Abstract:
An elongate mounting strip for mounting screens to structures includes an elongate base that can be secured to the structure with screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, etc. The elongate base includes an array of relatively stiff filaments or hooks or posts over which the edge of the screen can be stretched and secured. The filaments or hooks engage through and hook onto the openings in the screen to secure the screen in place. A protective and decorative cover is provided for concealing this attachment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/565,809, filed Apr. 27, 2004 and incorporates the disclosure of the same herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to mesh screen, and more particularly to mounting strips used in the installation of mesh screens intended for use in the construction of screened-in areas, windows and door frames and the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In many situations, it is desirable to enclose a space with wire (typically aluminum) screen or fiberglass screen to keep out insects, while still enjoying the outdoors. Such screens are often used to enclose entire rooms, like in a screened-in porch or around a home swimming pool. Screens are also used in screen doors and window openings. Indeed, screens are used in a wide variety of circumstances. However, current methods of installing screen lack good strength and can be difficult for a user to employ. For mounting screens, it has long been known to provide an aluminum extrusion having an elongate channel running lengthwise in the extrusion for receiving an edge of the screen therein. The screen is held in place in the channel by a resilient spline that is forced into the channel. One disadvantage of this arrangement is that the screen needs to be stretched tightly over the extrusion while installing the spline. This can be difficult to do.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,797 shows another mounting arrangement in the form of a screen retainer strip assembly that has a base strip adapted to be fastened to a wooden frame member, with the base strip having two grooves extending axially. Each of the grooves is adapted for holding one spline, with a portion of the screen wound about the spline. The base strip is adapted to be secured to the wooden frame member by screws and has catches which hook onto corresponding parts of a protective, decorative cap for concealing the fastening of the screen to the base. Unfortunately, the screen retainer strip assembly according to the patent has limited holding strength such that high winds can separate the screen from the retainer strip assembly.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, it can be seen that a need yet remains in the art for a mounting strip for screens, which mounting strip has improved strength and yet which is easy to install and use. It is to the provision of such a mounting strip that the present invention is primarily directed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Briefly described, in a preferred form the present invention comprises an elongate mounting strip for mounting screens to structures. The mounting strip includes an elongate base that can be secured to the structure with screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, etc. The elongate base includes an array of relatively stiff filaments or hooks over which the edge of the screen can be stretched and secured. The filaments or hooks engage through and hook onto the openings in the screen to secure the screen in place. A protective and decorative cover can be provided for concealing this attachment.  
         [0007]     In one aspect, the present invention is a mounting strip for mounting an open mesh screen to a structure. The mounting strip comprises an elongate base and an elongate array of relatively stiff posts over which the screen can be stretched, with the posts engaging through openings in the screen to secure the screen in place.  
         [0008]     Optionally, the mounting strip can have openings formed therein for receiving fasteners therethrough for securing the base to the structure.  
         [0009]     Optionally, the mounting strip base can be secured to the structure with adhesive. Optionally, the mounting strip can comprise a protective cover for engaging and concealing the base. The mounting strip base can be adapted to secure a screen thereto without the use of a resilient spline.  
         [0010]     Optionally, the mounting strip posts can be angled at an acute angle with respect to the base to help hold the screen in place.  
         [0011]     Preferably, the mounting strip posts can comprise hooks. The mounting strip posts can be similar to the hooks of hook and loop fastener material. In one form, the mounting strip has an elongate base having two parallel rows of posts, with the posts being angled somewhat toward each other.  
         [0012]     Preferably, the mounting strip elongate base and posts are molded from plastic. The mounting strip can include a protective cover with openings corresponding to the location and spacing of the posts. Also, the mounting strip protective cover can have loop material for engaging the posts for securing the cover to the base.  
         [0013]     Optionally, the mounting strip elongate has an alignment element and the protective cover has a corresponding alignment element for engaging the alignment element of the base.  
         [0014]     In another aspect, the invention is a mounting strip for mounting an open mesh screen to a structure, wherein the mounting strip comprises an elongated base and a means for securing the mesh screen to said base without the use of a resilient spline.  
         [0015]     Advantageously, these constructions allow the screen to be pulled tight over the mounting strip and then securely mounted thereto by simply engaging the screen with the posts or filaments or hooks of the mounting strip. This simplifies and speeds the task of mounting a screen.  
         [0016]     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mounting strip according to a first preferred form of the invention.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 2A-2L  are perspective views of mounting strip post portions of the invention of  FIG. 1 , shown in alternate forms.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the mounting strip of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the mounting strip of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view of the mounting strip of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a mounting strip according to another example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mounting strip of  FIG. 1 , shown with two mesh screens attached there to.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of the mounting strip of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a mounting strip according to another form of the inventions, and shows the relative alignment between a mesh screen and the mounting strip.  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a sectional end view of a mounting strip according to another form of the invention and shown mated with a trim cap. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification, including in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.  
         [0028]     With reference now to the drawing figures,  FIG. 1  generally depicts a mounting strip  10  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which mounting strip  10  comprises a rigid elongate base  20  and two arrays  30 ,  31  of relatively stiff posts  32 . The posts  32  can also be considered as filaments or projections. The elongate base  20  includes front and rear faces  22 ,  23 , along with top and bottom faces  21 ,  24 . The elongate base  20  can take on a variety of shapes, however, it is preferred that the base be rectangular in section, having a width  26  much larger than its height  28 . Preferably, the base  20  is elongate, with a length which is similar to the length of the working surface to which the mounting strip  10  will be affixed. In one preferred form, the rigid posts  32  protrude from the top of the base  20  and consist of hooks similar to those found in hook and fastener material. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the mounting strip  10  can have two arrays of posts  32 ; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting strip may have one or more arrays.  
         [0029]     Preferably, the posts  32  are relatively short and stiff. The posts preferably are stiff and strong enough to resist substantial forces resulting from tension in the screen mesh. Such forces include bending forces and shear forces. The length of the posts preferably is chosen to be somewhat on the same order of magnitude as the diameter (or other major dimension) of the posts. This results in a rather “stubby” post. This stubbiness contributes somewhat to the practical strength of the posts. For example, the inventor has found that for typical installations of fiberglass or aluminum mesh screen, a plastic post having a length of ⅛th inch results in a post of readily sufficient strength to securely attach the mesh screen to the mounting strip. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that for high-strength applications, such as in using stainless steel mesh in prison environments, it might be necessary to provide larger posts or use material having higher overall strength.  
         [0030]     In preferred embodiments, the mounting strip  10  can be secured to a working surface through the use of various fasteners, including nails, screws, and staples. Optionally, the mounting strip  10  can be secured with adhesive. The mounting strip  10 , including the base  20  and the posts  32 , can be made out of rigid plastic chosen for suitable strength and durability. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the material properties of the mounting strip  10  can vary. Additionally, the mounting strip could be made entirely or partially of metals or rubber, or other materials.  
         [0031]     The posts  32  can take one of a number of different shapes and designs.  FIGS. 2A-2L  depict several example embodiments of the posts.  FIG. 2A  depicts a post or stub  32 , which has a diameter that is a considerable fraction of the height.  FIG. 2B  depicts a post that has a diameter that is significantly less than its height. The posts  32  can be curved as seen in  FIG. 2C  or angled as seen in  FIG. 2D . The top face of the posts can be circular ( FIG. 2A ), rectangular ( FIG. 2B ), elliptical ( FIG. 2C ) or triangular ( FIG. 2D ). In other embodiments, the top of the posts  32  can be beveled as shown in  FIGS. 2E-2H . In still other embodiments, the posts  32  can be in the form of two connected spheres as seen in  FIG. 2I . In some preferred embodiments, the posts  32  are hook shaped, similar to commercial hook and loop fasteners, as depicted in  FIGS. 2J-2L . As seen in  FIG. 2J , the post  32  may have “hooks” on two or more sides. Regardless of the shape, the posts  32  should be of a size that permits the mesh screen  40  to slip over them. However, the mesh screen  40  may have to be stretched to fit over the posts  32  as the posts could be larger than the screen openings.  
         [0032]     Optionally, the posts  32  are angled at an acute angle with respect to the base  20  of the mounting strip  10  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Being angled in such a fashion helps to hold the mesh screen securely in place. Additionally, as seen in  FIG. 3 , it is preferred that the parallel rows of posts  32  are angled toward each other to better secure the mesh screen and prevent movement of the mesh screen in multiple directions. It is preferable that the posts  32  are formed along substantially the entire length of the base  20  as depicted in  FIGS. 4-5  while being staggered in a checkerboard fashion as seen in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0033]     The present invention is very easy to use. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , after the mounting strip  10  has been secured to a working surface (as by fasteners or adhesives), a user may then stretch one conventional mesh screen  40  over one array  30  of the posts  32  and an adjacent conventional mesh screen  40  over the other array  31 . With the screen pulled tight, the screen is pulled down over the posts of the mounting strip, to secure the screen in place. In example forms, the mesh screen is securely held in place by the individual posts  32  as seen in  FIG. 8 . In alternate embodiments, a user can apply adhesive to the screen over areas of intersection with the posts to provide for additional strength. Additionally, the adhesive can be applied to woven mesh (e.g., metal) screen to bind the screen together, allowing the posts to better secure the screen. Similarly, various welding techniques can be applied to woven metallic mesh screen to pre-fuse the metallic strands before fitting the screen over the posts.  
         [0034]     Optionally, the rows of posts can be offset from one other to maximize hold on the mesh screen while minimizing the chance of tearing the screen, as depicted in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0035]     After the mesh screen has been stretched over the mounting strip, preferably a trim cover  50  is then placed on top of the mounting strip  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . The trim cover  50  can be used to help further secure the mesh screen in place and can serve as a decorative cover. Preferably, the trim cover  50  is rectangular in shape, having a height  54  and width  56 . In preferred embodiments, the trim cover width  56  is larger than the base width  26  so that the trim cover  50  completely covers the base  20 . The trim cover  50  can be placed over the entire length of the mounting strip  10 .  
         [0036]     In preferred embodiments, the trim cover  50  can be equipped with loop material  60 , as seen in  FIG. 10 . The loop material can be used to secure the trim cover to the (protruding) posts  32  using a hook and loop approach. Alternatively, a mechanical snap lock can be designed into the base and trim cover to secure the cover in place. Optionally, various types of adhesives can be used to secure the trim cover  50  to the mounting strip  10 . Additionally, in a preferred form, the mounting strip  10  and the trim cover  50  can each be provided with an alignment element ( 70  and  80  respectfully) that may be mated together to aid the user in properly fitting the trim cover  50  over the mounting strip  10 . The mounting strip alignment element  70  can be U-shaped or rectangular and can provide a channel for the trim cover alignment element  80  to mount into, allowing a user to quickly align and secure the two.  
         [0037]     Optionally, in alternative embodiments the mounting strip  10  can be integrated into standard windows, door frames and the like  90  as seen in  FIG. 11 . In this fashion, it is preferred that the trim cover  50  is of sufficient width and height to cover the underlying door or window frame.  
         [0038]     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.