AU2016102133A4 - Lightweight door - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a recreational vehicle door comprising a door panel extending substantially the height of the door, wherein the door panel is formed of acrylic. C)~ Coo 0CY)

Description

- 1 - 2016102133 19 Dec 2016 LIGHTWEIGHT DOOR Field [0001 ] The invention relates to a recreational vehicle door.

Background [0002] Recreational vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. This includes self-driven vehicles, such as motorhomes, as well as towed trailers (for example caravans and camper vans). At the same time, recreational vehicles are also being equipped with more features, so that people can travel with more of the comforts of traditional homes. However, the mobile nature of a recreational vehicle poses some challenges.

[0003] In particular, weight is an important consideration for any recreational vehicle. The heavier the vehicle, the more difficult and less economical it is to move. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the weight of the recreational vehicle down, despite the addition of more amenities and other equipment to the recreational vehicle.

[0004] Safety and security is also an important consideration. For security purposes, it is desirable to have good visibility of the outside world from inside the recreational vehicle.

[0005] The present invention aims to at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of conventional recreational vehicles, or at least provide a commercial alternative to existing doors for recreational vehicles.

Summary [0006] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a recreational vehicle door comprising a door panel extending substantially the height of the door, wherein the door panel is formed of acrylic.

[0007] The door is preferably formed of dual glazed acrylic panels, providing high visibility to the adjacent area, whilst maintaining thermal resistance to external heat loading.

[0008] Although recreational vehicle doors have previously included acrylic panels, for example in a window towards the top of the door, the acrylic panel/s have not -2.- 2016102133 19 Dec 2016 been the full height of the door. By making the door in acrylic over substantially its full height, the resulting door is light weight (relative to most prior doors) and durable.

[0009] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recreational vehicle having a door according to the above aspect of the invention.

[0010] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recreational vehicle door assembly comprising a door according to the above aspect of the invention, and a security door. The door assembly may also comprise a privacy blind.

[0011 ] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a a recreational vehicle door comprising: providing a frame for the door; and adhering one or more acrylic panels within the frame.

[0012] The frame may be formed of aluminium.

[0013] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below, along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0014] For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purposes of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0015] To provide a clear description of the present invention, terms such as ““up”, “down”, “vertical” and “horizontal”, “height” and “width” have been used to describe the recreational vehicle door. This terminology is used with respect to the -3- 2016102133 19 Dec 2016 orientation of the door when installed on a recreational vehicle. This orientation will be understood not to limit the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0016] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0017] Figure 1 is a front view of a recreational vehicle door according to an embodiment of the invention; and [0018] Figure 2 is a side view of a portion of a recreational vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description [0019] Referring to the figures, there is shown a door 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The door 10 is a full height door (ie approximately 2 metres tall), having a central door panel 12 mounted within a metal frame 14. The frame 14 in this embodiment is formed of aluminium.

[0020] As shown in the figures, the door 10 also has a handle 16 and a grid vent 18, to allow for passive ventilation of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vent 18 may not be included.

[0021 ] Figure 2 shows the door 10 mounted with a mesh security door 20. The security door 20 is lockable using lock 22, to provide a barrier against forced entry while the acrylic door 10 is open.

[0022] The door panel 12 of the present of the present invention is formed of acrylic. In this embodiment, two sheets or layers of acrylic are used - ie the door 10 is double glazed acrylic. In different embodiments, only a single layer of acrylic may be used, although double glazing will produce a door with better heat insulation properties.

[0023] The resulting acrylic door is lightweight and durable. Acrylic is also relatively stain resistant, has good heat insulation qualities, is non-porous and resists -4- 2016102133 19 Dec 2016 mould build up, and is easy to clean. In addition, the use of transparent acrylic provides a greater area of visibility through the door 10 than through other doors on the market.

[0024] The door panel 12 can be screen printed in many different designs. In the embodiment shown in the figures, upper and lower portions 19 of the door panel and screen printed in opaque black. However, other designs are possible, and the screen printing can be customised for different vehicles or different users (e.g. to include branding). Opaque backing members may also be added to produce a desired effect.

[0025] The exact size and shape of the door 10 can also be varied to fit different vehicles. For example, the door 10 may be made taller or shorter, or the corners of the door 10 may be curved (as shown at the top of the door 10 in Figure 1) or square (as shown at the bottom of the door 10 in Figure 1). Different variations of curved/radiused and square corners may be provided.

[0026] The acrylic layers of door panel 12 may be formed in various known ways, such as by extrusion, by continuous casting or by cell casting. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are first formed and allowed to cool, then assembled in the frame. An adhesive may be used to secure one or both acrylic panels within the frame. Preferably, the doors are assembled in a clean and temperature-controlled facilityadvantage, to avoid dust or other contaminants being caught between the acrylic panels. In general, contamination between the layers of acrylic should be avoided, and variables such as time and temperature should be optimised to maximise adhesion of the acrylic to the aluminium frame 14, and cater for expansion/contraction of the acrylic through temperature changes.

[0027] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0028] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior 2016102133 19 Dec 2016 -5- publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A recreational vehicle door comprising a door panel extending substantially the height of the door, wherein the door panel is formed substantially of acrylic.
2. 2. A recreational vehicle door according to claim 1, wherein the door panel is comprises two layers of acrylic.
3. 3. A recreational vehicle door according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the door panel further comprises a vent to allow ventilation through the door.
4. 4. A recreation vehicle door according to any preceding claim, wherein the door further comprises a metal door frame.
5. 5. A recreational vehicle comprising a door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4.