Patent Publication Number: US-8973315-B2

Title: Window trim system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trim is used in a variety of building applications to frame architectural elements of a building. Trim may be sued to finish and surround doorways, windows, patio doors, garage doors and other types of architectural elements that define openings to a building structure. Trim is applied to frame the architectural elements windows on site and may be secured with tools and fasteners such as a hammer and nails. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment a window and trim assembly system include a window structure including a window frame having a first longitudinal edge and a second opposing longitudinal edge. A trim assembly surrounds a periphery of the window structure having a decorative surface and an opposing surface having an engagement portion. The trim assembly has a first portion proximate the first longitudinal edge and a second portion proximate the second longitudinal edge. A first clip is releasably engaged with the window structure adjacent the first longitudinal edge and a second clip being releasably engaged with the window structure adjacent the second longitudinal edge. The first clip and second clip releasably secure the trim assembly to the window structure. The first clip biases the first portion of the trim assembly in a first direction and the second clip biases the second portion of the trim assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first clip and second clip are releasably engaged with the window structure and trim assembly without a fastener and without a tool. 
     In another embodiment a method for attaching a trim assembly to a window comprises forming a trim assembly by creating a frame having an engagement member that support the weight of the frame. Providing a plurality of clips to mate with the engagement member. Releasably securing the clips to a window structure without a fastener or tool. Positioning the trim assembly substantially parallel to the surface of a window structure. Aligning the engagement member of the trim frame with the clips. Hand pressing the trim assembly such that all tabs are inserted onto the clips to releasably secure the trim assembly and center the trim assembly relative to the window frame by biasing the trim assembly in a first direction by one of the plurality of the clips and in a second opposing direction by another of the plurality of the clips. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a clip. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the clip, trim assembly, building and window, prior to installation of the trim. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the clip, trim assembly, building and windows after installation of the trim. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a trim assembly prior to installation to a pair of windows. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of trim in the installed position between a door and a window. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a mask covering secured to a building. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a second embodiment of the clip. 
         FIG. 9  is an angled and 3-D view of the second embodiment of the clip. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a trim piece aligning with a mounted (to a window) clip, ready to be attached to the clip (and window). 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a trim piece inserted and attached to a clip and two sides of a window. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a trim piece inserted and attached to a clip and window using a second method for contact with the clip. 
         FIG. 13  is a front-angled-corner view of multiple clips attached to a window. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , a clip  100  releasably secures a trim assembly  102  to an architectural element such as a window structure  104 . Clip  100  includes a first portion  106  and a second portion  108 . In one embodiment, clip  100  is molded or formed as a one-piece device. First portion  106  defines a cavity  110  to releasably secure a tab  112  of trim assembly  102 . Trim assembly  102  may be a single trim member or a number of trim members that are secured to one another to form a frame about a window for example. 
     In one implementation, cavity  110  has a cross sectional area that is larger than the cross sectional area of tab  112 . First portion  106  is connected to second portion  108  by a U-shaped portion  116 . U-shaped portion  116  includes a first leg  118  and an opposing second leg  120  connecting the first portion  106  to the second portion  108 . First portion  106  includes an inwardly extending leg  122  extending inwardly from first leg  118  in a direction toward cavity  110  and away from a bottom portion  124  of the U-shaped portion  116 . 
     An outwardly extending guide portion  126  extends from inwardly extending leg  122  in a direction away from cavity  110 . Guide portion  126  provides a guide for tab  112  toward an opening  128  of cavity  110 . A tooth portion  130  is formed at the intersection of inwardly extending leg  122  and guide portion  126 . 
     In one embodiment, guide portion  126  extends from inwardly extending leg  122  at a right angle. However, other angles less than 180 degrees are also contemplated. Guide portion  126  provides funnel guidance for the tab  112  to be easily inserted into cavity  110  through opening  128 . As discussed below, clip  100  has spring like properties, such that leg  118  and leg  122  are flexed outwardly away from cavity  110  as tab  112  is inserted into cavity and then springs back toward cavity  110  once tab  112  passes through opening  128 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show the second portion  108  comprising a J-shaped leg  132  that is attached to second leg  120  of U-shaped portion  116 . In one implementation, a concave leg  134  extends from J-shaped leg  132  having a point of inflection  136 . A convex bulge portion  138  extends from concave leg portion  134 . Convex bulge portion  138  has an outer surface  140  having a maximum distance from leg  120 . Extending from convex bulge portion  138  is a terminal leg portion  142  extending substantially parallel to second leg  120  has a terminal free end  144 . Terminal leg portion  142  includes an inner surface  146  facing second leg  120 . Inner surface  146  is a spaced a predetermined distance from outer surface  140  of bulge portion  138 . 
     A bay  148  is defined by the region between second leg  120 , J-shaped leg  132 , concave leg portion  134 , convex bulge portion  140  and terminal leg portion  142 . A notch  150  is located within bay  148  defined by the convex leg portion  140  defining a concave notch  150 . Concave leg portion  134  of clip  100  provides flexibility for leg portion  142  of clip  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5  second portion  108  of clip  100  is receiveably secured to window structure  104 . Groove  151  is defined as U-shaped where the open end is opposite of the majority portion of the window  104 . In one embodiment, groove  151  includes a first wall  152 , connected to a bottom leg portion  154 . The bottom leg portion  154  is connected to a second opposing wall or post  156 . In this embodiment, the first wall  152  is longer than the opposing wall or post  156 . Referring to  FIG. 5  post  156  does not extend as far as wall  152  from the base of groove  151 . However it is also contemplated that post  156  may extend as far as or further than wall  152  from the base of groove  151 . 
     Terminal leg  142  and bulge portion  138  are received within groove  151  while a free end of second wall  154  is received within bay  148 . Second portion  108  is removably secured to window structure  104  by a user without the need for any tools. A user simply pushes second portion  108  toward second wall  154  until post  156  is received within bay  148 . As post  156  is received within bay  148 , terminal leg  142  and bulge portion  138  are received within groove  151 . In one implementation, opening  158  into bay  148  has a distance that is less than the thickness of post  156 . As a result as the free end of second wall  154  moves into bay  148  terminal leg portion  142  flexes in a direction away from second leg  120  of the U-shaped leg portion of clip  100 . J-shaped leg portion  132  acts as a spring to bias the terminal leg portion against post  156  of groove  151 . 
     In one implementation the distance between the facing surfaces of first wall  152  and post  156  of groove  151  is a first distance that is less than the distance of a vector extending perpendicularly between outer surface  140  of bulge portion  138  and the inner surface  146  of terminal leg portion  142 . As a result, when second portion  108  is pushed into groove  151  of window structure  104  bulge portion  138  flexes in a spring like manner such that the distance between outer surface  140  and inner surface  146  is the same as the first distance between the facing surfaces of first wall  152  and post  156 . In this manner the spring force provided by the flexing of bulge portion  138  assists in maintaining clip  100  within groove  151  as well as pressing terminal leg portion  142  against second wall  154  to maintain a grip onto post  156  with second leg portion  120  of the U-shaped portion of clip  100 . 
     In a different embodiment, post  156  can be P-shaped. The entire ‘P’ or nub may bit snuggly within the notch  150 . This type of configuration would provide additional security to the window frame  104 , but could require additional hand force to be removed. 
     Clip(s)  100  are made of material that is sufficiently pliable to provide the necessary spring force to maintain clips  100  within respective bays  148  and to secure tabs  112  of trim assembly  102  within cavity  110 . 
     The material needs to be pliable enough to bend to accept and then envelop securely a tab  112 . However, the material should be resistive to the weight of a trim assembly  102  and reasonable environmental conditions surrounding the trim assembly  102  once the trim assembly  102  is installed. The trim assembly  102  can be of any form.  FIG. 4  shows non-limiting examples of a rectangular and mull casting trim assemblies  102 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the top view of the insertion process of the trim assembly  102  to a clip  100 . The trim assembly  102  comprises an outer surface  160  and an opposing inner surface  162 . Trim assembly includes a main panel  164 , an outer panel  166  and an inner panel  168 . A post  170  extends from inner surface  162  in a direction away from the outer surface  160 . Tab  112  extends from a terminal end of post  170  spaced from inner surface  162 . 
     In an optional addition, a channel  171  may be added to the window structure  104 . The channel  171  is designed to provide an embracing surface for bulge portion  138 . This will provide greater frictional contact; thereby, provide addition support for the clip  100  and the trim assembly  102 . 
     Inner panel  168  includes a free end  172  that may serve as a stop against an outer surface of window structure  104 . Outer panel  166  includes a free terminal end  174  which is located proximate building structure  176  when trim assembly  102  is secured to window structure  104 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , free end  172  of inner panel  168  contacts a surface of window structure  104  when trim assembly  102  is secured with clips  100  to window structure  104 . Additionally, free end  174  of outer panel  166  is spaced from an outer surface of building structure  176 . 
     Outer panel  166  includes a supporting leg portion  178  and an inner tab member  180  designed to attach corner key  182  to secure two trim members together such as at a corner. As noted above in one embodiment, supporting leg  178  normally does not make contact with the building structure  176 , thereby, a gap  178  is created. This gap  178 , allows additional flexibility and tolerance when the user is inserting the trim assembly  102  into each clip  100 . Other types of attachments can be made which are known in the art. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  shows a trim assembly  102  being prepared for intuitive insertion and attachment to a part of a wall. In this non-limiting example, there are total of sixteen clips  100  surrounding two windows  184 . Connecting the trim assemblies  102  to the clips  100  does not require any tools; hand pressure is sufficient, although a small hammer may be used in certain circumstances, if the size of the clip is such that hand pressure is not sufficient to secure the clips to the window structure and/or secure trim assembly  102  to the clips. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  a center trim member  194  that is secured to two separate windows  184 . Trim member  194  includes a center panel member  196  and two side panel members  198  each a mirror image of one another. Side panel members  198  have a terminal end that contacts a respective window. 
     An installer positions the trim assembly  102  substantially parallel to the windows  184 . The tabs  112  attached to the trim assembly  102  are pointed towards the windows  184  and are aligned with the clips  100  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The installer then moves the trim assembly  102  in the insertion direction  186  towards the clips  100  and applies pressure on all sides of the trim assembly  102  until each and all of the tabs  112  are securely enveloped by its corresponding clip  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the pressure applied to the trim assembly  102  automatically centers the trim assembly  102  about the windows  184  and does not cause the trim assembly  102  to roll. Each clip  100  applies pressure through exerting spring forces along vectors  188 ,  190  as shown in  FIG. 3 , surrounding the tab  112 . Spring force  188  acts to draw the trim assembly  102  toward the window structure  104  and building  176 . Spring force  190  acts to draw the trim assembly in a general vector direction parallel to the outer surface of the building structure about the window structure  104 . In this manner the trim assembly is centered about the window structure. For example if a window structure has four sides (top, bottom, right side and left side), the trim assembly formed from four separate trim components being secured at their ends with a corner connector would be centered about window structure  104 . 
     This total assembly now seamlessly integrates with a previously placed weather resistant barrier and provides equal sightlines as shown in  FIG. 6 . The clip  100  may coordinate with a corner key  182  system as shown in  FIG. 3  to keep the trim assembly  102  straight and the corner miter joints tight. 
     Once the trim assembly  102  is attached, there are no visible fasteners on the face or edges of the trim assembly  102 . All clips  100  are hidden by the trim assembly  102  so there are not unsightly fasteners that may be seen once the trim assembly is secured. However, once attached, the trim assembly  102  can easily be removed by a user by simply pulling the trim assembly  102  away from the window structure  104  and building  176 . 
     The removable trim assembly  102  will allow an installer to trial fit a trim length. A manufacturer has no control over where a customer installs these windows  184 . Thus, a manufacturer can provide a generic trim length. An installer may cut the trim assembly  102  to match the field condition. Simple hand pressure in the reverse installation direction  186  will disassociate the trim assembly  102  from the clips  100 . Since the clips  100  secure trim assembly  102  on the side that is not visible once the trim assembly is installed insertion and removal of the trim assembly does not mar the visible portion of trim assembly  102  in the installed position. This permits a user to easily remove and reinstall the trim assembly  102  if a window structure needs to be repaired or the surrounding building is being painted or other maintenance is being conducted where removal of the trim assembly  102  may be desirable. The easily removing of the trim assembly  102  will not damage painted surfaces. 
     The spring forces from clip  100  in vector directions  188  and  190  operates over a broader range of motion to reduce reliance upon trim cut to an ideal length. The spring force  188  applies a force towards the window structure  104 . The spring force  190  also applies a force towards the second portion  108 . These combined forces the tab  112  removably secure to the clip  100  within the cavity  110 . The clip  100  will still self-center the trim assembly  102  if the pieces are cut longer or shorter than the ideal length. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment in which a mask  192  may be installed on the window structure utilizing the clips prior to installing the trim assembly  102 . This will allow painting with a removably secure mask covering window  184  and other areas as necessary. Mask  192  includes a tab structure similar to tab  112  allowing the mask to be releasably secured to the window structure utilizing the clips  100 . A painter may then paint the building structure without worry of getting paint on the window structure. Once the painting is completed the mask is removed simply by pulling the mask away from the building and window structure such that clips  100  release the tabs  112  on the mask. The trim assembly  102  may then be secured to the window structure using the same clips in a manner described above. 
     A second embodiment of a clip  200  is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Clip  200  includes a first section  201  and a second section  203 . First section  201  is configured to releasably secure trim assembly  102  and second section  203  is configured to be releasably secured to window structure  104 . 
     First section  201  includes a wavy handle portion  202 . Second section  203  includes a generally U shaped member defining a channel  204 . This embodiment also releasably secures a trim assembly  102  to an architectural element such as a window structure  104 . In this embodiment, clip  200  is also molded or formed as a one-piece device. The channel  204  is designed to releasably secure post  156  window structure  104 . The wavy handle portion  202  is made up of a first tooth portion  206 , a second tooth portion  208 , and a C-shaped portion  210 . The first tooth portion  206  generally extends n the same direction as the C-shaped leg portion  210  toward second portion  203 . The first tooth  206  includes a first leg portion  214  connected to a second leg portion  216 . The second tooth  208  generally extends in a direction opposite to that of first tooth  206  and C-shaped portion  210  in a direction away from second portion  203 . Second tooth  208  is formed includes the second leg portion  216  from first tooth  206  and a first end  218  of the C-shaped leg portion  210 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an L-shaped segment  221  and second end  222  of the C-shaped leg portion  210  defines a channel  204 . L-shaped segment  221  includes a base  224  connected to a finger portion  226  that extends from base  224 . Finger portion  226  has an interior surface first wall  228  that defines part of the channel  204 . An interior second wall  230  extends from first wall  228  in a direction away from base  224  and wavy handle portion  202 . Second wall  230  bends away/outward from handle portion  202 . Second wall portion  230  terminates in a free end or rounded tip  232 . Extending from rounded tip  232  on the exterior surface of clip  100  is a third wall  234 . Extending from third wall  234  is a hump  236  that extends outwardly from finger portion  226  in a direction away from channel  204 . Hump  236  may be formed from two shallow ramps  238 ,  240  and a flat surface  242  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Alternatively, hump  236  may be a generally convex portion extending outwardly from exterior surface  244 , away from channel  204 . 
     The wavy handle portion  202  of clip  200  provides flexibility that allows for the insertion of post  156  into channel  204 . C-shaped portion  201  acts to guide post  156  into channel  204 . The combination of the C-shaped leg portion  210  and the second wall  230  provide funnel guidance for the post  156  is easily inserted into channel  204 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the post  156  is mated with channel  204 , similar to mating with bay  148 . The clip  200  is removably secured to window structure  104  by a user without the need for any tools. A user simply pushes channel  204  toward the post  156  until post  156  is received within channel  204 . The friction provides a static or stable connection for the clip  200 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , clips  200  are spaced about window assembly  104  to receive trim assembly  102 . 
     Once the clips  200  are attached to the window post  156 , the trim  102  is ready to be installed. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the trim  102  is lined up the clips  200  surrounding the window  104 . Within the trim  102 , there are channels  260  designed to mate each clip  200 . Adjacent to each channel  260 , a leg portion  262  bends contrary to the channel  260 . This leg portion  262  also provides funnel guidance for each clip  200 . When the trim  102  is hand pressed towards  264  the second tooth  208  and the extension  220  of clip  200  embed themselves in channel  260  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , trim assembly  104  is shown attached to two opposing sides of window structure  102 . Portion  202  of clip  200  provide a biasing force in a direction away from the window structure. One clip  200  shown on the right side of window structure in  FIG. 12  provides a force against trim assembly  102  in a rightward direction shown as vector  268 . Similarly, the clip  200  shown on the left side of window structure  104  in  FIG. 12  provides a force against trim assembly  102  in a leftward direction shown as vector  270 . In this manner clips  200  provide equal and opposite force against trim assembly  102 . This equal and opposite force helps to center trip assembly  102  about window structure  104 .  FIG. 12  also shows the mirroring of clips  200  in relationship to the trim  102 . Since the clips  200  are mirrored, there is equalized force both horizontal right  268  and horizontal left  270 . 
     While  FIG. 11  illustrates the rightward and leftward acting on trim assembly  102 , there are also clips providing upward and downward forces on trim assembly  102  as well. As shown in  FIG. 13 , clips  200  are mounted both horizontally and vertically. Thus, the same principles that stabilize the horizontal movement as discussed previously, also apply to the stability of vertical movement. 
     Since trim assembly  102  generally covers all four sides of a window structure, the trim assembly is generally centered about window structure  104  in the up, down, left and right directions. Of course it is contemplated that the window structure may have other shapes than a square shape. If window structure has less or sides, than clips  200  provide opposing forces that would assist in the centering of the trim assembly on these window structure shapes as well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in an alternative embodiment, only second tooth  208  of clip  200  is located within channel  260 . First tooth  206  is in contact with a bulge  266  of trim assembly  102 . In this embodiment, bulge  266  is nested with tooth  206  further retaining trim assembly  102  against window structure  104  by clips  200 . 
     The trim assembly  102  no longer dictates where an installer places the window  184  or a door in a wall of a building. Rather, it is expected that a ‘common geometry’ or modularity will be established. This flexibility allows an installer to install the same trim assembly  102  across adjacent windows  184  and doors. The clip  100  allows a manufacturer to utilize the same trim on different windows  184  and door product lines. Simply through designing a new clip  100 , a manufacturer can utilize existing trim on different windows  184  or door product line. The clip  100  removes the complexity present in some trim solutions. 
     It takes minimal if any training to snap the trim assembly  102  into the clip  100 . Since the clip  100  is intuitive to understand and install than current solutions, industry adaptation is easier. An installer can cut pieces of trim to length and assemble them onto an installed windows  184  or door or combinations thereof. 
     An advantage to using the clip  100  is an installer may attach the trim assembly  102  after painting is complete. A painter does not need to staple through a weather resistant barrier. A second advantage is each assembly may have its own packaging to protect it during shipping. With smaller packages, it is easier to make the packages fit a delivery vehicle. 
     It is noted that trim assembly has been identified by reference numeral  102  for use with clip  100 ,  200  and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Although trim assembly has been identified by reference numeral  102 , it is understood that the trim assembly has a different geometry when being used with clips  100 ,  200  and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     In one embodiment groove  151  extends substantially along the entire width and length of window structure  104  where trim assembly  102  is to be secured. Similarly, wall or post  156  also extends substantially along the entire width and length of window structure  104  where trim assembly  102  is to be secured. This allows clips  100  or  200  to be placed anywhere along the width or length of window structure  104 . It is also contemplated that groove  151  and corresponding post  156  may be located in discrete locations such that the location of clips  100  or  200  would be releasably secured to window structure  104  in predetermined positions. 
     In one embodiment trim assembly  102  has four side pieces forming a square or rectangle. Each of the side pieces may be secured to an adjacent side with a corner attachment member. In one embodiment, each side piece is perpendicular to an adjacent side piece. When trim assembly  102  with the four side pieces secured together with corner attachment members is removably secured to window structure  104 , clips  100  bias each side piece in a direction toward the center of the window that is generally parallel to the window glazing. Stated another way, clips  100  bias each side piece in a direction away from the side piece that is parallel to itself. Since the side pieces of trim assembly  102  are secured to one another the equal and opposite biasing of the assembly trim pieces by clips  100  both center trim assembly about window structure  104 . 
     In the embodiment described above with respect to clip  200 , each side piece is biased in an direction away from the center of the window that is generally parallel to the window glazing and in a direction away from the side piece that is parallel to itself. Since the side pieces of trim assembly  102  are secured to one another the equal and opposite biasing of the assembly trim pieces by clips  100  center trim assembly  102  about window structure  104 . 
     In other embodiments, there may be an odd number of side pieces such that at least one side piece is not parallel to another side piece. This could include a trim assembly having a triangular shape, arcuate shape, circular shape, or a shape having more than four straight or arcuate sides/portions. In this type of embodiment, clips  100  bias the each side piece in a vector direction toward from the center of the window in a direction generally parallel to the window glazing. The vector directions however will balance each other such that a trim assembly having non parallel side pieces will be generally centered about the window structure. Similarly, in this type of embodiment, clips  200  bias the each side piece in a vector direction away from the center of the window in a direction generally parallel to the window glazing. The vector directions however will balance each other such that a trim assembly having non parallel side pieces will be generally centered about the window structure. 
     Clips  100  as discussed above provide a biasing force in a direction toward the center of the window in a direction generally parallel to the window glazing as well as a biasing or retention force that biases trim assembly inwardly toward window structure  104  in a direction generally perpendicular to the window glazing. Similarly, Clips  200  as discussed above provide a biasing force in a direction away the center of the window in a direction generally parallel to the window glazing as well as a biasing or retention force that biases trim assembly inwardly toward window structure  104  in a direction generally perpendicular to the window glazing. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the window and door trim clip as described herein is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g. variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements and vice versa, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature of number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Additionally, other trim and or clip geometries are contemplated. For example, other clip designs that provide opposing forces about the window structure may be used to mate, secure or bias different trim assembly geometry. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims