Abstract:
A window frame molding system with removeable and interchangeable moldings of the present invention provide an organizational system which can be used to install, change, and remove window frame moldings while not damaging the window frame itself. For a rectangular installation, the entire structure can consist of four straight pieces of metal, plastic, synthetics, or wood, as mounting members, with the ends either flat or cut angularly at 45°, as the base of the structure. Further, four decorative moldings and four junction pieces of metal, plastic, synthetics, or wood, interfit with the mounting member in a configuration with the moldings being slide locked into place and the junction pieces securing the decorative moldings in place. Because of the variety of materials which can be used to make the window frame moldings, they are both inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a convenience structure for mounting and applying window frame moldings, and more specifically to provide users with a window molding system for framing a window covering which helps the user save time, it provides variety, and a more organized window molding system.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Prior art structures for window frame moldings have been most rudimentary and disorganized, mostly consisting of a regular molding being nailed or glued around the perimeter of a window by an installer. Frame moldings utilized with window coverings are not purely for aesthetic purposes but are typically mounted about the periphery of a window opening and oriented to extend within the dimensions of the window opening to form a smaller opening to cover the light space between the outer edges of the window covering (typically horizontal blinds) and the window opening within which the window covering operates.  
           [0003]    The provision of a window opening peripheral additional cover enables a typical horizontal blind window covering to operate much more efficiently in shutting out light in the closed position. Unwanted light which is eliminated includes light entering at the top of the channel support, sides of the channel supports, ends of the louvers and the ends and bottom of the base louver. Where the base louver either falls short of the bottom of the window opening or where the base louver is pivotally mounted by a hold down, significant light can enter at the base of the bottom louver. The window opening peripheral additional cover significantly contributes to light blockage at the bottom of the window covering.  
           [0004]    Aside from both functionality and aesthetics the question of replacement is an important one. Replacement can be required due to damage or due to the desire for aesthetic change. Where conventional window opening peripheral additional cover is custom made and fitted into an opening replacement is not only expensive and burdensome, but can cause significant damage to the surrounding wall areas. As a result, replacement of conventionally installed window opening peripheral additional cover members will include a second custom installation as well as surrounding wall repair.  
           [0005]    When the user desires to change or remove the molding because of color, style or damage to the molding, the wall segment around the window&#39;s perimeter will have nail holes, chipped wall board around the nail holes, and the existing nail holes cannot be re-used because of enlargement or damage to the material. Plus the removed molding will be ruined and most un-usable.  
           [0006]    When removing window moldings which were installed using glue or glue like substances, wall areas may be left with glue residue and debris, meaning that the installer will now have to put extra effort into plastering, cleaning, and stripping the area before new window moldings can be used.  
           [0007]    Most window moldings today are usually made out of wood, a material which is not very durable and cannot fully withstand many climate variations, temperatures, and everyday exposure to the elements. When typical window moldings remain in a normal setting such as a house, the window moldings can be easily ruined by everyday occurrences such as water damage, thermal cracking, wood rot, bowing and fracturing, children&#39;s abuse of the molding, chipped paint, and termites.  
           [0008]    For a premises owner, or user, to replace the damaged window moldings with new ones, the user would have to destructively remove the damaged moldings (as described above), buy new moldings, have an installer install them or begin measuring and cutting them for a custom installation. This can be very costly and time consuming for the user.  
           [0009]    Another impracticality of window moldings is, especially since moldings are usually made out of wood, that they are less durable and the cost of manufacture is much greater than manufacturing and molding plastic, metal, synthetic, and fiberglass materials.  
           [0010]    Most window moldings are meant to be permanent fixtures around the window. This has a disadvantage in that the user can&#39;t easily change the color or style. If a user wishes to change the room colors by painting the room, and wants to match the moldings to the new paint, the moldings will look messy and unprofessional after being painted, especially if they cannot be removed to paint them throughly.  
           [0011]    The ability to, in a organized and easy manner, change or remove window moldings is an advantage which is conventionally not available, or available at a reasonable cost.  
           [0012]    What is therefore needed is a device or structure which can easily and affordably allow window moldings to be changed or removed in an organized manner. The device needs to be easy to use so it will be more convenient to use it. It needs to be easy to install and not messy so when the window molding is removed, users will not have to do a lot of preparation to install a different molding. The device needs to be simple and inexpensive, so the majority of the general public can afford it. The device needs to help in reducing the time and effort spent in removing, changing, and installing window moldings.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    A window frame molding system with removeable and interchangeable moldings of the present invention provide an organizational system which can be used to install, change, and remove window frame moldings while not damaging the window frame itself.  
           [0014]    The entire structure consists of mounting support members and finish members. The mounting members are typically four straight pieces of metal, plastic, synthetics, or wood, with the ends cut angularly at 45°, and which forms the mounting base of the structure. The finish members include typically eight pieces of metal, plastic, synthetics, or wood, four straight members and four corner members, to interfit as exterior molding members. Because of the variety of materials which can be used to make the window frame moldings, they are very inexpensive and easy to manufacture.  
           [0015]    The window frame molding system is of simple construction and user-friendly. The system of mounting the molding pieces by placing the pieces on pegs and slide locking them into place with screws, is nearly foolproof, thus, users will not have a hard time using the window frame molding system. Plus, the way that the moldings slide-lock in to place is much easier than the usual conventional method of gluing or nailing the moldings into place around the window frame. Also, the slide lock method is not messy like the two conventional methods mentioned above.  
           [0016]    Since the window frame molding system can be made out of many different types of material, such as, metal, synthetics, plastics, and wood, the window frame molding system should be rather inexpensive to manufacture. Also, all the materials which can be used in making the window frame molding system can be treated with sealants and preservers so they will not be damaged by rust, wood rot, or termites. Plus, since the window frame molding system is so inexpensive to produce, they can be manufactured in many different styles and patterns so the users will have more of a variety of window moldings to use, and will be able to change moldings when they change the molding surroundings such as, painting the room the window frame molding system is being used in. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of a window frame molding system illustrating the components and their method of assembly;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a back view of the window frame molding showing the screws used to slide lock the molding into place, and the two peg blind bores in each corner;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembled window covering frame system but with non-closely conforming junction pieces, corner pieces in the case of a rectangular configuration, which extend slightly into the area within the frame opening;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a side sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of FIG. 3 and illustrates the top portion of an unassembled view of a straight molding pieces about to enter a locked position with a mounting piece and locked into place with a junction piece;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a side sectional view in accord with FIG. 4 after locking and securing of the junction piece has taken place;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a side sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of FIG. 1 and illustrating the close conformity between the exterior pattern of a straight molding and the underside and top side of a lip of a junction piece; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is an assembled version of the window frame molding system as seen in FIG. 1 in an assembled position and with respect to a horizontal blind mounted within it, but un-attached to any window opening or wall surrounding a window opening. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]    A description of the inventive window frame molding system as shown in FIG. 1 as a window frame molding system  11 . FIG. 1 is an exploded overall view of the components of the system  11 , including mounting support members and finish members. The entire system  11  shown in FIG. 1 consists of sixteen major pieces in combination with keyhole reinforcements. The system shown contemplates a rectangular realization, however other geometrical shapes are possible with a corresponding increase in the number of parts.  
         [0026]    The system  11  includes finish members including four junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19 , four pieces of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . Junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  are shown as corner pieces where the window covering opening is rectangular. The junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19 , occur at the corners, but there is no reason that they should not occur also along straight lengths of the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 .  
         [0027]    Further, there is no reason that the slide lock mechanism disclosed would not work at various places along the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . In other words, the rectangular window opening shape may have its molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  periodically interrupted with junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  not located at angled meetings of the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  but between straight sections. Further, for shapes other than rectangular, such as pentagonal, hexagonal and the like, the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be provided and over window openings of these shapes, especially where either the wall is built out to provide adequate operating space for a rectangular blind set or where the fully opened blind set matches the shape.  
         [0028]    Behind the finish members  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  are four pieces of straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . The straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are generally rectangular cross section, elongate stick shapes, but may end in forty-five degree angle tapers in order to form a sharp corner. The custom interfit of the ends of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  would be done where it was desired to keep out the last measure of light.  
         [0029]    The straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are preferably pre bored with a series of keyhole or slot depressions  37 . The slot depressions  37  are preferably covered by a keyhole plate  39 . The use of the keyhole plate relieves the need to seek materials which could provide a naturally formed keyhole opening, as well as the need to form a partially enclosed volume within a solid piece of material.  
         [0030]    The slot depressions  37  are provided to enable good clearance for a bolt or screw head to enter through the keyhole plate  39  without interference from the material of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . Slot depressions  37  typically include a deep slot portion  41  and a keyhole plate  39  countersunk portion  43  to enable the keyhole plate  39  to fit at or beneath the external surface level of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 .  
         [0031]    The keyhole plate  39  typically has a pair of end apertures  45  for mounting with threaded apertures (not shown) into the material of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . Again, the area around the apertures  45  are appropriately lowered or countersunk so that the heads of the threaded members also lie below the outer surfaces of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 .  
         [0032]    Also note that the four junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  each have an overlapping lip  47  which continues a shape which generally conforms to the shape of the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . The overlap enables the pattern to be semi-continuous although the lip can be seen to overlap a portion of the pattern at the end of the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . This has the advantage that a relatively rough cut end of the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  is well covered by the lip  47  and will not show. The disadvantage is that the discontinuity is more apparent than it would otherwise be in a custom frame.  
         [0033]    In terms of overall utility, the slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  will be located at an even spacing along the length of one or more of the side surfaces of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . As can be seen, the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  have a somewhat rectangular cross section. The mounting methodology for the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  can include mounting about the outside periphery of a window opening or mounting about the inside periphery of a window opening. The method of attachment of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  is preferably by any means and includes gluing, nailing, and the like. Regardless, the best stability is had by mounting one of the relatively wider sides against the wall surface to which they are to be attached. For mounting on the outside of the window opening, the four pieces of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  will fit into slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  on the opposite, relatively wider surface of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 , as is seen in FIG. 1.  
         [0034]    However for mounting on the inside, inner periphery of a window opening, the four pieces of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  will fit into slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  on the adjacent, relatively wider surface of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 .  
         [0035]    As a result, the four pieces of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  preferably come with the slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  pre-formed on two adjacent sides, as is seen in FIG. 1. Further, the spacing of the slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  is an even spacing, and no regard need be given (although it can be in some exacting cases) to the exact positioning of the slot depressions  37  and their associated keyhole plates  39  along the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 .  
         [0036]    In the case of a rectangular window opening as is the case in FIG. 1, once the four pieces of straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are cut and positioned with regard to a window opening, the four pieces of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  can be fitted (as will be shown) with the excess then cut off to yield a system which is specific to the installed straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 .  
         [0037]    Also seen in FIG. 1 are a series of brackets  51  which are shown at the corners or angles of the system  11 , although not required to be placed at the corners or angles. Brackets  51  are typically found at the angular meeting points of the mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 , although brackets  51  could be placed along the main length of mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35  to hold many such junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  where punctuation of the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  with junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  is desired.  
         [0038]    Brackets  51  are preferably made of thin metal with a pair of polymeric projections  53  and a series of attachment apertures  55 . The polymeric projections  53  engage and hold junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  by means of a generally matched rear bore in the back sides of the junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19 . The polymeric projections  53  may preferably be made of deformable material in order to have a better hold. A circular shape with ribs to concentrate the deformation is shown in FIG. 1. The downward angled ribs give a preferred deformation upon insertion and more force upon removal to insure a good lock.  
         [0039]    The brackets  51  perform two important functions. By being attached with apertures  55  to the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 , they are thus strengthened by mutual force support. In other words, once the brackets  51  are added, the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  have the strength of a mounted stiff frame rather than the individual strengths of the members.  
         [0040]    Secondly, the brackets  51  have a width approximately equal to the narrowest width of the straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  and are thus easily located and positioned at the exact corners. It is not necessary for two straight mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  to abut or meet exactly at a corner. An overlap of one member over the other is acceptable. A gap is also acceptable. The brackets  51  have sufficient strength to lend the proper stability to the resulting frame.  
         [0041]    The lengths of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  may have a series of pre-inserted threaded members having heads for engaging the deep slot portion  41  and a keyhole plate  39 . The series of pre-inserted threaded members (not shown in FIG. 1) should have the same spacing as the series of pre-inserted threaded members. When this is the case, and once the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are in place, the lengths of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be fitted in place and have the excess end material removed. Some test interfitting may be required so that a particular one of the lengths of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  can be matched with a single one of the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  which will give the most advantageous elimination of scrap or even of cutting.  
         [0042]    Savings in cutting may occur where identified non cut ends of the lengths of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  are coordinated with an identified end of one of the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  with cutting indicated to occur on the other end of the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 , such that cutting of the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  can be made to occur on one end only. This technique can reduce cutting to one cut per piece, both for the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 , as well as the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 .  
         [0043]    An optional corner cut  57  with implaced pegs  59  illustrates a variation where corners may be moved precisely together and where pegs  59  may be utilized. In this case it is better to pre manufacture the corner cut  57  and pegs  59  to indicated them as being the ends of the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  which are restrained from cutting. If such a mixed system is utilized, the two opposite corners should be corner cut  57  with pre-inserted pegs  59  and possibly marked to indicate that no cutting should occur. This would leave only two brackets  51  to be installed. In the alternative, all four corners may have brackets  51  and the ends of the mounting members  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  could still be marked for non cutting and for fitting abutment into the window opening.  
         [0044]    The system  11  in FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the constructed moldings and including a first view of a series of a series of evenly spaced slide-lock screws  61 . Note that the slide-lock screws  61  begin at a given spacing from one end of each of the molding lengths  21 ,  23 ,  25 , &amp;  27 , and appear not to be symmetrical along their lengths. The slide-lock screws  61  are preferably machine inserted at the factory to insure that they will correspond to the placement of the keyhole plates  39 . Since boring and chamfering accompanied the placement of the keyhole plates  39 , any mis-alignment could be quickly remedied by re-positioning of the slide-lock screws  61 . Further, the insertion of the slide-lock screws  61  should be of an exact depth to enable operation with the keyhole plates  39  without further adjustment, although such further adjustment could be easily had with a few degrees of turn with a screwdriver.  
         [0045]    Also seen are a pair of blind bores  62  which are arranged in somewhat of a forty five degree orientation as a line between them. The positioning of the blind bores  62  corresponds with the positioning of the polymeric projections  53 . In the case of the corner cut  57  ends, the pre-inserted pegs  59  are pre-positioned to interfit with the blind bores  62 . In either case, the blind bore  62  positioning causes a positive lock to be transmitted back from the mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 .  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 3, a variation on the junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  are seen as junction pieces  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  69  where these junction pieces have a lip having an underside surface which does not conform to the overall pattern of the molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . However since the upper surface of the lip is a generally flat pattern dominated by the surface pattern of the junction pieces  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  69  there is sufficient material to enable a clearance to the rear to overlap the molding pattern.  
         [0047]    In FIG. 3 the overall motif is such that the corner patterns project such that it is clear that the frame is not one piece, but the overlap appears more deliberate and the corners dominate the pattern. The view of FIG. 3 emphasizes that the patterns can be mixed and matched to produce more dramatic effect.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 4, side sectional view taken along only the upper portion of section line  4 - 4  shows the cross section of the interfit. The top straight mounting piece  31  is shown as coming completely through and atop the side straight mounting piece  33 , to illustrate one possible manner of fit. To the left of mounting pieces  33  and  31  is seen the bracket  51  and its leftwardly extending polymeric projections  53 . A pair of threaded members  71  are shown securing the bracket  51  into the mounting pieces  31  and  33 .  
         [0049]    To the left, decorative molding  25  is seen as having a slide screw  61  protruding a sufficient amount to enter through the large end of the keyhole plate  39  resting in the countersunk portion  43  such that the head of the slide screw  61  enters the slot depression  37 . The dashed arrow gives the direction of entrance and translation of the head of the slid screw  61  as it moves toward the terminal end of the slot depression  37  and into a locked position.  
         [0050]    In terms of locking, friction locking or narrowed locking is not necessary as the implacement of the junction piece  65  will prevent the slide screw  61  from reversing its path within the slot depression  37 . Thus, so long as the junction piece  65  is located at the end of a molding  25  which moved away from that corner in order to lock into place, it cannot reverse its path to become unlocked. Also seen in FIG. 5 is a lip  73  on the junction piece  65 .  
         [0051]    This is illustrated in FIG. 5 with a view of both the top and bottom portions. The molding  25  has to be moved up in order to free it from the mounting piece  33 .  
         [0052]    Referring to FIG. 6, an assembled view taken along line  6 - 6  of FIG. 1 illustrates how the lip  47  overlies the top surface of the molding  23 . It also shows how the lip  47  has an underside and a top side which generally conforms to the details of the outer surface of the pattern on the molding  23 .  
         [0053]    The polymeric projections  53  preferably has a series of side engagement ridges which have a good hold on the junction piece  65 . A first set of decorative moldings  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  can be removed by simply removing the junction pieces  63 ,  65 ,  67  and  69 , moving the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  to unlock position and putting them away. A second set of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  can be purchased, fitted, marked, and cut to fit in the same manner as the first set of decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27 . Optionally, a second set of junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  or junction pieces  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  69  are instantly interchangeable. So, not only can the junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  and junction pieces  63 ,  65 ,  67 , and  69  and the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  be changed, either can be changed separately to create mix and match combinations.  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 7, an assembled version of the window frame molding system  11  of FIG. 1 is seen in an assembled position and with respect to a horizontal blind mounted within it, but un-attached to any window opening or wall surrounding a window opening. Window frame molding system  11  is shown with respect to a horizontal blind set  77  mounted behind the system  11 , but with no other details of attachment for the blinds which would typically be attached to a ceiling or rear window surface. Further, to show the possibilities, in this case the vertical straight mounting pieces  29  and  33  extend the full vertical length while the top mounting piece  31  and bottom mounting piece  35  (not seen in FIG. 7) abut the vertical straight mounting pieces  29  and  33 . This illustrates that the straight mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  can have any orientation at the corners especially since the brackets  51  are strong and provide adequate holding.  
         [0055]    Also as can be seen in FIG. 7 the outer peripheral surfaces of the straight mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35  could be applied to a peripherally inwardly set of wall surfaces just within a window opening wall space. The surfaces of both the straight mounting pieces  29 , and  31  seen would directly abut the inwardly directed wall surfaces.  
         [0056]    Conversely, the rear surfaces of straight mounting pieces  29 ,  31 ,  33 , &amp;  35  could be applied to the facing wall structure surrounding a window opening. In this case, the surfaces of both the straight mounting pieces  29  and  31 , for example. Would extend out from the wall and still be seen as would the side edges of the junction pieces  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19  and the side edges of the decorative molding  21 ,  23 ,  25 , and  27  would be viewable. In this case the user may provide other covering material for aesthetic purposes. However, regardless of the mounting, it can readily be seen that any top, side and bottom gap which would exist between the horizontal blind set  77  and adjacent wall surface is eliminated. The closer the horizontal blind  77  is mounted to the system  11 , the better job system  11  can do in shutting out unwanted peripheral light.  
         [0057]    Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.