SAFETY SCREEN FRAME
A safety screen frame has four frames joined together to form a fall resistant window screen to prevent accidental falling. Each frame has an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion integrally formed out of aluminum. A hinge channel runs longitudinally along a top portion of the upper frame portion and allows the upper frame portion to rotate around an integrally formed pivot slot that is longitudinally disposed at the vertex between the upper and lower frame portions. A spline track holds weather strip materials and spring detents. A plurality of compression ridges are disposed along the inside facing surfaces of the upper and lower frame portions that hold a screen when the upper frame is rotated and compressed against the lower frame. The screen is made of a high strength material such as stainless steel. Each frame is mitered and welded together to form a window screen.
This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 61/667,099, filed Jul. 2, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThere are approximately five thousand reported cases of children falling out of a window every year in the United States alone. That amounts to about 14 children every day. The highest injury rate is among two year olds. While many windows are equipped with window screens, these are generally not strong enough to prevent falls.
Additionally, screen windows and doors can be expensive to replace when they break or the screen fails. Often the entire frame may have to be replaced or even the window or door if it is a custom size.
There is a need for a safety device that can prevent accidental falls from windows that is easy to use and economically feasible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA safety screen frame has four frames joined together to form a fall resistant window screen to prevent accidental falling. Each frame has an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion integrally formed out of aluminum. A hinge channel runs longitudinally along a top portion of the upper frame portion and allows the upper frame portion to rotate around an integrally formed pivot slot that is longitudinally disposed at the vertex between the upper and lower frame portions. A spline track holds weather strip materials and spring detents. A plurality of compression ridges are disposed along the inside facing surfaces of the upper and lower frame portions that hold a screen when the upper frame is rotated and compressed against the lower frame. The screen is made of a high strength material such as stainless steel. Each frame is mitered and welded together to form a window screen.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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Hinge channel 125 is integrally formed along the entire length of safety screen frame 100 and allows upper frame portion 110 to rotate in a compressed position. Spline track 120 is provided to allow the use of weather strip or other sealing materials. Additionally, spring clips (not shown) may be installed to hold screens snugly in place as is known in the art.
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Screen 150 should be made of a high strength material such as stainless steel or synthetic material such as KEVLAR or other composite material having a high tensile strength to prevent a person from falling through. The instant invention does not require the screen to be welded in or the use of other mechanical fasteners to prevent the screen from failing if pushed on. Safety screen frame 100 is made of extruded aluminum, however other materials may be used such as stainless steel, iron, etc. as long as hinge channel 125 can be integrally formed within while allowing the upper frame to permanently move in a compressed position. The frame may be painted or coated with plastic, vinyl or other surface enhancing material as is known in the art.
In addition to prevention of falling through the window, the instant invention is much more durable than traditional screens. This reduces maintenance costs for both windows and screen doors and reduces the overall cost of using the safety screen frames over the lifetime of the window or door while providing peace of mind by protecting against accidental falls.
Safety screen frame 100 fits within the frame portion of many commercially available windows and may be retro-fitted in those windows having an appropriate frame portion. Additionally, safety screen frame 100 may be manufactured and sold with a matching window to provide for new installations having the safety functionality built in.
Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress comprising:
- four safety frame sections, each section comprising; an upper frame portion; a lower frame portion; a hinge channel integrally formed along a longitudinally disposed portion on said upper frame portion; at least one compression ridge disposed on a lower surface of said lower frame portion; at least one compression ridge disposed on an upper surface of said lower frame portion; a screen disposed between said upper and lower frame portions; a pivot slot longitudinally and integrally formed along a vertex end of said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion adapted to rotate towards said lower frame portion; wherein said screen is compressionally held therein; and a securing means for joining said four safety frame sections into one safety screen frame.
2. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 wherein said screen is made of stainless steel.
3. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 further comprising a spline track disposed along an upper surface of said upper frame portion and towards said vertex end of said safety frame section adapted to secure weather stripping material.
4. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 further comprising a spacing ridge disposed on an outer edge of said lower frame portion.
5. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 further comprising a spacing ridge disposed on an outer edge of said upper frame portion.
6. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 wherein said securing means is a weld.
7. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 wherein each end of said safety frame sections are cut at a 45 degree angle adapted to form a 90 degree angle when joined together.
8. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 further comprising a corner key adapted to fit within said pivot slot of two adjoining safety frame sections whereby a joint between said two adjoining safety frame sections is reinforced.
9. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 whereby said safety screen frame is adapted to fit within a window frame.
10. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 9 wherein said safety screen frame is secured in said window frame with securing brackets.
11. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 9 wherein said safety screen frame is secured in said window frame with screws.
12. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 wherein said safety screen frame is made of extruded aluminum.
13. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 1 wherein said safety screen frame is coated with a protective coating.
14. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 13 wherein said protective covering is plastic.
15. The safety screen frame for prevention of accidental egress according to claim 13 wherein said protective covering is paint.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 2, 2013
Publication Date: Jan 30, 2014
Inventor: Brian Houlihan (Lansing, IA)
Application Number: 13/933,853
International Classification: E06B 9/52 (20060101);