WINDSCREEN ATTACHMENT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Abstract

A windscreen attachment device is provided. The device may comprise an insert and a main body member. The main body member may have an interior area and an inlet channel extending into the interior area. The interior area may include a lock channel and a plurality of seats. The insert may include a lock arm that may extend outwardly from a side of the insert. The device may comprise a plurality of lock protrusions that may extend outwardly from the insert. The insert may be positionable within the interior area via the inlet channel, defining an inserted position of the insert. The lock arm may be positioned within the lock channel, and the plurality of lock protrusions may be positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats, while the insert is in the inserted position.

Claims

1. A device for attachment of a screen to supports comprising: a main body member having an interior area and an inlet channel extending into the interior area, wherein the interior area includes a lock channel and a plurality of seats; and an insert positionable within the interior area via the inlet channel, defining an inserted position of the insert; wherein the insert includes a first side and a second side that is positioned opposite the first side; wherein the insert includes a lock arm that extends outwardly from the first side; wherein the insert includes a plurality of lock protrusions that extend outwardly from portions of the insert that are between the first and second sides; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are spaced apart from the lock arm and spaced apart from one another; wherein the lock arm is positioned within the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position; and wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats while the insert is in the inserted position.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the main body member comprises a plurality of body through holes; wherein the insert comprises a plurality of insert through holes; and wherein each of the plurality of body through holes aligns with a respective insert through hole of the plurality of insert through holes while the insert is in the inserted position.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising an end cap positionable in a covered position to cover an end portion of the main body member.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the end cap comprises a cap through hole positioned to align with one of the plurality of body through holes and align with one of the plurality of insert through holes while the insert is in the inserted position and the end cap is in the covered position.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the end cap comprises a cap side-channel; and wherein at least a portion of the cap side-channel is positioned adjacent to and substantially aligned with a portion of the inlet channel while the end cap is in the covered position.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the screen is positionable to surround an outer perimeter of the insert while the insert is in the inserted position to define a secured screen.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the secured screen is positioned between the plurality of lock protrusions and the plurality of seats; and wherein portions of the secured screen between and in contact with the plurality of lock protrusions and the plurality of seats define a plurality of lock protrusion pinch points.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the lock arm and the lock channel create a lock arm pinch point on the secured screen by compression of the screen between the lock arm and the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; wherein a portion of the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned to extend outwardly from the first surface; and wherein another portion of the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned to extend outwardly from the second surface.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of lock protrusions extending from the first surface is aligned with and positioned substantially parallel to adjacent lock protrusions of the plurality of lock protrusions that are extending from the second surface.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the main body member and the insert comprise a plastic material formed by extrusion.

12. A device for attachment of a screen to supports comprising: a main body member having an interior area and an inlet channel extending into the interior area, wherein the interior area includes a lock channel and a plurality of seats; and an insert positionable within the interior area via the inlet channel, defining an inserted position of the insert; wherein the insert includes a first side and a second side that is positioned opposite the first side; wherein the insert includes a lock arm that extends outwardly from the first side; wherein the insert includes a plurality of lock protrusions that extend outwardly from the insert that are between the first and second sides; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned along a first surface of the insert and along a second surface of the insert opposite to the first surface; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are spaced apart from the lock arm and spaced apart from one another; wherein the lock arm is positioned within the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein a portion of the screen is positionable to surround an outer perimeter of the insert while the insert is in the inserted position to define a secured screen; and wherein a plurality of pinch points on the secured screen are created between the plurality of lock protrusions and the plurality of seats and between the lock arm and the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the main body member comprises a plurality of body through holes; wherein the insert comprises a plurality of insert through holes; and wherein each of the plurality of body through holes aligns with a respective insert through hole of the plurality of insert through holes while the insert is in the inserted position.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising an end cap positionable in a covered position to cover an end portion of the main body member.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the end cap comprises a cap through hole positioned to align with one of the plurality of body through holes and align with one of the plurality of insert through holes while the insert is in the inserted position and the end cap is in the covered position.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the end cap comprises a cap side-channel; and wherein at least a portion of the cap side-channel is positioned adjacent to and substantially aligned with a portion of the inlet channel while the end cap is in the covered position.

17. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of pinch points on the secured screen are created by compression of the secured screen between the plurality of lock protrusions and the plurality of seats and between the lock arm and the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of lock protrusions positioned along the first surface of the insert is aligned with and positioned substantially parallel to adjacent one of the plurality of lock protrusions positioned along the second surface of the insert.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein the main body member and the insert comprise a plastic material formed by extrusion.

20. A device for attachment of a screen to supports comprising: a main body member having an interior area and an inlet channel extending into the interior area, wherein the interior area includes a lock channel and a plurality of seats; an insert positionable within the interior area via the inlet channel, defining an inserted position of the insert; and an end cap positionable in a covered position; wherein the insert includes a first side and a second side that is positioned opposite the first side; wherein the insert includes a lock arm that extends outwardly from the first side; wherein the insert includes a plurality of lock protrusions that extend outwardly from portions of the insert that are between the first and second sides; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned along a first surface of the insert and along a second surface of the insert opposite to the first surface; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are spaced apart from the lock arm and spaced apart from one another; wherein the lock arm is positioned within the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein the plurality of lock protrusions are positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein a portion of the screen is positionable to surround an outer perimeter of the insert while the insert is in the inserted position to define a secured screen; wherein a plurality of pinch points on the secured screen are created by compression of the secured screen between the plurality of lock protrusions and the plurality of seats and between the lock arm and the lock channel while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein the main body member comprises a plurality of body through holes; wherein the insert comprises a plurality of insert through holes; wherein each of the plurality of body through holes aligns with a respective insert through hole of the plurality of insert through holes while the insert is in the inserted position; wherein the covered position is defined as the end cap covering an end portion of the main body member; wherein the end cap comprises a cap side-channel; wherein at least a portion of the cap side-channel is positioned adjacent to and substantially aligned with a portion of the inlet channel while the end cap is in the covered position; and wherein the main body member and the insert comprise a plastic material formed by extrusion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a windscreen attachment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a partial side view device illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown mounted to fencing.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1, with an insert shown in a non-inserted position.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an interior area of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken through line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 5 is another a cross sectional view of the interior portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken through line 5-5 in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a windscreen attachment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the device illustrated in FIG. 6, with an insert shown in the non-inserted position.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 6, shown mounted to supports and securing a screen in the secured position.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the device illustrated in FIG. 6 and taken through line 9-9 in FIG. 9, with the insert shown in the inserted position and securing the screen in the secured position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0039] Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

[0040] In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as above, below, upper, lower, and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

[0041] Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as generally, substantially, mostly, and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

[0042] An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a windscreen attachment device 100, which may, without limitation, be interchangeably referred to as the device 100. The device 100 may be utilized to attach end portions of a screen 202 to supports 204. For the purposes of the description of the present invention, the use of the term supports 204 may, without limitation, interchangeably be referred to as a fence 204 or fencing 204. The device 100 may allow for screens 202 to be cut to size and have one or more of its end portions thereof to be attached to the fencing 204 in the field. Thus, the device 100 may advantageously remove the need to separate installation of the screens 202 into multiple days.

[0043] For example, without limitation, screens 202 to be installed on fencing typically include loops manufactured at the ends thereof to attach the ends of the screen 202 to the fencing 204. However, often the screens 202 are not cut to just the right dimensions such that the screens 202 must be remanufactured to be resized to the correct length with loops at the ends thereof before installation can be complete. In contrast, by utilizing embodiments of the present invention, the screens 202 may be cut to length on site and even though the ends of the screens 202 do not include loops, the device 100 may be utilized to attach one or more ends of the screen 202 to the fence 204. This would allow screen 202 to be fully installed in a much shorter period of time and removes the need to first measure and order a screen 202 to size from a manufacturer. Instead, screens 202 may be carried in bulk to an installation site and cut to size as needed on-site.

[0044] Initially referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, embodiments of the device 100 may now be described with further detail. The device 100 may comprise a main body member 102 and an insert 302. The main body member 102 may have an interior area 402 and also have an inlet channel 118 which may extend into the interior area 402. The interior area 402 and/or the main body member 102 may also include a lock channel 404 and one or more seats 406. The insert 302 may include a lock arm 304 and may also include one or more teeth 306. The insert 302 may be shaped to be inserted into the interior area 402, which may be via the inlet channel 118. The insert 302 being positioned within the interior area 402 of the main body member 102 may be defined as the insert 302 being in an inserted position.

[0045] When and/or while the insert 302 is not positioned within the interior area 402 of the main body member 102, the insert 302 may be defined as being in a non-inserted position. The insert 302 may be movable between the non-inserted position and the inserted position, and the insert 302 may be movable from the non-inserted position to the inserted position. When and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, the lock arm 304 of the insert 302 may be positioned within the lock channel 404 of the main body member 102 and/or of the interior area 402 of the main body member 102.

[0046] When and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, the lock arm 304 may retain the insert 302 in the inserted position in cooperation with the lock channel 404 and/or in cooperation with the interior surface of the main body member 102 adjacent to the lock channel 404. For the purposes of the description of the present invention, it should be understood that reference to the insert 302 being moved to and/or between the inserted position and the non-inserted position may alternatively and/or interchangeably be referred to as and/or imply the main body member 102 being moved to and/or between the inserted position and the non-inserted position as defined by the insert 302 being movably positioned within and not within the interior area 402 of the main body member 102.

[0047] Also, when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, each of the teeth 306 may be positioned adjacent to a respective one of the seats 406. The main body member 102 may include one or more of body through holes 112, and the insert 302 may include one or more of insert through holes 308. The body through holes 112 and/or the insert through holes 308 may be configured and/or positioned on the main body member 102 and/or the insert 302 to be aligned with a respective body through hole 112 and/or insert through hole 308 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position. One or more of the insert through holes 308 may be located at and/or near each end portion of the insert 302, and one or more of the body through holes 112 may be located at and/or near each end of the main body member 102.

[0048] Some embodiments of the present invention may also include one or more of an end cap 106. The end caps 106 may be configured and/or shaped to cover an end portion of the main body member 102. The end cap(s) 106 being positioned to cover an end portion of the main body member 102 may be defined as a covered position of the end cap(s) 106. An uncovered position of the end cap(s) 106 may be defined as the end cap(s) 106 not covering an end portion of the main body member 102. The uncovered position of the end cap(s) 106 may also and/or alternatively be defined as the end cap(s) 106 being separate and spaced apart from the main body member 102. The end caps 106 may include a cap through hole 110 that may be positioned to align with one of the body through holes 112 and/or with one of the insert through holes 308 when and/or while the end cap 106 is in the covered position and/or when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position.

[0049] The end caps 106 may also include a cap side-channel 412 which may extend along a first side and/or an upper side of the end cap 106. The cap side-channel 412 may be shaped and/or configured such that at least a portion of the cap side-channel 412 may be aligned with and/or positioned adjacent to a portion of the inlet channel 118 of the main body member 102 when the end cap 106 is in the covered position.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 102 may include a gap channel 408 that may extend along the interior area 402 of the main body member 102. The gap channel 408 may be sized and/or configured to allow for and/or be utilized as a spacing and/or gap between the insert 302 and/or a portion of an interior surface of the main body member 102 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position. Those skilled in the art may notice and appreciate that the spacing and/or gap afforded by the gap channel 408 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position may advantageously allow for portions of attachment members 206 to be allowed space to fit between the insert 302 and the interior surface of the main body member 102 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position. Further details on the attachment members 206 follow below.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 102 may also include a lip 104. The lip 104 may be adjacent to and/or positioned adjacent to the inlet channel 118 of the main body member 102. The lip 104 may also be extended along and/or extended parallel to the inlet channel 118. The lip 104 may extend outwardly from the main body member 102 and/or from and/or relative to the inlet channel 118. The lip 104 may also extend at an angle which may be relative to the main body member 102, and/or relative to a central axis extending along a length of the main body member 102, and/or relative to the inlet channel 118. The lip 104 may be utilized as a guide for inserting the insert 302 into the interior area 402 of the main body member 102 via the inlet channel 118 and movably positioning the insert 302 to the inserted position. For example, without limitation, the lip 104 may provide a funneling-like guide for the inlet channel 118 such that the insert 302 may be aided and/or guided into the inlet channel 118 by the lip 104 when and/or while moving the insert 302 to the inserted position from the non-inserted position.

[0052] The teeth 306 may extend at an angle relative to a horizontal plane of the insert 302, which may be an angle similar to the angle of the lip 104, such that the teeth 306 may not conflict with the lip 104 when and/or while the insert 302 is being inserted into the inlet channel 118 so as to not prevent the insert 302 from being moved to the inserted position from the non-inserted position. The angle of the lip 104 may also be such that the lip 104 and the lock arm 304 may not conflict with one another when and/or while the insert 302 is being inserted into the inlet channel 118 such that the insert 302 may not be prevented from being moved to the inserted position from the non-inserted position by the lock arm 304 being moved against the lip 104.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 102 may comprise a material that may be relatively flexible such that a force may be applied to the main body member 102 and/or to the lip 104, with such force being at least partially directed outwardly from the main body member 102 on the lip 104, such that the force may flex the main body member 102 and/or the lip 104 to cause the height of the inlet channel 118 and/or of the interior area 402 of the main body member 102 to be increased relative to an unflexed height of the inlet channel 118 and/or of the interior area 402. In cases where the insert 302 is in the inserted position, the height increase of the inlet channel 118 and/or of the interior area 402 caused by the force directly outwardly applied to the lip 104 and/or the main body member 102 may allow for the insert 302 to be moved from the inserted position to the non-inserted position. For example, without limitation, when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position and attached to a fence 204 via one or more attachment members 206, the lip 104 may provide leverage and/or a grip placement to allow for the lip 104 to be gripped and have a force applied thereto in a direction substantially outwardly from the inlet channel 118 to cause the height of the inlet channel 118 and/or of the interior area 402 to be increased relative to an unflexed height of the inlet channel 118 and/or of the interior area 402 to move the insert 302 to the non-inserted position from the inserted position.

[0054] Now referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 102 and/or the insert 302 may be sized and/or configured to allow a least a portion of the screen 202 to surround, envelop, be folded around, and/or abut the outer perimeter and/or the outer surface of the insert 302 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, which may be defined as and/or define a secured screen 202 and/or the screen 202 being in a secured position. When and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position and the screen 202 is in the secured position, the teeth 306 of the insert 302 and the seats 406 of the main body member 102 may cause and/or create and/or be configured to create a pinch point 502 at the portion of the screen 202 located between each of the teeth 306 and the seats 406. Examples of screens 202 include, without limitation, a tarp, a blanket, a sheet, a windscreen, a sunscreen, a sun shade, a screen, a privacy screen, a banner, a mesh, a netting, a flag, a curtain, a canvas, a flexible cloth-like signage or sheet, and any combination and/or combinations thereof and any other flexible fabric-like and/or screen-like item that may be mounted on a fence 204 by an embodiment of the device 100 as may be understood by those who may have skill in the art.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 104 may also be utilized as and/or provide for a guide to cut-off and/or remove excess screen 202 that may be extending from the inlet channel 118 when and/or while the screen 202 is in the secured position. For example, without limitation, the lip 104 may provide for a uniform spacing and/or line adjacent to and along the inlet channel 118, such that excess screen 202 extending from the inlet channel 118 may be cut and/or removed from the rest of the screen 202 by utilizing the lip 104 as a reference and/or guide to create a substantially uniform and/or straight cut-end that will comprise the end of the remaining portion of the screen 202 in the secured position.

[0056] Each pinch point 502 may be caused by the teeth 306 and the seats 406 pressing the respective portion of the screen 202 between one another. Each pinch point 502 created by the teeth 306 and the seats 406 may prevent the screen 202 from being removed from the secured position, such that the screen 202 may not be removed from the secured position when and/or while the screen 202 is surrounding, enveloping, and/or abutting the outer perimeter of the insert 302 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position. In some embodiments of the present invention, the teeth 306 may cause a barb-like effect to take place with the screen 202 when and/or while the teeth 306 are in contact with the screen 202 when and/or while the screen 202 is in the secured position. This barb-like effect may cause the secured screen 202 to be gripped by the teeth 306 such that the screen 202 may be prevented and/or further prevented from being removed from the secured position. For example, without limitation, the teeth 306 may have one or more tips and/or thinned ends or points that may cause the teeth 306 to catch against, grip, and/or have a barb-like effect on the screen 202 which may cause those portions of the screen 202 that are in contact with the teeth 306 to be gripped and/or held thereby, and prevent the screen 202 from being removed from the secured position.

[0057] Now referring back to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the insert 302 may include one or more teeth apertures 316. The teeth apertures 316 may be associated with and/or adjacent to a respective one of the teeth 306. The teeth 306 may be formed by physically and/or mechanically punching the insert 302 with a punch or die to form the teeth 306, which, concurrently, may also form the teeth apertures 316. Those skilled in the art may notice and appreciate that forming the teeth 306 by punching the teeth 306 out of the insert 302 and thus forming the teeth apertures 316 may advantageously reduce the weight of the insert 302, as opposed to the teeth 306 being attached to the insert 302 without any teeth apertures 316 formed thereon.

[0058] The main body member 102 may include a raised portion 114. The raised portion 114 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the main body member 102 and/or may extend along the entire length of the main body member 102. The raised portion 114 may also protrude outwardly from a mid-portion of the main body member 102, and the raised portion 114 may be located on a lower outward face of the main body member 102. Also, the raised portion 114 may be positioned adjacent to the gap channel 408 of the main body member 102. The end cap(s) 106 may also include a raised portion 116. The raised portion 116 of the end cap 106 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the end cap 106 and/or may extend along the entire length of the end cap 106. The raised portion 116 of the end cap 106 may also protrude outwardly from a mid-portion of the end cap 106, and the raised portion 116 of the end cap 106 may be located on a lower outward face of the end cap 106.

[0059] The raised portion 116 of the end cap 106 may form and/or be adjacent to and parallel with an end cap channel 409 that may be located on a portion of an interior surface of the end cap 106. The end cap channel 409 may be formed, shaped, and/or configured to surround and/or cover a portion of the raised portion 114 of the main body member 102 when and/or while the end cap 106 is in the covered position at an end portion of the main body member 102.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the end cap(s) 106 may include a hook portion 414 positioned along and/or adjacent to the end cap channel 409. The hook portion 414 may curve inwardly from an outer surface of the end cap 106 towards the end cap channel 409. The hook portion 414 may be utilized to secure the end cap 106 to a portion of the main body member 102 that is adjacent to the inlet channel 118 of the main body member 102 when and/or while the end cap 106 is in the covered position.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the insert 302 may comprise a blunt edge 314, which may be located at a second side 312 of the insert 302, perhaps as best illustrated in FIG. 5. For reference, without limitation, the side of the insert 302 where the lock arm 304 may be located, may be referred to as a first side 310 of the insert. The blunt edge 314 may comprise a folded portion of the insert 302. The blunt edge 314 and/or the second side 312 of the insert may be the side of the insert 302 which may be initially inserted into the inlet channel 118 and/or interior area 402 of the main body member 102 when and/or while the insert 302 is moved to the inserted position. The blunt edge 314 may be utilized to mitigate and/or reduce a chance of a screen 202 becoming damaged, ripped, torn, frayed, and/or cut when and/or while the screen 202 is surrounding, covering, and/or wrapped around the insert 302 when and/or while the insert is being moved to and/or in the inserted position and/or when and/or while the screen 202 is being moved to and/or in the secured position.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 102 may include a flex channel 410. The flex channel 410 may extend into a portion of the interior surface of the main body member 102 and may be located between and extended along the lock channel 404 and the seats 406 of the main body member 102. The flex channel 410 may be utilized to cause the adjacent portions of the main body member 102 to have a relatively increased flexibility to allow the adjacent portions to flex when and/or while the insert 302 is being moved to the inserted position, and/or to allow the adjacent portions to flex when and/or while a pulling, prying, and/or pushing force is applied to the lip 104 of the main body member 102 which may be directed away from the inlet channel 118. The flex channel 410 may also allow and/or provide for the main body member 102 to comprise a uniform thickness and/or cross section between the interior area 402 of the main body member 102 and the outer surface of the main body member 102. Those who may have skill in the art may notice and appreciate that having a main body member 102 with a uniform thickness/cross-section may provide for a more convenient and/or simple manufacturing process for creating the main body member 102 compared to a main body member 102 having a non-uniform thickness. Such may be the case when and/or while the main body member 102 is manufactured out of a plastic material or composite material.

[0063] The seats 406 of the main body member 102 may include a portion thereof that may be formed, shaped, and/or configured to engage with a tip portion of a respective one of the teeth 306 of the insert 302 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, such that the insert 302 may be prevented from moving to the non-inserted position from the inserted position when and/or while the portion(s) of the seat(s) 406 are engaged with respective tip portions of the teeth 306.

[0064] Now referring to FIGS. 2-5, the inlet channel 118 and/or the cap side-channel(s) 412 may be shaped, formed, and/or configured to allow for at least a portion of the screen 202 to be extended through and/or be traveling through the inlet channel 118 and/or the cap side-channel(s) 412 when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position and/or when and/or while the end cap(s) 106 are in the covered position(s). The cap side-channel 412 of each end cap 106 may also be formed and/or shaped to extend from and along a side of the end cap 106 to and along an upper portion of the end cap 106. The cap-side channel 412 may allow for the end cap 106 to be moved to the covered position from the uncovered position when and/or while one or more attachment members 206 are extending from the insert 302 and/or the main body member 102 to a portion of the fence 204 and from one or more of the insert through holes 308 and/or the main body through holes 112. For example, without limitation, the cap-side channel 412 may allow for clearance for an attachment member 206 to travel along and/or within the cap-side channel 412 when and/or while the end cap 106 is being moved to the covered position from the uncovered position, when and/or while the attachment member 206 is extending upwardly from an end portion of the main body member 102 and/or insert 302, and/or upwardly from an insert through hole 308 and/or main body through hole 112 positioned at an end portion of the main body member 102 and/or the insert 302 such that the attachment member 206 does not prevent and/or conflict with the end cap 206 moving to the covered position from the uncovered position.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lock arm 304 may be further utilized for and/or provide for the screen 202 to be secured in the secured position. For example, without limitation, when and/or while the insert 302 is in the inserted position, and when and/or while the screen 202 is in the secured position, the lock arm 304 may press one or more portions of the screen 202 against the lock channel 404 (e.g., against an interior surface of the main body member 102 defined by the lock channel 404) and/or compress the screen 202 between one or more portions of the lock arm 304 and one or more portions of the lock channel 404 to secure and/or further secure the screen 202 in the secured position.

[0066] A method aspect of using an embodiment of the device 100 to secure a screen 202 to a support 204/fence 204/fencing 204 may now be further detailed. As may be understood by those who may have skill in the art, once arriving at a fence 204 to install a screen 202 thereon, the screen 202 may be mounted to the fence 204 starting at a first end of the screen 202 and first end of the fence 204, and continuing towards the second end of the screen 202 and second end of the fence 204. At the second end of the fence 204, the second end of the screen 202 may comprise an excess length relative to the length of the fence 204 and/or the second end of the fence 204.

[0067] For example, without limitation, the second end of the screen 202 may comprise a length that may be one to two feet greater than the fence 204 and/or second end of the fence 204. The excess length of the second end of the screen 202 may be due to the total length that the screen 202 may have had prior to installing/mounting a majority of the screen 202 to the fence 204, and/or by cutting the screen 202 to leave an excess length of the screen 202 as the second end of the screen 202 post installing/mounting the screen 202 to the fence 204.

[0068] At the second end of the screen 202, the insert 302 may be horizontally positioned in proximity to and/or near the second end of the fence 204, and such that a portion of the second excess end of the screen 202 may be positioned between the insert 302 and a portion of the fence 204. The insert 302 may be positioned such that the second side 312 of the insert 302, e.g., the blunt edge 314, may be in closer proximity to the second end of the fencing 204 and/or to the second excess end of the screen 202 than the first side 310, e.g., lock arm 304 of the insert 302. The insert 302 may then be attached and/or removably attached to the fence 204 via insert through holes 308 that may be located at and/or near the upper and lower portions of the insert 302 with one or more attachment members 206. The attachment members 206 may comprise, without limitation, one or more of zip-ties, bungie cords, ropes, wires, strings, and any combination and/or combinations thereof.

[0069] The second excess end of the screen 202 that may be extending from the second end of the insert 302 may be movably folded and/or folded about the second end of the insert 302 and/or back towards itself (the screen 202), such that the screen 202 and/or a portion of the screen 202 may be substantially covering and/or surrounding the insert 302. The insert 302 and/or the main body member 102 may be moved to the inserted position via the inlet channel 118 so as to move the screen 202 to the secured position. The insert 302 and/or the main body member 102 may be attached to the fence 204 while in the inserted position with attachment member(s) 206 via one or more of the insert through holes 308 and/or the body through holes 112 which may be aligned with one another. In some method aspects of the present invention, prior to attaching the insert 302 and the main body member 102 while in the inserted position to the fence 204, the screen 202 may be penetrated to create openings through the screen 202 at each of the aligned insert through holes 308 and the body through holes 112.

[0070] With the insert 302 and the main body member 102 attached to the fence 204 when and/or while in the inserted position and when and/or while the screen 202 in the secured position, the end cap(s) 106 may be moved to the covered position to cover the end portions of the main body member 102 and/or of the insert 302. However, in some method aspects of the present invention, the attachment members 206 which may have been used to attach the upper and lower portions of the insert 302 to the fence 204 (prior to moving the insert 302/main body member 102 to the inserted position), may have comprised bungie cords or another type of temporary attachment member 206 and may be removed prior to moving the end cap(s) 106 to the covered position.

[0071] With the insert 302 and/or main body member 102 in the inserted position, the screen 202 in the secured position, the end cap(s) 106 in the covered position, additional attachment members 206 may be used to attach the insert 302, main body member 102, and/or the end cap(s) 106 to the fence 204 via the insert through hole(s) 308, body through hole(s) 112, and/or cap through hole(s) 110 which may be respectively aligned with one another. Thereafter, and/or prior to attaching the insert 302, main body member 102, and/or the end cap(s) 106 to the fence 204 with the attachment members 206, the remainder excess length of the screen 202 may be removed and/or cut off from the screen 202. The remainder excess of the screen 202 may include the portion of the second end of the screen 202 which may be left extending out from the inlet channel 118 of the main body member 102. The excess screen 202 may then be removed, which may be via a cut guided by the lip 104, as mentioned above.

[0072] Now referring to FIG. 6, some embodiments of the present invention may be directed to a windscreen attachment device 600, which may alternatively and interchangeably be referred to as a/the device 600, without limitation. The device 600 may include and/or offer the same and/or similar functionality as the device 100 described herein. In some instances, without limitation, device 600 may be considered a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 600 may comprise a main body member 602 and end caps 606 that may be positioned at opposing ends of the main body member 602.

[0073] The end caps 606 may be configured and/or shaped to cover an end portion of the main body member 602. When and/or while the end caps 606 are positioned to covering an end portion of the main body member 602 may be defined as a covered position of the end cap(s) 606. An uncovered position of the end caps 606 may be defined as when and/or while the end caps 606 are not covering an end portion of the main body member 602. The uncovered position of the end caps 606 may also and/or alternatively be defined as the end caps 606 being separate and spaced apart from the main body member 602.

[0074] The main body member 602 may include an inlet channel 618 that may extend along a length of the main body member 602. The inlet channel 618 may provide an opening for insertion of components and materials, such as the insert 702 and/or portions of the screen 202. The inlet channel 618 may be formed as a continuous opening that may run substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main body member 602. The main body member 602 may include multiple body through-holes 612 that may be positioned at intervals along the length of the main body member 602. The body through-holes 612 may be substantially circular in shape and may be sized to accommodate various attachment members 206. Each end cap 606 may include a cap through-hole 610 that may align with the body through-holes 612 when the end caps 606 are positioned on the main body member 602. The alignment of the cap through-holes 610 and the body through-holes 612 may create a continuous passage through which attachment members 206 may be inserted to secure the device 600 to supports 204.

[0075] The main body member 602 may include a lip 604 that may extend outwardly from the main body member 602 adjacent to the inlet channel 618. The lip 604 may extend at an angle relative to the main body member 602 and/or relative to a central axis extending along a length of the main body member 602. The lip 604 may provide for a uniform spacing and line adjacent to and along the inlet channel 618 to cut and remove excess screen 202 extending from the inlet channel 618 by utilizing the lip 604 as a reference and guide. The lip 604 may also be utilized as a guide for inserting the insert 702 into an interior area 902 of the main body member 602 via the inlet channel 618.

[0076] The main body member 602 may comprise a material that may be relatively flexible such that a force may be applied to the main body member 602 and to the lip 604 to cause the height of the inlet channel 618 and of an interior area 902 to be increased relative to an unflexed height. This flexibility may allow for the insert 702 to be moved from an inserted position to a non-inserted position when desired. In some embodiments of the present invention that may be preferred, the main body member 602 may be manufactured out of a plastic material and/or composite material, which may provide flexibility characteristics that may be preferred while maintaining structural integrity. The plastic material may include, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or any combination(s) thereof.

[0077] The main body member 602 may also include one or more raised portions 614 that may extend along one or more portions of a length of the main body member 602. The raised portions 614 may extend along the entire length of the main body member 602. The raised portions 614 may protrude outwardly from one or more of the upper and/or lower outward faces of the main body member 602. The end caps 606 may include corresponding raised portions 616 that may align with the raised portion 614 of the main body member 602 when the end caps 606 are positioned in their covered positions. In some embodiments of the present invention that may be preferred, the raised portions 616 of the end caps 606 may form, be adjacent to, and/or parallel with an end cap channel (not shown) that may be located along a side portion of the end cap 606. The end cap channel (not shown) of the end caps 606 may be the same and/or similar to the end cap channel 412 of the end caps 106 illustratively shown in FIG. 4. The raised portions 616 of the end caps 606 may be shaped and/or configured to surround and/or cover a portion of the raised portion(s) 614 of the main body member 602 when and/or while the end caps 606 are in the covered position.

[0078] Now referring to FIG. 7, some embodiments of the present invention may include an insert 702 that may provide an alternative configuration for securing screens to supports. The insert 702 may comprise a lock arm 704 that may extend along a portion of the insert 702. The lock arm 704 may be configured to engage with corresponding features of the main body member 602. For example, and without limitation, the lock arm 704 may be configured to engage with a corresponding lock channel 904 of the main body member 602, as illustratively shown in FIG. 9. The insert 702 may also include one or more insert through-holes 708 that may be positioned at intervals along the length of the insert 702. The insert through-hole(s) 708 may allow for attachment to one or more support(s) 204 using attachment members 206. The insert through-holes 708 may be configured to align with corresponding body through-holes 612 of the main body member 602 when and/or while the insert 702 is positioned within the main body member 602.

[0079] The insert 702 may include a first side 710 and a second side 712. The first side 710 of the insert 702 may comprise a side of the insert 702 from which the lock arm 704 may be extended. The second side 712 of the insert 702 may comprise a side of the insert 702 that may be positioned opposite to the first side 710 and that may be configured to be inserted first into the inlet channel 618 of the main body member 602 when and/or while the insert 702 is moved from the non-inserted position to the inserted position. In some cases, without limitation, the second side 712 of the insert 702 may include features that may facilitate smooth insertion of the insert 702 into the main body member 602 from the non-inserted position to the inserted position, while minimizing potential damage to screen(s) 202 that may be positioned around the insert 702.

[0080] The insert 702 may include lock protrusions 716 that may extend from the insert 702 and may provide an alternative locking mechanism compared to the teeth configuration described above for the device 100 and the insert 302. The lock protrusions 716 may be positioned along the insert 702 and may be configured to engage with corresponding seats 906 and/or channels 906 that may be within an interior area 902 of the main body member 602, as illustratively shown in FIG. 9. The plurality of lock protrusions 716 may extend outwardly from portions of the insert 702 that may be between the first side 710 and the second side 712 of the insert 702. The plurality of lock protrusions 716 may be spaced apart from the lock arm 704 and may be spaced apart from one another along the length of the insert 702. When and/or while the insert 702 is positioned within the main body member 602 in the inserted position, the lock protrusions 716 may create engagement points that may secure portion(s) of screen(s) 202 that may be positioned between the insert 702 and the main body member 602.

[0081] In some cases, the lock protrusions 716 may be formed as integral parts of the insert 702 and may extend outwardly from one or more portion(s) of the surface(s) of the insert 702. The lock protrusions 716 may be positioned to create one or more contact points 952 between the insert 702 and the main body member 602 on one or more portions of a screen 202 when and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position, which may thereby distribute a securing force across one or more locations on the screen(s) 202 and/or across one or more locations along a length of the insert 702. The lock protrusions 716 may comprise raised features and/or projections along the insert 702. The lock protrusions 716 may extend outwardly from one or more portions of the insert 702. The plurality of lock protrusions 716 may be positioned along a first surface 718 of the insert 702 and along a second surface 916 of the insert 702 opposite to the first surface 718. In some embodiments, the lock protrusions 716 may be formed during the manufacturing process of the insert 702, such as through plastic molding, extrusion, or stamping processes. The lock protrusions 716 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape as illustratively shown in FIG. 9. However, it should be understood that the lock protrusions 716 may comprise one or more other cross-sectional shapes, such as, and without limitation, a cylindrical or rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0082] The lock protrusions 716 may extend outwardly from the insert 702 by a distance sufficient to engage with corresponding seats 906 of the main body member 602 when and/or while the insert 702 is positioned within the interior area 902 of the main body member 602 in the inserted position. The configuration of the lock protrusions 716 may allow for screen(s) 202 of varying thicknesses to be securely held by the device 600 while maintaining the ability to remove the insert 702 from the main body member 602 when desired. The lock arm 704 and lock protrusions 716 may work in combination to provide both longitudinal retention of the insert 702 within the main body member 602 and transverse securing of screen(s) 202 that may be positioned around the insert 702.

[0083] Now referring to FIG. 8, the windscreen attachment device 600 may be seen illustratively shown in an installed configuration, which may include the device 600 being mounted to, carried by, and/or attached to one or more support(s) 204 via one or more attachment member(s) 206 when and/or while the device 600 is securing one or more screen(s) 202 in the secured position. The device 600 may be positioned along and/or adjacent to a structure 208 and/or supports 204, such that, the main body member 602 may be extending between the supports 204. The screen 202 may be secured by the device 600, such that and/or while, the screen 202 may be extended along a length of the structure 208 and/or a length between two or more of the supports 204. The attachment members 206 may be utilized to secure the device 600 to the supports 204/structure 208 through the body through-holes 612 and cap through-holes 610.

[0084] The screen 202 may be positioned to extend through, into, and/or out from an inlet channel 618 of the main body member 602 to secure the screen 202 in the secured position with the insert 702, which may cause and/or allow the screen 202 to maintain a predetermined tension amount along the structure 208. A lip 604 of the main body member 602 may extend outwardly from the main body member 602. The lip 604 may be adjacent to the inlet channel 618, and may provide guidance for the screen 202 and/or insert 702 positioning, which may create a finished appearance along the edge of the installation of the screen 202 along the structure 208/supports 204.

[0085] The main body member 602 may include one or more raised portion(s) 614 that may extend along a length of the main body member 602. The raised portion(s) 614 may provide structural reinforcement and may maintain a shape of the device 600/main body member 602 while the device 600/main body member 602 is subjected to outside forces and/or is under load conditions. Some embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of an end cap 606. The end cap(s) 606 may cover end portion(s) of the main body member 602 in a covered position, which may create a completed installation look and that may prevent debris entry or accumulation and may provide weather protection for the internal portions of the device 600.

[0086] The end caps 606 may be movable between a covered position and an uncovered position. The covered position may be defined as the end cap 606 being matingly engaged with an end portion of the main body member 602. In some embodiments of the present invention, the covered position may be defined as the end cap 606 substantially covering and/or occluding an end portion of the main body member 602. The uncovered position may be defined as when and/or while the end cap 606 is not matingly engaged with, substantially covering, and/or substantially occluding a respective end portion of the main body member 602.

[0087] When and/or while the end caps 606 are in the covered position, the end caps 606 may be positioned to substantially enclose and/or cover one or more end portions of the main body member 602. In the covered position, the end caps 606 may form a substantially continuous surface/enclosure with the main body member 602, which may provide a finished appearance to the overall assembly of the device 600. The covered position may also allow the cap through-holes 610 of the end caps 606 to align with corresponding body through-holes 612 of the main body member 602, which may thereby create continuous passages for attachment members 206.

[0088] The covered position may be maintained through various engagement mechanisms between the end caps 606 and the main body member 602. In some cases, the raised portions 616 of the end caps 606 may engage with corresponding raised portions 614 of the main body member 602 to secure the end caps 606 in the covered position. The end caps 606 may also include internal channels or grooves that may receive and engage with portions of the main body member 602 when and/or while in the covered position.

[0089] When and/or while the end caps 606 are in the uncovered position, the end caps 606 may be physically separated from the main body member 602, which may expose the end portions of the main body member 602. In the uncovered position, the end caps 606 may be completely removed from the main body member 602 or may be positioned at a distance from the end portions of the main body member 602 such that they do not provide coverage or enclosure of the end portions. The uncovered position may allow for access to the interior area 902 of the main body member 602 through the end portions, which may facilitate insertion or removal of the insert 702 and/or positioning of screen 202 materials.

[0090] The transition between the covered position and the uncovered position may be accomplished through various means, including sliding engagement, fit connections, or friction-fit arrangements between the end caps 606 and the main body member 602. The end caps 606 may be designed to be repeatedly moved between the covered and uncovered positions during installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of the device 600.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention that may be preferred, the device 600 may include lock protrusions that may engage with corresponding features of the main body member 602 to secure the insert 702 in the inserted position. The attachment members 206 may comprise zip-ties, bungie cords, ropes, wires, strings, or combinations thereof, providing flexibility in installation methods depending on the specific structure 208 configuration and environmental conditions. The device 600 may function to maintain screen 202 tension while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of the screen 202, which may prevent damage to the screen 202, the attachment members 206, the support(s) 204, and/or the structure 208 over time.

[0092] The device 600 may maintain the screen 202 in the secured position while subjected to varying weather conditions, as the secure mounting via the support 204 may distribute loads throughout the structure 208. The inlet channel 618 may accommodate different screen 202 thicknesses and materials, providing versatility in screen 202 selection while maintaining secure attachment. The overall installation may present a clean, professional appearance that integrates with the existing structure 208 without requiring modifications to the original fencing components.

[0093] Now referring to FIG. 9, the windscreen attachment device 600 may include an interior area 902 that may be formed within the main body member 602. The interior area 902 may be configured to receive and retain the insert 702 when and/or while the insert 702 is in an inserted position. The interior area 902 may extend along a substantial portion of the length of the main body member 602 and may be accessible through the inlet channel 618. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interior area 902 may be shaped and/or dimensioned to accommodate the insert 702 while providing secure engagement therebetween. The interior area 902 may include various structural features that may facilitate the locking and retention mechanisms of the device 600.

[0094] A lock channel 904 may be formed within the interior area 902 and may extend along at least a portion of the length of the main body member 602. The lock channel 904 may be positioned adjacent to and/or integrated with the interior surfaces of the main body member 602. In some cases, the lock channel 904 may be configured to receive and engage with corresponding features of the insert 702, such as with a lock arm 704 of the insert 702. The lock channel 904 may have a depth and width that may be dimensioned to provide a secure fit with the lock arm 704. The lock channel 904 may function similarly to and/or the same as the lock channel 404 described herein, such that the lock channel 904 may provide a retention mechanism that may prevent unwanted movement and/or unintended removal of the insert 702 from the interior area 902.

[0095] As further shown in FIG. 9, the main body member 602 may include one or more seats 906 that may be positioned within the interior area 902 and may be configured to receive and engage with one or more portions of the insert 702. The seats 906 may be formed as a recessed area and/or channel within the interior area 902 and may extend along the length of the main body member 602. The plurality of seats 906 may be positioned along and/or adjacent to one or more portions of the interior area 902 to correspond with and/or to align with the positioning of the plurality of lock protrusions 716 on the insert 702 when and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position. In some embodiments of the present invention, the seats 906 may be positioned adjacent to the lock channel 904 and may work in cooperation with the lock channel 904 to provide secure retention of the insert 702. The seats 906 may be shaped to accommodate lock protrusions 716 and/or other features of the insert 702, creating engagement points that may resist movement of the insert 702 relative to the main body member 602. Each of the plurality of seats 906 may be dimensioned to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of lock protrusions 716, such that each of the seats 906 may be mechanically engaged with and/or matingly engaged with each of the lock protrusions 716 to secure the insert 702 when and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position. The seats 906 may function in a manner similar to the seats 406 of the first embodiment, providing structural support and engagement surfaces for the insert 702.

[0096] The insert 702 may include one or more lock protrusions 716 that may extend from the body of the insert 702 and may be positioned to engage with the lock channel 904 and/or respective seats 906 when and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position. The lock protrusions 716 may be formed as raised features and/or projections that may extend outwardly from the insert 702. The plurality of lock protrusions 716 may be positioned at regular intervals along the length of the insert 702 and may be configured to create multiple engagement points with the interior area 902. Each of the plurality of lock protrusions 716 and the seats 906 may be configured and shaped to create a mechanical interference that may prevent removal of the insert 702 from the inserted position. The lock protrusions 716 may work in conjunction with the lock arm 704 to provide a dual retention mechanism that may secure the insert 702 within the main body member 602. The lock protrusions 716 may be dimensioned and positioned to fit within the seats 906 and/or engage with surfaces of the lock channel 904, creating a mechanical interference that may prevent removal of the insert 702 from the inserted position.

[0097] When and/or while the insert 702 is moved to the inserted position, the lock arm 704 may engage with the lock channel 904 while the lock protrusions 716 may simultaneously and/or concurrently engage with the respective seats 906. This dual engagement mechanism may create a secure attachment between the insert 702 and the main body member 602 that may resist both axial and rotational movement of the insert 702. The engagement may be configured such that a portion of the screen 202 may be positioned between the insert 702 and the interior surfaces of the main body member 602, creating compression and/or pinch points 950 that may secure the screen 202 in the secured position. The plurality of lock protrusions 716 and the plurality of seats 906 may create a plurality of pinch points 950 on the secured screen 202 when and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position. Each pinch point 950 may be formed by a compression of the screen 202 between the lock protrusions 716 and the seats 906. These pinch points 950 may distribute a securing force along a length of the screen 202, which may prevent tearing or damage to the screen 202 while maintaining a secure retention thereof by the device 600.

[0098] The end cap 606 may include an end cap side-channel 912 that may be formed through and/or along the end cap 606. The end cap side-channel 912 may be configured to allow the screen 202 to pass therethrough when and/or while the end cap 606 is in the covered position. In some cases, without limitation, the end cap side-channel 912 may be aligned with and/or positioned adjacent to the inlet channel 618 when and/or while the end cap 606 is in the covered position, which may create a continuous pathway for the screen 202. The end cap side-channel 912 may be dimensioned to accommodate the thickness of the screen 202 therethrough. The end cap side-channel 912 may allow the end cap 606 to be positioned over an end portion of the main body member 602 even when the screen 202 may be in a secured position, providing a finished appearance and additional protection for the end portions of the device 600. The end cap side-channel 912 may function similarly to the cap side-channel 412 described in the first embodiment, ensuring that the screen 202 may remain secured while the end cap 606 may be properly positioned.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, the material composition of the device 600 may differ from that of the device 100 in various aspects. The main body member 602 may be manufactured from plastic extrusion materials, which may provide enhanced flexibility and durability characteristics compared to alternative materials. The plastic extrusion construction may allow for consistent cross-sectional properties along the length of the main body member 602, which may facilitate manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The lock protrusions 716 may be formed as integral parts of the insert 702 during the plastic extrusion or molding process, eliminating the need for separate attachment or assembly steps. In some cases, the plastic material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof, which may provide weather resistance and structural integrity suitable for outdoor applications. The insert 702 may also be manufactured from plastic materials that may be compatible with the main body member 602, ensuring consistent thermal expansion and contraction properties between the components. The plastic extrusion process may allow for the lock protrusions 716 to be formed with precise dimensions and positioning along the length of the insert 702.

[0100] The structural and mechanical differences between the lock protrusions 716 of the device 600 and the teeth 306 configuration of the device 100 may provide various advantages in securing screen 202 materials. The lock protrusions 716 may be formed as integral raised features that extend outwardly from the insert 702, which may distribute securing forces more evenly across the screen 202 compared to the pointed teeth 306 configuration. The lock protrusions 716 may engage with the seats 906 in a manner that may create broader contact areas with the screen 202, which may reduce the likelihood of tearing or damage to the screen 202 material. In some cases, the lock protrusions 716 may be positioned vertically along the insert 702, which may provide consistent engagement with the seats 906 regardless of the thickness of the screen 202 material. The lock protrusions 716 may also allow for easier insertion and removal of the insert 702 from the main body member 602 compared to the barb-like effect created by the teeth 306, while still maintaining secure retention of the screen 202 in the secured position.

[0101] The end cap side-channel 912 of the device 600 may provide enhanced functionality compared to the cap side-channel 412 of the device 100. The end cap side-channel 912 may extend along both the side and upper portions of the end cap 606, which may provide improved clearance for attachment members 206 during installation and maintenance operations. The configuration of the end cap side-channel 912 may allow for greater flexibility in positioning attachment members 206 while maintaining the covered position of the end cap 606. In some embodiments, the end cap side-channel 912 may be dimensioned to accommodate various sizes and types of attachment members 206, including zip-ties, bungie cords, and other securing devices. The end cap side-channel 912 may also provide improved weather sealing characteristics while allowing for the passage of the screen 202 and attachment members 206, which may enhance the overall durability and performance of the device 600 in outdoor environments.

[0102] The raised portions 614, 616 of the device 600 may be configured differently from the raised portions 114, 116 of the device 100 to provide enhanced structural characteristics and improved engagement between components. The raised portions 614 of the main body member 602 may extend along the entire length of the main body member 602 and may be positioned to provide structural reinforcement while maintaining the flexibility characteristics of the plastic extrusion material. The raised portions 616 of the end caps 606 may be shaped to create improved mating engagement with the raised portions 614 of the main body member 602, which may provide enhanced retention of the end caps 606 in the covered position. In some cases, the raised portions 614, 616 may be configured to create internal channels or grooves that may facilitate the alignment and positioning of the end caps 606 relative to the main body member 602. The modified configuration of the raised portions 614, 616 may also provide improved resistance to deformation under load conditions while maintaining the ability to flex for insertion and removal operations.

[0103] The lock channel 904 and lock arm 704 arrangement of the device 600 may provide improved locking and retention characteristics compared to the lock channel 404 and lock arm 304 configuration of the device 100. The lock channel 904 may be dimensioned and positioned to provide enhanced engagement with the lock arm 704, which may create more secure retention of the insert 702 within the interior area 902 of the main body member 602. The lock arm 704 may be configured to engage with the lock channel 904 in a manner that may distribute retention forces along a greater length of the insert 702, which may reduce stress concentrations and improve the overall durability of the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock channel 904 may include features that may provide tactile or audible feedback when the insert 702 reaches the fully inserted position, which may assist installers in achieving proper positioning. The improved lock channel 904 and lock arm 704 arrangement may also work in conjunction with the lock protrusions 716 and seats 906 to provide a dual retention system that may resist both axial and rotational movement of the insert 702 relative to the main body member 602.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main body member 602 may include a first side 608 and a second side 609 that may be positioned opposite to the first side 608 as illustratively shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insert 702 may include an insert end portion 714. The insert end portion 714 may be positioned at one side and/or along one side of the insert 702. The insert end portion 714 may be configured to facilitate the insertion, positioning and/or alignment of the insert 702 within the interior area 902 of the main body member 602 when and/or while the insert 702 is moved to the inserted position.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, the end caps 606 may include a hook portion 914 that may be positioned along and/or adjacent to the cap side-channel 912. The hook portion 914 may curve inwardly from an outer surface of the end cap 606 towards the cap side-channel 912. The hook portion 914 may be utilized to secure the end cap 606 to corresponding portions of the main body member 602 when and/or while the end cap 606 is in the covered position. The hook portion 914 may provide a mechanical engagement that may resist removal of the end cap 606 from the covered position during normal use conditions. The hook portion 914 may work in cooperation with the raised portions 616 of the end caps 606 and the raised portions 614 of the main body member 602 to provide secure retention of the end caps 606 in the covered position.

[0106] When and/or while the insert 702 is in the inserted position and the screen 202 is positioned around the insert 702 in the secured position, the lock protrusions 716 and the seats 906 may create a plurality of pinch points 950 on the secured screen 202. Each pinch point 950 may be formed by compression of the screen 202 between individual lock protrusions 716 and corresponding seats 906. The pinch points 950 may be distributed along the length of the insert 702 and may provide multiple points of engagement that may secure the screen 202 in the secured position. The pinch points 950 may prevent the screen 202 from being removed from the secured position by creating mechanical interference between the screen 202 and the engaging surfaces of the lock protrusions 716 and seats 906. The configuration of the pinch points 950 may allow for screens 202 of varying thicknesses to be securely retained while distributing securing forces across multiple locations to minimize stress concentrations and potential damage to the screen 202 material.

[0107] Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

[0108] While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0109] Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.