AUTO CLOSING DEVICE FOR RV SCREEN DOORS SYSTEM

Abstract

A combination of a recreation vehicle, a screen door having an access panel, and a tool for enabling opening and closing of the access panel of the screen door. The tool includes a strap member assembly having a first end including a first flat-hooked member that hooks onto a left edge of the access panel, a deformable strap having a proximate end and a distal end, and a second end having a second flat-hooked member that hooks onto a frame portion of the access panel. When in use the strap member assembly enables movement of the screen door access panel between an open position to allow a person to pass their hand and arm therethrough and a closed position to prevent bugs and debris from entering into the recreation vehicle.

Claims

1. A combination of a screen door having an access panel, and a tool for enabling biased closing of said access panel, comprising: a screen door comprising: a main panel including; a frame; and a screen member comprising; a mesh material attached to said frame; and an aperture extending through said mesh material adapted to allow a person to extend their arm and hand therethrough; wherein said main panel is adapted to be pivotally connected to a doorway of a recreational vehicle to selectively open and close an opening therethrough; an access panel comprising: an access panel frame including; an upper edge portion having a slide channel extending the length thereof; an lower edge portion having a slide channel extending the length thereof; a left side portion connected between proximal ends of said upper and lower edge portions; and a right side portion connected between distal ends of said upper and lower edge portions; wherein said upper edge portion, said upper edge portion, said left side portion, and said right side portion forming an opening to allow access to said screen door aperture; and wherein said access panel frame is attached to said screen member surrounding said aperture; and an access panel door member; wherein said access panel door member extends between and is adapted to slide in a side-to-side fashion within said slide channels of said upper edge portion and said upper edge portion, such that said access panel door member selectively covers said opening to allow or deny access to said screen door aperture; and a tool comprising: a strap member assembly having: a first end including a first hook member; a stretchable strap having: a proximate end; and a distal end; and a second end having a second hook member; wherein said first hook member is coupled to said proximate end of said stretchable strap; wherein said second hook member is coupled to said distal end of said stretchable strap; wherein said strap member assembly is structured and arranged to allow sliding motion of said access panel to an open position allowing access to said screen door aperture, and when in said open position provides tension such that said access panel is adapted to be automatically closed when not held in said open position; wherein said first hook member is structured and arranged to be releasably hooked to a bottom left edge portion of said access panel door member in proximity to said slide channel of said lower edge portion of said access panel frame; wherein said second hook member is able to be releasably hooked to said right side portion of said access panel frame; and wherein said access panel door member is adapted to selectively cover said opening of said access panel frame.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second hook members comprises metal for strength, durability and weather-resistant properties.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second hook members comprises plastic for strength, durability and weather-resistant properties.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second hook members are approximately 1-inch in length.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second hook members are V-shaped.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said stretchable strap comprises an elastic cord.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said stretchable strap comprises a rubber band.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said stretchable strap is flat.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The combination of claim 8 wherein said stretchable strap is approximately 5/16-inches in width.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second hook members are formed as flat-hooked members.

22. The combination of claim 11 wherein said stretchable strap is formed having a length of six inches before stretching.

23. The combination of claim 1 wherein said access panel is formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic.

24. The combination of claim 1 wherein said access panel is formed having a rectangular shape.

25. The combination of claim 1 wherein said right side portion of said access panel frame is attached to said frame of said main panel of said screen door.

26. A combination of a recreation vehicle, a screen door having an access panel, and a tool for enabling opening and closing said access panel of said screen door, said combination comprising: a recreation vehicle including: a main frame; a motor member; wherein said motor member is mechanically connected to said frame member; a plurality of wheels; wherein said plurality of wheels are mechanically connected to said main frame and said motor member and rotated via said motor member; a plurality of outer walls; wherein said plurality of outer walls are connected to said frame member and form an interior volume; a doorway; wherein said doorway is formed within one of said plurality of outer walls to thereby allow entering into and exiting out of said interior volume; a frame member; wherein said frame member is attached to said one of said plurality of outer walls and around said doorway; and at least one hinge member; wherein said at least one hinge member is attached to said frame member and is adapted to be attached to a frame of a main panel of a screen door; a screen door comprising: a main panel including; a frame; and a screen member comprising; a mesh material attached to said frame; and an aperture extending through said mesh material adapted to allow a person to extend their arm and hand therethrough; wherein said main panel is connected to said at least one hinge member of said recreational vehicle to thereby be pivotable with respect to said door frame of said recreational vehicle and selectively open and close an opening through said doorway of said recreational vehicle; an access panel comprising: an access panel frame including; an upper edge portion having a slide channel extending the length thereof; a lower edge portion having a slide channel extending the length thereof; a left side portion connected between proximal ends of said upper and lower edge portions; and a right side portion connected between distal ends of said upper and lower edge portions; wherein said upper edge portion, said upper edge portion, said left side portion, and said right side portion forming an opening to allow access to said screen door aperture; and wherein said access panel frame is attached to said screen member surrounding said aperture; and an access panel door member; wherein said access panel door member extends between and is adapted to slide in a side-to-side fashion within said slide channels of said upper edge portion and said lower edge portion, such that said access panel door member selectively covers said opening to allow or deny access to said screen door aperture; and a tool comprising: a strap member assembly having: a first end including a first hook member; a stretchable strap having: a proximate end; and a distal end; and a second end having a second hook member; wherein said first hook member is coupled to said proximate end of said stretchable strap; wherein said second hook member is coupled to said distal end of said stretchable strap; wherein said strap member assembly is structured and arranged to allow sliding motion of said access panel to an open position allowing access to said screen door aperture, and when in said open position provides tension such that said access panel is adapted to be automatically closed when not held in said open position; wherein said first hook member is structured and arranged to be releasably hooked to a bottom left edge portion of said access panel door member in proximity to said slide channel of said lower edge portion of said access panel frame; wherein said second hook member is able to be releasably hooked to said right side portion of said access panel frame; and wherein said access panel door member is adapted to selectively cover said opening of said access panel frame.

27. The combination of claim 26 wherein said stretchable strap comprises an elastic cord.

28. The combination of claim 26 wherein said stretchable strap comprises a rubber band.

29. The combination of claim 26 wherein said access panel is formed having a rectangular shape.

30. The combination of claim 26 wherein said first and second hook members are V-shaped.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system (entitled Auto Closing Device For RV Screen Doors System') constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view illustrating a tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system in an ‘open’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view illustrating a tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system in a ‘closed’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a strap member assembly in compression and at rest of the tool (hooked strap member assembly) for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the strap member assembly in tension of the tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the hooked strap member assembly for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a front view illustrating a tool for enabling opening and closing an access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system in an ‘open’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a front view illustrating a tool for enabling opening and closing an access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system in a ‘closed’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to multipurpose bands having a hook on each end and more particularly to a tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system (entitled Auto Closing Device For RV Screen Doors System’) for enabling opening and closing a screen door of a recreation vehicle system which does not impede normal movement of screens of the recreation vehicle while simultaneously enabling manipulation of the screen door between an open position to allow ingress and a closed position to prevent bugs and debris from entering into the recreation vehicle, as desired.

[0029] Generally speaking, the Auto Closing Device for RV Screen Doors System comprises a specially designed tool that performs a valuable and thus-far overlooked function.

[0030] The Auto Closing Device for RV Screen Doors System preferably comprises an elastic cord or flat rubber band, 5/16-inch in width and 6 inches in length, with a flat plastic or metal hook, 1 inch in length, at a first end and 3/16-inch at a second end. The elastic cord or band may be hooked to the screen-door frame at one end and the back edge of the slide-panel at the other, such that the slide-panel may be easily opened against the resistance of the band. Then, when the panel is released, the band's stored elastic tension will rapidly pull it closed. The ‘flat’ anchoring hooks will preferably permit the panel to slide freely in its channels, and unlike the hooks of standard bungee cords, which might otherwise be tempting alternatives in this application the flat hooks will pose no interference to the opening and closing of the screen door.

[0031] For a tiny investment of a few dollars, the Auto Closing Device for RV Screen Doors System may give RV enthusiasts a tremendous return in convenience and simplicity. A snap to install and use, eminently affordable, with nothing to assemble and no moving parts to break, the Auto Closing Device for RV Screen Doors System is a simple invention that may meet a need shared by millions of RV owners. This essential RV accessory may find a wide and enthusiastic reception in the recreational-vehicle markets of America and the world.

[0032] Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 perspective views illustrating strap member assembly 102 of as a tool for enabling opening and closing a screen door access panel of a recreation vehicle system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The tool for enabling opening and closing of an access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 comprises: strap member assembly 102 having first end 110 including first flat-hooked member 120; deformable strap 130 having proximate end 140, and distal end 150; and second end 160 having second flat-hooked member 170. The tool for enabling opening and closing the access panel of the screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 preferably comprises strap member assembly 102. The parameters of strap member assembly 102 are defined by first end 110, and second end 160, first flat-hooked member 120, deformable strap 130 and second flat-hooked member 170 located in a series relationship.

[0034] Strap member assembly 102 is structured and arranged to allow opening of the access panel on screen door 182 of recreation vehicle 180 and when in tension provides that the access panel of the screen door 182 is able to be automatically slid closed when not held open as shown in open condition 106 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 and closed condition 200 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 7. When in used strap member assembly 102 does not impede normal movement of screens (screen door 182) of recreation vehicle 180 while simultaneously enabling manipulation of the access panel of the screen door 182 between an open position 106 and closed position 200 to prevent bugs and debris from entering into recreation vehicle 180, as desired.

[0035] First flat-hooked member 120 is located on first end 110 being coupled to proximate end 140 of deformable strap 130. First flat-hooked member 120 is structured and arranged to be unobstructively hooked to bottom left corner of screen door access panel 190 of recreation vehicle 180 just above slide channel 201. First flat-hooked member comprises metal for strength, durability and weather-resistant properties. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, plastic, hard rubber etc., may be sufficient.

[0036] First flat-hooked member 120 is approximately 1-inch in length to provide a sufficient holding means. First flat-hooked member 120 is V-shaped and comprises apex point 124. Apex point 124 on first flat-hooked member 120 forms an acute angle relative to deformable strap 130. First flat-hooked member 120 is structured and arranged to slide freely on access panel 190 of recreation vehicle 180 just above slide panel when sliding between open condition 106 and closed condition 200.

[0037] Deformable strap 130 is preferably flat thereby not impeding the opening and the closing of screen door 182. Deformable strap 130 is approximately 5/16-inches in width so as to not impede manipulation of the access panel 190 from open condition 106 to closed condition 200. Deformable strap 130 is in compression when screen access door 190 is in closed condition 200. Deformable strap 130 is approximately 1-inch in length when in the compression so as to not impede manipulation of access panel 190 from open condition 106 to closed condition 200. Deformable strap 130 is in extension and extends to double a resting length of deformable strap 130 when access panel 190 is in open condition 106.

[0038] Deformable strap 130 may comprises a rubber band for high tensile strength and deformability from tension back to compression. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, elastic cords, etc., may be sufficient.

[0039] Second flat-hooked member 170 is located on second end 160 being coupled to distal end 150 of deformable strap 130. Second flat-hooked member 170 is able to be unobstructively hooked to outside edge of access panel frame 210 on screen door 182. Second flat-hooked member 170 is approximately 3/16-inch in length and is V-shaped comprising acute apex point 174 relative to deformable strap 130. Second flat-hooked member 170 is structured and arranged to slide freely on the outside edge of access panel frame 210 of screen door 182 of recreation vehicle 180 when sliding between open condition 106 and closed condition 200. Second flat-hooked member 170 comprises metal for providing sufficient strength, durability and weather-resistance. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, plastic, hard rubber etc., may be sufficient.

[0040] The tool for enabling opening and closing the access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 may be sold as a kit (not shown) comprising the following parts: plurality of strap member assemblies 102 in various colors, materials, and designs; and a set of user-instructions. The tool for enabling opening and closing the access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color/design/hook-strap combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, flowchart 550 illustrating a method of use 500 for the tool for enabling opening and closing the access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

[0042] The method of using 500 the tool for enabling opening and closing the access panel of a screen door of a recreation vehicle system 100 comprises the steps of: step one 501 choosing a strap member assembly 102 in a user-preferred color and material; step two 502 hooking the first flat-hooked member 120 to the bottom left corner of screen door access panel 190 of recreation vehicle 180 just above slide channel 202; step three 503 hooking the second flat-hooked member 170 to an outside edge of access panel access panel frame 210 on screen door 182; step four 504 opening the access panel frame 210; and step five 505 automatically closing the access panel frame 210 once a user has let go of the access panel frame 210. The method further comprising the step of step six 506 unhooking first flat-hooked member 120 and second flat-hooked member 170 of strap assembly 102 from the access panel frame 210 of recreation vehicle 180 for future use.

[0043] It should be noted that step 506 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the tool exists in combination with a recreation vehicle 180, a screen door 182 having an access panel 190, and a tool 102 for enabling opening and closing the access panel of the screen door. In following, the recreation vehicle includes a main frame 181, a motor member 183 mechanically connected to the frame member, a plurality of wheels 184 mechanically connected to the main frame and said motor member and rotated via said motor member, a plurality of outer walls 185 connected to the frame member and forms an interior volume, a doorway 186 formed within one of the plurality of outer walls to thereby allow entering into and exiting out of the interior volume, a frame member 187 attached to the one of the outer walls and around the doorway, and at least one hinge member 189 attached to the frame member and is adapted to be attached to a frame of a main panel of the screen door; a screen door 182 comprising a main panel 191 including a frame 192, and a screen member 193 comprising a mesh material attached to the frame, and an aperture 248 extending through the mesh material adapted to allow a person to extend their arm and hand therethrough, wherein the main panel 191 is connected to the hinge member 189 of the recreational vehicle to thereby be pivotable with respect to the door frame 187 of the recreational vehicle and selectively open and close an opening through the doorway 186 of the recreational vehicle, an access panel 190 comprising an access panel frame 210 including an upper edge portion having a slide channel 201 extending the length thereof, a lower edge portion having a slide channel 202 extending the length thereof, a left side portion 211 connected between proximal ends of the upper and lower edge portions, and a right side portion 212 connected between distal ends of the upper and lower edge portions, wherein the upper edge portion, the upper edge portion, the left side portion, and the right side portion forming an opening 250 to allow access to the screen door aperture 248, and wherein the access panel frame 210 is attached to the screen member surrounding the aperture 248; and an access panel door member 199 extending between and is adapted to slide in a side-to-side fashion within the slide channels (201, 202) of the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion, such that the access panel door member 199 selectively covers the opening to allow or deny access to the screen door aperture 248; and wherein the tool comprises the strap member assembly having a first end including a first hook member 120, a stretchable strap having a proximate end, and a second end having a second hook member 170, wherein the first hook member is coupled to the proximate end of the stretchable strap, wherein the second hook member is coupled to the distal end of the stretchable strap, wherein the strap member assembly is structured and arranged to allow sliding motion of the access panel to an open position allowing access to the screen door aperture, and when in the open position provides tension such that the access panel is adapted to be automatically closed when not held in the open position, wherein the first hook member 120 is structured and arranged to be releasably hooked to a bottom left edge portion of the access panel door member 199 in proximity to the slide channel of the lower edge portion of the access panel frame, wherein the second hook member 170 is able to be releasably hooked to the right side portion 212 of said access panel frame 210, and wherein the access panel door member is adapted to selectively cover the opening of said access panel frame.

[0045] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

[0046] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, 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.