PULL BAR SCREEN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

PCT APPLICATION FOR LETTERS PATENT UNITED STATES RECEIVING OFFICE

PRIORITY CLAIM

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present application claims priority to and the full benefit as a patent cooperation treaty application to United States Non-provisional Patent Application Number entitled PULL BAR SCREEN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM, filed on December 15, 2005, having assigned Serial No. 11/300,734.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field pull bar screens and more particularly to a pull bar screen apparatus and system.

II. Description of the Related Art.

Fixed frame screens have been used for seasonal placement typically to prevent insects from entering into houses while having windows open. Fixed frame screens are either left in place permanently or are taken out in the off-season for storage in attics, basements and the like. The fixed

frame screens typically represent perpetual maintenance problems because the/ are frail. In contrast, retractable screen systems are housed in a cassette that is permanently mounted to a portion of either a door or window frame and never need to be removed for storage. When not in use, they simply retract into the permanently mounted cassette. Retractable screens have also increased in popularity for use as sun screens.

In manufacturing retractable screens, there are several flaws that reduce the overall qualityand structural integrity of the retractable screen product. Typically, high frequency welding is used to connect a screen sheet between two flaps of a vinyl strip, which is pre-positioned within a channel of an extruded pull-bar. The high frequency welding applies electronically controlled quantities of heat and pressure to weld one side of the screen to the vinyl strip. The sheet of screen is welded after the positioning of the vinyl strip. Figure 1 illustrates atop exploded view the constituent components of a prior art pull bar apparatus 50. As described above, the apparatus 50 generally includes a cassette holder 55 in which the retractable screen material 60 is held. A vinyl strip 70 is welded to a lower end of the screen 60. A high frequency weld 65 is used to connect the screen 65 and the vinyl strip. In general, a pull bar 75 is then connected to the vinyl strip and a portion of the screen 60 to cover the weld 65.

In general, it is appreciated that imperfect positioning of the unsupported sheet of screen often occurs, hi addition, there are uneven expansion factors between the screen and the strip thereby causing unsightly wave patterns in the screen. Therefore, the vinyl strip is typically the flaw of present retractable pull screens. However, in order to retain aesthetic appearance, this process conthues to be

used.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention features a pull bar screen apparatus and system in which screen is mechanically attached directly to a pull bar. The invention featuresweld-less friction-lock cold-joining of screen and pull bar that provides an improved pull-bar screen apparatus used in retractable pull screens. The present invention removes the need for attaching a vinyl strip to the screen. Instead, the screen is flattened to retain its form and strength. On one elongated end of the screen, an upper and lower lock bar are placed on either side of the screen. Corrugated ridges in the lock bars pinch the screen and hold it in place. A lock bar casing is placed under pressure around the upper and lower lock bars which hold the lock bars in position and thereby retain the screen.

hi general, the invention features a pull-screen apparatus, including a sheet of screen, a first lock bar, a second lock bar placed in opposition to the first lock bar, wherein an end of the sheet of screen is interposed between the first and second lock bars and a lock bar casing surrounding the first and second lock bars.

In one implementation, the apparatus further includes a cassette housing into which the screen is retractable.

In another implementation, the lock bar casing has a generally U-shape profile, having a first end

and a second end.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes an end cap affixed to each of the first and second ends.

In another implementation, the end caps each include a cap head and a blade extension connected to a lower surface of the cap head.

hi another implementation, the blade extension mates with a cavity formed between an inner wall of the lock-bar casing and an outer surface of one of the first and second lock bars.

In still another implementation, the lock bars each comprise an inner an outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces being inverted mirror images of each other.

hi yet another implementation, the inner surfaces each comprise a series of elongated rods forming a corrugated surface for mating with a respective corrugated surface.

hi another implementation, the outer surfaces each comprise an elongate channel offset and parallel to a respective elongate channel on a respective outer surface

hi another implementation, the interposition of the screen between the first and second lock bars create a friction lock.

In another aspect, the invention features a pull-bar screen system, including a screen for retraction into and extension from a cassette housing, a lock-bar casing connected to a lower end of the screen, the pull-bar providing a means for retracting and extending the screen into and out of the cassette housing, lock bars positioned on either side of the lower end of the screen andwithin the lock bar casing, wherein the lock-bar casing and the lock bars form a pull-bar and end caps connected to either end of the lock bar casing.

hi one implementation, the system further includes a bottom rail for interconnection with the pull-bar when the pull-bar is pulled into a retracted position, thereby holding the retracted screen in an open position.

hi another implementation, the system further includes a female indentation located on an outer end of the pull bar for mating with a male protrusion on the bottom rail.

In another implementation, the system further includes means for receiving the pull-bar into the bottom rail.

hi another implementation, the system further includes a frame having an upper end and a lower end, the cassette housing being connected adjacent the upper and the bottom rail being connected adjacent the lower end.

In another aspect, the invention features a pull-bar screen system, including a sheet of screen material, a pull bar located on one end of the screen material, the pull-bar having a first end and a second end, means for creating a mechanical friction lock on an end of the screen material and located within the pull-bar and an end cap positioned on both ends of the pull bar.

hi one implementation, the end caps include blade extensions for interconnection with the means for creating a friction lock.

hi another implementation, the system further includes a lock bar casing surrounding the means for creating a friction lock.

hi another implementation, the lock bar casing includes an opening through which the sheet of screen material protrudes and is pinched by the means for creating a friction lock, the pinching occurring adjacent the opening.

hi another implementation, the means for. creating a friction lock is a mated set of corrugated surfaces placed in opposition to one another and holding the screen therein.

One advantage of the invention is that screen material is connected directly to a pull bar. Another advantage of the invention is that the pull bar of the pull bar screen is connected directly to the screen through frictional lock bars.

Another advantage of the invention is that the need for high frequency welding is eliminated.

Another advantage of the invention is that it eliminates the need for vinyl strip extrusion.

Another advantage of the invention is that the pultruded pull-bar can take place of presently available pull-bars without necessitating modification of the existing pull-bar system, thereby allowing retrofitting of existing systems.

Another advantage of the invention is that it can be implemented as a new system.

Another advantage of the invention is that the screen material is not deformed when it is connected to the pull bar, thereby being held in place by factional contact.

Another advantage of the invention is that the structural integrity of the screen is increased.

Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showingthe preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a top exploded view the constituent components of a prior art pull bar

apparatus;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the constituent components of an embodiment of a pull bar screen apparatus;

Figure 3 illustrates an end view of an embodiment of an assembled pull bar;

Figure 4 illustrates an end view of an embodiment of a friction lock bar;

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a lock bar casing;

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap;

Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap;

Figure 8 illustrates an end view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap;

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom rail for a pull bar apparatus; and

Figure 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bottom rail for a pull bar apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present application claims priority to and the full benefit as a patent cooperation treaty application to United States Non-provisional Patent Application Number entitled PULL BAR SCREEN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM ₅ filed on December 15, 2005, having assigned Serial No. 11/300,734.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to Figure 2 that illustrates a perspective exploded view of the constituent components of an embodiment of a pull bar screen apparatus 100. In general, the apparatus 100 includes a sheet of screen 105 material that can be formed from a variety of materials, but typically is formed of a suitable mesh material such as vinyl. The apparatus 100 further includes two opposing lock barsl20 that are typically inverted mirror images of one another. The lock bars 120 typically include an inner corrugated surface 125, the corrugated inner surface being generally formed from elongated parallel ridges 130. The corresponding elongated ridges 130 of the inverted mirror image lock bar 120 are placed together in mated engagement when the opposing lock bars 120 are placed together with the inner corrugated surfaces 125 in mechanical contact. A lower edge 106 of the screen 105 is placed in between the inner corrugated surfaces 125 such that the lower edge 106 is held between the ridges 130 of the inner corrugated surfaces 125 and retained by frictional contact. The lock bars 120 further include an outer surface 140 that each include an elongated channel 145.

The apparatus 100 further includes an outer lock bar casing 150 that is placed around the lock bars 120 after placement of the lower edge 106 of the screen 105 between the lock bars 120. As

discussed further in the description below, the lock bar casing 150 has a generally U-shape profile that is biased toward a closed position such that a force must be asserted against the bias in order to place the engaged lock bars 120 within the lock bar casing 150.

The apparatus 100 further includes end caps 180 that are placed on the open ends of the lock bar casing 150 after placement of the lock bars 120 and the screen 105 is achieved as immediately described above. In general, the end caps 180 each include blade extensions 185that are discussed further in the description below.

In general, it is appreciated that the apparatus 100 described above can advantageously include a cassette housing 200 into which the screen 105 can retract. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the cassette housing can include a spring loaded roll bar 205 onto which the screen 105 can retract as needed. It is understood that there are a variety of additional devices that can retract the screen into cassette housing 200. •

Figure 3 illustrates an end view of an embodiment of an assembled pull bar formed by the lock bars 120 and the lock bar casing 150. As described above, the apparatus 100 includes a sheet of screen 105 material having a lower edge 106 that is interposed and held in factional contact between and with the two opposing lock bars 120. The inner corrugated surfaces 125, being generally formed from elongated parallel ridges 130, are in mated engagement with one another. The lock bars 120 further include an outer surface 140 that each include an elongated channel 145. The apparatus 100 further includes an outer lock bar casing 150 that is placed around the lock bars 120 after placement of the

lower edge 106 of the screen 105 between the lock bars 120. As mentioned above, the lock bar casing 150 has a generally U-shape profile that is biased toward a closed position. The open end of the U- shape includes lips 151 that are positioned in opposition to one another thereby forming an opening 152 through which the screen 105 protrudes from the lock bar casing 150. The lock bars 120 further include rounded ends 141 that when brought together with corresponding rounded ends 141, a set of lips is formed adjacent and pinched within the opening 152 thereby providing an additional pinching and thus increased frictional contact of the lower edge 106 of the screen 105 between the lock bars 120. The lock bar casing 150 generally further includes a closed end 154.

The lock bar casing 150 further generally includes an inner surface 153 that is in mechanical contact with the outer surface 140 of the lock bars 120. However, a cavity 160 is formed in the assembled state due to the presence of the channel 145 on the outer surface 140 of the lock bars 120.

Figure 4 illustrates a end view of an embodimentof a friction lock bar 120. AS described above, the lock barsl20 are typically inverted mirror images of one another. The lock bars 120 typically include an inner corrugated surface 125, the corrugated inner surface being generally formed from elongated parallel ridges 130, which include corresponding troughs 131 thereby creating the corrugated surface 125. The corresponding elongated ridges 130 of the inverted mirror image lock bar 120 are placed together in mated engagement when the opposing lock bars 120 are placed together with the inner corrugated surfaces 125 in mechanical contact. The lock bars 120 further include an outer surface 140 that each include an elongated channel 145. The lock bars 120 further include rounded ends 141.

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a lock bar casing 150. As described above, the outer lock bar casing 150 is placed around the lock bars 120 after placement of the lower edge 106 of the screen 105 between the lock bars 120. The lock bar casing 150 has a generally U-shape profile that is biased toward a closed position such that a force must be asserted against the bias in order to place the engaged lock bars 120 within the lock bar casing 150. The lock bar casing 150 further generally includes an inner surface 153. The open end of the U-shape includes lips 151 that are positioned in opposition to one another thereby forming an opening 152 through which the screen 105 protrudes from the lock bar casing 150. The lock bar casing 150 generally furtherincludes a closed end 154. The closed end 154 can further include claws 156 that are described further below.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap 180. Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap 180. Figure 8 illustrates an end view of an embodiment of a pull bar end cap 180. hi general, the end cap 180 includes blade extension 185 that are connected to a lower surface 191 of a cap head 190. In general, the lower surface 191 comes int) contact with the ends of the pull bar that includes the lock bar casing 150 and lock bars 120 in between. The outer surface 192 can be rounded for an aesthetic appearance. Referring again to Figure 3, it is appreciated that blade extensions advantageously fit into the cavities 160 created from bringing the channels 145 into proximity to the inner surface 153 of the lock bar casing 150. It is further appreciated that since the lock bars 120 are inverted mirror images of each other, the corresponding enamels are positioned parallel but offset from one another. Therefore, the blade extensions 185 are correspondingly positioned on the cap head 190 in a parallel but offset orientation. With the cavities 160 and blade extensions 185 being in corresponding positions, the blade extensions 185 can easily mate with the

cavities 160 to create a snug fit of the end caps 180 on the ends of the lock bar casing 150.

In general, the apparatus 100 in conjunction with the cassette housing 200 as well as additional devices can form a pull bar screen system andkit, which can be used as a new installation into existing door and window frames or as a retrofit to existing pull bar screen systems.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom rail 300 for a pull bar apparatus 100, thereby forming a pull bar screen system 400. In general, the bottom rail can include a U-shape channel or bottom guide pultrusion 305 into which the pull bar ( formed by lock bars 120, lock bar casing 150 and end caps 180) can be fitted and retained. The lock bar casing 150 can be fitted to a corresponding protrusion 310 located within the channel 305 that aids in closing any gaps created by the lack screen on the pull bar. Alternatively, the channel 305 can include side claws 315 that can cieate a frictional connection with the sides of the lock bar casing as shown in Figure 10 that illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bottom rail for a pull bar apparatus 100. The bottom rail 300 can further include an outer ramp 320.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as areimposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.