Abstract:
A garage door screen apparatus for forming a screen barrier about a garage entryway that provides ventilation therein and facilitates ingress and egress therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more screen panels transitional between a closed configuration wherein the screen or screens substantially covers the garage entryway, and a second open configuration wherein the screen or screens are maintained in a retracted state. According to preferred embodiments, the screen panels maybe arranged in a curtain-like manner, suspended from rolls on either the side or top portions of the garage entryway, or formed as part of the garage door such that the garage door screen apparatus may be deployed about the garage entryway when the garage door assumes an open configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    (Not Applicable)  
         STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    (Not Applicable)  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Garages and garage doors utilized therewith are well-known and incorporated as part of virtually every type of commercial and residential building. Although primarily utilized as a housing for parked cars, garages and other similar-type structures can and frequently are utilized for a wide-variety of activities. For example, garages are frequently utilized as work shops, game rooms, studios, and storage areas, to name a few.  
           [0004]    Notwithstanding their ability to be utilized for multiple purposes, the current design of most garages in use can and frequently does limit the type of activities that can be conducted therein. In particular, since garages are typically not designed as dwellings for inhabitation, such structures are typically not provided with adequate ventilation or means by which the interior can be maintained at cool, comfortable levels. Along these lines, most garage structures frequently lack any type of air conditioning, let alone the ducts or vents necessary to deploy the same.  
           [0005]    The ability to utilize most garages is further thwarted by the design of most garage doors. In this respect, garage doors are typically formed as bulky, massive structures which must necessarily possess a sufficient size to form the opening through which vehicles and the like can pass through. Because garage doors must also function as a barrier to protect the vehicles and contents held within the garage, whether it would from the weather, theft or vandalism, the garage door typically must be maintained in either a fully open or retracted configuration or completely closed configuration. Along these lines, most garage doors typically in use do not provide any type of access or entry therethrough when in a closed configuration. Likewise, virtually all garage doors lack any type of structure to allow ventilation or fresh air to pass therethrough in attempt to make up for the lack of ventilation inherent in such structures.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for a garage door screen apparatus that advantageously forms a barrier such that fresh air and/or other ventilation can be provided to the garage and that can further easily permit ingress and egress to the garage. There is likewise a need in the art for such an apparatus that can enable a garage to be utilized for a wider variety of purposes than garages simply utilizing a garage door as a means of providing access therein. Still further, there is a need in the art for such an apparatus that can easily allow ingress and egress to a garage that does not rely upon the operation of the garage door. Finally, there is a need in the art for such an apparatus that is of simple construction, may be readily utilized, can be used for a wide variety of applications, simple to use and may be used with conventional garage doors that will also not interfere with the operation of the same.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a garage door screen apparatus that can be utilized to form a screen barrier about the entrance of a garage that, when the garage door is maintained in an open configuration, enables fresh air or other ventilation to pass therethrough, as well as provides an easy means for ingress and egress to the garage. According to a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises the combination of first and second screen panel members that are positionable about the entryway defining the entrance into the garage. Preferably, such screen panel members may be fastened about the perimeter of such entryway and operative to assume a closed configuration whereby the panels, in combination, substantially cover the garage entryway. To gain access into the garage, the screen may be opened to form an open configuration to allow people or objects to pass therethough. In a highly preferred embodiment, such screen panel members are arranged in a curtain-like fashion such that the same can transition from the closed configuration, whereby the screen panels cooperate to substantially cover the entryway, but may be pulled in opposed direction to assume the open configuration allowing access therein.  
           [0008]    In an alternative embodiment, the screen panel members may be arranged such that the same are suspended above all or a portion of the entryway into the garage and can be stored above such entryway, when not in use, to define the open configuration. Alternatively, the screen panels can be pulled downwardly to form the screen barrier to thus form the closed configuration. Preferably, such screen panels maybe rolled upon a support structure, such as a support rod, to facilitate positioning and placement of the screen panels when the latter assume the open and closed configurations. In further refinements, such screen panel members may be arranged in a linear manner so that multiple screen panels can be deployed for a multiplicity of garage door openings. Alternatively, the screen maybe arranged laterally relative the entryway so that the same can be extended across the entryway when it is desired to form the closed configuration or gather at a respective end of the entryway to assume the open configuration. With respect to the latter, such screen maybe rolled upon itself, about a support rod for example, to thus assume a preferred space efficient manner.  
           [0009]    In a further embodiment, the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention is formed as part of a conventional garage door and operative to form the closed configuration when the garage door assumes the open configuration. In this regard, it is contemplated that the screen will be secured to a portion of the garage door such that when the garage door is open, the screen will be selectively positioned over the garage entryway and thus able to assume the open and closed configurations for the duration the garage door is maintained in the open state. Preferably, such screen panel will be secured to the garage door at the lower most portion thereof, preferably by a rod and the like to enable the screen panel to be spooled therefrom and thereupon.  
           [0010]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garage door screen apparatus that can provide a screen barrier over the garage entryway that facilitates the ability of fresh air or ventilation to pass into the garage and further, facilitate ingress and egress therein.  
           [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a garage door screen apparatus that easily and readily makes a garage more comfortable to enable the same to be utilized for a wider variety of purposes than would otherwise be allowed just by utilizing a conventional garage door.  
           [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a garage door screen apparatus that can be configured to provide a screen barrier for virtually any type of garage door entryway.  
           [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a garage door screen apparatus that can be easily and readily utilized, is inexpensive and is more efficient and effective than prior art mechanisms for facilitating access into a garage than prior art mechanisms.  
           [0014]    Still further an object of the present invention are to provide a garage door screen apparatus that can dispense with the need to provide ventilation or air conditioning to a garage structure and can further be readily utilized with garage structures of virtually all types, whether residential or commercial. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    These, as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a frontal, perspective view of a garage door screen apparatus of the present invention constructed according to a first preferred embodiment thereof, the apparatus being shown assuming a first closed configuration.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a frontal, perspective view of the garage door screen apparatus of FIG. 1 shown assuming a second, open configuration.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention shown as constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention shown constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment thereof.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a conventional garage and garage door shown in a closed configuration wherein the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention, according to yet another preferred embodiment, is shown in phantom.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the garage and garage door of FIG. 5 with a respective one of the garage doors assuming an open configuration and the garage door screen apparatus of FIG. 5 being shown deployed therefrom. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.  
         [0023]    Referring now to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a garage door screen apparatus  10  constructed in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the apparatus  10  comprises the combination of a first screen panel member  12  and a second screen panel member  14  that are collectively positionable over a conventional garage door  16 , the latter defining an entryway  20  into the garage. In this regard, FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus  10  with the screen members  12 ,  14  thereof assuming a first closed configuration whereby the entryway  20  into the garage is provided with a screen barrier thereabout. According to the preferred embodiment shown, the screen panel members  12 ,  14  are arranged in a generally curtain-like fashion such that each respective screen panel member  12 ,  14  could be moved, respectively, in the directions indicated by the letters “A” and “B”. In order to assume the desired closed configuration as shown, the screen panel members  12 ,  14  may be arranged such that the juncture therebetween  18  includes a fastener member, such as a snap fastener, VELCRO™, laces, zipper, or any of a variety of fasteners mechanisms well-known to those skilled in the art, or as may be developed in the future. It will be further recognized, however, that although the embodiment shown depicts two (2) screen panel members, either a unitary screen panel member or multiple screen panel members may be deployed so long as the same are capable of substantially covering the entryway  20 .  
         [0024]    As will be appreciated and readily recognized by those skilled in the art, the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention, once the garage door  16  thereof is caused to assume an open configuration, advantageously enables ventilation and easy access into the garage, particularly through an opening such as may be defined at juncture  18  when the respective screen panel member are moved in the directions indicated by the letters “A” and “B”, respectively. At the same time, however, such apparatus  10  provides a barrier such that unwanted objects, and in particular insects and the like, are prohibited from entering into the garage. Accordingly, the garage door screen apparatus  10 , as shown in FIG. 1, achieves that end.  
         [0025]    To the extent it is desired to gain access to the garage (i.e., gain access through entryway  20 ), the apparatus of the present invention need only be caused to assume the open configuration shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated in the curtain-like embodiment shown, each respective screen panel member  12 ,  14  may be retracted, respectively, such that the garage door  16 , defining the entryway  20  may be accessed. More specifically, first screen panel member  12  may be pulled into the direction indicated by letter “A” such that the screen member  12  correspondingly swings in the direction indicated by the letter “C”. Likewise, second screen panel member  14  maybe moved in a direction indicated by the letter “B” thus causing the same to move in the direction indicated by the letter “D”. As will be recognized, in order to define such curtain-like structure, a rod or other similar member will be deployed which maintains the screen panel members in the elevated state over the entryway and capable of being moved as indicated by the respective directions.  
         [0026]    Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternative embodiment  30  of the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention. As illustrated, such embodiment  30  comprises screen panel members  32 ,  34  that are suspended, via supports  36 ,  38 , respectively, over garage doors  40 ,  42 , the latter collectively defining garage entryway  44 . As shown, each respective screen panel members  32 ,  34  is operative to extend downwardly or maybe rolled upwardly in the direction indicated by the letter “E”. In this respect, each screen panel member  32 ,  34  may be spooled or otherwise rolled about its dedicated support member  36 ,  38 . Accordingly, when desired to assume the closed configuration, the screen panel members  32 ,  34 , need only be pulled downwardly such that the entryway  44  is substantially covered. Alternatively, to the extent it is desired access to the garage, the screen panel members  32 ,  34  need only be rolled upwardly upon its dedicated support member  36 ,  38 . As will appreciated, although the embodiment  30  as shown depicts two (2) garage door screen apparatuses deployed side by side, either a single apparatus or additional apparatuses maybe deployed as may be necessary to substantially and completely cover a given entryway  44  for a particular garage.  
         [0027]    As will further be recognized, given the fact that the screen panels utilized in the practice of the present invention may take any of a variety of those well-known in the art, it will be appreciated that the same may be cut and configured to adapt and substantially enclose a garage door of virtually any type of dimension. Accordingly, it will be recognized that the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention maybe utilized not only in the residential context, but in commercial structures as well, particularly in those instances where the garage structure is utilized for a variety of activities in addition to merely functioning as a structure for housing a vehicle and the like. In this regard, it will be recognized that the apparatuses of the present invention can be utilized in such applications as mini storage facilities and manufacturing facilities where goods and the like are frequently loaded and unloaded.  
         [0028]    Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an embodiment  30 ′ depicting a variation of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3. In this respect, such embodiment deploys a garage door screen panel  48  which is positioned on a side of the garage door entryway  44  such that the screen panel member  48  may be extended laterally thereacross, as indicated by the letter “F”. In this regard, as opposed to moving vertically, such embodiment is designed to extend laterally across the garage door portions  40 ,  42  defining the garage door entryway  44 . To achieve that end, it will be recognized that a pole or other like member will be positioned at one side of the garage door entryway  44  to thus provide the necessary support to enable the screen panel  48  to extend therefrom. Furthermore, as shown, the panel member  48 , when not in use, may advantageously be rolled to one side about a given support. Indeed, with respect to both embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be recognized that any of a variety of mechanisms well known in the art, such as hand cranks and the like, may be deployed for facilitating the ability for the screen panel members  32 ,  34 ,  48  to selectively transition from the open and close configurations about the garage door entryway  44 .  
         [0029]    Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, and initially to FIG. 5, there is shown yet a further embodiment  50  of the garage door screen apparatus of the present invention. As shown, such apparatus  50  is incorporated into a garage door  40 ,  42  and cooperates with each respective garage door  40 ,  42  such that when the doors are maintained in a close position, the apparatus  50  is concealed thereby. In the preferred embodiment shown, such apparatus  50  is shown being secured to the base of each respective garage door  40 ,  42 . Once a given garage door is open, such as  40  in FIG. 6, the garage door screen apparatus  50  is operative to transition from the open and closed configurations to thus form the desired screen barrier. As shown, the screen panel member  52 , may be extended downwardly in the direction indicated by the letter “G”, and is unrolled in the direction indicated by letter “H” from support  54 . In this regard, and similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, each respective screen panel member, such as  52 , may be selectively extended to thus form the desired barrier about the garage entryway  44 . Unlike the other embodiments, however, the garage door screen apparatus according to such embodiment  50  may be concealed or otherwise not exposed once the garage door, such as  40  or  42 , assumes a closed configuration.  
         [0030]    Although the invention has been described herein with specific reference to presently preferred embodiments thereof, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations, maybe made to such preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that the screen panel members maybe fabricated from any of a variety of screen material well-known to those skilled in the art. It will further be recognized that although shown as being deployed in rolls or in a curtain like fashion, it will be appreciated that any of a variety of designs will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art which can enable the screen panel members to operatively transition from the closed configuration whereby the garage entryway is substantially covered, and the open configuration, which can enable access into the garage. Accordingly, it is intended that all reasonably foreseeable additions, modification, deletions, and alterations be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.