CN114340450A

CN114340450A - Self-tensioning magnetic track and track assembly

Info

Publication number: CN114340450A
Application number: CN202080059369.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·詹姆斯; J·格罗斯
Original assignee: Defender Screen International Ltd
Current assignee: Defender Screen International Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-22
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2022-04-12
Also published as: EP4003100A4; WO2021016059A1; EP4003100A1; AU2020317008A1; CA3144723A1

Abstract

A magnetic track assembly comprising an elongate channel having an open side, an end wall and two parallel side walls; a first magnet disposed within the elongate channel proximate an inner side of the end wall; a compartment defined within the elongate channel spaced apart from the first magnet; and a screen receiver disposed within the compartment and including a second magnet arranged facing the first magnet. In the magnetic track assembly, the first and second magnets have opposite polarities, and the screen receiver is loosely disposed within the compartment such that when the first and second magnets are brought together, a magnetic bond is intact between the first and second magnets, and when the first and second magnets are pulled apart, the magnetic bond is broken.

Description

Self-tensioning magnetic track and track assembly

Cross-reference to related applications:

the present application is a continuation-in-part application entitled U.S. patent application No. 16/024,972 by SELF-tensoning MAGNETIC TRACKS AND TRACK assets filed on 2.7.2018; it is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 15/646,223 (now patent No. 10,036,198) entitled SELF-tensoning MAGNETIC TRACKS AND TRACK ASS employees filed on 11/7/2017; a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 15/227,345 (now patent No. 9,719,292) entitled SELF-tensoning MAGNETIC TRACKS AND TRACK assets filed on 8/3/2016; all of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This application also claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 62/877,083 entitled "SELF-tensonii NG MAGNETIC TRACKS AND TRACK applications," filed on 22.7.2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of rails and rail assemblies for retractable screens, and more particularly, to self-tensioning magnetic rails and rail assemblies for motorized retractable screens.

SUMMARY

In the past two decades, motorized retractable screens have been popular for their utility and versatility in temporarily enclosing spaces. For example, many restaurants and other commercial establishments having patio/outdoor areas utilize retractable screens to temporarily close these areas, creating environmentally controlled areas that are not affected by severe weather conditions (e.g., high winds and/or cold weather conditions).

While these retractable screens have great versatility and utility, there are several problems with the screens and rail/track assemblies currently on the market. For example, the rails and rail assemblies currently marketed are fixed rails that hold the screen in a close, aesthetically pleasing manner once the screen has been deployed. While these fixed rails/rail assemblies hold the screen in a close, aesthetically pleasing manner, these fixed rails allow the screen to have very little play (e.g., expand and/or contract) during, for example, high wind conditions. Thus, during high wind conditions, these screens may (1) distort, bend and/or warp the fixed rail/rail assembly, (2) damage the screen, or (3) any combination thereof. These problems result in frequent, expensive repairs and/or replacement of the fixed rail/rail assembly and screen.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide rails and rail assemblies that overcome the problems of the fixed rail and fixed rail screen assemblies currently marketed. In one or more embodiments, the track and track screen assembly overcomes these problems by utilizing a self-tensioning magnet arrangement that allows for expansion and contraction of the screen/blind attached thereto. Such a self-tensioning magnet arrangement advantageously results in a reduced frequency of maintenance of the disclosed track/track assembly while increasing the screen's useful life when compared to fixed track and fixed track screen assemblies currently marketed.

In one or more embodiments, a set of rails and rail assemblies utilize novel magnet arrangements in the rail assemblies that allow the screen attached thereto to expand when subjected to high wind pressure/conditions. In particular, in the rails and rail assemblies, magnets having opposite polarities are separated from each other, thereby allowing the screen to expand when subjected to high wind pressure. However, after the high wind pressure subsides, the magnetic attraction of the separate magnets pulls the separate magnets very close relative to each other, while the screen is tensioned to provide an aesthetically close screen.

As another feature, in one or more embodiments, the rails and rail assemblies do not have the size limitations of screens that can be used in these rail/rail assemblies, and screens that cover extremely wide and extremely high openings (including dimensions up to 30 feet wide by 24 feet high) can be used with the disclosed rails and rail assemblies.

In one or more embodiments, a magnetic track assembly includes an elongated channel having an open side, an end wall, and two parallel side walls; a first magnet disposed within the elongate channel proximate an inner side of the end wall; a compartment defined within the elongate channel spaced apart from the first magnet; and a screen receiver disposed within the compartment and including a second magnet arranged facing the first magnet, wherein the first and second magnets have opposite polarities, and the screen receiver is loosely disposed within the compartment such that when the first and second magnets are close together, a magnetic bond between the first and second magnets is intact, and when the first and second magnets are pulled apart, the magnetic bond is broken.

In some embodiments, the screen receiver includes an elongated C-shaped channel that opens in a direction opposite the first magnet, such that the C-shaped channel is accessible through the open side of the elongated channel. In some embodiments, the screen receiver, and more particularly the C-shaped channel opening, is adapted to receive a screen interlock including, but not limited to, a welt (rider) interlock, a zipper interlock, a rope, a bead chain, or any similar interlock known in the art associated with the disclosed retractable screen.

In one or more embodiments, the compartment is defined by an interior partition wall extending inwardly from a respective one of the two parallel side walls, and wherein each of the partition walls extends inwardly a distance less than half of the distance between the two parallel side walls.

In some embodiments, the second magnet is outside the compartment when the magnetic bond between the first magnet and the second magnet is intact, and the second magnet is within the compartment when the bond between the first magnet and the second magnet is broken.

In one or more embodiments, the width of the screen receptor is less than the width of the compartment such that the screen receptor can be mounted at an angle through the open side of the elongated channel.

In one or more embodiments, the elongate channel further comprises a secondary channel disposed along one of two parallel side walls that open in a direction perpendicular to the open side of the elongate channel.

In one or more embodiments, the magnetic track assembly further comprises a removable elongate cover covering the length of the secondary channel.

In one or more embodiments, the elongate channel is open at its top and bottom, and wherein the top and bottom are covered by a removable top and bottom cover, respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the depth of the interior compartment is greater than one inch and up to, for example, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, or 7 inches.

Also disclosed herein is a magnetic track assembly comprising an elongated channel having an open side, an end wall, and two parallel side walls; a first magnet disposed within the elongate channel proximate an inner side of the end wall; a compartment defined within the elongate channel spaced apart from the first magnet; a screen receiver disposed within the compartment, the screen receiver including a C-shaped channel opening in a direction of the open side of the elongated channel and a second magnet arranged facing the first magnet; and a screen tensioner slidably received within the C-shaped channel; wherein the first magnet and the second magnet have opposite polarities and the screen receiver is loosely disposed within the compartment such that when the first magnet and the second magnet are brought together, a magnetic bond between the first magnet and the second magnet is intact, and when the first magnet and the second magnet are pulled apart, the magnetic bond is broken.

In one or more embodiments, the screen receiver is adapted to move horizontally within the compartment toward and away from the first magnet.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations.

Additional features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description of the present disclosure is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled magnetic track assembly having a motorized retractable screen attached thereto, wherein the screen has a close-fitting aesthetic appearance;

FIG. 2 also depicts the magnetic track assembly and motorized retractable screen of FIG. 1 during inclement weather, with the magnets of each assembly separated, allowing the screen to expand;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the magnetic track assembly showing the screen receiver outside the opening of the elongate channel;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the magnetic track assembly showing the screen receiver positioned within the elongated channel;

FIG. 5 is another top view of the magnetic track assembly showing the screen receiver positioned and moved within the elongated channel;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the magnetic track assembly showing a screen receiver including a magnet disposed thereon positioned in a compartment of the elongate channel;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the magnetic track assembly showing the screen receiver positioned in a compartment of the elongate channel and a magnet disposed on the screen receiver extending beyond the compartment in a direction toward the magnet disposed on an end wall of the elongate channel;

FIG. 8 is a top view of FIG. 7 further showing fasteners extending through the parallel sidewalls of the elongated channel for attaching the magnetic track assembly to a desired surface;

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a magnetic track assembly;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an assembled motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly; this view shows the housing positioned at the upper end of the motorized screen system; this view shows the screen deployed to a fully closed position; this view shows a pair of magnetic track assemblies having an elongated channel and an outward-facing screen receiver positioned therein adjacent a screen; this view shows the bottom bar assembly attached to the lower end of the screen;

FIG. 11 is another front perspective view of an assembled motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in FIG. 10;

fig. 12 is another front perspective view of an assembled motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-11;

fig. 13 is another front perspective view of an assembled motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-12;

fig. 14 is a front elevational view of an assembled motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-13; this view shows the housing positioned at the upper end of the motorized screen system; this view shows the screen deployed to approximately three-quarters of the fully closed position; this view shows a pair of magnetic track assemblies having an elongated channel and an outward-facing screen receiver positioned therein adjacent a screen; this view shows the bottom bar assembly attached to the lower end of the screen; this view shows the housing and magnetic track assembly installed into a frame member positioned around a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly;

fig. 15 is a front elevational view of an assembled motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-14; this view shows the housing positioned at the upper end of the motorized screen system; this view shows the screen deployed to approximately three-quarters of the fully closed position; this view shows a pair of magnetic track assemblies having an elongated channel and an outward-facing screen receiver positioned therein adjacent a screen; this view shows the bottom bar assembly attached to the lower end of the screen; this view shows the housing and magnetic track assembly installed into a frame member positioned around a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly; this view shows a window positioned within a screen;

fig. 16 is a front perspective exploded view of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-15; this view shows a housing positioned at an upper end of a motorized screen system, the housing having a rear member, a top member, a front member, and an end cap having a bracket member; this view shows a pair of magnetic track assemblies having an elongated channel and a screen receiver positioned adjacent an outboard side of a screen; this view shows a bottom bar assembly configured to be attached to the lower end of a screen; this view shows a roller assembly having a roller tube and a motor assembly configured to be positioned within the hollow interior of the housing;

fig. 17 is another front perspective exploded view of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-16;

fig. 18 is a close-up perspective exploded view of a motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-17; this view shows a close-up of the upper right corner of figure 16;

fig. 19 is a side elevational view of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-18, this view showing a housing having a roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of the housing; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing with roller tube;

FIG. 20 is another side elevational view of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly as shown in FIGS. 10-19, this view showing the housing with the roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of the housing; this view shows the opposite end as shown in FIG. 19; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 21 is a top elevational view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-20; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 22 is a bottom elevational view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-21; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 23 is a front elevational view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-22; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 24 is a rear elevational view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-23; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 25 is a perspective view of a housing of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-24; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 26 is another perspective view of a housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-25; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 27 is a perspective exploded view of a housing of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-26; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 28 is another perspective exploded view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-27; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 29 is a perspective view of a roller tube assembly of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-28; this view shows the roller tube assembly of a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 30 is a side elevational view of a roller tube assembly of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-29; this view shows the roller tube assembly of a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 31 is a perspective view of a roller tube assembly of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-30; this view shows the collar (also referred to as a ring) exploded from the connecting member of the roller tube assembly; this view shows the roller tube assembly of a 5&1/2 inch housing;

fig. 32 is a perspective view of a collar (also referred to as a ring) of a roller tube assembly of the motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-31; this view shows the collar of a 5&1/2 inch shell;

fig. 33 is another perspective view of a collar (also referred to as a ring) of a roller tube assembly of the motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-32; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 34 is another perspective view of a roller tube assembly of the motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-33; this view shows the collar (also referred to as a ring) exploded from the connecting member of the roller tube assembly; this view shows a 5&1/2 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 35 is a perspective view of a roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of a housing of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-34; this view shows a 7 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 36 is a side elevational view of a roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-35; this view shows a 7 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 37 is a side elevational view of a roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-36; this view is taken from the opposite side as shown in fig. 34, which shows a 7 inch housing with roller tube;

fig. 38 is a side elevational view of a roller tube assembly positioned within the hollow interior of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-37; this view is taken from the side as shown in fig. 36, which shows the 5&1/2 housing with roller tube; this view shows the housing mounted within the hollow interior of a cavity formed by walls extending downwardly from the frame member; this view shows the top member of the housing 12 mounted to the frame member 208 using a plurality of fasteners; this view shows a screen mounted onto a roller tube by inserting an interlock positioned at an upper end of the screen material into a receiver in an outer surface of the roller tube assembly to hold the upper end of the screen material onto the roller tube; this view shows the screen material passing through the opening in the lower end of the housing adjacent the lower end of the rear member and the lower rear end of the front member; this view shows the sealing members on each side of the opening, shown as a piece of wool pile (wool pile), which seals the opening in the housing by engaging the screen material; this view shows the forwardly located sealing member connected to the lower rear end of the front member; this view shows the rearwardly located sealing member connected to the lower front end of the rear member; this view shows the screen material connected to the screen receiver positioned within the elongated channel of the magnetic track assembly as the screen material extends downward from the housing;

fig. 39 is a top elevational view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-38, this view showing a 7 inch housing with a roller tube;

fig. 40 is a bottom elevation view of the housing of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-39, this view showing a 7 inch housing with a roller tube;

fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-40, this view showing a 7 inch housing with a roller tube; this view shows the housing exploded into a rear member, a top member and a front member; this view shows the roller tube assembly positioned within the housing;

fig. 42 is a perspective view of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-41, this view showing a roller tube assembly of a 7 inch housing; this view shows the collar (also referred to as a ring) exploded from the connecting member of the roller tube assembly;

fig. 43 is a perspective view of a collar (also referred to as a ring) of a roller tube assembly of a motorized screen system having a magnetic track assembly as shown in fig. 10-42; this view shows a collar used with a 7 inch housing;

fig. 44 is a perspective view of an assembled magnetic track assembly of the motorized screen system having the magnetic track assembly shown in fig. 10-43; this view shows the screen receiver positioned within the compartment of the elongate channel;

FIG. 45 is a close-up perspective view of one end of the assembled magnetic track assembly as shown in FIG. 44; this view shows the screen receiver positioned within the compartment of the elongate channel; this view shows the gasket positioned over the innermost or forward bulkhead; this view shows the gasket positioned over the outermost or rear partition; this view shows the pad positioned over the outward end of the screen receiver;

FIG. 46 is a close-up top elevation view of one end of the assembled magnetic track assembly as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45; this view shows the screen receiver positioned within the compartment of the elongate channel; this view shows the gasket positioned over the innermost or forward bulkhead; this view shows the gasket positioned over the outermost or rear partition; this view shows the pad positioned over the outward end of the screen receiver; this view shows the screen receiver in a fully outward position with opposing magnets in close proximity to each other as placement permits;

FIG. 47 is a close-up bottom elevation view of one end of the assembled magnetic track assembly shown in FIGS. 44 and 45; this view shows the screen receiver positioned within the compartment of the elongate channel; this view shows the gasket positioned over the innermost or forward bulkhead; this view shows the gasket positioned over the outermost or rear partition; this view shows the pad positioned over the outward end of the screen receiver; this view shows the screen receiver in a fully outward position with opposing magnets in close proximity to each other as placement permits;

FIG. 48 is a front view of the assembled magnetic track assembly as shown in FIGS. 44-47; the view, looking from inside to outside, shows the screen receiver positioned within the elongate channel;

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of the magnetic track assembly as shown in FIGS. 44-48; this view shows the screen receiver positioned outside the compartment of the elongate channel; this view shows the pad positioned over the outward end of the screen receiver;

FIG. 50 is an end elevational assembly view of the magnetic track assembly as shown in FIGS. 44-49; this view shows the assembled magnetic track assembly positioned within a groove in a frame member to provide a low profile appearance; this view shows the fastener extending through the elongate channel and into the frame member; this view shows the screen receiver positioned within the hollow compartment of the elongate channel; this view shows the screen material interlock connected to the C-channel of the screen receiver; this view shows the liner shown in fig. 46 and 47 removed;

fig. 51 is a perspective view of a ground bar used in association with the motorized screen system shown in fig. 1-50;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the bottom bar assembly shown in FIG. 51, illustrating the weighted bar probe and the bottom bar;

FIG. 53 is an elevational view of the end of the bottom bar illustrated in FIGS. 51-52;

FIG. 54 is a front elevational view of the end of the bottom bar illustrated in FIGS. 51-53; this view shows the weighted rod positioned within the hollow interior of the bottom rod; this view shows the interlocking piece of screen material connected to the receiver in the upper end of the bottom bar; this view shows a sealing member, shown as a fleece, positioned within a channel in the lower end of the bottom bar, which seals the lower end of the bottom bar when the bottom bar is in the closed position;

fig. 55 is an end view of a hurricane support used with the motorized screen system shown in fig. 1-54; this view shows a hurricane support having end walls, a front wall and a rear wall forming a hollow interior sized and shaped to receive a magnetic track assembly therein and configured to provide strength and rigidity to the magnetic track assembly, thereby enhancing its hurricane-resistant capability;

FIG. 56 is an end elevational view of the hurricane support shown in FIG. 55, showing an assembled magnetic track assembly with an elongated channel and a screen receiver positioned within the hollow interior of the hurricane support; this view shows the screen material connected to the screen receiver;

fig. 57 is an assembled perspective view of the motorized screen system shown in fig. 1-56 having a funnel connected to an upper end of the screen receiver 110 to facilitate insertion of interlocking pieces of screen material into the C-shaped channel of the screen receiver; this view shows a funnel with arms that fit within slots in the exterior-facing side of the screen receiver that receives the magnets of the screen receiver;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the funnel shown in FIG. 57, the view showing the screen receiver removed from the elongate channel, thereby illustrating the open upper end of the funnel having a slot therein connected to a slot in the C-shaped channel of the screen receiver to facilitate insertion of the interlocking pieces of screen material into the C-shaped channel of the screen receiver;

FIG. 59 is another perspective view of the funnel shown in FIGS. 57-58, showing the screen receiver removed from the elongate channel, thereby illustrating the open upper end of the funnel having a slot therein connected to a slot in the C-shaped channel of the screen receiver to facilitate insertion of the interlocking pieces of screen material into the C-shaped channel of the screen receiver;

fig. 60 is another perspective view of the funnel shown in fig. 57-58, illustrating removal of the screen receiver from the elongate channel; this view shows a funnel with arms that fit within slots in the exterior-facing side of the screen receiver that receives the magnets of the screen receiver.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may understand and appreciate the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and processes, and therefore the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and processes. For example, while aspects and features may be shown or described with reference to certain drawings or embodiments, it should be understood that features from one drawing or embodiment may be combined with features of another drawing or embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly shown or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiment, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the various figures.

Further, although some disclosed embodiments may be described with respect to particular materials, embodiments are not limited to particular materials or devices, but only to their particular characteristics and capabilities, and other materials and devices may be substituted as would be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Further, although the disclosed embodiments are described primarily in the context of a retractable screen application, the embodiments are not so limited. It is to be understood that embodiments may be applicable to other applications that may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements, and/or methods.

It is to be understood that terms such as "left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, up, down, inside, outside, etc" as used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

As used herein, the term "or" includes one or more of the associated listed items, such that "a or B" means "with a but not B" and "with B but not a". As used herein, the terms "and" include all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that "a and B" means "a and B. The use of "and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items such that "a and/or B" includes "with a but not B," "with B but not a" and "a and B," unless explicitly indicated that only a single item, a subset of items, or all items are present. The use of "etc" is defined as "etc" and means that all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items are included in any "and/or" combination.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the language clearly indicates otherwise. The indefinite articles such as "a" and "an" refer to any modified term (including previously introduced and non-introduced) and the definite articles such as "the" refer to the same previously introduced term; thus, it should be understood that "a" and "an" modify an item allowed for prior introduction or new, and that the definite article modifies the same item as was just presented previously. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," "mated," "attached," "secured," etc., to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly coupled," or the like to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between …" versus "directly between …", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). Similarly, terms such as "communicatively connected" include all changes in the exchange and routing of information between two electronic devices, including wirelessly connected or non-wirelessly connected intermediary devices, networks, and the like.

It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another; where a "second" or higher ordinal number is present, there only have to be a number of elements, and there need not be any differences or other relationships. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments or methods.

Similarly, structures and operations discussed below may occur out of the order described and/or illustrated in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the operations may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, various operations in the exemplary methods described below may be performed repeatedly, separately, or sequentially, in addition to the single operations described below, to provide a loop or other series of operations. It should be assumed that any embodiment or method having the features and functions described below falls within the scope of the exemplary embodiments in any feasible combination.

Magnetic tracks and track assemblies are disclosed that utilize a novel arrangement of magnets in the track assembly that allow the magnets to separate, allowing the attached screen to expand when under high wind pressure, and after the high wind pressure subsides, the magnetic attraction of these separate magnets pulls the separate magnets very close relative to each other, tensioning the attached screen to provide an aesthetically close screen. Accordingly, the disclosed novel magnet arrangement of the magnetic track/magnetic rail assembly provides a "self-tensioning" system that operates effectively while accounting for fluctuations in weather conditions, which advantageously ensures increased screen and magnetic rail assembly service life while currently reducing frequent maintenance (and/or replacement) associated with currently marketed screen, rail/rail assemblies, or combinations thereof.

For example, an exemplary magnetic track/track assembly 100 is depicted in fig. 1-8. For example, fig. 1 shows a perspective view of two assembled magnetic track assemblies 100 having an arrangement parallel to each other with a motorized retractable screen 200 positioned therebetween and attached to each assembly. The motorized retractable screen 200 is easy to deploy and telescope between the two magnetic track assemblies, while in certain preferred aspects all parts of the assemblies remain vertically stationary during screen deployment and retraction. Magnetic track assembly 100 also has sufficient length to extend vertically along a post or doorway to ensure that screen 200 can span vertically the entire length of post or doorway 300, thereby creating a temporary enclosure when the screen is deployed.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of fig. 1, further illustrating the novel magnet arrangement that provides the above-described "self-tensioning" system when the

magnets

113, 145 are separated from each other during, for example, severe weather conditions. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the magnetic track assembly 100 includes a screen receiver 110 and an elongated channel 140 having an open side 141, an end wall 142, and two

parallel side walls

143, 144. The elongate channel 140 also includes a magnet 145 of a predetermined polarity attached to the interior of its end wall 142 and a compartment 146 formed by a plurality of

partitions

147, 148, 149, 150 extending inwardly toward the interior of the elongate channel. The compartment 146 is adapted to securely receive the removable screen receiver 110 while allowing movement therein.

As further shown in fig. 1 and 2, the screen receiver 110 is adapted to receive a screen 200 on one side of the receiver, while having a magnet 113 disposed on the opposite side. For example, in certain aspects, the screen receiver 110 includes a C-shaped channel 111 formed thereon that receives an interlock 202 of the screen 200 (e.g., a screen welt interlock, a zipper interlock, a cord, a bead chain, or any similar interlock 202 known in the art) while providing sufficient clearance so that the screen can be easily moved through the C-shaped channel through which the screen can be easily extended and retracted as desired. On the side 112 opposite the C-shaped channel, the screen receiver includes a magnet 113 disposed thereon having an opposite polarity to the magnet 145 attached to the interior of the end wall 142. The screen receptor 110 is preferably adapted to be removably positioned in the compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140 such that the magnet 113 of the screen receptor and the magnet 145 disposed on the interior of the end wall 142 are in close proximity and attract one another, thereby creating a magnetic bond when the magnets are in close proximity, as shown in fig. 1 and 7, but temporarily break when the magnets are separated/pulled apart, as shown, for example, in fig. 2 and 6.

For example and as shown in fig. 1, when the track assembly 100 is fully assembled and a screen 200 is attached, for example, between two track assemblies, the screen 200 is taut (i.e., has a close aesthetic appearance) when the

magnets

113, 145 of the assemblies are in close proximity and have a complete magnetic bond. However, as shown in fig. 2, during inclement weather (e.g., high wind conditions), screen receiver 110 is configured to move within compartment 146, allowing the magnetic bond between

magnets

113, 145 to break in one or both screen assemblies, thereby allowing the screen to expand. Once the inclement weather subsides (e.g., high wind conditions), the

magnets

113, 145 of each component are arranged close enough so that the opposing poles attract each other, thereby again tensioning the screen 200 between the two components, thereby providing a close aesthetic appearance to the screen.

Fig. 3-8 depict sequential views of the assembly of the magnetic track assembly 100 by positioning the screen receiver 110 in the elongated channel 140 and, once assembled, how the screen receiver moves laterally in the compartment 146 during inclement weather, moves vertically in the elongated channel 140, or a combination thereof. Fig. 3 specifically illustrates a top view of the magnetic track assembly 100, wherein the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140 are two separate components. As shown, in the disassembled state, the screen receiver 110 is initially located outside of the elongate channel 140, but during assembly of the magnetic track assembly 100, the screen receiver 110 is securely (but removably) positioned in the elongate channel.

As shown in fig. 4, the screen receiver 110 is positioned in the compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140 by initially rotating the screen receiver at an angle (e.g., diagonally) relative to the two

parallel sidewalls

143, 144 of the elongate channel. Screen receiver 110 then proceeds within elongated channel 140 in a direction toward magnets 145 disposed on the interior of end wall 142. As further shown in fig. 4, one end 115 of the screen receptor progresses beyond the end of the compartment 146 closest to the end wall 142, while the opposite end 114 of the screen receptor remains outside the opposite end of the compartment 146 closest to the opening 141 of the elongate channel.

Next, as further shown in FIG. 5, the screen receptor 110 is advanced and moved within the compartment such that the end 114 of the screen receptor is positioned within the compartment 146 and adjacent relative to the partition 148 and the parallel side walls 144, thereby securing the end 114 of the screen receptor within the compartment. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, there is sufficient clearance between the end 115 of the screen receiver and the partition 149 of the parallel side wall 143 to adjust the screen receiver 110 and secure the screen receiver 110 in the compartment 146. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, when the screen receiver 110 is secured in the compartment 146, the

ends

114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 are preferably parallel relative to the

partitions

147, 148, 149, 150 forming the compartment 146. In certain aspects, the baffle extends inwardly less than half the distance between the two

parallel sidewalls

143, 144.

As further shown in fig. 6 and 7, there is a gap between the

ends

114, 115 of the screen receiver and each corresponding

parallel sidewall

143, 144 to allow the screen receiver 110 to move laterally (horizontally) between the

parallel sidewalls

143, 144. As further shown in fig. 6 and 7, the screen receiver 110 is also movable within the compartment 146 between partitions 147, 148 (the compartment's front partition) and partitions 149, 150 (the rear partition) in a direction extending from the end wall 142 to the opening 141 (or vice versa). For example, fig. 7 specifically shows that the magnets 113 of the screen receiver 110 are in close proximity to the magnets 145 disposed on the end wall 142 such that the magnetic bond between the magnets is complete. With this arrangement and with the screen 200 received by the screen receiver 110, the screen will be taut, giving a close aesthetic appearance. As further shown in fig. 7, when the

magnets

113, 145 are in close proximity such that the magnetic bond is complete, the magnet 113 disposed on the screen receiver extends outside of the compartment 146 in a direction toward the interior of the end wall 142.

However, as shown in fig. 2 and 6, the magnetic bond between the

magnets

113, 145 may break, for example, during inclement weather. For example, when screen 200 is received by screen receiver 110, the screen is allowed to "expand" during inclement weather, including, for example, high wind conditions. As shown in fig. 2 and 6 in conjunction with fig. 7, during high wind conditions, screen 200 may apply a force to screen receiver 110 such that the magnetic bond between

magnets

113, 145 is broken and the screen receiver moves within the compartment in a direction away from end wall 142 toward opening 141 of the elongate channel. As further shown in fig. 6, when the magnetic coupling is broken, the magnets 113 disposed on the screen receptor 110 are temporarily in the compartment 146 and, in some aspects, the

ends

114, 115 of the screen receptor 110 may contact the

partitions

147, 148 of the compartment closest to the opening 141 of the elongate channel, thereby being securely retained in the compartment. Thus, in view of the above disclosure, fig. 6 and 7 illustrate how the screen receiver 110 moves within the compartment 146, allowing the screen to expand during inclement weather conditions and to contract/tighten once the inclement weather subsides.

As further shown in fig. 1 and 8, the magnetic track assembly 100, and more particularly the elongate channel 140, can be permanently affixed to a vertical structure 300, such as a pole or doorway. For example, the elongate channel 140 may include a plurality of through-holes 161 on each parallel sidewall, with the through-holes on one sidewall 144 aligned with complementary through-holes on the second sidewall 143. The through holes allow the elongate channel 140 to be permanently secured to the vertical structure by advancing fasteners 162 (e.g., screws) through the aligned through holes into the vertical structure 300, thereby securing the elongate channel 140 to the vertical structure 300. As further depicted in fig. 3-8, in certain aspects, the elongate channel 140 includes a secondary channel 160 disposed along one of two parallel sidewalls 144 that open in a direction perpendicular to the open side 141 of the elongate channel 140. The secondary channel 160 forms a recess having a through hole disposed thereon that is aligned with the through hole on the other parallel side. After advancing the fastener 162 through the through-hole, the fastener head is disposed entirely within the recess formed by the secondary channel 160 and preferably does not extend beyond the outermost surface of the parallel sidewalls 144 forming the secondary channel. As further shown in fig. 8, the magnetic track assembly 100 also includes a removable elongated cover 170 that cooperates with the secondary channel 160 to conceal the fastener head therein. In certain aspects, the elongate cover 170 extends the entire length of the secondary channel and may be configured to snap fit, interference fit, or slidingly engage the secondary channel 160.

Fig. 9 depicts an exploded view of the magnetic track assembly 100. To provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the magnetic track assembly 100, the top end 180 and/or the bottom end (not shown) may be covered with a top cover 181 and a bottom cover (not shown), respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, through-holes may be formed in, for example, the

partitions

149, 150 of the compartment 146. The through holes extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis of the elongate channel 140. In certain aspects, after positioning the screen receiver in the elongate channel, the top cap 181 is secured to the top 180 of the elongate channel, and the top cap 181 may further secure the screen receiver in the elongate channel while limiting vertical movement of the screen receiver 110 in the elongate channel. As further shown in fig. 9, in certain aspects, the top cap 181 includes a recessed/cut-out portion that aligns with an end of the screen receiver such that a screen received in the screen receiver does not contact the top cap. This arrangement allows the screen to be easily extended and retracted without contacting the roof.

The screen receiver 110, the elongated channel 140, the elongated cover 170, and/or the top cover 181 (and bottom cover) may be formed from metal, thermoplastic resin, or a combination thereof. For example, in certain aspects, the screen receiver 110, the elongate channel 140, the elongate cover 170, and/or the top cover 181 (and bottom cover) may be formed from a molded thermoplastic/thermoplastic resin sufficient to withstand the harsh weather conditions and movements disclosed herein.

It should also be noted that the screen receiver 110 disclosed herein may be adapted to receive a screen welt through, for example, a C-shaped channel 111. However, the screen receiver 110 may have any desired predetermined shape (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular) through which the screen 200 can be received. As described above, the screen receiver 110 may be adapted to receive a zipper interlock, a rope, a bead chain, or any similar interlock 202 known in the art associated with the disclosed retractable screen.

Alternative embodiments:

referring to fig. 10-60, various alternative arrangements of the motorized screen system 10 with the magnetic track assembly 100 are presented. Some components of the motorized screen system 10 having the magnetic track assembly 100 presented in fig. 10-60 are similar to those of the motorized screen system 10 having the magnetic track assembly 100 presented in fig. 1-9, and therefore all of the teachings presented herein with respect to fig. 1-9 are equally applicable to and incorporated into the teachings presented in fig. 10-60, unless specifically noted otherwise.

Shell body：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a motorized screen system 10 having a magnetic track assembly 100 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to receive and retain various components of the system 10 to facilitate the function of the system 10 and to provide an aesthetic appearance, as further described herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the housing 12 includes a rear member 14, a top member 16, a front member 18, and an end cap 20 having a bracket member 22 and other components, features, and elements.

Rear member：

In the arrangement shown, the housing 12 includes a rear member 14, as one example. The rear member 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to form a portion of the housing 12 and to enclose the rear side of the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the rear member 14 is a generally planar member that extends a length between opposite ends. In the arrangement shown, as one example, when the housing 12 is installed in a rear-mount application, fasteners 204, such as screws or bolts, extend through the rear member 14 and into the structure to which the housing 12 is mounted. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the upper end of the rear member 14 is connected to the rear side of the top member 16, and the outward end of the rear member 14 is connected to the end cap 20.

Top member：

In the arrangement shown, the housing 12 includes a top member 16, as one example. The top member 16 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to form a portion of the housing 12 and enclose the upper side of the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the top member 16 is a generally planar member that extends a length between opposite ends. In the arrangement shown, as one example, when the housing 12 is installed in a top-mounted application, fasteners 204, such as screws or bolts, extend through the top member 16 and into the structure to which the housing 12 is mounted. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the rear end of the top member 16 is connected to the upper end of the rear member 14, the front end of the top member 16 is connected to the upper end of the front member 18, and the outward end of the top member 16 is connected to the end cap 20.

Front component：

In the arrangement shown, the housing 12 includes a front member 18, as one example. The front member 18 may also be referred to in the industry as or as a fascia. The front member 18 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to form a portion of the housing 12 and to enclose the front side of the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the front member 18 is an elongated member that includes a generally planar portion that forms an upper front side of the front member 18 and a generally planar portion that forms an underside of the front member 18. In the arrangement shown, the generally planar front portion and the generally planar lower portion extend in generally perpendicular alignment with one another. In the arrangement shown, a curved corner portion connects the lower end of the generally planar front portion and the front end of the generally planar lower portion. However, any other shape is also contemplated herein for front member 18, such as 90 degree corner portions, which provide a different aesthetic appearance. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the upper end of the front member 18 is connected to the front end of the top member 16, and the outward end of the top member 16 is connected to the end cap 20.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the rear member 14, top member 16, front member 18, and end cap 20 may be connected to one another using a connecting member 24, such as a joint that facilitates selective connection and removal from one another. These connecting members 24 may be formed by joints, snap-fit devices, hinges, fasteners, interlocking features, or any other means of connecting two components together.

End cap：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the housing 12 includes an end cap 20 positioned at each outward end of the housing 12. The end cap 20 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to form a portion of the housing 12 and to close the outward end of the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the end cap 20 is a generally planar member that is connected to the outward ends of the rear, top and

front members

14, 16, 18 and closes the outward end of the housing 12. In the arrangement shown, as one example, when the housing 12 is installed in a side-mounted application, fasteners 204, such as screws or bolts, extend through the end cap 20 and into the structure to which the housing 12 is mounted. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the inside of the end cap 20 includes a brace member 22. The bracket member 22 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection of the roller tube assembly 26 to the housing 12.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, once assembled, the housing 12 forms a hollow interior 28 that receives and retains the roller tube assembly 26 therein. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the opening 30 is positioned between the lower rear end of the front member 18, the lower front end of the rear member 14, and the inside of the end cap 20. This opening 30 (which may also be referred to as a slot) allows the screen 200 to pass therethrough as the screen 200 is opened and closed.

Any other size, shape, design and configuration is contemplated herein for use as the housing 12. In an alternative arrangement, the housing 12 is not used, but rather in this arrangement, the roller tube assembly 26 is connected and/or held in place solely by connection to the end cap 20 and/or bracket member 22 without the use of the rear member 14, top member 16, and/or front member 18.

Roller tube assembly：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the motorized screen system 10 having a magnetic track assembly 100 includes a roller tube assembly 26. Roller tube assembly 26 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to be coupled to housing 12 and to facilitate coupling screen 200 to housing 12 while facilitating opening and closing of screen 200.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the roller tube assembly 26 includes a roller tube 32. Roller tube 32 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the roller tube 32 is a generally elongated cylindrical member that extends a length between opposite ends 34. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a connecting member 36 extends outwardly from end 34 and facilitates connection to a collar 38 that fits over and connects to connecting member 36.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the roller tube 32 and/or collar 38 have generally cylindrical outer surfaces of generally equal diameter and shape and configuration. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the roller tube 32 and collar 38 include one or more receivers 40 on or within their outer surfaces. Receiver 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate the attachment of the upper end of screen 200 to roller tube assembly 26.

More specifically, in one arrangement, the receiver 40 is formed from the exact same or similar shape as the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110, as described herein with respect to the screen receiver 110. In this arrangement, the upper end of the screen 200 includes an interlock similar to, if not identical to, the interlock 202 described herein that is present at the side of the screen 200 as shown in fig. 1 and 2. Such interlocking members at the upper end of screen 200 slide into the receiver 40 of roller tube assembly 26, or more specifically, into roller tube 32 and/or collar 38. When the interlock of the upper end of the screen 200 is in place within the receiver 40 of the roller tube assembly 26, the upper end of the screen 200 is locked in place on the roller tube assembly 26. Thus, in this arrangement, when the roller tube assembly 26 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the screen 200 is wound around the outer surface of the roller tube assembly 26, thereby opening the screen 200, and when the roller tube assembly 26 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the screen 200 is unfolded from the roller tube assembly 26, thereby closing the screen 200.

It is clear that, just like the interlocks 202 at the sides of the screen 200, the interlocks at the upper end of the screen 200 may be formed from any form of interlock, including but not limited to welt interlocks, zipper interlocks, cords, bead chains, or any similar interlock known in the art to be associated with the disclosed telescoping screen. Similarly, the receiver 40 may be formed of any corresponding size, shape and design and configured to receive and retain the interlock at the upper end of the screen 200. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the interlock at the upper end of screen 200 is a circular or generally cylindrical member when viewed from the side, and receiver 40 is a similarly shaped circular or generally cylindrical opening in roller tube assembly 26 (roller tube 32 and collar 38) that connects to a slot that allows screen 200 to pass through the slot while retaining the interlock within the generally cylindrical opening in roller tube assembly 26.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, two differently shaped receptacles 40 are shown in the outer surface of the roller tube 32 and collar 38. However, any number of receivers 40 are contemplated herein for the outer surfaces of the roller tube 32 and collar 38, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, or more. Alternatively, it is contemplated herein that receiver 40 is not used, but rather that screen 200 is connected to roller tube assembly 26 by any other means, method or means.

Further, in the illustrated arrangement, the roller tube assembly 26 includes a hollow interior and a plurality of structural features that provide structural rigidity to the roller tube assembly 26 while minimizing material usage and weight.

Motor assembly：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the motorized screen system 10 with the magnetic track assembly 100 includes a motor assembly 42. The motor assembly 42 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate powered operation of the motor-driven screen system 10.

The motor assembly 42 may be formed of any form of motor and may be connected to the roller tube assembly 26 in any manner that facilitates rotation of the roller tube assembly 26. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the motor assembly 42 is an electric motor that is positioned within the hollow interior of the roller tube assembly 26, adjacent one end of the roller tube assembly 26. Positioning the motor assembly 42 within the hollow interior of the roller tube assembly 26 provides a smooth arrangement in which the motor assembly 42 is contained within the other components of the motorized screen system 10, thereby minimizing the size and space requirements of the system 10.

In one arrangement, as shown, the motor assembly 42 is a stand-alone assembly that includes, among other components, a motor, a gear assembly, a drive wheel, and an electronic controller assembly. In this stand alone assembly arrangement, the system 10 is motorized by mounting a single component (motor assembly 42) within the roller tube assembly 26, which provides convenience, minimal installation, ease of use, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In one arrangement, the motor assembly 42 is controlled by wired control by transmitting control signals to the motor assembly 42 through a wired connection. In another arrangement, the motor assembly 42 is controlled by wireless control by communicating control signals to the motor assembly 42 through a wireless connection with an antenna connected to the motor assembly. In another arrangement, the motor assembly 42 is controlled both by wired control, which communicates control signals to the motor assembly 42 through a wired connection, and by wireless control, which communicates control signals to the motor assembly 42 through a wireless connection with an antenna connected to the motor assembly.

In one arrangement, the motor assembly 42 is connected to an external power source via a wired connection, such as through a power cord connected to a house or building, thereby providing unrestricted power to the motor assembly 42. Alternatively, the motor assembly 42 is connected to a battery power source, a solar module or solar cell, or any combination thereof, such as to a power line with a backup battery, and the use of a solar cell for recharging the battery is contemplated herein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, once the roller tube assembly 26 is assembled with the motor assembly 42 therein, the roller tube assembly 26 is installed within the hollow interior 28 of the housing 12. In doing so, the outward end of the roller tube assembly 26 is connected to the bracket member 22 of the end cap 20, and the roller tube assembly 26 is able to rotate within the hollow interior 28 of the housing 12, thereby raising and/or lowering the screen 200 through the opening 30, thereby raising and/or lowering the sill 44 with the screen 200.

Referring to fig. 38, in the arrangement shown, as one example, the roller tube assembly 26 is shown positioned within the hollow interior 28 of the housing 12 of the motorized screen system 10 having the magnetic track assembly 100. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the housing 12 is mounted in the hollow interior of a cavity 210 formed by walls 212 that extend downwardly on a front side and a rear side from a frame member 208 positioned at an upper side of the housing 12. This view shows the top member 16 of the housing 12 mounted to the frame member 208 using a plurality of fasteners 204 extending through the top member 16 and into the frame member 208. This view shows the screen 200 mounted to the roller tube 32 by inserting the interlock 202 positioned at the upper end of the screen material 200 into the receiver 40 in the outer surface of the roller tube 32, thereby retaining the upper end of the screen material 200 onto the roller tube 32. This view shows the screen material 200 passing through the opening 30 in the lower end of the housing 12 adjacent the lower end of the rear member 14 of the housing 12 and the lower rear end of the front member 18 of the housing 12. This view shows the sealing members 214 on each side of the opening 30, shown as a piece of wool, which seal the opening 30 in the housing 12 by engaging the screen material 200. This view shows the forwardly located sealing member 214 connected to the lower rear end of the front member 18 of the housing 12 and the rearwardly located sealing member 214 connected to the lower front end of the rear member 14. That is, as shown in the drawings, as an example, when the wool pile is used as the sealing member 214, the outwardly extending fiber brush of the wool pile connected to the front member 18 of the case 12 and thereby sealing the forward surface of the screen material 200, and the outwardly extending fiber brush of the wool pile connected to the rear member 14 of the case 12 and thereby sealing the rearward surface of the screen material 200. This view shows the screen material 200 connected to the screen receiver 110 positioned within the elongated channel 140 of the magnetic track assembly 10 as the screen material 200 extends downward from the housing 12.

Bottom rod assembly：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the motorized screen system 10 with the magnetic track assembly 100 includes a bottom bar assembly 44. The bottom bar assembly 44 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to be attached to the lower end of the screen 200 while providing sufficient weight to the lower end of the screen 200 to facilitate smooth opening and closing while also maintaining the lower end of the screen 200 flat and straight.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom bar assembly 44 includes a bottom bar 46 formed from an elongated member extending a length between opposite ends 48, and includes a hollow interior 50 configured to receive a weighted bar 52 (not shown) therein that adds weight to the bottom bar assembly 44. The lower end of the bottom bar 46 includes a channel 54 configured to receive and retain a sealing member 56 therein that is configured to seal the lower end of the bottom bar 46 to the ground when the bottom bar 46 is in the fully lowered or closed position. The sealing member 56 may be formed of any means for facilitating a seal, such as a piece of wool, a strip of foam, a strip of rubber, or any form of sealing member or other compressible member that facilitates a seal when the bottom bar 46 is in the fully lowered position.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom bar assembly 44 includes a receiver 58. The receiver 58 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate the attachment of the lower end of the screen 200 to the base rod assembly 44.

More specifically, in one arrangement, the receiver 58 is formed from a shape identical or similar to the C-shaped channel 111 and/or the receiver 40 of the screen receiver 110, as described herein with respect to the screen receiver 110 and/or the roller tube assembly 26, respectively. In this arrangement, the lower end of the screen 200 includes an interlocking member similar to, if not identical to, the interlocking member 202 described herein that is present at the sides of the screen 200 and at the upper end of the screen 200 as shown in fig. 1 and 2. Such interlocking members at the lower end of the screen 200 slide into the receiver 58 of the sill member 44 or, more specifically, into the sill 46. When the interlock of the lower end of the screen 200 is in place within the receiver 58 of the bottom bar assembly 44, the lower end of the screen 200 is locked in place on the bottom bar assembly 44. Thus, in this arrangement, when the roller tube assembly 26 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the screen 200 is wrapped around the outer surface of the roller tube assembly 26, thereby opening the screen 200 and raising the sill bar assembly 44, and when the roller tube assembly 26 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the screen 200 is unfolded from the roller tube assembly 26, thereby closing the screen 200 and lowering the sill bar assembly 44.

It is clear that, just like the interlocks 202 at the sides of the screen 200, the interlocks at the lower end of the screen 200 may be formed from any form of interlock, including but not limited to welt interlocks, zipper interlocks, cords, bead chains, or any similar interlock known in the art to be associated with the disclosed telescoping screen. Similarly, the receiver 58 may be formed of any corresponding size, shape and design and is configured to receive and retain the interlock at the lower end of the screen 200. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the interlock at the lower end of the screen 200 is a circular or generally cylindrical member when viewed from the side, and the receiver 58 is a similarly shaped circular or generally cylindrical opening in the bottom bar assembly 44 (or bottom bar 46) that connects to a slot that allows the screen 200 to pass through the slot while retaining the interlock within the generally cylindrical opening in the bottom bar assembly 44.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, only a single receiver 58 is shown in the bottom bar assembly 44. However, any number of receivers 58 are contemplated herein for use in bottom bar assembly 44, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, or more. Alternatively, it is contemplated herein that the receiver 58 may not be used, but rather that the screen 200 is connected to the base rod assembly 44 by any other means, method or means.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, a weighted bar probe 60 is attached to the outer edge of the lower end of the screen 200. These weighted rod probes 60 are then inserted into the hollow interior 50 of the bottom rod 46. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the weighted bar probe 60 includes a slot 62 that receives the lower end of the interlock of the screen 200 at the outward side of the screen 200. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the weight bar probe 60 is fastened to the screen 200 using fasteners 64 (screws such as bolts, etc.) to secure the weight bar probe 60 in place on the lower end of the screen 200. In one arrangement, attaching the weighted bar probe 60 to the lower end of the screen 200 helps to promote tightening and/or tensioning of the lower end of the screen 200.

Referring to FIG. 54, in the arrangement shown, as an example, a weighted rod 52 is positioned within the hollow interior 50 of the bottom bar 46 of the bottom bar assembly 44. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the interlock 202 of the screen material 200 is connected to the receiver 58 in the upper end of the bottom bar 46. In the arrangement shown, as an example, a sealing member 56, shown as a fleece, is positioned within the channel 54 in the lower end of the bottom bar 46, which seals the lower end of the bottom bar 46 when the bottom bar is in the closed position.

Track assembly with elongated channel, screen receiver and gasket：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the motorized screen system 10 having the magnetic track assembly 100 shown in fig. 10-49 is similar to the motorized screen system presented herein with respect to fig. 1-9. As such, all of the teachings presented with respect to fig. 1-9 are applicable to and incorporated into the teachings shown in fig. 10-49, as noted herein, unless specifically noted otherwise.

Spacing of magnets：

One difference between the arrangement shown in fig. 1-9 and the arrangement shown in fig. 10-49 is that the

magnets

113, 145 are spaced closer to each other when the screen receiver 110 is in the fully inward position. In one arrangement, the

magnets

113, 145 are formed of extremely strong chromium plated neodymium magnets having a service life of over 400 years. Although these chromium plated neodymium magnets are well suited for use as the

magnets

113, 145, these chromium plated neodymium magnets are very expensive. In this way, by placing the

magnets

113, 145 at a minimum distance from each other, a greater amount of magnetic attraction is generated between the opposing

magnets

113, 145 than if the

magnets

113, 145 were spaced a greater distance from each other.

Fewer magnets

113, 145 may be used, or a greater distance may be placed between groups of

magnets

113, 145 spaced vertically along the vertical length of the track assembly 100, since a greater force may be generated between two

magnets

113, 145 by placing them closer together in a fully attracted position. This reduces the cost of the system 10 while not reducing functionality, as

fewer magnets

113, 145 may be used by placing the

magnets

113, 145 closer together, while still generating the same or similar attractive force. Note, however, that in some arrangements it is desirable to leave some space (even if it is the smallest space) between opposing

magnets

113, 145, because this space (even the smallest space) provides a smoother release or break when a force is applied to screen 200.

A magnet disposed opposite a magnetic material：

As another way of reducing the cost of the

magnets

113, 145, in an alternative arrangement, only a

single magnet

113, 145 is used. That is, rather than having two

magnets

113, 145 aligned with each other (the two magnets attracting toward each other, with one magnet 113 attached to screen receiver 110 and one magnet 145 attached to elongate channel 140), only a

single magnet

113, 145 is used. In this arrangement, the

single magnet

113, 145 is attached to one of the screen receiver 110 or the elongate channel 140, as opposed to a sheet of magnetic material, such as a sheet of ferrous material (such as steel, iron, etc.), that is attached to the other of the screen receiver 110 or the elongate channel 140. In this arrangement, when the aligned

magnets

113, 145 are in close proximity to a sheet of magnetic material (such as a sheet of ferrous material, such as steel, iron, etc.), the

magnets

113, 145 and the sheet of magnetic material are attracted toward each other by magnetic attraction, thereby providing the desired self-tensioning of the screen 200 by using

fewer magnets

113, 145.

In one arrangement, the sheet of magnetic material is formed of the same size and shape as the opposing

magnets

113, 145, the main difference being that the sheet of magnetic material is not a magnet or is not permanently magnetized. Since the magnetic material sheet is not a magnet, the cost of the magnetic material sheet is significantly lower than that of the

magnets

113, 145.

Notably, in one arrangement, the screen receiver 110 and the elongate channel 140 are formed from an essentially non-magnetic material such as aluminum or a composite material such as plastic, fiberglass, etc. that does not form a magnetic bond with a magnet. In this way, the addition of a sheet of magnetic material aligned opposite the location of

magnets

113, 145 on the other component forms track assembly 100, wherein screen receiver 110 and elongate channel 140 are magnetically attracted to each other, which facilitates self-tensioning of screen 200.

Using a combination of

magnets

113, 145 and opposing magnetic material, in one arrangement, the

magnets

113, 145 are all connected to one of the screen receiver 110 or the elongate channel 140, while the pieces of magnetic material are all connected to the other of the screen receiver 110 or the elongate channel 140. In another arrangement, the

magnets

113, 145 and the sheet of magnetic material are switched between being connected to the screen receiver 110 and the elongate channel 140. That is, in one arrangement, for each set of

magnets

113, 145 and magnetic material, the

magnets

113, 145 and the sheet of magnetic material switch sides. Any other arrangement or combination is contemplated herein, such as any combination of opposing

magnets

113, 145 in certain locations of the magnetic track assembly 100 (such as the top, bottom, or middle), as well as using the

magnets

113, 145 on one side and a sheet of magnetic material on the other side. That is, as an example, the top and bottom of the track assembly 100 have opposing

magnets

113, 145, and between the top and bottom of the track assembly 100, the

magnets

113, 145 are located on the opposite side from the sheet of magnetic material. Again, any combination or arrangement of

magnets

113, 145 and magnetic material is contemplated herein.

Liner pad：

One of the main advantages of the motorized screen system 10 is that it allows the outward side of the screen 200 to move inward when a force is applied to the screen 200, such as when a strong wind blows on the screen 200, while also maintaining the screen 200 taut. This is accomplished by an endless and uninterrupted magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140. This endless and uninterrupted magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140 pulls the screen receiver 110 outward and into the elongated channel 140, thereby tensioning the screen 200.

In the natural state, the magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the

magnets

113, 145 of the elongated channel 140 pulls the screen receiver outward and into the elongated channel 140, thereby also pulling the sides of the screen 200 outward. In this outermost position, the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 directly engage the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150. This engagement stops the outward movement of the screen receiver 110. However, when a force is applied to the screen 200, the magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140 is overcome, thereby pulling the screen receiver 110 inwardly or away from the end wall 142 of the elongated channel 140 toward the innermost or

front partition

147, 148. This inward movement of the screen receiver 110 continues until the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 directly engage the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148. This engagement stops inward movement of the screen receiver 110.

The outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 remain engaged with the innermost or front baffles 147, 148 until the force on the screen 200 is reduced and the magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140 again pulls the screen receiver 110 into the elongated channel 140. This outward movement of the screen receiver 110 continues until the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 again engage the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150, at which point the magnetic attraction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140 continues to remain until another, greater force is applied to the screen 200.

This process repeats iteratively as the screen receiver 110 moves laterally within the compartment 146 between a fully outward position, in which the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 directly engage the outermost outward or

rear partitions

149, 150, and a fully inward position, in which the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 engage the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148. While it is desirable to allow the screen receiver 110 to move inwardly when a force is applied to the screen 200, undesirable noise, such as a rattle or rattle, is generated each time the screen receiver 110 engages the innermost or

front spacer

147, 148 and each time the screen receiver 110 engages the outermost or

rear spacer

149, 150. On high winds, this repeated noise can become very annoying or annoying as the screen 200 repeatedly engages due to force or wind. This noise is exacerbated or worse in this arrangement when the screen receiver 110 and/or the elongate channel 140 are formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum or the like. Such metal-to-metal engagement between the screen receiver 110 and the

partitions

147, 148, 149 and 150 of the elongated channel 140 may be sharp, treble and loud, especially when sudden and/or rapid movement of the screen 200 occurs.

In one arrangement shown, to mitigate or reduce such noise, the gasket 66 covers all or a portion of the innermost or

front diaphragms

147, 148 and/or all or a portion of the outermost or

rear diaphragms

149, 150.

The pad 66 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to reduce noise generated when a force, such as wind, is applied to or removed from the screen 200 causing the screen receiver 110 to move within the compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140. More specifically, in one arrangement, the pads 66 are configured to reduce noise generated when the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 engage the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148. In another arrangement, the pads 66 are configured to reduce noise generated when the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 engage the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150. In yet another arrangement, the gasket 66 is configured to reduce noise generated when the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 engage the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148 and when the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 engage the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150.

In one arrangement, the pad 66 is formed from a noise-reducing non-metallic material, such as rubber, plastic, synthetic rubber, fiberglass, ultra high molecular weight material (UHMW), composite, foam, compressible material, or any combination thereof. In one arrangement, the gasket 66 is partially compressible or not as rigid as the metal material forming the screen receiver 110 and/or the elongated channel 140 (which includes the

partitions

147, 148, 149 and 150). In one arrangement, the presence of the non-metallic and/or partially compressible material of the gasket 66 positioned between the engaged screen receiver 110 and the elongate channel 140 reduces the generated noise by eliminating metal-to-metal contact and/or by slowing the engagement between the engaged screen receiver 110 and the elongate channel 140.

Pads on the innermost or front panel：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the gasket 66 is positioned to fit around all or a portion of the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148. In this arrangement, the gasket 66 extends in a generally continuous manner along the vertical length of the innermost or

forward bulkhead

147, 148, which itself extends all or a portion of the length of the elongate channel 140. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or front partitions 147, 148 (the portions facing the screen receiver 110 when the screen receiver is positioned within the compartment 146) are generally flat and flush and in planar spaced relation to the inwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. This results in a flat and flush engagement between the inwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front bulkheads

147, 148, which act as an abrupt stop surface for the inward movement of the screen receiver 110.

Such an abrupt stop advantageously provides a defined stop point for inward movement of the screen receiver 110 and advantageously allows for a clean release once the force on the screen 200 subsides (thereby allowing the screen receiver 110 to return to a fully outward and taut position). However, such sudden stops can result in the generation of significant noise (or more noise than may be desired) as it occurs.

When this engagement occurs, with the gasket 66 between the inwardly facing surface of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the outwardly facing surface of the innermost or

front bulkhead

147, 148, the noise is greatly reduced due to the elimination of metal-to-metal contact, slowing of deceleration, sound attenuation, and other physical principles. The slight slowdown may also have the effect of reducing wear and tear on components of the system 10, such as the screen 200, the screen receiver 110, the elongate channel 140, and the like.

Notably, while the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or forward baffles 147, 148 are generally flat, the inwardly facing surfaces are angled. That is, in the arrangement shown, the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148 are generally perpendicular to the vertical length of the track assembly 100, compartment 146 and screen receiver 110. These flat and vertical surfaces contribute to a clear, defined and clean stop surface for the screen receiver as the screen receiver 110 moves inward. Conversely, the inwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148 are angled generally inwardly toward the center of the hollow interior of the compartment 146 positioned within the elongate channel 140. These angled or chamfered surfaces facilitate insertion of screen receiver 110 into compartment 146 within elongate channel 140.

As further described herein, after installation of the elongated channel 140, the screen receiver 110 may be inserted into the compartment 146 by rotating the screen receiver 110 at an angle to the elongated channel 140 and moving the screen receiver 110 into the compartment 146. The angled inwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or forward most baffles 147, 148 help to facilitate such insertion. Once the screen receiver 110 is positioned within the compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140, the screen receiver 110 is again rotated back into parallel alignment with the elongate channel 140. In this position, the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148 prevent the screen receiver 110 from escaping from the compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140.

In the arrangement shown, the gasket 66 fits around the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148 and is frictionally held in place therearound by the size, shape and tolerances of the gasket 66 and the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148, as one example. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pad 66 is formed from a generally elongated layer of material having a generally uniform shape or thickness extending from an inward end to an outward end. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the grooves are located at the intersection of the inwardly facing surfaces of the

parallel side walls

143, 144 and the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the inward and outward ends of the pads 66 are received or engaged with these grooves to frictionally retain the pads 66 on the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148. Any other means, method or means of connecting the two components together is contemplated herein for use between the inward-most or

front bulkhead

147, 148 and the gasket 66, such as using adhesives, fasteners, snap-fit features, overmolding, or any other means, method or means.

Liners on the outermost or rear partitions：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the gasket 66 is positioned to fit around all or a portion of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150. In this arrangement, the gasket 66 extends in a generally continuous manner along the vertical length of the outermost or

rear partition

149, 150, which itself extends all or a portion of the length of the elongate channel 140. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the inward facing surfaces of the outermost or rear partitions 149, 150 (the portions facing the screen receiver 110 when the screen receiver is positioned within the compartment 146) are generally flat and flush and are in planar spaced relation to the outward facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. This results in a flat and flush engagement between the outwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the inwardly facing surfaces of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150, which act as an abrupt stop surface for the outward movement of the screen receiver 110.

Such an abrupt stop advantageously provides a defined stop point for the outward movement of the screen receiver 110 and advantageously allows a clean release (thereby allowing the screen receiver 110 to move inward) once a force is applied on the screen 200. However, such sudden stops can result in the generation of significant noise (or more noise than may be desired) as it occurs.

When this engagement occurs, with the gasket 66 between the outwardly facing surface of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the inwardly facing surface of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150, the noise is greatly reduced due to the elimination of metal-to-metal contact, slowing of speed, sound attenuation, and other physical principles. The slight slowdown may also have the effect of reducing wear and tear on components of the system 10, such as the screen 200, the screen receiver 110, the elongate channel 140, and the like.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, the gasket 66 fits around the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150 and is frictionally held in place therearound by the size, shape and tolerances of the gasket 66 and outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pad 66 is formed from a generally elongated layer of material having a generally uniform shape or thickness extending from an inward end to an outward end. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the gasket reaches around a portion of the outermost or

rear partition

149, 150, frictionally retaining itself on the outermost or

rear partition

149, 150. Any other means, method or means of connecting the two components together is contemplated herein for use between the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150 and the liner 66, such as using adhesives, fasteners, snap-fit features, overmolding, or any other means, method or means.

Gasket on outward end of screen receiver：

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the gasket 66 is positioned to fit around all or a portion of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. This includes all or a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and/or all or a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. In this arrangement, the gasket 66 extends in a substantially continuous manner along the vertical length of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110, which themselves extend all or a portion of the length of the screen receiver 110.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, the inward and outward facing sides of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 include a generally flat surface and rounded ends. The generally flat inwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 are configured to engage the generally flat outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148 when the screen receiver 110 is in a fully inward position, such as when a force is applied to the screen 200. The generally flat outwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 are configured to engage the generally flat inwardly facing surfaces of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150 when the screen receiver 110 is in the fully outward position, such as when no force is applied to the screen 200.

This results in a flat and flush engagement between the outwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the inwardly facing surfaces of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150, which act as an abrupt stop surface for the outward movement of the screen receiver 110. This results in a flat and flush engagement between the inwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front bulkheads

This abrupt stop advantageously provides a defined stop point for the outward and inward movement of the screen receiver 110 and advantageously allows for a clean release once the force changes. However, such sudden stops can result in the generation of significant noise (or more noise than may be desired) as it occurs.

When this engagement occurs, with the gasket 66 between the outward and/or inward facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110, the noise is greatly reduced due to the elimination of metal-to-metal contact, slowing of deceleration, sound attenuation, and other physical principles. The slight slowdown may also have the effect of reducing wear and tear on components of the system 10, such as the screen 200, the screen receiver 110, the elongate channel 140, and the like.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, the pads 66 fit around and are frictionally held in place around the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 by the size, shape and tolerances of the pads 66 and the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pad 66 is formed from a generally elongated layer of material having a generally uniform shape or thickness extending from an inward end to an outward end. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the pads reach around a portion of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110, thereby frictionally retaining themselves on the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. Any other means, method or means of connecting the two components together is contemplated herein for use between the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110 and the gasket 66, such as using adhesives, fasteners, snap-fit features, overmolding, or any other means, method or means.

Various arrangements and groups of padsCombination of Chinese herbs：

Various liners 66 have been described herein. These gaskets 66 have been described as being positioned to fit around all or a portion of the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148, around all or a portion of the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150, and/or around all or a portion of the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110. Any combination of these pads 66 is contemplated for use herein. As one example, it is contemplated herein that the liner 66 may be used in conjunction with only the innermost or

forward partitions

147, 148. As another example, it is contemplated herein that the gasket 66 may be used in conjunction with only the outermost or

rear partitions

149, 150. As another example, it is contemplated herein that the pad 66 may be used only in conjunction with the outward ends 114, 115 of the screen receiver 110.

In one arrangement, only one of the screen receiver 110 and the innermost or

front

147, 148 or outermost or rear 149, 150 partitions includes the pad 66 thereon when engagement occurs. This is desirable because it reduces the noise generated when a layer of padding 66 is positioned between the metal components of the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140.

In another arrangement, both of the screen receiver 110 and the innermost or

front

147, 148 or outermost or rear 149, 150 partitions include the pad 66 thereon when engagement occurs. This is desirable because it reduces the noise generated when the two-layer insert 66 is positioned between the metal components of the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140. This arrangement may reduce the noise generated more than having only a single layer of padding 66 when two layers of padding 66 are engaged with each other. Referring to fig. 14, in the arrangement shown, as one example, a front view of an assembled motorized screen system 10 having a magnetic track assembly 100 with a housing 12 positioned at an upper end of the motorized screen system 10 is presented. This view shows the screen 200 deployed to approximately three-quarters of the fully closed position. This view shows a pair of magnetic track assemblies 100 having an elongated channel 140 and an outward-facing screen receiver 110 positioned therein adjacent a screen 200. This view shows the bottom bar assembly 44 attached to the lower end of the screen 200. This view shows the housing 12 and magnetic track assembly 100 mounted by a plurality of fasteners 204 into a frame member 208 positioned around the motorized screen system 10. That is, a plurality of fasteners 204 pass through the elongated channel 140 and into a frame member 208 positioned on a side of the motorized screen system 10. That is, a plurality of fasteners 204 pass through the top member 16 of the housing 12 and into a frame member 208 positioned on the top side of the motor-driven screen system 10. This view shows the screen material as a single piece of screen material that is uniform from the housing 12 to the bottom bar 46 and from side to side.

Referring to fig. 15, a similar arrangement is shown, except that the screen 200 includes a window 206 positioned within the material forming the screen 200. In one arrangement, the screen 200 is formed from a mesh material, while the window 206 is formed from a transparent or translucent flexible plastic material. However, any other material is contemplated herein for the screen 200 and/or the window 206.

Referring to fig. 50, in the arrangement shown, as one example, the assembled magnetic track assembly 100 is shown positioned within a groove in the frame member 208 to provide a low profile or hidden appearance of the magnetic track assembly 100. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the fastener 204 is shown extending through the elongate channel 140 and into the frame member 208, thereby securing the two components together. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the screen receiver 110 is positioned within the hollow compartment 146 of the elongate channel 140. This view shows the interlock 202 of the screen material 200 connected to the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110. This view shows the liner 66 removed.

In operation：

When a force is applied to the screen 200, the magnetic attraction is overcome and the screen receiver 110 is moved inwardly by the engagement of the interlock 202 with the C-shaped channel 111. As the screen receiver 110 moves inwardly, the inwardly facing surfaces of the outward ends 114, 115 engage the outwardly facing surfaces of the innermost or

front partitions

147, 148. When the liner 66 is not present, significant noise or more noise than desired may be generated. When there is one gasket 66 between the junction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140, the noise generated is reduced by eliminating metal-to-metal contact and/or by reduced deceleration and the compressible nature of the gasket 66. When there are two pads 66 between the junction between the screen receiver 110 and the elongated channel 140, the noise generated is further reduced by eliminating metal-to-metal contact and/or by reduced deceleration and the compressible nature of the two layers of pads 66.

Hurricane support：

In one arrangement, the system 10 is used in conjunction with a hurricane support 220. Hurricane support 220 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to strengthen system 10 such that it can withstand the high winds of a hurricane.

In many applications of the system 10, hurricanes and other wind events exist. To resist damage from hurricanes, and to meet hurricane building codes, in one arrangement, a hurricane support 220 is used that reinforces the magnetic track assembly 100 (or more specifically the elongated channel 140) so that it does not deform and allows the screen receiver 110 to escape the hollow compartment 146 of the elongated channel 140 even under the strongest winds.

Referring to fig. 55, as an example, hurricane support 220 is presented having an end wall 222, a front wall 224, and a rear wall 226 forming a hollow interior 228 sized and shaped to receive magnetic rail assembly 100 therein in a tight and taut (and in some cases frictional and/or locking engagement) manner, and configured to provide strength and rigidity to magnetic rail assembly 100, thereby enhancing its hurricane-resistant capability. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the front wall 224 and the rear wall 226 are spaced just far enough apart to receive the width of the magnetic track assembly 100 therein. In the arrangement shown, as an example, the lengths of the front wall 224 and the rear wall 226 are just long enough to extend to and/or beyond the lengths of the front and rear sides of the magnetic track assembly 100 therein. As such, when hurricane support 220 is used, magnetic track assembly 100 is fully or completely received within hollow interior 228 of hurricane support 220. In one arrangement, the hurricane support 220 extends the entire length of the elongate channel 140 from its upper end to its lower end.

In the arrangement shown, as an example, the end wall 222 extends a length behind the rear wall 226 to provide additional surface area to engage the frame member 208 when installed, as well as to provide increased rotational resistance in high winds, and to provide additional area to pass the fasteners 204 through the hurricane supports 220 and into the frame member 208 for additional strength. In an alternative arrangement, the end wall 222 may extend beyond the front side of the front wall 224 (i.e., these portions may be reversed, with the outward extension of the end wall 222 extending into or outward from the building to which the hurricane support 220 is attached.) in yet another alternative arrangement, the end wall 222 may extend beyond the front side of the front wall 224 and the rear side of the rear wall 226 to provide even greater surface area and strength.

Referring to fig. 56, as an example, a hurricane support 220 is shown having a magnetic track assembly 100 with an elongated channel 140 and a screen receiver 110 positioned within a hollow interior 228 of the hurricane support 220. This view shows the screen material 200 connected to the screen receiver 110. This view shows fastener 204 extending through end wall 142 of elongated channel 140 and through end wall 222 of hurricane support 220, thereby securing both magnetic track assembly 100 and hurricane support 220 to frame member 208.

In one arrangement, when using hurricane supports 220, an ultra-high strength screen material 200 is used that is strong enough to withstand the high winds of a hurricane. In one arrangement, a ballistic resistant material such as Kevlar, aramid, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or similar sturdy material is used as the screen material 200 such that the strength of the screen material 200 matches the strength of the combined magnetic track assembly 100 and hurricane support 220.

Funnel-shaped object：

In one arrangement, system 10 is used in conjunction with funnel 240. The funnel 240 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to facilitate insertion of the screen material 200 into the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110, or more specifically, to facilitate insertion of the interlock 202 of the screen material 200 into the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, referring to fig. 57, a funnel 240 is shown connected to the upper end of the screen receiver 110 to facilitate insertion of the interlock 202 of the screen material 200 into the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper end of funnel 240 is generally tapered and angled such that it widens as it extends upward. In the arrangement shown, as an example, funnel 240 includes an arm 242 extending downward from the lower end of the cone of funnel 240 that fits within a slot in the exterior-facing side of screen receiver 110 that receives the magnets of screen receiver 110. The engagement between the arms 242 within the slot of the screen receiver 110 secures the funnel 240 to the screen receiver 110.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the sides of the arms 242 of the funnel 240 include a plurality of grooves 244 that allow the edges of the slot into which the arms 242 are inserted to curl inward, thereby locking the funnel 240 in place and preventing the funnel 240 from disengaging from the screen receptor 110. However, any other means, method or means of connecting the funnel 240 to the screen receiver 110 is contemplated herein, such as fastening, threading, bolting, welding, crimping, pinning, adhering, friction fitting, and the like.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the taper at the upper end of funnel 240 includes a slot 246. In the arrangement shown, as one example, when the arm 242 of the funnel 240 is inserted into the slot of the screen receiver 110, the slot 246 of the funnel 240 is aligned with the slot in the C-shaped channel 111 of the screen receiver 110, thereby providing access for the interlock 202 of the screen material 200 to enter the slot of the screen receiver 110 as the screen material 200 passes through the slot 246 of the funnel 240.

The installation of the funnel 240 facilitates insertion of the screen material 200 and the interlock 202 into the screen receiver 110. In addition, by adding the funnel 240 as a second separate piece, the funnel 240 may be formed of a different material than the screen receiver 110. In one arrangement, the screen receiver 110 is formed of a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which provides excellent strength and rigidity and durability while also being relatively lightweight, while the funnel 240 is formed of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, composite, nylon, fiberglass, ceramic, or other material that can provide a smooth surface with a relatively low coefficient of friction, which is easy to use and durable on the screen material 200. This configuration reduces the cost of the system 10 while improving performance and longevity.

The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is contemplated that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A motorized retractable screen system, comprising:

a screen;

the screen extends a length between the first side and the second side;

the screen extends a certain height between the upper end and the lower end;

a bottom bar;

said bottom bar being connected to said lower end of said screen;

a roller tube;

said upper end of said screen being connected to said roller tube;

a motor;

the motor is operably connected to the roller tube;

wherein operation of the motor causes rotation of the roller tube to open or close the screen;

a first track assembly;

the first track assembly is positioned adjacent the first side of the screen;

the first track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

wherein the screen receiver of the first track assembly is magnetically attracted toward an end wall of the elongate channel of the first track assembly;

a second track assembly;

the second track assembly is positioned adjacent the second side of the screen;

the second track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

wherein the screen receiver of the second rail assembly is magnetically attracted toward an end wall of the elongate channel of the second rail assembly;

wherein the magnetic attraction of the screen receiver of the first rail assembly toward the end wall of the elongated channel of the first rail assembly and the magnetic attraction of the screen receiver of the second rail assembly toward the end wall of the elongated channel of the second rail assembly provide tension on the screen.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between an outermost position and an innermost position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between the front and rear partitions.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver is inserted into a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly by rotating said screen receiver of said first rail assembly at an angle relative to said elongated channel and moving said screen receiver into said compartment.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the screen receiver of the first track assembly is retained within the elongated channel between a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is free floating within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver of said first track assembly comprises at least one magnet.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongate channel of the first track assembly comprises at least one magnet.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said screen receiver of said first track assembly comprises at least one magnet, wherein said elongated channel of said first track assembly comprises at least one magnet; wherein the at least one magnet of the screen receiver of the first track assembly and the at least one magnet of the elongate channel of the first track assembly are attracted toward each other.

10. A motorized retractable screen system, comprising:

a screen;

the screen extends a length between the first side and the second side;

the screen extends a certain height between the upper end and the lower end;

a bottom bar;

said bottom bar being connected to said lower end of said screen;

a roller tube;

said upper end of said screen being connected to said roller tube;

a motor;

the motor is operably connected to the roller tube;

a first track assembly;

the first track assembly is positioned adjacent the first side of the screen;

the first track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

a second track assembly;

the second track assembly is positioned adjacent the second side of the screen;

the second track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

wherein the first and second track assemblies provide tension on the screen through magnetic attraction.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between an outermost position and an innermost position.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between the front and rear partitions.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver is inserted into a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly by rotating said screen receiver of said first rail assembly at an angle relative to said elongated channel and moving said screen receiver into said compartment.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first track assembly is retained within said elongated channel between a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is free floating within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first track assembly includes at least one magnet.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the elongate channel of the first track assembly comprises at least one magnet.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly includes at least one magnet, wherein said elongated channel of said first rail assembly includes at least one magnet; wherein the at least one magnet of the screen receiver of the first track assembly and the at least one magnet of the elongate channel of the first track assembly are attracted toward each other.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is magnetically attracted toward an end wall of an elongated channel of said first rail assembly.

20. A motorized retractable screen system, comprising:

a screen;

the screen extends a length between the first side and the second side;

the screen extends a certain height between the upper end and the lower end;

a bottom bar;

said bottom bar being connected to said lower end of said screen;

a roller tube;

said upper end of said screen being connected to said roller tube;

a motor;

the motor is operably connected to the roller tube;

a first track assembly;

the first track assembly is positioned adjacent the first side of the screen;

the first track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

a first magnet associated with one of the elongate channel of the first track assembly and the screen receiver;

a first magnetic member associated with the other of the elongate channel of the first track assembly and the screen receiver;

wherein a magnetic bond is formed between the first magnet and the first magnetic member of the first track assembly.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the magnetic bond formed between the first magnet and the first magnetic member of the first track assembly provides tension on the screen.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the elongated channel and the screen receiver are formed of a non-metallic material, and wherein the first magnetic member is attached to one of the elongated channel and the screen receiver.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the first magnetic member is formed of a material having magnetic properties.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the first magnetic member is formed of a material having magnetic properties.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between an outermost position and an innermost position.

26. The system of claim 20, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is retained within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly; wherein the screen receiver is configured to move laterally within the compartment between the front and rear partitions.

27. A system according to claim 20, wherein said screen receiver is inserted into a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly by rotating said screen receiver of said first rail assembly at an angle relative to said elongated channel and moving said screen receiver into said compartment.

28. The system of claim 20, wherein said screen receiver of said first track assembly is retained within said elongated channel between a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead.

29. The system of claim 20, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is free floating within a compartment of said elongated channel of said first rail assembly.

30. The system of claim 20, wherein said screen receiver of said first rail assembly is magnetically attracted toward an end wall of an elongated channel of said first rail assembly.

31. A motorized retractable screen system, comprising:

a track assembly;

the track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

the elongate channel has a compartment;

the screen receiver is positioned within the compartment of the elongated channel;

wherein the elongate channel and the screen receiver are magnetically attracted toward each other;

wherein the screen receiver is movable within the compartment of the elongated channel;

a first separator;

wherein the first partition extends into the compartment;

wherein movement of the screen receiver within the elongate channel is limited by engagement between the screen receiver and the first partition;

a first liner;

wherein the first gasket covers at least a portion of the first separator;

wherein the first gasket reduces noise generated between engagement of the screen receiver and the first bulkhead when the screen receiver engages the first bulkhead.

32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a second partition, wherein the second partition extends into the compartment, wherein movement of the screen receiver within the elongated channel is limited by an engagement between the screen receiver and the second partition.

33. The system of claim 31, further comprising a second partition, wherein the second partition extends into the compartment, wherein the first partition and the second partition are located on a same side of the elongated channel.

34. The system of claim 31, further comprising a second partition, wherein the second partition extends into the compartment, wherein the first partition and the second partition are located on opposite sides of the elongated channel.

35. The system of claim 31, further comprising a second partition, wherein the second partition extends into the compartment, a second liner; wherein the second gasket covers at least a portion of the second separator.

36. A motorized retractable screen system, comprising:

a track assembly;

the track assembly having an elongate channel and a screen receiver;

the elongate channel has a compartment;

wherein the screen receiver is laterally movable within the compartment of the elongated channel between a first partition and a second partition;

a first liner;

wherein the first gasket covers at least a portion of the first separator;

a screen connected to the screen receiver;

wherein the first gasket reduces noise generated between engagement of the screen receiver with the first partition when the screen receiver moves within the compartment due to a force exerted on the screen and the screen receiver engages the first partition.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the first baffle is a forward baffle positioned adjacent the inward open end of the elongate channel.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein the first baffle is a rear baffle adjacent an outwardly closed end of the elongated channel.

39. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one magnet connected to said screen receiver, said at least one magnet configured to be magnetically attracted toward said elongate channel.

40. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one magnet connected to said elongated channel, said at least one magnet configured to be magnetically attracted toward said screen receiver.

41. The system of claim 36, wherein said elongated channel and said screen receiver are formed of a metallic material and said first gasket is formed of a non-metallic material, said first gasket reducing noise generated when said elongated channel and said screen receiver are engaged with each other.

42. The system of claim 36, further comprising a second gasket, wherein the second gasket covers at least a portion of the second separator; wherein the second gasket reduces noise generated between engagement of the screen receiver and the second partition when the screen receiver moves within the compartment due to a force exerted on the screen and the screen receiver engages the second partition.