CHANNEL LOCK FILTER FASTENING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN AIR INTAKE STRUCTURE

Abstract

A fastening system for applying a covering material over an opening of a structure. At least one elongated rail is secured to a fascia of the structure in extending fashion proximate the opening and exhibits a shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured a narrowed slot. A plurality of fasteners each include a planar shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each of the rails so as to be traversable along an interior channel defined in the rail. A further rotatable portion of each fastener projects from the base through the outwardly facing slot to be rotated from a first position aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving apertures of the covering material to a second position in order to affix the material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/205,908, filed Aug. 9, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly for securing a filter screen to a perimeter extending face surrounding a central opening of an air intake structure. More specifically, the present invention discloses a channel lock construction including any number (such as two to four) modified “U” cross sectional shaped rails which secure in generally parallel extending fashion to the edges of the intake opening. A plurality of bolt head fasteners are slidably installed within accessible open end channels of the “U” shaped rails, such that their threaded shafts project through a narrowed and lengthwise extending slot opening defined in each rail. The attachable filter screen exhibits a reinforced perimeter within which is configured a plurality of edge proximate and extending grommets through which the bolt shafts project. Wing nuts are provided for securing over the projecting ends of the threaded shafts and, in combination with vinyl coatings in the wing nut internal threads or separately applied lock washers, retain the screen in installed fashion against the intake face and around the opening.

Additional variants include the incorporation of modified and channel rail mounted twist lock and toggle fasteners, in each instance providing a simplified arrangement for quickly installing over an opening either flexible or rigid coverings (defined as including either a screen or a rigid environmentally sealing cover such as exhibiting a non-porous surface). Additional modified fasteners can include hooks or the like for quickly engaging the reinforced perimeter ringlets or grommets associated with the planar covering (such as again including either rigid or flexible binding) and for supporting the covering in place. Yet additional variants contemplate the application of this technology to window, doorway (i.e. such as standard and larger garage door type entranceways) or any other suitable opening which it is desirous to cover in the manner described herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Filter screen assemblies, such as utilized for covering an intake opening associated with an air handling unit, are known. Such screens are usually either affixed to the surrounding fascia extending around a perimeter of the intake opening, suspended from a curtain rod extending over the opening, or secured in some other fashion. Examples drawn from the prior art include such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,323,028, U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,116, U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,577, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,722, all to Simmons.

Challenges of traditional methods of fastening include having to drill one or more screw holes into the air intake equipment for mounting each fastener (usually many fasteners per filter). Frequently, equipment has sensitive components behind the point of drilling thus requiring custom modification of filters to ensure grommet locations don't require fastening to sensitive locations; this can increase the cost of filters due to custom grommet location requirements. Other difficult mounting situations include filter fasteners requiring mounting to equipment constructed of heavy gauge, hard steel which requires a significant effort and time to drill each hole for fastener attachment—by using the channel lock invention, significantly fewer screw holes for mounting are needed reducing both mounting time and effort. Further, alignment and attachment of traditional fasteners are time consuming and require detailed alignment and precise fastener placement to prevent wrinkling of the filter across the intake opening; and once fasteners have been attached they provide no movement to accommodate adjustment without requiring drilling and repositioning of the fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention remedies the problems associated with traditional installation methods by providing an improved channel supporting construction for quickly installing any type of covering member (including mesh and non-mesh insulating coverings) and which enables individual channel lengths to be fastened to the perimeter of air intake openings with fewer screw holes being drilled into the air intake equipment while providing greater flexibility as to their location so as to avoid sensitive regions on the equipment. When the filter fasteners are inserted into the end of the mounted channel, it permits the fasteners to be quickly slid into position for alignment with the grommets on the filter thus permitting self-alignment of the fasteners to the filter grommets, reducing drilling into the equipment, reducing installation time and effort and preventing mounting related wrinkling of the filter.

The channel lock construction includes any number, including one or more, cross sectional shaped rails (such as exhibiting a modified “U” shape in cross section) which are initially secure in a generally parallel extending fashion proximate to the fascia defined edges of an air intake structure opening and for accomplishing faster and more secure installation of a suitably dimensioned filter screen. The rails are pre-mounted in a first step using a first plurality of screws which install through pre-formed and spaced apart apertures extending along a base surface of each rail abutting an extending fascia edge, such apertures either being pre-drilled or not depending upon the installation.

A plurality of bolt head fasteners are provided, such that the enlarged (typically hexagonal shaped) heads are slidably installed within open end located channels establishing the cross sectional configuration of each “U” shaped rail, in such a fashion that the heads either do not rotate within the internal defined channels or pivot out through a forwardly facing and narrowed slot or opening through which the associated threaded shafts are permitted to project. The attachable filter screen is particularly sized for use with a given frame configuration of pre-mounted rails and exhibits a reinforced perimeter within which is configured a plurality of edge extending grommets through which the bolt shafts project upon the screen being applied over the centrally defined intake opening.

Wing nuts are provided for securing over the projecting end portions of the threaded shafts and in order to secure screen flush against the fascia surface perimeter extending around the intake opening. Additional components such as a vinyl coating applied to the internal threads of each wing nut, and/or the application of lock washers, may be provided in order to retain the screen in installed fashion against the intake face and around the opening. In this fashion, the speed of installation of the filter is increased for any piece of mechanical equipment

Additional variants include the incorporation of modified and channel rail mounted twist lock and toggle fasteners, in each instance providing a simplified arrangement for quickly installing over an opening either flexible or rigid coverings (defined as including either a screen or a rigid environmentally sealing cover such as exhibiting a non-porous surface). Additional modified fasteners can include hooks or the like for quickly engaging the reinforced perimeter ringlets or grommets associated with the planar covering (such as again including either rigid or flexible binding) and for supporting the covering in place. Yet additional variants contemplate the application of this technology to window, doorway (i.e. such as standard and larger garage door type entranceways) or any other suitable opening which it is desirous to cover in the manner described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the channel lock filter fastening system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and exhibiting a single pair of upper and lower horizontal extending and fascia supporting rails to which the filter screen is secured by the associated bolt fasteners;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a system according to a second embodiment with first horizontal and second vertical pairs of intake face mounted rails;

FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view in exploded fashion of a pre-assembly location of a selected bolt fastener, rail location, screen with reinforced edge located grommet, washer and wing nut;

FIG. 4 is a succeeding assembly location of the components depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of an initial pre-assembly step including the installation of a plurality of bolt head fasteners into the modified “U” shaped and fascia attachable rails with threaded shafts projecting through an outwardly facing narrowed slot;

FIG. 6 is a succeeding assembly stage to FIG. 5 in which the perimeter edge extending filter screen grommets are seated upon the projecting shafts and at which the washers and wing nuts are attached;

FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration similar to FIG. 2 of a further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted twist lock fasteners;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 7 and illustrating a selected corner located twist lock fastener in an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location of the outer covering;

FIG. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 4 in the preceding embodiment and illustrating the configuration of the selected twist lock fastener;

FIG. 10 is another exploded illustration similar to FIG. 7 of a yet further embodiment incorporation a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted toggle lock fasteners;

FIG. 10A is a partial illustration of an alternately configured toggle capable of being incorporated into the variant of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 8 and illustrates a selected corner located toggle lock fastener in engaged position relative to an outer receiving location of the outer covering;

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 and illustrates the configuration of the selected toggle lock fastener;

FIG. 13 is an exploded illustration of a yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted hook fasteners;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 13 and illustrating a selected corner located hook supporting fastener in an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location of the outer covering;

FIG. 15 is an exploded illustration of a yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and carabiner type fasteners;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 15 and illustrating a selected corner located carabiner supporting fastener in an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location of the outer covering;

FIG. 17 is an environmental view of a further application of fastener and channel rail mounted assembly applied over an enlarged garage door type opening; and

FIG. 18 is a yet further environmental view of a yet further application applied over a window type opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be further described with reference to the succeeding illustrations, the present invention discloses a channel lock construction applied to a surrounding fascia associated with an air intake opening. As will be explained in further detail, the present invention enables attachment, of either a single or dual pairs of inner channel defining rails to the face of air handling mechanical equipment using fewer fasteners and as opposed to fastening the filter directly to the face of the unit using other forms of twist lock, toggle, stud adaptor or other types of fasteners, this facilitating faster installation and removal of a flexible filter screen.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view is generally depicted of the channel lock filter fastening system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and exhibiting a single pair of upper and lower horizontal extending and fascia supporting rails, see at 10 and 12, which are secured at extending locations along a fascia surface 2 associated with an air intake structure 4 (such further understood to include any suitable type of air handling mechanical equipment not limited to air conditioner condenser units, cooling towers etc.). As further depicted in each of succeeding views FIGS. 3-6, each of the rails (see for example first upper horizontal extending rail 10) exhibits a three dimensional, and typically modified “U”, shape with a base surface (see at 14 in each of FIGS. 3-6).

A plurality of spaced apart apertures are defined by inner perimeter extending circular edges 18 (see again rail 10 in each of FIGS. 1 and 2). A plurality of screw fasteners 20 are provided and insert through the circular apertures in order to fasten the rails 10 and 12 in horizontal and parallel extending fashion above and below an intake opening or area which is further generally designated at 6 in each of FIGS. 1-4.

A filter screen 22 is provided, typically exhibiting a flexible mesh like material and including a surrounding reinforced outer portion 24. First 26 and second 28 pluralities of grommets (such interpreted to include metal ringlets or the like which are molded, press fit or otherwise affixed), extend along top and bottom outer hem extending locations of the reinforced outer portion 24.

A plurality of bolt fasteners 30 are provided and are identical in construction as with the various edge extending grommets or screw fasteners. As best shown in FIGS. 3-6, an enlarged head 32 (typically hexagonal shaped) is dimensioned so that it establishes a minor degree of clearance with the inner extending edges of the associated channel defined in the selected rail 10. This facilitates the bolts 30 to be successively installed through an open accessible end of the rail 10 (see FIG. 5) and traversable along the channel interior to desired intermediate locations, and with an end 34 of each bolt shaft projecting beyond a slot (see walls 36 and 38 in partially exploded view of FIG. 3) defined in a forward spaced projecting edge of the rail.

At this point, and viewing FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 collectively, the filter screen 22 is applied such that the ringlets 26 are successively seated over the projecting shaft ends 34, following which a plurality of nuts, by non-limiting example depicted as wing nuts 40, are applied over the exposed shaft ends and are rotated into a tightening arrangement in order to secure the filter screen to the rails 10 and 12. Also depicted are a plurality of washers 42 (see FIG. 6) this also contemplating the additional or alternate use of lock washers (further at 44 in FIG. 6) and so as to prevent the filter from becoming inadvertently loosened from the intake structure fascia.

Alternative to separately provided washers/lock washers, it is also envisioned that suitable washer/lock washer portions can be integrally formed into the wing nut (or other nut) construction. It is further envisioned that, referring to FIG. 3, a suitable nylon coating 46 can be applied to the inner threads associated with each wing nut 40 and which can be accomplished both in combination or alternate the incorporation of any type of separately utilized or integrally formed lock washers. It is further understood that the configuration and dimensioning of the enlarged bolt heads is such that, during twisting application of the nuts 40, the heads 32 do not turn or rotate within the channels (see again FIGS. 3 and 4), such otherwise impeding the ability to quickly apply or remove the nuts 40.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a system according to a second embodiment which differs only to the extent that it adds a second vertical pair of intake face mounted rails 48 and 50 applied to opposite and vertically extending sides of the fascia 2 in such a fashion that the first (10 and 12) and second pairs (48 and 50) of rails collectively establish a generally rectangular shape (this including a square shape in the instance in which the sides of the intake opening and the lengths of all the rails are co-equal). Otherwise, the filter 22 is as previously disclosed in claim 1 with the corresponding modification to include additional grommets 26 likewise extending along the vertical side edges of the reinforced outer frame (also hem or skirt) with corresponding additional bolts 30, wing nuts 40 and washers 42 likewise being provided so as to progressively secure the filter 22 along each of four interconnecting edges and as opposed to only two upper and lower edges as is the case in the illustration of FIG. 1. Such an assembly option as depicted in FIG. 2 contemplates, without limitation, that the bolts, nuts and washers associated with the upper rail 10 are first assembled, following which the sides 48 and 50 are progressively assembled such as further by individually supporting the bolts within the vertical channels during progressive assembly of the nuts and washers. That said, the present invention does not preclude or limit any particular assembly protocol or sequence beyond that which is possible owing to the structural aspects of the design.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded illustration similar to FIG. 2 of a further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted twist lock fasteners, each of which including a flat rectangular shaped base 52 which is dimensioned for seating in laterally slidable fashion within the open channel interior defined in relation to each rail 10, 12, 48, 50 (as previously described in the preceding embodiments). The inserting base 52 in turn supports a reduced dimensioned fixed portion 54 which in turn seats through the linear slot defined between inner extending walls 36 and 38 (this as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and such that the both the fixed portion 54 and underlying channel seating base 52 are permitted to slide but not rotate relative to the rails).

A further twist and lock portion 56 is mounted via a pin or stud in a rotatable fashion relative to the fixed support 54. A screen or like covering 58 exhibits a flexible or rigid perimeter extending edge 60 within which his defined an array of perimeter spaced apart rectangular apertures 62 (as opposed to circular apertures 28 depicted in the variant of FIG. 1).

In this fashion, and upon the twist lock portions 56 being first rotated to a flush profile with the underlying fixed portions 54 (FIG. 7), the fasteners are prepositioned within the rails so that the twist lock portion 56 and the upper part of the underlying fixed portion 54 collectively seat through the apertures 62 (see FIG. 9). At this point, the twist lock portion 56 is rotated about a horizontal axis (see arrow 64 in FIG. 8) and so that an offset portion of the underside of each twist lock portion 56 prevents removal of the covering 58.

In this manner, the various fasteners are capable of being preposition along either or both of first and second opposing pairs of surface mounted rails 10/12 and/or 48/50 in a manner which facilitates quick location and installation of the covering. The covering material 58 can again include any type of screen or mesh as well as also contemplating the use of impermeable covering or insulating materials. It is further envisioned that the outer perimeter or binding 60 of the covering material can include either rigid or flexible materials.

Referring to FIG. 10 in combination with FIGS. 11-12, another exploded illustration similar to FIG. 7 is provided of a yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted toggle lock fasteners. Each of the toggle lock fasteners includes a generally flat and rectangular shaped channel seating base 66 of a shape and dimension similar to that previously identified at 52 in regards to the twist lock fasteners of FIG. 7 and such that the toggle lock fasteners can be channel inserted for lateral displacement within the associated surface mounted rails 10/12 and 48/50 (see again FIG. 12).

Each of the toggle lock fasteners further includes a pair of spaced apart tabs 68 and 70 projecting from each base 66 in a manner which permit outermost portions thereof to project beyond the spaced apart channel defining surfaces 36 and 38 associated with each selected rail (and as shown in cutaway in FIG. 12 in relation to selected rail 10). A cylindrical shaped toggle element 72 is mounted about a vertical axis defined by a pin 74 extending widthwise through the toggle and supported to the tabs 68 and 70. In this fashion, the toggle lock fasteners are first pre-positioned within the channel rails 10, 12, 48 and 50, following a modified array of spaced apart apertures 62′ associated with the flexible or rigid binding or perimeter associated with the covering 58 are mounted over the toggle elements in the perpendicular extending positions shown in FIG. 10 relative to the support base 66, following which the toggle elements 72 are rotated to the position of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 10A illustrates one non-limited example of a substitutable modification of toggle lock fastener as compared to that described in FIG. 10 and in which a pseudo-cylindrical shaped post or body 65 extends from a reconfigured channel seating base 66′ (this including such as dovetail apertures defined therein for receiving other types of mounting fasteners in other applications separate from sliding insertion within the rail channels as described herein). The generally cylindrical shaped body 65 is solid proximate its integral mounting location with the flat and rectangular shaped channel seating base 66′ and includes a pair of extending ears or lobes 67 and 69, these in turn establishing an inner slot or channel having a desired profile for seating therebetween a generally planar, curved edged and rotatable toggle element 71 mounted for rotation between the ears or lobes 67 and 69 via a horizontal pin 73. The toggle fastener depicted in FIG. 10A is both installed and manipulated in a substantially identical fashion as compared to that in FIG. 10 and it is further envisioned that other variations of either twist or toggle lock fasteners can be employed within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded illustration of a yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and channel rail mounted hook fasteners including base shaped channel rail supports 76 from which project hook shaped elements 78. The covering material 58 exhibits a series of apertures 80 arranged in spaced apart fashion about an outer flexible or rigid perimeter of the covering, such further including reinforced ringlets or grommets (both plastic or metal) for preventing tearing of the binding, with the further understanding that suitable rectangular shaped outer reinforcements can also be integrated into the covering apertures 62 and 62′ depicted respectively in FIGS. 7 and 10. FIG. 14 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 13 and illustrating a selected corner located hook supporting fastener 78 in an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location 80 of the outer covering 58.

FIG. 15 is an exploded illustration of a yet further embodiment incorporating a plurality of reconfigured and carabiner type fasteners, these including once again insertable planar rectangular base supports 80 from which are pivotally supported individual and spring biasing carabiners 82. FIG. 16 is an enlarged, assembled and corner perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 15 and illustrating a selected corner located carabiner 82 in an engaged position relative to an outer receiving location 82 of the outer covering.

FIG. 17 is an environmental view of a further application of fastener and channel rail mounted assembly (this depicting for exemplary sake the twist lock fasteners 56 previously described in FIGS. 7-9 and which are installed over a plurality of three edge proximate interconnecting channel rails (not shown but generally corresponding to top rail 10 and side rails 48 and 50 with bottom rail 12 deleted) in turn secured to edge proximate extending locations associated with any type of opening (also hidden from view), and such as further depicted as an enlarged garage door or like opening associated with a structure 84. A suitably dimensioned covering material 86 is provided and which can again include any type of breathable mesh or impervious material, about which extends either a flexible or rigid binding or perimeter through which are formed a suitable array of spaced apertures (such as previously depicted at 62 in FIG. 7) for facilitating installation of the material 86

Finally, FIG. 18 is a yet further environmental view of a yet further application of fasteners (again twist lock type fastener 56) applied over a window type opening about which are secured an arrangement of four rails 10, 12, 48 and 50 in the manner previously described. A covering 88 is depicted mounted over the window or like opening (not shown) associated with a structure 90, and which may again possess a similar arrangement of binding edge extending mounting apertures for receiving the individual twist lock portions 56. The covering 88 is further depicted as a plasticized or other impervious material (such further optionally exhibiting transparent or translucent properties) as a winterizing cover and as opposed to alternate use with a seasonal and breathable mesh depicted previously at 58. In this fashion a variety of different covering materials, varying by weight and or construction, can be provided as alternate covering for different seasons (e.g. mesh material in summer and impervious/heavy duty sealing cover for winter).

Advantages of the present invention include the ability to both quickly install any desired covering material utilizing any of the fasteners previously disclosed, combined with the self-aligning aspects provided by the combination of channel rails and fasteners, this in order to accommodate variations in production tolerances of the filter as it translates to installation and alignment when installed.

Additional variants further envision the utilization of any number of channel supporting rails typically ranging from one to four, with two, three or four such rails being the typical arrangements. Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material exhibiting a reinforced extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures, said fastening system comprising:

at least one elongated rail adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, said rail exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot; and

a plurality of fasteners each including a planar shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each of said rails and being traversable along an interior channel defined in said rail, a further portion of each fastener projecting from said insertable base through said outwardly facing slot and aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving apertures of the covering material in order to affix the material.

2. The fastening system as described in claim 1, further comprising a pair of rails in parallel and horizontally extending fashion along fascia locations of the structure above and below the intake opening.

3. The fastening system as described in claim 2, further comprising a second pair of rails in parallel and vertically extending fashion along additional fascia locations of the structure at opposite sides of the intake opening and such that said rails are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration.

4. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said rail further comprising a modified “U” shape in cross section.

5. The fastening system as described in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base surface of said rail through which are installed a plurality of screw fasteners.

6. The fastening system as described in 1, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock fastener.

7. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock fastener.

8. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a hook fastener.

9. The fastening system as described in claim 1, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a carabiner fastener.

10. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material including either of a flexible or rigid outer reinforced extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures, said fastening system comprising:

at least one pair of elongated rails adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, each of said rails exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot; and

a plurality of fasteners each including a planar shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each of said rails and being traversable along an interior channel defined in said rail, a further rotatable portion of each fastener projecting from said insertable base through said outwardly facing slot and being rotated from a first position aligning with and seating over perimeter defined receiving apertures of the covering material to a second position in order to affix the material.

11. The fastening system as described in claim 10, said rails each further comprising a modified “U” shape in cross section.

12. The fastening system as described in claim 10, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base surface of said rail through which are installed a plurality of screw fasteners.

13. The fastening system as described in 10, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock fastener.

14. The fastening system as described in claim 10, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock fastener.

15. A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material exhibiting a reinforced extending perimeter within which are configured a plurality of spaced apart grommets defining individual receiving apertures, said fastening system comprising:

at least one elongated rail adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, said rail exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot;

a plurality of fasteners each including a planar shaped base installable through an accessible end location of each of said rails and being traversable along an interior channel defined in said rail, a further portion of each fastener projecting from said insertable base through said outwardly facing slot and aligning with and seating over selected grommets in the covering material in order to affix the material; and

said fasteners being quickly positioned in alignment with the receiving apertures associated with the covering material thus permitting self-alignment of said fasteners relative to the grommets thereby reducing wrinkling of the covering material during installation.

16. The fastening system as described in claim 15, further comprising a pair of rails in parallel and horizontally extending fashion along fascia locations of the structure above and below the intake opening.

17. The fastening system as described in claim 16, further comprising a second pair of rails in parallel and vertically extending fashion along additional fascia locations of the structure at opposite sides of the intake opening and such that said rails are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration.

18. The fastening system as described in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in a base surface of said rail through which are installed a plurality of screw fasteners.

19. The fastening system as described in 15, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a twist lock fastener.

20. The fastening system as described in claim 15, said projecting portion of each of said fasteners further comprising a toggle lock fastener.