AU2015101804B4 - Screen - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of forming a screen, and a screen is provided. The screen includes a frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members; and a screen sheet retained by and filling the frame; wherein the elongate frame members define opposing retaining portions configured to linearly move towards each other to retain the screen sheet.

Description

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SCREEN 2015101804 16 Dec 2015

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to screens. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to insect and security screening for doors and windows of residential and commercial buildings, balustrade and pool fence infill screens, protective cyclone debris resistant screens, privacy screens and patio enclosures.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Modern security screens generally comprise an aluminium frame with a steel mesh screen. The security screens typically fill a window or door frame of a building and enable air and light to pass through the screen, while preventing access to the building. In particular, the steel mesh has apertures sized to enable airflow and to allow light to pass though the mesh screen, while providing sufficient strength to provide intrusion resistance. In many cases, the apertures are small enough to prevent insects from traversing the mesh screen.

[0003] A problem with security screens of the prior art is that they are difficult to construct. For example, certain systems exist where screen material is inserted into a channel laterally, which complicates construction of the security screen, particularly when construction takes place on site. As windows and doors typically vary in size, it is very desirable to be able to construct such security screens on site.

[0004] A further problem with security screens of the prior art is that they are prone to corrosion, particularly galvanic corrosion where the steel mesh and the aluminium frame meet. This problem is exacerbated in salty environments, such as in houses near the sea.

[0005] Certain screens exist that include a non-metallic insert between the steel mesh and the aluminium frame. However, a problem with such non-metallic inserts is that they generally complicate the construction of the security screen.

[0006] As such, there is a need for an improved screen.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 [0008] The present invention is directed to screens, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a screen including: a frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members; and a screen sheet retained by and filling the frame; wherein the elongate frame members define opposing retaining portions configured to linearly move towards each other to retain the screen sheet.

[0010] The opposing retaining portions may be configured to linearly clamp the screen sheet.

[0011] The opposing retaining portions may include a non-metallic retainer. The nonmetallic retainer may comprise double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant.

[0012] The opposing retaining portions may define elongate recesses for receiving the double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant. The elongate recesses may extend along a length of the retaining portions. The double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant may be shielded by lips of the retaining portions. The lips may be located adjacent to inner edges of the frame members.

[0013] The opposing retaining portions may include an arm, and a channel for receiving the arm.

[0014] The channel may be orthogonal to a surface defined by the tape and/or adhesive sealant. Similarly, the arm may be orthogonal to a surface defined by the tape and or/adhesive sealant.

[0015] The arm and channel may define an interference fit between the opposing retaining portions.

[0016] The opposing retaining portions may include locking members, for locking the opposing surfaces in place. In particular, the arm may include a plurality of teeth configured to retain the arm in the channel. The channel may similarly include a plurality of teeth configured to retain the arm in the channel. The plurality of teeth may define a serrated edge. The serrated edge may be defined on one side of the channel. The serrated edge may be defined on a side of 3 the channel that is closest to the screen sheet. 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 [0017] The elongate frame members may comprise a retaining member and a retaining portion, wherein the retaining member and a retaining portion are configured to linearly and perpendicular clamp the screen sheet.

[0018] The frame may be generally rectangular in shape.

[0019] The screen may comprise a security screen. Alternatively or additionally, the screen may comprise an insect resistant screen.

[0020] The elongate frame member may define a hollow along a length of the frame member.

[0021] The elongate frame member may comprise extruded aluminium.

[0022] In another form, the present invention resides broadly in an elongate frame member for forming a frame of a screen, wherein the elongate frame member defines opposing retaining portions configured to retain a screen sheet of the screen by linearly clamping against opposing surfaces of the screen sheet.

[0023] In yet another form, the present invention resides broadly in a method of forming a screen including: forming a frame of elongate frame members; placing double-sided tape and/or adhesive sealant along opposing surfaces of the frame members; placing a screen sheet on the tape and/or adhesive sealant of one of the opposing surfaces of the frame such that it fills the frame; and pressing the other opposing surface of the frame down onto the one opposing surface linearly and in a direction perpendicular to the screen sheet such that the tape and/or adhesive sealant other opposing surface clamps the screen sheet.

[0024] The method may further comprise cutting the elongate frame members to size.

[0025] The method may be performed on-site to ensure an appropriate fit of the frame with reference to a window or door frame in which the screen is to be installed.

[0026] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. 4 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 [0027] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0029] Figure 1 illustrates a security screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0030] Figure 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a portion of the security screen of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0031] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an elongate frame member of the screen of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0032] Figure 4 illustrates a method of forming a screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0033] Figure 5 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a portion of a security screen, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a security screen 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The security screen 100 includes a screen sheet in the form of steel mesh or aluminium or steel perforated sheet 105 supported by elongate frame members 110. The elongate frame members 110 are coupled at comers by 45 degree mitred joins to define a rectangular frame.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a portion of the security screen 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elongate frame member 110 comprises extruded aluminium defining a hollow 205 on an outer edge of the elongate frame 5 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 member 110. The hollow 205 enables a weight of the frame member 110 to be reduced while maintaining strength and rigidity of the frame member.

[0037] The elongate frame member 110 further comprises a retaining portion 210 on an inner edge of the elongate frame member 110, and a retaining member 215. The steel mesh or aluminium or steel perforated sheet 105 is held in place by the retaining member 215, the retaining portion 210 and double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 by compression.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the elongate frame member 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The retaining portion 210 and the retaining member 215 include recesses 305 for receiving the double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220. The recesses 305 are elongate and define opposing surfaces for receiving the tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 that extends along a length of the retaining portion 210. The recesses 305 are shielded by lips 310 on inner edges of the frame member 110, to prevent the double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 from sliding out of the recesses 305 if force is applied to the screen 100.

[0040] The double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 on the retaining portion 210 and the retaining member 215 define opposing retaining portions for receiving respective sides of the mesh or perforated sheet 105. The double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 is non-metallic and also functions as an insulator between the member 110 and the mesh or perforated sheet 105, which can assist in preventing galvanic corrosion of the screen 100. The double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220 is generally a similar width to a width of the recesses 305 such that the recesses 305 are substantially filled by the tape and/or adhesive sealant 220.

[0041] The frame member 110 defines a channel 315 adjacent to the retaining portion 210, for receiving an arm 320 of the retaining member 215. The channel 315 is orthogonal to the surface of the recess 305 of the retaining portion 210, and the arm is orthogonal to the surface of the recess 305 of the retaining member 215. As such, the retaining member 215 is pressed against the retaining portion linearly and perpendicular to the mating surfaces defining by the tape and/or adhesive sealant 220.

[0042] By pressing the retaining member 215 onto the retaining portion 210 linearly and in a direction perpendicular to the mesh or perforated sheet screen 105, even pressure is able to be applied to the screen 105, even when different screen thicknesses are used.

[0043] The arm 320 includes a plurality of teeth defining a serrated edge 325, and the 6 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 channel 315 includes corresponding teeth defining a corresponding serrated edge 330. The serrated edges 325, 330 form corresponding mating surfaces that assist in preventing inadvertent removal of the arm 320 from the channel 315, and thus inadvertent releasing of the mesh or perforated sheet 105. In particular, the mating surfaces define an interference fit between the arm 320 and the channel 315. By placing the corresponding mating surfaces on a single side of the channel 315/arm 320, an interference fit is provided that does not require excessive force to form, and as such is particularly suited for use in construction on site without requiring specialist tools.

[0044] The serrated edges 325, 330 are on edges of the arm 320 and channel 315 respectively that are closest to the recess 305 and thus closest to the mesh or perforated sheet 105. This ensures that any pivoting of the retaining member 215 with regard to the retaining portion 210, once installed, is minimised, which can assist in providing further strength to the screen 100.

[0045] This frame members 110 provide a simple and tidy appearance, without the presence of unsightly screws, and may be colour matched. This may also assist in the cleaning of the screen, as there lack of externally visible screws reduces the surfaces on which dust can aggregate.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a method 400 of forming a screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screen may be similar or identical to the screen 100 of FIG. 1.

[0047] At step 405, elongate frame members, such as the elongate frame members 110, are cut and joined to form a generally rectangular frame. This is generally performed on-site to ensure an appropriate fit of the frame with reference to the window or door frame in which the screen is to be installed.

[0048] At step 410, double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant, such as the double sided tape and/or adhesive sealant 220, is placed along the opposing surfaces of the frame members defining the frame. In particular, the tape and/or adhesive sealant may be placed surfaces such as the surfaces of the recesses 305 of both the retaining portions 210 and the retaining members 215.

[0049] At step 415, a mesh or perforated sheet screen, such as the mesh or perforated sheet screen 105, is then placed on the tape and/or adhesive sealant of one of the opposing surfaces of the frame such that it fills the frame. For example, the mesh or perforated sheet screen may be placed on the retaining portion of the elongate frame members 110. 7 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 [0050] At step 420, the other opposing surface of the frame (e.g. the retaining member 215) is pressed down into the one opposing surface linearly and in a direction perpendicular to the mesh or perforated sheet screen such that the tape and/or adhesive sealant other opposing surface meets the mesh or perforated sheet screen and clamps the mesh or perforated sheet screen. Locking members, such as the arm 320 and channel 315 lock the opposing surfaces in place.

[0051] The other opposing surface may be pressed down into the one opposing surface by hand, or with the assistance of a tool such as a hammer/mallet or a vice.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a portion of a security screen 500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The security screen 500 is similar to the security screen 100 of FIG. 1.

[0053] The steel mesh or aluminium or steel perforated sheet 105 of the security screen 500 is held in place by the retaining member 215, the retaining portion 210, sealant 505 and double sided tape 510, by compression. In particular, the sealant 505 forms a barrier from an inside of the sheet 105, around an inner edge of the sheet 105 and to an outside of the sheet 105. The double sided tape 510 is compressed against the sheet 105, adjacent to and abutting the sealant 505 on both sides of the sheet 105.

[0054] The sealant 505 and double sided tape 510 each fill about half of the width of the recesses of the retaining member 215 and retaining portion 210. As such, the recesses are substantially filled by the sealant 505 and the double sided tape 510.

[0055] The mesh or perforated sheet screen may be woven or formed of a sheet that is punched. The mesh or perforated sheet screen may be formed of stainless steel, aluminium, fibreglass, or any other suitable material.

[0056] According to alternative embodiments, the arm 320 and the channel 315 may have serrated edges on both sides. Such embodiments may provide additional strength to the screen 100.

[0057] While the above description relates to security and insect resistant screens, the skilled addressee will recognise that the present invention can be used to form screens and panels of other forms, including balustrade and pool fence infdl screens, protective cyclone debris resistant screens, privacy screens, patio enclosures and the like.

[0058] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its 2015101804 16 Dec 2015 8 derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0059] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0060] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A screen including: a frame comprising a plurality of elongate frame members; and a screen sheet retained by and fdling the frame; wherein the elongate frame members define opposing retaining portions configured to linearly move towards each other to form an interference fit there between to retain the screen sheet, and wherein the opposing retaining portions further include double-sided tape and adhesive sealant to retain the screen sheet, wherein the double-sided tape is separate to the adhesive sealant.

2. The screen of claim 1, wherein the opposing retaining portions define elongate recesses, extending along a length of the retaining portions, for receiving the double sided tape adjacent to the adhesive sealant.

3. The screen of claim 1, wherein the opposing retaining portions include an arm, and a channel for receiving the arm, wherein the arm and the channel define an interference fit between the opposing retaining portions and the arm is substantially orthogonal to a surface defined by the tape and/or adhesive sealant.

4. The screen of claim 1, wherein the opposing retaining portions include locking members, for locking the opposing surfaces in place, the locking members including a plurality of teeth configured to retain the arm in the channel.

5. A method of forming a screen including: forming a frame of elongate frame members; placing double-sided tape along opposing surfaces of the frame members; placing adhesive sealant along the opposing surfaces of the frame members adjacent to the double-sided tape; placing a screen sheet on the tape and adhesive sealant of one of the opposing surfaces of the frame such that the screen sheet fills the frame; and pressing the other opposing surface of the frame down onto the one opposing surface linearly and in a direction perpendicular to the screen sheet such that the opposing surfaces form an interference arrangement such that the tape and/or adhesive sealant of the other opposing surface clamps the screen sheet.