AU2017239566A1 - A louvre - Google Patents

Abstract

A louvre comprising having a pair of side frame members releasably connected to diametrically opposed ends of a horizontal frame member. Each side frame member has a channel receiving a pane of glass. I-a Figure 1 770R75Rvl

Description

TITLE A LOUVRE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a louvre. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a louvre mounted within a frame to form a window.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Louvre window assemblies incorporating a number of horizontally oriented louvre panes which co-rotate together about a horizontal axis from an open position to a closed position provide a convenient and cost effective arrangement which can allow precise variation of the amount of air that passes through an aperture such as a window. Typically a louvre pane is formed from glass but can also be formed from metal, wood and the like.

[0004] These louvre panes are typically mounted in a louvre mounting assembly consisting of opposed end clips with each end clip having a receiving region generally in the form of a channel or groove which receives the respective ends of the louvre pane and which are rotatable within the side frame of the window.

[0005] Various mechanisms are known which link a number of louvre panes to cause co-rotation of the respective end clips so that movement of a handle or an actuator results in the louvre panes of the louvre window assembly opening and closing together.

[0006] Typically, in order to prevent the ingress of dust, rain and cold or hot air from passing between adjacent louvres, the louvre blades overlap when closed. This overlapping arrangement means that the outside face of the louvres are not flush and instead define a stepped configuration.

[0007] A long standing problem with louvre mounting assemblies of this type is their performance under inclement weather conditions and in particular their sealability with respect to the ingress of rain into the louvre mounting assembly and then potentially into the interior of the window. This problem is exacerbated by strong storm, hurricane or cyclonic conditions where any rain is also accompanied by strong winds. These conditions often cause water to bead and travel along the louvre pane and migrate into the louvre mounting assembly. This can result in water leaking into the interior of a building or structure where the louvre window assembly is located. In addition, the entry of water into the louvre mounting assembly or end clips can cause corrosion or enhanced wear of the rotating mechanism.

[0008] A further problem lies in that louvre panes are easily removed from the mounting assembly. Furthermore, the louvre panes are easily broken or removed and as a result leave a large opening for intruders to enter and leave.

[0009] There have been numerous attempts to improve the security of the traditional louvre mounting assembly. For example, some manufacturers have included a fixed member attached to the opposing end clips that prevents entry to a premise if the louvre pane is broken or removed. However, the entire louvre assembly must be assembled prior to mounting in a window frame and is often prohibitively heavy and dangerous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved louvre that addresses, or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful or commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a louvre comprising: a pair of side frame members, each of the pair of side members including a channel for receiving a pane of glass; a horizontal frame member releasably connected to the pair of side frame members at diametrically opposed ends of the horizontal frame member; and a pane of glass located between the pair of side frame members and received within the channel of each of the pair of side frame members.

[0012] Preferably, the pair of side frame members extend perpendicularly from the horizontal frame member.

[0013] Preferably, an actuator is connected to one of the pair of side frame members and is operable to selectively change an angle of the side frame members.

[0014] Preferably, the actuator is connected at a predetermined distance along a length of a side of one of the pair of side frame members.

[0015] Preferably, the actuator is connected at a distance a quarter of a length of a side of one of the pair of side frame members.

[0016] Preferably, the horizontal frame member has a rib extending from an upper edge.

[0017] Preferably, the rib extends substantially along the upper edge of the horizontal frame member.

[0018] Preferably, the rib extends entirely along the upper edge of the horizontal frame member.

[0019] Preferably, each side frame member includes a front portion and a rear portion.

[0020] Preferably, a length of the front portion is greater than a length of the rear portion such that the front portion fits within the recess of the horizontal frame to provide a flush surface.

[0021] Preferably, the front portion includes a lip extending perpendicularly from an end of the front portion for securing and retaining the louvre pane.

[0022] Preferably, the horizontal frame member includes a channel for receiving an edge of the pane of glass [0023] Preferably, each side frame member is integrally formed.

[0024] Preferably, the horizontal frame member comprises metal.

[0025] Preferably, the pair of side frame members comprise metal.

[0026] Preferably, the pair of side frame members comprise plastic.

[0027] Preferably, the louvre pane comprises glass.

[0028] Preferably, the louvre is mounted in a frame.

[0029] Preferably, the actuator comprises a crank.

[0030] In a second form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a method for assembling a louvre comprising: mounting a louvre pane within a channel of each of a pair of side frame members; securing a horizontal frame member to the pair of side members to form a louvre.

[0031] Preferably, the method comprises the further step of mounting the louvre pane within a channel of the horizontal frame member.

[0032] Preferably, the method comprises the further step of mounting a plurality of louvres within a frame.

[0033] Preferably, the method comprises the further step of mounting an actuator to the frame, wherein the actuator is operably connected to one of the pair of side frame members for selectively changing an angle of the pair of side frame members.

[0034] Preferably, an actuator is mounted within the frame and engages with the plurality of louvres for selectively changing an angle of the pair of side frame members.

[0035] In a third form, the invention resides in a window comprising: a frame; and a plurality of louvre as described above mounted to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window having multiple louvre according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0038] Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of the window shown in Figure 1; [0039] Figure 3 is a front view of the window shown in Figure 1; [0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the channel in the louvre for receiving a glass panel; and [0041] Figure 5 is a side view of a side frame member of the window shown in Figure 4.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the symmetrical layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a window 10 including a plurality of louvre 100 housed in a frame 110. Each louvre 100 includes a removable horizontal frame member 120 and a pair of side frame members 130 extending perpendicularly from the horizontal frame member 120.

[0044] The louvre 100 further includes a louvre pane 140 made of glass mounted between the horizontal frame member 120 and the pair of side frame members 130. While the louvre pane 140 illustrated in Figure 1 has been described as a glass pane, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the louvre pane 140 can comprise any suitable material such as plastic, wood or metal.

[0045] The frame 110 houses an actuator 150 which pivots the louvre 100 relative to the frame 110 and allows a user to selectively change the angle of the pair of side frame members 130 to adjust the position of the louvre 100.

[0046] As shown, the horizontal frame member 120 includes a rib 121 extending from an upper edge 122 of the horizontal frame member 120. The horizontal frame member 120 can be formed from metal, plastic or any suitable material.

[0047] The rib 121 extends entirely along the upper edge 122 of the horizontal frame member 120 and forms a recess 123. The horizontal frame member 120 also includes a stopper 124 which rests against the glass pane 140 when the louvre 100 is adjusted to a closed position. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the stopper 124 can comprise rubber, foam, plastic or any other suitable material that will not damage or mark the glass pane 140.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the louvre 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0049] In this illustration, it can be seen that the horizontal frame member 120 also includes a recess 125 formed in the underside of the frame member 120 for receiving the louvre pane 140. The louvre pane 140 can be secured within the recess 125 of the horizontal frame member 120 using glue or any suitable adhesive.

[0050] The side frame members 130 include a channel 126 (shown in Figure 2) that slidably receives the louvre pane 140. Each of the pair of side frame members 130 includes a front portion 131 and a rear portion 132 which form the aforementioned channel for receiving the glass pane 140. As illustrated, the front portion 131 is longer than the rear portion 132 so that the rear portion 132 sits atop the rib 121 of the horizontal frame member 120 of the adjacent louvre 100 and the front portion 121 fits into the recess 123 of another adjacent louvre 100 resulting in a flush surface when all of the louvre 100 are in a closed configuration.

[0051] The front portion 131 of the side frame members 130 also includes a lip 133 extending perpendicularly from the end of the front portion 131 to securely retain the glass pane 140 and prevent the glass pane 140 from dislodging or being removed when the louvre 100 is in an open or extended configuration.

[0052] Typically, the side frame member 130 is formed from metal but can also be formed from plastic, wood or any other suitably resilient material.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, multiple louvres 100 can be mounted within the frame 110 to form the window 10. Each louvre 100 can be controlled by an individual actuator 150 so that each louvre 100 can be separately adjusted. Alternatively, the louvres 100 can be connected together and actuated by a single actuator 150.

[0054] The actuator 150 of the present embodiment is connected to one of the pair of side frame members 130 at a predetermined distance along the length of the side frame member 130. For example, the actuator 150 can be positioned approximately one quarter of the way along the length of the side frame member 130 from the horizontal frame member 120. As a result of this configuration, less force is required to open and close the louvre 100.

[0055] In some embodiments, the actuator 150 is defined by a manual actuator such as a crank and handle. In some alternative embodiments, the actuator 150 can include an electric actuator powered by a motor.

[0056] As described above, the front portion 131 of the side frame member 130 is longer than the rear portion 132. As shown, the lip 133 prevents the glass pane 140 from being removed from between the front portion 131 and rear portion 132 of the side frame member 130 without breaking the glass pane 140.

[0057] In assembling a louvre 100 as described above, a glass pane 140 is inserted in the channel formed by the front portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the side frame member 130. Once completely inserted, the glass pane 140 rests against the lip 133 of the front portion 131.

[0058] The horizontal member 120 is then secured to the front portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the side frame members 130 to securely retain the glass pane 140. The horizontal frame member 120 can be secured by screws or a strong adhesive.

[0059] Each louvre 100 can then be individually mounted within a frame, such as the frame 110 shown in Figure 1. The frame 110 can include an actuator (not shown) for adjusting the angle of the louvre 100 and moving the louvre 100 from an open position to a closed position.

[0060] Figure 3 is a front view of the window 10 shown in Figure 1 which illustrates a plurality of louvres 100 installed in a frame 110 to form the window 10.

[0061] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of louvre 200. Figure 4 illustrates the channel in the louvre 200 for receiving a louvre pane 240. The louvre panel 240 is located in a recess 225 of the horizontal frame member 220 and is inserted between the front portion 231 and the rear portion 232 until the pane 240 rests against the lip (shown in Figure 2) of the front portion 231. As can be seen, the pane 240 fits snugly between the front portion 231 and the rear portion 232 to prevent movement and rattling.

[0062] The louvre 200 also includes a rubber stopper 240. In use, the when the louvre 200 is actuated from an open position to a closed position, the louvre pane 240 comes to rest against the stopper 240.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates a side frame member 230 of the louvre 200 without a glass pane. The side frame member 230 can be clearly seen to include a channel formed by the front portion 231 and rear portion 232 for receiving a pane of glass.

Furthermore, between the front portion 231 and the rear portion 232, the actuating device 250 can be seen.

[0064] Advantageously, the louvre can be assembled modularly.

[0065] Further advantageously, the window frame can be installed into a building and then individual louvres can be separately mounted into the frame. As a result, it is not necessary to pre-assemble the window which can be heavy and dangerous to carry and install.

[0066] Advantageously, the actuator is connected to the side frame members at a predetermined distance along the length of the side frame member which reduces the amount of force required to adjust the angle of the side frame members in comparison to louvres that pivot about the sill or upper edge of the louvre.

[0067] Further advantageously, this reduces the size of a motor necessary to open and close the louvre when an electric actuator is used.

[0068] Advantageously, the louvre pane cannot be removed without breaking the louvre pane.

[0069] Advantageously, the louvre can only be opened from the inside.

[0070] Advantageously, if a louvre pane is broken and removed, the horizontal frame member minimises the amount of space for an intruder to enter and/or remove stolen items through.

[0071] Advantageously, the flush surface created by the louvre panes and the horizontal frame members provides a seal for effectively preventing the ingress of dust, rain and cold or hot air from passing between adjacent louvres.

[0072] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top, bottom and side, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0073] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0074] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

[0075] As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (18)

1. A louvre comprising: a pair of side frame members, each of the pair of side members including a channel for receiving a pane of glass; a horizontal frame member releasably connected to the pair of side frame members at diametrically opposed ends of the horizontal frame member; a pane of glass located between the pair of side frame members and received within the channel of each of the pair of side frame members.

2. The louvre as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of side frame members extend perpendicularly from the horizontal frame member.

3. The louvre as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an actuator is connected to one of the pair of side frame members operable to selectively change an angle of the side frame members.

4. The louvre as claimed in claim 3, wherein the actuator is connected at a predetermined distance along a length of a side of one of the pair of side frame members.

5. The louvre as claimed in claim 4, wherein the actuator is connected at a distance a quarter of a length of a side of one of the pair of side frame members.

6. The louvre as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein a rib extends from an upper edge of the horizontal frame member.

7. The louvre as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rib extends substantially along the upper edge of the horizontal frame member.

8. The louvre as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rib extends entirely along the upper edge of the horizontal frame member.

9. The louvre as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein each side frame member includes a front portion and a rear portion.

10. The louvre as claimed in claim 9, where a length of the front portion is greater than a length of the rear portion such that the front portion fits within a recess of the horizontal frame to provide a flush surface.

11. The louvre as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the front portion includes a lip extending perpendicularly from an end of the front portion for securing and retaining the louvre pane.

12. The louvre as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the horizontal frame member includes a channel for receiving an edge of the pane of glass.

13. The louvre as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein each side frame member is integrally formed.

14. A window comprising: a frame; and a plurality of louvre as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 mounted to the frame.

15. A method for assembling a louvre, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a louvre pane within a channel of each of a pair of side frame members; and securing a horizontal frame member to the pair of side members to form a louvre.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising the further step of mounting a plurality of louvres within a frame.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising the further step of mounting an actuator to the frame, wherein the actuator is operably connected to one of the pair of side frame members for selectively changing an angle of the pair of side frame members.

18. The method of claim 15, comprising the further step of mounting the louvre pane within a channel of the horizontal frame member.