SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A RAPID AND SECURE TEMPORARY SCREEN ROOM ENCLOSURE

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a rapid and secure temporary screen room enclosure. According to an aspect, a temporary screen room enclosure for use with an awning is affixed to a structure, wherein the temporary screen room enclosure comprises a side panel having edges for creating an interior space. Further, a first clip attached to a corner of the enclosure for affixing the corner to a first receiving coupling. Additionally, a second clip attached to a second corner for affixing the second corner to a second receiving coupling. Further, an elastic cord with an elastic cord first end attached to the first corner and an elastic cord second end attached to the second corner. Further, the first clip and the second clip are configured to be affixed to opposing ends of an awning.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/972,241, filed on Mar. 29, 2014 and titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A RAPID AND SECURE TEMPORARY SCREEN ROOM ENCLOSURE, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to room enclosures. Particularly, the present invention relates to systems and method for a rapid and secure temporary screen room enclosure.

BACKGROUND

Sunrooms and screen room enclosures have become popular as permanent add-on enclosures to homes and other structures. When built onto a home or other structure, the screen room enclosure can provide additional living space outside the home that is protected from outdoor annoyances, such as bugs.

Because of the large expense related to building a permanent type of structure, many property owners have had to reduce either the size or complexity of the sunroom and screen room enclosure. Some property owners have instead purchased or have had built, a lesser expensive awning for shade protection forgoing screened protection. In some cases, the property owner has purchased and attached to their home or the desired structure, a retractable awning. As a result of building a retractable awning the property owners have realized a substantial cost savings over the expense of building a far more permanent structure. In this manner, the retractable awning can be retracted in the case a storm, large wind or the like requires the awning to be pulled closer to the house or permanent structure to which it is attached.

There is a desire to provide improvements to retractable awnings.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a rapid and secure temporary screen room enclosure. According to an aspect, a temporary screen room enclosure for use with an awning is affixed to a structure, wherein the temporary screen room enclosure comprises a side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge for creating an interior space. Further, a first clip attached to a first intersection of the top edge and the first side edge for affixing the first intersection to a first receiving coupling. Additionally, a second clip attached to a second intersection of the top edge and the second side edge for affixing the second intersection to a second receiving coupling. Further, an elastic cord with an elastic cord first end attached to the first intersection and an elastic cord second end attached to the second intersection. Further, the first clip and the second clip are configured to be affixed to opposing ends of an awning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art screened room enclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an angled view of the screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second angled view of the screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third angled view of the screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a top view of the screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side view of the screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a view of a clip mechanism releasably coupled to the structure or awning according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

An example screen room enclosure 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The enclosure 100 can provide protection from adverse weather, such as wind and rain. Further, the screen room enclosure can provide protection from bothersome animals, such as insects and squirrels. A typical screen room enclosure 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of structural components, such as, a roof 102, a front panel 104 and side panels 106. The screen room enclosure 100 may also include privacy panels 108, which are shown in a rolled up position, to cover screens 110 and a door 112. The components of the screen room enclosure are built into a permanent sunrooms or screen room with a permanent roof 102. This permanent screen room enclosure 100 structure can be expensive to build because of numerous city and municipal regulations and building codes.

With regard to FIG. 2, a perspective view showing an angled view of the temporary screened room enclosure on an awning according to the present invention is provided. A temporary screened room enclosure 200 is comprised of a side panel 202 a screen material 204 with a top edge 206, a bottom edge 208, a first edge 210 and a second edge 212 for creating an interior space. The temporary screened room enclosure 200 is configured to be affixed to an awning 214. The screen material 204 may be any type of suitable material. The screened material 204 may be a screen-type material such as insect screening, fiberglass screening, aluminum screening, ultra violet screening, as non-limiting examples. In alternative embodiments, the screen material 204 may include, but is not limited to, solid materials, such as plexiglass or other transparent material, further the solid material may include nylon or other synthetic polymers.

The awning 214 may be affixed to a permanent structure 216, such as a house, or shed or even a mobile structure such as a recreational vehicle or mobile home or trailer. The awning 214 may be a retractable awning designed to be permanently affixed to a permanent structure such as a house. The awning 214 may further be a pop up tent (not shown). The top edge 206 of the temporary screened room enclosure 200 may have an elastic cord 213 constructed of a type of material such as elastic or a less elastic material such as a rope, cord or other which may be cinched to create partial closure along the top edge 206 of the temporary screened room enclosure 200 which may allow the screened room enclosure 200 to be supported by the awning 214. A first intersection 217 is formed at the intersection of the top edge 206 and the first edge 210. A second intersection 218 is formed at the intersection of the top edge 206 and the second edge 212. The elastic cord is comprised of an elastic cord first end attached to the first intersection 217 and an elastic cord second end attached to the second intersection 218. Further, the screened room enclosure is comprised of a first clip 220 and a second clip 222. Both the first clip 220 and the second clip 222 are configured to be affixed to opposing ends of the awning 214. The first clip 220 and the second clip 222 may be any clip which facilitates the relatively fast and easy attachment to the awning 214. Additionally, the clips used may be attached to the end of the elastic cord 213 and looped over a hook or similar mechanism and then affixed to a secure receiving hook, metal loop, or other similar device for receiving the first clip 220 and the second clip 222. In alternative embodiments, the first clip 220 and the second clip 222 may be configured such that both clips 220 and 222 may be affixed to the same receiving hook.

With continued regard to FIG. 2, the bottom edge 208 may be comprised of a lead core rope 224. The lead core rope 224 may be of varying sizing sufficient to secure the bottom edge 208 of the temporary screened room enclosure 200. The sizes of the lead core rope 224 may vary from quarter (¼″) inch to one (1″) in diameter. The lead core rope 224 may be sewn into the bottom edge or otherwise attached to the bottom edge 208 such as with snaps or a hook and loop fastener (such as the VELCRO® brand fabric hook and fastener product provided by Velcro Industries B.V.), as non-limiting examples. The lead core rope may be divided in a manner sufficient to seal the bottom of the interior space adjacent to the floor while lessening the weight of the temporary screen room enclosure 200. In alternative embodiments the bottom edge may be secured to the flooring with a hook and loop fastener, snaps or other mechanisms known commonly in the art. In alternative embodiments the bottom edge may be sealed at the bottom of the interior space adjacent to the floor by a plurality of sealed pockets 226. The sealed pockets 226 may be filled with a liquid such as water, or other solid material sufficient to weight the screened material 204. The solid material sufficient to weight the screened material 204, may be sand, rock, gravel, lead or other material. Alternatively, the screened material 204 may be made of a material sufficient to properly weight the material down without the need for additional weighting such as using the sealed pockets 226, the lead core rope 224 or other similar weighting.

With continued regard to FIG. 2, the top edge 206 may be comprised of a padding 228 affixed to the top edge 206 extending for at least a portion of top edge 206 from the first intersection 217 to the second intersection 218, wherein the padding extends partially towards the bottom edge 208. The padding 228 extends partially towards the bottom edge 208 in such a manner to protect the screened material 204 from tears, rips or excessive wear. The padding 228 may be sewn or otherwise affixed to the top edge 206 by means commonly used, such as hook and loop fastener, snaps, clips or fastening mechanisms. Additionally, the padding 228 may be reinforced with at least a second layer of padding material. The padding material may be either synthetic or non-synthetic material. For example the padding material may be comprised of cotton, nylon, canvas or other similar material, wherein the material may protect the temporary screened room enclosure from tears, rips or excessive wear. The padding material may also be comprised of a plurality of layers.

With continued regard to FIG. 2, the padding 228 affixed to the top edge 206 may also comprise corner areas 230 spaced apart from the first intersection 217 and the second intersection 218. The corner areas 230 may be defined areas of the side panel 202 that provide protection for the side panel 202 from the awning. The corner areas 230 may be comprised of either synthetic, semi-synthetic or non-synthetic material. The synthetic material may be a polymer. The screened room enclosure 200 may include a cross strap 232 for improved securing of the screened room enclosure 200. The optional cross strap 232 may be constructed of varying suitable types of material including, but not limited to, synthetic, semi-synthetic or non-synthetic material. The cross strap 232 may also be constructed of a cord-type material, including an elastic based material. The cross strap 232 may be configured to support adjacent top edges 206 on either side of the corner areas 230 or across the screen room enclosure 200 from opposing top edges 206. Alternatively, the screened room enclosure 200 may include magnets 234 for securing the screen material 204 to the awning 214. Any suitable number of magnets 234 may be used as appropriate to secure the screen material 204 to the awning 214, so as to hold the screen material 204 positioned in place.

With regard to FIG. 3, a perspective view showing a second angled view of the screened room enclosure 200 installed on an awning according to the present invention is provided.

With regard to FIG. 4, a perspective view showing a third angled view of the screened room enclosure 200 installed on an awning according to the present invention is provided.

With regard to FIG. 5, a perspective view showing a top view of the screened room enclosure 200 on an awning 214 according to the present invention is provided. The top view of the screened room enclosure 200 shows the elastic cable 213 is configured to provide the tightening ability of the screened room enclosure 200, wherein a single size for the screen room enclosure 200 may fit on a plurality of awning 214 sizes, as an example. In the example, a single size of the screen room enclosure 200 is configured to fit on a plurality of awning 214 sizes, the corner areas 230 may be sized in a larger fashion so as to accommodate the varying positioning of the corners of the awning 214.

With continued regard to FIG. 5, the first clip 220 and the second clip 222 may be coupled to opposing ends 500 and 502 of the awning 214. The first clip 220 and the second clip 222 may be any clip suitable to be coupled to a receiving coupling 504 affixed to a permanent structure 216. The permanent structure 216 may be any structure which can provide elevated support for the awning 214. In an alternative embodiment, the clips 220 and 222 may also be configured to be coupled to a receiving coupling 504 affixed to a structure other than the permanent structure 216 providing the support for the awning 214. For example, the awning 214 may be supported by self-supporting legs (not shown) built into the awning 214. Additionally, the receiving coupling 504 may be a hook-type coupling allowing for the clips 220 and 222 to be affixed to the end of a cord, string, or rope and the cord, string, or rope is engaged with the hook-type coupling such that the clips 220 and 222 may be clipped into additional receiving couplings 504 attached to a deck, patio or other structure than the permanent structure 216 directly supporting the awning 214.

With regard to FIG. 6, a perspective view showing a side view of the screened room enclosure 200 on an awning 214 according to the present invention is provided. The side panel 202 may comprise a window panel 600 or a door panel 602. Both the window panel 600 and the door panel 602 may be sized in varying fashion. For example, the door panel 602 or an alternative opening (not shown) may be sized just large enough for a pet to walk through. The window panel 600 or the door panel 602 may be positioned in varying positions between the top edge 206 and the bottom edge 208. The window panel 600 and the door panel 602 may be positioned on any side as appropriate for allowing access to stairs or other exterior features. The bottom edge 208 of the side panel 202 may also be secured by a fastener 604, wherein the fastener 604 is at least one of snaps, clips or hook and loop fastener, as non-limiting examples. As discussed above the bottom edge 208 may also be secured by a lead core rope 224 or other sealed pockets 226. The screened room enclosure 200 may also comprise a sealing material 606. The sealing material 606 may be made of synthetic or non-synthetic material wherein the sealing material 606 is configured to provide a seal between the awning 214 and the permanent structure 216. The sealing material 606 may be configured to be affixed between the opposing ends of the awning 214. As an example, the sealing material 606 may be sewn to the first intersection 217 and configured to be coupled to the second intersection 218. The sealing material 606 may be coupled by a fastening means such as a snap or hook and loop fastener. In an alternative embodiment the sealing material 606 may not be fastened to the screened room enclosure 200 and instead provided as a separate sealing accessory and placed in the gap between the awning 214 and the permanent structure 216. As an example, the separate sealing accessory may be a cylindrical foam material sized the approximate length of the awning 214.

With regard to FIG. 7, is a view of a clip mechanism releasably coupled to the structure or awning according to the present invention is provided. The clip provided in FIG. 7 is an exemplary first clip 220 or second clip 222. The clips 220 and 222 may be any clip which may be affixed to a receiving hook of any type. The receiving hook may be a similar clip to the first clip 220 or the second clip 222. The receiving hook may be a nail, screw, hook made of any material capable of securely holding the first clip 220 or the second clip 222.

Features from one embodiment or aspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect in any appropriate combination. For example, any individual or collective features of method aspects or embodiments may be applied to apparatus, system, product, or component aspects of embodiments and vice versa.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A temporary screen room enclosure for use with an awning affixed to a structure, wherein the temporary screen room enclosure comprises:

a side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge for creating an interior space;

a first clip attached to a first intersection of the top edge and the first side edge for affixing the first intersection to a first receiving coupling;

a second clip attached to a second intersection of the top edge and the second side edge for affixing the second intersection to a second receiving coupling; and

an elastic cord with an elastic cord first end attached to the first intersection and an elastic cord second end attached to the second intersection; and

wherein the first clip and the second clip are configured to be affixed to opposing ends of an awning.

2. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sealed pockets affixed to the bottom edge causing the side panel to complete a seal of the interior space, wherein the sealed pockets are filled with at least one of water, sand, and rock.

3. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a padding affixed to the top edge extending from at least a portion of the first intersection to the second intersection, wherein the padding extends partially towards the bottom edge.

4. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 3, wherein the padding affixed to the top edge from the first intersection to the second intersection is sewn forming a plurality of corner areas in the top edge, wherein the corner areas are spaced apart from the first intersection and the second intersection.

5. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 4, wherein the padding affixed to the top edge is reinforced with at least a second layer of padding.

6. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 4, wherein the plurality of corner areas spaced apart from the first side edge, the second edge, and from each other, wherein the corner areas are comprised of a moldable synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer.

7. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clips are configured to be coupled to a receiving coupling affixed to a permanent structure, wherein the permanent structure provides elevated support for the awning.

8. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, wherein the clips are configured to be coupled to a receiving coupling affixed to a structure other than the permanent structure providing the support for the awning.

9. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge is secured by at least one of snaps, clips, or hook and loop fastener.

10. The temporary screen room enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a sealing material configured to be extendable from the first intersection to the second intersection immediately adjacent to a permanent structure, wherein the permanent structure provides elevated support for the awning.

11. A method for creating a temporary screen room enclosure for use with an awning affixed to a structure, wherein the creating the temporary screen room enclosure comprises:

creating an interior space using a side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge;

affixing, to a first receiving coupling, a first clip, wherein the first clip is attached to a first intersection of the top edge and the first side edge;

affixing, to a second receiving coupling, a second clip, wherein the second clip is attached to a second intersection of the top edge and the second side edge; and

securing, to an awning, the temporary screen enclosure, wherein the temporary screen enclosure comprises an elastic cord with an elastic cord first end affixed to the first intersection and an elastic cord second end affixed to the second intersection; and

coupling the first clip and the second clip to opposing ends of an awning.

12. The method of claim 13, further comprising weighting the temporary screen enclosure with a lead core rope sewn into the bottom edge, the lead core rope extending at least a portion from the first side edge to the second side edge.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a protective padding affixed to the top edge extending from at least a portion of the first intersection to the second intersection, wherein the padding extends partially towards the bottom edge.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming a plurality of corner areas in the top edge with the protective padding affixed to the top edge, wherein the corner areas are spaced apart from the first intersection to the second intersection is sewn.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising reinforcing the padding affixed to the top edge with at least a second layer of padding.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of corner areas are spaced apart from the first side edge, the second side edge and from each other, wherein the corner areas are comprised of a moldable synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising coupling the clips to a receiving coupling affixed to a permanent structure, wherein the permanent structure provides elevated support for the awning.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising coupling the clips to a receiving coupling affixed to a structure other than the permanent structure providing the support for the awning.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing the bottom edge by at least one of snaps, clips, or hook and loop fastener.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising sealing the interior space using a material configured to be extendable from the first intersection to the second intersection immediately adjacent to a permanent structure, wherein the permanent structure provides elevated support for the awning.