U.S. patent application number 11/679747 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for screen assembly for a frame opening.
This patent application is currently assigned to QUANEX CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Joseph D. Isaacs, Mike R. Jumbeck, Jeff V. Sawyers.
Application Number | 20070199667 11/679747 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442885 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070199667 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jumbeck; Mike R. ; et
al. |
August 30, 2007 |
SCREEN ASSEMBLY FOR A FRAME OPENING
Abstract
A screen assembly is disposed in a frame opening of a building.
The screen assembly includes a first rail bounding one side of the
frame opening and a second rail spaced from and fixed relative to
the first rail bounding an opposite side of the frame opening. A
first guide is adjustably coupled to the first rail and a second
guide extends from the second rail. The screen assembly includes a
screen apparatus having a screen and a slide component coupled to
the screen. The slide component slides along the first and second
guides for extending the screen across the frame opening. The
location of the first guide may be adjusted relative to the first
rail to align the first and second guides thereby allowing the
slide component to freely slide along the guides.
Inventors: |
Jumbeck; Mike R.; (Chippewa
Falls, WI) ; Isaacs; Joseph D.; (Rice Lake, WI)
; Sawyers; Jeff V.; (Rice Lake, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101, 39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Assignee: |
QUANEX CORPORATION
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
38442885 |
Appl. No.: |
11/679747 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60777606 |
Feb 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 2009/543 20130101;
A47H 99/00 20130101; E06B 9/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/274 |
International
Class: |
A47H 3/00 20060101
A47H003/00 |
Claims
1. A screen assembly for disposition in a frame opening, said
screen assembly comprising: a first rail for bounding one side of
the frame opening; a second rail spaced from and fixed relative to
said first rail for bounding an opposite side of the frame opening,
a first guide adjustably coupled to said first rail for selectively
moving said first guide relative to said first rail; a second guide
extending from said second rail; and a screen apparatus including a
screen and a slide component coupled to said screen with said slide
component extending between and slideably interacting with said
first guide and said second guide for selectively extending and
retracting the screen across the frame opening.
2. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
guide defines an aperture and said screen assembly further includes
a fastener engaging said first rail and extending through said
aperture to enable the selective movement of said first guide
relative to said first rail.
3. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said
fastener is fixed to said first rail.
4. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said
fastener is adjustably coupled to said first rail with said
fastener moveable between an engaged position for preventing
movement of said first guide relative to said first rail and a
disengaged position for allowing movement of said first guide
relative to said first rail.
5. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said
fastener includes a head sized larger than said aperture engaging
said first guide in said engaged position and a shaft extending
from said head through said aperture of said first guide engaging
said first rail.
6. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said
aperture is sized larger than said shaft along an axis extending
between the first rail and the second rail for allowing movement of
said first guide along said axis when said fastener is in said
disengaged position.
7. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first
guide defines said aperture as having a slot-shape such that said
shaft is moveable along said slot-shape.
8. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first
guide defines a plurality of apertures and said screen assembly
further includes a plurality of fasteners with each of said
apertures respectively receiving one of said plurality of
fasteners.
9. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
rail extends horizontally with said second rail vertically spaced
below the first rail and extending horizontally.
10. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
rail includes an elongated base portion and an elongated flange
portion extending from said elongated base portion.
11. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said screen
includes a trailing edge and said screen apparatus includes a
canister supporting said trailing edge with said screen selectively
dispensable from said canister for extending and retracting across
the frame opening.
12. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including
a second screen apparatus having a second canister and a second
screen supported by said second canister with said second screen
selectively dispensable from said second canister for extending and
retracting across the frame opening.
13. (canceled)
14. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
guide includes a pair of first guides and said first rail includes
and extends between a first end portion and a second end portion
with one of said pair of first guides extending from said first end
portion of said first rail toward said second end portion of said
first rail and with another of said pair of first guides extending
from said second end portion toward said first end portion.
15. The screen assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
guide includes an elongated attachment portion and an elongated
bead portion extending along said elongated attachment portion and
said slide component defines a first channel complimentary in
configuration to said elongated bead portion and receiving said
elongated bead portion such that said slide component is slideable
along said first guide on said elongated bead portion.
16. A method of installing a screen assembly into a frame opening
with the screen assembly including a first and second rail, a first
guide adjustably coupled to the first rail, and a second guide
extending from the second rail, said method comprising: installing
the first rail in the frame opening; installing the second rail in
the frame opening spaced from and fixed relative to the first rail;
and selectively aligning the first guide relative to the second
guide by selectively moving the first guide relative to the first
rail.
17. The method as set forth in claim 16 wherein the first guide
defines an aperture and the screen assembly further includes a
fastener engaging the first rail and extending through the aperture
and wherein the step of selectively aligning the first guide
relative to the second guide includes selectively moving the first
guide relative to the fastener.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17 further including the step
of adjusting the fastener between a disengaged position to allow
movement of the first guide relative to the first rail and an
engaged position to prevent movement of the first guide relative
the first rail.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein the step of
selectively aligning the first guide relative to the second guide
is further defined as aligning the first guide relative to the
second guide when the fastener is in the disengaged position.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19 including a slide component
extending between and slideably interacting with the first guide
and the second guide and wherein the step of aligning the first
guide relative to the second guide is further defined as
selectively sliding the slide component along the first guide and
the second guide when the fastener is in the disengaged
position.
21. The method as set forth in claim 19 further including the step
of selectively adjusting the fastener to the engaged position after
aligning the first guide to maintain the first guide in alignment
with the second guide.
22. The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein the fastener is
defined as a plurality of fasteners and the aperture is defined as
a plurality of apertures with each aperture respectively receiving
one of the plurality of fasteners and wherein the step of adjusting
the fastener is further defined as adjusting each of the plurality
of fasteners from the disengaged position to the engaged
position.
23. The method as set forth in claim 16 wherein the frame opening
includes a top side and a bottom side and wherein the step of
installing the first rail in the frame opening is further defined
as positioning the first rail horizontally along the top side of
the frame opening and wherein the step of installing the second
rail in the frame opening is further defined as positioning the
second rail vertically spaced below the first rail along the bottom
side of the frame opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all
the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/777,606 which was filed on Feb. 28, 2006, the entire
specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention generally relates to a screen assembly for
disposition in a frame opening.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Screen assemblies are typically disposed in a frame opening
of a building such as a residential or commercial building.
Generally a window or a door is mounted in the frame opening along
with the screen assembly. Screen assemblies include a screen
apparatus. The screen apparatus is generally fixed in the frame
opening or is slideable relative to the frame opening. When the
screen apparatus is slideable, generally the screen assembly is
referred to as a slideable screen assembly. The screen apparatus of
the slideable screen assembly includes a screen and a slide
component coupled to the screen for selectively extending and
retracting the screen across the frame opening, i.e., covering and
uncovering the frame opening with the screen.
[0006] The slideable screen assembly typically includes a first
rail for bounding one side of the frame opening and a second rail
spaced from and fixed relative to the first rail for bounding an
opposite side of the frame opening. The slideable screen assembly
also includes a first guide fixed to the first rail and a second
guide fixed to the second rail. The slide component extends between
and slideably interacts with the first guide and the second
guide.
[0007] The frame opening is typically defined by a header and a
sill spaced from each other and extending generally horizontally
and a pair of jambs spaced from each other extending generally
vertically between the header and the sill. Typically, the first
rail is coupled to the header and the second rail is coupled to the
sill. The header may not be square with the pair of jambs and/or
may not have planar surfaces, e.g., may crown or bow. In such a
situation, when the first rail is mounted to the header, the first
rail crowns, bows, or otherwise deforms to the shape of the header.
Accordingly, the first guide also deforms in response to the
deformation of the first rail. Additionally, if the sill is not
parallel with the header, then the first guide may not be in
parallel with the second guide when mounted to the header and the
sill, respectively.
[0008] Typically, smooth sliding of the slide component along the
first and second guide requires that the first and second guide be
in parallel with each other or otherwise aligned in a predetermined
alignment. When the first guide becomes deformed or becomes
misaligned relative to the second guide, the slide component racks,
i.e., binds, when slid along the first and second guides. In other
words, the slide component does not freely slide along the first
and second guide. This racking, or binding, disrupts easy and quick
covering and uncovering of the frame opening with the screen.
Further, such racking, or binding, creates a sense that the screen
assembly is of inferior quality.
[0009] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to develop a screen
assembly having a screen apparatus that slides freely and does not
rack regardless of any crowning, bowing, or other deformation of
the header and regardless of any non-parallel relationship between
the header and the sill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0010] The present invention is a screen assembly for disposition
in a frame opening. The screen assembly includes a first rail for
bounding one side of the frame opening and a second rail spaced
from and fixed relative to the first rail for bounding an opposite
side of the frame opening. A first guide is adjustably coupled to
the first rail for selectively moving the first guide relative to
the first rail. A second guide extends from the second rail. A
screen apparatus includes a screen and a slide component coupled to
the screen. The slide component extends between and slideably
interacts with the first guide and the second guide for selectively
extending and retracting the screen across the frame opening.
[0011] The present invention also includes a method of installing
the screen assembly into the frame opening. The method includes the
steps of installing the first rail in the frame opening and
installing the second rail in the frame opening spaced from and
fixed relative to the first rail. The method further includes the
step of selectively aligning the first guide relative to the second
guide by selectively moving the first guide relative to the first
rail.
[0012] Accordingly, because the second guide extends from the
second rail and because the first guide is adjustably coupled to
the first rail, the first guide may be selectively moved into
alignment with the second guide. The adjustability of the first
guide relative to the second guide compensates for deformation of
the first rail or for non-parallel alignment of the first and
second rails. As such, the first guide may be aligned with the
second guide thereby allowing the slide component to freely slide
along the first and second guides.
[0013] In addition, the method is advantageous in that it provides
for the alignment of the first and second rails such that the slide
component may freely slide along the first and second rails without
racking. Because the method includes installing the second rail
fixed relative to the first rail and because the second guide
extends from the second rail, the step of aligning the first guide
with the second guide results in the slide component being freely
slideable along the first and second guides. The subject invention
is also advantageous to operation of the screen assembly after the
screen assembly has been installed into the frame opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screen assembly disposed
in a frame opening with the screen assembly including a pair of
canisters each retractably supporting one of a pair of screens;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the screen assembly
partially exploded to show a first rail and a first guide
adjustably coupled with the first rail;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the of the first
rail and the first guide along line 3A in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of a second rail and
a second guide along line 3B in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a portion of the screen
assembly with fasteners of the first guide in a disengaged
position;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the screen
assembly with fasteners of the first guide in the engaged
position;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
screen assembly including a screen frame; and
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative
embodiment of the first rail and the first guide illustrating, in
particular, a fastener fixed to the first rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a screen assembly
20 is generally shown. The screen assembly is installed in a
building 30, such as a commercial or residential building. The
building 30 defines an opening 31 and the opening 31 is framed by a
header 24, a sill 26, and a pair of jambs 28. Specifically, as
shown in FIG. 1, the header 24 and the sill 26 are spaced from each
other and extend generally horizontally and a pair of jambs 28 are
spaced from each other and extend generally vertically between the
header 24 and the sill 26. The header 24, the sill 26, and the pair
of jambs 28 define a frame opening 22 and the screen assembly 20 is
disposed in the frame opening 22. For example, the header 24, the
sill 26, and the pair of jambs 28 are attached to the building 30
and the screen assembly 20 is subsequently installed into the frame
opening 22. Alternatively, a combination of the screen assembly 20
and the header 24, the sill 26, the pair of jambs 28 are
pre-assembled together to form a pre-assembled frame unit
independent of the building 30 for subsequent installation into the
opening of the building 30. For example, the pre-assembled unit may
be pre-assembled at a remote location and transported to the
building 30 for installation in the building 30. It should be
appreciated that, for example, the frame opening 22 may be further
defined as a door opening or as a window opening.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the screen assembly 20 includes a
first rail 32 for bounding one side 35 of the frame opening 22 and
a second rail 34 spaced from and fixed relative to the first rail
32 for bounding an opposite side 36 of the frame opening 22. In
other words, the opposite side 36 of the frame opening 22 that the
second rail 34 bounds is opposite the one side 35 of the frame
opening 22 that the first rail 32 bounds. The first and second
rails 32, 34 are elongated and may extend along an entire length of
the one side 35 and the opposite side 36, respectively.
[0025] The first rail 32 may extend horizontally with the second
rail 34 vertically spaced below the first rail 32 and extending
horizontally. In this arrangement, the first rail 32 is mounted to
the header 24 and the second rail 34 is mounted to the sill 26. For
example, the first rail 32 and the second rail 34 may be mounted to
the header 24 and the sill 26, respectively, with threaded
fasteners such as screws, e.g., the first screws 33 in FIGS. 3A and
3B. The first rail 32 may be any size and/or shape that allows the
first rail 32 to be mounted adjacent to the header 24 or any size
and/or shape that allows the first rail 32 to be mounted to an
intermediate component, which is adjacent the header 24. Likewise,
the second rail 34 may be any size and/or shape that allows the
second rail 34 to be mounted to the sill 26 or any size and/or
shape that allows the second rail 34 to be mounted to an
intermediate component, which is mounted to the sill 26.
[0026] The screen assembly 20 includes a first guide 38 and a
second guide 40. The first guide 38 is typically elongated and
extends along the first rail 32. The second guide 40 is also
typically elongated and extends along the second rail 34. The first
and second rails 32, 34 couple the first and second guides 38, 40,
respectively, to a substrate, for example, the header 24 and the
sill 26, respectively.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the screen assembly 20 typically
includes a screen apparatus 42. The screen apparatus 42 includes a
screen 44 and a slide component 46 coupled to the screen 44. The
slide component 46 extends between and slideably interacts with the
first guide 38 and the second guide 40 for selectively extending
and retracting the screen 44 across the frame opening 22. At an
interface between the slide component 46 and the guides 38, 40, the
slide component 46 may include additional elements commonly
referred to in the art as glide blocks. If included, such glide
blocks are mere extensions of the slide component 46. The slide
component 46 functions as a handle to move the screen across the
frame opening 22. Specifically, the slide component 46 rigidly
extends between the first guide 38 and the second guide 40. The
slide component 46 is slid along the first guide 38 and the second
guide 40 to extend the screen 44 across the frame opening 22 and to
retract the screen 44 from the frame opening 22, i.e., to cover and
uncover the frame opening 22 with the screen 44.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the screen apparatus 42 includes a
canister 50 with the screen 44 selectively dispensable from the
canister 50 for selectively extending and retracting across the
frame opening 22. Such a screen apparatus 42 is commonly referred
to in the art as a retractable screen assembly.
[0029] In such a configuration, the canister 50 extends between the
one side 35 and the opposite side 36 of the frame opening 22. The
canister 50 may, for example, be mounted on one of the pair of
jambs 28. In such a configuration, the screen 44 is dispensable
from the canister 50 horizontally across the frame opening 22. The
screen 44 is flexible and extends between a trailing edge and a
leading edge 52. It is to be understood that screen 44 can be wire
mesh style, silhouette style, and the like and can be manufactured
from a wide array of materials including polymers and metals. The
trailing edge is supported by the canister 50, typically on a
spring-loaded roller 51 within the canister 50 as discussed below,
and the leading edge 52 is attached to the slide component 46. For
example, the screen 44 may be splined into the slide component
46.
[0030] The slide component 46 extends across the frame opening 22
between the one side 35 and the opposite side 36 of the frame
opening 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the slide component
46 may also be referred to by one skilled in the art as a slide
bar. The slide component 46 guides the leading edge 52 of the
screen 44 back and forth over the opening to cover and uncover the
opening with the screen 44. Specifically, the screen 44 is
dispensed from the canister 50 to cover the opening and is
retracted into the canister 50 to uncover the opening. The screen
44 is automatically retracted into the canister 50 as the slide
component 46 guides the leading edge 52 of the screen 44 toward the
canister 50. Likewise, the screen 44 is automatically dispensed
from the canister 50 as the slide component 46 guides the leading
edge 52 of the screen 44 away from the canister 50.
[0031] The canister 50 includes a spring-loaded roller 51 to which
the trailing edge of the screen 44 is attached. As the leading edge
52 of the screen 44 is moved toward the canister 50, the
spring-loaded roller 51 tensions the screen 44 toward the canister
50, causing the screen 44 to automatically wrap around the roller
51. The tension in the screen 44 is between the trailing edge in
the canister 50 and the leading edge 52 of the screen 44 at the
slide component 46.
[0032] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
slide component 46 of the screen apparatus 42 may be further
defined as a screen frame 56 as shown in FIG. 5. In such an
embodiment, the screen 44 may be flexible and the screen frame 56
may be rigid to support the screen 44. In other words, such a
screen apparatus 42 may be referred to by one skilled in the art as
a screen panel.
[0033] In such a configuration, for example, the screen frame 56
may include a pair of horizontal members 58 spaced from each other
and a pair of vertical members 60 spaced from each other and
extending between the horizontal members 58 to define a rectangular
opening. The screen 44 is attached to the vertical and horizontal
members 60, 58 and extends across the rectangular opening 22. For
example, the screen 44 may be splined to the vertical and
horizontal members 60, 58. The pair of horizontal members 58 and/or
the pair of vertical members 60 may slideably interact with the
first and second guides 38, 40. The pair of horizontal members 58
may extend across the frame opening 22 between the one side 35 and
the opposite side 36 of the frame opening 22. The screen frame 56
is slid along the first and second guides 38, 40 to cover and
uncover the frame opening 22 with the screen 44.
[0034] It should be appreciated that the screen assembly 20 as
described above and as shown in the figures is configured such that
the screen apparatus 42 slides horizontally across the frame
opening 22. However, one skilled in the art would appreciate that
the screen assembly 20 may be configured such that the screen
apparatus 42 slides vertically or at any angle between vertical and
horizontal. For example, the first rail 32 may be mounted to one of
the pair of jambs 28 and the second rail 34 may be mounted to
another jamb 28 opposite the first rail 32. In such a
configuration, the screen apparatus 42 would slide vertically along
the first and second guides 38, 40. For example, in such a
configuration, if the screen assembly 20 includes a canister 50,
the canister 50 could be mounted to the header 24 and/or to the
sill 26.
[0035] The first guide 38 is adjustably coupled to the first rail
32 for selectively moving the first guide 38 relative to the first
rail 32. Specifically, a location of the first guide 38 relative to
the first rail 32 may be adjusted to align the first guide 38 with
the second guide 40. Maintaining the first guide 38 in alignment
with the second guide 40 reduces racking of the slide component 46
as the slide component 46 is slid along the first and second guides
38, 40. Maintaining the first guide 38 in alignment with the second
guide 40 in essence creates an even rod and bearing fit, i.e.,
allows the slide component 46 to freely slide along the first guide
38. For example, the first and second guides 38, 40 are in
alignment when the first guide 38 is parallel with the second guide
40.
[0036] Specifically, in an embodiment where the first rail 32 is
mounted to the header 24, the header 24 may be crowned, bowed, or
otherwise deformed and the mounting of the first rail 32 to the
header 24 causes the first rail 32 to deform to the shape of the
header 24. In such a configuration, the location of the first guide
38 is altered by the deformation of the first rail 32. In addition,
if the sill 26 is not parallel with the header 24, then the first
guide 38 may not be in parallel with the second guide 40 when the
first and second rails 32, 34 are mounted to the header 24 and the
sill 26, respectively. As such, it is advantageous that the first
guide 38 is adjustably coupled to the first rail 32 such that the
first guide 38 may be aligned relative to the second guide 40 to
compensate for deformation of the first rail 32 and/or for
non-parallel alignment of the first and second rails 32, 34.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3B, the second guide 40 extends from the
second rail 34. In other words, the second guide 40 is fixed and
unadjustable relative to the second rail 34. The second guide 40
may be integrally formed from the second rail 34 or may be affixed,
i.e., mechanically or adhesively connected, to the second rail 34.
The second guide 40 and the second rail 34 may be formed as a
one-piece unit. Alternatively, the second guide 40 may be secured
to the second rail 34 by, for example, an adhesive, melting, and/or
welding. In an embodiment where the second rail 34 and the second
guide 40 are positioned along the sill 26, it is beneficial that
the second guide 40 extends from the second rail 34. Being
positioned along the sill 26, the second guide 40 may be stepped on
or otherwise subjected to downward loads. Because the second guide
40 extends from the second rail 34, the second guide 40 is
immoveable relative to the second rail 34 and the second guide 40
will not move when subject to downward loads. As such, the first
guide 38 may be aligned in parallel with the second guide 40 and
the alignment of the first and second rail 38, 40 will not be
disrupted by downward forces applied to the second guide 40.
[0038] To facilitate alignment between the first and second rails,
38, 40, the screen assembly 20 includes a fastener 63 extending
from the first rail 32, and the first guide 38 defines an aperture
62 sized larger than the fastener 63. The fastener 63 can be fixed
relative to the first rail 32 or can be adjustably coupled to the
first rail 32. The first guide 38 receives the fastener 63 in the
aperture 62. Because the aperture 62 is sized larger than the
fastener 63, the fastener 63 moves along the aperture 62 to allow
the first guide 38 to move relative to the first rail 32. The
fastener 63 may be anything which connects or attaches the first
rail 32 to the first guide 38, such as a threaded screw, as shown
in FIG. 3A, an unthreaded rod or pin, as shown in FIG. 6, etc.
[0039] For example, as will be discussed below, the first rail 32
is aligned with the second rail 34 by sliding the slide component
46 along the first and second guides 38, 40. Because the second
rail 34 is fixed relative to the first rail 32 and the second guide
40 extends from the second rail 34, when the slide component 46 is
slid along the second guide 40, the slide component 46 exerts force
on the first guide 38 such that the first guide 38 moves and
becomes aligned, e.g., parallel, with the second guide 40.
[0040] As noted above, the fastener 63 may be a screw which extends
through the aperture 62 and into the first rail 32. As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fastener 63 is moveable between an engaged
position for preventing adjustment of the location of the first
guide 38 relative to the first rail 32 and a disengaged position
for allowing adjustment of the location of the first guide 38
relative to the first rail 32. Specifically, the fastener 63 is in
the disengaged position in FIG. 4A and is in the engaged position
in FIG. 4B. When the fastener 63 is in the disengaged position, the
location of the first guide 38 relative to the first rail 32 may be
actively adjusted. This means that the first guide 38 floats
relative to the first rail 32 as the slide component 46 travels
along the first guide 38 to prevent binding between the slide
component 46 and the first and second guides 38, 40. Alternatively,
the fastener is in the engaged position and the location of the
first guide 38 is fixed relative to the first rail 32 as the slide
component 46 travels along the first guide 38.
[0041] Referring again to FIG. 3A, the fastener 63 includes a head
66 and a threaded shaft 68, extending from the head 66. The
threaded shaft 68 extends through the aperture 62 of the first
guide 38 and threadably engages the first rail 32. Specifically,
the first rail 32 defines a threaded hole 71 and the threaded shaft
68 of the fastener 63 threadably engages the threaded hole 71. The
head 66 is sized larger than the aperture 62 and engages the first
guide 38 in the engaged position. Specifically, the head 66
frictionally engages the first guide 38 in the engaged position,
i.e., the first guide 38 is pinched between the head 66 and the
first rail 32 in the engaged position. In the disengaged position,
the head 66 is disengaged with the first guide 38 such that the
location of the first guide 38 is adjustable relative to the first
rail 32. In such a configuration, the fastener 63 is rotated to
frictionally engage and disengage the head 66 and the first guide
38, i.e., to tighten and to loosen the fastener 63, relative to the
first guide 38 and the first rail 32.
[0042] The aperture 62 is sized larger than the threaded shaft 68
along an axis A extending between the first rail 32 and the second
rail 34 for allowing movement of the first guide 38 along the axis
A when the fastener is in the disengaged position. The axis A
typically extends in a general vertical direction. Specifically,
the first guide 38 defines the aperture 62 as having a slot-shape
extending along the axis A such that the threaded shaft 68 is
moveable along the slot-shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot-shape
extends along the axis A between the first rail 32 and the second
rail 34. In other words, the first guide 38 is moveable relative to
the first rail 32 in a generally vertical direction. It should be
appreciated that the first guide 38 may define the aperture 62 as
having any shape that allows the threaded shaft 68 to move in the
aperture 62.
[0043] Referring again to FIG. 6, in an alternative embodiment of
the fastener 63, the fastener 63 extends between a proximal end 65
and a free end 67 with the proximal end 65 affixed to the first
rail 32. In such a configuration the fastener 63 may be a rod or
pin extending from the first rail 32. In this embodiment, the
fastener 63 is not threaded and extends fixed from the first rail
32. It should be appreciated that the fastener 63 may be integrally
formed from the first rail 32 or affixed to the first rail 32.
[0044] As another alternative, the first rail 32 and the first
guide 38 may be configured such that the first guide 38 moves
relative to the first rail 32 when subjected to a force exceeding a
threshold force. For example, the fastener 63 may be sized such
that the fastener 63 has a friction fit in the aperture 62. In
other words, the fastener 63 moves along the aperture 62 only when
sufficient force is applied to overcome the friction between the
fastener 63 and the first guide 38. Alternatively, the fastener 63
includes a pressure washer (not shown) disposed between the first
rail 32 and the first guide 38. As known to one skilled in the art,
the pressure washer frictionally engages the first guide 32 and the
first rail 38. When subjected to sufficient force, the pressure
washer relieves the friction between the first guide 32 and the
first rail 38 to allow the first guide 32 to move relative to the
first rail 38. It should be appreciated that any type of device or
configuration may be used to frictionally engage the first rail 32
and the first guide 38.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the first guide 38 typically defines a
plurality of apertures 62 and may include a plurality of fasteners
63 with each of the apertures 62 respectively receiving one of the
plurality of fasteners 63. When each of the plurality of fasteners
63 are in the disengaged position, or when the fastener 63 is
unthreaded such as with a rod or pin, the first guide 38 moves
along the axis A, relative to the first rail 32.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first rail 32 includes an elongated
base portion 70 and an elongated flange portion 72 extending from
the elongated base portion 70. The elongated base portion 70 and
the elongated flange portion 72 are configured to define the first
rail 32 as having an L-shape. It should be appreciated, however,
that other shaped rails 32 may be used so long as the first guide
38 is adjustable with respect to the first rail 32. The first rail
32 may be attached to the header 24 along the elongated base
portion 70. In such a configuration, the elongated flange portion
72 extends downwardly from the elongated base portion 70. The first
rail 32 may be coupled to the elongated flange portion 72.
Additionally, the elongated flange portion 72 may define a flange
cavity 74 for receiving a strip of mohair (not shown) or other
suitable material.
[0047] The first guide 38 includes an elongated attachment portion
76 and an elongated bead portion 78 extending along the elongated
attachment portion 76. The slide component 46, or even a glide
block extending therefrom, defines a first channel 80 complimentary
in configuration to the elongated bead portion 78 and receives the
elongated bead portion 78 such that the slide component 46 is
slideable along the first guide 38 on the elongated bead portion
78. The first guide 38 may be coated with polyester paint and the
slide component 46 may be made of siliconized acetal or nylon at
the first channel 80 such that there is reduced friction and the
slide component 46 freely slides along the first rail 32. It should
be appreciated that the first rail 32 and the slide component 46
may be formed from or coated with any material that allows for free
movement between the first rail 32 and the slide component 46. It
should be appreciated that the first guide 38 and the slide
component 46 may have any corresponding configuration that allows
the slide component 46 to slide along the first guide 38.
[0048] The second guide 40 typically includes a second bead 82 and
the slide component 46 defines a second channel 84 complimentary in
configuration to the second bead 82 and receiving the second bead
82 such that the slide component 46 is selectively slideable along
the second guide 40 on the second bead 82. The second guide 40 may
be coated with polyester paint and the slide component 46 may be
made of siliconized acetal or nylon at the second channel 84 such
that the slide component 46 freely slides along the second rail 34.
It should be appreciated that the second rail 34 and the slide
component 46 may be formed from or coated with any materials that
allow for free movement between the second rail 34 and the slide
component 46. It should be appreciated that the second guide 40 and
the slide component 46 may have any corresponding configuration
that allows the slide component 46 to slide along the second guide
40. For example, the second guide 40 may define an elongated
U-shaped channel and the slide component 46 may be configured to
slide along the elongated U-shaped channel.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3A, the screen assembly 20 may include a
cover 48 extending along the first rail 32 with the first guide 38
positioned between the cover 48 and the first rail 32 and with the
cover 48 removably coupled to the first rail 32 for allowing access
to the first guide 38. The first rail 32 may be mounted to a
substrate, such as the header 24, with any type of threaded
fastener that extends through the first rail 32 and into the header
24. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a first threaded fastener 33
extends through the first rail 32 and into the header 24. The cover
48 and the first rail 32 may define aligned holes 37 for receiving
any type of threaded fastener, which threadably engages the header
24. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a second threaded fastener 39
extends through the aligned holes 37. The cover 48 may define a
cover cavity 88 for receiving a strip of mohair (not shown) or
other suitable material. It should be appreciated that the cover 48
is described herein as being a separate piece with respect to the
first rail 32. Alternatively, the cover 48 is integral with the
first rail 32.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the screen assembly 20 may include a
second screen apparatus 90 having a second canister 92 and a second
screen 94 supported by the second canister 92. The second screen 94
is selectively dispensable from the second canister 92 for
extending and retracting across the frame opening 22. The second
canister 92 may mirror the canister 50 and may be otherwise
identical to the canister 50.
[0051] In such an embodiment, the screen assembly 20 may include a
second slide component 96 coupled to the screen 44. The slide
component 46 and the second slide component 96 may slide toward one
another and meet to cover the opening. In such a case, the slide
component 46 and the second slide component 96 preferably include
complimentary engaging features such that the slide component 46
and the second slide component 96 engage each other when slid
toward each other.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the first guide 38 may include a pair of
first guides 54. The first rail 32 may include and extend between a
first end portion 98 and a second end portion 100. One of the pair
of first guides 54 may extend from the first end portion 98 of the
first rail 32 toward the second end portion 100 of the first rail
32. Another of the pair of first guide 54 may extend from the
second end portion 100 toward the first end portion 98. As such,
each of the pair of first guides 54 may be independently moved
relative to the first rail 32. This independent movement allows
each of the pair of first guides 54 to be aligned in parallel with
the second guide 40 regardless of any deformation of the first rail
32. For example, one of the pair of first guides 54 may slideably
interact with the slide component 46 and another of the pair of
first guides 54 may slideably interact with the second slide
component 96.
[0053] The present invention also includes a method of installing
the screen assembly 20 into the frame opening 22. The method
includes the steps of installing the first rail 32 in the frame
opening 22 and installing the second rail 34 in the frame opening
22 spaced from and fixed relative to the first rail 32.
Specifically, the step of installing the first rail 32 in the frame
opening 22 includes positioning the first rail 32 horizontally
along the top side of the frame opening 22. The step of installing
the second rail 34 in the frame opening 22 includes positioning the
second rail 34 to be vertically spaced below the first rail 32
along the bottom side of the frame opening 22.
[0054] The first rail 32 may be mounted to the header 24 and the
second rail 34 may be mounted to the sill 26. In an embodiment
including the canister 50, the canister 50 may be mounted to one of
the pair of jambs 28. Likewise, in an embodiment including the
second canister 92, the second canister 92 may be mounted to one of
the pair of jambs 28 opposite the first canister 50.
[0055] The method further includes selectively aligning the first
guide 38 relative to the second guide 40 by selectively moving the
first guide 38 relative to the first rail 32. If the fasteners 63
are not kept in the disengaged position to allow the first guide to
actively adjust relative to the first rail 32 as may be desirable
even after installation, then the method includes the step of
adjusting the fastener 63 to the engaged position to prevent
movement of the first guide 38 relative to the first rail 32.
[0056] Specifically, the step of aligning the first guide 38 may be
further defined as aligning the first guide 38 relative to the
second guide 40 when the fastener 63 is in the disengaged position.
In other words, when the fastener 63 is in the disengaged position,
the first guide 38 may be moved relative to the second guide 40.
For example, the first guide 38 may be moved such that the first
guide 38 is aligned in parallel with the second guide 40. The
method further includes selectively adjusting the fastener 63 to
the engaged position after aligning the first guide 38 to maintain
the first guide 38 in alignment with the second guide 40. As
discussed above, if the threaded shaft 68 of the fastener 63 is
threaded, the fastener 63 may be rotated to frictionally engage and
disengage the head 66 of the fastener 63 with the first guide
38.
[0057] For example, the step of aligning the first guide 38 may be
further defined as selectively sliding the slide component 46 along
the first guide 38 and the second guide 40 when the fastener 63 is
in the disengaged position. In other words, the slide component 46
is slid along the first guide 38 and because the second rail 34 is
fixed relative to the first rail 32 and the second guide 40 extends
from the second rail 34, when the slide component 46 is slid along
the second guide 40, the slide component 46 exerts force on the
first guide 38 such that the first guide 38 becomes aligned, e.g.,
parallel, with the second guide 40. When the first guide 38 is
properly aligned with the second rail 34, the fastener 63 may then
be adjusted to the engaged position to prevent movement of the
first guide 38 relative to the first rail 32.
[0058] The step of adjusting the fastener 63 may be further defined
as adjusting each of the plurality of fasteners 63 from the
disengaged position to the engaged position, typically in a
predetermined sequence. In other words, the fasteners 63 are
adjusted to the disengaged position such that the threaded shaft 68
of each fastener 63 moves within the apertures 62 defined by the
first guide 38. As the first guide 38 is vertically adjusted, the
fasteners 63 are adjusted to the engaged position to retain the
first guide 38 in alignment with the second guide 40.
[0059] After the first guide 38 is aligned with the second guide
40, the cover 48 is mounted to the first rail 32. The cover 48
allows for ease of installation of the screen assembly 20 into the
frame opening 22. For example, the first guide 38 may be adjusted
to be aligned with the second guide 40 and the fastener 63 may be
adjusted to the engaged position prior to the installation of the
cover 48 thereby allowing free access to the first guide 38 and the
fastener 63. In addition, in the embodiment including the first and
second canisters 92, when only one installer is installing the
screen assembly 20 into the frame opening 22 it may be beneficial
to mount the first and second canisters 92 to the pair of jambs 28
before the first rail 32 is mounted to the header 24. As such, the
geometry of the first rail 32 without the cover 48 allows the
installer to easily slide the first rail 32 without the cover 48
between the first and second canisters 92.
[0060] It should be appreciated that the fasteners 63 may be left
in the disengaged position even after installation such that the
first guide 38 continuously "floats" relative to the first rail 32.
In other words, the position of the first guide 38 is adjusted
relative to the first rail 32 each time the slide component 46 is
slid along the first guide 38 and the second guide 40. This benefit
is particularly advantageous even after the screen assembly 20 has
been installed.
[0061] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner,
and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used
is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than
of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and
the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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