Abstract:
An apparatus and method for attaching a separate panel onto a screen is disclosed herein. The removable panel can include any number of logos or designs and is used for a variety of functions including increasing the aesthetic appeal of a screen, refurbishing tears within the screen, reducing air-flow or light transmission, or providing enhanced visibility of a screened opening. The panel is attached to the screen through a series of hooks that extend out from the rear surface of the panel. These hooks thread through the planar surface of the screen webbing so as to adequately hold the panel adjacent to the screen. The hooks are flexible enough to allow for continuous attachment and detachment of the panel without damaging the screen or requiring additional tools to accomplish same.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/119,399 filed on Dec. 3, 2009. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the method and design of a removable panel which attaches to a mesh screen by utilizing a plurality of hooks of various shapes and sizes which connect through the open weave design of the screen material. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    Screens are used commercially and residentially as a means for allowing airflow within a building, while still providing a barrier against insects or large airborne particles. Commonly formed from metal wire, fiberglass, or synthetic fiber, screens have a woven appearance which creates a repeating pattern of uniform open and closed spaces along its planar surface. Screen devices allow for visibility though a window or door opening, whereas curtains or a solid door would reduce natural inflow of light and fresh air circulation. 
         [0008]    Panels and patches may be attached to screens in order to improve aesthetic appearance, to enhance the visibility of the screen itself, or to provide a protective barrier for the screen. A number of inventions relating to screen coverings and related attachment methods are described in the prior art. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 243,962 issued to Palmer, discloses a method for painting fabrics onto a screen. U.S. Pat. No. 1,764,398 issued to Fitzgerald, discloses a method for decorating screens whilst allowing for pass-through of light and air around the decorative portion. U.S. Pat. No. 1,749,755 issued to Downer, discloses device and method for patching a screen with an additional section of mesh enclosed in and welded to a metal frame assembly and connected with metal spurs. U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,875 issued to Abrams, discloses a method for attaching decorative panels to a screen using a pre-formed frame which utilizes a locking means thereby connecting frame to screen. U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,817 issued to DiCarlantonio, discloses a method and device for repairing tears in the screen whereby two identically-shaped decorative pieces are placed on either side of the tear and interlock to maintain positioning about the tear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,792 issued to Locke et al., discloses a screen panel for use in doors which is air-permeable and visually transparent, but permanently affixed to the door frame, and where the decorative portion remains non-permeable. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,196 issued to Frament, U.S. Pat. No. 6,794,011 issued to Allard, U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,283 issued to Noriega, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,608 issued to Braun et al., each disclose a method and device for attaching decorative items to enhance visibility of the screen. 
         [0011]    The above mentioned prior art fails to disclose a device or method for easily attaching and detaching various-sized panels onto screens. Furthermore, the inventions of the prior art utilize bulky hook or alternative attachment systems that are not adapted for use with the uniform weave pattern inherent in screens materials. Additionally, design patterns have historically been created using non-permeable materials, such that light and or air-flow was affected by the design. As a result, there exists a need for a device and method of attaching decorative panels onto screens of various sizes. Furthermore, such a device must allow for the continuous attachment and detachment of the panel enabling repeated usage, without damaging the panel or the primary screen, such that the ornamentation does not detract from its utility. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The panel attachment system of the present invention includes a device and method for attaching a panel onto a screen. The panel that is attached to the screen can be made from any suitable thin layer of material i.e., mesh or a uniform flat layer fabric. The panel serves a number of functions including but not limited to decorating, protecting, covering, or providing a visual warning of the presence of a screen. 
         [0013]    The panel is secured directly to the screen through a series of hooks that extend out from the back of the panel. These hooks are threaded through the natural weave of the screen, thereby adhering the panel onto the screen. A variety of different hook devices can be used in the method and device of the present invention, including a double pointed hook, single pointed hook, pointed mushroom hook, or arrow hook. Each individual hook may include multiple heads to create a hook that effectively engages the screen. The hooks are made from a material that is flexible enough to allow for the hook to be threaded through the mesh grating of the screen, whilst rigid enough for repeated use. Furthermore, the hooks can be spaced along the back of the panel in any configuration that provides sufficient support for the panel to remain fixedly attached. In a preferred embodiment, double pointed hooks featuring two pointed prongs extending from the top of the shaft bent inwardly at acute angles towards the panel are contemplated. 
         [0014]    It is one object of the present invention to provide a means for securely attaching variably designed panels to a screen. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for attaching an air-permeable and light-permeable decorative panel to a screen. 
         [0016]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a means for attaching a panel to a screen, wherein the panel is used as a visual warning indicating the presence of a mesh screen. 
         [0017]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a means for attaching a panel to a screen, wherein the panel is used as a protective barrier over the entire screen or a replacement section over a portion thereof. 
         [0018]    It is furthermore another object of the present invention to provide a means for attaching a panel to a screen that is easily removable, thus separating the panel from the screen, without causing damage to the screen. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for repeatedly attaching and detaching a panel to and from a mesh screen. 
         [0020]    In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective of a screen door of the prior art. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the decorative surface of a flexible panel of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the panel of the present invention partially attached to a screen door. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows perspective view of the panel of the present invention fully attached to a screen door. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of the hook system of the present invention featuring a hook with dual pointed prongs. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  shows an exploded cross sectional view of the hook system of the present invention featuring the preferred embodiment of a hook with dual pointed prongs. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  shows an exploded side cross sectional view of the panel of the present invention with a hook featuring a single pointed prong. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5C  shows an exploded side cross sectional view of the panel of the present invention with a hook featuring a dual pointed mushroom prongs. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5D  shows an exploded side cross sectional view of the panel of the present invention with a hook featuring dual pointed arrowhead prongs. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a screen door of the prior art. The screen door  100  includes a frame  102  that is mounted in tracks  104  that extend horizontally across the opening created by the door. The tracks  104  allow for the sliding displacement of the door  100  between open and closed positions. The handle  106  extends from the frame  102  and is operated by the user to aid in displacing the screen door  100  between open and closed positions. The screen  108  is mounted and supported within the frame  102  of the screen door  100 . The screen  108  comprises a woven mesh structure that forms a generally planar surface, such that the surface consists of “open” spaces and “closed” spaces. The “closed” spaces consist of the material used to weave the screen. Alternately, the “open” areas allow for the flow of air or light. The main advantage of using a permanent screen  108  to cover a door opening  100  is that air and light can pass through while preventing insects and large airborne particles from gaining access. Screen  108  may be affixed to a door (e.g. screen door) or to fixed supports (e.g. screen enclosure). 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the finished side of the flexible panel of the present invention. The panel  10  includes a front or finished side  12  and a rear or fastening side  14 . The fastening side  14  is placed adjacent to the screen, where a series of protruding hooks thread are pushed through the open areas of the screen, thereby securing panel  10  to the screen. When attached, the finished side  12  of the panel  10  faces outward from the screen so that the aesthetic design or logo on panel  10  remains in position for viewing. In alternate embodiments of varying designs, constructions, or sizes, the panel  10  will be such that the finished side  12  can be viewed and the fastening side  14  will provide a hook system for attachment to the screen. 
         [0032]    The panel  10  can be constructed from any suitable material, or stacked structure of multiple sheets of various materials including but not limited to fabric or screen material. Any material used to construct panel  10  should be moderately flexible and lightweight to allow for the easy connection to screen  108 . In a preferred embodiment, the panel can be formed from a layer of screen material. By coupling a panel  10  made of a mesh screen material, alongside screen  108 , panel  10  will not prohibit the flow of air or light through the screen. This method is preferred so as to leave the desirable utility functions of the screen intact, while adding aesthetic enhancement. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of panel  10  partially fastened to screen  108  of a sliding door as depicted in prior art. The panel  10  adheres directly to the screen  108  by way of an array of resilient hook devices  16  positioned on rear surface  14  of panel  10 . Each hook device is sized to allow for insertion between the mesh strands forming the screen so as to removably engage the strands thereby securing panel  10  to screen  108 . Panel  10  is not limited to attachment to a screen door. In alternate embodiments, panel  10  may be fastened to any mesh surface, such as window screens or other planar surface formed of fabric comprised of “open” and “closed” areas. Through the use of a series of hooks  16  which extend out from the fastening surface  14  of panel  10 , secure adhesion to screen  108  is achieved. In attaching panel  10 , fastening surface  14  is placed against a screen  108 , causing the hooks  16  to push through or engage the woven surface of screen  108 . As described previously, hooks  16  can be of any type with any number of heads, and set in various formations about the fastening surface  14 . The finished surface  12  of panel  10  faces outward from screen  108 . Panel  10  can be of any size based upon user preference or device function, including a panel  10  that covers the entire screen  108  or a small panel  10  that covers holes or tears of screen  108 . In a completely fastened configuration, the entire fastening side  14  of panel  10  is attached directly to the screen  108  so that only the finished side  12  is viewable from the front and all hooks  16  are woven through screen  108 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of panel  10  fully fastened to screen  108  of a sliding screen door such that screen  108  is not readily visible. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional side view of panel  10  showing a preferred configuration of hooks  16  along the surface of the fastening side  14 . Hooks  16  extend out perpendicularly from the fastening side  14  of the panel  10  so that ease of engagement with screen  10  can be achieved. Once threaded through, hooks  16  engage about wires that form the screen  108 , thereby attaching the panel  10  to the screen. The hooks are made from any suitable material, i.e. wire, metal, or hard plastic, which is sturdy enough to adequately hold the panel against the screen. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the material of hooks  16  should be resilient and pliable enough to allow for the repeated bending of the hooks  16  during adhesion or removal about the screen. Hook placement along the fastening surface  14  is not limited to a set pattern or number of hooks per panel. Hooks  16  can be placed in any pattern such that each hook  16  is able to engage the screen. Moreover, a number of different hook types can be used in securing panel  10  to a screen. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5A  shows an exploded, side cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of hooks  16  with a dual pronged hook. Each hook  16  includes a trunk  18  which extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface  14  of panel  10  and prongs  19 . Prongs  19   a  and  19   b  are attached to the top of the trunk  18  such that they are bent back toward surface  14  at acute angles. Prongs  19   a  and  19   b  are pushed through screen  108  “open” areas such that prongs engage the screen and secure attachment is created. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5B  show an exploded side cross sectional view of alternate embodiment of the panel  10  with a single head pointed hook  20 . The single trunk of the hook  22  extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface  14  of panel  10 . Prong  24  is attached to the top of the trunk  22  such that it is bent back toward surface  14  at an acute angle. Prong  24  is pushed through screen  108  “open” area such that the prong engages the screen and secure attachment is created. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5C  shows an exploded side cross sectional view of alternate embodiment of the panel  10  with a dual pointed mushroom prongs  30 . The trunk of the hook  32  extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface  14  of panel  10 . Prongs  34   a  and  34   b  are attached to the top of the trunk  32  such that they are bent back toward surface  14  at concave curved angles. Prongs  34   a  and  134   b  are pushed through screen  108  “open” areas such that prongs engage the screen and secure attachment is created. As with the preferred embodiment, the dual head design allows for the hook  30  to engage the mesh webbing at two points on each protruding curved hook head  34   a  and  34   b . By engaging the mesh webbing twice, each hook  30  is capable of supporting more weight. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5D  shows an exploded side cross sectional view of alternate embodiment of the panel  10  of the present invention that utilizes a dual pronged arrow hook  40 . The trunk of the hook  42  extends perpendicularly from the fastening surface  14  of panel  10 . The pointed hook  40  is an arrow shaped hook head with a solid triangularly shaped prong  44 . Prong  44  is attached to the top of the trunk  42  such that the arrow shape creates a 90 degree angle with the trunk  42 , and rests parallel to the fastening surface  14 . Prong  44  is pushed through screen  108  “open” areas such that the prong engages the screen and secure attachment is created. The solid construction of hook  40  provides greater strength is securing heavyweight panels to the screen. 
         [0040]    The hook designs shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D  are not limited to the single or dual head designs that are shown, and consist of any number of heads of any design protruding from the end of the trunk of each hook. By increasing the number of heads used in the design of a hook, the number of points of interaction between each hook and the screen is increased, thereby allowing each hook to support a greater amount of weight and ensuring that the panel remains secured to the screen. 
         [0041]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.