GB2572794A

GB2572794A - Louvre Systems

Info

Publication number: GB2572794A
Application number: GB1805967.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Robinson Mark
Original assignee: Hydro Building Systems UK Ltd
Current assignee: Hydro Building Systems UK Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-11
Filing date: 2018-04-11
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Also published as: GB201805967D0

Abstract

The system (100, fig 1) comprises a frame (110, fig 1), a plurality of longitudinally extending blades (120, fig 2a), each blade having opposing end regions (123a, 123b fig 2a) being supported within the frame and at least one spacer 200 attached to an end region of a blade and configured to simultaneously support and separate the blade within the frame. The spacer may comprise at least one attachment section 220 and a spacing section 210 and the spacing section may extend away from the attachment section in at least one direction. The spacing section may comprise supporting edges 230a, 230b and the edges may be in contact with the adjacent spacer. The supporting edges may be linear or may be nonlinear. The supporting edges may have a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the spacing section. Also disclosed is a spacer for use with the louver system, a method of constructing said louver system and a method of installing said louver system.

Description

HELD

The present invention relates to louvre systems and methods of manufacturing louvre systems.

BACKGROUND

A louvre system is an external assembly that is generally fitted over apertures to control ventilation and/or the transmission of light through the aperture. Examples of apertures that may have louvre systems fitted include windows, vents and other building apertures. Louvre systems generally include one or more blades that permit 10 the flow of air but inhibit the entrance of rain, direct sunshine and noise through the aperture.

In addition to one or more blades, louvre systems include a frame to support the blade(s). The relative orientation of the blades with respect to the covered aperture can vary. Generally, however, the blades of a louvre system extend horizontally 15 across an aperture.

In order to fit a louvre to an aperture it is necessary to assemble the blade(s) in the frame, which itself is fitted to the structure which contains the aperture (whether it be a building, vent shaft etc.). This can be a labour intensive and time consuming process.

Generally, blades have been fixed to the frame of a louvre system in a number of different ways. For example, one method of fixing a blade to the frame is via a pair of end clips which are attached (typically by screws or rivets) to respective ends of each louvre blade. Once all of the louvre blades have been mounted in the frame the entire assembly must then be fitted to aperture by attaching the frame to structure 25 which forms the aperture.

Alternatively, the louvre blades themselves can have a screw port and are screwed directly to the frame through a corresponding screw hole in the frame (see for example W02008/006177).

It would be desirable to provide an improved louvre system which is easier to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides:

1. A louvre system comprising a frame, a plurality of longitudinally extending blades each blade having opposing end regions being supported within the frame, and at least one spacer, attached to an end region of a blade and configured to simultaneously support and separate the blades within the frame.

2. The louvre system according to 1, wherein the spacer comprises at least one attachment section and a spacing section.

3. The louvre system according to 2, wherein the spacing section extends away 15 from the attachment section in at least one direction.

4. The louvre system according to 3, wherein the spacing section extends away from the attachment section in two directions.

5. The louvre system according to any one of 2 to 4, wherein the spacing section includes supporting edges.

6. The louvre system according to 5, wherein the supporting edges of adjacent spacers are in contact.

7. The louvre system according to 5 or 6, wherein the supporting edges are linear.

8. The louvre system according to 5 or 6, wherein the supporting edges are non30 linear.

9. The louvre system according to any one of 5 to 8, wherein the supporting edges have a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the spacing section.

10. The louvre system according to any one of 2 to 9, wherein the attachment section comprises an engagement channel formed by opposing engagement walls.

11. The louvre system according to 10, wherein the engagement channel extends completely across the spacer.

12. The louvre system according to 10, wherein the engagement channel extends partially across the spacer.

The louvre system according to any one of 2 to 12, wherein at least one spacer comprises a plurality of attachment sections.

14. The louvre system according to any one of 1 to 13, wherein the system 15 comprises a plurality of spacers.

The louvre system according to any one of 1 to 14, wherein the frame comprises opposing jamb sections arranged substantially parallel to one another.

16. The louvre system according to 15, wherein the frame comprises one or more head and/or sill sections connecting the opposing jamb sections.

17. The louvre system according to 15 or 16, wherein one or both of the jamb sections contain a longitudinally extending jamb recess.

18. The louvre system according to 17, wherein the jamb recess is formed by perimeter walls of the jamb extending in a generally U-shaped configuration.

19. The louvre system according to 17 or 18, wherein the spacer is retained within the jamb recess such that it is permitted to travel along the longitudinally extending recess.

20. The louvre system according to 19, wherein the spacer is retained within the jamb recess and prohibited from moving substantially along any axis other than the longitudinal axis of the jamb.

21. The louvre system according to any one of 17 to 20, wherein the jamb recess further comprises a spacer slot formed by walls projecting inwardly from the opposing perimeter walls of the jamb.

22. The louvre system according to 21, wherein the spacer is located within the 10 spacer slot.

23. The louvre system according to any one of 15 to 22, wherein each jamb comprises a longitudinal axis and the engagement channel forms an angle δ with the longitudinal axis of the jamb, wherein δ is selected from between 0 and 90° for each spacer.

24. The louvre system according to 23, wherein δ is within ± 0° to 5° for each spacer.

25. The louvre system according to 23, wherein δ is within ± 5° to 15° for each spacer.

26. The louvre system according to any one of 1 to 25, further comprising at least one expansion section configured to accommodate longitudinal expansion of at least one blade.

27. The louvre system according to 26, wherein the expansion section is provided within the spacer.

28. The louvre system according to 26, wherein the expansion section is provided between the spacer and the frame.

29. The louvre stem according to any one of 1 to 28, wherein the at least one spacer is formed from uPVC.

30. The louvre stem according to any one of 1 to 29, wherein the frame is formed from a material selected from wood, metal, plastic or composite.

31 The louvre stem according to any one of 1 to 30, wherein the blades are formed from a material selected from wood, metal, plastic or composite.

32. A spacer for use in a louvre system as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, the spacer being defined according to any one of 2 to 31.

33. A method of constructing a louvre system as described in any one of 1 to 31, the method comprising constructing a frame, attaching a spacer to an end of a blade, and locating the spacer within the frame.

34. The method according to 33, comprising attaching a spacer to each end of each blade.

35. The method according to 33, comprising attaching a spacer to the ends of multiple blades.

36. A method of installing a louvre system comprising:

fixing a frame as defined in any one of 1 to 31 to the perimeter of an aperture, attaching a spacer as defined in any one of 1 to 31 to an end of a blade, and locating the spacer within the frame; or fixing the louvre system as defined in any one of 1 to 31 to the perimeter of an aperture.

These and further aspects of certain embodiments are set out in the appended independent and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that features of the 30 dependent claims may be combined with each other and features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Furthermore, the approach described herein is not restricted to specific embodiments such as set out below, but includes and contemplates any appropriate combinations of features presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a face-in view of a louvre system according to the present invention.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a blade suitable for use in the louvre system 5 of the present invention.

Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of a iamb suitable for use in the louvre system of the present invention.

Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the jamb of Figure 2b.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a spacer according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the spacer of Figure 3.

Figure 4a shows a close-up view of the attachment section of the spacer of Figure 4. Figures 5a to 5f show alternative spacers according to the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a spacer of the present invention located in a jamb of a louvre system according to the present invention.

Figures 7a and 7b show an exemplary spacer according to the present invention. Figures 8a and 8b show the spacer of Figure 7a and b located within a jamb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a louvre system comprising a frame, at least one longitudinally extending blade having opposing end regions and being supported within the frame, and at least one spacer, the at least one spacer being slidingly retained within the frame and attached to an end region of the blade.

Figure 1 shows a front view of a louvre system 100. The louvre system comprises a frame 110 formed of opposing jamb sections 101, a head section 102 and sill section 103. One or more blades 120 are located within frame 110. Each frame generally contains a leading edge 121 and a trailing edge 122. Due to the overlapping arrangement of the blades in the louvre system of Figure 1, the trailing edge of the lower blades of the system of Figure 1 are not visible and are shown in dotted lines.

As shown in Figure 2a, each blade 120 also comprises opposing ends 123a, 123b which together with the leading and trailing edges 121, 122 form the general perimeter of the blade 120. Each blade also comprises opposing faces - a generally outwardly facing outer face 124a and a generally inwardly facing inner face 124b. It will be appreciated in this regard that reference to “inwardly facing” or “inner” generally refers to the side of the blade facing the aperture over which the louvre 10 system is placed, and reference to “outwardly facing” or ‘Outer” generally refers to the side of the blade facing away from the aperture over which the louvre system is placed.

Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view (across the longitudinal axis) of an exemplary 15 embodiment of jamb 101 of the louvre system of the present invention. Jamb 101 is a generally elongate, U-shaped frame member as is customary in the art. Jamb 101 has a longitudinal recess 105 formed along its longitudinal axis L. Longitudinal recess 105 is formed by the perimeter walls 106 of the jamb 101. Jamb 101 may also comprise optional seal members S (shown schematically) extending into the 20 longitudinal recess 105 from the opposing perimeter walls. When blades 120 are located within frame 110, leading and trailing edges of the blade may contact the seal members S so as to prevent noise being generated as a result of the blade vibrating/rattling in the frame. The seal can also facilitate expansion and contraction of the blade.

It will be appreciated that frame 110 generally comprises two opposing jambs 101, joined by respective head and sill sections. However, in some embodiments (as described later) such head and sill sections may be omitted and the frame may be formed entirely of jamb sections.

Figure 2c shows the jamb 101 of Figure 2b in perspective view. As can be seen, longitudinal recess 105 extends along the length of jamb 101. Although not shown in Figure 2c, recess 105 may be enclosed at the extremities of jamb 101 by end walls.

In the absence of such end walls, the recess 105 is generally enclosed at the extremities of jamb 101 by head, sill and/or another jamb (depending on which is present).

Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a spacer 200 according to the present invention. Spacer 200 is generally quadrilateral and generally comprises a spacing section 210 and an attachment section 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the spacing section 210 extends away from the attachment section 220 (such as above and below depending on the orientation of the spacer in the louvre system). However, in one embodiment the spacing section 210 extends away from the 10 attachment section 220 in one direction only. The spacing section 210 generally extends away from the attachment section 220 to at least one supporting edge 230 (shown as supporting edges 230a and 230b in Figure 3). Supporting edge 230 is generally a linear edge, although this may not be the case (as is described in more detail below). The distance between the attachment section 220 and the supporting 15 edge 230 is distance L_T. Where spacing section 210 extends away from the attachment section in two directions, L_T is the sum of Li + L₂. Of course, the attachment section itself contributes in part to the total length of the spacing section. However, the size of the attachment section is more a function of the thickness of the blade, rather than the degree of separation between blades. It will be appreciated 20 that the total separation between two blades will be Lt (where identical spacers are used).

Attachment section 220 is configured for removable engagement with an end 123a, 123b of blade 120. For example, as shown in Figure 4a, attachment section 220 may 25 comprise an engagement channel 221 which is formed by opposing engagement walls 221a and 221b. Engagement channel 221 may extend continuously between separating edges 240. In some embodiments, engagement channel 221 only extends partially between separating edges 240. Engagement channel 221 is sized so as to provide a width that substantially corresponds to the size of the blade with 30 which it is to engage with. Thus, in one embodiment engagement walls 221a and 221b frictionaily engage with the outer and inner faces 124a, 124b of blade 120 so as to ensure that spacer 200 is engaged with blade 120. Further, engagement walls 221 should be of sufficient length and rigidity so as to prevent blade 120 from slipping out of the engagement channel 221. Suitable materials for the engagement walls (and indeed the spacer as a whole) will be apparent to the skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the spacer is formed from a material selected from metal, plastic, wood or composite. Preferred examples include aluminium and uPVC.

Spacer 200 also comprises opposing separating edges 240. Spacer 200 is generally located within recess 105 of each jamb. In particular, spacer 200 is configured to be slidingly received within recess 105. In particular, spacer 200 is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis of each jamb 101. In general, spacing edges 240 are thus parallel with the longitudinal axis L of jamb 101.

In an example of the louvre system according to the present invention, a spacer 200 is engaged with each end 123a, 123b of blade 120 (that is, there is one spacer on each end). Each spacer 200 is then located within recess 150 of opposing jambs 101. Multiple spacer and blade combinations are then staked upon one another until the desired number of blades within the louvre system is achieved. In particular, multiple spacers 200 within frame 110 abut against each other at supporting edges 230 so as to support and separate each blade 120 within frame 110. This is a key advantage of the present invention. The use of the spacer and blade combination means that spacing of blades within the frame is achieved automatically by virtue of the selected length of the spacing portion for each spacer. As a result, additional fixings within the jamb 101 are not required in order to create a desired spacing for each blade. Further, due to the way in which each spacer stacks against the next, and also due to the fact that the spacer also engages the blade, there is no need for an additional mechanism (such as a bolt, rivet or bearing) to fix the blade to the frame. As a result, an extremely flexible and efficient louvre system can be provided. The skilled person will understand that due to the flexibility of the present louvre system, the number of blades, their respective spacing within a frame, and angie relative to the frame can be easily varied by simply selecting the distance L_T for each spacer, and the angle δ.

With specific reference to the angle at which each blade can be oriented, angle δ will now be described. As explained above, each spacer is generally located within the longitudinal recess 105 of each jamb. In the context of Figure 3, the longitudinal axis L of jamb 101 is aligned with axis A shown on spacer 200. Since an end 123a of blade 120 is located within the engagement channel 221 of the attachment section 220 of spacer 200, the angle δ between axis A and engagement channel 221 will define the angle or pitch that each blade takes within the louvre system. It will be appreciated that δ can be varied according to the particular desired use of the louvre system to be installed. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that δ can be between 0 and 90° for each spacer. Generally, it will be the case that spacers with substantially equivalent δ angles will be used in a single louvre system. However, it is possible that spacers with different δ angles can be used to create a staggered set of blade pitches. Alternatively, it is possible that the attachment section of the one or 10 more spacers is rotatably connected to the spacing section 210. This can provide for complete flexibility with respect to the blade angle within the frame. Furthermore, other means of connecting the spacer to the blade can be envisaged, such as, for example, via clips, adhesives, rivets, bolts, hooks etc.

Supporting edges 230a, 230b can also be configured such that they are oriented at a specific angle relative to the longitudinal axis L of jamb 101. Again, in the context of Figure 3, the longitudinal axis L of jamb 101 is aligned with axis A shown on spacer 200. The angle Θ defines the pitch of the supporting edge 230 with respect to axis A (and therefore axis L of the jamb 101). Angle Θ can be chosen so as to optimise the 20 interaction between adjacent spacers and also the distribution of forces within the spacer. As will be appreciated, θ can be selected from angles between 90° and approximately 20°, for example 45°. In one embodiment, θ can be selected from angles between 85° and approximately 25°. In one embodiment, θ can be selected from angles between 80° and approximately 30°. In one embodiment, Θ can be 25 selected from angles between 75° and approximately 35°. In one embodiment, θ can be selected from angles between 70° and approximately 40°. In one embodiment, θ can be selected from angles between 65° and approximately 45°. In one embodiment, Θ can be selected from angles between 60° and approximately 50°. In general, Θ is substantially equal to δ, although this need not be the case.

Whilst a quadrilateral spacer has been described above, a range of further possible spacers which can be used in the louvre system of the present invention will now be described. Figures 5a to c describe spacers with varying supporting edge profiles. Figure 5a shows spacer 300 having attachment section 320 wherein supporting edge

330 is curved. Figure 5b shows spacer 400 having attachment section 420 wherein supporting edge 430 is zig-zag shaped, in the spacers of Figures 5a and 5b, the profiie of the supporting edge may help to improve engagement between respective spacers due to a degree of tesseilation that occurs between the supporting edges.

Figure 5c shows spacer 500 having attachment section 520 wherein supporting edge

530 has protruding ridges 541. In this example, due to the relative greater supporting area provided by the ridges 541, the degree of interaction between adjacent spacers can also be improved.

Figure 5d shows a spacer 600 where attachment section 620 does not extend completely between separating edges 640. Such an arrangement can allow for better retention of spacer 600 within jamb 101.

Figure 5e shows a spacer 700 having an expansion section. In particular, spacer 15 700 includes attachment section 720 and further has a curved profile so as to create an expansion section. In particular, spacing section 710 is configured, e.g. curved, such that the attachment section 720 is displaced from an imaginary plane Y formed by the upper and lower supporting edges 740 by a distance X. In use, this imaginary plane Y is generally the joining perimeter wall 106 of jamb 101. By displacing the 20 attachment section 720 away from such an imaginary plane it is possible to create an expansion section within the spacer. The spacer is then able to flex into this expansion section when compressed by a blade engaged by attachment section 720.

This may be important when the louvre system is installed in environments where the components, particularly the blades, may undergo expansion, in particular lengthwise 25 expansion. Thus, the distance X can be chosen so as to provide a suitable degree of tolerance for such expansion. X can range from 1mm to 10mm. In one embodiment, X can range from 2mm to 9mm. In one embodiment, X can range from 3mm to 8mm. In one embodiment, X can range from 4mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, X can range from 5mm to 6mm. Of course, it could also be that the spacer itself is 30 made of a material which is able to flex without incorporating such a curved profiie.

In such an embodiment, each spacer would need to be located within the jamb in such a way that the spacing section does not lie against the perimeter wall 106 of the jamb, in other words, the jamb and spacer need to be configured such that an expansion section (of length X) is created therebetween such that longitudinal expansion of the blade is permitted. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 5f. It will be apparent to the skilled person that in each situation where a degree of tolerance is required the spacer will need to be formed from a suitably resilient material. For example, uPVC is a suitable material which is rigid enough to support the blade, but is sufficiently flexible to allow for expansion of the blade. Alternatively to the spacer being curved, it may be that the supporting edges have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the spacing portions. In this regard, the greater thickness should extend in a direction way from the surface of the spacing section upon which the attachment section is located. As a result, a recess will be formed between the perimeter wall 106 of the jamb 101 and the spacer. This recess can thus accommodate lengthwise expansion of the blade. In this regard, it will be understood that the key aspect with respect to allowing lengthwise expansion of the blade is to facilitate lengthwise movement of the blade. This could be achieved as mentioned above (via a curved spacer, or a spacer with a recess), but it could also be achieved in other ways, such as by providing for an attachment section which is itself able to accommodate lengthwise expansion of the blade. In this regard, the engagement walls 221a and 22b could be of sufficient length to support the blade without the endmost portion of the blade end being in contact with the spacing section. Thus, an expansion section can be provided within the attachment section.

With regard to the spacer shown in Figure 5d, and as shown with respect to Figure 6, recess 150 of jamb 101 can be provided with a spacer slot 160. Spacer slot 160 can be formed by two walls 161a,161b which extend into recess 150, thereby creating a spacer slot 160. A spacer, such as spacer 600, can then be located within spacer slot 160 such that attachment section 620 extends between walls 161 a,161b to engage with blade end 123a,123b.

It will also be appreciated that each spacer can be configured to contain a plurality of attachment sections. Thus, a single spacer can be manufactured which can contain a plurality of attachment sections so that the single spacer can in fact support multiple blades. In such an embodiment, the spacer would still contain supporting edges, but there will be multiple attachment sections disposed between said edges. Such an embodiment allows for an even greater reduction in installation time, as well as reduced manufacturing time for the spacers.

In one embodiment, the louvre system comprises a spacer having one attachment section per spacer. In one embodiment, the louvre system comprises a spacer having more than one attachment section per spacer. In one embodiment, the louvre 5 system comprises a spacer having two attachment sections per spacer. In one embodiment, the louvre system comprises a spacer having three attachment sections per spacer. In one embodiment, the louvre system comprises a spacer having four attachment sections per spacer.

Where multiple attachment sections are present on a single spacer, each attachment section may generally be disposed at substantially the same angle δ, or it may be that each attachment section is disposed at a different angle δ.

The above described features with respect to a spacer with a single attachment 15 section apply also to the spacers having multiple attachment sections per spacer.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a spacer as described herein, either having one attachment section per spacer, or a plurality of attachment sections per spacer.

Figures 7a and 7b show a specific example of a spacer 200 according to the present invention. Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a spacer 200 formed from uPVC. The spacer 200 is trapezoidal and contains attachment section 220 and spacing section 210 (extending above and below the attachment section in this embodiment). Figure 7b shows a plan view of the spacer of Figure 7a.

Figures 8a and 8b show a specific example of how the spacer 200 of Figure 7 interacts with blade 120 and jamb 101 to form the louvre system of the present invention. Figure 8a shows two blades 120 respectively attached to two spacers 200 (noting that only the bottom blade and spacer combination are labelled in Figure 8a).

As can be seen from Figure 8a, blade 120 is attached to spacer 200 via attachment section 220. Further, the two spacers are in contact via their respective supporting edges. As a result, the blades are spaced by the total distance L_T. Figure 8b sows the blades and spacers of Figure 8a located within a jamb 101. As can be seen, spacers 200 locate within a recess within the perimeter walls 106 of jamb 101. In this example, the respect edges of the blades also contact seal S provided at the openings of the recess within the jamb.

It will be appreciated that the blades of the inventive louvre system are both 5 supported and spaced using only the spacers of the present invention. In particular, where the iambs of the louvre system are oriented substantially vertically, each spacer will “stack” upon the one below (with the bottom most spacer resting against either an end wall of the jamb or against the sill). As a result, there is no need to either directly attach the blade to the jamb, or to separately attach a clip or other 10 blade attachment to the jamb. This is highly advantageous as it provides a great deal of flexibility when designing louvre systems. Furthermore, directly attaching blades or blade clips to the jambs of a louvre system is very time consuming and thus expensive. The present system overcomes this by providing spacers that can be simply slotted into the jambs and essentially self-support and separate the blades.

Accordingly, the louvre system of the present can generally be constructed and installed as follows. The size and shape of the aperture to be covered Is first assessed and the relative configuration of the blades is determined (e.g. spacing, orientation, pitch, profile etc.). The frame configuration is then selected (e.g. opposing 20 jambs, a head section and a sill section). The jambs and sill can then be attached to the perimeter of the aperture to be covered by known means (the sill and jambs can be attached together before being attached to the perimeter, or they can be attached in place). Two spacers are then attached to each end of each blade to be inserted into the louvre system. Each spacer (with blade attached) is then slid into the recess 25 within the respective jamb such that the spacers form a stack of spacers supporting and separating the blades. Finally, the head section can be installed to the perimeter of the aperture and fixed to the jamb sections. In some embodiments, the “bottom” spacer can be fixed to the frame via screw/rivets etc. This is so as to ensure correct alignment of the spacers that to stack above it. A similar fixing may be provided to 30 the “top” spacer”. In additional/alternatively, the bottom spacer may contain a supporting edge that is parallel to the sill or the end wall of the jamb. As such, the bottom spacer can sit flush against the jamb/sill and the remaining spacers can be stacked on top.

Variations of the above method will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, it is possible that each spacer is located within each jamb before being attached to the blades. Indeed, this could be possible should the spacers be retained in the jamb as shown in Figure 6. The blades can then be attached to each 5 attachment section.

Further aspects of the louvre system of the present invention will now be described.

In one embodiment, the louvre system comprises at least one spacer per blade. In 10 one embodiment, the louvre system comprises two spacers per blade, for example, one spacer is attached to each end of a blade.

In one embodiment, the frame of the louvre system comprises two opposing jambs, a head section and a sill section. In one embodiment, each jamb section is 15 substantially parallel with the other. However, in an alternative embodiment, each jamb may be oriented at an angle (other than zero) relative to one another. For example, if the aperture to be covered is not square/rectangular, it may be that the jambs are not substantially parallel to one another. For example, it may be that the jambs are positioned at an angle to one another, for example, at an angle between 0 20 and <90°. Such angles would allow for the creation of frames having a range of shapes, including triangular, diamond etc. In these embodiments, it may be that multiple jambs are joined together such that the frame need not actually comprise conventional heads or sills. In this embodiment, the attachment section of the spacer need not project from the spacing section at an angle about 90°. Rather, the 25 attachment section could project from the spacing section at different angle according to the final arrangement of blades desired.

In one embodiment, the frame may contain two, three, four, five, six or more jambs. Each jamb section can be joined together directly, or via a head section and/or sill 30 section, so as to create a range of frame shapes.

In one embodiment, at least one of the jambs is generally linear. In one embodiment, all of the jambs are linear. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the jambs is curved. In one embodiment, at least one of the jambs is generally linear, and at least one of the jambs is curved. By combining jambs of different profiles, it is possible to create a range of frame shapes for the louvre system.

The jamb, head and sill sections, where present, can be formed from any suitable 5 material, such as metal, plastic, wood or composite.

Exemplary metals include aluminium and steel.

Exemplary plastics include PVC.

Exemplary composites include combinations of metal and plastic, metal and wood, wood and plastic. For example, the composite could be a combination of aluminium and wood, or a combination of aluminium and PVC.

The at least one blade may extend between the opposing jambs such that the longitudinal axis of the blade is substantially perpendicular to the jambs.

The jambs, head section and sill section can be joined together by any means known in the art. The frame members may be square cut or mitre cut. Preferably the frame 20 members are mitre cut. The frame may include one or more attachment configurations configured to secure the frame with respect to the aperture. The one or more attachment configuration may include respective apertures for receipt of respective bolts, screws, or other fixing elements.

In one embodiment, the spacers are not directly fixed to the frame. By directly fixed, it is meant that the spacers are not connected to the frame via screws, rivets, bolts, clips, latches etc. such that their movement within the frame is restricted. In another embodiment, only one of the plurality of spacers is directly fixed to the frame. In another embodiment, only two of the plurality of spacers is directly fixed to the frame.

In another embodiment, only three of the plurality of spacers is directly fixed to the frame. In another embodiment, there are more than four spacers within the louvre system and only four of the plurality of spacers is directly fixed to the frame. In another embodiment, each spacer that is attached to either the sill or the end wall of the jamb is directly fixed to the frame.

In one embodiment, one or more of the spacers is restricted from movement within the frame only by adjacent spacer.

The openings between respective blade members may contain additional material as is known in the art to prevent, debris, insects, etc. from passing through the openings. Thus, in one embodiment the louvre system includes at least one mesh extending over one or more openings between blades of the louvre system.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, 20 consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A louvre system comprising a frame, a plurality of longitudinally extending blades each blade having opposing end regions being supported within the frame, and at least one spacer attached to an end region of a blade and configured to

5 simultaneously support and separate the blade within the frame.

2. The louvre system according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises at least one attachment section and a spacing section.

10

3. The louvre system according to claim 2, wherein the spacing section extends away from the attachment section in at least one direction.

4. The louvre system according to claim 3, wherein the spacing section extends away from the attachment section in two directions.

5. The louvre system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the spacing section includes supporting edges.

6. The louvre system according to claim 5, wherein the supporting edges of 20 adjacent spacers are in contact.

7. The louvre system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the supporting edges are linear.

25

8. The louvre system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the supporting edges are non-linear.

9. The louvre system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the supporting edges have a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the spacing

30 section.

10. The louvre system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the attachment section comprises an engagement channel formed by opposing engagement walls.

11. The louvre system according to claim 10, wherein the engagement channel extends completely across the spacer.

5

12. The louvre system according to claim 10, wherein the engagement channel extends partially across the spacer.

13. The louvre system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein at least one spacer comprises a plurality of attachment sections.

14. The louvre system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises a plurality of spacers.

15. The louvre system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the frame 15 comprises opposing jamb sections arranged substantially parallel to one another.

16. The louvre system according to claim 15, wherein the frame comprises one or more head and/or sill sections connecting the opposing jamb sections.

20

17. The louvre system according to claims 15 or 16, wherein one or both of the jamb sections contain a longitudinally extending jamb recess.

18. The louvre system according to claim 17, wherein the jamb recess is formed by perimeter'walls of the jamb extending in a generally U-shaped configuration.

19. The louvre system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the spacer is retained within the jamb recess such that it is permitted to travel along the longitudinally extending recess.

30

20. The louvre system according to claim 19, wherein the spacer is retained within the jamb recess and prohibited from moving substantially along any axis other than the longitudinal axis of the jamb.

21. The louvre system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the jamb recess further comprises a spacer slot formed by walls projecting inwardly from the opposing perimeter walls of the jamb.

5

22. The louvre system according to claim 21, wherein the spacer is located within the spacer slot.

23. The louvre system according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein each jamb comprises a longitudinal axis and the engagement channel forms an angle δ with the

10 longitudinal axis of the jamb, wherein δ is selected from between 0 and 90° for each spacer.

24. The louvre system according to claim 23, wherein δ is within ± 0° to 5° for each spacer.

25. The louvre system according to claim 23, wherein δ is within ± 5° to 15° for each spacer.

26. The louvre system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising 20 at least one expansion section configured to accommodate longitudinal expansion of at least one blade.

27. The louvre system according to claim 26, wherein the expansion section is provided within the spacer.

28. The louvre system according to claim 26, wherein the expansion section is provided between the spacer and the frame.

29. The louvre stem according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the at least 30 one spacer is formed from uPVC.

30. The louvre stem according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the frame is formed from a material selected from wood, metal, plastic or composite.

31. The louvre stem according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the blades are formed from a material selected from wood, metal, plastic or composite.

32. A spacer for use in a louvre system as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, 5 the spacer being defined according to any one of claims 2 to 31.

33. A method of constructing a louvre system as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, the method comprising constructing a frame, attaching a spacer to an end of a blade, and locating the spacer within the frame.

34. The method according to claim 33. comprising attaching a spacer to each end of each blade.

35. The method according to claim 33, comprising attaching a spacer to the ends 15 of multiple blades.

36 A method of installing a louvre system comprising:

fixing a frame as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31 to the perimeter of an aperture, attaching a spacer as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31 to an end of a 20 blade, and locating the spacer within the frame: or fixing the louvre system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31 to the perimeter of an aperture.