AU2010100293A4 - A structural component - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECFICATiON INNOVATO N PATENT APPLICANT: KUS, Peter INVENTION TITLE: A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: IP Australia 3 1 MAR 2010 RECEIVED

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-2 A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT 5 Field of the Invention This invention relates to structural component and more particularly the invention is concerned with a structural component such as a fence panel and other applications. Background to the Invention 10 Often structural components such as fence panels are manufactured using manufacturing techniques such as welding or riveting or the like. Such techniques could make the manufacture of these panels labour intensive and as a result costly. Consequently a need may exist for a different way to construct a structural component. 15 Summary of the Invention In one example of the invention, there is generally provided for a structural component which includes a filler panel; a frame which is capable of supporting the filler panel and which includes at least a first frame member and a second frame member which are positioned adjacent each other to form the frame; at least one 20 panel fastener; and at least one frame fastener; each frame member includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on a side of the frame member and which is capable of receiving an end of the filler panel; a frame member attachment mechanism secures each adjacent end of the first and second frame members to each other; the frame member attachment mechanism includes a first formation 25 which is formed one end of one of the adjacent first and second frame members and a second formation which is formed one end of the other of the adjacent first and second frame members; the at least one frame fastener is capable of engaging at one end with the first formation of the frame member attachment mechanism and at an opposite end with the second formation of the frame member attachment 30 mechanism; and wherein, with a respective end of the filler panel positioned in a respective elongate slot of the first and second frame members, the at least one panel fasteners causes the respective first and second frame members to grip the filler panel; and wherein the at least one frame fastener secures the respective ends -3 of the adjacent first and second frame members to each other through the first and second formations to form the frame. The structural component of the present invention aims to provide an alternative construction mechanism which allows for the structural component to be constructed 5 in a relatively easy manner when compared to existing techniques know to the applicant. The structural component is formed by gripping or clamping a respective frame member onto a respective end of the filler panel, for example a mesh panel, and thereafter securing respective ends of adjacent frame members to each other to form a frame which supports the filler panel. The respective ends of the adjacent 10 frame members are secured to each other using a bolt, such as an eye bolt, which is located inside and secured to an end of one of the adjacent frame members and of which a free end extends through an end of the other of the adjacent frame members. The free end of the bolt is then engaged with a suitable nut so that tightening of the nut secures the respective ends of adjacent frame members to each 15 other. However, it should be noted that the use of a bolt and nut combination to secure the respective ends of adjacent frame members to each other can be replaced with other alternative fixing components such as a corner stake. Similarly, the frame members can be secured to the respective ends of the mesh panel using cne or more fasteners or using any alternative technique such as punching a portion 20 of the respective frame member onto the respective end of the mesh panel. The invention also generally extends to a structural component which is constructed from a filler panel and a frame which at least partly surrounds the filler panel thereby providing support to the filler panel, and wherein the frame is secured to the filler panel by embedding at least a portion of an end of the filler panel into an elongate 25 slot formed along a side of the frame thereby frictionally engaging the frame to the filler panel. The invention can also generally extend to a structural component which includes a frame which has an elongate slot which extends around an inner side of the frame, and a filler panel; at least two frame members are used to construct the frame; and 30 wherein the filler panel is supported by the frame by locating each end of the filler panel inside the elongate slot so that the filler panel is enclosed by the frame; and wherein the frame is constructed by securing ends of adjacent frame members to each other with an attachment arrangement.

-4 The invention can also generally extend to a structural component which includes a filler panel; at least one frame member which is capable of providing support to the filler panel; and a securing arrangement; the at least one frame member has an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on at least a portion of one side of the at 5 least one frame member and which is capable of receiving at least one end of the filler panel; and wherein, once the at least one end of the filler panel is located in the elongate slot, the filler panel is secured to the at least one frame member through the securing arrangement so that the at least one frame member frictionally engages with the elongate slot onto the filler panel. 10 In another general example, the invention provides a structural component which includes a filler panel; at least one frame member which is capable of providing support to the filler panel; and at least one panel fastener; the at least one frame member has an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on at least a portion of one side of the at least one frame member and which is capable of receiving a respective 15 end of the filler panel; and wherein, once the end of the filler panel is located in the elongate slot, the filler panel is secured to the at least one frame member through the operation of the at least one fastener so that the at least one frame member grips onto the filler panel. The filler panel may be any suitable panel which may be used in the manufacture of 20 a structural component such as a mesh panel, fence panel, a security panel, an enclosure panel, or the like. In one example of the invention, the filler panel is a mesh panel which manufactured from a suitable material which has been interconnected to form a mesh. The mesh panel consist only of the meshed material or may further include a strip of material which extends around a periphery of the 25 mesh panel. In another example of the invention, the mesh panel may be formed from a plastics material and may include a strengthening strip which extends around a periphery of the panel. The structural component may include a frame which is constructed from one or more frame members. In one example of the invention, the frame is constructed 30 from four frame members. Alternatively, in a further example of the invention, the frame is constructed form two frame members each of which has been formed to have an L-shaped profile. The at least one frame member have any suitable cross sectional profile which will allow the at least one frame member to support the filler panel. For example, the at -5 least one frame member may have a cross sectional profile which is circular, square, rectangular, oval or the like. A side wall of the at least one frame member may be suitable dimensioned to provide a predetermined level of structural stability to the structural component once assembled. 5 The securing arrangement may be such so that the at least one frame member frictionally engages with the elongate slot onto the respective end of the filler panel. In one example of the invention, a portion of the at least one frame member is deformed using any suitable technique, for example punching or the like, thereby causing frictional engagement of the at least one frame member onto the respective 1.0 end of the filler panel. The at least one panel fastener secures the at least one frame member to the filler panel by causing the at least one frame member to grip onto the end of the filler panel. In one form of the invention, the at least one panel fastener extends through the at least one frame member so that the tightening of the at least one panel 15 fastener causes opposed ends do the elongate slot to be moved towards each other. This will cause the filler panel to be clamped between the opposed ends of the elongate slot thereby causing the at least one frame member to be secured to the filler panel. The at least one panel fastener may be selected from any suitable faster which will 20 cause the at least one frame member to grip onto the filler panel through the elongate slot. For example, the at least one panel fastener may be suitable nut and bolt. The bolt may incorporate a suitable anti-tampering formation, for example having a conical head as opposed to a hex-shaped head, which reduces the likelihood of unauthorised removal of the at least one panel fastener. Similarly, the 25 nut may be a suitable anti-tampering nut which will reduce the likelihood of unauthorised removal thereof from the bolt. In another example, when the structural component has an operative outer side, the conical shaped head of the at least one panel fastener may be positioned so that conical shaped head faces the operative outer side. 30 The elongate slot may have any suitable cross sectional profile which will allow the at least one frame member to grip onto the filler panel. In one example of the invention, the elongate slot extends into the side of the at least one frame member. In another example of the invention, the elongate slot is formed through the side of the at least one frame member so that the elongate slot extends into a central passage which -6 extends through the at least one frame member between opposed ends thereof. The elongate slot may be formed during the manufacture of the frame member or at the time when the structural component is being manufactured. Any suitable technique can be used to form the elongate slot. In one example of the 5 invention, the elongate slot is formed by cutting through the side of the at least one frame member. The elongate slot may extend across an entire length of the at least one frame member or only a predetermined portion thereof. In one example of the invention, the elongate slot extends from one end of the at least one frame member to an 10 opposing end thereof. The respective end of the filler panel may be inserted into the elongate slot or the elongate slot may be forced slightly open to accommodate the respective end. In one example of the invention, the respective end of the filler panel is flattened, using any suitable process such as a press, to allow the respective end to the fitted 15 relatively easily to the elongate slot. In one example of the invention, the structural component includes two or more frame members and at least two panel fasteners for each end of the filler panel which is secured to a respective frame member of the two or more frame members. The at least two panel fasteners may be engaged with the respective frame member of the 20 two or more frame memberss at predetermined positions which will allow the respective end of the filler panel to be secured to the respective frame member with a tight frictional grip. In a further example of the invention, when the elongate slot is formed by through a side wall of the respective frame member, the at least two panel fasteners may be positioned, when the respective end of the filler panel has been 25 inserted into the elongate slot of the respective frame member, adjacent the respective end of the filler panel. Alternatively, the filler panel may be a mesh panel which allows the at least two panel fasteners to extend through the respective end of the mesh panel In a further example, the mesh pattern used in the mesh panel may allow the mesh panel to accommodate the positioning of the at least two panel 30 fasteners on the respective frame member without requiring the respective end of the filler panel to be worked to allow the at least two panel fasteners to extend through the respective frame panel.

-7 Each end of the filler panel may be profiled to reduce the likelihood of the respective end of the filler from being inadvertently drawn out of engagement with a respective frame member. For example, the filler panel may be a mesh panel which is constructed from a first group of wires which extend in a first direction, and a second 5 group of wires which extend in a second direction which is perpendicularly to the first direction. The first group of wires may be secured to one side of the second group of wires. The respective elongate slots of the respective frame members may have a maximum cross sectional diameter which is slightly greater than a maximum cross sectional diameter of the wires used in the first and second group of wires. The will 10 allow only the one group of wires to be accommodated inside the respective elongate slots. The fitment of the respective end of the mesh panel into the elongate slot of the respective frame member will cause one of the wires forming part of the group of wires running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the respective frame member to prevent, at least to some extent, the respective end of the mesh panel from being 15 pulled from the respective elongate slot as the elongate slot only has a maximum cross sectional diameter which can only accommodate the maximum cross sectional diameter of one wire of the groups of wires. In another example of the invention, when the frame is constructed from two frame members, two or more ends of the filler panel may be inserted into the elongate slot. 20 For example, when two L-shaped frame members are used to construct the frame, two ends of the filler panel may be inserted into the respective elongate slot of each L-shaped frame member. Similarly, when a U-shaped frame member is used, three ends of the filler panel may be inserted into the respective elongate slot of the U shaped frame member. 25 The frame of the structural component may be constructed in any suitable way. For example, the frame may be constructed from two, three or four frame members. In one example of the invention, the structural component may include two or more frame members, at least one frame fastener, and a frame member attachment mechanism. The at least one frame fastener and the frame member attachment 30 mechanism is used to secure respective ends of adjacent frame members to each other thereby to construct the frame which is capable of supporting the filler panel. In another example of the invention, one or more inserts or stakes are used to secure adjacent ends of the respective frame members which make up the frame. The frame attachment mechanism may include a first formation and a second 35 formation which work together to allow ends of the two or more frame members -8 which are positioned adjacent each other to be secured to each other through the at least one frame fastener. For example, the formations may be such that it is formed from material used in the manufacture of the two or more frame members or may be formed separately from the two or more frame members. When formed separately, 5 the first and second formations may each then be secured to a respective frame member of the two or more frame members thereby allowing respective adjacent ends of the two or more frame members to be secured to each other. In a further example of the invention, the first and second formations are formed into the two or more frame members thereby. Each of the first and second formations may consist 10 of only one component or feature, or a combination of a one component and feature, or a combination of one or more components and one or more features. The at least one frame fastener may be attachable to the first and second formation in any suitable way thereby allowing the adjacent frame members of the two or more frame members to be secured to each other. In one example of the invention, 15 respective ends of the adjacent frame members are secured to each other. In this example, the first formation is positioned in proximity to an end of one of the respective, adjacent frame members and the second formation is positioned in proximity of an end of the other respective, adjacent frame members. The at least one frame fastener may be such that it carries a suitable first securing formation at 20 one end which allows the at least one frame fastener to be secured at that end to the first formation. The at least one frame fastener may further carry a suitable second securing formation at an opposite end thereof which allows that end of the at least one frame fastener to be secured to the second formation. In one example of the invention, the first formation includes a first aperture and a rod 25 or pin such as a spindle. The first aperture is formed in such a way that the aperture extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, through one of the two or more frame members. The pin is capable of being registered with the first aperture so that the pin extends through the respective frame member of the two or more frame members. The pin, once registered with the first aperture, has a central portion 30 which is accessible through an inner cavity which is extends at least partly into an end of the respective frame member carrying the first formation. The second formation is in the form of a second aperture which, as the first aperture, also extends through another frame member of the two or more frame members. The at least one frame fastener has a first securing formation at first end which allows the 35 first end of the at least one frame fastener to be attached to the pin. The at least one -9 frame fastener also has a second securing formation at an opposed, second end thereof which allows adjacent frame members of the two or more frame members, one of which carrying the first formation and the other carrying the second formation, to be secured to each other. In one example the second securing formation includes 5 a thread formation, which extends at least partly along a length of the at least one frame fastener from the second end thereof, and a nut which is engageable with the tread formation. Thus, once the first securing formation of the at least one frame fastener has been attached to the pin of the first formation, and the second end of the at least one frame fastener has been slotted through the second aperture of the 10 second formation, the tightening of the nut onto the at least one frame fastener causes the respective frame members carrying the first and second formations to be secured to each other. In an example of the invention, the frame is constructed from four frame members. Each frame member may carry at one end a first formation and at an opposed end a 15 second formation. Alternatively, two of the four frame members may each carry at opposed ends a first formation. The remaining two of the four members may each then carry at opposed ends a second formation. This may cause the four frame members to be secured to each other in a specific sequence or orientation. In a further example, the first formation may include a rod or pin which is fitted to an 20 aperture which extends through the respective frame member which carries the first formation. The second formation may also be in the form of an aperture which extends through the other respective frame member which carries the second formation. However, in one example of the invention, the respective apertures of the first and second formation may be formed relative to an end of the respective frame 25 member so that an end of the respective frame member can be converted either into a first formation by inserting the pin into the aperture. Thus, each end of the respective frame member carries a second formation which, according to requirement, might be converted into a first formation by inserting a pin into the aperture. 30 In another example of the invention, the frame is constructed from at least two frame members using at least two frame fasteners in the form of bolts and at least two frame member attachment mechanisms in the form of nuts. Each of the frame members have an inner cavity which extends at least partly longitudinally into the frame member from a first end of the frame member. An opposed, second end of 35 each frame member is formed with an aperture which extends perpendicularly - 10 through the second end thereby allowing a respective frame fastener to be fitted to the second end through the aperture. Each inner cavity has an inner cross sectional profile which close matches an outer cross sectional profile of each nut. Each nut is securable to a wall portion of the respective frame member which defines the inner 5 cavity. This allows the respective nut to be anchored to the first end of the respective frame member. Each nut can be secured to the respective inner cavity using any suitable technique including clips, one or more screws, adhesive or the like. Alternatively, each nut has a shoulder formation which allows the nut be seated on a mouth portion of the respective inner cavity. This will allow one side of the nut to 10 abut a side of an adjacent frame member. The frame is constructed by threadedly engaging a respective frame fastener, once fitted to an aperture of a respective frame member, with a respective nut, once secured to an inner cavity of a respective frame member, thereby drawing respective first and second ends of adjacent frame members towards each other. 15 The frame may be braced using one or more braces to increase the strength of the frame. In one example of the invention, the one or more braces are secured at opposed ends to the respective frame members using the panel fasteners which are used to secure the frame members to the filler panel. Alternatively, the one or more braces may be secured at opposed ends to the respective frame members in a 20 reveal fashion, i.e. on a side of the respective frame members. The one or more braces may be secured to the respective frame members using rivets, screws or when the one or more braces are in the form of wires, two or more hooks are used each of which is connected at opposed ends to a hollow spring wire which is fitted to the respective frame member using a hole formed into the respective frame member. 25 The second end of each frame member may be formed with a hole which allows the respective frame fastener to be manoeuvred inside the inner cavity of the respective frame member from outside of the frame member. The respective first and second ends of adjacent frame members may each be formed with an inner cavity which allows a portion of an insert or stake to be 30 positioned inside the respective inner cavity thereby securing the first and second ends to each other. Each inner cavity may have a tapered profiled so that forcing the respective portion of the insert into the inner cavity increases the frictional engagement between the insert and the inner cavity.

- 11 The a further example of the invention, there is in a broad form provided for a method of constructing a structural component which includes a filler panel and a frame which is capable of providing support to the filler panel; the frame including at least one frame member which includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on 5 one side of the at least one frame member; the method including the steps of inserting at least one end of the filler panel into the elongate slot of a respective frame member; and securing the filler panel to the frame through operation of at least one fastener so that the at least one frame member grips onto the filler panel. The frame may be constructed from four frame members so that the method may 10 include step of fastening a respective ends of each adjacent pair of frame members to each other. One of the respective ends of each adjacent pair of frame members may include a first formation and the other of the respective ends of the respective adjacent pair of frame members may include a second formation. The structural component may further include at least one frame fastener which is engageable at 15 one end to the first formation and at an opposed end to the second formation. The at least one frame fastener may include a nut which is engageable with a tread formation carried by the at least one frame fastener. The method may then include the further steps of engaging one end of the at least one frame fastener with the first formation, engaging an opposite end of the at least one frame fastener with the 20 second formation so that the opposite end projects from the respective frame member of the adjacent pair of frame members, and engaging the nut with the opposite end of the at least one frame fastener; and tightening the nut onto the at least one frame fastener so that the two adjacent pair of frame members are secured to each other. 25 When the frame is constructed from four frame members, the method step of inserting the at least one end of the filler panel into the elongate slot includes the additional steps of inserting each end of the filler panel into a respective slot of each of the four frame members. The at least one fastener may be a panel fastener which is capable of being used to 30 secure each of the respective ends of the filler panel to a respective frame member. The step of fastening the filler panel to the frame through may therefore be a step of securing each end of the filler panel through the operation of at least one of the panel fasteners to a respective frame member.

- 12 The invention can also extend to a method of constructing a structural component which includes a frame and a filler panel which is enclosed by the frame; the frame having at least two frame members each of which having an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on one side of the frame member; the method including the 5 steps of inserting at least one end of the filler panel into an elongate slot of a respective frame member; securing the filler panel to each frame member through operation of at least one panel fastener so that each of the at least two frame member grip onto the filler panel; and securing adjacent ends of the at least two frame members to each other thereby providing support to the filler panel through the 10 frame. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following drawings. Figure 1 is a plan view of a structural component according to the invention. 15 Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of a portion of the structural component taken on a line 2 - 2 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the structural component which is being assembled. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a different embodiment of the structural component showing a variation in securing adjacent frame members of the structural component 20 to each other. Figure 5 includes a perspective view of an end of one of the frame members to which is fitted a nut of a frame securing mechanism and two perspective views of two variations of the nut. Figure 6 includes a perspective view of an end of the frame member to which a 25 further variation of the nut is fitted and a perspective view of the nut separate from the frame member. Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative securing arrangement with which a respective frame member is secured to a filler panel of the structural component. Figure 8 is a perspective view of respective ends of two adjacent frame members 30 illustrating an access opening or hole. Figure 9 is perspective view of a variation of the structural component in which a frame thereof has been braced. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a variation of the structural component showing the use of a stake or insert to secure respective ends of adjacent frame members.

-13 Description of Illustrated Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 of the accompanying representations illustrates a structural component or fence panel 10 according to the invention. The fence panel has a filler or mesh panel 12 which is fitted for support to a frame 14. The frame is constructed from four frame 5 members 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D which have been interconnected using a number of frame fasteners 18. A number of panel fasteners 20 are used to secure the frame to the mesh panel. Figure 2 shows the fitment of the mesh panel 12 to the frame 14. Each frame member 16 is formed with an elongate slot 24 which extends longitudinally on one 10 side 26 of the frame member. The slot is formed by cutting a groove into the side of frame member and is dimensioned to have a maximum cross sectional diameter 28 which allows little lateral play of an end 30 of the mesh panel 12 once fitted to the slot 24. In the illustrated example, the mesh panel is a wire mesh and is constructed from a first group of wires 32 which extend in a first direction 34 and a second group 15 of wires 36 which extend in a second direction 38 which is perpendicular to the first direction. The first group of wires have been secured one side of the second group of wires using a suitable technique such as arch or spot welding. Figure 2 shows the fitment of the end 30 of the mesh panel into a respective elongate slot 24 of one of the frame members 16 of the frame 14. The maximum cross 20 sectional diameter 28 of the elongate slot has been chosen so that the cross sectional diameter is only slightly greater than a maximum cross sectional diameter 42 of wires used in the first group of wires 32. Thus, once the first group of wires has been fitted to the elongate slot, the first group of wires is allowed little lateral play inside the elongate slot. 25 The end 30 of the mesh panel 12 is fitted into the elongate slot 24 by sliding the end along the slot from one end of the respective frame member 16. Each frame member 16 has a predetermined length 44 which is suitable chosen so that once each end 30 of the mesh panel has been fitted to a respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. an outer most wire 46 on opposed sides 48 of each group of 30 wires 32 and 36 lie adjacent the elongate slot 24 inside an inner cavity 50 of each respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. In Figure 2 the outermost wire of one of the opposed sides 48 of the second group of wires 36 is shown being positioned inside the inner cavity 50. Thus, the length 44 of each frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D is such so that a first end 52 of, for example, frame member - 14 16A abuts an inner side 54 of the frame member 16D and an second, opposed end 56 of the frame member 16A lines up with an outer side 58 of the frame member 16B. Thus, the likelihood of each frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D being pulled from a respective side of the mesh panel 12 is reduced as a result of the 5 positioning of the outer most wires 46 of the respective opposed sides 48 of the first and second groups of wires 32 and 36 inside the respective inner cavities 50. Each frame member 16A, 161, 16C, and 16D has a number of holes 60 which extend from an upper 62 side of the frame member to a lower side 64. Each panel fastener has a bolt 66 and a nut 68 which can be threadedly engaged with the bolt. 10 The holes are dimensioned so that one of the bolts 66 of the panel fasteners 20 can be inserted into a respective hole, for example, from the upper side 62 of the respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D so that bolt extends through the respective frame member. The respective nut 68 is can then be engaged with an end 70 of the bolt which projects from the lower side 64 of the respective frame 15 member. The tightening of the nut onto the bolt causes opposed shoulders 74 of the respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D which define at opposite sides the respective elongate slot 26, to move towards each other so that the shoulders, and thereby the respective frame, to grip onto the respective end 30 of the mesh panel 12. In the illustrated example of the structural component 10, three panel fasteners 20 20 are used on each frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D to cause the respective end 30 of the mesh panel to be gripped substantially over the entire length 44 of the respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. As mentioned hereinabove, each of the frame members 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are secured to each other to form the frame 14 through use of a number of frame 25 fasteners 18. In the illustrated example, four frame fasteners are used to secure the frame members to each other. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the end 52 of each respective frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D is secured to the inner side 54 of adjacent frame member through a frame member attachment mechanism 76 which includes the frame fasteners 18, a first formation 78 which is formed on the end 52, 30 and a second formation 80 which is formed on the respective adjacent frame member which carries the inner side 54 being secured to the respective end 52. Each frame fastener includes an eyebolt 82 which has a first securing formation 84 at one end thereof in the form of an eyelet 86. The eyebolt also has a second securing formation 88 at a free end 90 which opposes the first securing formation and which 35 includes a nut 92 which can be threadedly engaged with the free end.

- 15 The first formation 78 includes a first aperture or hole 94 which extends through a respective frame member 16A, 168, 16C, and 16D from the upper side 62 thereof to the lower side 64 thereof. The first formation further includes a rod or pin 96 which is registered with the hole 94 so that the pin extends through the respective frame 5 member. The second formation 80 includes a second aperture 98 which extends through the respective second end 56 of each frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. This allows the free end 90 of the eyebolt 82 to extend through the respective fname member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. 10 The frame 14 of Figure 1 is assembled by first sliding a frame member 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D one of the ends 30 of the mesh panel 12 so that the outermost wires 46 on opposed sides of 48 of the respective groups of wires 32 and 36 are positioned inside a respective inner cavity 50 of the frame members. Since each of the respective first and second ends 52 and 56 of adjacent frame members are secured 15 in substantially the same way, for simplification purposes on the attachment of frame member 16A with frame member 16D will be described in greater detail hereinafter. As is shown in Figure 2, a corner portion 100 has been cut away to accommodate the positioning of the eyebolt 82 for reasons which will become apparent in the subsequent description. The structural component 10 has also been turned upside 20 down so that the upper sides 62 of the frame members 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are facing downwardly. Once the end 30 of the mesh panel 12 has been slotted into the elongate slot 24 of the frame member 16A, the elongate slot 30 of the frame member 16D is slid along the adjacent end 30 of the mesh panel up to a position which is shown in Figure 2. This will allow the eyebolt to be correctly positioned before the 25 first end of the frame member 16A is moved into abutment of the inner side 54 of the frame member 16D. As mentioned hereinabove, the first formation 78 includes the hole 94 and the pin 96 which is fitted to the hole. In the illustrated example, in order to ensure that the respective end 30 of the mesh panel 12 is gripped substantially uniformly across the length 44, for example of frame member 16A, the pin 96 is by 30 one of the panel fasteners 20 in the form of a shank 102 (see Figure 3) which extends from a head of the respective panel fastener. The eyelet 86 of the eyebolt is aligned with the hole 94 whereafter the shank 102 is inserted through the hole 94 thereby securing the eyebolt 82 to the frame member 16A.

-16 The frame member 16A is then moved along the end 30 of the mesh panel until the first end 52 abuts the inner side 54. While doing so, care is taken to align the free end 90 of the eyebolt 82 with the second aperture 98 of the second formation 80 thereby allowing the free end to pass through the frame member 16D until the free 5 end extends from the outer side 58 of the frame member 16D. Once in this position, the nut 92 is threadedly engaged with the free end 90 so that first end 52 of the framo member 16A is pulled into tight frictional engagement with the inner side 54 of the frame member 16D. Two other panel fasteners are then inserted into the respective holes 60 which are formed into the frame member 16A so that the respective nuts 68 10 of these panel fasteners 20 can engaged with the respective bolts 66 of the panel fasteners so that the shoulders 74 defining the elongate slot 24 of the frame member 16A is clamped onto the respective end 30 of the mesh panel 12. The frame member is now secured to the frame member 16D and to the respective end of the mesh panel. 15 In a similar way the frame member 16B is secured to the frame member 16A, the frame member 16C to frame member 16B, and the frame member 16D to frame member 16C. Each of the frame and panel fasteners 18 and 20, once fitted to the frame, are tensioned to provide the structural component 10 with rigidity which is established 20 trough engagement of frame members 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D to the respective ends 30 of the mesh panel 12, and of adjacent frame members to each other. The present invention provides a structural component, such as a mesh panel, which can be assembled in a relatively easy manner when compared to existing techniques know to the applicant. The structural component includes a frame which is 25 assembled from a number of frame members which are clamped onto a respective end of a mesh panel forming part of the structural component. Adjacent frame members are secured to each other using an eyebolt which is engaged at one end to one of the adjacent frame members and at an opposed end acts against the other of the adjacent frame members so that the two adjacent frame members are drawn to 30 each other into tight frictional engagement. The respective ends of the mesh panel are also clamped onto by a respective frame member so that mesh panel is secured to the frame of the structural component. The ends of the mesh panel also have a formation such as a wire member which is used to form the mesh structure of the mesh panel, which is inserted into an inner cavity of a respective frame member - 17 thereby reducing the likelihood of the respective end of the mesh panel from being pulled from engagement with the respective frame member. Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a variation 110 of the structural component. Like reference numerals are used to designate like components 5 between the structural components 10 and 110. The structural component 110 has a frame fastener or bolt 118 which has a head 120 and a threaded shank 122 which extends from the head. A first end 52 of a frame member 16A is formed with an inner cavity 50 which extends longitudinally into the frame member 16A. A second end 56 of an adjacent frame member 16D is formed 10 with an aperture 124 thereby allowing the shank 122 of the bolt to extend perpendicularly through the second end. A frame member attachment mechanism 126 in the form of a square nut 128 is registrable with the inner cavity. The inner cavity has an inner cross sectional profile 130 which is such so that the square nut, having a matching outer cross sectional profile 132, can be fitted snugly inside the 15 inner cavity with limited lateral play. Referring in particular to Figure 5, the nut 128 is secured to a wall portion 134 of the frame member 16A by using four fasteners or screws 136. The wall portion is formed with four holes 138 so that the screws can be engaged with the square nut once the square nut is correctly positioned inside the inner cavity 50. The nut 128 is therefore 20 cross fixed to the frame member 16A. After the square nut is secured to the frame member 16A, the bolt 118 is threadedly engaged with the nut so that the second end 56 is secured to the first end 52. Also included in Figure 5 is a variation 128A of the nut. Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts or aspects between the square nuts 128 and 128A. The 25 square nut 128A has four lugs 136A which allow the square nut to be clipped onto the wall portion 134 inside the inner cavity 50. Thus, the square nut 128A is secured to the first end 52 of the frame member 16A through the lugs 1 36A. Alternatively, the lugs can be in the form of small screws which allow the square nut to be clipped into the wall portion. 30 Figure 6 shows a further variation 128B of the nut. Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts or aspects between the square nuts 128 and 128B. The square nut 128B has three lugs 136B with which the square nut 128B is secured to the wall portion 134 of the frame member 16A. However, the square nut has a -18 shoulder formation 140 which allows the square nut to be seated on a mouth portion 142 of the inner cavity 50 so that the square nut at least partly projects from the inner cavity. Thus, an outer surface 144 of the square nut will abut a side 26 of the frame member 16D once the bolt 118 has been tightly threadedly engaged with the square 5 nut 128B. The square nut 128B further has a cut out portion 146 which allows an end 30 of the mesh panel to pass through the nut 128B while the nut is inside the inner cavity. Thus, the nut 128B can be first secured to the frame member 16A before the frame member is slid along the end 30 of a mesh panel 12 to the correct position. 10 Figure 7 shows a securing arrangement 150 with which, for example, the frame member 16A is secured to an end 30 of a mesh panel 12. A portion 152 of the frame member 16A is deformed using a suitable punch thereby clamping the frame member onto the end once the end is fitted to an elongate slot 24 of the frame member. 15 Figure 8 illustrates a hole 156 which is formed in a first end 52 of the frame member thereby allowing the manoeuvring into position an eyebolt 82, not shown, which is fitted inside an inner cavity 50 of the frame member 16A. Figure 9 shows two braces 158 which are secured to the frame 14 of the structural component 10. Opposed ends 160 of each brace are secured to a respective frame 20 member 16B and 16D using the panel fasteners 20. Alternatively, opposed ends 160 of each brace can be secured to the respective frame members 16B and 16D using rivets or screws in place of the panel fasteners. Also, when the brace 158 are in the form of wiring, suitable hooks can be used to secure opposed ends of the wire bracing to the frame members 16B and 16D. Suitable spring members can be 25 positioned between opposed ends of the wire bracing and the hooks. Figure 10 illustrates variation 162 of the frame member attachment mechanism. The frame member attachment mechanism is in the form of a stake or insert 164 of which a first portion 166 is inserted into an inner cavity 50 of a frame member 16A and a second portion 168 is inserted into a inner cavity 50 of a frame member 16D. The 30 inner cavities 50 are tapered so that movement of the first and second portions into the respective cavities causes the respective portions to be tightly fitted to the cavities.

-19 Constructing a structural component in accordance with the invention may lead to a reduction in weight of the component which could impact freight charges. Furthermore, the invention aims to reduce labour costs by reducing the labour irtenseness required to construct a structural component including the time required 5 to assembly and disassembly structural components covered by the invention. The finished product could also reduce the amount of storage space required as the structural component of the present invention does not have fittings, formations or components which project transversely from the frame of the structural component. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a structural component, 10 it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (5)

1. A structural component which includes a frame which has an elongate slot which extends around an inner side of the frame, and a filler panel; at least two frame members are used to construct the frame; and wherein the filler 5 panel is supported by the frame by locating each end of the filler panel inside the elongate slot so that the filler panel is enclosed by the frame; and wherein the frame is constructed by securing ends of adjacent frame members to each other with a frame member attachment mechanism. 10

2. A structural component which includes a filler panel; a frame which is capable of supporting the filler panel and which includes at least a first frame member and a second frame member which are positioned adjacent each other to form the frame; at least one panel fastener; and at least one frame fastener; each frame member includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on 15 a side of the frame member and which is capable of receiving an end of the filler panel; a frame member attachment mechanism secures each adjacent end of the first and second frame members to each other; the frame member attachment mechanism includes a first formation which is formed one end of one of the adjacent first and second frame members and a second formation 20 which is formed one end of the other of the adjacent first and second frame members; the at least one frame fastener is capable of engaging at one end with the first formation of the frame member attachment mechanism and at an opposite end with the second formation of the frame member attachment mechanism; and wherein, with a respective end of the filler panel positioned 25 in a respective elongate slot of the first and second frame members, the at least one panel fasteners causes the respective first and second frame members to grip the filler panel; and wherein the at least one frame fastener secures the respective ends of the adjacent first and second frame members to each other through the first and second formations to form the frame. 30

3. A method of constructing a structural component which includes a filler panel and a frame which is capable of providing support to the filler panel; the frame including at least one frame member which includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on one side of the at least one frame member; the 35 method including the steps of inserting at least one end of the filler panel into the elongate slot of a respective frame member; and securing the filler panel - 21 to the frame through operation of at least one fastener so that the at least one frame member grips onto the filler panel.

4. A method of constructing a structural component which includes a frame and 5 a filler panel which is enclosed by the frame; the frame having at least two frame members each of which having an elongate slot which extends longitudinally on one side of the frame member; the method including the steps of inserting at least one end of the filler panel into an elongate slot of a respective frame member; securing the filler panel to each frame member 10 through operation of at least one panel fastener so that each of the at least two frame member grip onto the filler panel; and securing adjacent ends of the at least two frame members to each other thereby providing support to the filler panel through the frame. 15

5. A structural component substantially as illustrated in any one of the accompanying representations.