GB2321697A

GB2321697A - Radiator cover

Info

Publication number: GB2321697A
Application number: GB9701934A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rozarieux David Michael De
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-01-30
Filing date: 1997-01-30
Publication date: 1998-08-05
Also published as: GB9701934D0

Abstract

A radiator cover comprises a frame and a fabric infill panel 7. The fabric is adapted to take pigment. The fabric may be attached for removal from the frame. The fabric may have at least 50% gaps along its face or may be such that no more than 70% of its area is material.

Description

Radiator Cover - - - - - This invention relates to a radiator cover for use preferably with domestic type central hearing radiators.

Central heating radiators by design or not in general attractive aesthetically, they are normally located in areas which are constantly in use and are usually very visible.

The poor aesthetic appeal and the potential for injury from burns has in the past created a desire for the radiators to be covered. Previous products have tended to be of a fitted nature, specifically built and installed by tradesmen and have consisted of a frame with either metal mesh or punched steel or hardboard inserts.

There are several disadvantages to using either steel or hardboard. Metal mesh itself absorbs heat, is difficult to clean, becomes damaged or distorted easily and is finished in a defined style. Hardboard, whilst it can be painted, distorts, is not efficient at dispersing heat and is poor aesthetically.

According to the present invention here is provided a radiator cover as claimed in claim 1 preferably there are provided the further features of claims 2-9 and 12.

In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention there is provided a frame comprising ideally, but not necessarily a top, two sides, a top rail, bottom rail and a centre rail, which are adapted so as to be locked together by means of cams or screw and so provide a solid framework. The frame is designed to allow passage of air through the sides and top and top and bottom rails. The sides are designed to allow passage of pipes and clearance for skirting boards. The front aperture is covered by a fabric which may be woven or punched to allow a possible number of holes no more than 16 no less than 4 per square inch. The fabric is inserted into the frame and secured by fixing with battens or similar clamping devices.

The frame is assembled by locating the top and bottom rails to the centre rail, connecting this sub assembly to the sides and finally locating the top to the sides, using cam and screw and pre-positoned holes or markings.

The advantages of these embodiments over existing products are that the fabric remains cool to touch, does not distort, can be easily removed for cleaning or washing, and can be decorated to suit the requirements of the individual.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Fig 1 - is an exploded view which shows the assembled frame Fig 2 - is a front elevation view Fig 3 - shows fabric assembly Fig 4 - is a detail of Fig 1 Fig 5 - is a schematic showing cover in place as a radiator Referring to the drawings the radiator cover comprises a top 1 sides 2+3 top front rail 4 bottom front rail 5 and inner rail (usually central) 6 in the form of a frame, fabric panel 7 cams and screws (not shown) adhesive strips 9.

In order for the user to assemble the frame 1-8, the top front rail 4 is secured to inner rail 6 and likewise bottom rail 5, this sub-assembly is then secured to sides 2+3, the top 1 is then secured to sides 2+3, The fabric panel 7 is secured into the frame by locating onto preferably double sided adhesive tape 9 which is located on the inside edges ofthe gaps where the fabric is to be applied. Dashed lines 10 in fig 1 show on the front where the tape is to be applied at the back, prior to securing with battens or similar clamping devices.

The fabric may be tapestry fabric or any fabric in which along any line on the fabric there is a greater length of gap than fabric. The fabric panels are preferably supplied pre-cut so the user can easily assemble and secure and should be capable of accepting print or printing colours or inks which may be applied by stencil or stamping preferably.

The fabric is located at one end of the frame preferably vertical, adhering to the adhesive strip and secured by batten or similar clamping device. The rest of the fabric is hand stretched onto the opposite and side adhesive strips 9 and then secured with further battens or clamping devices.

The cover is then located to a radiator (not shown) and possibly fixed in the usual manner.

Alternatively, the fabric 7 can be pre-stretched onto a sub frame perhaps by the manufacturer and the sub frame is then fixed by the user to the frame assembled from components 1-8.

Another possibility is for the fabric to be net window curtaining or the like on the usual kind of header expanding wire support together with a similar support which supports are located in the frame 1-8 the material may be ruffled to give a similar appearance to that used in a window.

The self adhesive tape is preferably re-usable tape facilitating the removal and re-fixing of the fabric material.

The fabric should be capable of accepting printing ink unlike e.g., nylon which rejects applied pigmentation.

Claims

1. A radiator cover comprising a frame and at lest one infill panel for the frame in which the panel comprises fabric.

2. A cover as claimed in 1 in which the fabric has at least 50% gaps along the face of the fabric.

3 A cover as claimed in 1 in which the fabric has gaps such that no more than 70% ofits area is material the remainder being gaps.

4. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim in which the fabric is adapted to take pigment e.g., for colouring, printing, stamping or the like, by the user.

5. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim comprising means adapted for the user to affix the fabric to the frame.

6. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim in which the frame is adapted for the fabric to be removably attached.

7. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim in which self adhesive tape or batten or other similar fastening means is provided for affixing the fabric to the frame.

8. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim which is made by affixing the fabric to the frame, including the stretching of the fabric.

9. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim in which wire or rod support means are provided to affix the fabric to the frame.

10. A decorative radiator cover substantially according to any example herein before described.

11. A decorative radiator cover substantially according to our example herein described with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

12. A kit of parts comprising, frame or frame components and fabric for assembly into a cover as claimed in any preceding claim.