Abstract:
A system for framing a porch using concealed fasteners and concealed or partially-concealed framing elements on support posts. The framing elements have a small cross section, generally shaped like the letter C with a slot on one side and a spline groove in one of the opposing corners. The framing elements are attached to a support post by screwing plural, spaced-apart buttons into the posts and then snapping the button heads into the slot of the framing elements. The framing elements may be applied to the surface of the posts or, because of their small size, may be put into grooves formed in the sides or corners of the posts and concealed on one or more sides by trim boards.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to framing systems for fixed screens and, more particularly, to low-profile frame members for fastening screens to framing such as are used for porches. 
     Screened porches remain a popular addition to constructions, as they enhance the enjoyment of the out-of-doors regardless of ambient conditions. The screening blocks the entry of insects and admits air to the area of the porch so enclosed. Typically, porches are screened by erecting a simple wooden framing to enclose the porch in a series of panels and to which the screening material is nailed or tacked. Additionally, screened enclosures often utilize beams and posts or columns in their construction. Both the fasteners employed to erect the porch and the post and beam construction contributes to an unfinished appearance. It is thus desirable to conceal these features to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of the screen porches. 
     In some areas of the country, such as along the sea coast and other areas that afford a view of the outdoors, multi-level screen porches are both common and preferred. Elaborate and complex framing techniques must be used to erect such porches. This framing may require the use of furring strips to cover attaching means, which further increases the cost and installation time. Moreover, the installation of the screen, as well as ongoing maintenance, must be done at elevated, potential dangerous heights. Ladders must be employed, which contributes to the unstable and inconvenient aspects of installing and maintaining multi-level porches. 
     A number of other devices exist to attach screening to frames. Many of these are asymmetric so that they must be carefully oriented before being fastened to the framing. Some require two installers for proper installation. Some such devices are available as a set of elements, each of which is suited for a different part of a porch configuration: one element for outside corners, one for inside corners, one for intermediate frame members, and so forth. Some are difficult to install, are obtrusive or lack a finished appearance. Additionally, special mounting procedures to attach screens to frames may need to be employed, which further complicates the process of erecting screen porches. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for a framing system that can easily fasten screens to framing while also maintaining a finished, aesthetically pleasing look to the finished screened porches or areas. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     According to its major aspects, and briefly stated, the present invention is a system for attaching screening to a framework. In particular, the system includes a button with a separate or integral screw and a frame element that are combined with a support member within a framework. Alternatively, the system can include only a screw or a clip that functions as both a button and screw. The frame element includes a slot cut in one side and a spline groove formed in a corner of the opposing side. The slot and button are dimensioned so that the slot will receive the button when the frame is snapped or pressed down over the button. 
     The framework of the system can include a variety of support members, including posts. When a row of spaced-apart buttons is screwed into a support member of the framework, such as 4×4, 6×6 or 8×8 inch wooden posts, for example, the frame element, slot-side-down, can be snapped onto the row of buttons to be held fast. A section of screening material can then be attached and held to the frame element by pressing the edge of the screen into the spline groove of that frame element with a spline to hold the screen in the groove. 
     The frame element is also dimensioned so that a thin trim board can conceal it, either from external view or by being placed next to it so that the frame element does not extend above the surface of the trim board, thus giving the appearance of the screen extending directly out of or being integral with the trim board. Alternatively, the framework can be routed to provide a recess for receiving the frame element within the envelope defined by the original dimensions of the framework. 
     A feature of the present invention includes the use of a framing system that conceals fasteners. When erecting screen porches, numerous fasteners, such as nails and screws must be used to erect the framing and to connect the screening to the framing. The present system provides a simple and effective means to conceal the fasteners, and alleviates the need for furring strips. In particular, the only fasteners needed to attach the screening to the framing are the buttons and screws. These fasteners are completely covered by the frame element once the slot is snapped in place. 
     Another feature of the present invention includes the use of a framing system connected to the main structural framing that operates as a secondary frame to support the screen. Typically, screening must be attached directly to the main frame members, such as 2×2 wooden posts, that form the main frame of the porch. In the present system, the frame element provides a means to attach screening that is secondary to the main frame. This provides flexibility in the construction process. Moreover, the frame system of the present invention can be installed from inside of the porch, which greatly increases the convenience and safety of installation, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the porch. 
     Still another feature of the present invention includes the use of a framing system that is itself concealed within a frame work by other construction elements, including trim boards. To create a flush and finished appearance, the frame element of the present invention is small enough and dimensioned to be hidden from view by trim boards. Accordingly, the frame elements are preferably no thicker or wider than the trim boards. The trim boards can be made of structural framing materials, and can be made in a variety of sizes and colors. Preferably, the trim boards of the present system are about ¾ inches thick, either wood or synthetic material in suitable trim colors. Especially in those porches intended for the enjoyment of views to the outside, such as ocean views, the less obstruction to these views the better. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention includes the use of a frame element that can be concealed within a framework through the use of routed support elements. In particular, support members can include cut-outs having dimensions that are about the same as those of the frame element, so that the frame element is received by and concealed within the support members. The result is a flush and much more finished appearance for the framework of a screen-in porch and yet one that still allows the screens to be easily replaced as needed. Accordingly, this feature provides flexibility in construction choices, while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing structure. 
     Another feature of the present invention includes the use of a button that is dimensioned to be received by the slot of the frame element so that the frame element can be attached to a variety of frameworks. The buttons can be made of plastic, such as nylon, either with a hole for a conventional metal screw or with an integral screw of plastic. The head of the button is shaped to allow the frame element to be easily snapped over it; that is, the button is just slightly larger than the width of the slot. Alternatively, the button can be a clip that is one-piece, having a head portion and a post portion. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention includes the use of a frame element that includes a slot cut in one side and a spline groove formed in a corner of the opposing side. The frame element preferably has a square cross section in the shape of a squared letter C with the opening of the C defining the slot. Opposite the slot in one corner or the other is a spline groove. The frame element is preferably made of metal, but may also be made of plastic. If made of metal, it is preferably powder-coated painted in any one of a variety of colors. Additionally, the frame element is preferably less than one inch on one side, but can also be other sizes depending on the size and dimension of the framework. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Disclosure of the Preferred Embodiment presented below and accompanied by the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a screen framing system according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded top view of a screen framing system according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of a screen framing system according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of a button according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2D  is a partial cross-sectional view of a button taken at Line  2 -D according to a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a screen framing system according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a screen framing system combined with a support member of a framework according to an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is a system for attaching screening to a framework. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the framing system  10  includes a button  12  with a separate or integral means for attaching, such as a screw  14 , and a frame element  20  that are combined with a support member, such as a post  22 , of a framework. The frame element  20  preferably has a square cross section in the shape of a squared letter C with the opening of the C defining a slot  24  cut into one side  28  of frame element  20  that extends longitudinally along the length of frame element  20 . In a corner  31  of the opposing side  30  of frame element  20  is a longitudinally extending spline groove  26 . The spline groove  26  preferably has a U-shaped cross section and is defined by an upper wall  36  and lower wall  38  spaced apart and connected by a side wall  37 . Preferably, the surfaces of upper and lower walls  36 ,  38  are ridged to better retain splines and screens by frictional engagement when these features are applied. 
     Preferably, the frame element  20  is made of metal, although other materials, including plastic, are contemplated. However, other materials are suitable for making the frame element  20 , including fiberglass materials. If made of metal, the frame element  20  is preferably powder-coated painted in any one of a variety of colors. Additionally, the frame element  20  is preferably less than about one inch on one side  28 , but can also be a variety of sizes depending on the size and dimension of the framework. Importantly, the dimensions of the frame element  20  are such that the frame element  20  can be easily concealed by other structural or support elements within a framework. The button  12  can be made of plastic, such as nylon, either with a hole  13  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) for a conventional metal screw  14  or with an integral screw of plastic. Suitable posts  22  for the framing system  10  include, but are not limited to 4×4, 6×6 or 8×8 inch wooden posts. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the slot  24  and button  12  are dimensioned so that the slot  24  will receive the button  12  when the metal frame element  20  is snapped or pressed down over the button  12 . The button  12  includes a head  40  and a base  42 . Although a variety of shapes is contemplated for the button  12 , to facilitate the snap fit of the frame element  20 , the head  40  is generally rounded and the base  42  is generally narrower than the head  40 . In particular, side edges  32 ,  34  of frame element  20  defining slot  24  are held fast by the head  40  of button  12 , which overlaps each edge  32 ,  34 . When the frame element  20  is snapped in place, the edges of frame element  20  spring apart at slot  24  as they ride down over the rounded head  40 , and then spring back together once head  40  has passed through slot  24 . Alternatively, the button  12  can be a clip or a one-piece screw  12 ′ (shown in  FIGS. 2C-2D ) having a head portion  40 ′ for receiving the slot  24  and a base  42 ′ and post portion that is received by the post  22 . 
     As described, an important feature of the present invention includes the use of a framing system that can conceal fasteners. In particular, the only fasteners needed to attach the screening to the framing are the buttons  12  and screws  14  or one-piece screw  12 ′. These fasteners are completely covered by the frame element  20  once the slot  24  is snapped in place. 
     A number of methods and construction tools can be employed to apply screening to the frame element  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , for example, when a row of spaced-apart buttons  12  is screwed into post  22  of the framework, the frame element  20 , slot-side-down, can be snapped onto the row of buttons  12  to be held fast. A section of screening material, such as a wire or meshed screen  50 , can then be connected to the frame element  20  by pressing the edge of the screen  50  into the spline groove  26  of that element  20  with a spline  52  to hold the screen  50  in the groove  26 . As illustrated, a marginal portion  51  of screen  50  surrounds a major portion of spline  52 , which is preferably resilient and cylindrical with a series of teeth  53  about its exterior surface. Spline groove  26  is sufficiently narrow so that a spline received therein is held in place; that is, groove  26  can hold spline  52  with screen  50  and exert a small amount of tension on spline  52  without spline  52  slipping out of groove  26 . Furthermore, spline teeth  53 , which can frictionally engage ridged surfaces of upper and lower walls  36 ,  38 , also facilitate in securing the screen  50  within the spline groove  26 . 
     An assembly tool  54  can also be employed to facilitate attaching the screen  50  to the frame element  20 . Preferably, the tool  54  includes a handle  56  connected to circular spline press  58  that is rotatably mounted to the handle  56 . The spline press  58  is dimensioned to receive the spline  52  and force the spline  52  into the groove  26  when downward pressure is exerted by the user and the tool  54  is rolled along the length of the spline groove  26 . 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the frame element  20  is dimensioned so that structural framing members, such as trim boards, conceal it and so that the frame element  20  conceals the button  12  or other attaching means from external view. Preferably, the frame element  20  is connected to the main structural frame members, such as posts, and other construction members, such as trim boards, are included and positioned in relation to the main frame and the frame element  20  so that the frame element  20  does not extend above the surface of any of the framing members. The resulting appearance is that of the screen  50  extending directly out of or being integral with the framework. Alternatively, the members of the framework can be routed to provide a recess for receiving the frame element  20  within the original dimensions of the framework. When trim boards are used, they are preferably made of structural framing materials, and can be made in a variety of sizes and colors. Preferably, the trim boards of the present system are about ¾ inches thick, either wood or synthetic material in suitable trim colors. These dimensions are important to prevent obstructions to views from within the porch. 
     Accordingly,  FIGS. 4-9  illustrate three alternative frameworks into which the present framing system  10  can be employed. Although only the intermediate frame members of overall frameworks are shown in the drawings, the present invention contemplates the system being used in any portion of screened framework, including inside corners, outside corners, and so forth. Importantly, each of the alternative frameworks emphasizes the concealable frame element  20  feature of the present invention. As shown  FIGS. 4-9 , to create a flush and finished appearance, the frame element  20  completely covers the buttons  12  and screws  14  from view. Preferably, the spline groove  26  and spline  52  are also hidden from external view when the frame element  20  is connected to a main frame member. Furthermore, the frame element  20  is small enough and dimensioned to either be hidden from view by construction members, such as trim boards, or to fit within traditional routed support elements. The result is a finished, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Accordingly, the frame element  20  is preferably no thicker or wider than a trim board. The dimensions of the frame element  20 , however, will ultimately depend on the dimensions of the frame members employed, as well as the screen that is to be attached. This feature provides flexibility in construction choices, while still maintaining a visually pleasing structure. 
     In a first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , framing system  10  is combined with a support member of framework generally having a T-shaped cross section and including a trim board  62  connected on one side to a square post  60 . As illustrated, buttons  12  and frame elements  20  of the framing system  10  are attached to the post  60  on opposing sides  64 ,  66 . Furthermore, frame elements  20  are oriented so that side  30  of frame element  20  faces out with relation to the post  60  and the spline grooves  26  and splines  52  face in with relation to the trim board  62 . Thus, the spline grooves  26  and splines  52  become concealed from external view. Trim board  62  is dimensioned so as to conceal the frame elements  20  from view. Accordingly, trim board  62  extends horizontally beyond each of the opposing sides  64 ,  66  of the post  60  by a length that is at least the same as or greater than the length of any one side of the frame element  20 . For purposes of installation, once the frame elements  20  are connected to the post  60  and in place, the screen  50  is applied to the frame elements  20  with a spline  52  in a manner such as the one previously described. Next, the trim board  62  is positioned and connected to the post  60  so as to conceal the frame elements  20  and the spline grooves  26 . With the fasteners or buttons  12  effectively concealed, and the framing elements  20  and spline grooves  26  covered from view by the trim board  62 , the result is a finished appearance of the screen  50  extending directly out of or being integral with the trim board  62  and main framework. 
     In a second alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the framing system  10  is combined with a support member of a framework including a trim board  72  connected to one side of a post  70 . The post  70  is routed on opposing corners  74 ,  76  of the one side by frame element-sized cut-outs  77  that are each defined by a first wall  78  and a second wall  79  that are about perpendicular. As described, the cut-outs  77  are preferably dimensioned to both receive and conceal the frame elements  20 . Accordingly, dimensions of the cut-outs  77  complement those of the frame elements  20 , with the lengths of first and second wall  78 ,  79 , respectively, being about the same as the width and thickness of the frame elements  20 . During assembly, buttons  12  are attached to the second wall  79  of the cut-outs  77  and frame elements  20 , slot-side-down, including screen  50  are snapped to buttons  12 . Frame elements  20  are oriented so that sides  30  of frame elements  20  face out in with relation to the post  70 . Thus, the spline grooves  26  and splines  52  become hidden from external view once installed. The trim board  72  is then connected to the post  70  on the side including the cut-outs  77 . As shown, the post  70  and trim board  72  are dimensioned to conceal the frame elements  20  from external view. Accordingly, trim board  72  extends horizontally beyond the edges of the one side of the post  70  by a length that is about the same as the length of any one side of frame elements  20 . The result is framework with concealed fasteners and having a generally square cross section with a flush, finished appearance of the screen  50  extending directly out of or being integral with the trim board  72  and post  70 . 
     In a third alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , the framing system  10  is combined with a support member of a framework including a post  90  surrounded by a plurality of trim boards connected to the post  90 . In particular, the support member includes an outer trim board  80 , an inner trim board  82  and side trim boards  84  and  87  that are attached to opposing sides of the post  90 , respectively. The side trim boards  84 ,  87  each have a gap  85  and  86 , respectively, dimensioned to receive frame element  20 . To assemble the framing system, buttons  12  and frame elements  20  are attached to the post  90  on opposing sides. As with the other embodiments, preferably, sides  30  of the frame elements  20  face out in relation to the post  90  so as to conceal the spline grooves  26  and splines  52  from external view. The side trim boards  84 ,  87  are then positioned along the post  90  so that frame elements  20  are within and surrounded by the gaps  85 ,  86  of the boards. To finish the assembly, the outer and inner trim boards  80 ,  82 , each of which have a length sufficient to cover both the central post  90  and the opposing side trim boards  84 ,  87  from external view, are then connected or joined to the post  90  and side trim boards  84 ,  87 . Importantly, the frame elements  20  fit snugly within the gaps of trim boards  84  and  87 , and are no thicker than these boards. Moreover, the outer and inner trim boards  80 ,  82  are positioned so that side trim boards  84 ,  87  do not extend horizontally beyond the edges of outer and inner trim boards  80 ,  82 . The effect is to conceal both the side trim boards  84 ,  87  and the frame elements  20  from view thereby resulting in a flush and finished framework that appears to have screen  50  extending directly out of or being integral with the post  90 . 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.