AU2003200647B2 - A barrier assembly - Google Patents

Description

A BARRIER ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a barrier assembly and in particular to an improved modular assembly offering greater functionality. In one form, the invention comprises a louver shutter assembly but the invention is not to be limited to this exemplification of the invention.

BACKGROUND ART Assemblies designed to be easily constructed and to hold elements in a particular orientation or position are well known in the art of windows and louvres.

One such known assembly is for mounting louvres on a building and comprises a main louvre part, with which an extension panel engages via a snap fitting arrangement. Supporting brackets are connected to the main louvre part by a nut and bolt. The main louvre part incorporates a formation for holding the fixing device, whilst the device itself engages with the mounting bracket by passing through an aperture therein. Part of the bracket can pivot with respect to its base, altering the angle of the louvres and being held in place by a peg or bolt engaging with pre-formed holes in the base. The louvres are generally manufactured from extruded aluminium and may be of an aerofoil shape. They can be mounted successively on many brackets to form a canopy and provide shade.

Other examples include a carrier with a moulded plastic housing having a pair of opposed side walls and a spacer formed from a metal strip with a downturned lug at one end and an upturned lug at the opposite end. The spacer is inserted through a slot formed in one of the side walls and the opposing side wall has an upwardly-open recess in which the spacer is retained by a pair of opposed inwardly-directed projections. With such an arrangement the spacer may be entirely pre-formed prior to assembly.

A further known louvre blade assembly has a plurality of louvre blade mounts which are rotatably mounted to a mullion. Control bars within the mullion are operable by a handle. The control bars are selectively movable to be moved to a removal position which is beyond the extremes of the normal extent of movement between open and closed positions so that one or more of the blade mounts can be removed from the mullion. The control bars can be prevented from moving to the removal position by a limit device located in an opening in the mullion.

Yet another assembly is used with a window frame. A clip assembly includes a clip that is capable of receiving a glass window pane, and a hub. The hub and clip are engaged so that the clip is removable from the exterior of the window frame without having to access the interior of the window frame.

Still another example may be found in a louvre screen or blind comprising a number of blades located in side by side parallel relationship extending between two spaced apart framework members. The louvre blades are mounted so as to be capable of pivoting about their respective lengthwise extending axes by a fixed fastening means at their collective one ends and fastening means with selectively adjustable tension at the collective other ends.

The selectively adjustable tension fastening means and the fixed fastening means co-operate to maintain the blades in tension so that the blades are capable of resisting deformation of the blades from their parallel position in use.

Still another louvre assembly comprises one or more elongate frame members, a plurality of blade supports, and a plurality of blades, wherein guide means are provided such that the blade supports are mountable on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis thereof. The louvre assembly can be provided as a multi-component system for assembly on-site. The blades are a push-fit engagement on the blade supports.

All of the above assemblies describe devices to mount louvers in a frame more simply, easier or to allow the removal of the louvers for replacement or maintenance purposes. Even though prior art assemblies purportedly offer quick and convenient access, they often fail to deliver the required results. The ease of manufacture or construction is achieved in a trade off for loss of functionality or support. Prior art modular assemblies can be quite complex and are often less robust than made to order, specifically designed assemblies.

The problem with made to order, specifically designed assemblies is that they are often expensive and must be built or at least put together prior to installation. This can require a specialist builder and the assemblies may be heavy and cumbersome. They provide the strongest and most robust assemblies but are often heavy, costly and/or expensive.

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a barrier assembly, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a barrier assembly including at least a pair of elongate members spaced apart in a fixed relationship, at least one support member detachably attachable to each elongate member and at least one barrier member extending between the at least one support member attachable to each elongate member and maintained in position by the respective at least one support member, wherein each of the elongate members and the at least one support member have respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the at least one support member with respect to each of the elongate members.

The elongate members may preferably extend substantially parallel to one another and the at least one barrier member may suitably be oriented perpendicularly to the elongate members.

Each elongate member may preferably have the same basic design. The elongate members may preferably be a substantially U-shaped channel with a base wall linking at least two opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom.

It is also preferred that each side wall of each elongate member may have a groove or other feature to engage with a suitably shaped feature of the at least one support member to assist in the positioning and retention of the at least one support member with respect to each elongate member.

There may preferably be at least one rebate portion adjacent the free end of each sidewall, each rebate portion extending away from the opposite sidewall to assist in the positioning and retention of the at least one support member with respect to each elongate member.

There may preferably be more than one support member associated with each elongate member. There may also be more than one type of support member. There may suitably be a first type of support member equipped with a first planar cross-sectional end and a second cross-sectional end adapted to engage with an adjacent support member. It is anticipated that support members of this type may suitably be located towards either end of each elongate member.

The second type of support member may preferably have two ends, both of which are adapted to engage with adjacent support members. It is anticipated that support members of this type may suitably be located between the support members of the first type.

The different types of support members may preferably be of different lengths and members of each type may also be different in length.

The ends of adjacent support members may suitably have respective formations to engage one another. The respective formations may be preferably a tongue and groove formation or the like where one support member possesses a tongue and the end of the adjacent support member possesses a groove.

Each support member may preferably be of the same basic shape.

Each support member may suitably have a U-shaped channel with a base wall linking at least two opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall. In the assembled orientation, the support members may typically be oriented so that the side walls of the support member may be inserted between the side walls of the respective elongate member.

It is preferred that the base wall of the support members is planar, and the sidewalls are substantially planar as well.

Each cross-sectional end of each support member has respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the support member with respect to an adjacent support member or crosspiece. In the case of the support members located at either end of each elongate member, the support member may preferably be of the first type of support member. The remaining support members preferably located between the support members at either end may preferably be of the second type of support member.

Each support member may preferably possess at least one crosssectional end having an arcuate depression extending at least partially into the base wall of the support member, the arcuate depression preferably being semicircular with a centre of curvature coplanar with the base wall. The centre of curvature of the arcuate depression may preferably be positioned substantially along the mid-line of the base wall of each support member. An arcuate depression on a first given support member may preferably be oriented with an arcuate depression on a second given support member when in the assembled position. The centre of curvature for all arcuate depressions may preferably lie in a substantially straight line when in the assembled position in order to maintain the barrier members in a coplanar orientation.

The length of support members may preferably be determined according to the length of the elongate members with which they are associated.

Ideally the support members may be proportional in length to the elongate members in order to maintain or ideally space the barrier members from one another.

As stated previously, the support members may suitably be retainable within each said elongate member. Ideally the sidewalls of the support members may be receivable between the sidewalls of the elongate members.

The sidewalls of the support members may suitably be adapted to be at least partially inserted between the two opposed sidewalls of the elongate member and releasably retained in that position in any suitable manner.

The support members may preferably be engageable with the elongate members in any manner. However, in a preferred embodiment, the support members may be slidably engageable with the elongate members and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the support members may be engageable by press-fitting or snap-fitting the spaced apart sidewalls of the support member between the spaced apart sidewalls of the elongate member.

Each support member may preferably further comprise at least one laterally extending portion adapted to engage with the opposed sidewalls of the elongate member and be releasably secured therein. There may suitably be at least two laterally extending portions one from each sidewall, each laterally extending portion adapted to engage with the longitudinal groove on each elongate member.

There may suitably be two sets of laterally extending portions extending from each sidewall of each support member. Suitably, a first set of laterally extending portions may be located adjacent the free end of each sidewall and extending away from the opposite sidewall. This first set of laterally extending portions preferably engage with the longitudinal groove on the elongate member to assist in the retention of the support member within the elongate member.

The second set of laterally extending sidewalls may be located adjacent the second end of each sidewall and extending away from the opposite sidewall. This set of laterally extending portions preferably engage with the rebate portion on the elongate member to assist in the retention of the support member within the elongate member.

Preferably each laterally extending portion may extend continuously over the length of each support member.

There may suitably be more than one barrier member and most preferably, there may be a plurality of similar barrier members. The at least one barrier member may typically be louvres, of the adjustable type or not, mesh, bars, lattice, or a solid member. Any barrier member or plurality of barrier members may be used to fulfil the needs of the user- The barrier members may be of a substantially similar design or different members may be utilised in the same barrier assembly. The barrier members may be of any shape suitable to fulfil their particular purpose, whether functional or aesthetic.

Each barrier member may typically have an elongate projection from either end of the barrier member to engage with the arcuate depression of the support members and may be retained in position by the arcuate depressions. The elongate projection may be integrally formed with the barrier member or it may suitably be a separate article attachable to the barrier member.

Each elongate projection may preferably be engaged in a fixed or pivotal relationship with the arcuate depression depending upon the function of the barrier assembly. For example, if the barrier members were louvers, the relationship would be pivotable to allow the opening and closing of the louvers. If the barrier members were bars, the relationship may be a fixed one to enhance security. If pivotable, the individual barrier members may be movable in a sympathetic manner or independently of one another.

Each support member is retainable within the respective elongate member in any suitable way. For instance, each elongate member can have a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and said support member can be retained within said channel.

The barrier assembly may preferably further include a pair of crosspieces extending between the pair of elongate members to form a frame for the at least one barrier member.

The crosspieces may suitably be attachable with respect to the elongate members. The attachment of the crosspieces with respect to the elongate members may suitably achieve the dual functions of enhancing the stability of the frame and also of maintaining the support members in place.

Each crosspiece may typically engage with the first type of support member at each end of the elongate member to secure longitudinal movement of the support member with respect to the elongate members.

Each crosspiece may typically be a hollow box member, and may include means for attachment with respect to each elongate member in the form of a receiving means to receive a fastener extending through the elongate member. The crosspieces may be variable in height to allow for different sized openings into which the barrier assembly may be positioned.

The barrier assembly may be constructed from any suitable type of material but extruded aluminium is envisaged as the most preferred material due to its light weight and strength properties. The barrier assembly may be any size.

In another form, the invention resides in a louvre assembly including at least a pair of elongate members spaced apart in a fixed relationship, at least one support member detachably attachable to each elongate member and at least one louvre member extending between the at least one support member attachable to each elongate member and maintained in position by the respective at least one support member, wherein each of the elongate members and the at least one support member have respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the at least one support member with respect to each of the elongate members.

In still another form, the invention resides in a fence assembly including at least a pair of elongate members spaced apart in a fixed relationship, at least one support member detachably attachable to each elongate member and at least one fence member extending between the at least one support member attachable to each elongate member and maintained in position by the respective at least one support member, wherein each of the elongate members and the at least one support member have respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the at least one support member with respect to each of the elongate members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier assembly according to a particular embodiment of a plantation louver.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembled barrier assembly according to a particular embodiment of a plantation louver.

Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the engagement means of the support members and the elongate projection of each barrier member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to an embodiment of the invention, a barrier assembly is provided.

While the particular embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings shows the invention as applied to a plantation louver, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be applied to any assembly wherein at least one barrier member may be located adjacent an opening.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the particular embodiment of the barrier assembly illustrated is a plantation louvre assembly. The assembly includes a pair (only one shown) of elongate members 11 spaced apart in a fixed relationship, at least one support member detachably attachable to each elongate member 11 and a plurality of louvre members 14 extending between the support members attachable to each elongate member 11 and maintained in position by the respective support members. Each of the elongate members 11 and the support members has respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the support members with respect to each of the elongate members 11.

The elongate members extend substantially parallel to one another and the louvre members 14 are oriented perpendicularly to the elongate members 11.

The elongate members 11 are a substantially U-shaped channel with a base wall 15 linking two opposed sidewalls 16. Each sidewall 16 has a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall Each side wall 16 of each elongate member 11 has a longitudinal groove 17 to engage with a suitably shaped feature of the support members to assist in the positioning and retention of the support members with respect to each elongate member 11.

There is a rebate portion 18 extending longitudinally adjacent the free end of each sidewall 16. The rebate portion 18 extends away from the opposite sidewall 16 to assist in the positioning and retention of the support members with respect to each elongate member 11.

There is more than one support member associated with each elongate member 11. There are also two different types of support member illustrated in more detail in Figure 3. The first type 12 of support member is equipped with a first planar cross-sectional end 19 and a second cross-sectional end 20 adapted to engage with an adjacent support member. It is anticipated that support members of the first type are located towards either end of each elongate member 11.

The second type 13 of support member has two ends, both of which are adapted to engage with adjacent support members, that is, they are of the second cross-sectional end 20 type. It is anticipated that support members of this type are located between the support members of the first type 12.

The different types of support members 12, 13 are of different lengths.

The ends of adjacent support members have respective formations to engage one another. The respective formations are a tongue and groove formation 21 or the like where one support member possesses a tongue and the end of the adjacent support member possesses a groove.

Each support member is of the same basic shape. Each support member has a U-shaped channel defined by a base wall 22 linking two opposed sidewalls 23. Each sidewall 23 has a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall 22. In the assembled orientation, the support members are oriented so that the side walls 23 of the support member may be inserted between the side walls 16 of the respective elongate member 11.

The base wall 22 of the support members is planar, and the sidewalls 23 are substantially planar as well.

Each cross-sectional end of each support member has respective formations engageable with the cross-sectional end of an adjacent support member to releasably attach the support member with respect to an adjacent support member. In the case of the support members located at either end of each elongate member 11, the support member is of the first type 12 of support member. The remaining support members, located between the support members at either end are of the second type 13 of support member.

Each support member possesses at least one cross-sectional end having an arcuate depression 24 extending at least partially into the base wall 22 of the support member. The first type 12 of support member has only one arcuate depression 24 in the second cross-sectional end wall 20. The arcuate depression 24 is semicircular with a centre of curvature coplanar with the base wall 22. The centre of curvature of the arcuate depression 24 is positioned substantially along the mid-line of the base wall 22 of each support member. An arcuate depression 24 on a given support member is oriented with an arcuate depression 24 on another given support member when in the assembled position forming an opening (not shown). The centre of curvature for all arcuate depressions 24 may preferably lie in a substantially straight line when in the assembled position in order to maintain the centres of rotation of the louvre members 14 in a coplanar orientation.

The length of support members is proportional to the length of the elongate members 11 in order to maintain or ideally space the louvre members 14 from one another.

As stated previously, the support members are associated with each elongate member 11. Ideally the sidewalls 23 of the support members are receivable between the sidewalls 16 of the elongate members 11. The sidewalls 23 of the support members are adapted to be at least partially inserted between the two opposed sidewalls 16 of the elongate member 11 and releasably retained in that position in any suitable manner.

The support members are slidably or snap-fittingly engageable with the elongate members 11. The support members are engageable by sliding, press-fitting or snap-fitting the spaced apart sidewalls 23 of the support member between the spaced apart sidewalls 16 of the elongate member 11.

Each support member further comprises at least two laterally extending portions one from each sidewall 23. Each laterally extending portion is adapted to engage with the longitudinal groove 17 or the rebate portion 18 on each elongate member 11.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 and 3, there are two sets of laterally extending portions extending from each sidewall 23 of each support member. The first set of laterally extending portions 25 are located adjacent the free end of each sidewall 23 and extend away from the opposite sidewall. This first set of laterally extending portions 25 engage with the longitudinal groove on the elongate member 11 to assist in the retention of the support member within the elongate member 11.

The second set of laterally extending sidewalls 26 are located adjacent the second end of each sidewall 23 and extend away from the opposite sidewall. This set of laterally extending portions 26 engage with the rebate portion on the elongate member 11 to assist in the retention of the support member within the elongate member 11.

Each laterally extending portion extends continuously over the length of each support member.

There is a plurality of similar louvre members 14 in the assembly. It should be remembered that the at least one barrier member may be louvres, of the adjustable type or not, mesh, bars, lattice, or a solid member.

Each louvre member 14 has an elongate projection 27 from either end of the louvre member 14 to engage with the arcuate depression 24 of the support members and may be retained in position by the arcuate depressions 24.

The elongate projection 27 is illustrated as a separate article attachable to the louvre member 14.

Each elongate projection 27 is engaged in a fixed or pivotal relationship with the arcuate depression 24 depending upon the function of the barrier assembly. For example, if the barrier members were louvers, the relationship would be pivotable to allow the opening and closing of the louvers. If the barrier members were bars, the relationship may be a fixed one to enhance security. As the louvres illustrated are pivotable, the individual louvre members 14 may be movable in a sympathetic manner using the handbar 28 or independently of one another.

The barrier assembly also further includes a pair of crosspieces 29 extending between the pair of elongate members 11 to form a frame for the barrier members.

The crosspieces 29 are attachable with respect to the elongate members 11, usually by using screws Each crosspiece 29 engages with the first type 12 of support Smember at each end of the elongate member 11 to secure longitudinal movement of the support members with respect to the elongate members 11.

Each crosspiece 29 is a hollow box member, and includes means for attachment with respect to each elongate member 11 in the form of a receiving means 31 to receive fasteners 30 extending through the elongate member 11.

In another form not shown, the invention resides in a fence assembly including at least a pair of elongate members spaced apart in a fixed relationship, at least one support member detachably attachable to each elongate member and at least one fence member extending between the at least one support member attachable to each elongate member and maintained in position by the respective at least one support member, wherein each of the elongate members and the at least one support member have respective formations engageable with one another to releasably attach the at least one support member with respect to each of the elongate members.

13 In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

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 appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (22)

1. A barrier assembly including a. at least a pair of elongate members spaced apart in a fixed n relationship, each elongate member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section with spaced apart arm members, each arm member having a first snap-fit portion b. at least one barrier member extending between the at least one N support member attachable to each elongate member and omaintained in position by the respective at least one support member, 0 N 10 and c. a plurality of support members, each support member having i. a second snap-fit portion for detachably attaching the support member to the first snap-fit portion of an elongate member, ii. an opening on at least one end of the support member adapted to support the barrier member, and iii. respective formations adjacent each opening and engageable with respective formation on an adjacent support member to engage one another and releasably attach the adjacent support members relative to one another.

2. The barrier assembly according to claim 1 wherein the elongate members extend substantially parallel to one another and the at least one barrier member may suitably be oriented perpendicularly to the elongate members.

3. The barrier assembly according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each elongate member comprise a substantially U-shaped channel with a base wall linking at least two opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom.

4. The barrier assembly according to claim 3 wherein each side wall of each elongate member has a groove to engage with a suitably shaped feature of the at least one support member to assist in the positioning and O N retention of the at least one support member with respect to each elongate member.

The barrier assembly according to claim 4 wherein the groove nextends substantially the entire length of each elongate member.

6. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 3 to wherein each sidewall of the elongate members further comprises at least o one rebate portion adjacent the free end of each sidewall, each rebate portion 0 extending away from the opposite sidewall to assist in the positioning and o retention of the at least one support member with respect to each elongate 0 i 10 member.

7. The barrier assembly according to claim 1 wherein there is more than one type of support member provided, a first type of support member equipped with a first planar cross-sectional end and a second cross-sectional end adapted to engage with an adjacent support member and a second type of support member having two ends, both of which are adapted to engage with adjacent support members.

8. The barrier assembly according to claim 1 wherein the respective formations are a tongue and groove formation wherein the end of one support member possesses a tongue and the end of the adjacent support member possesses a groove.

9. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each support member is of the same basic shape, having a U- shaped channel with a base wall linking at least two opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having a first free end and a second end attached to the base wall, the support members oriented so that the side walls of the support member may be inserted between the side walls of the respective elongate member in the assembled orientation.

The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each support member possesses at least one cross-sectional end having an arcuate depression extending at least partially into the support member, the arcuate depression with a centre of curvature coplanar with an outer peripheral wall of the support member.

11. The barrier assembly according to either claim 10 wherein the 16 arcuate depression on a first given support member is oriented with the arcuate depression on a second given support member when in the assembled position, the centres of curvature for all arcuate depressions lying in a substantially straight line when in the assembled position in order to maintain the barrier members in a coplanar orientation.

12. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support members are engageable with the elongate members by sliding, press-fitting or snap-fitting the spaced apart sidewalls of the support member between the spaced apart sidewalls of the elongate member.

13. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 12 wherein each support member further comprises at least one laterally extending portion adapted to engage with the opposed sidewalls of the elongate member and be releasably secured therein.

14. The barrier assembly according to claim 13 wherein there are at least two laterally extending portions one from each free end of each sidewall, each laterally extending portion adapted to engage with the longitudinal groove on each elongate member.

The barrier assembly according to claim 13 wherein there are two sets of laterally extending portions extending from each sidewall of each support member, a first set of laterally extending portions, at least one laterally extending portion located adjacent the free end of each sidewall and extending away from the opposite sidewall, the first set of laterally extending portions adapted to engage with the longitudinal grooves on the elongate member and a second set of laterally extending sidewalls, at least one laterally extending portion located adjacent the second end of each sidewall and extending away from the opposite sidewall, the second set of laterally extending portions adapted to engage with the elongate member to assist in the retention of the support member within the elongate member.

16. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one barrier member comprises louvres, of the adjustable type or not, mesh, bars, lattice, or a solid member.

17. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding 17 claims wherein each barrier member has an elongate projection associated with either end of the barrier member to engage with and be retained by the support members, whether the elongate projection is integrally formed with the barrier member or a separate article attachable to the barrier member.

18. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier assembly further includes a pair of crosspieces extending between the pair of elongate members to form a frame for the at least one barrier member.

19. The barrier assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each crosspiece engages with the at least one support member at each end of the elongate member to secure longitudinal movement of the at least one support member with respect to the elongate members.

A barrier assembly according to claim 1 wherein each at least one barrier member is a louvre member, thereby creating a louvre assembly.

21. A barrier assembly according to claim 1 wherein each at least one barrier member is a fence member, thereby creating a fence assembly.

22. A barrier assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 31 st day of January 2005 Leslie James Thomas; Alan Brownbill and Beryl Brownbill By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.