufacturers producing a style of screen
in a kit form to be assembled onto the exterior of a housing on
existing windows as an after-market product.
17. Known screen fastening technologies fastens the screen cloth to
the drum with tape, glue, and other bonding methods. The handle may
have the screen cloth affixed thereto by using conventional
attachment methods such as utilizing a semi-flexible bead pressed
into a groove or by sandwiching the screen between a two part
mechanical handle profile which may be fastened by screws, rivets
or the like. Preferred Engineering has made attempts at crimping
the screen into a metal edge and inserting the edge into the drum
and the handle as described in the parent application. Although a
reasonable approach it has been determined that no flexibility is
achieved by such a joint and the screen still had a tendency to
tear.
18. Nowhere therefore within the prior art is there taught
improvements to screen assemblies, wherein the entire screen
assembly is contained within the framing sections found adjacent to
a closure member in a closure assembly, for example a window
assembly. Further, nowhere within the art is there found a roll-out
screen assembly embodied in a cassette which may be readily
inserted within the hollow of a framing section sized to receive
said cassette or screen assembly. Further, nowhere in the prior art
is there manufactured a screen having an abutment on one edge
thereof for engaging with a cooperative abutment on the roller of a
screen assembly which may be cut to size as desired to repair a
roller screen assembly. Further, nowhere within the prior art is
there found various improvements to roll-up screen assemblies to
simplify their installation, adjustment and replacement.
19. Nowhere within the prior art is such a simplified improved
screen assembly provided which retracts into the jamb, sill or
header of the frame portion of a window assembly in the retracted
position and which is preferably guided to its operative position
in guides provided with the jamb, sill or header, and which allows
for the manufacture of heavier screens in larger sections without
continuously covering of the window.
20. It is therefore an object of this invention to overcome many of
the deficiencies in the prior art stated above which allows for
smooth and simple operation of a retractable screen which is
capable of both sliding within a guide channel between the
retracted and the operative positions and which at the retracted
position is fully contained within the jamb, sill or header section
of the closure assembly.
21. It is a further object of the invention to provide a
retractable screen assembly of appropriate size and construction to
replace existing retractable screen assemblies for casement, double
hung and/or tilt and slide windows as well as patio doors.
22. It is further a primary object of this invention to provide a
roll-up screen embodied in the frame of a closure assembly which is
retractable into the frame itself without requiring an additional
housing.
23. It is a further object of the invention to provide a roll-up
screen assembly in the form of a cassette which may be mounted
within the hollow of a framing section, which cassette includes a
front facia portion to close the framing section.
24. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a
continuous roll of screen manufactured so as to be cut at a
predetermined width and include an anchoring element disposed
adjacent one edge of the screen so as to allow ease of installation
of the original or replacement screen.
25. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a method
of manufacturing a screen.
26. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a
cassette which may be side mounted into an opening of the framing
section and closed by an exterior facia element.
27. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a
closure assembly including a roll-up screen contained with one of
its framing sections adjacent the closure member.
28. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide
improvements in mounting brackets, facia elements, and screens.
29. It is a further object of this invention to develop a product
that provides parallelism to opposing screen and handle edges which
provides accurate paying out and accumulating on the roller so that
the screen winds up precisely without twisting or binding.
30. It is a further object of the invention to provide a screen
assembly having high strength and resistance to tearing which will
not tear or peel from the corners and is easily able to accept
dimensional variation in the window opening being covered.
31. It is a further object of the invention to provide a screen
assembly which facilitates facilitates ease of manufacture, and
replacement.
32. Further and other objects of this invention will become
apparent to a man skilled in the art when considering the following
summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the
preferred embodiments illustrated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
33. This invention relates to a retractable screen system for a
closure assembly and improvements thereof which allows the secure
sliding and subsequent retraction of the screen from a operative
position to a retracted position. The invention is preferably
embodied in a window assembly but finds application also in large
pivoting windows and patio doors. The closure member may further
comprise a window sash being a casement, double hung, or tilt and
slide installation or, a door or a patio door.
34. There is therefore provided improvements to screen assemblies,
wherein the entire screen assembly is contained within the framing
sections found adjacent to a closure member in a closure assembly,
for example a window assembly. Further a roll-out screen assembly
is embodied in a cassette which may be readily inserted within the
hollow of a framing section sized to receive said cassette or
screen assembly. The screen has an abutment on one edge thereof for
engaging with a cooperative abutment on the roller of a screen
assembly which may be cut to size as desired to repair a roller
screen assembly which simplifies their installation, adjustment and
replacement.
35. There is also provided a simplified improved screen assembly
which retracts into the jamb, sill or header of the frame portion
of a window assembly in the retracted position and which is
preferably guided to its operative position in guides provided with
the jamb, sill or header, and which allows for the manufacture of
heavier screens in larger sections without continuously covering of
the window.
36. In a tilt and slide, casement or double hung window a
retractable screen is provided disposed within the header, sill or
jamb of the assembly which screen accumulates on and pays out from
a spring biased roll disposed within said header, sill or jamb, the
screen being retractable for egress or cleaning purposes, and
available as desired by providing a detent on the opposing framing
member engageable with a detent provided with the screen when in
its operable position.
37. According to yet another aspect of the invention there is
provided a window assembly comprising a retractable screen disposed
within a framing portion of the assembly, the screen accumulating
on and paying out from a spring biased roll disposed within said
frame portion, the screen being retractable for egress or cleaning
purposes, and available as desired by providing a detent on the
opposite frame portion engageable with the screen when in its
operable position.
38. According to yet another aspect of the invention there is
provided a closure assembly comprising a retractable screen
disposed within a framing portion of the assembly, said framing
portion providing a pocket within which the screen is contained in
use, said pocket being bound by three sides of said framing portion
thereby forming said pocket, said pocket being closed by a separate
cover closing said framing portion, preferably said retractable
screen being mounted on said cover and being positioned in said
pocket when the cover closing the pocket is installed preferably by
clipping a detent provided with said cover in a channel provided
with one of the sides of said framing portion providing the pocket,
the screen accumulating on and paying out from a spring biased roll
disposed within said frame portion, the screen being retractable
for egress or cleaning purposes, and available as desired by
providing a detent on the opposite frame portion engageable with
the screen when in its operable position.
39. According to yet another aspect of the invention there is
provided a continuous screen formed as a continuous web and adapted
to be utilized for a retractable screen for windows, doors and the
like having a predetermined width of screen determined by the width
or length of the closure member frame, said width of said screen
having two ends, preferably each of the ends having an anchor or
key shaped element fixed thereto adapted to engage a detent on a
handle proximate one end of the screen and adapted to engage a
detent of a preferably spring biased, preferably hollow, roller
utilized for taking up and letting out the screen in a coil upon
said roller, alternatively the handle end of the screen
alternatively having a tape or continuous strip of adhesive applied
thereto so as to engage and be captured by a handle portion of said
screen when utilized in a closure assembly, said screen and said
anchor or key shaped elements being cut at a predetermined length
to fit said roller when assembled and being installed with said
closure assembly and preferably within a hollow of one of said
frame sections, wherein said screen may be utilized as an original
installation or as a replacement screen for an original
installation.
40. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a retractable screen assembly for a closure assembly, said
closure assembly including a closure member surrounded by framing
portions from which the closure member is supported, said closure
member including framing sections, one of said framing sections
providing a pocket within which said screen assembly is retained in
use, said screen assembly comprising a cassette engageable with the
interior of a cover utilized for closing the framing portion and
pocket of the closure assembly, preferably said pocket being
located proximate the sealing end of the closure member, said
retractable screen including a handle portion affixed thereto
including a first detent, the opposite jamb from said pocket
including a latching portion including a second detent which
engages the first detent of the handle portion when the screen is
in the fully open position, wherein said cassette may be installed
within any convenient pocket disposed within the framing portions
of a closure assembly and fixed in position once the cover covering
the pocket is installed. In a preferred embodiment, brackets are
provided having channels which capture preferably T-shaped guides
on the interior of said cover which allow for the fixing of the
brackets in relation to the specific screen assembly being
installed, said screen assembly also including a hollow tube to
which said screen is anchored via a detent on the tube and via a
detent on one end of said screen, the other end of said screen
including another detent for engaging with the detent of a handle
portion of said assembly, said tube having inserted within the ends
thereof a pin assembly which will not rotate in relation to said
tube as a result of rib portions disposed with said assembly
engaging rib portions disposed within the hollow of said tube, each
of said pin assemblies including a pin for engaging a pin-receiving
opening disposed with each of said brackets, wherein said brackets
may be fixed with respect to the interior of said cover thereby
fixing the entire screen assembly as a cassette, one of said
brackets being adjustable in relation to said torque tube in order
to allow for adjustment and variations from installation to
installation, preferably said handle portion including telescoping
guides which capture the ends of said screen and are retained
within a hollow within said handle, said guides for riding within a
channel disposed with opposite or opposing framing sections to
guide the screen across the opening defined by said closure member
when desired. In an alternative embodiment, the brackets may
include a boxlike element which rests at the bottom of a framing
section and being locked in position because of the compatible
dimension of the bracket with the framing section and adjustable in
position in relation to that bottom in order to provide for
variations in manufacturing.
41. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of assembling a retractable screen cassette
comprising:
42. (1) providing a tube upon which said screen will coil up in
use,
43. (2) providing a pin assembly insertable into the open ends of
said hollow tube and being prevented from rotating with respect to
said tube as ribs disposed with said tube, engaged ribs disposed
with said pin assembly,
44. (3) providing a torsion spring having ends which are engageable
with said pin assembly ends for providing the correct torsion and
tensioning of said spring,
45. (4) inserting said spring within the hollow tube and inserting
said pin assemblies within said hollow tube and fixing the ends of
said pin assemblies to the tyne portions of said torsion
spring,
46. (5) providing brackets from which said pin assemblies will be
adjustably inserted, said brackets being locked in place with
respect to the assembly, preferably either by engaging with a
detent provided with a flexible cover or alternatively by engaging
with the bottom of the framing section,
47. (6) adjusting said brackets in relation to the distance from
one another so as to correctly tension and carry the screen
assembly,
48. (7) fixing said screen on said screen assembly by anchoring
said screen to said tube via a detent, preferably a T-shaped detent
or key for engaging with a key slot on the tube or alternatively by
using welding or adhesive, and coiling said screen upon said
tube,
49. (8) fixing said opposite end of said screen to a handle portion
either preferably by a T-shaped detent engaging a T-shaped detent
with said handle, or by welding or an adhesive,
50. (9) coiling said screen upon said tube,
51. (10) preferably engaging said cover portion with said
brackets,
52. (11) inserting said screen assembly within a pocket of said
closure assembly in one of the framing portions thereof,
53. (12) covering said pocket with a flexible cover.
54. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a continuous roll of screen which may be payed out from
said roll by an installer or manufacturer to a required
predetermined window size, or alternatively patio door size, said
screen comprising a free end which allows the installer to pay the
screen off of the roll upon which the screen is accumulated course
upon course, one end of said screen being disposed at the end of
the courses accumulated on the roll from which the screening is
payed off and the other end being a free end, said screen having
side edges and preferably being manufactured from preferably
vinyl-coated fiberglass, the edges of said screen having affixed
thereto a generally preferably T-shaped key manufactured from a
flexible material, for example polyvinyl chloride, which is affixed
preferably by radio frequency welding (or RF welding) with the
edges and preferably each of the edges, and in one embodiment at
least one edge of said screen, wherein the vinyl coating provided
on the screen melds with the polyvinyl chloride key to form a
resilient anchor for the screen device within any screen roller
assembly. Preferably the polyvinyl chloride preferably generally
T-shaped key has a head extending from a leg in the shape of a
preferred T, or alternatively a Y, or any other convenient shape so
long as said shape is compatible with the receiving groove on the
handle and roller tube, the leg of said key preferably including
two separable portions within which the edges of a screen interfit
prior to RF welding. The screen is payed off of the roll upon which
it is accumulated to the desired dimension of the window or closure
such as a patio door wherein the screen will be installed, said
screen being cut at that predetermined length cutting also the key
proximate at least one end of said screen, said screen thereafter
being installed in the screen assembly or alternatively replacing
the existing screen in a convenient quick replaceable format.
Preferably the generally key-shaped edge portion of the screen
having the two legs which capture the screen therebetween prior to
RF welding includes an extension portion between the head of the
preferably T-shaped key and the two portions capturing the screen
and said extension not being RF welded to the screen. This
extension portion is utilized to provide a flexible zone and
accommodates flexing in the screen assembly in a zone other than
the screen. This zone is designed to stretch a predetermined amount
and thereby minimize tearing of the screen when subjected to a
tensioning load. In a preferred embodiment, the screen which is cut
to size for the assembly is installed in a screen assembly with one
of the keys being installed in a preferably spring-biased roller
upon which the screen will accumulate, and the keyed edge remote
said roller is attached to a handle, said roller and said handle
each having a compatibly-shaped groove, channel or recess disposed
therein to capture the key portion proximate the edges of said
screen. In a preferred embodiment, the screen is included in a
screen roller assembly embodying a cassette which is installed
within a pocket defined in a closure assembly of any of the closure
assemblies defined above in any of the apparent applications which
are hereby incorporated by reference. The screen assembly may also
be utilized in known conventional window assemblies. The pocket
provided in the window frame is sized of a predetermined shape to
accept the roller screen assembly which includes all of the
necessary mounting pivots and preferably the mounting brackets to
mount the roller screen assembly within the pocket in the window
frame and preferably proximate the inside corner of the jamb or
sill or header, depending on whether the window is a tilt-and-slide
window or a double-hung window. For example, a jamb pocket would
comprise two inside sides of a jamb of a window or patio door frame
assembly, said jamb provides a pocket between said sides within
which said roller assembly may be installed utilizing a corner
bracket installed where the two sides of the jambs meet, or
substantially at that point. The jamb sections or alternatively the
sill and header also include recesses proximate the distall ends
thereof for each of the sides thereof to accommodate a snap-fit
cover. In this way, the roller assembly can be proofed, that is to
say installed and tried and proven prior to installing the cover
unlike the previous embodiment which described the roller cassette
being installed on the cover and being snapped into place. It has
been discovered that it is much more efficient and convenient to
install the roller assembly separately in the pocket utilizing a
corner bracket and a snap cover.
55. In another embodiment, the roller assembly is installed within
a casement window assembly. In a further embodiment, the roller
assembly is installed within a tilt-and-slide window assembly. In
another embodiment, the roller assembly is installed within a
double-hung window assembly. In another embodiment, the roller
assembly is installed within a patio door assembly.
56. In a preferred embodiment, any of the aforementioned window
assemblies may further comprise grooves disposed adjacent to the
sill and header, or alternatively the vertical jambs depending on
the window type to receive an extension portion of the handle of
the screen assembly also engaged with the keyed edges of the screen
assembly described above and at the same time engaging the grooves
(or channels or the like) to maintain the parallelism of the top
and bottom or side portions in motion depending again on the window
type as the screen is payed out and accumulated on the screen
roller contained with the pocket provided in the frame.
57. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle portion
disposed proximate one edge of said screen assembly includes a
latch portion, which is preferably disposed centrally in the handle
portion, said latch portion for engaging a compatible detent
disposed proximate the edge of a window sash and moveable between a
position wherein said latch engages said detent of said window sash
whereat when said window sash is slid within its track, said screen
will pay out from said roller automatically, and when said window
is returned to its closed position said screen will accumulate on
said roller automatically, wherein at an unlatched position said
window will move between its opened and closed position without the
screen, wherein should it ever be required to reengage the screen
with the detent on the window sash, the user merely slides the
window to the closed position wherein the latch of said screen will
engage with the detent of said window sash automatically.
Preferably the leading edge of said detent provided with said
window sash has a chamfered edge to cause the latch including a
hook portion to ride up on said chamfered edge and engage with a
compatible hook portion disposed with said detent of said window
sash.
58. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of manufacturing a screen roller assembly
comprising the following steps:
59. 1) forming a screen from suitable screen material such as
fiberglass and preferably coating said screen with vinyl,
60. 2) forming a generally key-shaped anchor for said screen
preferably from polyvinyl chloride, preferably said key having a
head and a leg comprising two portions and a connector connecting
said leg to said head, preferably said head being generally
T-shaped,
61. 3) separating the two leg portions for receiving the edges of
said screen,
62. 4) radio frequency welding said leg portions capturing said
edges of said screen and preferably melding said vinyl of said
screen with the PVC of said key,
63. 5) forming a continuous screen to be accumulated on a roll as
roll stock to be supplied to the window manufacturer or repair
organization,
64. wherein at any time a predetermined amount of screen may be
payed of the roll stock roll sized to a predetermined window
opening size which may be easily assembled with the spring-biased
roller upon which the screen will accumulate by a manufacturer or
by a repair person and which also may be engaged with the handle
portion proximate the other edge of said screen, both said roller
and said screen handle including a compatibly shaped generally
key-shaped receiving portion to receive the head of said key for
easy installation or replacement thereof.
65. In a preferred embodiment, the screen may be installed in any
assembly as a replacement screen.
66. It is important that the legs of the key portion be separated
from the head portion by a flexible extension to allow for the
accommodation of stretching in the screen assembly at that
particular location when assembled without destroying the screen.
It has been found that the screen when melded together with the PVC
key has considerably more strength than the known methods of taping
and gluing screen edges to rollers and handle portions. The
flexibility is provided by the flexible key shape and material. Any
suitable material can be utilized including those materials which
readily accept hot welding. However, radio frequency welding is
preferred because one does not have to allow for creeping of the
material and the allowances of temperature differentials. Cold dies
may be provided which come together to provide a reliable joint
which may be accurately controlled.
67. The present invention advantageously fits into any existing
frame design thereby reducing cost, easing assembly and improving
appearance. It is only neccessary to provide a pocket with the
jamb, header or sill of any window design within which the screen
roller assembly is placed preferably as a cassette.
68. According to the latest aspect of the invention a roll of
improved continuous screening is provided comprising a preferably
"T" shaped edge preferably formed from tough flexible material
fused to to the screen material along the edges of the screen to
which a handle and drum are to be fixed, preferably said "T" edge
being provided proximate both edges of a continuous roll of mesh.
Since any excess screen material is stored on a screen roller
making up the screen assembly as previously described one may only
need as little as one or two standard widths of screen size to
service the industry. The other dimension is cut to length and need
not be accurate as it rides in a track in the window assembly.
69. To produce a screen one cuts from roll stack the "T" edge
screen to fit inside the frame opening of the window allowing for
the guiding track depth less any clearances required. The roller
drum and handle are cut to screen length providing for clearance as
required. The "T" edge of the cloth is slid into the drum slot and
the other "T" end being slid into the handle slot thereby fixing
the screen to the critical components. A telescoping glide with its
own "T" slot groove supports the screen in the guide track at each
end thereof and allows the glide the freedom to move back and forth
on the "T" edge of the screen taking up the opening tolerance.
70. Because the "T" edge is flexible and able to stretch, any local
load on the screen cloth will distribute itself over a wide range
of fibers of the screen thus improving the impact and tear
resistance of the system. In the event that screen was pushed it
would pay out the stored material to the end limit reducing
dramatically the stress forces on the system. With the high tensile
capability of the "T" edge system, the risk of failure of the
system is greatly reduced. In servicing a screen that is already
installed on site, a bolt of screen cloth carried by the service
person need only be cut to the right length, the cover removed from
the system to give access, the old screen cloth slide out and the
new screen cloth rethreaded. There is no need for any other
component replacement if they are sound.
71. In a preferred embodiment the "T" shaped key may further
comprise a "T" head which will hold the screen into a compatible
substantially dovetail-like groove disposed with the roller and/or
the handle, a fusing zone where the screen is fused to the "T" with
the head being preferably a min. 0.375 inches, and a body zone
between the head and the fusing zone with no screen material for
providing the flex and stretching of the screen. It is important
that the screen cloth be integrally fused to the key over some
distance to achieve maximum strength.
72. The screen is self storing within the frame of the window by
virtue of accumulating on a roller similar to the operation of a
roller blind. It is payed out by pulling on a full length handle
which is guided by a rail at each end. The window frame includes a
guide channel for the screen which tracks and covers the free edges
of the screen. The handle provided with the screen engages the
adjacent sash frame section with latch detents provided which will
maintain the screen under tension from the dispensing drum and
covers the opening created when the sash is opened by sliding in
the track wrinkle free and bug tight.
73. According to yet another aspect of the invention there is
provided a closure assembly comprising a retractable screen
disposed within a framing portion of the assembly, said framing
portion providing a pocket within which the screen is contained in
use, said pocket being bound by at least two sides of said framing
portion thereby forming said pocket, said pocket being closed by a
separate cover closing said framing portion, being positioned in
said pocket prior to the cover closing the pocket is installed
preferably by clipping detents provided with said cover in a
channel provided with at least one of the sides of said framing
portion providing the pocket, the screen accumulating on and paying
out from a spring biased roll disposed within said frame portion,
the screen being retractable for egress or cleaning purposes, and
available as desired by providing a detent on the opposite frame
portion engageable with the screen when in its operable
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
74. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tilt and slide
window, wherein said windows move in a horizontal direction,
illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
75. FIGS. 1A and 1B are partial schematic perspective views of
casement style windows embodying the invention and depicting the
motion thereof and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
76. FIG. 1C is a partial schematic perspective view of straight
line windows embodying the invention and depicting the motion
thereof and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
77. FIG. 1D is a partial cutaway view of the casement style windows
of FIG. 1A depicting a rollaway screen thereof and illustrated in a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
78. FIG. 2 is a front view of the window of FIG. 1.
79. FIG. 2a is a top view of the window of FIG. 1.
80. FIG. 2b is a end view of the window of FIG. 1.
81. FIG. 3 is a double hung window assembly utilizing hardware
similar to that of FIG. 1 and illustrated in a preferred embodiment
of the invention.
82. FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the hardware only for a
double hung window of FIG. 3.
83. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the
hardware of FIG. 4 to be installed in a double hung window
assembly.
84. FIG. 6 is a carrier design illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention which allows for ease of removal of a
window from a window assembly and illustrated in an exploded
perspective view.
85. FIG. 7 is an assembled view of the components of FIG. 6.
86. FIG. 8 is a tilt and slide window assembly primarily for the
hardware therefore and illustrated in an alternative embodiment of
the invention.
87. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the movement of the shoes of FIG.
8 illustrated in alternative of the invention.
88. FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of a pulley arrangement
installed at the corners of the window assembly of FIG. 8 and
illustrated in alternative embodiment of the invention.
89. FIG. 11 is a close-up perspective view of a locking mechanism
for the shaft assembly 30 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
90. FIG. 12 is an end view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 11
illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
91. FIG. 13 is an end view of a locking block assembly illustrated
in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
92. FIG. 13A is an end view of the track profile used in
conjunction with the lock block assembly of FIG. 13 and illustrated
in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
93. FIG. 13B is a top schematic view of the lock block assembly of
FIG. 13 shown engaging the rack portion of the track and
illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
94. FIG. 13C is a side cross-sectional view of the adjusting cap
screw used to adjust the track within the sill or header or jamb
portions and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
95. FIG. 14 is a top view of the carrier for the shaft assembly of
FIG. 17 and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
96. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view through the diameter of the
opening 35b of FIG. 14 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
97. FIG. 15 is an top end view of the sash portions for a tilt and
slide window assembly from the opening end of the window and
illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
98. FIG. 15A is a close up view of the section of the assembly of
FIG. 15 where the sash abuts with the sill and illustrated in a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
99. FIG. 16 is a schematic end view of a central locking system
best seen in FIG. 17 and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
100. FIG. 16A is an end view of the central locking system of FIG.
16.
101. FIG. 16B specifically illustrates the latching plate and latch
of the central locking system and illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
102. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a window sash for a
tilt and slide or casement window illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
103. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the header, sill
and jamb portions of the window assembly illustrating the track and
its positioning in relation to the sill and header and illustrated
in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
104. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable
screen assembly illustrated in one embodiment of the invention.
105. FIG. 20 is a similar view to that of FIG. 19 illustrating
another embodiment of the invention.
106. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a frame portion
containing the retractable screen illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
107. FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a screen manufactured in
another embodiment of the invention illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
108. FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the installation of the screen
of FIG. 22 in a retractable screen assembly and illustrated in a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
109. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow tube upon
which the screen is rolled up and illustrated in one embodiment of
the invention.
110. FIGS. 25A and 25B are side and end views of the pin assembly
shown in FIG. 19 and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
111. FIGS. 26A and 26B are side and end views of the slide
illustrated in FIG. 19 and shown here in a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
112. FIGS. 27A and 27B are side and end views of the bushing of
FIG. 19 illustrated herein in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
113. FIGS. 28A through 28C are top end and side views of the
mounting bracket of FIG. 19 illustrated in a preferred embodiment
of the invention.
114. FIGS. 29A through 29C are side, top and end views of the guide
portion illustrated in FIG. 19 and shown here in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
115. FIG. 30 is an end view of the screen handle illustrated in
FIG. 19 and shown here in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
116. FIGS. 31A and 31B are top and side views of the screen lock
illustrated in FIG. 19 and shown here in a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
117. FIGS. 32A and 32B are top and side views of the latching plate
of FIG. 19 and shown here in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
118. FIG. 33 is an end view of the sealing block shown in FIG. 19
and illustrated here in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
119. FIG. 34 is a side view of the cover portion for the jamb
section of FIG. 21 and illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
120. FIG. 35A is a top view for a tilt and slide window assembly
containing the roller screen mechanism illustrated in a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
121. FIG. 35B is an end view of the window assembly of FIG. 35A
illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
122. FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the glide portions
of the screen assembly illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
123. FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the glide assembly
of FIG. 36 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
124. FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of a tilt and slide
window assembly as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B and illustrated in
perspective in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
125. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the handle portion 435 and
the latch portion 436 illustrated in perspective in the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
126. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the screen assembly
incorporated in the tilt and slide window assembly of FIG. 38 and
illustrated in a perspective view in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
127. FIGS. 41 through 43 are partial perspective cut-away views of
the screen assembly including the T-shaped portion and the method
of assembling it with the screen and illustrated in preferred
embodiments of the invention.
128. FIG. 44 is a schematic perspective view of a tilt and slide
window assembly illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
129. FIG. 45 is a schematic perspective view of the screen cassette
assembly illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
130. FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
the screen assembly illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
131. FIG. 47 is a closeup perspective view of the latch detents of
FIG. 44.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
132. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 through 2b there is illustrated a
tilt and slide window assembly. Therefore the assembly 5 includes
an outer frame portion 10 which is normally hung within an opening
established in a building (not shown). Normally nailing flanges are
provided for this purpose attached to the outer frame 10. The frame
10 includes top portions 17 and bottom portions 16 having tracks
disposed therein, as best seen in relation to FIG. 2. Within the
tracks are contained a pivot assembly which will be hereinafter
described. Primarily the pivot assembly includes a pinion 35 and
carriers 38 and 37 interconnected by interconnecting portions 32
and 31 making up an interconnecting member 30. The pinions move as
the window 20 is slide in the track portion by the movement of the
pinion 35 with respect to the rack 18 or 19 respectively. In this
way the pinions 35 being interconnected remain parallel at all
times in their motion along the track within which the rack 19 or
18 is disposed. The hardware is shown in normal view while the
window assembly is shown in dotted lines, to illustrate the essence
of the assembly.
133. Referring now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the window of
FIG. 1, wherein a window 20 and 40 is slidable within a track 15
and 17 upon a shoe 39. The lower shoe 39 also is connected to a
secondary show 39a for carrying the window which includes rollers
39b, 39a1 and 39b2 on the bottoms thereof respectively for ease of
movement within track 17. The pinion 35 rests within the shoe 39 as
will be described hereinafter. The arrangement of the
interconnecting portion 30 will also be described hereinafter.
Window 40 therefore has its own interconnected system as can be
best seen in relation to FIGS. 2a and 2b.
134. Referring now to FIG. 2a there is illustrated the sash
elements 20 and 40 and the rack portions 19 and 19a which
accommodate the motion of the pinion 35 along a full length of the
track, as best in FIG. 2b.
135. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 to 2b clearly the track portion 17 and
15 cooperate with the rack portions 19 and 19a to provide for the
pinion 35 and its motion when the window remain slidable within the
track. By interconnecting the two pinion portions and hence the two
pivot shoes, by interconnecting means 30, the shoes remain in a
substantially parallel position in relation to one another at all
times. This overcomes the problem described in the background of
the prior art. By remaining parallel it is almost impossible for
the window therefore to come out of the track when the window is
pivoted to be cleaned and therefore is no longer necessary to
provide braking portions as in previously described inventions of
Canadian Thermo Windows, as referred to in the background of the
invention.
136. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B there is illustrated a casement
style window having similar components to that found in relation to
FIG. 1 with the exception of only one sash being provided being
secured on shaft assembly 30 including portions 31 and 32. A link L
is provided secured proximate ends L1 adjacent the center of the
sash 21 proximate the bottom thereof and adjacent the track 18
adjacent the opening end of the window sash 21. By positioning the
sash in this manner a full range of pivoting motion is available.
If the link end L1 is removable than the window sash may be moved
totally to the opposite end remote the pivoting end 21b on shoe 39.
As with the case of the tilt and slide window a shoe 39 containing
a pinion is provided. The pinion is connected to the shaft 30 and
engages the rack 18 as it moves along the window sill and header in
parallel arrangement between the upper and lower pivots maintained
in parallel by the shaft 30. In this manner the casement style
window may be pivoted as normal to an open position, and the
pivoting end may be moved to the other end of the window frame away
from side 21b to allow ease of cleaning.
137. By supplying the hardware described without a casement sash
the casement window may be assembled without the need for expensive
pivots and linkages and without a great deal of assembly labour. As
best seen in FIG. 1D for the casement style window in particular a
rollaway screen S may be provided which is housed in jamb 17a as
illustrated. The screen S pulls across to engage detent D1 with
detent D2 in jamb 16a, whereat it may be locked. This allows a user
to clean the glass of sash 21 on the inside without removing the
screen.
138. Referring to FIG. 1C there is illustrated a tilt and slide
type window similar to FIG. 1 with the exception that when closed
the window sashes will be oriented in a straight parallel line with
one another. In order for this to happen the rack provided 18
includes a portion 18a made from fiber filled plastic or the like
and joined at seam 18c to an aluminum track 18b. The sash 21 is
therefore moveable as previously described on carrier 39 and
rollers 39a as urged by pinion 35 until the pinion reaches the
curved portion of the track 18 a wherein the assembly 30 will move
along the curve to the terminus of the track 18t. The sash portion
21a will then lock in behind the edge of the sash contained in
track 18' and be lockable at that position. The sash 21' (not
shown) resides on assembly 30' in track 18'. As pinion 35' moves
within the limits of rack 18' the sash 21 cannot adopt a parallel
position unless sash 21' is in its fully closed position. Only then
can the end 21a adopt its fully closed position butting up against
the sash 21' at the end opposite the carrier assembly 30 and
39.
139. Referring to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a double hung window
assembly embodying the preferred embodiment of the hardware making
up the invention substantially equal to that which is disclosed in
FIG. 1, with the exception that a coil spring 31a is provided
around the connector portion 31 of the interconnecting portion 30.
By providing the interconnecting portion 31 with a spring 31a it
will no longer be necessary in a double hung window assembly to
provide a sash balance, as the spring 31a is pre-loaded to provide
the necessary tension, much the same as a spring which is used in a
garage door. In this example as a garage door goes up and down the
spring is compressed and tensioned depending on the motion of the
door and therefore provides for the return motion of the window
assembly. Within the window assembly sashes 20 and 40 shown in
ghost line are moveable with hardware substantially made up of a
pivot or pinion 35 moving on a rack 18 and 19 respectively and
being interconnected by the interconnecting portion 30.
140. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is illustrated the hardware
which is installed within the double hung window assembly of FIG.
3. Pinions 35 therefore are provided, which seat within the
carriers or shoes 39. The pinion includes a shaped opening 35a
which is compatible with the bar stock 34c and 32a proximate the
ends thereof. The pinion therefore will ride on the rack 18 and 19
within shoe 39. Opposed supplementary portion 37 is provided to
oppose the shoe 39 as it rides in the track. Therefore, referring
to FIG. 2b the portion 37 and 38 may be readily seen. A combined
ratchet and pawl assembly is provided with portion 37 or at least
connected therewith. The pawl assembly 37c is resilient biased
through the opening 37d of member 37 so as to release the ratchet
34b of shaft 34 when the window is to be removed from the assembly.
Proximate the other end of the hardware there is provided a backing
member 38 in a unique shaft extension 33 which includes portions
33b, 33d, 33c and 33a wherein the shaft end 32a extends through. A
locking nut 33e is provided to lock the entire hardware together
and to allow for ease of separation thereof. An adjustable
connector 31b is provided proximate the other end which allows for
adjustment with regard to the length of section 32 of the shaft so
as to allow variation in the sizes of the assembly supported.
Portions 31, 31b, 32, and 33 makeup the shaft assembly which allows
for ease of installation, adjustment, alignment and removal of the
sash assembly. Also the hardware therefore described provides for
the interconnection of the pivot shoes proximate their sides and
provides for parallel motion of the pivot shoes at all times
thereby illuminating the need to lock the pivot shoes in the track
assembly.
141. Referring to FIG. 6 there is a description of a different shoe
construction which is useful when a window is removed, since the
carrier will be locked in position when the window is removed for
maintenance or for cleaning. Therefore the shoe 39 includes a
spring b and a recess therefor and a supplementary portion 39d and
a finger a therefore wherein teeth c are provided on supplementary
portion 39d which teeth are biased by spring b against the pinion
35 to thereby lock against pinion 35 and prevent the motion of the
carrier when the window is removed. A sloped wall d is provided
with the carrier supplementary portion 39d which is engaged by a
separate simple latching and unlatching mechanism which thereby
releases the supplementary portion away from the pinion or toward
the pinion when the latch is opened. Therefore when the latch
engages the supplementary portion d it will drive the supplementary
portion 39d away from the pinion 35 thereby allowing free motion of
the pinion in normal circumstances. However when the latch is
disengaged the portion 39d will be free to move as biased by the
spring b toward locking the pinion 35 via the teeth c of the
supplementary portion 39d. The alternate shoe of FIGS. 6 and 7 has
an opening 39a within which the extension 35a passes to engage the
connecting member 30 as previously described. The rollers 39b
engage with the notches as shown to improve the motion of the
carrier in the track.
142. Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 there is illustrated an
alternative embodiment of the invention to maintain the carrier
pivots 61, 65, 60 and 81 in substantially parallel alignment and
thereby eliminate the need for braking mechanisms. FIG. 8 is
illustrated as a tilt and slide frame in ghost line with the window
70 also shown in ghost line having pivot 75 and 71. The pivots 75
and 71 engage with openings within the shoe 61 and 65 in the manner
which is known. These pivot pins 75 and 71 may be removed from
these shoes merely by retracting them from their locked positions.
The sash 70 therefore is moved on the carrier 81, 82 and 83
proximate the bottom thereof in the track portions as shown and
within carrier 60 on the top thereof. A similar sash arrangement
would be arranged for the other shoes as well but for simplicity
sake this is not illustrated. The important aspect is that a cable
91 is connected to the carrier 60 and the carrier assembly 81, 82
and 83 substantially as shown in FIG. 9, so that when the window
moves toward the right hand side of the drawing that both carriers
will move an equal amount by the movement of the cable maintaining
the pivots 75 and 71 within the shoes 60 and 81 substantially
parallel at all times. Similarly, a cable 90 is provided which
moves in conjunction with the carrier 63, 62 and 61 and the shoe
65, as best seen in FIG. 9, so that as the shoe 65 is moved in a
direction D2 that the carrier 61, 62 and 63 will also be moved in
the direction D2. FIG. 9 therefore shows the path of the cable
connecting the carrier described above.
143. In order to allow for the movement of the cable the unique
pulley arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 10 wherein the cable will
travel through the respective channels 107, 108 and 105a within the
wheel 105, or through 106, 104, 105a within the opposite wheel or
pulley 105. Assembly 101 is therefore provided which is affixed
within the window frame via opening 101a and a fastener, not shown,
which assembly allows for the movement of the cable and hence the
carriers in a manner as best seen in FIG. 9.
144. Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 there is provided a locking
mechanism for the shaft 30 which may be used with any lousier
assembly. A handle assembly H is provided including a stationary
portion H2 fixed to the sash 21 and a moveable spring biased
portion H1 biased to a continual locked position via spring leaf
S2. The handle portion H1 includes a pivot H4 and detent portions
H5 and H6. Normally the spring S2 will cause the handle portion H1
to remain in engagement at detents H5 and H6 with gear portion or
serrations 30Z of the shaft 30. Therefore the window or door is
locked in that position and cannot be pivoted or slid. When a user
engages the handle H1 and presses it towards H2 the detents H5 and
H6 release from the gears 30Z and hence the window or door may be
repositioned as desired. At that repositioned location when the
user releases the handles the window or door will again become
locked.
145. Referring now to FIGS. 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and FIG. 18, there is
illustrated a track portion 18 and 19 which is to be installed
within, as shown in FIG. 18, the sill and header 220 of a frame
assembly also including upwardly extending jamb portions 220a. The
track portions 18 and 19 therefore are installed within the
profiles as seen in FIGS. 2b and 18 by the provision of a locking
block assembly 200 which includes an adjuster nut 210 which engages
the rack portion 18x of the rack 18a of the track profile 18 as
best seen in FIG. 13a. The profile therefore includes the rack 18a,
a riding portion for the rollers 18e which will be explained
hereinafter, and a recess 18d wherein a carrier as best seen in
relation to FIG. 14 rides with the exception of the rollers. The
track 18 therefore must be locked in position in the sash 220, and
this is affected by the locking block 200 and the moveable nut 210.
As best seen in FIG. 13c, the track is inserted into the sill
profile as shown so that the carrier may ride on the track. The
assembly of FIG. 17 for the sash is therefore engaged with the
carrier. The block 200 therefore is screwed down through the
profile 15 into the wooden frame member not shown via opening 15c
in the profile and 204 in the block 200. Two fasteners 205
therefore are provided, and as shown in FIG. 13, they are inclined
at an angle to the vertical in order to allow for the provision of
an adjuster 206 which is accessible through the opening 207 in the
block 200 wherein a cap screw having a head 206a having an alien
key type access slot is provided. The threading 207b extends down
to the end 207a proximate the nut 210.
146. As best seen in FIG. 13, the lock block 200 and the locking
nut 210 have a profile substantially as shown with a triangular
shaped cut out provided adjacent the top thereof and wherein
abutting portions 201 and 203 are provided to engage with the
flanges 15b and 15a of the profile 15 of the sill portion 220. The
triangular cut-out portion includes an upwardly vertical face 202a,
and bottom 202. Similarly the nut has a shoulder 211 provided and a
substantially triangular shaped cut out 212 and an upwardly
extending face 212a for engaging with the sill profile 15 similar
to that which is illustrated and described in relation to FIG. 13.
The rotation therefore of the cap screw 206 results in the movement
of the nut 210 in relation to the block 200 which is fastened in
position. The adjustment therefore of the screw allows for the
thread to engage a threaded opening not shown in the nut 210 so
that the rack portions 213a provide engagement with the rack 18a of
the track portion 18 and will allow for fine adjustment in the
positioning of the track 18 and the locking in position of the
track. It has been found sufficient that by providing the block and
the adjustment of the nut, it will sufficiently position and lock
the track in position and allow for the adjustment of the track
which will then further allow for the adjustment of the pivots as
best seen in FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 17 so
that the parallelism is not lost, and if fine adjustments once
installed are required to the window sash to maintain the
parallelism of the system, this is very easy to do. Should the
system go out of parallel and require fine adjustment to restore
the parallelism, a mere rotation of the head 207 is required for
both the sill and headers 220 so that the system is squared.
147. The notch portion defined by the faces 202a and 202 have a
unique purpose in that the latch portion 251 as well as 250, as
best seen in FIG. 17, will engage with the face 202a and provide a
lock detent for the lock 251. This adds reinforcement to the lock
provided in that should the triangular shaped detent of the block
not be provided, then the lock 251 would engage flange 15a and in
time would wear out that flange in that particular locking
position. The nut 210 has a similar function so that either the nut
or the block can function as the detent for the latch. Specifically
in FIG. 18, the screw 206 is shown being engageable from the nut
toward the block, and in fact it is accessible in either direction
as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 18 without changing the advantages of
the system. For access purposes, depending on the installation and
the type of window, it may be easier to adjust as shown in FIG. 18
as opposed to FIG. 13. Preferably the block is made from
fiber-filled nylon. Alternatively, the block may be made from
aluminum. The nut may be made from fiber-filled nylon as well.
148. Referring to FIGS. 14, 14a and 18, there is illustrated a
carrier 39x which includes a pivot portion 35 for engaging with the
shaft portion 32 and 35a of the pivot assembly and for carrying
that shaft assembly and the pivoting end of the sash in the track
18 and 19 respectively of FIG. 18. The carrier includes a portion
39y provided therewith to carry the rollers 39b therein. This is
very similar to the carrier illustrated and described in the
previous descriptions and more specifically in relation to FIGS. 1a
and 1b, with the exception that the details of the carrier were not
shown at that time in relation to the thrust wheel 35c provided on
the bottom.
149. The carrier, as best seen in FIG. 1a therefore rides on the
rollers on the track profile seen in FIG. 13A on the surfaces 18e
for the roller wheels 39b and in the notch or cut-out recess 18d
for the side portions adjacent the roller 39b at 39z. The pinion
portion 35 therefore has an opening 35b for receiving the shaft 32
which extends toward the bottom of the opening 35d and which
opening 35b as best seen in FIG. 14 is compatible with the shape of
the shaft 32. The outer surface 35a of the opening 35b is
compatibly shaped with the opening in the carrier so that the
opening 35b may be accessible to the shaft 32. At the bottom of the
pinion portion 35 is a thrust wheel carrying portion 35e which
carries the thrust wheel 35c. The thrust wheel 35c therefore rides
in between the shoulders 18c and 18b on the surface 18d of the
track profile 18. The thrust wheel is provided to accommodate any
wind load which may be placed on the system when the window is
opened. Further, in the normal meshing of gears with a rack, there
is a thrusting force created as the pinion 35 moves on the rack
18x. Therefore, the thrusting wheel will engage from time to time
the shoulders or the surfaces defined by the shoulders 18c and 18b
so as to maintain the parallelism and the accuracy of the
installation of the window system. A pinion gear 35a is therefore
provided between the thrust wheel 35c and the pivot receiving
opening 35b which operates substantially as described in relation
to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 in that as the window rotates the pivot
rotates causing the gear 35a to rotate and move on the track. This
is particularly advantageous when the pivot assembly is provided on
a casement window as best seen in relation to FIG. 1A in that it is
desirable to have the window move away from a pocket provided in
the window jamb as best seen in relation to FIG. 1D so that the
sash profile will not engage the jamb profile but will readily
clear the jamb profile as the window is opened. For example, as
best seen in FIG. 1D, proximate the top thereof, it may be readily
seen that a pocket is provided in the jamb profile so that the
pivot assembly 30 is accommodated at that end of the window.
However, a flange portion unlabelled engages the sash cover portion
so that within the jamb J1 there is a pocket J2 provided which
improves the seal of the window in that the cover portion SC
extends into the pocket J2 when the sash is closed. However, when
the sash is pivoted as in the case with the casement window of FIG.
1C, the pinion gear when pivoted will move the sash and the sash
cover SC out of the pocket J2 away from the jamb J1 and provide
suitable clearance so that the sash cover SC will not engage with
the jamb portion J3 which is a flange and therefore will clear
easily the pocket and all its enabling portions. When the casement
window is closed, the opposite happens and the sash cover SC will
engage the pocket J2 and be moved in position with the pivoting of
the window to the closed position.
150. The rollers 39b therefore provide a smooth motion of the
closure system in relation to the track which would not be present
if the rollers were not provided since the track is made from
aluminum. The rollers are not absolutely essential in every
embodiment, however, it is preferred.
151. Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated two sashes side
by side shown in end view. The sashes are made substantially as
constructed in relation to FIG. 17 wherein the sash 220 is defined
by a central I-shaped portion 227 having an opening therein and two
side abutting portions 225 and 226. A pocket therefore for
receiving the glass G is defined at 222. Fin seal portions 221 are
therefore provided for abutting the glass G which contains the
normal known seal portion SX. The window sash profiles also include
flange portions 224 proximate the opening opposite the glass G.
Within that opening there is provided in use a closed cell caulking
foam which is compressible at portion 240. This portion extends
totally along the sash profile within the opening as shown with the
exception of the portion adjacent the pivoting assembly. A cover
portion therefore is provided at 230 which engages the tab portions
224 proximate each side of the sash profile. This cover portion
when inserted is flexed downwardly as the closed cell foam 240 is
compressed as best seen in FIG. 15a so that the flange portions of
the cover at 230a engage with the flange portion of the sash at 224
to provide a compressed seal for the track cover 230. The track
cover is defined as a track cover although it does occupy the sash
as a component thereof in that as the sash is closed over the
opening defined between the flange portion 16a and 16b as best seen
in FIG. 15a, the snap cover portion will extend down into and
engage with the flanges 16a and 16b, thus covering the track and
snapping into position each time the sash is opened and closed. The
typical seals BX and BY are provided as is known in the art.
152. Alternatively, as best seen in FIG. 1D, the sash covers may
include alternative embodiments shown proximate the jamb portions
16a and 17a of the window assembly. Alternatively, a cover portion
may be provided over the track portion 15 of sill portion 220 and
header portion 220 of FIG. 18 that engages with the sash profile in
a similar way to that of the track cover of FIG. 15a with the
exception that the track cover only extends over the second half of
the track, that is to say the second half not carrying the window.
For example as shown in FIG. 2, the wheel portion 39a may be
eliminated and the track cover may extend along the track portion
opposite the pivot assembly so that the sash may slide on the track
cover and be assisted to be supported by that track cover only in
the second half of the track profile thereby eliminating the second
carrier of FIG. 2. The track cover therefore in FIG. 2 as an
example would extend from the carrier 39a toward the left side of
the page to allow the pivot assembly 35 to move to approximately
the position of the present carrier 39a wherein it would engage the
track cover. In the movement of the carrier 35 to that position,
the other end of the window would already be supported by the track
cover. This installation therefore would eliminate the carrier
39a.
153. Referring now to FIG. 16B, there is provided locking detents
250 and 251 which engage with the locking detent portions 202 and
212 of the lock and nut portions 200 and 210. These locking
portions 250 therefore and 251 are operated by a handle 260 as best
seen in FIG. 16A which is rotatable to cause the motion of the rack
portion 265 and the detent 250 into and out of the locking abutment
provided with the lock block and the lock nut 200 and 210
respectively. In FIGS. 16, 16A and 16B, the installation is
provided for a casement window assembly. In the United States
Patent Application described in the Summary of the Invention which
was incorporated by reference, there is no provision of a
casement-style window lock. Nor was there the provision of a lock
block or nut detents 210 and 200 respectively. The handle therefore
260 is rotated by the user which causes the movement of the
corresponding pinion gear 261, the rotation of the pinion gear 261
affects the movement of the rack 265, and the latch engaging
portion 250a and 251a carried within the housings 255 and 254
respectively as best seen in relation to FIG. 17. The rotation of
the pinion will therefore also cause the motion of the rack portion
266 sufficiently as provided by the opening 266a of said rack
portion to allow for engagement of said rack portion with said rack
portion 265 with the bottom portion affecting the latching and
unlatching of detent 251. Intermediate the two latching portions
for the casement window is provided a second pinion 267 which is
rotated effectively by the movement of the rack portion 266.
Rotation of the pinion 267 causes rotation of the pinion sector 268
which is engaged with the locking detent 269 for the latch plate
270 and the detent 271 thereof. This latch plate is typical for
casement windows as is the movement of the lock 269, i.e. the
rotation thereof. However, with the central locking system provided
with this invention, it is the one handle operation of both the
detents 250 and 251 and the casement window lock 269 which is in
combination the essence of the central locking system.
Alternatively, the casement window portion may be left out and the
essence of the locking system therefore includes the locking block
in the track which provides a detent for the locks 250 and 251
respectively.
154. As best seen in relation to FIG. 17, there is provided a cover
C(x) which hooks into the sash profile similarly to the cover 230
previously described in relation to FIGS. 15 and 15A through which
the handle portion 260 extends. Therefore, the latch assembly is
contained within the sash profile, and the only portion extending
outside of the sash profile is the handle portion. This handle
portion is considerably smaller than the normal handle portion
provided with a casement window which is typically rotary, and
there is a tremendous elimination of components for a casement-type
window. In fact, this will be described hereinafter.
155. Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown an exploded perspective
view of the window assembly which will fit into the track profile
similar to FIG. 18, but more specifically which may be designed for
a casement window. The sashes 220 are provided with an opening 227
wherein a corner connector 280 is provided which extends into the
opening 227 proximate all four corners and eliminates the necessity
for welding. Clip portions 281 bite into the vinyl and are tapered
in a direction so as to prevent the removal of the corner
connectors once inserted within opening 227. This snap lock feature
therefore provides for the installation of the corner connectors
and the quick fastening of the sash profile around the glass G. The
track covers 230 are therefore provided and snapped into position
once the closed cell foam, best seen in FIG. 15a at 240, is
inserted within the opening of the sash profile. The hardware
including the carriers, best seen in FIG. 18, which are then
assembled within the opening opposite the glass of the sash
proximate each jamb portion in use. The hardware therefore
including the top and bottom track engaging portion 39x and 37x,
the shaft 32, the connector 31bx, the other shaft 31, and the small
shaft 35a are provided proximate the pivoting end of the window
assembly within the sash profile enclosed by a cover similar to
that of cover CX. The central lock as described in relation to
FIGS. 16, 16A and 16B is therefore inserted within the other
opening of the sash profile and assembled and covered by the cover
CX. The window sash is now available for installation within the
frame assembly of FIG. 18 once the carrier portions 39x are engaged
with the respective shafts 32 and 35a. The block portions 200 are
therefore locked in position once the track is installed in the
frame, and the nut portions are adjusted to allow for the
parallelism of the carriers 39x within the tracks to ensure the
parallelism of the sash so that it rides well within the track
portions. The window is therefore assembled.
156. For a casement window, all of the prior art levers and latch
mechanisms are substantially eliminated. This means a great deal to
window manufacture in that there are a considerable number of
screws and fasteners to hold down the prior art lever linkages of
the prior art systems. In the present invention, only the latch
block fasteners are provided. The rest of the window assembly
merely snaps together with a friction fit of the sash profiles, the
sash profile covers and the frames. A minimum of assembly labour is
therefore required with the installation of this window assembly.
In one particular situation where an old style double-hung window
is installed within an opening, it may be conveniently removed by
an installer and the present invention may be installed in any of
its embodiments including a casement window.
157. This is heretofore unknown in that a casement window occupies
a certain standard space in the industry, and because of the
linkage systems and the known systems, it is not possible to
provide a larger window. With the present invention, a larger
casement window may be provided which is easily installed with the
minimum amount of labour and assembly time required. Should the
window now be mis-alligned for any reason, it may be easily
adjusted by the rotation of the screw 206 provided. A sophisticated
user therefore could easily adjust this once instructed over the
phone by an installer, or alternatively the installer may return
for a quick adjustment at any time. Also, the window assembly is
less likely to go out of adjustment because of the great care taken
in the development of the precision of the assembly.
158. A method therefore of assembling the window may be considered
as described in the above-mentioned description wherein, firstly
the sash components are assembled by the quick fastening feature of
the corner locking portions which are inserted within the opening
of the sash profiles provided and provide one-way friction fit. The
closed cell caulking is therefore inserted within the top and
bottom of the sash assembled and these portions are covered by the
track covers by the compression of the closed cell foam and the
engagement of the tabs of the track cover with the tabs of the sash
profile. The hardware is then installed along the vertical portions
of the sash within the openings thereof opposite the glass which is
then covered by a sash cover portion provided. The hardware located
proximate the pivoting end is therefore installed on the carrier
portions and inserted within the track portion within the sill and
header, for example of a window assembly. The window is therefore
closed in position with the sash covers or track covers located
proximate the sill and header snapping into the frame and closing
any path for air to enter the window and pass the primary seals
provided as best seen in relation to the FIG. 15A. The track covers
also provide blockage of light, air and the friction fit of the
sash into the track portions. By providing a track cover along the
track remote the pivoting end of the window, this track cover may
be used as support as well for the window assembly.
159. In another embodiment not shown, a double casement window is
provided which is provided in a straight-line window, that is to
say a frame is provided wherein a central mullion is disposed. A
central mullion separates two casement windows, one opening as a
mirror image of the other and containing all of the elements
described above in relation to the pivot assembly and the central
locking system and track system.
160. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 1D, there is illustrated a
retractable screen contained within the opening of the jamb within
a framing section for a window assembly having a header 17, a sill
15, and two side jambs 5 and 10. The side jambs 5 and 10 are
somewhat identical with the exception of the details herein
provided. One of said jambs 5 or 10, or for that matter in
alternative embodiments sill 15 and or header 17 may contain a
retractable screen stored on a tube. This may be seen in relation
to FIG. 21 which is comparable to FIG. 1D. The screen assembly 300
includes a tube 305 having a pair of ridges 305a contained within
the hollow 300a thereof, said hollow 300a for receiving a spring
301 being a torsion spring having two ends 301a and 301b. Said ends
301b and 301a for anchoring into the assembly and for ensuring that
the spring stays in constant torsion loading. A pin assembly 310
and 311 are disposed proximate each end of said tube 305. The pin
310 includes an opening 310a for receiving the end 301a of said
torsion spring 301. Likewise, the insert 302 includes an opening
302a for receipt of the end 301b of the torsion spring 301. The
insert 302 engages the pin portion 311. The pin portion 310 engages
the bushing portion 312. The pin portions 310b and 311b are
inserted within mounting brackets M1 and M2 for mounting in the
hollow of the jamb section. The rib portions 305a and 305b engage
with corresponding rib portions provided with the pin section 311
and the bushing 312 to prevent rotation of the pins with respect to
the tube unless the tube itself is rotated. With respect to the
brackets M1 and M2, spacers S1 may be provided to orient and
correctly space the screen assembly in the jamb portion or pocket
within which the spring assembly retracts. The screen S is
manufactured from a flexible material and has disposed proximate
the ends thereof screen welding material or adhesive to adhere to
the roller 305 and to the joint provided with respect to the handle
portion 320 illustrated best in relation to FIG. 30. The other end
of the screen is inserted within the alligator-type locking jaw of
FIG. 30 between elements 320a and 320b to capture the screen
portion S2 therein. The screen portion 320 also includes a seal
portion 321 which will be described hereinafter which locks and is
retained within a channel 322 provided on one edge of the aluminum
handle portion. Openings 325 and 326 are provided with the handle
assembly 320 so as to retain the guide portions 330 therein. The
guide portions 330 are contained within the openings 325 and 326 of
the handle portion 320 so as to guide the screen assembly as it
pays out from the jamb in a track portion provided with the header
and sill portion of the framing sections. A latch portion and a
latching plate 350 are shown with the assembly. The latching plate
350 is affixed to the opposite jamb for engaging with the latching
member 340 wherein the detents mate and cooperate to retain the
screen in its closed position. A seal 321 is contained within a
seal receiving channel 320a to seal against the opposite jamb and
prevent bugs from entering the living space. The guide members 330
include a leg 330a which are compatibly shaped with the opening 325
within the handle portion 320. The handle portion 320 is extruded
from aluminum to form all of the details thereof. The bracket
portions M1 and M2 are mounted within a pocket P as seen in FIG. 1
containing the roll 305. A cover plate 350 therefore is provided
which snaps into place via the leg portion 350a being inserted
within an opening provided adjacent the jamb pocket. The jamb
pocket therefore is defined by three sides 10a, 10b and 10c against
which the closure member buts up against and seals. This will be
described hereinafter in relation to FIG. 21. The screen assembly,
and particularly the brackets of FIG. 19 are therefore installed
within the frame pocket P of FIG. 21 as being keyed into said frame
pocket and engaged with the rear wall 10c of the jamb 10. The
roller cassette 300 is then installed within the pocket P being
pre-tensioned and wherein the pin portions 311b and 310b are
inserted within openings O1 and O2 within said brackets, and the
adjustment is provided via the bottom bracket M2 including the
spacer S1 with the supplemental adjustment M3 to ensure that the
roller is properly placed in the system. The tension may be
adjusted if required by removing the snap-on cover portion 350 at
any time. The handle portion 320 is specifically sized to be
received within the opening defined between the cover 350 and the
adjacent jamb portion 10b.
161. Referring now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a similar
cassette assembly for a retractable screen to that of FIG. 19 with
the exception of the mounting brackets and the particulars of the
screen. All other elements are identical or substantially
identical. The brackets 360 therefore engage the generally T-shaped
guide 350b of the snap-on cover 350 proximate the generally
T-shaped channels 360b disposed therewith as best seen in relation
to FIG. 28b. Only one of the T-shaped channels or pockets 360b
therefore engage the T-shaped guide 350b which allows for a certain
amount of adjustability in relation to the positioning and
pre-tensioning of the screen assembly 300. The cover is therefore
utilized as a chassis to hold the screen brackets and hence the
screen cassette. The edges of the screen S1 and S2 are therefore
provided with adhesive in the form of a tape system to mount the
edge S1 onto the hollow tube 305 and to mount the edge S2 into the
screen-receiving pocket of the handle portion 320 at 320a. The
glides 330 at the end of the handle portion 320 telescope to accept
manufacturing installation variations prior to snapping them into
the flexible frame track provided thereby providing a seal for the
screen pocket and guide rails.
162. Referring now to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, the screen embodiments
shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 may be utilized with a screen assembly as
best seen in relation to FIGS. 22 and 23 which include generally
T-shaped key portions S1 and S2 which are generally T-shaped and
which engage with generally T-shaped openings 305x and 350x within
the tube 305 and within the handle 350 in one embodiment of the
invention thereof. By providing such a keyed relationship between
the handle and the screen, screen replacement becomes very easy
eliminating the need for adhesives and the general cutting of
screen sections. The screen width indicated as Z therefore is a
constant for all screens. Therefore, one continuous screen may be
manufactured having the keyed portions located and anchored to the
ends thereof as one continuous roll of screen having a
predetermined size or width Z which may be cut to the desired
length as the only variable dimension when making the screen
assemblies of FIGS. 19 and 20 and/or replacing the broken screen
which might result under normal wear of FIGS. 19 and 20.
163. Referring now to FIGS. 1D and 21, the screen assembly 310
included in the jamb does not compromise the typical framing size
and standards nor interfere with the window function. Clearly the
closure member or window 21 may be swung outwardly away from the
jamb and be sealed against the seal 21a in a closed position.
Alternatively, when the window is a tilt and slide, the window 21
may be slid away from the jamb 10. When the window is in the closed
position, there is no need for the screen to be utilized.
Therefore, the screen assembly 300 remains hidden within the jamb
portion 10 of the window assembly. An esthetically pleasing result
therefore is pleasant without the unsightly screen being present
and without the unsightly lines of an additional housing added onto
the jamb section 10. The cover portion 350 including the guide 350b
may equally be utilized on the side 10b of the jamb 10. That is to
say it is not necessary to have the cover 350 close the three-sided
jamb sections 10a, 10b and 10c from the front face thereof as shown
in FIG. 21. Equally, the side face 10b and in one embodiment a
preferred approach will be utilized for the cover facing 350
wherein the cover therefore is not observable at the front of the
jamb 10 but only at the side making a much more esthetically
pleasing installation.
164. Referring to FIGS. 24, 25A, 25B, 26A, 26B, 27A and 27B, there
is illustrated the tube of FIG. 24 having a predetermined diameter
and having rib portions 305a provided therewith which engage with
the compatible detents provided with the pin assembly at 311a which
prevents the rotation of the pins with respect to the hollow tube
305. In this way, the torsion spring 301 and its effort can not
slip in relation to the pins 311b and 310b. Similarly, the pin
assembly embodying 302 as rib portions 302b to prevent rotation
thereof with respect to the tube portion 305 when engaged with the
pin assembly portion 311. An opening 302a is provided to engage the
spring end 301b and help in establishing the loading and the
constant torsion of the assembly. Similarly, the pin portion 310
has an opening 310a for engagement with the end of the spring 301a
prior to insertion within the bushing 312 which also includes rib
portions 312a.
165. Referring now to FIG. 28A, there is illustrated the bracket of
FIG. 20 which bracket 360 includes a pin-receiving opening and a
pair of generally T-shaped openings 360b for receiving the guide
portion 350b of the flexible cover 350. Only one of the openings
360b is utilized depending on whether the bracket is being utilized
as a top or as a bottom bracket. Clearly, the bracket has
adjustability in that it may slide along the guide 350b in the
flexible cover to the predetermined position to turn by the
distance separating the pins 311b and 310b in the screen assembly.
The brackets then may be fixed in position utilizing glue or the
like and may be fastened to the opposite wall 10c of the jamb 10 of
FIG. 21 using conventional methods. It is recommended that the
fastening be a removable fastener type allowing for repair of the
screen assembly.
166. Referring now to FIGS. 29A and 29C, there is illustrated the
glide portion 330 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 which glide portion has
a generally T-shaped guide-receiving portion 330b to retain the
channel. The member 330a therefore is provided to be inserted
within the opening 325 of the handle portion 320 to seal the entire
assembly. Said foot 330a can be moved in and out of the opening 325
to allow for adjustment as is required.
167. Referring now to FIG. 30 in relation to FIGS. 19 and 20, the
handle portion 320 is therefore shown including alligator jaw-like
portions 320a and 320b as seen in FIG. 20 for capturing the edge S2
of the screen S when the portion 320b is crimped and moved toward
the edge of portion 320a capturing the screen therebetween via
serrated edges 320i of the side 320b of the joint. An opening 325
is provided for receipt of the guide portion 330. The handle
portion 320i allows a user to remove the screen as required.
168. Referring now to FIGS. 31a, 31b, 32a and 32b, there is
illustrating the latching portions of the screen assembly
comprising items 340 and 350. The portion 340 is mounted on the
handle portion 320 and is clipped in position via a hook portion
340b to be retained within a slot 320i and 340 as best seen in FIG.
19. This latching portion engages the latching plate of FIGS. 32A
and 32B which is mounted via mounting openings 350b of the latching
plate 350. The opposite jamb is utilized to mount the latching
plate 350 so that as the screen moves across the opening framed by
the frame assembly, the detent or latch portion 340a engages the
latch portion 350a of the latching plate to retain the screen in
its operative position. This can be released of course by
disengaging the latching portions 340a and 350a respectively
wherein the screen may be retracted within the opening in the jamb
10 of the framing section.
169. Referring now to FIG. 33, there is illustrated the but seal
321 which is anchored in position within the groove 320a of the
handle portion 320 via legs 321a. The bug seal 321 therefore buts
up against the opposite jamb portion not shown via edge 320b, that
is the same jamb portion to which the latching plate of FIGS. 32A
and 32B is mounted.
170. Referring now to FIG. 34, there is illustrated the cover
portion 350 for the assembly of FIG. 20 which includes an arm or
leg portion 350a which is received within the channel 10x of FIG.
21 which includes a locking edge at 350b to retain said arm 350a
within the compatible groove 10x which also includes a detent at
10y to correspondingly lock the flange in position. The element
350c therefore is disposed within the interior side of the cover
350 to be received within the channels or guides shown in FIGS. 28A
through 28C at 360b and thereby retain the mounting brackets for
the screen assembly in the position required allowing the
adjustment thereof and final fixing in relation thereto.
171. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate the fact that a
screen assembly having two ends separated by a predetermined
distance and being formed as a continuous screen which may be cut
as required at a predetermined distance as set out by the length of
the tube 305. The anchor portions S1 and S2 are a fixed distance
and are manufactured with the screen on a continuous length of
screening which may be cut as required including cutting these
anchor portions as best seen in relation to FIG. 23. This makes
screen replacement very easy.
172. The entire assembly therefore 300 is provided as a cassette
totally assembled and insertable into the jamb opening defined by
the three sides of the jamb 10 at 10a, 10b and 10c. It is only
necessary to provide the cassette integral with the cover portion
350 which may be either the front cover which clips in position as
shown in FIG. 21 or a side cover, not shown, but easily determined
by those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.
173. Referring now to FIGS. 35A, 35B, 38, 44 and 40, there is
provided a tilt and slide window assembly 400 wherein a sash 405
including a window light may may slide in the track or pivot from
the pivotable end thereof as is described previously. The sash is
pivotally mounted within a frame section including jamb portions
410 wherein the screen assembly 420 is contained within the opening
or pocket 410a provided in the framing jamb portion 410. As is best
seen in FIGS. 21 and 35A, the roller assembly best seen in FIGS. 40
and 45 is contained within the opening 410a as fastened in position
by a corner bracket 422, as best seen in FIG. 40. The jamb portion
410 is closed by a cover portion 410b after the screen assembly 420
is located in its position by the corner bracket 422. The screen
will therefore pay out along the pathway 413 when the handle
portion 430 is moved along with the sash 405 when desired. A latch
portion and handle portion 435 and 436 respectively including a
hook portion 436a engages with a detent portion 406 at the hook
portion 406a. The movement therefore of the sash 405 will result in
the movement of the screen 420 automatically and pay it out through
the guide recess to cover as much of the opening as is desired.
That is to say that one may pay out the screen 10% or 100% to cover
the appropriate opening. Because of the design of the screen
including the telescoping guides as best seen in FIG. 36, the
screen is guided through channel 412 as best seen in FIG. 35B
between fully closed and fully opened positions. The glide assembly
therefore will accommodate and receive the upper edges and the
bottom edges of the generally T-shaped screen portion as best seen
and described in relation to FIG. 20. An upper glide 441 therefore
and a lower glide 442 is provided to ride within the respective
channel portions 412 of the jamb framing sections. The handle
portion 430 therefore is adapted to receive the leg portions 441a
and 442a of the glide portions respectively as best seen in
relation to FIG. 37. A bug block 440c is provided as is previously
described. The screen therefore will pay out from its roller as
best seen in FIGS. 40 and 45 including the glides capturing the
edge of the screen including the generally T-shaped portion and
riding within the guides 412 of the tilt and slide window assembly.
When it is desired not to operate the screen, the latch 436 is
operated to separate the detents 436a and 406a. The window will
then operate on its own without the screen. Should it be desired to
recapture the screen, one merely closes the window and snap locks
the two detents together again to re-engage the screen assembly.
This is best seen in relation to FIGS. 38 and 44 wherein the screen
is fully payed out and the latch 436 is engaged with the detent
406.
174. Referring now to FIGS. 41 through 43, there is illustrated the
method of assembling the screen with the generally T-shaped key
portions. The key portions 456 therefore are manufactured from
polyvinyl chloride or the like which is a material that may be
radio frequency welded. The key portions therefore 446 include the
head portion 456a for capturing within the appropriate groove of
the handle and roller portion as best seen in relation to FIGS. 19,
21 and 22. The head portion therefore is separated from the two
portions 456b and 456c, or alternatively 456d and 456e making up
the leg to capture the screen 455 or sandwich it therebetween. In
FIG. 41, the two legs 456b and 456c are generally connected to one
another and separated from the head portion 456a by a flexible
extension 457 which is not radio-frequency welded to the screen
455. This section 457 provides a considerable amount of flexing for
the screen assembly and reduction in damage to the screen 455 as a
result of any tensioning load on said screen 455. Once the two
screen-capturing portions 456b, 456c, or alternatively 456d and
456e, as seen in FIGS. 41 and 42 respectively, capture the screen
455, the screen is passed through a radio-frequency welding machine
continuously preferably so as to form a continuous roll of screen
accumulated on a roll for future use. As best seen in FIG. 43,
elements 450a of this screen which is manufactured from
vinyl-coated fiberglass are melded into the polyvinyl chloride of
the leg extensions 456d and 456e of the key element. In this
manner, a tough and viable screen assembly is provided.
175. Referring generally to the figures a method of manufacturing a
screen roller assembly comprises the following steps:
176. 1) forming a screen from suitable screen material such as
fiberglass and preferably coating said screen with vinyl,
177. 2) forming a generally key-shaped anchor for said screen
preferably from polyvinyl chloride, preferably said key having a
head and a leg comprising two portions and a connector connecting
said leg to said head, preferably said head being generally
T-shaped,
178. 3) separating the two leg portions for receiving the edges of
said screen,
179. 4) radio frequency welding said leg portions capturing said
edges of said screen and preferably melding said vinyl of said
screen with the PVC of said key,
180. 5) forming a continuous screen to be accumulated on a roll as
roll stock to be supplied to the window manufacturer or repair
organization, A predetermined amount of screen may be payed of the
roll stock roll sized to a predetermined window opening size which
may be easily assembled with the spring-biased roller upon which
the screen will accumulate by a manufacturer or by a repair person
and which also may be engaged with the handle portion proximate the
other edge of said screen, both said roller and said screen handle
including a compatibly shaped generally key-shaped receiving
portion to receive the head of said key for easy installation or
replacement thereof.
181. It is important that the legs of the key portion be separated
from the head portion by a flexible extension to allow for the
accommodation of stretching in the screen assembly at that
particular location when assembled without destroying the screen.
It has been found that the screen when melded together with the PVC
key has considerably more strength than the known methods of taping
and gluing screen edges to rollers and handle portions. The
flexibility is provided by the flexible key shape and material. Any
suitable material can be utilized including those materials which
readily accept hot welding. However, radio frequency welding is
preferred because one does not have to allow for creeping of the
material and the allowances of temperature differentials. Cold dies
may be provided which come together to provide a reliable joint
which may be accurately controlled.
182. The present invention advantageously fits into any existing
frame design thereby reducing cost, easing assembly and improving
appearance. It is only neccessary to provide a pocket with the
jamb, header or sill of any window design within which the screen
roller assembly is placed preferably as a cassette.
183. As best seen in FIG. 46 to produce a screen one cuts from roll
stack the "T" edge screen 450 to fit inside the frame opening of
the window allowing for the guiding track depth less any clearances
required. The roller drum 458 and handle 430 are cut to screen
length providing for clearance as required. The "T" edge of the
cloth 456a is slid into the drum slot 458a and the other "T" end
456a being slid into the handle slot 430a thereby fixing the screen
to the critical components. A telescoping glide with its own "T"
slot groove as previously described supports the screen in the
guide track at each end thereof and allows the glide the freedom to
move back and forth on the "T" edge of the screen taking up the
opening tolerance.
184. Because the "T" edge is flexible and able to stretch, any
local load on the screen cloth will distribute itself over a wide
range of fibers of the screen thus improving the impact and tear
resistance of the system. In the event that screen was pushed it
would pay out the stored material to the end limit reducing
dramatically the stress forces on the system. With the high tensile
capability of the "T" edge system, the risk of failure of the
system is greatly reduced. In servicing a screen that is already
installed on site, a bolt of screen cloth carried by the service
person need only be cut to the right length, the cover removed from
the system to give access, the old screen cloth slide out and the
new screen cloth rethreaded. There is no need for any other
component replacement if they are sound.
185. The screen is self storing within the frame of the window by
virtue of accumulating on a roller similar to the operation of a
roller blind. It is payed out by pulling on a full length handle
which is guided by a rail at each end. The window frame includes a
guide channel for the screen which tracks and covers the free edges
of the screen. The handle provided with the screen engages the
adjacent sash frame section with latch detents provided which will
maintain the screen under tension from the dispensing drum and
covers the opening created when the sash is opened by sliding in
the track wrinkle free and bug tight.
186. Referring generally to FIG. 47 the leading edge of said detent
provided with said window sash has a chamfered edge adjacent 406a
to cause the latch including a hook portion 436a to ride up on said
chamfered edge and engage with a compatible hook portion 406a
disposed with said detent of said window sash.
187. As many changes can be made to the invention without departing
from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material
contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention
and not in a limiting sense.
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