Abstract:
An adjustable garage door jamb trim system includes: an interior door jamb trim; and an exterior door jamb trim, wherein the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim form an adjustable mating configuration that seal the interface between the interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim when the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim are secured to a door jamb having a width between a first width and a second width.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/620,436 filed Apr. 5, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates to garage door jamb trim. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to garage door jamb trim that is adjustable, conceals all visible fasteners, is aesthetically pleasing, integrates with exterior siding, includes parts that interoperate with other building jambs, and is fabricated out of durable materials. 
     Garage door jamb trim protects a garage door jamb from damage that may be caused by rain, snow, insects, etc. Previously existing garage door jamb trim has suffered from several drawbacks. First, some previous garage door jamb trim was constructed from wood that may rot or degrade over time. Second, previous garage door jamb trim was affixed with exposed screws, creating an opening for rainwater to infiltrate the door jamb and cause damage. Further, previous garage door jamb trim lacked aesthetically-pleasing designs. Even further, previous garage door jamb trim was constructed to fit garage door jambs of particular sizes. Finally, previous garage door jamb trim comprised specialized parts only usable as part of garage door jamb trim. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for garage door jam trim that resists damage, minimizes exposure to the elements and insects, improves aesthetics, and is not limited to a single size of garage door jamb or made of specialized parts only capable of use as part of door jamb trim, as described herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides garage door jamb trim that adjusts to the jamb depth, conceals all visible fasteners, is aesthetically pleasing, integrates with exterior siding, includes parts that interoperate with other building jambs, and is fabricated out of durable materials, by providing garage door jamb trim including at least two pieces that overlap, interleave, and form a substantially snug fit. 
     In a first example, an interior door jamb trim and an exterior door jamb trim cooperate to provide an adjustable garage door jamb trim that conforms to the varied dimensions of a common garage door jambs. The interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim overlap to fully cover the garage door jamb when the garage door jamb trim is adjusted to conform to the dimensions of a garage door jamb. Further, the exterior door jamb trim and the interior door jamb trim fit snuggly to provide a seal against the elements. In a preferred embodiment, the garage door jamb trim is adjustable to conform to garage door jambs having a depth between five and one-half inches and seven and one-half inches, though it will be easily understood that the teachings provided herein may be applied to garage door jamb trims of varying sizes. 
     In the example, the overlap between the interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim are configured to mate the two portions together. The mating configuration includes an arm of the exterior door jamb trim that mates with a slot in the interior door jamb trim. The mating configuration interleaves the interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim to create a tortuous path that substantially hinders water from penetrating to the garage door jamb. Further, the mating configuration creates a substantially snug fit to act as a seal against the elements through the use of spacers that hold the arm substantially flush with an inner wall of the interior door jamb trim. 
     In the example, the interior door jamb trim covers an interior corner of the door jamb (the interior corner of the door jamb includes portions of an interior surface and an exterior door opening surface of the door jamb). Similarly, the exterior door jamb trim covers an exterior corner of the door jamb (the exterior corner of the door jamb includes the remaining portion of the door opening surface and a portion of the exterior external face of the garage doorjamb). Further, in the example, the garage door jamb trim may optionally include a garage door seal to seal an overhead garage door in the closed position. 
     The interior door jamb trim may be secured by fasteners securing a door opening sealing flange and a front sealing flange to the door jamb. After installation, the fasteners of the door opening sealing flange may be covered by the arm of the exterior door jamb trim. Spacers may be provided on the arm or on the door opening sealing flange to provide clearance for the fasteners when covered by the arm. Likewise, the exterior door jamb trim may be secured by fasteners securing an exterior sealing flange to the vertical height of the exterior corner of the garage doorjamb. Additionally, the exterior door jamb trim may have a decorative face to improve the aesthetic appeal of the garage door jamb. 
     The optional garage door seal includes a flexible edge to engage the overhead garage door and seal the overhead garage door when it is in the closed position. The interior door jamb trim may include seal retaining grooves to provide an attachment mechanism for the replaceable garage door seal. The garage door seal tabs may be adapted to allow the removal of the garage door seal for easy replacement. In a preferred embodiment, the optional garage door seal may be extruded flexible vinyl. However, it is understood that in various embodiments, the optional garage door seal may be made from other materials and other manufacturing processes. 
     The garage door jamb trim provided herein may be provided in any one or more of the following further configurations: garage door jamb trim including a siding channel; and garage door jamb trim including an interchangeable decorative trim cover. The additional garage door jamb trim configurations provide different aesthetics and/or integration with the garage door jamb exterior siding. 
     In another example, the garage door jamb trim includes: an exterior door jamb trim including a siding channel to receive exterior siding providing an aesthetically pleasing garage door jamb. 
     In a further example, the garage door jamb trim further includes: a decorative trim cover and a clip bracket. The decorative trim cover is an alternative to the decorative face and provides an aesthetically pleasing border to the garage door opening. 
     The decorative trim cover is secured to the door jamb by snapping into a snap-locking mechanism provided by the relationship between the exterior door jamb trim and the clip bracket. The exterior door jamb trim and clip bracket may be further secured to the door jamb by fasteners securing sealing flanges to the door jamb. The decorative trim cover includes a decorative surface that may have nearly any appearance. The decorative trim cover further includes a siding channel built into the edge of the decorative trim cover to conceal the edge of the adjacent siding. The decorative trim cover may be adapted to interoperate with other trim locations, such as a window jamb. 
     In instances in which the decorative trim cover is used, an alternative example of the exterior door jamb trim may be provided to assist in securing the decorative trim cover. In such instances, the exterior door jamb trim includes a snap-lock tab in place of the decorative face described above. The snap lock tab engages a retainer tab of the decorative trim cover to secure the decorative trim cover. 
     The clip bracket operates in conjunction with the exterior door jamb trim to secure the decorative trim cover. The clip bracket includes a socket to receive a tab of the decorative trim cover. The clip bracket is secured to the door jamb by fasteners. The clip bracket may be adapted to interoperate with other trim locations, such as a window jamb. 
     It is contemplated that the decorative trim cover and the clip bracket may be interoperable and may be further used as window jamb trim. In addition to the socket to receive the decorative trim cover tab, in an alternate window jamb trim example, the clip bracket may include a snap lock tab that engages a retainer tab of the decorative trim cover to secure the decorative trim cover. When installed, the socket of the clip bracket mates with a tab of the decorative trim cover while the snap-lock of the clip bracket mates with the ramp surface and the retainer to secure the decorative trim cover in place. The clip bracket of the alternate window jamb trim example may be trimmed to manufacture a clip bracket for use in the garage door jamb trim by removing the snap-lock tab. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the interior door jamb trim, the exterior door jamb trim, clip bracket, and decorative trim cover of the garage door jamb trim are manufactured from extruded aluminum. However, it is understood that in various embodiments, the elements of the garage door jamb trim may be made from other materials and other manufacturing processes. 
     In one example, an adjustable garage door jamb trim system includes: an interior door jamb trim including a first sealing flange, a second sealing flange perpendicular to the first sealing flange, and an inner wall spaced from the second sealing flange to form a slot defined by the second sealing flange and the inner wall; and an exterior door jamb trim including a third sealing flange and an arm perpendicular to the third sealing flange, wherein the arm includes a first spacer; wherein, when the interior door jamb trim is secured to a first corner of a door jamb and the exterior door jamb is secured to a second corner of the door jamb, the arm extends into the slot and the first spacer spans the distance between the second sealing flange and the inner wall, such that the arm is held in contact with the inner wall. 
     In some embodiments, the exterior door jamb trim includes a decorative face. The decorative face may include a siding channel. The interior door jamb trim may include seal retaining grooves adapted to receive a seal. The arm may include additional spacers. 
     The adjustable garage door jamb trim system may include a clip bracket adapted to be secured to the door jamb adjacent to the exterior door jamb trim, wherein the clip bracket and exterior door jamb trim are adapted to receive a decorative trim cover. The clip bracket may include a socket for receiving a decorative trim cover tab and the exterior door jamb trim includes a snap-lock tab for mating with a ramp surface and retainer tab of the decorative trim cover. The decorative trim cover includes a siding channel. 
     In another example, the adjustable garage door jamb trim system includes: an interior door jamb trim; and an exterior door jamb trim, wherein the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim form an adjustable mating configuration that seal the interface between the interior door jamb trim and the exterior door jamb trim when the interior door jamb trim and exterior door jamb trim are secured to a door jamb having a width between a first width and a second width. 
     The adjustable mating configuration may be embodied in an arm and slot configuration. In some examples, the difference between the first width and the second width may be two inches. For example, the first width may be five and a half inches and the second width may be seven and a half inches. 
     In some embodiments, the interior door jamb trim includes an inner wall spaced from a sealing flange to form a slot and the exterior door jamb trim includes an arm including a first spacer. In other embodiments, the exterior door jamb trim includes an inner wall spaced from a sealing flange to form a slot and the interior door jamb trim includes an arm including a first spacer. 
     The interior door jamb trim may include a first sealing flange, a second sealing flange perpendicular to the first sealing flange, and an inner wall spaced from the second sealing flange to form a slot defined by the second sealing flange and the inner wall; and the exterior door jamb trim includes a third sealing flange and an arm perpendicular to the third sealing flange, wherein the arm includes a first spacer; wherein, when the interior door jamb trim is secured to a first corner of a door jamb and the exterior door jamb is secured to a second corner of the door jamb, the arm extends into the slot and the first spacer spans the distance between the second sealing flange and the inner wall, such that the arm is held in contact with the inner wall. The exterior door jamb trim may include a decorative face, the decorative face may include a siding channel, and the adjustable garage door jamb trim system may include a clip bracket adapted to be secured to the door jamb adjacent to the exterior door jamb trim, wherein the clip bracket and exterior door jamb trim are adapted to receive a decorative trim cover. 
     An advantage of the invention is that it provides garage door jamb trim that may be adjusted to fit door jambs of varying depth. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that it provides garage door jamb trim that conceals visible fasteners to minimize exposure of the door jamb to rainwater. 
     A further advantage of the invention is that it provides an aesthetically pleasing exterior. 
     Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides garage door jamb trim that integrates with exterior siding. 
     An additional advantage of the invention is that it provides garage door jamb trim including parts that interoperate with other building jambs. 
     Yet a further advantage of the invention is that it provides garage door jamb trim that fabricated out of durable materials. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a garage door jamb and an example of the garage door jamb trim according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a garage door jamb showing another example of the garage door jamb trim including a siding channel. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a garage door jamb showing another garage door jamb trim including a decorative trim cover. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a window jamb including the decorative trim cover of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the interoperability of the decorative trim cover. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate various examples of garage door jamb trim  10  adapted to cover a garage door jamb  50 .  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of the garage door jamb trim  10  including an exterior decorative face  24 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an example of the garage door jamb trim  10  including an exterior decorative face  24  and a siding channel  25 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of the garage door jamb trim  10  including a decorative trim cover  60 . The garage door jamb trim  10  may be provided in fixed lengths that may be cut to size to match the vertical height of the garage door jamb  50 . The examples shown in  FIGS. 1-3  are merely illustrative examples of garage door jamb trim  10  that is adapted to provide the solutions taught herein and those skilled in the art will recognize the numerous variations of embodiments that may be implemented based on the teachings disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , to provide adjustability to enable the garage door jamb trim  10  to conform to the dimensions of a garage door jamb  50 , the garage door jamb trim  10  is provided as two pieces: an interior door jamb trim  30  and an exterior door jamb trim  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the garage door jamb trim  10  may further include an optional garage door seal  40 . The interior door jamb trim  30  is adapted to be secured to the vertical height of the interior corner  54  of the garage door jamb  50 . Similarly, the exterior door jamb trim  20  is adapted to be secured to the vertical height of the exterior corner  56  of the garage door jamb  50 . It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments the garage door jamb trim  10  may be provided as three or more parts in any configuration capable of providing the adjustability and further advantages preferred for the given application. 
     In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the garage door jamb trim  10  may adjustably conform to garage door jambs  50  of a depth between five and one-half inches and seven and one-half inches. In alternative embodiments, the garage door jamb trim  10  may adjustably conform to garage door jambs  50  of any depth, as those skilled in the art will recognize based on the teachings disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the interior door jamb trim  30  and the exterior door jamb trim  20  overlap to fully cover the garage door jamb  50  when the garage door jamb trim  10  is adjusted to conform to the dimensions of a garage door jamb  50 . In a preferred embodiment, the overlapping sections are configured to mate the interior door jamb trim  30  and the interior door jamb trim  20 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the mating configuration includes an arm  22  of the exterior door jamb trim  20  that mates with a slot  36  in the interior door jamb trim  30 . In an alternative embodiment, the mating of the elements may be reversed. For example, the exterior door jamb trim  20  may include a slot  36  to receive an arm  22  of the interior door jamb trim  10 . In addition, while shown as a mating between an arm  22  and a slot  36 , the interior door jamb trim  30  and the exterior door jamb trim  20  may take any form appropriate for mating and fully covering the garage door jamb  50 , as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures provided herein. For example, rather than an arm  22  and a slot  36 , the mating configuration may be embodied in other overlapping elements, such as other forms of overlapping panels. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the exterior door jamb trim  20  and the interior door jamb trim  30  interleave to protect the garage door jamb  50  from the elements while maintaining adjustability between the elements. By interleaving the overlapping elements, a tortuous path is created that substantially hinders water from penetrating to the garage door jamb  50 . In the preferred embodiment, the arm  22  substantially covers a door opening sealing flange  34  of the interior door jamb trim  30 . In turn, an inner wall  37  of the interior door jamb trim  30  covers the arm  22 . In other embodiments, the exterior door jamb trim  20  and the interior door jamb trim  30  may have further interleaved components to maintain adjustability while protecting the garage door jamb  50  from the elements, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures provided herein. 
     In addition to being overlapping and interleaved, the exterior door jamb trim  20  and the interior door jamb trim  30  have a substantially snug fit to act as a seal against the elements. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the arm  22  has spacers  27  that hold the arm  22  substantially flush with the inner wall  37  of the interior door jamb trim  30 . To meet the objectives and advantages of the invention, the seal between the arm  22  and the inner wall  37  need not form a perfect seal, rather the seal needs only to provide a substantial barrier to the elements. In alternative embodiments, a sealing mechanism, such as compressible foam or a vinyl gasket, may be included in the slot  36  to act as a seal when engaging the arm  22  upon installation. In addition, while shown as a mating between an arm  22  and a slot  36 , the interior door jamb trim  30  and the exterior door jamb trim  20  may take any form appropriate to provide the adjustability, protection from the elements and further advantages preferred for the given application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the interior door jamb trim  30  includes an door opening sealing flange  32  and a front sealing flange  34 . Fasteners  52  secure the door opening sealing flange  32  and a front sealing flange  34  of the interior door jamb trim  30  to the vertical height of the interior corner  54  of the garage door jamb  50 . The interior door jamb trim  30  may further include seal retaining grooves  38  to receive garage door seal tabs  42  to secure garage door seal  40 . The retaining grooves  38  and door seal tabs  42  may take many forms as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the exterior door jamb trim  20  is secured to the vertical height of the exterior corner  56  of the garage door jamb  50 . The exterior door jamb trim  20  may include an exterior sealing flange  28  that may be secured by fasteners  52 , and may have a decorative face  24  to improve the aesthetic appeal of the garage door jamb  50 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the interior door jamb trim  30  and the exterior door jamb trim  20  are secured to the building by a set of fasteners  52 . Of course, it is understood that while only three fasteners  52  are shown, a greater number of fasteners  52  will be used along the vertical height of the door jamb  50 . In addition, while shown as screws, the fasteners  52  may take any form appropriate for securing the interior door jamb trim  30  to the garage door jamb  50 . 
     In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , when fully installed, the garage door jamb trim  10  is adapted to hide the fasteners  52  to protect the fasteners  52  and the underlying garage door jamb  50  from the elements. First, fasteners  52  along the interior sealing flange  32  are protected from the elements by the overhead garage door (not shown). Second, fasteners  52  along the front sealing flange  34  are protected by the arm  22 . Further, the fasteners  52  along the exterior sealing flange  28  are protected from the elements by the installed siding. In other embodiments, the fasteners  52  may be protected from the elements using any method appropriate to provide the adjustability, protection from the elements, and further advantages preferred for the given application. 
     The optional garage door seal  40 , shown in  FIG. 1 , seals the space between the door jamb  50  and an overhead garage door, when the garage door is in the closed position. The garage door seal  40  includes a flexible edge  44  to engage the overhead garage door and seal the overhead garage door in the closed position. In an embodiment, the garage door seal  40  further includes the garage door seal tabs  42  to lock into the seal retaining grooves  38  to provide continuous engagement along the length of the interior door jamb trim  30  and permit easy replacement. In other embodiments, the garage door seal  40  may be received by garage door seal tabs  42  that are not continuous and that snap into retainers provided periodically along the length of the interior door jamb trim  30 . Further, it is contemplated that the garage door seal  40  and the interior door jamb trim  30  may take any form appropriate for sufficiently securing the garage door seal  40  and permitting easy replacement. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the garage door seal  40  may be an extruded flexible vinyl. However, it is understood that in various embodiments, the garage door seal may be made from other materials and other manufacturing processes. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section of an embodiment of the garage door jamb trim  10  including an integrated siding channel  25 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the garage door jamb trim  10  includes: an exterior door jamb trim  20 ; an interior door jamb trim  30 ; and, optionally, a garage door seal  40 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the alternative example of the exterior door jamb trim  20  includes the siding channel  25  to receive siding in an aesthetically pleasing manner. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-section of the garage door jamb trim  10  having an exterior decorative trim cover  60  installed on the garage door jamb  50 . In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the garage door jamb trim  10  includes: an exterior door jamb trim  20 ; an interior door jamb trim  30 ; an optional garage door seal  40 ; a decorative trim cover  60 ; and a clip bracket  70 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , and further described below, the decorative trim cover  60  is secured to the door jamb  50  by snapping into a snap-locking fit to the exterior door jamb trim  20  and the clip bracket  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the decorative trim cover  60  includes a tab  63  for mating with a socket  71  of the clip bracket  70  and a ramp surface  61  and a retainer tab  62  for mating with the snap-lock tab  29  of the exterior door jamb trim  20 . These five elements cooperate to form a secure, releasable, snap-fit connection between the decorative trim cover  60  and the exterior door jamb trim  20  and the clip bracket  70 . It is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the decorative trim cover  60  may be secured to the garage door jamb  50  by other mechanisms, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures provided herein. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the decorative trim cover  60  has a decorative surface  64  that may be decorative or otherwise adorned, and it is contemplated that nearly any appearance may be provided. The decorative trim cover  60  further includes a siding channel  65  built into the edge of the decorative trim cover  60  to conceal the edge of the siding. The decorative trim cover  60  may be adapted to interoperate with other trim locations, such as a window jamb, as shown in  FIG. 3  and described below. Additionally, the decorative trim cover  60  may include a sealing flange  66  to further secure the decorative trim cover  60  in place using fasteners  52 , flashing tape, etc. 
     An alternative example of the exterior door jamb trim  20  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The exterior door jamb trim  20  includes the snap-lock tab  29  that substitutes for the decorative face  24  of the example shown in  FIG. 1 . The snap lock tab  29  engages a retainer tab  62  of the decorative trim cover  60  to secure the decorative trim cover  60  as described previously. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the clip bracket  70  operates in conjunction with the exterior door jamb trim  20  to secure the decorative trim cover  60 . The clip bracket  70  includes the socket  71  to receive the tab  63  of the decorative trim cover  60 . The clip bracket  70  is secured by fasteners  52  to the door jamb  50 . The clip bracket  70  may be manufactured by trimming off a snap-lock  74  of the alternative clip bracket  72  ( FIG. 4 ). In alternative embodiments, the clip bracket  70  and the exterior door jam trim  20  may be provided as a single component. 
     In a preferred embodiment, interior door jamb trim  30 , the exterior door jamb trim  20 , clip bracket  70 , and decorative trim cover  60  of the garage door jamb trim  10  are manufactured from extruded aluminum. However, it is understood that in various embodiments, the elements of the garage door jamb trim  10  may be made from other materials and other manufacturing processes. For example, the interior door jamb trim  30 , the exterior door jamb trim  20 , clip bracket  70 , and decorative trim cover  60  of the garage door jamb trim  10  may be made of PVC. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section of a window jamb  80  to show the interoperability of the decorative trim cover  60  and the clip bracket  70 . The clip bracket  70  secures the decorative trim cover  60  to the window jamb  80 . In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the clip bracket  70  is an alternative clip bracket  72  having a socket  71  and a snap-lock  74 . When installed, the socket  71  of the clip bracket  70  mates with a tab  63  of the decorative trim cover  60  while the snap-lock  74  of the clip bracket  70  mates with the ramp surface  61  and the retainer  62  to secure the decorative trim cover  60  in place. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.