U.S. patent application number 13/296616 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for channel lock filter fastening system for use with an air intake structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Randy Simmons. Invention is credited to Randy Simmons.
Application Number | 20130036704 13/296616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48430349 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130036704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simmons; Randy |
February 14, 2013 |
CHANNEL LOCK FILTER FASTENING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN AIR INTAKE
STRUCTURE
Abstract
A fastening system for applying a covering material over an
opening of a structure. At least one elongated rail is secured to a
fascia of the structure in extending fashion proximate the opening
and exhibits a shape with a forwardly projecting support surface
within which is configured a narrowed slot. A plurality of
fasteners each include a planar shaped base installable through an
accessible end location of each of the rails so as to be
traversable along an interior channel defined in the rail. A
further rotatable portion of each fastener projects from the base
through the outwardly facing slot to be rotated from a first
position aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving
apertures of the covering material to a second position in order to
affix the material.
Inventors: |
Simmons; Randy; (West
Chester, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Simmons; Randy |
West Chester |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48430349 |
Appl. No.: |
13/296616 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13205908 |
Aug 9, 2011 |
|
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13296616 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/710 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/24 20130101; F24F
13/082 20130101; E06B 9/52 20130101; E06B 2009/015 20130101; E06B
9/01 20130101; E06B 2009/527 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/710 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding
fascia of a structure, a covering material exhibiting a reinforced
extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of
receiving apertures, said fastening system comprising: at least one
elongated rail adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending
fashion proximate the opening, said rail exhibiting a three
dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting
support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing
narrowed slot; and a plurality of fasteners each including a planar
shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each
of said rails and being traversable along an interior channel
defined in said rail, a further portion of each fastener projecting
from said insertable base through said outwardly facing slot and
aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving
apertures of the covering material in order to affix the
material.
2. The fastening system as described in claim 1, further comprising
a pair of rails in parallel and horizontally extending fashion
along fascia locations of the structure above and below the intake
opening.
3. The fastening system as described in claim 2, further comprising
a second pair of rails in parallel and vertically extending fashion
along additional fascia locations of the structure at opposite
sides of the intake opening and such that said rails are arranged
in a generally rectangular configuration.
4. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said rail further
comprising a modified "U" shape in cross section.
5. The fastening system as described in claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base surface of
said rail through which are installed a plurality of screw
fasteners.
6. The fastening system as described in 1, said projecting portion
of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock
fastener.
7. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock
fastener.
8. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a hook
fastener.
9. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a carabiner
fastener.
10. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and
surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material including
either of a flexible or rigid outer reinforced extending perimeter
within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures, said
fastening system comprising: at least one pair of elongated rails
adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion
proximate the opening, each of said rails exhibiting a three
dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting
support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing
narrowed slot; and a plurality of fasteners each including a planar
shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each
of said rails and being traversable along an interior channel
defined in said rail, a further rotatable portion of each fastener
projecting from said insertable base through said outwardly facing
slot and being rotated from a first position aligning with and
seating over perimeter defined receiving apertures of the covering
material to a second position in order to affix the material.
11. The fastening system as described in claim 10, said rails each
further comprising a modified "U" shape in cross section.
12. The fastening system as described in claim 10, further
comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base
surface of said rail through which are installed a plurality of
screw fasteners.
13. The fastening system as described in 10, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock
fastener.
14. The fastening system as described in claim 10, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock
fastener.
15. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and
surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material exhibiting a
reinforced extending perimeter within which are configured a
plurality of spaced apart grommets defining individual receiving
apertures, said fastening system comprising: at least one elongated
rail adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion
proximate the opening, said rail exhibiting a three dimensional
cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface
within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot; a
plurality of fasteners each including a planar shaped base
installable through an accessible end location of each of said
rails and being traversable along an interior channel defined in
said rail, a further portion of each fastener projecting from said
insertable base through said outwardly facing slot and aligning
with and seating over selected grommets in the covering material in
order to affix the material; and said fasteners being quickly
positioned in alignment with the receiving apertures associated
with the covering material thus permitting self-alignment of said
fasteners relative to the grommets thereby reducing wrinkling of
the covering material during installation.
16. The fastening system as described in claim 15, further
comprising a pair of rails in parallel and horizontally extending
fashion along fascia locations of the structure above and below the
intake opening.
17. The fastening system as described in claim 16, further
comprising a second pair of rails in parallel and vertically
extending fashion along additional fascia locations of the
structure at opposite sides of the intake opening and such that
said rails are arranged in a generally rectangular
configuration.
18. The fastening system as described in claim 15, further
comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base
surface of said rail through which are installed a plurality of
screw fasteners.
19. The fastening system as described in 15, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock
fastener.
20. The fastening system as described in claim 15, said projecting
portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock
fastener.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/205,908, filed Aug. 9, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to an assembly for
securing a filter screen to a perimeter extending face surrounding
a central opening of an air intake structure. More specifically,
the present invention discloses a channel lock construction
including any number (such as two to four) modified "U" cross
sectional shaped rails which secure in generally parallel extending
fashion to the edges of the intake opening. A plurality of bolt
head fasteners are slidably installed within accessible open end
channels of the "U" shaped rails, such that their threaded shafts
project through a narrowed and lengthwise extending slot opening
defined in each rail. The attachable filter screen exhibits a
reinforced perimeter within which is configured a plurality of edge
proximate and extending grommets through which the bolt shafts
project. Wing nuts are provided for securing over the projecting
ends of the threaded shafts and, in combination with vinyl coatings
in the wing nut internal threads or separately applied lock
washers, retain the screen in installed fashion against the intake
face and around the opening.
[0003] Additional variants include the incorporation of modified
and channel rail mounted twist lock and toggle fasteners, in each
instance providing a simplified arrangement for quickly installing
over an opening either flexible or rigid coverings (defined as
including either a screen or a rigid environmentally sealing cover
such as exhibiting a non-porous surface). Additional modified
fasteners can include hooks or the like for quickly engaging the
reinforced perimeter ringlets or grommets associated with the
planar covering (such as again including either rigid or flexible
binding) and for supporting the covering in place. Yet additional
variants contemplate the application of this technology to window,
doorway (i.e. such as standard and larger garage door type
entranceways) or any other suitable opening which it is desirous to
cover in the manner described herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Filter screen assemblies, such as utilized for covering an
intake opening associated with an air handling unit, are known.
Such screens are usually either affixed to the surrounding fascia
extending around a perimeter of the intake opening, suspended from
a curtain rod extending over the opening, or secured in some other
fashion. Examples drawn from the prior art include such as U.S.
Pat. No. 7,323,028, U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,116, U.S. Pat. No.
7,416,577, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,722, all to Simmons.
[0005] Challenges of traditional methods of fastening include
having to drill one or more screw holes into the air intake
equipment for mounting each fastener (usually many fasteners per
filter). Frequently, equipment has sensitive components behind the
point of drilling thus requiring custom modification of filters to
ensure grommet locations don't require fastening to sensitive
locations; this can increase the cost of filters due to custom
grommet location requirements. Other difficult mounting situations
include filter fasteners requiring mounting to equipment
constructed of heavy gauge, hard steel which requires a significant
effort and time to drill each hole for fastener attachment--by
using the channel lock invention, significantly fewer screw holes
for mounting are needed reducing both mounting time and effort.
Further, alignment and attachment of traditional fasteners are time
consuming and require detailed alignment and precise fastener
placement to prevent wrinkling of the filter across the intake
opening; and once fasteners have been attached they provide no
movement to accommodate adjustment without requiring drilling and
repositioning of the fasteners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention remedies the problems associated with
traditional installation methods by providing an improved channel
supporting construction for quickly installing any type of covering
member (including mesh and non-mesh insulating coverings) and which
enables individual channel lengths to be fastened to the perimeter
of air intake openings with fewer screw holes being drilled into
the air intake equipment while providing greater flexibility as to
their location so as to avoid sensitive regions on the equipment.
When the filter fasteners are inserted into the end of the mounted
channel, it permits the fasteners to be quickly slid into position
for alignment with the grommets on the filter thus permitting
self-alignment of the fasteners to the filter grommets, reducing
drilling into the equipment, reducing installation time and effort
and preventing mounting related wrinkling of the filter.
[0007] The channel lock construction includes any number, including
one or more, cross sectional shaped rails (such as exhibiting a
modified "U" shape in cross section) which are initially secure in
a generally parallel extending fashion proximate to the fascia
defined edges of an air intake structure opening and for
accomplishing faster and more secure installation of a suitably
dimensioned filter screen. The rails are pre-mounted in a first
step using a first plurality of screws which install through
pre-formed and spaced apart apertures extending along a base
surface of each rail abutting an extending fascia edge, such
apertures either being pre-drilled or not depending upon the
installation.
[0008] A plurality of bolt head fasteners are provided, such that
the enlarged (typically hexagonal shaped) heads are slidably
installed within open end located channels establishing the cross
sectional configuration of each "U" shaped rail, in such a fashion
that the heads either do not rotate within the internal defined
channels or pivot out through a forwardly facing and narrowed slot
or opening through which the associated threaded shafts are
permitted to project. The attachable filter screen is particularly
sized for use with a given frame configuration of pre-mounted rails
and exhibits a reinforced perimeter within which is configured a
plurality of edge extending grommets through which the bolt shafts
project upon the screen being applied over the centrally defined
intake opening.
[0009] Wing nuts are provided for securing over the projecting end
portions of the threaded shafts and in order to secure screen flush
against the fascia surface perimeter extending around the intake
opening. Additional components such as a vinyl coating applied to
the internal threads of each wing nut, and/or the application of
lock washers, may be provided in order to retain the screen in
installed fashion against the intake face and around the opening.
In this fashion, the speed of installation of the filter is
increased for any piece of mechanical equipment
[0010] Additional variants include the incorporation of modified
and channel rail mounted twist lock and toggle fasteners, in each
instance providing a simplified arrangement for quickly installing
over an opening either flexible or rigid coverings (defined as
including either a screen or a rigid environmentally sealing cover
such as exhibiting a non-porous surface). Additional modified
fasteners can include hooks or the like for quickly engaging the
reinforced perimeter ringlets or grommets associated with the
planar covering (such as again including either rigid or flexible
binding) and for supporting the covering in place. Yet additional
variants contemplate the application of this technology to window,
doorway (i.e. such as standard and larger garage door type
entranceways) or any other suitable opening which it is desirous to
cover in the manner described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the channel lock filter
fastening system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention and exhibiting a single pair of upper and lower
horizontal extending and fascia supporting rails to which the
filter screen is secured by the associated bolt fasteners;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a system according to
a second embodiment with first horizontal and second vertical pairs
of intake face mounted rails;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view in exploded fashion of a
pre-assembly location of a selected bolt fastener, rail location,
screen with reinforced edge located grommet, washer and wing
nut;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a succeeding assembly location of the components
depicted in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of an initial
pre-assembly step including the installation of a plurality of bolt
head fasteners into the modified "U" shaped and fascia attachable
rails with threaded shafts projecting through an outwardly facing
narrowed slot;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a succeeding assembly stage to FIG. 5 in which the
perimeter edge extending filter screen grommets are seated upon the
projecting shafts and at which the washers and wing nuts are
attached;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration similar to FIG. 2 of a
further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and
channel rail mounted twist lock fasteners;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of
the embodiment of FIG. 7 and illustrating a selected corner located
twist lock fastener in an engaged position relative to an outer
receiving location of the outer covering;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 4 in the
preceding embodiment and illustrating the configuration of the
selected twist lock fastener;
[0021] FIG. 10 is another exploded illustration similar to FIG. 7
of a yet further embodiment incorporation a plurality of
reconfigured and channel rail mounted toggle lock fasteners;
[0022] FIG. 10A is a partial illustration of an alternately
configured toggle capable of being incorporated into the variant of
FIG. 10;
[0023] FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 8 and illustrates a selected
corner located toggle lock fastener in engaged position relative to
an outer receiving location of the outer covering;
[0024] FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 and illustrates the
configuration of the selected toggle lock fastener;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an exploded illustration of a yet further
embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel
rail mounted hook fasteners;
[0026] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of
the embodiment of FIG. 13 and illustrating a selected corner
located hook supporting fastener in an engaged position relative to
an outer receiving location of the outer covering;
[0027] FIG. 15 is an exploded illustration of a yet further
embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and carabiner
type fasteners;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of
the embodiment of FIG. 15 and illustrating a selected corner
located carabiner supporting fastener in an engaged position
relative to an outer receiving location of the outer covering;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an environmental view of a further application of
fastener and channel rail mounted assembly applied over an enlarged
garage door type opening; and
[0030] FIG. 18 is a yet further environmental view of a yet further
application applied over a window type opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] As will be further described with reference to the
succeeding illustrations, the present invention discloses a channel
lock construction applied to a surrounding fascia associated with
an air intake opening. As will be explained in further detail, the
present invention enables attachment, of either a single or dual
pairs of inner channel defining rails to the face of air handling
mechanical equipment using fewer fasteners and as opposed to
fastening the filter directly to the face of the unit using other
forms of twist lock, toggle, stud adaptor or other types of
fasteners, this facilitating faster installation and removal of a
flexible filter screen.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view is generally depicted
of the channel lock filter fastening system according to a first
embodiment of the present invention and exhibiting a single pair of
upper and lower horizontal extending and fascia supporting rails,
see at 10 and 12, which are secured at extending locations along a
fascia surface 2 associated with an air intake structure 4 (such
further understood to include any suitable type of air handling
mechanical equipment not limited to air conditioner condenser
units, cooling towers etc.). As further depicted in each of
succeeding views FIGS. 3-6, each of the rails (see for example
first upper horizontal extending rail 10) exhibits a three
dimensional, and typically modified "U", shape with a base surface
(see at 14 in each of FIGS. 3-6).
[0033] A plurality of spaced apart apertures are defined by inner
perimeter extending circular edges 18 (see again rail 10 in each of
FIGS. 1 and 2). A plurality of screw fasteners 20 are provided and
insert through the circular apertures in order to fasten the rails
10 and 12 in horizontal and parallel extending fashion above and
below an intake opening or area which is further generally
designated at 6 in each of FIGS. 1-4.
[0034] A filter screen 22 is provided, typically exhibiting a
flexible mesh like material and including a surrounding reinforced
outer portion 24. First 26 and second 28 pluralities of grommets
(such interpreted to include metal ringlets or the like which are
molded, press fit or otherwise affixed), extend along top and
bottom outer hem extending locations of the reinforced outer
portion 24.
[0035] A plurality of bolt fasteners 30 are provided and are
identical in construction as with the various edge extending
grommets or screw fasteners. As best shown in FIGS. 3-6, an
enlarged head 32 (typically hexagonal shaped) is dimensioned so
that it establishes a minor degree of clearance with the inner
extending edges of the associated channel defined in the selected
rail 10. This facilitates the bolts 30 to be successively installed
through an open accessible end of the rail 10 (see FIG. 5) and
traversable along the channel interior to desired intermediate
locations, and with an end 34 of each bolt shaft projecting beyond
a slot (see walls 36 and 38 in partially exploded view of FIG. 3)
defined in a forward spaced projecting edge of the rail.
[0036] At this point, and viewing FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 collectively,
the filter screen 22 is applied such that the ringlets 26 are
successively seated over the projecting shaft ends 34, following
which a plurality of nuts, by non-limiting example depicted as wing
nuts 40, are applied over the exposed shaft ends and are rotated
into a tightening arrangement in order to secure the filter screen
to the rails 10 and 12. Also depicted are a plurality of washers 42
(see FIG. 6) this also contemplating the additional or alternate
use of lock washers (further at 44 in FIG. 6) and so as to prevent
the filter from becoming inadvertently loosened from the intake
structure fascia.
[0037] Alternative to separately provided washers/lock washers, it
is also envisioned that suitable washer/lock washer portions can be
integrally formed into the wing nut (or other nut) construction. It
is further envisioned that, referring to FIG. 3, a suitable nylon
coating 46 can be applied to the inner threads associated with each
wing nut 40 and which can be accomplished both in combination or
alternate the incorporation of any type of separately utilized or
integrally formed lock washers. It is further understood that the
configuration and dimensioning of the enlarged bolt heads is such
that, during twisting application of the nuts 40, the heads 32 do
not turn or rotate within the channels (see again FIGS. 3 and 4),
such otherwise impeding the ability to quickly apply or remove the
nuts 40.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a system according to
a second embodiment which differs only to the extent that it adds a
second vertical pair of intake face mounted rails 48 and 50 applied
to opposite and vertically extending sides of the fascia 2 in such
a fashion that the first (10 and 12) and second pairs (48 and 50)
of rails collectively establish a generally rectangular shape (this
including a square shape in the instance in which the sides of the
intake opening and the lengths of all the rails are co-equal).
Otherwise, the filter 22 is as previously disclosed in claim 1 with
the corresponding modification to include additional grommets 26
likewise extending along the vertical side edges of the reinforced
outer frame (also hem or skirt) with corresponding additional bolts
30, wing nuts 40 and washers 42 likewise being provided so as to
progressively secure the filter 22 along each of four
interconnecting edges and as opposed to only two upper and lower
edges as is the case in the illustration of FIG. 1. Such an
assembly option as depicted in FIG. 2 contemplates, without
limitation, that the bolts, nuts and washers associated with the
upper rail 10 are first assembled, following which the sides 48 and
50 are progressively assembled such as further by individually
supporting the bolts within the vertical channels during
progressive assembly of the nuts and washers. That said, the
present invention does not preclude or limit any particular
assembly protocol or sequence beyond that which is possible owing
to the structural aspects of the design.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded illustration similar to
FIG. 2 of a further embodiment incorporating a plurality of
reconfigured and channel rail mounted twist lock fasteners, each of
which including a flat rectangular shaped base 52 which is
dimensioned for seating in laterally slidable fashion within the
open channel interior defined in relation to each rail 10, 12, 48,
50 (as previously described in the preceding embodiments). The
inserting base 52 in turn supports a reduced dimensioned fixed
portion 54 which in turn seats through the linear slot defined
between inner extending walls 36 and 38 (this as best shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 and such that the both the fixed portion 54 and
underlying channel seating base 52 are permitted to slide but not
rotate relative to the rails).
[0040] A further twist and lock portion 56 is mounted via a pin or
stud in a rotatable fashion relative to the fixed support 54. A
screen or like covering 58 exhibits a flexible or rigid perimeter
extending edge 60 within which his defined an array of perimeter
spaced apart rectangular apertures 62 (as opposed to circular
apertures 28 depicted in the variant of FIG. 1).
[0041] In this fashion, and upon the twist lock portions 56 being
first rotated to a flush profile with the underlying fixed portions
54 (FIG. 7), the fasteners are prepositioned within the rails so
that the twist lock portion 56 and the upper part of the underlying
fixed portion 54 collectively seat through the apertures 62 (see
FIG. 9). At this point, the twist lock portion 56 is rotated about
a horizontal axis (see arrow 64 in FIG. 8) and so that an offset
portion of the underside of each twist lock portion 56 prevents
removal of the covering 58.
[0042] In this manner, the various fasteners are capable of being
preposition along either or both of first and second opposing pairs
of surface mounted rails 10/12 and/or 48/50 in a manner which
facilitates quick location and installation of the covering. The
covering material 58 can again include any type of screen or mesh
as well as also contemplating the use of impermeable covering or
insulating materials. It is further envisioned that the outer
perimeter or binding 60 of the covering material can include either
rigid or flexible materials.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 10 in combination with FIGS. 11-12,
another exploded illustration similar to FIG. 7 is provided of a
yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured
and channel rail mounted toggle lock fasteners. Each of the toggle
lock fasteners includes a generally flat and rectangular shaped
channel seating base 66 of a shape and dimension similar to that
previously identified at 52 in regards to the twist lock fasteners
of FIG. 7 and such that the toggle lock fasteners can be channel
inserted for lateral displacement within the associated surface
mounted rails 10/12 and 48/50 (see again FIG. 12).
[0044] Each of the toggle lock fasteners further includes a pair of
spaced apart tabs 68 and 70 projecting from each base 66 in a
manner which permit outermost portions thereof to project beyond
the spaced apart channel defining surfaces 36 and 38 associated
with each selected rail (and as shown in cutaway in FIG. 12 in
relation to selected rail 10). A cylindrical shaped toggle element
72 is mounted about a vertical axis defined by a pin 74 extending
widthwise through the toggle and supported to the tabs 68 and 70.
In this fashion, the toggle lock fasteners are first pre-positioned
within the channel rails 10, 12, 48 and 50, following a modified
array of spaced apart apertures 62' associated with the flexible or
rigid binding or perimeter associated with the covering 58 are
mounted over the toggle elements in the perpendicular extending
positions shown in FIG. 10 relative to the support base 66,
following which the toggle elements 72 are rotated to the position
of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0045] FIG. 10A illustrates one non-limited example of a
substitutable modification of toggle lock fastener as compared to
that described in FIG. 10 and in which a pseudo-cylindrical shaped
post or body 65 extends from a reconfigured channel seating base
66' (this including such as dovetail apertures defined therein for
receiving other types of mounting fasteners in other applications
separate from sliding insertion within the rail channels as
described herein). The generally cylindrical shaped body 65 is
solid proximate its integral mounting location with the flat and
rectangular shaped channel seating base 66' and includes a pair of
extending ears or lobes 67 and 69, these in turn establishing an
inner slot or channel having a desired profile for seating
therebetween a generally planar, curved edged and rotatable toggle
element 71 mounted for rotation between the ears or lobes 67 and 69
via a horizontal pin 73. The toggle fastener depicted in FIG. 10A
is both installed and manipulated in a substantially identical
fashion as compared to that in FIG. 10 and it is further envisioned
that other variations of either twist or toggle lock fasteners can
be employed within the scope of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 13 is an exploded illustration of a yet further
embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel
rail mounted hook fasteners including base shaped channel rail
supports 76 from which project hook shaped elements 78. The
covering material 58 exhibits a series of apertures 80 arranged in
spaced apart fashion about an outer flexible or rigid perimeter of
the covering, such further including reinforced ringlets or
grommets (both plastic or metal) for preventing tearing of the
binding, with the further understanding that suitable rectangular
shaped outer reinforcements can also be integrated into the
covering apertures 62 and 62' depicted respectively in FIGS. 7 and
10. FIG. 14 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the
embodiment of FIG. 13 and illustrating a selected corner located
hook supporting fastener 78 in an engaged position relative to an
outer receiving location 80 of the outer covering 58.
[0047] FIG. 15 is an exploded illustration of a yet further
embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and carabiner
type fasteners, these including once again insertable planar
rectangular base supports 80 from which are pivotally supported
individual and spring biasing carabiners 82. FIG. 16 is an
enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of
FIG. 15 and illustrating a selected corner located carabiner 82 in
an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location 82 of
the outer covering.
[0048] FIG. 17 is an environmental view of a further application of
fastener and channel rail mounted assembly (this depicting for
exemplary sake the twist lock fasteners 56 previously described in
FIGS. 7-9 and which are installed over a plurality of three edge
proximate interconnecting channel rails (not shown but generally
corresponding to top rail 10 and side rails 48 and 50 with bottom
rail 12 deleted) in turn secured to edge proximate extending
locations associated with any type of opening (also hidden from
view), and such as further depicted as an enlarged garage door or
like opening associated with a structure 84. A suitably dimensioned
covering material 86 is provided and which can again include any
type of breathable mesh or impervious material, about which extends
either a flexible or rigid binding or perimeter through which are
formed a suitable array of spaced apertures (such as previously
depicted at 62 in FIG. 7) for facilitating installation of the
material 86
[0049] Finally, FIG. 18 is a yet further environmental view of a
yet further application of fasteners (again twist lock type
fastener 56) applied over a window type opening about which are
secured an arrangement of four rails 10, 12, 48 and 50 in the
manner previously described. A covering 88 is depicted mounted over
the window or like opening (not shown) associated with a structure
90, and which may again possess a similar arrangement of binding
edge extending mounting apertures for receiving the individual
twist lock portions 56. The covering 88 is further depicted as a
plasticized or other impervious material (such further optionally
exhibiting transparent or translucent properties) as a winterizing
cover and as opposed to alternate use with a seasonal and
breathable mesh depicted previously at 58. In this fashion a
variety of different covering materials, varying by weight and or
construction, can be provided as alternate covering for different
seasons (e.g. mesh material in summer and impervious/heavy duty
sealing cover for winter).
[0050] Advantages of the present invention include the ability to
both quickly install any desired covering material utilizing any of
the fasteners previously disclosed, combined with the self-aligning
aspects provided by the combination of channel rails and fasteners,
this in order to accommodate variations in production tolerances of
the filter as it translates to installation and alignment when
installed.
[0051] Additional variants further envision the utilization of any
number of channel supporting rails typically ranging from one to
four, with two, three or four such rails being the typical
arrangements. Having described my invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of
the appended claims.
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