Rollable screen door and mounting system

Abstract

A flexible fabric and screen door covering consisting of bordering materials and one or more flexible screen inner panels. The preferred embodiment will be held in position by the means of a tension rod extending at the top of the doorframe with the ability of adjusting the height by inserting the tension rod in different sleeves at the top of the device. The sides will be held in place by the means of hook and loop attachment to the doorframe. The width may be adjusted by the means of snaps on the sides that when snapped together will pleat the sides, reducing the width while the length can be adjusted at the top or bottom. An alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering will be able to roll up being attached to the wall surface above the door with a variety of different bracket means and having several different decorative coverings.

Description

This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/409,844 filed on Apr. 24, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present rollable screen door and mounting system generally relates to the field of screen doors used on private dwellings. More specifically, this device deals with a rollable screen door covering and mounting system for almost any residential entry or patio door, including sliding doors, and for motor homes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Traditional metal screen doors have several undesirable characteristics that previously have not been dealt with. With the screens stretched very tightly, small or large tears in the screen portion happen frequently and present an unsightly appearance and making the screen doors ineffective. The screens are generally not replaced until their appearance is extremely unsightly. If the metal screen door does not have an automatic door closing mechanism attached to it, the person closing the door must be sure that the door is latched properly. If it is left partially open, it will invite flies and other insects to enter. On metal screen doors having an automatic closing mechanism, the familiar sound of the screen door slamming shut is another annoying and undesirable characteristic.

There is a vast market for screen doors that needs to be filled. Less than 10 percent of the residential (entry or patio) door sales within the last six years are fitted with a screen door. Besides the doors sold with a screen door, there is the market of millions of installed doors that are suitable for retrofit or in need of a new screen door.

Approximately 90 percent of residential doors installed in apartment buildings are without screen doors. Most apartment and condominium buildings do not welcome screen doors because they are unsightly and detract from the appearance of the complex. Even in the rare situations where screen doors are allowed, the tenants do not want to spend their money on a permanent installation of a fixture that they are required to leave behind when they vacate their unit.

Therefore there exists a need for a new type of easily removable or rollable (roll up and roll down) screen door and mounting system that is convenient, functional, durable and inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary advantage of the present invention is to provide a rollable screen door and mounting system which is convenient, functional, durable and inexpensive.

Another advantage is to provide a novel rollable screen door and mounting system that is portable, lightweight, and easy to carry, and move from one doorway to another.

Another advantage is to provide a novel rollable screen door and mounting system that is easy to install and remove, and readily rolls up and down as needed.

Another advantage is to provide a novel rollable screen door and mounting system that is easy to maintain by using a moistened soft cloth with a mild soap solution in order to clean it.

Another advantage is to supply a rollable screen door and mounting system that is flexible and not easily torn, or damaged.

Another advantage is to supply a rollable screen door and mounting system that can be rolled up from either the top or the bottom to additionally shorten its length.

Still another advantage of this invention is to provide a novel rollable screen door and mounting system that is readily width adjustable for differing doorway widths, and which has a mechanism for keeping the screen pressed into place against the door opening, to keep insects from getting in.

Yet, another advantage is to provide a novel rollable screen door and mounting system having a pleasing appearance and one that is durable and will last through many years of use.

It is another advantage to provide a rollable screen door and mounting system that has excellent outward visibility and daytime privacy.

Another advantage is to provide a rollable screen door and mounting system that lets in fresh air, better light and provides additional comfort for people who work in their house, apartment, motor home or condominium.

The rollable screen door and mounting system has as its primary structure an upright oriented fabric body having at least one mesh screen portion positioned inwardly from its respective edges. The respective mesh screen portions would normally encompass between 5-95 percent of the surface area of the fabric body. The preferred material for the mesh screen portion would be a fiberglass cloth. The fabric body and screen portion could also be made of a water repellant polyester material. Additionally, both the screen portion and the fabric body could also be made of a vinyl material, as well as a nylon material, or any other fiberglass-like material. The primary advantage of this invention is a novel removable or permanent fabric and screen door covering for millions of residents of homes, apartments, condominiums and motor homes, and other types of private dwellings that do not have the convenience of a screen door.

The top end of the fabric body on the preferred embodiment is folded back and horizontally stitched to form one or more sleeves to provide for varying heights of doors. An adjustable length tension rod is inserted through one of the sleeves. The sleeve chosen would be determined by the height of the doorway opening. Another method for adjusting the height of the fabric body is to rollup a portion of the bottom end or top end of the fabric body to provide a custom fit.

The respective areas on the preferred and alternate embodiments surrounding the mesh screen portion of the rollable screen door and mounting system form a top edge border panel, a left edge border panel, a right border panel, and an optional intermediate connecting panel and a bottom edge border panel. The edges of the respective border panels may be folded over and stitched to form a double thickness strip along the respective left side edge, right side edge and bottom edge. The rear surface of the respective left and right side edges have a single long strip or multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material secured thereto that would mate with matching strips of the same material attached along the inner surface of the doorway opening. These allow the left and right side edges of the screen door to snugly contact the inner surface of the doorway opening.

On both the preferred and the alternate embodiments of the rollable screen door and mounting system, a rear surface of the left edge border panel and right edge border panel have optional vertically spaced horizontal strips that each contain a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of male and female snap members. The snaps allow the width of the screen door to be adjusted to the width of the doorway opening.

The preferred embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system has been designed to be quickly and easily installed in a variety of doorway openings. First the adjustable length tension rod assembly is adjusted to a length just slightly less than the width of the doorway opening. Then it is inserted through one of the sleeves adjacent the top end of the upright oriented fabric body. The adjustable length rod assembly with the fabric body installed thereon is positioned within the doorway opening adjacent its top end. Now the adjustable length tension rod assembly is lengthened so that its opposite ends are tightened against the respective left and right side walls of the doorway opening. The hook fastening material or loop fastening material is attached to the respective left and right side walls of the doorway opening at positions that align with the hook or loop fastening material that is located along the left and right edges of the fabric body. With the upright oriented fabric body properly sealed adjacent the top and bottom of the doorway opening, the respective left and right side edges of the fabric body would be sealed against the respective left and right side walls of the doorway opening by the means of pressing the respective hook and loop fastening material together.

The alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system will have a roll up mechanism whereby the screen door can be rolled on a roller tube, similar to a conventional window shade. The alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering will be permanently affixed to the area above the door opening by the means of end brackets screwed into the wall surface. A variety of end brackets are available, the first set having the end brackets with a roller tube, enclosed by the means of a wire framework to be covered with decorative fabric. A second end bracket and roller tube set would have a front flange as a means to attach a decorative front panel with a tension rod at the lower rear to keep the fabric and screen door covering against the wall surface. A third end bracket and roller tube set will have two tension rods with the one in the front to hang a valance or a front panel with fabric loops at the top and the one in the rear to keep the fabric and screen door covering against the wall surface. A fourth end bracket and roller tube set would be mounted to a surface mounting plate with valance brackets for the forward tension rod and small rear brackets for the rear tension rod.

The above description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty that characterize the rollable screen door and mounting system and are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the rollable screen door and mounting system, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred and alternate embodiments of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the novel rollable screen door and mounting system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the novel rollable screen door and mounting system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a top plan view of a doorway opening showing the manner in which an adjustable length rod assembly is used to hang the screen door, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear perspective view showing the rollable screen door and mounting system supported on the adjustable length rod assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the doorway opening showing a U-shaped support member for preventing ends of the tension rod assembly from slipping downwardly in the doorway opening, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the carrying container for the fabric and screen door covering, showing the rolled-up screen door and rod member stored therein, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an additional support mechanism for the tension rod, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system with the end brackets and roller tube enclosed within a wire frame, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system and wire framework, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a rear view of the alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system with the extended material at the top to attach to the roller tube with the optional dog door, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a detail of the split in the sides of the fabric and screen door covering, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a detail of the lower corners of the fabric and screen door covering with an orifice and grab rope, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering with the optional dog door, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a side view detail of the roller tube attached to the alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the second style of end bracket with a front flange using a single tension rod at the lower back, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the third style of end bracket using two tension rods, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the fabric covered front panel with clips that attach to the second style of end bracket with a front flange, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the fabric covered front panel with clips, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts a rear view of the front panel with fabric loops at the top edge, in the fabric that attaches to the front tension rod on third style of end bracket, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the front panel with fabric loops at the top edge, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 21 depicts an exploded perspective view of the fourth style of end brackets including; end brackets, roller tube, surface mounting plates with valance brackets and small rear brackets, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a front view of the novel fabric and screen door covering 10 with a fabric body 12 that incorporates an upper mesh screen portion 14 and a lower screen portion 16 in its central area. Fabric body 12 has a height H1 and a width W1. H1 is in the range of 50-90 inches. W1 is in the range of 20-60 inches. Fabric body 12 has a top edge 20 a left edge 21, a right edge 22 and a bottom edge 23. Upper mesh screen portion 14 has a height H2 and a width W2. Lower mesh screen portion 16 has a height H3 and a width W2. Surrounding the respective mesh screen portions are left edge border panel 30, right edge border panel 32, bottom edge border panel 34, optional intermediate connecting panel 35 and top edge border panel 36. Three or more strips of hook-loop fastening material 52 will be attached to the bottom edge border panel 34 as a means to roll up the fabric and screen door covering 10 from the bottom.

Referring now to FIG. 2 being a rear view fabric and screen door covering 10, there are a plurality of horizontal strips 40 that are vertically spaced from each other along the height of the fabric body 12. The outer surface of strip members 40 have a plurality of male snaps 42 and female snaps 44 that when attached allow the width of the fabric body or screen door to be adjusted for the width of the doorway opening. Fabric body 12 has a vertically extending centerline V-axis.

The double thickness folded-over strips 50 have hook-loop fastening material 52 secured to their outer surface. There can be one or more fastening strips 52 along each side of the fabric and screen door covering and one or more fastening strips 52 along the bottom of edge border panel 34. This fastening material has two portions, one as being identified as the hook portion and the other being identified as the loop portion. Either one of the portions can be secured to the double thickness folded over strip 50 with the other portion secured at its proper height position on the inside surface of the doorway opening.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a top plan view of doorway opening 80 formed by doorframe members 82 and 84. A door 86 is mounted on hinges 88. Molding strips 89 present an abutment surface for door 86 when it is in the closed position. Adjustable length tension rod assembly 70 has a rod member 71 having a rubber cap 72 on its one end. Rod member 71 engages threads within tube member 74 to increase or decrease the length of the adjustable length tension rod assembly 70. A rubber cap 75 is mounted on the distal end of the tube 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper screen mesh portion 14 of fabric body 12 has been folded back upon itself and has horizontal stitching 60 and 62 that forms an upper sleeve 64 and a lower sleeve 66. Depending upon the height of the doorway opening, the adjustable rod assembly 70 may be inserted in either of the sleeves. Additional sleeves could be designed into the top edge border panel 36 allowing for added length adjustments. The right edge border panel 32 is seen as the horizontal strips with snaps 40 is adjusted by inserting male snaps 42 into female snaps 44. The double thickness folded over strips 50 support hook loop fastening material 52.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a rubber cap 72 on the end of rod member 71 in engagement with doorway opening 80. A U-shaped hook-loop support member 81 with a sticky rear surface is applied to the inner surface of doorway opening 80. It provides a resistance stop for rubber cap 72 that impedes its tendency to slide down the inner wall surface of doorway opening 80. A molding strip 89 is illustrated as it will provide an abutment surface for door.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the rolled or folded up fabric body 12 is shown stored in the carrying container 92 in which the fabric and screen door covering has been marketed. The rod assembly 70 is also shown in the breakaway portion of the figure. Carrying container 92 has a cover 94 attached to a zipper 96 that allows access to the interior of the carrying bag.

Referring now to FIG. 7 depicting a perspective view of an additional support mechanism for the tension rod assembly 70 using a cushioned pad 78 with a hook-loop attachment means 79 for connecting to the hook loop supporting member 81 adjacent to the doorway opening 80.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the rollable screen door and mounting system 110 with right end bracket 112, a left end bracket 114 and roller tube 116 enclosed within a wire frame 118. The left end bracket 114 will be freewheeling while the right end bracket will be keyed to the roller tube 116 and the up or downward movement controlled by the means of a pull chain 120. Roller tube axle shaft 136 rotatably fits into aperture 138 and is thereby held in place on the right end bracket 112 on mounting system 110. A second aperture (not shown) is similarly located on the left end bracket 114 of the rollable screen door and mounting system 110. This mounting system may be installed internally on the inside door frame, or externally on the outside door frame.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering and mounting system 110 and wire frame 118 attached to the wall surface 122 adjacent to the doorway opening 80.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering 110 with the extended material on the top fabric 124 lengthened to attach to the roller tube 116 and the optional dog door opening 126. The fabric split 130 may be seen in greater detail in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a detail of the fabric split 130 in the side double thickness folded strip 50 with hook-loop fastening material 52 located on both sides of the fabric. The fabric splits 130 allow the fabric to conform to the contours of the doorframe members 84 when attaching the hook-loop fastening material 52.

FIG. 12 is a detail of the double thickness folded over strips 50 located at the lower corner of the fabric and screen door covering 110 with a fabric orifice 132 and grab rope 134 located on one or both sides of the fabric body bottom edge 23.

FIG. 13 depicts a rear view of the alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering 110 with the extended material on the top fabric 124 lengthened to attach to the roller tube 116 and the optional dog door opening 126

FIG. 14 is a side view of the roller tube 116 attached to the alternate embodiment of the fabric and screen door covering 110 by the means of the T-slot 132. The wire frame 118 is also seen in this view.

Referring now to FIG. 15 depicting a perspective view of the second style of end bracket 140 with a front flange 142 and support member 144 for a single tension rod assembly 70 at the lower back is adjacent to the mounting flange 146. The right and left brackets 140 will be symmetrical about the centerline of the device. A roller tube axle shaft (not shown) rotatably fits into aperture 148 and is thereby held in place on this second style of mounting brackets 140 on the mounting system. A second aperture (not shown) is similarly located on opposite end mounting bracket of the system.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the third style of end bracket 150 using two tension rods having a front support member 152 along with the lower rear support member 144 adjacent to the mounting flange 146. Likewise, a roller tube axle shaft (not shown) rotatably fits into aperture 154 and is thereby held in place on this third style of mounting brackets 150 on the mounting system. A second aperture (not shown) is similarly located on opposite end mounting bracket of the system.

FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the fabric covered front panel 156 with panel clips 158 that attaches to the second style of end brackets 140. Decorative fabric 160 will cover the complete front panel 156 except where the panel clips 158 are located.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the fabric covered front panel 156 with panel clip 158 and decorative fabric 160.

Referring now to FIG. 19 that depicts a rear view of the front panel 156 with three or more fabric loops 162 at the top edge 164, of the fabric 160.

Turning now to FIG. 20, the fabric loop 162 attach to the front tension rod assembly 70 on third style of end bracket 150. FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the front panel 156 with front panel fabric loop 162 at the top edge 164 with the tension rod assembly 70 inserted with fabric 160 in place.

FIG. 21 depicts an exploded perspective view of the fourth style of end plates with end brackets 166, roller tube 116, surface mounting plates 168 with valance brackets 170 and small rear brackets 172. Pull chain 174 is used to actuate the rollable screen door up and down. Additionally, electronic components (not shown) may be involved to electrically power the screen portion up and down. These electronic components may be controlled remotely, using a remote control device. Additionally, for externally mounted systems, a sensor and alarm may be included to deter to prevent theft of the unit.

Finally, it should be understood that all of the foregoing applications for the rollable screen door and mounting system are applicable for window coverings. That is instead of doorways, windows may be screened using the present invention in much the same way that it is used to screen doorways.

The fabric and screen door covering 10 and 110 shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present design. It is to be understood however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a fabric and screen door covering 10 and 110 in accordance with the spirit of this invention, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A rollable screen door and mounting system comprising:

a) a variable width fabric screen material portion having a top end and a bottom end;

b) a roller tube having a T-slot therein for accepting the top end of said screen material portion, and a centrally located roller tube axle shaft; and

c) left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft;

whereby said mounting brackets are removably fixed to the interior or exterior of a door frame and supports said roller tube which stores said screen portion until said screen portion is lowered down to cover a doorway.

2. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, wherein said variable width fabric screen material is mounted using a cushioned pad to support a tube member, and said cushioned pad is attached to each side of a doorway using hook and loop material.

3. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, further comprising a wire frame mounted surrounding said roller tube and said left and right side mounting brackets.

4. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, further comprising a pull chain to actuate said roller tube and allow for said variable width screen material to be lowered and raised.

5. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, wherein said variable width screen material includes a pet door located in said bottom end.

6. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, wherein said left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft further include a rear rod assembly support member and a front flange for accepting a valence clip, for the purpose of mounting a valance panel.

7. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 1, wherein said left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft further include a rear rod assembly support member and a front rod assembly support member, for the purpose of mounting a valance.

8. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 6, further comprising a fabric front panel and a front panel clip wherein said front panel clip accepts said front panel and is mounted to said front flange.

9. The rollable screen door and mounting system, according to claim 7, further comprising a fabric front panel having front panel fabric loops, and a mounting rod wherein said mounting rod is located within said loops to support said front panel, and said mounting rod is supported by said front rod assembly support member, for the purpose of mounting a valence.

10. A rollable screen door and mounting system comprising:

a) a variable width fabric screen material portion having a top end and a bottom end;

b) a hollow roller tube having a T-slot therein for accepting the top end of said screen material portion, and c) left and right side mounting brackets having end plates located to accept said hollow roller tube;

whereby said mounting brackets are removably fixed to the interior or exterior of a door frame and supports said roller tube which stores said screen portion until said screen portion is lowered down to cover a doorway.

11. A method for making a rollable screen door and mounting system comprising the steps of:

a) providing a variable width fabric screen material portion having a top end and a bottom end;

b) providing a roller tube having a T-slot therein for accepting the top end of said screen material portion, and a centrally located roller tube axle shaft; and

c) providing left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft;

whereby said mounting brackets are removably fixed to the interior or exterior of a door frame and supports said roller tube which stores said screen portion until said screen portion is lowered down to cover a doorway.

12. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing a roller tube having a T-slot therein for accepting the top end of said screen material portion, and a centrally located roller tube axle shaft, is replaced with the step of a providing a hollow roller tube having a T-slot therein for accepting the top end of said screen material portion.

13. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 12, wherein said step of providing left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft, is replaced with the step of providing left and right side mounting brackets having end plates located to accept said hollow roller tube.

14. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, further comprising the step of providing a pull chain to actuate said roller tube and allow for said variable width screen material to be lowered and raised manually.

15. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 14, further comprising the step of providing a pull chain with an electronic motor to actuate said roller tube and allow for said variable width screen material to be lowered and raised electronically.

16. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 15, wherein said electronic motor to actuate said roller tube and allow for said variable width screen material to be lowered and raised electronically, is remotely controlled.

17. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing a variable width fabric screen material portion having a top end and a bottom end further includes providing a variable width fabric screen material portion having a top end and a bottom end having a pet door located in said bottom end.

18. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft further includes the step of providing mounting brackets having a rear rod assembly support member and a front flange for accepting a valence clip, for the purpose of mounting a valance panel.

19. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing left and right side mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft further includes the step of providing mounting brackets having an aperture centrally located to accept said roller tube axle shaft further include a rear rod assembly support member and a front rod assembly support member, for the purpose of mounting a valance.

20. The method of making a rollable screen door and mounting system according to claim 11, further comprising the step of providing a sensor and alarm system.