AU2013100579C4

AU2013100579C4 - Screen retention assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2013100579C4
Application number: AU2013100579A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andy Nguyen; Vince Ravese
Original assignee: Aluminium Specialties Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aluminium Specialties Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-12
Filing date: 2013-04-24
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-12
Also published as: AU2013100579B4; AU2013201432B1; AU2013100579A4

Abstract

A screen retention system (10) is provided. The screen retention system (10) includes an elongate frame member (12) having a first side wall (22) and a second side wall (24) which together form a channel (26), a longitudinal intermediate wall (36) extending through the 5 channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove (38). The first side wall (22) terminates in a first clip engagement region (28) and in the second side wall (24) is formed a second clip engagement region (30). The screen retention system (10) also includes a screen compression clip (20) adapted to engage the first and second clip engagement regions (28, 30) of the frame member (12) and configured to compress, in use, a screen (16) into a portion of the 10 first clip engagement region (28) which extends into the channel, thereby to form a compression zone.

Description

2 Screen retention system Field of the invention This invention relates to a screen retention system. Background of the invention 5 Safety screens or fly screens can be attached to window or door frames. Typically, a frame includes frame members which are assembled to provide a frame. Defined in the frame members are channels in which the screen is secured. One method of assembly involves positioning the screen over the frame and inserting a plastic or rubber spline into the channels to retain the screen between the spline and frame members. Other approaches to secure the screen 10 to the frame include fixing a separate retaining member into the frame. In some countries, such as Australia, industry standards require that window screens have the capacity to withstand a particular force applied to the screen, such that the screen is not pushed out of the frame under predefined conditions. For example, one industry standard requires that a screen be held in place through the frame members for at least a static force of 25 15 kilograms, which will reduce the likelihood of a small child falling through a screen. This standard may be difficult to meet using only a plastic or rubber spline. Another problem identified with some existing screen retention systems is that parts holding the screen in place are glued together, complicating the process of replacing a screen. Also, certain prior art systems use a combined frame-retention member, where the retention 20 member which keeps the screen in place is integrally formed with the frame member receiving the end of the screen. Should any of the integrally formed parts be damaged during installation or disassembly, the entire combined frame-retention member will need to be replaced. Finally, the use of some known retaining members can also increase manufacturing and labour costs. 25 In order to maintain low manufacturing and installation costs while meeting or exceeding present industry standards, a need has been identified for an improved screen retention system.

3 Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art. 5 Summary of the invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a screen retention system including an elongate frame member having a first side wall and a second side wall between which is defined a channel, a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove, wherein the first side wall terminates 0 in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall is formed a second clip engagement region; and a screen compression clip adapted to engage the first and second clip engagement regions of the frame member and configured to compress, in use, a screen into a portion of the first clip engagement region which extends into the channel thereby to form a compression zone, and wherein the frame member is formed from an aluminium material. 5 The first side wall may define an inner friction surface to resist, in use, movement of the spline and the screen from the spline receiving groove when a force is applied to the screen. Typically, the first and second clip engagement regions form first and second recesses, the first and second recesses being adapted to receive opposite sides of the screen compression clip. 20 The side of the screen compression clip engaging with the first clip engagement region may have a u-shaped cross-section defined by a compression member to be received by the first recess and a rim that extends over the first side wall, the compression member compressing the screen against the first clip engagement region to form the compression zone. Advantageously, a spline is in use located within the spline receiving groove in order to 25 hold the screen in place during installation. Preferably the upper surface of the compression clip is coplanar with the installed screen once assembled.

4 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate frame member for a screen retention system, the elongate frame member including: a first and second side wall between which is defined a channel, the first side wall terminating in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall being formed a second clip engagement region, the first and 5 second clip engagement regions adapted to receive a screen compression clip; and a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove adapted to receive a spline and one end of a screen, and wherein the frame member is formed from an aluminium material. Also described herein is a screen assembly including: two or more elongate frame 0 members assembled to form a frame, each elongate frame member having a first side wall and a second side wall between which is defined a channel, a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove, wherein the first side wall terminates in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall is formed a second clip engagement region; two or more splines, each received within respective spline 5 receiving grooves of frame members; a screen secured between the two or more elongate frame members, ends of the screen being held in respective spline receiving grooves by the splines; and two or more screen compression clips, each screen compression clip engaged with the first and second clip engagement regions of a respective frame member and compressing the end of the screen into a portion of the first clip engagement region which extends into the channel thereby '0 to form a compression zone. Also described herein is a kit for a screen retention system including: (a) a screen; (b) one or more elongate frame members to be assembled to form a frame, each elongate frame member having a first side wall and a second side wall between which is defined a 25 channel, a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove, wherein the first side wall terminates in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall is formed a second clip engagement region; 5 (c) one or more splines, each spline adapted to be received in a spline receiving groove of one of the frame members to hold an end of the screen in place; and (d) one or more screen compression clips, each clip adapted to engage the first and second clip engagement regions of a frame member and configured to compress, in use, the end 5 of the screen into a portion of the first clip engagement region, thereby to form a compression zone. Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10 Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a corner of an example of screen retention system according to the invention, in an assembled condition; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view along line I-I of the screen retention system depicted in Figure 1, showing a frame member with a screen held in place by a spline, prior to the 15 installation of a compression clip; Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the screen retention system shown in Figure 2A as the compression clip is being installed; and Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the frame member shown in Figures 2A and 2B with the compression clip installed. 20 Detailed description of the embodiments Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an assembled screen retention system 10 in which multiple elongate frame members, two of which are indicated by reference numerals 12 and 14, are assembled together. A screen 16 extends from the frame members 12 and 14 and is retained on one side of the frame member 12 by a spline 18 embedded into a groove (not shown) of the 25 frame member 12, as well as a compression clip 20 installed in the frame member 12. The frame members 12 and 14 and the compression clip 20 may be formed from a suitable material such as plastic, aluminium, stainless steel, vinyl coated polyester, and fibreglass.

6 The compression clip 20 is separately secured to the frame member 12 to form an integrated frame structure, not only providing securing means for the screen 16, but also covering the unsightly screen end and spline 18. It is for this reason that the upper surface of the compression clip is coplanar with the installed screen 16. 5 The screen 16 is secured within a pair of opposing frame members 12 by the use of splines 18 and compression clips 20. In one example embodiment, the compression clips 20 are installed on two pairs of opposing frame members 12 and 14 (i.e. left, right, top and bottom) in order to secure the screen 16, while splines may additionally also be used on all frame members to assist with the installation of the screen. Compression clips 20 may also be installed in two or 10 three frame members 12, 14 pending integration with a window frame. The screen retention system 10 and the installation of the compression clip 20 are now described in more detail with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. Referring first to Figure 2A, the screen retention system 10 is shown where the compression clip 20 is unattached to the frame member 12. 15 The frame member 12 includes a first side wall 22 and a second side wall 24. A channel 26 is defined between the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24. Each of the side walls 22, 24 has a clip engagement region 28, 30 which engages with sides of the compression clip 20 when the compression clip 20 is installed in the frame member 12 (as shown in Figures 2B and 2C). The second side wall 24 is supported by, and in this example embodiment integral with, a 20 rectangular tubular outer part 23 which provides structural integrity to the frame member 12. In one embodiment, the first side wall 22 terminates in the region 28 that engages with one side of the compression clip 20. The side walls 22, 24 are further configured with recesses 32, 34 to engage with the sides of the compression clip 20. An intermediate wall 36 extends longitudinally through the channel 26. The intermediate 25 wall 36 and the first side wall 22 define a channel or groove 38 therebetween. The groove 38 is adapted snugly to receive an end of the screen 16 and the spline 18 in use. The spline 18 secures the end portion of the screen 16 within the groove 38, which is retained by the compression clip 20 under applied force on the screen 16. The spline 18 holds the screen 16 within the groove 38 thereby facilitating easy installation of the compression clip 20.

7 The spline 18 is formed from rubber, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), DAPA Foam Core or other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the first side wall 22 of the frame member 12 is formed to provide a surface 40 to resist the movement of the spline 18 and the screen 16 in the 5 groove 38 during use. For example, the inner surface 40 of the first side wall 22 defines a plurality of fingers, ribs or ridges extending into the groove. This plurality of fingers, ribs or ridges engage with the screen 16 which is held in place by the spline 18. The surface 40 provides for increased friction and retention means against the screen 16 and spline 18 when a force is applied to the screen 16. 10 The compression clip 20 is to be positioned between the walls 22 and 24 of the frame member 12, as shown in Figure 2B, and is to cover the channel 26, as shown in Figure 2C. With reference to Figure 2B, the compression clip 20 is positioned first to engage the region 28 of the first side wall 22 over which the screen 16 is folded, and then the region 30 of the second side wall 24. In one embodiment, the compression clip 20 has on one side a 15 compression member 42 and a rim 44 which results in this side of the clip 20 having a u-shaped cross-section. The compression member 42 is received by the recess 32, while the rim 44 extends over the first side wall 22. In this configuration, a portion of the screen 16 is compressed by the compression member 42 against a portion of the clip engagement region 32 of the first side wall 22 (also shown in Figure 2C). 20 As shown in Figure 2C, a compression zone 46 is formed when the compression clip 20 is assembled in the frame member 12. In particular, the compression zone 46 is formed when a portion of the screen 16 is compressed by the compression member 42 against the clip engagement region 32 on the first side wall 22. The compression of screen 16 against the first side wall 22 assists in retaining the screen 16 within the frame member 12 when a force is 25 applied to the screen 16, such as a force generated by an object (e.g. a child) falling or leaning against the screen. Additionally, as the compression zone 46 runs along the length of the frame member 12, the force is distributed across the length of the screen 16 and reduces the possibility of the screen tearing. The design of the screen retention system 10 is such that it is capable of withstanding a force applied to either side/surface of the screen 16 (as generally depicted by 30 arrows F1 and F2).

8 The screen retention system 10 can be used with a variety of different screens, such as flyscreens, shade cloth, or other flexible screens. Where the screen and screen retention system are intended to withstand a particular force (for example in order to satisfy building or other requirements), the screen itself will need to be of sufficient strength to prevent tearing at forces 5 below the specified force. Such screens may be made from vinyl coated polyester or stainless steel, bronze, aluminium mesh or fibre glass. By way of non-limiting example, screens such as marketed under the names "Pet Mesh" or "Tuff Mesh" may be appropriate. It follows that the combination of the compression clip 20 with clip engagement regions and the spline 18 provides a system to retain the screen 16 within the frame member 12 when a 10 force is applied to the screen 16. By way of example, the forthcoming National Construction Code "NCC" and Building Code of Australia "BCA" will contain requirements for window barriers for openable windows in early childhood centres and bedrooms in residential buildings i.e. houses, apartments, hotels and the like, where the floor beneath the window is more than 2m above the surface beneath. 15 Requirements are outlined in the 2013 BCA Vol 1: D2.24 Protection of Openable Windows. One of these requirements is that a screen must resist an outward horizontal action of 250N against the screen protecting the opening. Features of the screen retention system described herein (when using fixings and a screen materials of sufficient strength) can be implemented to satisfy these requirements. 20 Additionally, as the screen retention system of the present invention includes separate parts which fit securely together but are not permanently secured together, e.g. with glue, easy replacement of the screen, splines or clips is enabled. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident 25 from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A screen retention system including: an elongate frame member having a first side wall and a second side wall between which is defined a channel, a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining 5 with the first side wall a spline receiving groove, wherein the first side wall terminates in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall is formed a second clip engagement region; and a screen compression clip adapted to engage the first and second clip engagement regions of the frame member and configured to compress, in use, a screen into a portion of the first clip 0 engagement region which extends into the channel thereby to form a compression zone, wherein the frame member is formed from an aluminium material.

2. The screen retention system according to claim 1 wherein the first side wall defines an inner friction surface to resist, in use, movement of the spline and the screen from the spline receiving groove when a force is applied to the screen. 5

3. A screen retention system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first and second clip engagement regions form first and second recesses, the first and second recesses being adapted to receive opposite sides of the screen compression clip, and wherein the side of the screen compression clip engaging with the first clip engagement region has a u-shaped cross section defined by a compression member to be received by the first recess and a rim that 20 extends over the first side wall, the compression member compressing the screen against the first clip engagement region to form the compression zone.

4. The screen retention system according to any one of the preceding claims further including a spline in use located within the spline receiving groove in order to hold the screen in place during installation. 25

5. An elongate frame member for a screen retention system, the elongate frame member including: a first and second side wall between which is defined a channel, the first side wall terminating in a first clip engagement region and in the second side wall being formed a second 10 clip engagement region, the first and second clip engagement regions adapted to receive a screen compression clip; and a longitudinal intermediate wall extending through the channel and defining with the first side wall a spline receiving groove adapted to receive a spline and one end of a screen, 5 wherein the frame member is formed from an aluminium material.