AU2019101471A4 - Shutter and Profile for a Frame of a Shutter - Google Patents

Abstract

-11 Abstract In an aspect there is disclosed a profile (24) for constructing a frame (12) to support a shutter panel (14). The profile (24) being shaped such that the shutter panel (14) is substantially fitted with the frame (12) in a closed condition. The profile (24) includes a frame face (22) adjacent which a corresponding panel face (30) of the shutter panel (14) is located in the closed condition, the frame face (22) being adapted to retain a sealing arrangement (20) between the frame face (22) and the panel face (30). A frame (12), and a shutter (10) including a frame (12) and the shutter panel (14) are also disclosed. F IG, 3 2A,

Description

Shutter and Profile for a Frame of a Shutter

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a shutter, in particular, a shutter for a window. The invention also relates to a profile for a frame of a shutter.

Background [002] The windows of a building, such as a house, typically have a high thermal conductivity relative to the surrounding walls of the house. This results in the window more readily transferring heat into and out of the house. In summer, for example, this may result in heat external to the house being transferred into the house, and in winter heat from within the house being transferred to the environment surrounding the house. Windows also are typically poor insulators of sound and also, as intended, allow for the ingress of light.

[003] Typically, windows are fitted with a blind, curtain or other window covering for privacy purposes and to, at least to some extent, block or reduce the light and/or heat transferred into and out of the house via the window. Such window covers also assist, at least to some extent, to reduce noise. One type of window covering is a shutter style window covering.

[004] Shutters, commonly known as plantation shutters, typically include a frame which is located in use adjacent to a glass pain of a window, and a shutter panel which is hingedly coupled to the frame. The shutter panel is hingedly movable between a closed position, in which the shutter panel is fitted generally against the frame, and an open position in which the shutter panel is hinged outwardly from the frame.

[005] The shutter panel typically includes a number of shutter members which are horizontally arranged within the shutter panel and pivotally attached to the shutter panel at opposing ends so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position.

-22019101471 28 Nov 2019 [006] A problem with known shutters it that the sealing between the shutter frame and the shutter panel is limited or incomplete. This results in the heat transfer across the shutter frame and the shutter panel being elevated. This problem appears to be exacerbated when the shutter is formed from a heat conductive material such as aluminium. Furthermore, the poor or incomplete sealing between the shutter frame and the shutter panel also allows light and/or sound to more readily be transferred through the shutter.

[007] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [008] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a profile for constructing a frame to support a shutter panel, the profile being shaped such that the shutter panel is substantially fitted with the frame in a closed condition, wherein the profile includes a frame face adjacent which a corresponding panel face of the shutter panel is located in the closed condition, the frame face being adapted to retain a sealing arrangement between the frame face and the panel face.

[009] In an aspect, the frame face is recessed relative to skirting boarder such that the shutter panel is at least partially received by the frame in the closed condition, the frame face including a channel in which the sealing arrangement is at least partially received.

[0010] In another aspect, the channel includes a retainer adapted to retain the sealing arrangement at least partially within the channel, and wherein the sealing arrangement includes an elongate seal body having a retaining portion adapted to fit with the retainer and a sealing portion which abuts with the panel face in the closed condition.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the retainer is provided in the form of two retaining projections which are located on opposing sides of the channel.

[0012] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a shutter including a shutter panel and a frame formed using a profile as defined above and herein.

-32019101471 28 Nov 2019 [0013] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a shutter for a window, the shutter including a frame and a shutter panel hingedly coupled to the frame, the shutter panel being movable between an open condition, in which the shutter panel is hingedly opened relative to the frame and a closed condition, in which the shutter panel is substantially fitted with the frame, wherein the frame includes a sealing arrangement which is arranged to extend around the frame so as to form a seal between the frame and the shutter panel in the closed condition.

[0014] In one aspect, the frame is dimensioned to receive the shutter panel in the closed condition.

[0015] In another aspect, the frame includes a recessed frame face adjacent which a corresponding panel face of the shutter panel is located in the closed condition, wherein the frame face is adapted to retain the sealing arrangement between the frame face and the panel face.

[0016] In another aspect, the frame face includes a channel in which the sealing arrangement is at least partially received.

[0017] In another aspect, the channel includes a retainer adapted to retain the sealing arrangement at least partially within the channel.

[0018] In another aspect, the retainer is provided in the form of two retaining projections which are located on opposing sides of the channel.

[0019] In another aspect, the sealing arrangement includes an elongate seal body having a retaining portion adapted to fit with the retainer and a sealing portion which abuts with the panel face in the closed condition.

[0020] In another aspect, the retaining portion includes at least one channel arranged to receive the retainer.

[0021] In another aspect, the sealing portion is dimensioned to extend along and abut with portions of the frame face which extend along opposing sides of the channel.

-42019101471 28 Nov 2019 [0022] In another aspect, the sealing portion includes a tapered sealing surface against which the panel face abuts in the closed condition.

[0023] In another aspect, the seal body is formed from a rubber material.

[0024] In another aspect, the frame includes a skirting boarder which is arranged to extend outwardly relative to the frame face so as to at least partially receive the shutter panel in the closed condition.

[0025] In another aspect, the frame face is recessed relative to the outer boarder such that an outward facing surface of the outer boarder and an outward facing surface of the shutter panel are substantially flush with one other in the closed condition.

[0026] In another aspect, the frame is formed from four aluminium sections, each of the four aluminium sections having a substantially hollow L-shaped cross section.

[0027] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect, there is provided a profile for constructing a frame of a shutter, the profile including a substantially hollow profile body having an L-shaped cross section and a channel extending along a face of the profile body, the channel including a retainer which is received in a fitted condition by a seal body of a sealing arrangement to secure the sealing arrangement to the profile body.

Brief Description of the Figures [0028] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a shutter including a frame and a shutter panel hinged in an open condition from the frame;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shutter with the shutter panel in a closed condition;

-52019101471 28 Nov 2019 [0031] Figure 3 is a sectional perspective view illustrating a profile of the frame and a seal being coupled with a retaining channel of the profile;

[0032] Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view illustrating the profile of the frame with the shutter panel in a closed condition abutted with the seal;

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross sectional view illustrating the profile; and [0034] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view illustrating the seal.

Detailed Description [0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a perspective view of a shutter 10 including a frame 12 and a shutter panel 14 hingedly coupled to the frame 12. The shutter panel 14 is moveable between an open position or condition, as is shown in Figure 1, and a closed position or condition as is shown in Figure 2 in which the shutter panel 14 is substantially received by the frame 12. The frame 12 includes a sealing arrangement 20 which is arranged to extend around or skirt the frame 12 so as to form a seal between the frame 12 and shutter panel 14 when the shutter panel 14 is the closed position.

[0036] The frame 12 is generally rectangular in shape and is formed of four frame sections or profiles 24 which are generally hollow and includes an L-shaped in cross section as is best shown in Figures 3 and 4. The hollow L-shaped frame sections or bodies 24 provide an outer boarder 18 within which the shutter panel 14 is substantially received in the closed position and an inner boarder 26 which defines a window opening 28. The frame 12, in particular the frame sections 24, is preferably formed from aluminium. However, the frame 12 may also be formed from other materials such as wood or plastic.

[0037] Between the outer boarder 18 and the inner boarder 26 is a sealing surface or frame face 22. The frame face 22 is arranged or oriented to lie substantially parallel to and adjacent to a corresponding panel face 30 of the shutter panel 14 in the closed

-62019101471 28 Nov 2019 position. The frame face 22 is adapted to retain the sealing arrangement 20 between the frame face 22 and the panel face 30.

[0038] The shutter panel 14 includes a panel frame 32 which defines an opening 34 across which a plurality shutter members or louver members 36 are disposed. The frame face 22 is recessed relative to the outer boarder 18 with the outer boarder 18 projecting substantially perpendicularly outwardly from the frame face 22.

[0039] The frame face 22 is recessed relative to the outer boarder 18 the such that when the panel frame 32 is in the closed position, the panel face 30 of the panel frame 32 engages the sealing arrangement 20 and the outer panel face 31 is substantially flush with an outer face 33 of the outer boarder 18.

[0040] The panel frame 32 includes hinge fittings 38 located toward one side which are coupled with the frame 12. The hinge fittings 38 are arranged to allow the shutter panel 14 to hingedly move, relative to the frame 12, between the open and the closed position.

[0041] Each of the shutter members 36 is pivotally coupled at opposing ends to the panel frame 32 so as to move moveable between an open and a closed position. In the closed, position the shutter members 36 substantially seal the opening 34 of the panel frame 32 and the open position the shutter members 36 allows the passage of air and light through the opening 34.

[0042] The shutter members 36 may be interconnected by a handle member 39 which is arranged to allow the synchronous pivotal opening and closing of the shutter members 36. The panel frame 32 includes sealing lip or tab 35 extending form a lowers one of the four sides of the panel frame 32. The sealing lip 35 is arranged to abut with or at least partially seal with a lower one of the shutter members 36 when the shutter members 36 are in the closed position. The shutter panel 14 and components therefore of are preferably formed from aluminium. However, the shutter panel 14 may also be formed from other materials such as wood or plastic.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 5, the frame face 22 includes a channel 40 in which the sealing arrangement 20 is at least partially received. The channel 40 extends lengthwise along the frame faces 22 of each of the four side frame sections 24. The

-72019101471 28 Nov 2019 channel 40 is generally rectangular in cross sectional shape and includes a retainer 42 provided in the form of two retaining projections 44 which are located on opposing sides 46 of the channel 40.

[0044] More specifically, each of the retaining projections 44 is located at opposing sides of a mouth or opening 41 of the channel 40. The retaining projections 44 project only partially across the opening 41 of the channel 40 so as to allow the insertion or attachment with the sealing arrangement 20. The channel 40 is dimensioned to occupy only a portion of the overall width of the frame face 22 and is located toward an inner face 37 of the inner boarder 26 of the frame 12.

[0045] Referring to Figure 6, the sealing arrangement 20 includes an elongate seal body 50 having recesses 51 (as is best shown in Figure 6) extending along opposing sides 52 of the seal body 50 which are arranged to fit with the two retaining projections 44 so as to secure the elongate seal body 50 at least partially within the channel 40. The elongate seal body 50 is formed from rubber or other similar resilient material suitable for a seal.

[0046] The elongate seal body 50 includes a retaining portion 54 being adapted to snap fit with the retaining projections 44 of the channel 40 and sealing portion 55 which abuts with the panel face 30 in the closed position, as is best shown in Figure 4.

[0047] The retaining portion 54 includes inner saw toothed shaped projections 57 which extend laterally from opposing side sides of the retaining portion 54 and lengthwise channels 56 defined between the toothed shaped projections 57 and the underside of the sealing portion 55. The saw toothed shaped projections 57 are shaped to allow insertion into the aperture 41, and once the saw toothed shaped projections 57 pass the two retaining projections 44, the projections 57 snap or spring into the channel 40 to secure the elongate seal body 50 to the frame 12.

[0048] The sealing portion 55 is dimensioned to extend along and abut with portions or part of the frame face 22 which extend along opposing sides of the channel 40. The sealing portion 55 includes a tapered or sloped sealing surface 58, which tapers in cross sectional profile from a nose 61 to a tail 63 of the cross sectional profile. The sealing portion 55 is oriented within the channel 40 with the nose 61 of the sealing surface 58

-82019101471 28 Nov 2019 located toward the inner boarder 26 and the tail of the sealing surface 58 toward the outer boarder 18. The sealing portion 55 includes a void 65 which extends lengthwise beneath the sealing surface 58 and a tail wall 67. The tail wall 67 resiliently supports the tail 63 of the sealing surface 58.

[0049] Accordingly, as is best shown in Figure 4, the sealing portion 55 is arranged such that the sealing surface 58 engages with the panel face 30 of the panel frame 32 in the closed position. In this position or condition, the sealing portion 55 is resiliently compressed or sandwiched between the frame face 22 and panel face 30, and the void 65 is compressed along with the tail wall 67. This forms a substantially air tight seal between the frame 12 and the panel 14.

[0050] It is noted that whilst a specific example of channel 40 and the sealing arrangement 20 have been provided, other forms of sealing arrangements and channel configurations may also be used. For example, the channel 40 may be a simple rectangular channel and the sealing arrangement may be a rubber or foam strip which is fixed the channel. The rubber or foam strip may be dimensioned to extend out of the channel to engage with the shutter panel in the closed condition and may be fixed or retained with the glue or a similar adhesive within the channel.

[0051 ] In view of the above, there has been described as an advantageous shutter which includes a sealing arrangement between the shutter frame and the shutter panel. In particular, the shutter frame includes a recessed frame face having a channel which is arranged to fit with and secure the sealing arrangement with the channel. The arrangement between the sealing arrangement and the shutter frame and shutter panel is such that when the shutter panel is in a closed position, the sealing arrangement is resiliently compressed between the shutter frame and the shutter panel thereby forming a substantially airtight seal there between. This airtight seal reduces the heat transfer or transmission across the shutter. The airtight seal also assists to reduce the transmission of sound, vibration and light through the shutter.

[0052] 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

-92019101471 28 Nov 2019 group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0053] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0054] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0055] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. A profile for constructing a frame to support a shutter panel, the profile being shaped such that the shutter panel is substantially fitted with the frame in a closed condition, wherein the profile includes a frame face adjacent which a corresponding panel face of the shutter panel is located in the closed condition, the frame face being adapted to retain a sealing arrangement between the frame face and the panel face.
2. 2. The profile according to claim 2, wherein the frame face is recessed relative to skirting boarder such that the shutter panel is at least partially received by the frame in the closed condition, the frame face including a channel in which the sealing arrangement is at least partially received.
3. 3. The profile according to claim 2, wherein the channel includes a retainer adapted to retain the sealing arrangement at least partially within the channel, and wherein the sealing arrangement includes an elongate seal body having a retaining portion adapted to fit with the retainer and a sealing portion which abuts with the panel face in the closed condition.
4. 4. The profile according to claim 3, wherein the retainer is provided in the form of two retaining projections which are located on opposing sides of the channel.
5. 5. A shutter including a shutter panel and a frame formed using a profile as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4.