U.S. patent application number 11/389606 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for window shutter frame with magnetic faceplate.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ta Chen International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andy C.H. Ho.
Application Number | 20060248822 11/389606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37392835 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060248822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ho; Andy C.H. |
November 9, 2006 |
Window shutter frame with magnetic faceplate
Abstract
A mounting frame for mounting structures in buildings, which has
a faceplate for concealing unsightly mounting points along the
mounting frame. The faceplate is attached to a base of the mounting
frame by means of magnetic coupling, which may include a magnet
provided in either one of the base or the faceplate, and a
complementary magnet or magnetic material attached to the other one
of the base or the faceplate. In one aspect of the present
invention, the mounting frame is structured to support shutters for
windows.
Inventors: |
Ho; Andy C.H.; (Long Beach,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LIU & LIU
444 S. FLOWER STREET SUITE 1750
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071
US
|
Assignee: |
Ta Chen International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37392835 |
Appl. No.: |
11/389606 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60667440 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
|
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11389606 |
Mar 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/204.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/204.2 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/02 20060101
E04C003/02 |
Claims
1. A frame for mounting a structure to a wall, comprising: a base
having a rear section for mounting to a wall and a front section
exposed to view after installation; and a faceplate magnetically
coupled to the base, wherein the faceplate has a front surface
exposed to view after installation.
2. The frame as in claim 1, wherein the faceplate comprises at
least a magnet or a magnetic material, and the base comprises at
least one complementary magnet or magnetic material, to form a
magnetic coupling between the base and the faceplate.
3. The frame as in claim 2, wherein the base comprises a channel
sized and shaped to receive the faceplate.
4. The frame as in claim 3, wherein the faceplate is held in place
in the channel substantially by the magnetic coupling.
5. The frame as in claim 3, wherein the faceplate is not held in
place in the channel substantially by friction between the
faceplate and the channel.
6. The frame as in claim 3, wherein the channel has a floor along
which the at least a magnet or a magnetic material is disposed.
7. The frame as in claim 6, wherein the faceplate comprises a
concealed surface on which the at least a magnet or a magnetic
material is disposed.
8. The frame as in claim 7, wherein the channel is provided with
mounting points.
9. The frame as in claim 8, wherein the mounting points comprise
through holes through the base from the channel.
10. The frame as in claim 1, further comprising a frame section
that comprises the base and faceplate.
11. The frame as in claim 10, wherein the frame is structured to
mount a shutter for a window, and wherein the frame section is
structured to support shutter louvers.
12. The frame as in claim 11, wherein the frame section is
structured to support a sub-frame that supports shutter
louvers.
13. The frame as in claim 1, wherein the exposed faceplate and the
exposed front section of the base form a desired surface profile of
the frame.
14. The frame as in claim 1, wherein the structure to be mounted to
the wall is a shutter for a window.
15. A window shutter, comprising: the frame as in claim 14; and a
shutter supported by the frame.
16. A window shutter, comprising: a frame for mounting shutters to
a wall, comprising: a base having a section for mounting to a wall
and a front section exposed to view after installation, and a
faceplate magnetically coupled to the base, wherein the faceplate
is exposed to view after installation; and a shutter supported by
the frame.
17. The window shutter as in claim 16, wherein the faceplate
comprises at least a magnet or a magnetic material, and the base
comprises at least one complementary magnet or magnetic material,
to form a magnetic coupling between the base and the faceplate.
18. The window shutter as in claim 17, wherein the base comprises a
channel sized and shaped to receive the faceplate, and wherein the
faceplate is held in place in the channel substantially by the
magnetic coupling.
19. The frame as in claim 18, wherein the channel has a floor along
which the at least a magnet or a magnetic material is disposed.
20. The frame as in claim 19, wherein the faceplate comprises a
concealed surface on which the at least a magnet or a magnetic
material is disposed.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/667,440, filed Mar. 30, 2005, which is fully
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
[0002] All publications referenced herein are fully incorporated by
reference, as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to ornamental
mounting frames in buildings, and particularly to window shutter
frame assemblies.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] In buildings such as private homes, aesthetics of visible
building components is an important design consideration beyond
functional considerations. For example, the structures for windows
and doors are designed with aesthetics in mind. Modern private
homes are designed with many windows on the walls of the building.
More aesthetic design considerations would be necessary for the
large areas occupied by the window. Some owners have chosen to
install window shutters to not only provide privacy, but as an
attractive alternative to blinds, shades, and drapes. Window
shutters are typically provided with a frame structure that is
attached to the wall around the edges of a window, and that
supports the shutter panels that cover the windows.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,038 to Nien et al. discloses a window
shutter frame for attaching window shutters to a wall, which
provides an elongated rigid mounting strip that is retained by
friction in a mounting channel along frame sections. The frame
sections are attached by screws to the wall at mounting points
along the mounting channel. The mounting strip conceals the screws
after mounting the frame sections to the wall, thus providing an
appealing appearance.
[0008] For wood shutter frames, the friction fit of the mounting
strip may come loose with time, as the wood frame expands or
contracts, bends or warps under environmental conditions, such as
moisture, temperature, etc. For long frame sections, it is
sometimes difficult to provide sufficient tolerance to maintain
consistent friction fit at different locations along the entire
longitudinal sections, and it may be difficult to insert the
mounting strip into the channel because of insufficient clearance
at different locations along the longitudinal sections.
[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved window
frame structure that is aesthetic and durable with respect to
concealment of mounting points.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention relates to a mounting frame for mounting
structures to a wall in buildings, which has a faceplate for
concealing unsightly mounting points along the mounting frame. The
faceplate is attached to a base of the mounting frame by means of
magnetic coupling, which may comprise a magnet provided in either
one of the base or the faceplate, and a complementary magnet or
magnetic material attached to the other one of the base or the
faceplate.
[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the mounting frame
is structured to support shutters for windows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a fuller understanding of the scope and nature of the
invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should
be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, like
reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of the basic configuration of a
window shutter that incorporates a mounting frame in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an expanded front view of a section of the
mounting frame shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mounting frame taken along
line 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the mounting frame taken along
line 4-4 in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present description is of the best presently
contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description
is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The
scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the
appended claims.
[0018] For purposes of illustrating the principles of the present
invention and not by limitation, the present invention is described
herein below by reference to a mounting frame structure relating to
a window shutter. However, it is understood that the present
invention is equally applicable to window shutters of other
structural designs, and other types of mounting frames for a
building, such as door frames, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows the front view of the general structural
configuration of a window shutter 10 that incorporates the mounting
frame 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The window shutter 10 includes the mounting frame 12 at
the periphery, and a sub-frame 14 that pivotally supports a
vertical row of horizontal louvers 16. The louvers are coupled to
move in unison by a vertical tilt rod 18. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 1, there are two sections A and B of louvers 16
within the sub-frame 14, divided by a mid-frame section 20 of the
sub-frame 14. The sub-frame 14 may be a separate structure from the
mounting frame 12, which may be supported by hinges to the outer
mounting frame 12, to permit the sub-frame 14 to swing open from
the mounting frame 12, much like the opening of a window.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an expanded front view of a section 13 of the
inventive mounting frame 12 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mounting
frame section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. The sectional profile
may be generally uniform along the longitudinal frame section 13.
The frame sections at the four sides all around the mounting frame
12 may share the same sectional structure, or in the alternate,
only two of the vertical frame sections, or two of the horizontal
frame sections of the mounting frame 12, may share the same
sectional structure.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame section 13 is made
up of two separate pieces, including a base 22 and a faceplate 24.
The frame section 13 has an overall external surface profile 25
that is aesthetic or visually appealing. The back 26 of the frame
section 13 is shaped for attachment to the periphery wall 28 of a
window (shown in dotted lines). The frame section 13 has a step 30
that provides a support or stop to the sub-frame 14.
[0022] The base 22 has a slot or channel 32 that receives the
faceplate 24. The depth of the channel 32 and the thickness of the
faceplate 24 may be chosen to provide a smooth or flush surface
transition from the base 22 to the faceplate 24 and vice versa. The
particular physical configuration would depend on the desired
visual profile for the frame section 13.
[0023] At least one magnetic coupling structure is provided between
the faceplate 24 and the base 22. The bottom surface of the base
plate 24 includes a permanent magnet or a piece of magnetic
material (e.g., soft iron), and the opposing surface of the channel
32 of the base 22 includes a magnetic piece or a permanent magnet,
in a complementary fashion to provide a magnetic coupling between
the base 22 and the faceplate 24. The magnetic piece and the magnet
may be completely embedded in the respective base 22 and faceplate
24, with or without the surface of the magnet and the magnet
material exposed. The exposed surface may be flush or sunk with
respect to the surrounding structure. It is noted that only one of
the faceplate 24 or base 22 needs to have a magnet, and the other
piece can have a complementary magnet (with the poles of the magnet
aligned appropriately to provide an attractive coupling force to
the magnet in the faceplate) or a complementary magnetic piece.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the base 22 is
provided with a permanent magnet 34, and the faceplate 24 is
provided with a magnetic piece 36. The magnetic piece can be a
light weight metallic or semi-metallic material, which would not
add significant weight to the faceplate. The size and/or strength
of the magnet is chosen to provide the necessary magnetic coupling
to securely hold the faceplate 24 in place in the channel. In the
illustrated embodiment, the magnet 34 and magnetic piece 36 are
disc shape and of the same size. Various other shapes and sizes may
be adopted, and the complementary magnet 34 and magnetic piece 36
need not be of the same shape and size to be effective in magnetic
coupling. The width of the faceplate 24 is uniform, and may be
sized with respect to the width of the channel 22 with sufficient
clearance and tolerance to provide a loose fit between the edges of
the faceplate 24 and the edges of the channel 22 along the
longitudinal frame sections 13. The tolerance would accommodate
anticipated bending or warping of the base 22 and/or the faceplate
24. This would also provide room for any lateral expansion of the
faceplate 24. Alternately, the width of the faceplate 24 may be
sized with respect to the width of the channel 22 to provide a
friction fit, to further provide a means to securely hold the
faceplate 24 in the channel, although this is typically not
necessary, except for relatively large size and/or heavy
faceplates.
[0025] There may be multiple magnet/magnetic piece pairs
distributed along the longitudinal frame section 13 (e.g., at
uniform spacing or concentrated at certain sections such as the
ends of the longitudinal frame section and/or the mid section), to
provide the necessary magnetic coupling between the faceplate 24
and the base 22 to securely hold the faceplate 24 in the channel 32
after installation. The magnets and magnetic pieces may be located
and aligned along the median axis of the channel 32, or off such
axis. In the alternate, the magnets and/or the magnetic pieces may
be in the shape of a continuous strip covering part of or the
entire longitudinal frame section, or short sections of strips that
may be evenly distributed along the longitudinal frame section
13.
[0026] Referring also to FIG. 4, attachment points in the form of
through holes 38 may be preformed (e.g., by drilling) on the base
22, along the longitudinal median axis of the channel 32, or off
axis, for insertion of fasteners such as nails and screws for
attachment of the base 22 to the wall 28. Instead of through holes
38, starter holes (e.g., drilled only to half of the depth of the
base 22) may be provided. The holes 38 may be located between
adjacent magnets/magnetic pieces along the longitudinal axis of the
frame section 13 (see FIG. 2), or off axis. The holes 38 may be
provided with a countersink, to receive the head of the nail or
screw. Alternatively, no holes are preformed, and holes may be made
by a screw or nail at the time of installation. The number of
attachment points along a section 13 may be different than the
number of magnet/magnetic piece pairs, but sufficient in number to
provide secure attachment of the frame sections 13 of the mounting
frame 12 to the wall 28, to hold the mounting frame 12 securely
against the wall 28.
[0027] To install the mounting frame 12 to the wall 28, the base 22
is mounted against the wall 28 by nails or screws 40. The faceplate
24 is inserted into the channel 32 in the base 22 and held in place
substantially by magnetic coupling, thus covering the unsightly
screw or nail heads. Because the nails or screws are driven into
the channel 32 of the base 22 that has a relatively thinner cross
section compared to its overall thickness, the screws and nails
used could be shorter, and thinner. After installation, a desired
surface profile is formed by the faceplate 24 and the section of
the base 22 which is exposed to view, thereby concealing the
underlying mounting points. The faceplate 24 is not held in place
in the channel 22 substantially by friction between the faceplate
24 and the channel 22.
[0028] The base 22 and the faceplate 24 may have uniform or
non-uniform cross-sections different from the embodiment shown in
the drawings. The base 22 and faceplate 24 may be made of the same
or different material, including synthetic (e.g., plastic), metal,
wood (solid or compressed wood), or a composite of two or more
different materials. The base 22 and/or faceplate 24 may be
flexible or rigid. The faceplate and the complementary channel in
the frame base may be sized and shaped in any manner, such as a
curved or wavy longitudinal profile, and/or of varying width along
the longitudinal frame section.
[0029] Alternative embodiments may include a base that is entirely
or partially made of a magnetic material or magnet, and the
faceplate that is entirely or partially made of a complementary
magnet or magnetic material.
[0030] Further, while FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment in
which the back surface of the faceplate 24 rests flat against the
bottom surface or floor of the channel 32, the faceplate and/or the
channel may be structured to provide a spacing between the back
surface of the faceplate and the floor of the channel. This
structure is particularly useful for overall thicker frames, so to
reduce the amount of materials needed to form the frame base and/or
faceplate. For example, the faceplate may have an overall thick
section, which may be provided with an inverted U-shaped channel
sectional profile, and the channel in the frame base may be made
deeper to receive the thick faceplate. When the inverted U-shaped
channel faceplate is inserted into the base channel, a space is
defined between the faceplate and the base to result in a hollow
sectional structure. Mounting screws and nails may be used without
having to provide countersinks in the base channel. This structure
(not illustrated) is similar to the structure illustrated in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,474,038 to Nien et al. (which has been fully
incorporated by reference herein), except that instead of a
friction fit, magnetic coupling is provided between the faceplate
and the base of the frame section, across the opening therebetween.
In this embodiment, relatively stronger magnets would be required
as the distance between adjacent surfaces to be magnetically
coupled is further apart. The magnets may protrude from the floor
of the base channel.
[0031] The frame base and/or faceplate may include a surface
finish, including, for example, textured, matte, polished,
finishing layer such as coating, chroming, plating, paint, or other
surface finishes or finishing layers. In the alternative or in
addition, structural features may be provided on the faceplate,
such as studs, carving, attachments, and/or other decorative
ornamental features.
[0032] While the invention has been described with respect to the
described embodiments in accordance therewith, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
improvements may be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. For example, the shutter louvers may be a
horizontal row of vertical louvers, which may be movable or fixed
in relation to the mounting frame.
[0033] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only
by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *