AU2016262747B2

AU2016262747B2 - Magnetic Insect Screen Assembly for Recreational and Commercial Vehicles

Info

Publication number: AU2016262747B2
Application number: AU2016262747A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Douglas William Kewley
Original assignee: Kewley Denise
Current assignee: Kewley Denise
Priority date: 2016-11-24
Filing date: 2016-11-24
Publication date: 2021-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-24
Also published as: AU2021105303A4; AU2016262747A1

Abstract

A magnetic insect screen assembly for an opening, the insect screen assembly including a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to the opening, the perimeter framework defining a screen opening, at least one mesh panel provided relative to the perimeter framework for movement between the closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the screen opening and an at least partially open condition in which the at least one mesh panel is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the at least one mesh panel relative to the perimeter framework along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening. 10 26 113 / A 24 //24 211 N~~~~~ .~.KK .CKK'<&I. . .. I .. ...... "...NN\4 ....... .r.. maN~.n,~~NN .NN00 ............................................ NK~. ........ 25 .... .. CC >.~ .~ . NN................ N>'CC>.»MISS»~ ..... .... ....\ 2 . . . . . .. . . . .N N~ ..N ....N.N. ..N...NN.. 2OAAll a l .............. 19 2 B .. .......Figure1.

Description

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I MAGNETIC INSECT SCREEN ASSEMBLY FOR RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic insect screen assembly, particularly though not exclusively for recreational and commercial vehicles.

BACKGROUNDART

[0002] A previous invention (Australian Innovation Patent 2006100566) is a flexible magnetic insect screen comprised of one insect mesh panel or multiple overlapping mesh panels that employ a full length, two part flexible magnetic fastener with each part bonded onto the mesh to provide a full length magnetic seal between the overlapping mesh panels and a full length two part flexible magnetic fastener is also utilized for the vertical perimeter and base seals.

[0003] The previous invention was well received by people with physical impairments such as hip, knee and back injuries because the insect screen removes the necessity to bend down to unzip an opening. However the previous invention was deficient and limited in many ways including as follows:

• The exit point is a one way opening due to the overlapping mesh panels which means that the exit panel is pushed outwards to exit the vehicle but must be pulled backwards and outwards to enter the vehicle. • The exit panel itself can be rolled up out of the way to provide an unobstructed opening if required, but it must be rolled up on the outside of the screen because the overlap prevents rolling up from the inside. As the rolled up exit panel presents an obstruction when closing the door, the exit panel must be rolled down to close the vehicle door. • The flexible magnet strip used has a maximum temperature operating range of 65 degrees Celsius. The latest vehicles used for motorhome conversion are so tall that they cannot be garaged in a domestic garage or carport and so are left out in the open and locked up for weeks at a time. In hot weather, the interior temperature of the vehicle can exceed 65 degrees Celsius and as a result, thermal cycling will eventually damage the flexible magnet resulting in degradation and cracking of the flexible magnet leading to delamination of the mesh. • Due to the method of attaching the flexible magnet to the insect mesh, the insect screen cannot be easily repaired.

[0004] 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 INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a magnetic insect screen for recreational and commercial vehicles, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a magnetic insect screen assembly for a vehicle, the insect screen assembly including a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to an opening in a vehicle, the perimeter framework defining a screen opening, at least one mesh panel provided relative to the perimeter framework for movement between the closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the screen opening and an at least partially open condition in which the at least one mesh panel is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the at least one mesh panel relative to the perimeter framework along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening in the vehicle.

[0007] In another form, the present invention resides in a magnetic insect screen assembly for an opening, the insect screen assembly including a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to the opening, the perimeter framework defining a screen opening, at least one mesh panel provided relative to the perimeter framework for movement between the closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the screen opening and an at least partially open condition in which the at least one mesh panel is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the at least one mesh panel relative to the perimeter framework along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening.

[0008] In still another form, the invention resides in a magnetic insect screen assembly for a vehicle, the insect screen assembly including a mounting portion adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to an opening in a vehicle, at least one mesh panel provided relative to the mounting portion for movement between the closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the opening and an at least partially open condition, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the opening at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the at least one mesh panel relative to the opening along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening in the vehicle.

[0009] Normally, at least one magnetic closure element will be provided relative to at least the lateral edges of the mesh panel and/or a lower edge of the mesh panel to allow the mesh panel to attach directly to a surround of the opening when in the closed condition.

[0010] The insect screen assembly of the present invention is preferably for use with an opening where a user wishes to screen the opening to prevent insects from entry but to allow both and movement through the opening as well as ease of access.

[0011] Normally, the mesh panel will be manufactured from or include insect resistant mesh or similar. The insect screen assembly of the present invention will normally be located relative to an opening such as a vehicle opening or an opening in a structure, for example a door or window. The insect screen assembly will typically be mounted relative to the surround of the opening and preferably, will be attached relative to the surround of the opening such that insects cannot circumvent the edges of the assembly.

[0012] The insect screen assembly of the present invention will preferably have a magnetic closure action or at least partially magnetic closure action. The at least one mesh panel which is movable between the closed and open conditions will normally be closable relative to other portions of the insect screen assembly and once closed, will normally be held in the closed condition at least partially by a magnetic closure action, preventing accidental but not determined opening.

[0013] The insect screen assembly of the present invention will normally be generally rectangular, but the assembly may have other shapes and in some circumstances, it may have a bespoke shape formed to provide the assembly relative to a particular opening shape.

[0014] The insect screen assembly of the present invention includes a perimeter framework adapted to mount the screen assembly relative to a structure opening, with the perimeter framework defining a screen opening therein. The screen opening may be a large part, virtually the entirety of the area of the screen assembly or alternatively, one or more panels may be

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provided within the perimeter framework, any one or more of which is movable to open and close the screen opening.

[0015] Normally, the perimeter framework is formed from a number of members that are attached to or relative to one another in order to surround the opening to be covered by the screen. The perimeter framework members can be rigid or flexible. The perimeter framework members can be mounted to or relative to one another in any way. It is preferred that at least some of the members of the perimeter framework are flexible in order to adapt to surrounds having different configurations and shapes.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that at least a portion of the perimeter framework is a magnetic perimeter framework formed from a number of magnetic arrangements, preferably one along either side of the perimeter framework and one along the bottom of the perimeter framework.

[0017] The screen assembly of the present invention is preferably configured as at least one movable panel located relative to the perimeter framework. A variety of different configurations can be achieved within the scope of the present invention including one movable panel having an at least partially magnetic edge portion, one movable panel substantially filling the perimeter frame, a pair of fixed side panels with a central movable panel, one fixed side panel with one movable side panel, more than one movable panel, and the assembly may include one or more fixed upper panels. It is preferred that the screen assembly be substantially rectangular although any shape could be used.

[0018] Any junction provided between any movable panel and any other portion of the screen assembly including the perimeter framework and/or any one or more fixed panels will preferably have a closure arrangement provided, preferably substantially along the length of the junction. The exception to this will preferably be the upper portion of the perimeter framework and the mounting of the movable panel at an upper end, as the upper end of the movable panel(s) is/are preferably permanently attached relative to the perimeter framework and/or any fixed upper panel.

[0019] Each of the junctions will typically be linear as this will normally allow a better closure to be formed which is more reliable and provide better closure functionality.

[0020] Any one or more of the panels of the screen assembly of the present invention can be mesh panels and typically, all of the panels will be mesh panels. Each of the panels and/or the assembly itself may have one or more perimeter members which may or may not be or include magnetic members or arrangements.

[0021] Whilst the upper edge of the perimeter framework may be provided with a magnetic arrangement, as the top of the perimeter framework will bear the weight of the assembly, it is preferred that the upper edge of the perimeter framework be attached to the surround using an arrangement other than a magnetic arrangement (possibly in addition to a magnetic arrangement). It is also important that the upper edge of the perimeter framework be attached removably relative to the surround but still securely enough to bear the weight of the apparatus.

[0022] A variety of methods of mounting an upper edge of the perimeter framework relative to a surface can be used including, but not limited to one or more clips, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro or snap fasteners for example.

[0023] A particularly preferred method of mounting an upper edge of the perimeter framework relative to a surface is the provision of an enlarged spline or zipper or other member or configuration associated with an upper edge of the screen assembly such that it can be inserted removably into a track or keeper or similar allowing the screen assembly to be slid laterally into place but to substantially prevent any perpendicular movement. A configuration such as this will preferably provide a secure, but removable mounting mechanism for mounting the perimeter framework relative to the opening to be covered.

[0024] Preferably, the bottom of the perimeter frame is formed from one or more members and depends upon the configuration of the panels provided in the screen assembly. Any fixed panels provided will normally be fixed relative to a lower portion of the surround of the opening to be covered and again, any type of fixture mechanism may be used. In the particularly preferred embodiment, where one or more fixed side panels are provided, it is preferred that the lower end of any fixed side panel is securely fixed to the surround of the opening, generally utilising one or more fasteners such as one or more clips, snap fasteners or a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro. This will assist with maintaining the fixed side panel securely relative to the surround of the opening even when the movable panel is opened and closed.

[0025] Any movable panel is preferably provided with a magnetic arrangement at or towards the bottom of the movable panel. This will allow the movable panel to be separated from the surround in order to allow the movable panel to be opened and closed but when closed, the magnetic arrangement will preferably hold the movable panel in the closed condition against accidental, but not determined removal.

[0026] The sides of the perimeter framework will normally be formed of one or more perimeter framework members which may be generally similar to the upper end/or lower perimeter members. The side perimeter members may be or include a magnetic arrangement and/or other attachment mechanisms such as the spline or zipper described above with reference to the upper perimeter framework and/or one or more clips, snap fasteners or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro.

[0027] It is preferred that the perimeter framework members of the sides of the perimeter framework are provided with a magnetic arrangement. It is also preferred that the perimeter framework members are provided with additional tabs for clips or snap fasteners or similar or to allow a harness to be used.

[0028] Preferably, the sides of the perimeter framework are shaped according to the shape of the surround of the opening. It is preferred that the sides of the perimeter framework and/or the upper perimeter framework and/or lower perimeter framework are flexible.

[0029] Any movable panel is preferably suspended directly from an upper perimeter frame. As mentioned above, there may be a fixed upper panel provided, but in the preferred embodiment, the movable panel is suspended directly. Although the movable panel can be provided opening laterally or downwardly, that is mounted relative to either of the side perimeter framework portions or relative to the bottom perimeter framework portion, it is preferred that the movable panels are mounted relative to the upper perimeter framework portions as this will typically allow the greatest flexibility for a user in moving the movable panel.

[0030] Preferably, the junction between any movable panel and the side panels and/or side perimeter framework portions at an upper end will preferably be reinforced. In particular, one or more reinforcing panels or structures will typically be provided. Preferably, a junction is provided on both sides of the movable panel and a reinforcing panel will typically be provided on both lateral sides of the panel. Further, a reinforcing panel will normally be provided on both the inside and the outside of the screen assembly. According to a most preferred embodiment, the reinforcing panels provided on the inside and the outside will preferably sandwich a portion of the mesh preferably as well as an upper portion of the junction between the reinforcing panels provided on the inside and the outside and is attached, preferably permanently in position, normally by bonding and/or stitching or similar.

[0031] Any movable panel and/or any fixed panel or perimeter portion will preferably be provided with corresponding portions of a closure arrangement in order to hold the movable panel closed relative to the fixed panel or perimeter portion against accidental but not determined force. Each closure arrangement will preferably at least partially include a magnetic arrangement. It is to be noted that while preferred, the magnetic arrangement may not extend over the full length of the movable panel and/or any fixed panel or perimeter portion. For example, an alternative closure arrangement such as an elongate zipper for example may be provided over part of the height of the junction and a magnetic closure arrangement provided over the remainder towards the bottom. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a zipper may be preferable at an upper portion and a magnetic closure arrangement provided over a lower portion of the junction between adjacent panels.

[0032] Each magnetic arrangement preferably includes at least one magnetic element located within a casing formed from a loop of edge material provided adjacent to and preferably along the length of an edge of one or more of the panels and particularly, the movable panel. The casing may include a portion of the mesh of the panel. Preferably, the casing will be a closed casing. Preferably the casing will extend over the full length of the edge but as mentioned above, may not.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge material will preferably reinforce the edge of the mesh as well as enclose at least one magnetic element. Typically, the edge material is provided as a planar portion which is attached to one side of the mesh, looped around the edge of the mesh with the at least one magnetic element relative to the edge of the mesh and then attached to the other side of the mesh and/or to the edge material on the other side of the mesh, preferably through the panel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge material will be stitched together through the panel forming the casing or loop and containing the at least one magnetic element.

[0034] The at least one magnetic element provided may be of any type. Preferably, more than one magnetic element is provided adjacent to an edge. It is possible that an elongate magnetic strip of material can be used and located within the casing or loop of edge material. Alternatively, more than one spaced apart magnetic strip or block may be used located within a casing of edge material and spaced over an edge of a panel. Still further, a plurality of magnetic spheres may be provided, substantially continuously extending over an edge of the panel within a casing of edge material. The plurality of magnetic spheres will typically provide the best close arrangement as it will preferably hold the edge of the panel relative to a ferrous surface or strip over the height of the panel or at least the height of the provision of the magnetic spheres.

[0035] The magnetic elements provided at or along an edge of the panel may form a closure arrangement which is overlapping or a substantially coplanar abutment arrangement may be formed.

[0036] There may be circumstances where a portion of the surround of the opening to be covered by the insect screen assembly of the present invention may be nonferrous or not sufficiently ferrous to allow magnetic closure arrangements to be used. In these circumstances, the present invention will preferably provide an attachment for a ferrous member in order to allow magnetic closure arrangements to be used.

[0037] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0038] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0040] Figure 1 is a magnetic insect screen for a vehicle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is a magnetic insect screen for a vehicle according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the magnetic insect screen illustrated in Figure 1 in a partially open configuration.

[0043] Figure 4 shows the magnetic insect screen illustrated in Figure 1 in a fully open configuration.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration, partially cut away of the magnetic perimeter attachments according to a preferred embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6A is a sectional drawing of the configuration illustrated in Figure 5 showing one possible closure configuration.

[0046] Figure 6B is a sectional drawing of the configuration illustrated in Figure 5 showing a second possible closure configuration.

[0047] Figure 7 is a cutaway drawing of the magnetic perimeter attachments according to an alternative configuration.

[0048] Figure 7A is a sectional drawing of the configuration illustrated in Figure 7 showing a possible closure configuration.

[0049] Figure 8 is a sectional drawing of one portion of the magnetic perimeter attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 is a sectional drawing of one portion of the magnetic perimeter attachment according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of an assembly allowing attachment of the primary vertical perimeter frame to a nonferrous surface according to a preferred embodiment.

[0052] Figure 11 is an isometric view of an alternative form of magnetic perimeter attachment according to a further preferred embodiment.

[0053] Figure 12 is an isometric view of an alternative form of magnetic perimeter attachment according to still a further preferred embodiment.

[0054] Figure 13 is an isometric view of an upper support for an insect screen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 14 is an isometric view of an upper support for insect screen according to a second preferred embodiment.

[0056] Figure 15 is an isometric view of an upper support for an insect screen according to a third preferred embodiment.

[0057] Figure 16 is a detailed view of the portion of Figure 1 identified as "A".

[0058] Figure 17 is a detailed view of the portion of Figure 1 identified as "B".

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0059] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic insect screen for recreational and commercial vehicles is provided.

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[0060] The magnetic insect screen assembly 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures is specifically adapted for use with a vehicle with one or more vehicle openings such as a window or door. The insect screen assemblies illustrated include a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly 10 relative to an opening in a vehicle, the perimeter framework defining a screen opening 11 with a movable mesh panel 12 provided relative to the perimeter framework for movement between the closed condition in which the movable mesh panel 12 substantially closes the screen opening as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and an at least partially open condition in which the movable mesh panel 12 is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework as illustrated in Figure 3 (partially open) and Figure 4 (fully open). In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, tie back tapes 26 are provided to allow the moveable panel 12 to be rolled up and held in the open condition.

[0061] The movable mesh panel 12 is mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure arrangement 2 to close the movable mesh panel 12 relative to the perimeter framework along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening in the vehicle.

[0062] Normally, the mesh panels of the assembly will be manufactured from insect resistant mesh, insect proof mesh or similar. The insect screen assembly 10 of the present invention will normally be located relative to an opening such as a vehicle opening or an opening in a structure, for example a door or window. The insect screen assembly 10 will typically be mounted relative to the surround of the opening and preferably, will be attached relative to the surround of the opening such that insects cannot circumvent the edges of the assembly 10.

[0063] The insect screen assembly of the present invention will preferably have a magnetic closure action or an at least partially magnetic closure action. The movable mesh panel 12 will normally be closable relative to other portions of the insect screen assembly 10 and once closed, will normally be held in the closed condition at least partially by a magnetic closure action preventing accidental but not determined opening.

[0064] The insect screen assembly of the present invention will normally be generally rectangular as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, but the assembly may have other shapes and in some circumstances, it may have a bespoke shape formed to provide the assembly relative to a particular opening shape.

[0065] The insect screen assembly of the present invention includes a perimeter framework adapted to mount the screen assembly relative to an opening with the perimeter framework defining a screen opening 11 therein. The screen opening 11 may be a large part, virtually the entirety of the area of the screen assembly or alternatively, one or more panels may be provided within the perimeter framework any one or more of which is movable to open and close the screen opening.

[0066] Normally, the perimeter framework is formed from a number of members that are attached to or relative to one another in order to surround the opening to be covered by the screen. The perimeter framework members can be rigid or flexible. The perimeter framework members can be mounted to or relative to one another in any way. It is preferred that at least some of the members of the perimeter framework are flexible in order to adapt to surrounds having different configurations and shapes.

[0067] It is particularly preferred that at least a portion of the perimeter framework is a magnetic perimeter framework formed from a number of magnetic arrangements, preferably one along either side of the perimeter framework and one along the bottom of the present framework.

[0068] The screen assembly of the preferred embodiment has three panels 19 configured as a pair of fixed side panels 18 with a single central movable panel 12 located relative to the perimeter framework.

[0069] Each of the junctions 14 provided between any movable panel and any other portion of the screen assembly including the perimeter framework and/or any one or more fixed panels will typically be linear as this will normally allow a better closure to be formed which is more reliable and functionality.

[0070] Any one or more of the panels of the screen assembly of the present invention can be mesh panels and typically, all of the panels will be mesh panels as illustrated.

[0071] Whilst the upper edge 13 of the perimeter framework may be provided with a magnetic arrangement, the top of the perimeter framework will normally bear the weight of the assembly 10 and therefore, it is preferred that the upper edge of the perimeter framework be attached to the surround using an arrangement other than a magnetic arrangement. It is also important that the upper edge of the perimeter framework be attached removable relative to the surround but still securely enough to bear the weight of the assembly 10.

[0072] A particularly preferred method of mounting an upper edge 13 of the perimeter framework relative to a surface is the provision of an enlarged spline 15, one form of which is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 associated with an upper edge of the mesh 16 such that it can be

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inserted removably into a track or keeper 17 allowing the screen assembly to be slid laterally into place but to substantially prevent any perpendicular movement. A configuration such as this will preferably provide a secure, but removable mounting mechanism for mounting the upper framework relative to the opening to be covered.

[0073] Preferably, the base 20 of the perimeter frame is formed from one or more members depending upon the configuration of the panels provided in the screen assembly. As illustrated, the fixed side panels 18 are relative to a lower portion of the surround of the opening to be covered are securely fixed to the surround of the opening, through a combination of magnetic arrangement 2 and also utilising one or more fasteners such as one or more clips or snap fasteners 21or a hook 22 and loop 23 fastener such as Velcro as illustrated in Figure 14. This will assist with maintaining the fixed side panel 18 securely relative to the surround of the opening even when the movable panel 12 is opened and closed.

[0074] The central movable panel 12 is provided with a magnetic arrangement 2 at or towards the bottom of the movable panel 12. This will allow the movable panel 12 to be separated from the surround in order to allow the movable panel 12 to be opened and closed but when closed, the magnetic arrangement 2 will preferably hold the movable panel 12 in the closed condition against accidental, but not determined removal, preferably in association with the at least partially magnetic junctions 14 with the fixed side panels 18.

[0075] The side edges 24 of the perimeter framework will normally be formed of one or more perimeter framework members which may be generally similar to the upper end/or lower perimeter members. The side perimeter members will include a magnetic arrangement and/or other attachment mechanism is such as the spline or zipper described above with reference to the upper perimeter framework and/or one or more clips, snap fasteners or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro.

[0076] It is also preferred that the side perimeter framework members are provided with additional harness tabs 25 for clips or snap fasteners or similar or to allow a harness to be used.

[0077] As illustrated, the sides of the perimeter framework are shaped according to the shape of the surround of the opening. It is preferred that the sides of the perimeter framework and/or the upper perimeter framework and/or lower perimeter framework are flexible.

[0078] The movable panel 12 of the preferred embodiment is suspended directly from the upper perimeter frame 13. The junction between the movable panel 12 and the side panels18 at an upper end of the assembly 10, reinforced as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, a

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reinforcing panel 8 is provided on both sides of the movable panel 12. Further, a reinforcing panel 8 is provided on both the inside and the outside of the screen assembly 10. According to a most preferred embodiment, the reinforcing panels 8 provided on the inside and the outside will preferably sandwich a portion of the mesh 16 as well as an upper portion of the junction, between the reinforcing panels 8 provided on the inside and the outside and are attached, preferably permanently in position, normally by bonding and/or stitching or similar.

[0079] The movable panel 12 and fixed panels 18 are provided with corresponding portions of a closure arrangement at the junctions 14 in order to hold the movable panel 12 closed relative to the fixed panels 18 against accidental but not determined force. Each closure arrangement will preferably at least partially include a magnetic arrangement. It is to be noted that while preferred, the magnetic arrangement 2 may not extend over the full length of the junction 14 between the movable panel 12 and/ the fixed panel 18. For example as illustrated in Figure 2, an alternative closure arrangement such as an elongate zipper 1 may be provided over part of the height of the junction 14, normally an upper portion and a magnetic closure arrangement 2 is provided over the remainder towards the bottom.

[0080] Each magnetic arrangement 2 includes at least one magnetic element located within a casing 27 of edge material provided adjacent to and preferably along the length of adjacent edges of adjacent panels. The casing 27 of edge material may include a portion of the mesh of the panel. Preferably, the casing will be a closed casing. Preferably the casing will extend over the full length of the edge but as mentioned above, may not.

[0081] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge material 28 will reinforce the edge of the mesh as well as enclose at least one magnetic element. Typically, the edge material 28 is provided as a planar portion which is looped around the edge of the mesh 16 with the at least one magnetic element relative to the edge of the mesh 16 and then attached to the other side of the mesh 16 and/or to the edge material 28 on the other side of the mesh 16, preferably through the panel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge material 28 will be stitched together through the panel forming the casing 27 and containing the at least one magnetic element.

[0082] The at least one magnetic element provided may be of any type. Preferably, more than one magnetic element is provided adjacent to an edge. Various embodiments are illustrated in Figures 5 to 9. An elongate magnetic strip 29 of material can be used and located within the casing or loop of edge material as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0083] Alternatively, more than one spaced apart magnetic strips or blocks 30 may be used

I

located within a casing 27 of edge material 28 and spaced over an edge of a panel as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9.

[0084] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of magnetic spheres 31 may be provided, substantially continuously extending over an edge of the panel within a casing 27 of edge material 28. The plurality of magnetic spheres 31 will typically provide the best closure arrangement as it will preferably hold the edge of the panel relative to a surface or strip over the height of the panel or at least the height of the provision of the magnetic spheres 31.

[0085] The magnetic elements provided at or along an edge of the panel may form a closure arrangement which is overlapping (as illustrated in Figures 6B or 7A) or a substantially coplanar abutment arrangement may be formed (as illustrated in Figure 6A).

[0086] There may be circumstances where a portion of the surround of the opening to be covered by the insect screen assembly of the present invention may be nonferrous or not sufficiently ferrous to allow magnetic closure arrangement is to be used. In these circumstances, the present invention will preferably provide an attachment for a ferrous member in order to allow magnetic closure arrangement is to be used.

[0087] Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of an assembly that provides a ferrous means of attachment for the primary vertical perimeter frame of the insect screen where a nonferrous surface is only available then an alloy angle 32 is attached for the required length to the vehicle's structural pillar 33 with screws 34 so that the alloy angle 32 is held behind the pinch weld 35 and onto the nonferrous panel 36 and a ferrous flat strap 37 is fixed to the inside or outside face of the right angled return of the alloy angle 32 by rivets 38 for the required length of the flat strap 37 and the pinch weld rubber 39 is positioned to cover the installed rivet attachment hardware.

[0088] Figure 16 shows the reinforcing panels 8 at the top of mating mesh panels. It can be seen that the insect screen is supported in a keeper 17 at the top of the vehicle's opening and the reinforced fabric panel 8 is bonded and sewn to both sides of the mesh panels where the junction of the mating magnetic arrangements 2 terminate at the top of the insect screen.

[0089] Figure 17 shows the detail of the horizontal base perimeter frames 40 of the insect screen. It can be seen that the base of the left side panel 18 of the insect screen is positioned by a snap fastener 21 where the magnetic arrangements 2 meet to provide a magnetic seal and where one form of the primary vertical perimeter seal 2 meets the horizontal base perimeter frame whilst supporting one of the required harness tabs 25.

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[0090] In the present specification and claims (if any), 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.

[0091] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0092] 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 (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A magnetic insect screen assembly configured to be attached to a vehicle, the insect screen assembly including a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to an opening in the vehicle, the perimeter framework defining and surrounding a screen opening, at least one mesh panel provided for movement relative to part of the perimeter framework between the closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the screen opening and an at least partially open condition in which the at least one mesh panel is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework or adjacent mesh panels, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the screen opening along at least one lateral edge of the at least one mesh panel and allow two-way access into and out of the opening in the vehicle, wherein in the closed condition the at least one mesh panel does not overlap adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, allowing the movement to the at least partially open condition in both an inwards and outwards direction without being obstructed by adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, and wherein the at least one magnetic closure element includes an edge casing portion containing a number of magnetic spheres.

2. A magnetic insect screen assembly for an opening, the insect screen assembly including a perimeter framework adapted to mount the magnetic insect screen assembly relative to the opening, the perimeter framework defining and surrounding a screen opening, at least one mesh panel provided for movement relative to the perimeter framework between a closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the screen opening and an at least partially open condition in which the at least one mesh panel is at least partially separated from a portion of the perimeter framework or adjacent mesh panels, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the perimeter framework at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the screen opening relative to the perimeter framework along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening, wherein in the closed condition the at least one mesh panel does not overlap adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, allowing the movement to the at least partially open condition in both an inwards and outwards direction without being obstructed by adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, and wherein the at least one magnetic closure element includes an edge casing portion containing a number of magnetic spheres.

3. A magnetic insect screen assembly configured to be attached to a vehicle, the insect screen

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/ assembly relative to an opening in a vehicle, at least one mesh panel provided for movement relative to the mounting portion between a closed condition in which the at least one mesh panel substantially closes the opening and an at least partially open condition, the at least one mesh panel mounted relative to the opening at an upper portion and provided with at least one magnetic closure element to close the at least one mesh panel relative to the opening along at least one lateral edge thereof and allow two-way access into and out of the opening in the vehicle, wherein in the closed condition the at least one mesh panel does not overlap adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, allowing the movement to the at least partially open condition in both an inwards and outwards direction without being obstructed by adjacent mesh panels or the perimeter framework, and wherein the at least one magnetic closure element includes an edge casing portion containing a number of magnetic spheres.

4. A magnetic insect screen assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one magnetic closure element includes an edge casing portion to contain at least one magnetic member.