Door frame assembly having a retractable screen

Abstract

A door assembly configured for installation into an opening of a recreational vehicle (“RV”), the door assembly including a master frame having spaced apart jambs, a header, and a sill. The header and sill further include respective tracks. The door assembly further includes a door that is coupled with at least one of the jambs and a retractable screen assembly coupled to the frame, the screen assembly including a cassette and a screen. The screen includes a pull bar operably slidably engageable with the upper and lower tracks and selectively retractable between an open position and a closed position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/572,142, entitled “RV DOOR RETRACTABLE SCREEN ASSEMBLY,” filed May 18, 2004, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to roll-type retractable door screens. More particularly, this invention relates to a door frame assembly incorporating a door and a roll-type retractable screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Entryways into residences and recreational vehicles (“RVs”) often include a main, solid door and a screen door. In commercial and residential buildings, the screen doors often swing outwardly while the main, solid door swings inwardly. On the other hand, the door arrangements on RVs are usually opposite that of buildings. In RVs, both doors are generally hinged to swing outwardly because of the lack of space within the RV for either of the doors to swing inwardly. The lack of space in RVs usually is due to RV designs that attempt to maximize the interior space by placing the steps and other functional structures immediately inside the entryway of the RV. These steps and structures often inhibit the range of motion of any door and thus the ability to swing inwardly.

Screen doors are often essential on RVs, as many RV exterior doors contain only small windows. Including a screen in the windows is thus often ineffective for promoting air circulation. To enable adequate air circulation, the exterior doors can be swung outwardly and latched in an open position. However, opening the exterior door without including a screen barrier can provide access into the interior of the RV for insects and pests. Thus, including screen doors on RVs can provide a barrier to insects and pests while enabling adequate air circulation within the RV.

However, while current RV screen doors can provide a barrier to insects and pests and enable air circulation, there are particular problems and deficiencies inherent with conventional RV screen door designs. For example, the screen door and exterior door often include complex latches and hinges required to enable both doors to swing outwardly at the same time and also be separately swingable to enable the screen door to be closed while the exterior door remains open. Additionally, conventional RV screen doors also often contain complex cross rails and openings with sliding screen panels to enable the user to unlatch the exterior door from the inside of the RV. These cross rails and panels can obstruct the view through the screen door and make unpleasant rattling noises when the screen door is opened and closed.

There are currently commercially available retractable screen doors, such as those made and sold by Phantom Mfg. (Int'l) Ltd., which have been installed on RVs. These screen doors are attached separately with respect to existing RV doors and the doorframe. As such, when installed, the tracking and frame structures require additional interior or exterior space and substantial installation. When exteriorly installed, these doors stick out beyond the opening or entry of the RV creating undesirable aesthetics and structural functionality for the RV. Installing the Phantom screen also requires drilling into the interior or exterior of the RV, which can damage the RV.

Another problem inherent with screen doors, such as those made and sold by Phantom Mfg. (Int'l) Ltd., is that a connector portion of the screen slides along an exterior/outer ledge of the window frame or track. In these attempts, however, the connector portion must be shorter than the screen and screen cassette to allow room for the ledge connection. This configuration leaves the edges of the screen unattached to the pull rail, thus imparting a non-uniform stress force on the screen, potentially damaging the screen. Manufacturing costs and efforts are, therefore, not ideal.

As a result, there is a need for a door assembly that addresses the innate deficiencies present with conventional door and screen designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The RV door retractable screen assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention substantially solves the problems of conventional RV doors by providing a door assembly having a master frame, a main or primary door, and a retractable screen, each contained on or in the frame that can be easily and quickly installed into a building or a recreational vehicle. The frame can be easily installed into a RV during manufacture or fitted onto an existing RV opening or entry area. As such, a screen door is provided that can operate independently from the exterior door and inhibit insect entry into the interior of the RV.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is that a master frame operably carries a door and screen assembly, as well as the tracking for slidably receiving the screen edges and a pull bar during use.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is that the door assembly includes a master frame, main door, and retractable screen that can be easily and quickly installed into a recreational vehicle.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is that the screen slides open and thus does not require external or internal clearance room to swing open.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is that the retractable screen opens independently of the main door.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is that the retractable screen inhibits insect entry into the interior of a RV.

A feature and advantage of a door assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention does not require complex latches or hinges and does not make unpleasant rattling noises when it is opened and closed.

A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the retractable screen panel is guided along tracks, having an interior surface defined therein, using screen glides included with the screen assembly.

A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the retractable screen panel is guided along tracks, having an interior surface defined therein, wherein the screen frame can include weather stripping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention depicting a door in a closed position and a retractable screen in a partially opened position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention depicting a door in a closed position and a retractable screen in a partially opened position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a frame of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a fragmentary top cross-sectional view of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a fragmentary top cross-sectional view of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the upper portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the lower portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a rear fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of a frame of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary exploded view of a cassette assembly and attachment member of a door assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary exploded view of a cassette assembly of a door assembly according to the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of a track guiding system of a door assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a door assembly 40 according to the various embodiments of the present invention generally includes a master frame 42, and a main door 44 and retractable screen assembly 46 operably coupled to at least a portion of the frame 42.

Referring to FIG. 3, the master frame 42 generally includes a first jamb portion 48, a generally opposed and spaced apart second jamb portion 50, and a header portion 52 proximate upper ends 54, 56 of the first and second jamb portions 48, 50. The first and second jamb portions 48, 50 can be operably coupled to the header 52 at a first corner member 58 and a second corner member 60, respectively.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the first and second jambs 48, 50 are substantially vertical and the header 52 is substantially horizontal. The master frame 42 can also include a sill portion 62 operably coupled to lower ends 64, 66 of the first and second jambs 48, 50 to form a bottom edge of the master frame 42. In the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the sill 62 is substantially horizontal, generally parallel to the header 52, and generally transverse to the first and second jambs 48, 50. The sill 62 can also be incorporated into the RV separately from the door assembly 40. In this alternative embodiment, the master frame 42 generally comprises three sides, i.e., the first and second jambs 48, 50 and the header 52, and is installed into an opening or entry on a RV proximate the pre-incorporated sill 52 already installed in the opening of the RV.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the header 52 and first and second jambs 48, 50 are integrally connected at the first and second corners 58, 60, respectively. In this embodiment, the sill 62 can be distinct from, but operably coupled with, the first and second jambs 48, 50.

In another embodiment, the header 52 and first and second jambs 48, 50 are not integral, but rather distinct components operably coupled to the frame 42, such as connection at the first and second corners 58, 60, respectively. In this embodiment, the sill 62 is distinct from the first and second jambs 48, 50. Alternatively, the sill 62 is unitary or integral with the first and second jambs 48, 50. The first and second corners 58, 60 are depicted in the figures as being rounded. However, in embodiments not depicted in the figures, the corners 58, 60 can be angled or other geometric shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4a, the first jamb 48 includes a face portion 68 and an inner flange portion 70. The first jamb face 68 and first jamb inner flange 70 are generally integral and substantially at a right angle with respect to one another. In other embodiments, the first jamb face 68 and first jamb inner flange 70 are not integral and/or at angles greater than or less than ninety degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first jamb 48 can include a weatherstripping slot 71 formed therein or disposed thereon and extending along a length of the first jamb 48 to operably couple weatherstripping or other retention and/or engagement members or structures. In other embodiments of the present invention, the weatherstripping can be mechanically fastened, glued, taped, or secured to the first jamb 48 by other fastening mechanisms known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention. The first jamb inner flange 70 or first jamb 48 can include one or more cassette attachment channels 72 for operably coupling the screen assembly 46 to the master frame 42. Various connector structures can be utilized such as the snap connectors depicted. The screen assembly 46 is described in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 4b, the second jamb 50 includes a face portion 74 and an inner flange portion 76. As depicted in the figures, the second jamb face 74 and second jamb inner flange 76 are generally integral and substantially at a right angle with respect to one another. In other embodiments, the second jamb face 74 and second jamb inner flange 76 are not integral and/or at angles greater than or less than ninety degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second jamb 50 can include a slot 79 formed therein or disposed thereon and extending along a length of the second jamb 50 to operably couple weatherstripping or other retention and/or engagement members or structures. In another embodiment of the present invention, not depicted in the figures, weatherstripping can be mechanically fastened, glued, taped, or secured to the second jamb by other fastening mechanisms known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention. The second jamb inner flange 76 can also include a member attachment channel 78 extending along a length of the second jamb 50 formed therein or disposed thereon.

The second jamb 50 can include a vertical member 80 operably coupled to and extending a length of the second jamb 50. As depicted in the figures, the vertical member 80 can be a member or structure separate from, but operably attachable to the second jamb 50. In another embodiment, the vertical member 80 is integrally formed with the second jamb 50. The vertical member 80 includes a frame attachment member 84 operably engaged with the second jamb 50 to attach the vertical member 80 to the second jamb 50. As depicted in the figures, the vertical member 80 is attached to the member attachment channel 78 on the second jamb 50 by way of a selectively removable snap connection. Other structures and methods of connecting the vertical member 80 to the jamb 50 are envisioned as well. The second jamb 50 can also include one or more latches or catches 82 to retain the screen assembly 46, or a component thereof, in a closed position. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second jamb 50 can include a magnet disposed thereon or therein to retain the screen assembly 46, or a component thereof, in a closed position. Other methods and latching or securement structures known to those skilled in the art can be employed as well.

As depicted in FIG. 4b, the vertical member 80 can include a slot 86 formed therein or disposed thereon and extending along a length of the vertical member 80 to operably couple weatherstripping or other retention and/or engagement members or structures. In another embodiment of the present invention, the weatherstripping can be mechanically fastened, glued, taped, or secured to the vertical member 80 by other fastening mechanisms known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention. The vertical member 80 can also fully or partially capture or retain the latch 82 to the second jamb 50.

Referring to FIG. 5, the header portion 52 includes a face portion 88 and an inner flange portion 90. The header face 88 and header inner flange 90 are generally integral and substantially at a right angle with respect to one another. In other embodiments, the header face 88 and header inner flange 90 are not integral and/or at angles greater than or less than ninety degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention. The header portion 52 includes screen tracking structure. Namely, header 52 can include an upper or top track 92 to guide a portion of a pull bar 134 and/or screen 95 included with the screen assembly 46 while opening and closing the screen. The header 52 can also include a longitudinal top member 104 having an attachment channel 94 and slot 98. A similar slot 98 can be included opposed to the member 104 within the top track 92. The slots 98 generally extend along a length of the member 104 and track 92 to operably couple weatherstripping 97 thereto. The slots 98 can operably couple various known weatherstripping or retention and/or engagement members or structures. In another embodiment of the present invention, weatherstripping can be mechanically fastened, glued, taped, or secured to the header 52 by other fastening mechanisms known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention. The weatherstripping 97, or other structure, can be adapted to generally facilitate alignment, retention and/or sealing of the screen 95, or other components, during operation or sliding of the screen 95. In one embodiment, the member 104 is selectively attachable to the header 52 to form a side portion of the track 92 to provide a sliding barrier for the screen 95 and/or rail 134.

As depicted in the figures, the face portions 68, 77, 88 included on the first and second jambs 48, 50 and the header 52 collectively define a face of the door assembly having a face margin. The internal flanges 70, 76, 90 collectively define an inner flange margin. Together, the first and second jambs 48, 50, header 52, and sill 62 define a frame interior or margin.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 2 and 7, the member 104 can be operably coupled to the vertical member 80 with a corner cap 114. As particularly depicted in FIGS. 2 and 8, the member 104 can be operably coupled at an end opposed to the corner cap 114 by a first end cap 138 disposed on the cassette housing 136 of the screen assembly 46. The screen assembly 46 and first end cap 138 are described in greater detail herein.

As depicted in FIGS. 3, 7-9, and 12, the first and second corners 58, 60 include faces 106, 108. In this embodiment, the corners 58, 60 include inner first and second frame notches 110, 112 to enable connection of the attachment members 104, 80 to the master frame 42. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, notch 112 on the second corner 60 enables a generally square connection between the attachment members 104, 80 to extend beyond the rounded corner that would be present with an inner flange or portion on the second corner 60. Likewise, the notch 110 on the first corner 58 enables a cassette housing 136 to be disposed on or in the first jamb 48, and facilitates connectivity with the member 104, despite the otherwise rounded shape and configuration of the respective corner. The first and second frame notches 110, 112 also enable the screen 95 of the screen assembly 46 to pass by the rounded corners 58, 60 so that opening and closing of the screen 95 is not obstructed during travel along the tracks 92, 116. In another embodiment, the first and second corners 58, 60 include inner flanges and optional notches 110, 112. In this embodiment, the corners 58, 60 can be constructed of various configurations and angles. Other shapes and configurations to accommodate various track and jamb structures are also envisioned.

The master frame 42 can be formed of a metal, such as extruded aluminum, of extruded or molded plastics, or partially or completely of a fibrous wood product. The master frame 42 can also be formed by any combination of the aforementioned materials or other materials generally known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 6, the master frame 42 can include the sill 62 operably coupled to, or integrally formed with, lower ends 64, 66 of the first and second jambs 48, 50 to form a bottom edge or boundary of the master frame 42 and frame margin. The sill 62 can also be incorporated into the RV separately from the door assembly 40 according to various embodiments of the present invention. In such embodiments, the master frame 42 generally is enclosed on three sides, i.e., at the first and second jambs 48, 50 and the header 52, and is installed into an opening proximate the incorporated sill 52.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the sill 62 can include screen tracking structure. Namely, the sill 62 can include the bottom or lower track 116 generally opposed to the top track 92 or header 52 of the master frame 42. The bottom track 116 is used in conjunction with the top track 92 to guide the screen 95 or rail/bar 134 while opening and closing the screen assembly 46. The sill 62 or track 116 can also include one or more slots 118 formed therein, or disposed on sidewall boundaries of the track 116, and extending along a length of the sill 62 to operably couple weatherstripping 119 or other retention and/or engagement members or structures, much like the structure and techniques for weatherstripping 97. In another embodiment of the present invention, the weatherstripping can be mechanically fastened, glued, taped, or secured to sill 62 by other fastening mechanisms known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention. Again, the weatherstripping 119 or other structure assists in retaining, sealing and/or engaging the screen 95 or other components during use.

As depicted in FIG. 11, the sill 62 can also include a sill notch or recess 120 to facilitate attachable receipt of the screen assembly 46, particularly a cassette housing 136, to fit into the sill 62 and along the first jamb 48. The insertion of the cassette 136 into the recess 120 provides alignment benefits wherein the bottom track 116 can be incorporated into the frame 42 and sill 62, enabling the screen 95 and/or a pull bar 134 to be aligned with and to travel along the lower track 116 as the screen 95 is rolled out from the cassette 136. In another embodiment, the sill 62 does not include a sill notch 120 and the bottom track 116 is elevated off of the sill 62 still enabling the screen 95 to be retracted from the screen assembly 46. In such an embodiment, the screen 95 and/or a pull bar 134 can travel on the lower track 116. The cassette housing 136 incorporated into the sill notch or recess 120 is depicted in FIG. 10. Other configurations and connectivity techniques for the sill and cassette are envisioned as well.

The sill 62 can be formed of metal, such as extruded aluminum, extruded or molded plastic, partly or completely of a wood product, combinations of the aforementioned materials, or other materials known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 12, the door assembly 40 also generally includes a door 44 having an exterior face 122 and a generally opposed interior face 124. The door can be attached to the first jamb 48 by one or more hinges 121. As particularly depicted in FIG. 12, the door 44 can also include a lip 126 around a periphery 128 of the door. The lip 126 can provide a weather-tight seal between the RV opening and the door 44 when the door 44 is in a closed position. Alternatively, the door 44 can contain other sealing mechanisms and techniques known in the art.

The door 44 can contain an opening and closing mechanism, e.g., knob or latch 129. The door can also include a lock 131. The door can also include a biasing mechanism, not depicted in the figures, such as a spring or control arm/assembly. The biasing member can bias the door to a closed position (or hold the door in place), such that the door will automatically close when persons enter and leave the RV and do not shut the door. The door 44 can also contain a window 130. The window 130 can include a screen, a glass or Plexiglas pane, a shade, tinting, and the like.

The door 44 can be formed of various metals, polymers, fabrics, screens, or other various materials without deviating from the scope of the invention. The door can also include insulation such as fiberglass, foam, or other materials known in the art without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12-14, the screen assembly 46 generally includes the screen 95, a cassette assembly 132, and the pull bar/rail 134 operably coupled at an end portion of the screen 95. The cassette assembly 132 generally includes the cassette housing 136 enclosed at its ends by generally opposed first and second end caps 138, 140, a screen cassette or roll 142, and first and second bushing assemblies 144, 146. The first and second end caps 138, 140 are operably attached to the ends of the cassette housing 136. The first end cap 138 can be attached to the ends of the member 104 to hold the member 104 in place. The second end cap 140 is attached to a lower end of the cassette housing 136. When installed in the master frame 42, the lower end of the cassette housing 136 and second end cap 140 fit in or proximate the sill notch 120, confronting the first jamb 48. The caps 114, 138, 140 can be constructed of molded plastics, metal, or other materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The cassette or roll 142 is generally disposed within the cassette housing 136 and is operably coupled to first and second cassette projections 148, 150 disposed on the first and second cassette end caps 138, 140, respectively. The bushing assemblies 144, 146 enable the cassette 142 to rotate with respect to the first and second cassette projections 148, 150 disposed on the first and second cassette end caps 138, 140. The cassette 142 is generally disposed within the cassette housing 136 and is operably coupled to first and second cassette projections 148, 150 with the first and second bushings assemblies 144, 146, respectively.

The cassette assembly 132 can also include a spring mechanism, for retracting or rollably wrapping the screen 95 onto the cassette 142. An end portion of the screen 94 distal the pull bar 134 is operably connected to the cassette 142. In one embodiment, the screen 95 is under a biasing retracting force upon sliding extraction from the cassette 142 along the tracks 92, 116. While such a mechanism could include a spring or motor, these examples are not limiting and other mechanisms could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cassette housing 136 and cassette 142, and the end caps 138, 140, can be constructed of various known materials.

As stated above, the screen assembly 46 further includes the screen panel 95 and the pull bar 134. The pull bar 134 can include glides or shoes 135, or other guiding structures that are configured to operably couple or guide the pull bar 134 and screen 95 along the top and bottom tracks 92, 116 while opening and closing the screen assembly 46, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. For instance, glides 135 can reduce the play or gap between the bar 134 and the sidewalls or boundaries of the tracks 92, 116. Glides 135 can further promote fluid sliding within the tracks 92, 116 and enhance frictional engagement. Similarly, the tracks 92, 116 can include guiding structures or rails to assist with guiding of the screen 95 and/or bar 134 along the tracks 92, 116. For instance, as shown in FIG. 15, the pull bar 134 can include guides 137 at each end. The guides 137 generally include a mating channel or aperture 139. The tracks 92, 116 can include a slide rail 141 adapted to operably mate with or insert through the channel 139 of the respective guide 137. As such, slidable engagement of the pull bar 134 and screen 95 along the tracks 92, 116 is facilitated as the guides 137 slide along the respective rail 141. It should be noted that such a guide and rail system can be employed along an external surface or portion of the tracks 92, 116 as well. In another embodiment, ends of the rail 134 do not ride substantially within the tracks 92, 116, but rather are substantially external and disposed on an exterior surface of the tracks 92, 116. The pull bar 134 can be generally adapted to slidably ride along the tracks 92, 116. Other configurations and techniques for guiding the screen 95 and/or bar 134 along either of the tracks 92, 116 can be employed as well.

The pull bar 134 can include handle or latch/catch portions, disposed thereon for manually opening and closing of the retractable screen assembly 46. The pull bar 134 can also include a magnet configured to include a magnet for mating with a magnet, or metal component, included on the second jamb 50 to retain the screen 95 in the closed position.

To install the door assembly 40 into an opening of a building or RV for one embodiment, the master frame 42, including the main door 44, is inserted in the opening. In particular, the master frame 42 without the screen assembly 46 or the members 80, 104 can be placed into and secured to an opening on a RV such that the sill 62 rests on a bottom portion of the opening, and the door abuts the RV frame structure. The screen assembly 46 is then installed on the interior of the master frame 42, with the cassette housing 136 being inserted into the recess 120. Further, members 104, 80 can be attached to the interior portion of the header portion 52 and the second jamb 50 at this point to complete installation of the master frame 42 components. As such, component maintenance, replacement and adjustment is permitted. The nature of the door assembly 40 according to the various embodiments of the present invention enables the installation of the door assembly 40 to be completed with minimal steps. This can save installation time and money and prevent improper installation.

In an embodiment, the RV or door assembly 40 can include one or more insulation or sealing members between the faces 68, 77, 88, or other assembly 40 components, and the RV structure. In such an embodiment, the assembly 40 components or surfaces would not necessarily directly abut the RV walls or structures, but would rather sandwich the insulation or sealing members therebetween.

In another embodiment, the sill 62 is first installed onto a lower edge of an opening included on a RV. The door assembly 40, including a master frame 42 having first and second jambs 48, 50 and a header 52 is installed proximate the pre-installed sill 62 as previously described. The door assembly 40 is then operably attached to the sill 62 and/or RV. Various other installation steps or configurations are envisioned as well.

Once the door assembly 40 has been installed into a RV, the door 44 and screen assembly 46 can be selectively opened and closed independently of each other. The door 44 can be selectively opened and closed by moving the door 44 about the one or more hinges 121. The retractable or rollable screen 95 and/or bar 134 can be selectively opened and closed by being slid or otherwise moved along the first and second tracks 92, 116 included on the header 52 and sill 62, respectively. In an embodiment of the present invention, the screen 95 selectively retracts between an open position and a closed position within the frame interior defined by the first and second jambs 48, 50, header 52, and sill 62.

The screen 95 can be moved or slid to an open position wherein the screen panel 95 is substantially wound upon the cassette or roller 142 and the pull bar 134 is at a position proximate the cassette housing 132. In various embodiments, the screen 95 is under a biasing retracting force from the roller 142, thus applying a biasing force on the screen 95 toward the roller 142. Referring to FIG. 1, to close the retractable screen assembly 46, the pull bar 134 is pulled or otherwise moved away from the cassette 142 and cassette housing 136, towards the second jamb 50. The pull rail or bar 134 and the screen 95 slide along or within the first and second tracks 92, 116. Namely, edges of the screen 95 and bar slide along the tracks 92, 116. When the pull bar 134 is proximate the second jamb 50, the pull bar 134 can be operably latched to the latch 82 included with the second jamb 50, thus retaining the screen 95 in an open position. In this position, the weatherstripping included on the member 80 substantially creates a seal with the pull rail 134 that inhibits the entry of insects into the interior of the RV. The weatherstripping or other sealing structure included on the member 104 and the header 52, and on the sill 62 and first jamb 48, in addition to providing retention and engagement functions for the screen 95 and rail 134 during sliding, can also create a seal with the screen 95 or other components that inhibits the entry of insects into the interior of the RV.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. In particular, the present invention has been described with reference to installation and use on a RV, although the present invention can be installed and used on a commercial or residential building without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A door assembly configured for installation into a recreational vehicle (“RV”) entry opening, comprising:

a master frame including first and second spaced apart jambs, and a header portion and a sill portion operably coupled to the first and second jambs, the header portion including an upper track and the sill portion including a lower track, the master frame adapted for operable securement to the RV entry opening;

a door hingedly operably coupled with one of the first and second jambs of the master frame and hingedly movable between an open position and a closed position; and

a screen assembly operably coupled to the first jamb of the master frame, the screen assembly including: a roller mechanism; and a screen having a first end portion operably coupled to the roller mechanism, and a second end portion having a pull member such that the screen is retractable onto and extractable from the roller mechanism and wherein the pull member operably engages the upper and lower tracks such that movement of the pull member away from the roll mechanism along the upper and lower tracks correspondingly extracts the screen from the roller mechanism and the first jamb toward the second jamb and a screen closed position.

2. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the pull member comprises an upper glide member and a lower glide member, the upper glide member operably cooperating with the upper track and the lower glide member operably cooperating with the lower track during the movement of the pull member along the tracks.

3. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper and lower tracks include an engagement member along a length thereof, the engagement member adapted to engage at least an edge portion of the screen during movement of the screen along the upper and lower tracks.

4. The door assembly of claim 3, wherein the engagement member is constructed of weatherstripping.

5. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the pull member includes at least one glide portion and at least one of the upper and lower tracks includes a slide rail, the at least one glide portion matably engageable with the slide rail to facilitate movement of the pull member along the at least one track.

6. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the master frame further includes a first corner section and a second corner section, the first jamb and header portion being coupled at the first corner section and the second jamb and header portion being coupled at the second corner section, the first and second corner sections each comprising a notch portion.

7. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the second jamb includes a vertical frame member and the upper track includes a horizontal member, the vertical frame member and the horizontal member being separately attachable to the master frame.

8. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller mechanism includes a spring operably coupled with the first end of the screen to impose a biasing force on the screen toward the roller mechanism.

9. A door assembly configured for installation into a recreational vehicle (“RV”) opening, comprising:

a master frame including first and second spaced apart jambs, and a header portion operably coupled to and extending generally transverse between the first and second jambs, the master frame further including a first screen track,

a door hingedly operably coupled with one of the first and second jambs of the master frame and pivotally movable between a door open position and a door closed position; and

a screen assembly operably coupled to the first jamb of the master frame, the screen assembly including: a roller mechanism; and a screen having a first end portion operably coupled to the roller mechanism and a second end portion, the second end portion having a rigid member operably slidably engageable along a length of the first screen track between a screen closed position and a screen opened position.

10. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the second jamb includes a latch adapted to secure the rigid member in place at the screen closed position.

11. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the master frame further includes a sill portion operably coupled to the first and second jambs and generally opposed to the header portion, the sill portion including a second screen track, wherein the rigid member operably slidably engages along a length of the first screen track and the second screen track.

12. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the first screen track includes an engagement member along a length thereof, the engagement member adapted to engage at least an edge portion of the screen during sliding of the screen along the first screen track.

13. The door assembly of claim 12, wherein the engagement member is constructed of weatherstripping.

14. The door assembly of claim 11, wherein the sill portion includes a recess, the recess adapted to receive an end portion of the screen assembly therein such that the screen is aligned for slidable engagement with the second screen track.

15. The door assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second jambs, the header portion, and the sill portion of the master frame define an interior operating margin.

16. A method of providing an entry opening of a recreational vehicle (“RV”) with a door and screen assembly, comprising:

providing a frame having first and second spaced vertical jambs and a header operably coupled to the first and second jambs, the header including an upper track, the frame further having a sill operably coupled to the first and second jambs and generally opposed to the header, the sill including a lower track generally opposed to the upper track;

providing a door hingedly coupled to one of the first and second jambs, the door pivotally hingedly movable between an open position and a closed position;

providing a retractable screen mechanism operably coupled to the first jamb, the screen mechanism including a roller device and a screen, the screen attached to the roller device at a first screen end and to a pull member at a second screen end, the pull member and the screen being slidable along the upper and lower tracks;

securing a portion of the frame to the entry opening of the RV; and

applying a force upon the pull member to slidably move the pull member and the second screen end along the upper and lower tracks between an open position proximate the first jamb and a closed position proximate the second jamb.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the frame with the lower and upper tracks further includes providing at least one of the lower and upper tracks with at least one engagement member adapted to engage at least an edge portion of the retractable screen during sliding of the screen along the lower and upper tracks.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the at least one engagement member includes providing a length of weatherstripping.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the header includes further providing a separate horizontal member operably coupled to the header to form a portion of the upper track.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the horizontal member is operably coupled to the header after the portion of the frame is secured to the entry opening.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the second jamb includes further providing a vertical member operably coupled to the second jamb.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the vertical member is operably coupled to the second jamb after the portion of the frame is secured to the entry opening.

23. A door assembly configured for installation into a recreational vehicle (“RV”) entry opening, comprising:

a master frame including first and second spaced apart jambs, and a header portion and a sill portion operably coupled to the first and second jambs, the header portion including means for screen tracking, the master frame adapted for operable securement to the RV entry opening;

a door hingedly operably coupled with one of the first and second jambs of the master frame and hingedly movable between an open position and a closed position; and

a screen assembly operably coupled to the first jamb of the master frame, the screen assembly including: a slidable screen having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion having a pull bar, the pull bar and the slidable screen operably engageable with and adapted for travel along a length of the means for screen tracking; means for extracting and retracting the slidable screen, wherein force upon the pull bar in a direction away from the means for extracting and retracting the slidable screen correspondingly extracts the slidable screen along the means for screen tracking toward a screen closed position proximate the second jamb.

24. The door assembly of claim 23, wherein the means for screen tracking further includes means for engaging an edge portion of the slidable screen during extraction of the slidable screen along the means for screen tracking.