Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MAGNETIC BUILDING TRIM SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a trim system, and in
particular a
magnetic building trim system.
[0002] Building trim is typically installed around windows and doors to
protect
against water damage to the underlying building structure and/or provide an
aesthetically pleasing face or surface. In the field, installation of trim can
be labor
intensive and time consuming. Accordingly, there is a need to provide enhanced
arrangements having improved ease of installation while maintaining robust and
reliable trim product configurations.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, a building trim system includes a trim member
with a front side and a rear side. The rear side includes one or more first
magnetically attractive elements. One or more second magnetically attractive
elements are fixed to a building structure. The one or more first magnetically
attractive element and one or more second magnetically attractive element are
magnetically attractive to one another. The trim member is configured to be
attached to the building structure via attractive magnetic force between the
one
or more first magnetically attractive element and the one or more second
magnetically attractive element.
[0004] In some embodiments, the one or more first magnetically attractive
elements are magnetic members and the one or more second magnetically
attractive elements are metallic members, or vice versa.
[0005] In another embodiment, a method of installing a building trim
system
includes a step of attaching a first magnetically attractive element to a
building
structure. A trim member is provided and has a rear side with one or more
second magnetically attractive elements that are attractive to the first
magnetically attractive element, and an opposite front side. The trim member
is
- 1 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
attached to the building structure via magnetic attractive force between the
first
magnetically attractive element and the one or more second magnetically
attractive elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the magnetic trim system installed
surrounding a door frame;
[0007] Figure 2 shows underlying magnetically attractive members of the
system secured to a building structure around a door frame;
[0008] Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of trim members of the
disclosed
system;
[0009] Figure 4 shows a rear elevation view of the trim members of Figure
3;
[0010] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the disclosed magnetic trim
system at an intermediate point during installation;
[0011] Figure 6 shows the embodiment of Figure 5 installed around a
window
frame;
[0012] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the disclosed magnetic trim
system; and
[0013] Figures 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment of the disclosed
magnetic trim system that includes a seam cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other
objects
and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the
following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures.
Detailed embodiments of magnetic building trim system are disclosed; however,
it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative
of
the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the
examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
- 2 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
[0015] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take
the
meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. The phrase "in some embodiments" as used herein does not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), although it may. The phrases "in
another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" as used herein do not
necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as
described
below, various embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention.
In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is equivalent to the term "and/or,"
unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive
and
allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the
meaning
of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in"
includes "in"
and "on."
[0016] Further, the terms "substantial," "substantially," "similar,"
"similarly,"
"analogous," "analogously," "approximate," "approximately," and any
combination
thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is
less than 25% of the respective values/magnitudes in which the compared
features or characteristics are measured and/or defined.
[0017] With reference to the Figures wherein like numerals identify like
elements throughout, a preferred embodiment of a magnetic building trim system
are disclosed. Referring now to Figure 1, the magnetic building trim system 10
is shown surrounding a door 12. The trim system includes trim members 14
connected to strip members 16. According to some embodiments, a trim member
or trim members 14 may comprise separate trim elements surrounding the door
12, for example, a lateral (i.e., horizontal) top trim element 14c and a pair
of
upright (i.e., vertical) side trim elements 14a and 14b that fit together to
form the
surrounding trim. In alternate embodiments, the trim member(s) may be
integrally formed as a one-piece member sized and shaped to surround the sides
and top of the door 12. Additional systems 10 exist with any number of
distinct
- 3 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
trim pieces configured to be attached to the building in an abutting
configuration
relative to one another to form an aesthetic trim system. The trim system 10
in
Figures 1-4 is shown relative to a door, however, in other exemplary
embodiments the trim system may surround other building portions, such as a
window for example (see Figures 5 and 6), or may be installed on an edge or
corner of a building structure, or any other suitable location on a building
structure. The magnetic trim system 10 can ultimately be designed for use in
any
portion of a building wherein trim is usually fixed, and is not limited to the
specific
exemplary locations depicted herein.
[0018]
Referring now also to Figure 2, strip members 16 are affixed to the
building structure in operative positions around the door frame. Each of the
strip
members 16 in the depicted embodiment comprises an elongate shape and is
configured to be attached to a portion of the building structure surrounding
the
door 12. In this embodiment, the strip members comprise metal strips (steel or
other magnetically attractive metal), however, in alternate embodiments any
suitable magnetic material may be provided or metal pieces taking different
form
than the depicted strips. As shown in Figure 2, the strip members are fastened
(by screws extending through openings in the strip members 16, for example) to
high points of siding 18 (which may be vinyl siding, wood siding, aluminum
siding, or any other suitable type of siding) on the building structure. It
should be
noted that while the strip members 16 are shown as being attached to the
siding
by screws, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary
embodiments are not necessarily so limited and that in alternate embodiments
the strip members 16 may be attached to any suitable underlying building
structure (such as sheet rock, paneling, plywood, etc.) by any suitable
fastening
or adhesive method (such as nails, epoxy, etc.). It should further be
understood
that even though three strip members 16 are shown in Figure 2, in alternate
embodiments any suitable number of strip members may be provided.
[0019]
Referring now also to Figures 3 and 4, there are shown front and
back sides, respectively, of the trim members 14. Each of the trim members 14
comprises a suitable size and shape and is fabricated from a plastic polymer
- 4 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
material (such as PVC, for example), however in alternate embodiments any
suitable type of trim material may be provided. As shown in Figure 3, the
front
side 15 of each of the trim members 14 comprises a generally finished and/or
decorative surface, as in conventional trim members. The rear side 17 of each
of
the trim members (shown in Figure 4) includes a plurality of magnetic members
22 which may optionally be provided in recessed openings 20 in the trim
material
(such a blind holes, for example) sized and shaped appropriately. In this
embodiment, the magnetic members 22 comprise round magnets, however in
alternate embodiments any shape or type of magnetic members may be
provided. In one exemplary embodiment the magnets have a diameter of
approximately 1.25 inches and thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, but
this
is in no way limiting to the inventive scope. Additionally, the magnetic
members
22 may be substantially equidistantly spaced along the corresponding trim
member 14 (such as sixteen inches on center, for example), however in
alternate
embodiments any suitable spacing may be provided.
[0020] The trim members 14 are configured such that the magnetic members
22 in the rear are aligned with the strip members 16 when the trim members 14
are placed around the corresponding building portion (the door 12 in Figures 1
and 2, for example). With the magnetic members 22 aligned with the metal strip
members 16, the trim system 10 is configured such that trim members 14 are
removably attachable to the underlying building structure via the magnetic
force
of attraction between the magnetic members 22 and the metal strip members 16.
[0021]
Referring to Figures 5-6, there is shown a second embodiment of a
trim system 110, including a trim member 114 magnetically attached to a
building
structure around a window 124. In this embodiment, the trim member 114 is a
single piece sized and shaped to surround the window 124. Like the earlier
embodiment of the trim system 10 configured for a door, the system 110 may
include several separate complimentary trim pieces that combine to surround
the
window 124.
- 5 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
[0022] As shown in Figure 5, an installer has already fastened a metallic
strip
member 116 to the building structure, i.e., on the exterior of the siding 18.
Also
as shown, an installer is aligning the trim member 114 with the window 124
such
that the magnetic members 122 on the rear face 117 are aligned with the strip
members 116 just like the earlier embodiment for use with a door (magnetic
members not visible in view of Figure 5, but are indicated generally by the
broken
lead line 122). Once the magnetic members 122 contact the secured metal strip
members 116, the trim member 114 is attached to the underlying building
structure (i.e. the siding 118) surrounding the window 124 and held in place
by
the magnetic force between the magnetic members 122 and the strip members
116, as shown in Figure 6. Note, the magnetic members 122 and metal strip
members 116 are concealed behind the trim 114 in Figure 6. Like the earlier
embodiments, the front side 115 typically has a decorative or at least
aesthetically pleasant finished appearance.
[0023] The specific embodiment of the window trim system 110 in Figures 5
and 6 depicts a single piece trim member 114. As with the earlier described
embodiment for a door 12, the trim member 114 for the window 112 may be
formed from separate trim elements, such as a pair of horizontal trim elements
and a pair of vertical trim elements or a pair of L-shaped trim elements that
combine to form a rectangular shape circumscribing the window 124.
Additionally, individual elements that form the strip members may be cut to
length
to accommodate different sized windows or other fixtures.
[0024] While various exemplary embodiments have been described in
connection with the trim member(s) comprising magnetic members so as to be
aligned opposite the metallic strip members on the building structure, one
skilled
in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary embodiments are not
necessarily so limited and that in alternate embodiments the relative
configuration may be reversed. That is, magnetic members may be attached to
the building structure and the metallic strip members may be attached to the
trim
members. Further, the metallic elements need not be provided in the form of a
singular elongate strip of metallic material. Separate and distinct metallic
- 6 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
elements such as metallic blocks or discs may be used in place of the strips.
Additionally, in other alternate embodiments any suitable configuration where
trim members are attached to an underlying building structure via magnetic
forces may be provided.
[0025]
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown another embodiment of a trim
member 214 similar to the trim members shown in the previous figures, however
in this embodiment the trim member 214 further includes magnetic members 222
(or metallic member(s), such as a metal strip or fasteners) at an end portion
226
of the trim member 214. The magnetic members 222 or metallic members are
suitably spaced along the end edge 226 of the trim member 214 so as to be
aligned with corresponding members 228 of a connecting end trim member 230.
Understandably, if the members in the end portion 226 of the rim member 214
are magnets, then the end trim member 230 will be fit with a metallic member
or
members, and vice versa. According to some embodiments, the corresponding
members 228 comprise round magnets similar to the magnetic members 22 and
122. In
other embodiments, the corresponding members 228 comprise
magnetically attractive fasteners (such as the head of a metal screw, for
example) at the end portion of the connecting trim member 230. Still further,
metal strips may be secured to one of the respective end edges, 226 or 232,
with
magnetic elements secured to the other respective end edge.
[0026]
Similar to the connection via magnetic forces in the embodiments
shown in Figures 1-6, the trim member 214 and the connecting end trim member
230 may be connected and held in place via magnetic forces between the
magnetic members 222 and the corresponding members 228. Ultimately, the
connecting end trim member 230 is placed on the end 226 of the trim member
214 such that the magnetic members 222 (in one of the trim member or end trim
member) are in contact with the corresponding members 228 (in the other one of
the trim member or end trim member). Once the magnetic members 222 are in
contact with the corresponding members 228, the trim member 214 is attached to
the connecting end trim member 230 and held in place by the attractive
magnetic
forces between them, around a building fixture such as a door or window. Note
- 7 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
that the magnetic members 222 in the end edge 226 of the trim member 114 are
hidden from view and shown representatively with a broken lead line 222.
[0027] According to various exemplary embodiments it should be understood
that any additional suitable method for connecting a trim member 214 to the
connecting end trim member 230 may be provided (i.e. in addition to magnetic
forces). For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, the trim
member 214 may be a mantel piece for placement on top of a door and the
connecting member 230 may be an end cap for the mantel piece, wherein glue
(or another suitable adhesive) is provided at an end edge 232 of the end cap
230
(or in other embodiments glue may be provided at the mating end 226 of the
mantel piece 214 or both). Once the end cap 230 and the mantel piece 214 are
in contact and magnetically attracted to one another with glue therebetween,
the
mantel piece 214 will attached to the end cap 230 and held in place by a
combination of the magnetic and adhesive forces.
[0028] It should be noted that although Figures 7 shows a configuration
wherein the trim member 214 is being connected to the corresponding member
230, other configurations where two trim members are connected to each other
in a similar fashion are also envisioned. It should further be understood that
although various figures show the trim member(s) attached around a door or
window, these configurations are shown as non-limiting examples and similar
installations could be provided for mounting the trim around other building
structures and fixtures.
[0029] According to various exemplary embodiments, the trim members 14,
114, 224 or separate trim elements that form the trim members may be provided
in pieces of predetermined lengths which can be cut to an appropriate length
for
a given installation. In other embodiments the trim members are fabricated to
be
sized and shaped so as to arrive on the job site ready for installation.
[0030] Figures 8 and 9 depict an embodiment of a trim system that includes
a
keystone seam covering member 340 configured to mate with the surface(s) of
trim elements 314d and 314e to conceal an open seam 342 therebetween. With
- 8 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
reference to Figure 8, in some embodiments, multiple trim elements like those
shown as reference numerals 314d and 314e will be aligned end to end to form a
longer length and may have a small, but visible seam 342 between adjacent end
edges, 344 and 346. As shown in Figure 9, the keystone 340 is positioned over
the respective end edges, 344 and 346 with the seam 340 concealed behind it to
achieve an improved aesthetic appearance. Additionally, seams can develop or
grow larger due to thermal contraction of the trim elements 314d and 314e. For
example, if a trim assembly is installed in relatively warmer weather with
edges
tightly abutting one another and possibly no visible seam, when the weather
gets
cooler, the trim materials often contract, resulting in a visible seam. The
keystone 340 is configured to conceal such a seam. The keystone 340 may
simply be glued in place or may also include magnetically attractive elements,
or
be attached with a combination thereof.
[0031] It should be understood that components of the invention can be
operationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination of
intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). The
connections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merely be a
functional relationship between components.
[0032] Still further, while the depicted embodiments of Figures 1-6 show
a
system wherein a metal strip is attached flat to a building structure surface
that
attaches to magnetic elements in the rear side of trim members, other
embodiments exist. For example, an embodiment exists that utilizes L-shaped
brackets secured to a building structure that mate with magnetic elements in a
top, bottom or side edge of trim members. Such embodiments may additionally
include magnetic elements in the rear of the trim members for added strength.
[0033] It should further be understood that the foregoing description is
only
illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances.
- 9 -
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-22
