AU2013101541A4 - Security screen assembly tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a hand tool for use in the installation of a retaining strip (50a, 50b) to secure a screen (70) into an insertion channel of a frame, the hand tool comprising: a tool body (20); a guide (32,33) attached beneath the tool body (20), adapted to engage and be pushed along an outer edge (60) of the frame; and a forcing wheel (31) also attached beneath the tool body (20), and spaced with respect to the guide (32,33) such that when the guide (32,33) is engaged with and pushed along the outer edge (60) of the frame, the forcing wheel (31) rolls along an outer edge of the retaining strip (50a, 50b) thereby to force the retaining strip into place in the insertion channel. 50b -32 50a Fig3 61

Description

1 SECURITY SCREEN ASSEMBLY TOOL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to the installation of screens into frames, in particular but not limited to the installation of security screens into frames in the construction of a security door or security window. BACKGROUND [0002] There are many manufacturers of security doors and windows who construct robust screens to deter burglary. There are many different designs of screens, frames and the retaining structures to ensure that once installed, the screen is not easily removed from its frame. Typically, the screen is inserted into the channel in the frame and a retaining strip made from plastic or rubber is forced into the channel from the secured side to prevent the security screen from being separated from the channel by force from outside. Examples of systems comprising retaining strips include Australian patent applications 2011218770 and 2006202825. Most installers simply hammer the retaining strip into place in the channel with a mallet or similar tool, moving gradually along the channel. This process is rather slow and can result in uneven results and cosmetic damage. [0003] There is therefore a need to provide an improved means for forcing the retaining strip into place. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 2 [0004] According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a hand tool for use in the installation of a retaining strip to secure a screen into an insertion channel of a frame, the hand tool comprising: a tool body; a guide attached beneath the tool body, adapted to engage and be pushed along an outer edge of the frame; and a forcing wheel also attached beneath the tool body, and spaced with respect to the guide such that when the guide is engaged with and pushed along the outer edge of the frame, the forcing wheel rolls along an outer edge of the retaining strip thereby to force the retaining strip into place in the insertion channel. [0005] In one embodiment, the guide comprises two spaced apart guide wheels adapted to roll along the outer edge of the frame. [0006] In one embodiment, the hand tool further comprises a handle attached on an upper side of the tool body for pushing the guide along the outer edge of the frame. [0007] In one embodiment, the spacing of the forcing wheel with respect to the guide is adjustable to accommodate different frame sizes. [0008] In one embodiment, there is at least one additional interchangeable forcing wheel of a different diameter to provide adaptability to a different frame size.

3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0009] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a hand tool in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0010] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1. [0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hand tool of Figure 1 in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0012] An embodiment of the current invention will now be described. [0013] Referring first to Figure 1, an embodiment is shown from an upper perspective view. The tool comprises a tool body 20 in the form of a generally triangular metal plate to which is fastened on an upper side a handle 10. Guide wheels 32 and 33 having a diameter of about 40 mm and constructed from plastic are attached beneath tool body 20 and spaced apart along one side of the tool body. Forcing wheel 31 also constructed from plastic and having a diameter of about 40 mm is also attached beneath tool body 20 on an opposite side of the tool body from guide wheels 32 and 33. Referring now to Figure 2, where the tool of Figure 1 is seen from below, it can be seen that countersunk tap screws 40 secure handle 10 to tool body 20. [0014] Referring now to Figure 3, where the hand tool of Figure 1 can be seen in use, a frame with outer edges 60, 61 can be seen with screen 70 inserted into channels disposed in inner edges thereof (channels not visible). A plastic retaining strip 4 50a, 50b is shown in the process of being forced to the channel along one frame piece. As the tool is pushed along the frame in the direction D, guide wheels 32 and 33 roll along the outer edge 60 of the frame. Forcing wheel 31 is spaced by its position of attachment on the tool body 20 with respect to guide wheels 32 and 33 so that it rolls along and forces the retaining strip into position in the channel by contact with an outer edge of the retaining strip. [0015] The embodiment shown is designed to be used with a particular frame of defined width. In other embodiments, forcing wheel 31 can have an adjustable position so as to be adaptable for use with frames of different widths. Alternatively, forcing wheel 31 can be replaced by a forcing wheel of different diameter to effectively provide adaptability to different frame sizes. [0016] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. [0017] For example, while the guide in the embodiment shown comprises two guide wheels 32 and 33, alternative guides are within the scope of the invention such as more to wheels, or a low friction flat nylon slider without wheels. [0018] Further, while the tool body in the embodiment shown is in the form of a flat plate, any shape of tool body which enables the attachment of the guide and the forcing wheel in relative position to accomplish the aim of the invention is envisaged. Further still, while the embodiment shown comprises a handle 10 screwed to tool body 20, handle 10 can be riveted, integral with tool body 20 or even absent, although the 5 provision of a handle is of course preferable for easy manipulation. [0019] Further also, forcing wheel 31 may be constructed from plastic, rubber, metal or any suitable sufficiently hard material, and the retaining strip may be any resilient strip which is required to be forced into position in a channel, not necessarily as the last step in the installation process and in some designs the retaining strip may be already attached to the screen edge before forcing into the channel. [0020] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Further, any method steps recited in the claims are not necessarily intended to be performed temporally in the sequence written, or to be performed without pause once started, unless the context requires it. [0021] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims (5)

1. A hand tool for use in the installation of a retaining strip to secure a screen into an insertion channel of a frame, the hand tool comprising: a tool body; a guide attached beneath the tool body, adapted to engage and be pushed along an outer edge of the frame; and a forcing wheel also attached beneath the tool body, and spaced with respect to the guide such that when the guide is engaged with and pushed along the outer edge of the frame, the forcing wheel rolls along an outer edge of the retaining strip thereby to force the retaining strip into place in the insertion channel.

2. The hand tool of claim 1 wherein the guide comprises two spaced apart guide wheels adapted to roll along the outer edge of the frame.

3. The hand tool of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a handle attached on an upper side of the tool body for pushing the guide along the outer edge of the frame.

4. The hand tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacing of the forcing wheel with respect to the guide is adjustable to accommodate different frame sizes.

5. The hand tool of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one additional interchangeable forcing wheel of a different diameter to provide adaptability to a different frame size.