NZ624580B - A Security Screen Frame - Google Patents

Abstract

frame for a security screen, the frame including two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel in which a screen sheet of the security screen can be received, the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other and a locking space for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members. ace for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

Description

A SECURITY SCREEN FRAME TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to security screens.

BACKGROUND 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.

Security screens are fitted to windows and doors to impede the unauthorized entry of intruders into buildings. Typically, a security screen includes a frame to which a mesh sheet is fitted.

Australian patent no. 736536 and Australian patent application no. 2006202825 both disclose security screens having frames including a number of extruded frame portions. Each elongate frame portion defines a pair of opposite jaws between which the mesh screen sheet can be received and retained. In practice, the screen sheet invariably becomes worn and needs to be replaced, but can be difficult to remove from the jaws.

Some security screens include metallic retaining pins which extend through both the jaws and the metal screen sheet held there-between. Undesirably, this arrangement can result in exacerbated corrosion of the screen sheet about the pins within the jaws.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for a security screen, the frame including two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel in which a screen sheet of the security screen can be received, the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other and a locking space, internal to the frame and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

The locking member may comprise a locking pin. The locking member may comprise a comb defining a plurality of interconnected locking pins.

The locking formation may comprise a locking channel for receiving a portion of the locking member. The locking channel may extend longitudinally along at least one of the frame members. According to certain embodiments, the locking channel is defined by one of the frame members. A head can be defined by the other frame member, the head for retaining the locking member in the locking channel.

The frame may further comprise a second locking channel for receiving a portion of a second locking member. The first locking channel and the second locking channel may be parallel.

Each of the members may be elongate metal extrusions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portion of a frame for a security screen, the portion including two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel in which a screen sheet of the security screen can be received, the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other and a locking space, internal to the portion of the frame and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security screen, the security screen including: two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel; the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other; a locking member for being received in a locking space of the channel, the locking space internal to the security screen and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members; and a screen sheet for being retained within the channel by the locking member, wherein the locking member extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

The security screen may further comprise a second locking member, for being received in the locking formation of the channel, the second locking member being longitudinally spaced from the first locking member.

Alternatively or additionally. the security screen may further comprise a second locking member, for being received in a second locking formation of the channel, the second locking member being longitudinally spaced from the first locking member.

The screen sheet may be formed of meshed or latticed material.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a security screen, the method including the steps of: interconnecting two frame members; the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other; receiving a screen sheet between the two frame members; receiving a locking member in a locking space defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, the locking member extending through the screen sheet; and pivoting one of the members relative to the other to lock the screen sheet between the frame members by the locking member.

The locking member may comprise a locking pin. The locking member may comprise a comb defining a plurality of interconnected locking pins.

The method may further comprise: receiving a second locking member through at least a second aperture of the screen sheet, wherein the second locking member is clamped between the frame members and wherein the first and second locking members are spaced longitudinally along the frame members.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may further comprise: receiving a second locking member through at least a second aperture of the screen sheet, wherein the second locking member is clamped between the frame members and wherein the first and second locking members are spaced laterally along the frame members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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: Figure 1 is a sectional perspective view of a security screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side sectional view of an unassembled frame portion of the security screen of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the assembled security screen of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a frame portion in accordance with another embodiment; Figure 5 is an exploded sectional view of a portion of a security screen according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates an assembled sectional view of the portion of the security screen of Figure. 5; Figure 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the portion of the security screen of Figure 5; Figure 8a illustrates a front view of a comb of the security screen of Figure 5; Figure 8b illustrates a perspective view of the comb of Figure 8a; Figure 9 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a portion of a security screen according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a security screen according to yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a security screen 2 as shown in Figure 1. The security screen 2 includes a rectangular frame 4 which, in turn, includes four elongate frame portions that can interconnect at their ends. Each frame portion includes an outer frame member 6 and an inner frame member 8. The extruded aluminium frame members 6, 8 can be releasably interconnected to define a frame channel.

The security screen 2 further includes a resilient rubber retainer 10 for being received in the frame channel. The retainer 10 can define a retainer channel in which a mesh sheet 12 is received and serves to retain the mesh sheet 12 within the frame channel. A detailed description of the security screen 2 is provided below.

Turning to Figure 2, the frame members 6, 8 define pivoting formations that enable the frame members 6,8 to be pivoted relative to each other. In particular, the pivoting formations include a concave recess 13 defined by the outer frame member 6, and a bent arm 14 of the inner frame member 8 that terminates in an bulbous head 16. The head 16 is received in the arcuate recess 13 and can rotate about an axis therein. The bent arm 14 defines a groove 18 in which a tongue 20 of the outer frame member 6 can be received to facilitate locating the frame members 6,8 together during assembly of the security screen 2.

The frame members 6,8 further define catch formations that enable the members 6,8 to be releasably caught together upon being pivoted relative to each other. In particular, the catch formations include a pair of complementary heads 22a,b of respective catches 24a,b, the heads 22a,b defining respective mitred surfaces 26a,b which can slide over each other and respective ledges 28a,b for catching together.

The frame members 6,8 define respective retention arms 30a,b, in turn, defining respective sets of inner serrated teeth 32a,b. The serrated teeth 32a,b are oriented to facilitate insertion of the retainer 10 into the frame channel whilst impeding its removal. The outer frame member 6 includes a bolster 34 for interconnecting the base of catch 24b with the outer end of retention arm 30b so that the arm 30b is well supported. In contrast, the free end of retention arm 30a is not supported which yields some compliance of that arm 30a.

Opposite the retention arm 30b, the outer frame member 6 includes a tubular support 36 which can be fastened to a door or window frame. The tubular support 36 may define outer furrows 38 to locate screw tips during fastening.

The retainer 10 is integrally formed from a resilient rubber strip and can be folded over itself as shown in Figure 3. The retainer 10 defines a pair of opposite heads 40a,b. Each head 40 defines a mitred surface and a ledge for abutting against the frame 4.

As can best be seen in Figure 1, the mesh sheet 12 is formed from latticed material, in turn, including two sets of parallel elements which are orthogonally arranged.

A method for assembling the security screen 2 is now described.

Initially, the retainer 10 is folded over itself to define the retainer channel in which the mesh sheet 12 is received (see Figure 3).

Next, the two frame members 6,8 are interconnected to clamp the retainer 10 there-between as shown in Figure 3. Elaborating further with reference to Figure 2, tongue 20 of the outer frame member 6 is first received within the groove 18 defined by the bent arm 14. The retainer 10 wrapped around an edge of the mesh sheet 12 is then rested upon the retention arm 30b of static outer frame member 6.

In turn, the inner frame member 8 is rotated downwardly about head 16 within recess 13. The mitred surfaces 26 of catches 24 slide over each other, as resilient catch 24a momentarily bends inwardly whilst catch 24b remains substantially static. Furthermore, bent arm 14 compresses so that the groove 18 narrows. Once the heads 22 of the catches 24 pass each other, catch 24a straightens once again as shown in Figure 3.

The retention arms 30a,30b clamp the retainer 10 within the frame channel and, in turn, the retainer 10 clamps the mesh screen within its confines. The ledges 28 of the catches 24 are caught together and prevent the outer ends of the retention arms 30 from separating. Furthermore, the bent arm 14 is held in compression, and facilitates maintaining interconnection of the frame members 6,8 by forcing catch 24a toward the mesh screen 12 to ensure that the ledges 28 remain caught. The serrated teeth 32 embed themselves in the retainer 10 to impede axial removal thereof.

The security screen 2 is held together without the need for metal pins that could potentially extend through the retention arms 30, retainer 10 and mesh screen 12. The removal of a need for these pins advantageously reduces the assembly time and complexity of the security screen 2. Furthermore, the presence of the pins could otherwise result in increased corrosion of the mesh screen 12 within the frame channel.

The frame members 6,8 can be readily disconnected when replacing the mesh screen 12. Referring to Figure 3, the tip of a screw driver can be slid between the roof of the retainer 10 and the underside of the retention arm 30a. The screw driver tip can press against the stem of catch 24a, further compressing bent arm 14, and thereby disengage the caught ledges 28 of the catches 24. In turn, the screw driver can then be pivoted about retainer head 40a to separate the retention arms 30. Once the retention arms 30 are separated as shown in Figure 2, the retainer 10 and mesh screen 12 can be freely removed from the frame 4.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the mesh screen 12 was received within a retainer 10, and therefore within the frame channel in which the retainer 10 was received. In an alternative embodiment, the security screen 2 may not include a retainer so that the mesh screen 12 is received directly into the frame channel. In this manner, the arms 30 would engage directly with the mesh screen 12. Pins could potentially extend through the retention arms 30 and mesh screen 12 to improve the durability of the assembled security screen 2.

In the preferred embodiment, retention arm 30a was substantially straight. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4, retention arm 30a may bend inwardly toward its free end to improve clamping of the retainer 10 between the arms 30. In addition, retention arm 30b may be solid for improved strength.

In the preferred embodiment, the mesh screen 12 was formed from durable latticed material. In an alternative embodiment, the material may be less durable and could be fly screen material, for example.

In one embodiment, the retainer 10 may have adhesive applied to its opposite faces. In this manner, the inner face of the retainer 10 adheres to the mesh screen 12 whilst the outer face of the retainer 10 adheres to the inner faces of the retention arms 30 bearing the serrated teeth 32.

In another embodiment, the retainer 10 may instead include two adhesive strips (of tape) each having adhesive applied to both contact faces. One adhesive strip is adhered between the upper retention arm 30a and the top face of the mesh screen 12 whilst the other adhesive strip is adhered between the lower retention arm 30b and the bottom face of the mesh screen 12. The adhesive improves the retention of the mesh screen 12 within the retention arms 30.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a portion of a security screen 50 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The security screen 50 is similar to the security screen 2 and includes a rectangular frame (not shown), which includes four elongate frame portions that can interconnect at their ends. Each frame portion includes an outer frame member 52, an inner frame member 54, and locking pins 56.

The frame members 52, 54 can be releasably interconnected to define a channel in which the mesh sheet 12 and the locking pins 56 are received. In particular, the frame members 52, 54, together with the locking pins 56, serve to retain the mesh sheet 12 within the channel as further described below.

The frame members 52, 54 define pivoting formations 58a, 58b that enable the frame members 52, 54 to be pivoted relative to each other, as discussed above with reference to the security screen 2. The outer frame member 52 defines a pin receiving channel 60, for receiving lower portions of the pins 56, and the inner frame member 54 defines a retaining head 62 for retaining the pins 56 in the pin receiving channel 60. As such, the pins 56 are retained in the pin receiving channel 60 when the frame members 52, 54 are pivoted towards each other.

The outer and inner frame members 52, 54 include complementary heads 64a, 64b, similar to the complementary heads 22a, 22b of the security screen 2, discussed above, which enable the members 52, 54 to be caught together upon being pivoted towards to each other. Similarly, the frame members 52, 54 define respective retention arms 66a, 66b, similar to the retention arms 30a, 30b of the security screen 2, and defining respective sets of serrated teeth.

The outer frame member 54 can include one or more hollows 68, as illustrated in Figure 6. The hollows 68 can reduce an amount of material required to produce the security screen 50, while providing suitable strength where needed.

A method for assembling the security screen 50 is now described.

Initially, the two frame members 52, 54 are interconnected to define a hinged channel, as discussed above with reference to the security screen 2.

The mesh sheet 12 is then rested upon the retention arm 66a of the outer frame member 52.

Then, the pins 56 are pressed through apertures of the mesh sheet 12 and into the pin receiving channel 60. The inner frame member 54 is then rotated downwardly, which may further force the pins into the pin receiving channel As best illustrated in Figure 6, the retention arms 66a, 66b then clamp the mesh screen 12 and the pins 56 within its confines. In particular, the pins 56 extend through the mesh sheet 12, and prevent lateral movement of the mesh sheet 12 relative to the frame members 52, 54. As such, the mesh screen 12 is retained from above and below by the retention arms 66a, 66b, and laterally by the pins 56 and the channel 60.

As best illustrated with reference to the pins 56 are joined in groups to form combs 70. In such case, the combs 70 can be spaced along a longitudinal axis of the frame members 52, 54. For example, combs can be used to reinforce approximately 25% of an edge of the mesh sheet 12.

Figure 8a and Figure 8b illustrate the combs 70 in further detail.

The combs 70 enable a relatively large number of pins 56 to be inserted into the mesh 12 simultaneously. As such, the combs 70 can greatly increase the speed in which the pins 56 are installed, and as such provide a more efficient installation.

The combs 70 are arranged such that a separation of the pins 56 is equal to the spacing of apertures in the mesh 12. As such, a large number of pins 56 can be inserted into the mesh 12 at the same time, which is more efficient than inserting the pins 56 individually.

The combs 70 are integrally formed, and include beveled edges. The beveled edges prevent sharp edges of the pins 56 from damaging the mesh 12. For example, if the mesh 12 has as painted or powder coated surface, the beveled edges provide a generally smooth contact between the pins 56 and the mesh 12, which in turn can prevent the painted or powder coated surface from chipping or scratching.

Figure 9 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a portion of a security screen 90 according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The security screen 90 is similar to the security screen 50 of Figure 5. The security screen 90 includes pivoting formations 96a, 96b, similar to the pivoting formations 58a, 58b, that enable the frame members 92, 94 to be pivoted relative to each other. The pivoting formations 96a, 96b provide a more downward biasing to the inner frame member 94 with respect to the outer frame member 92, which together with the complementary heads 64a, 64b provides a robust and sturdy security screen.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a security screen 100, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The security screen 100 is similar to the security screen 50 of Figure 5, but with two parallel and laterally spaced rows of pins 56.

In particular, the security screen 100 comprises frame members 102, 104, similar to frame members 52, 54, wherein the outer frame member 102 includes first and second a pin receiving channels 106a, 106b for receiving first and second rows of pins 56.

The first and second rows of pins 56 can provide additional strength when compared with a single row of pins 56, as disclosed above.

According to alternative embodiments (not shown), the pivotal members 58a, 58b, 96a, 96b can be any suitable shape, such as those shapes described with reference to other embodiments.

According to further alternative embodiments (not shown), the inner frame member 54, or the combination of the outer frame member 52 and the inner frame member 54, defines a pin receiving channel for receiving and retaining the pins 56.

The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the pins 56 do not need to be joined to form combs 70, and instead can be provided individually, as pairs, or combined in any suitable manner. In particular, the pins 56 can be joined to form a two dimensional array of pins 56, such as the first and second rows of pins 56 described with reference to .

The combs 70 can arranged such that a separation of the pins 56 is equal to an integer multiple of the spacing of apertures in the mesh 12. As such, a pin 56 may, for example, extend through every second, third or fourth aperture of the mesh 12.

The pins 56 can be formed of glass, plastic or any other suitable material. As the pins 56 are enclosed by the frame members 52, 54, 92, 94, 102, 104, moisture cannot readily reach the pins 56. As such, corrosion is minimized in case the pins 56 are formed of material prone to corrosion.

According to certain embodiments, the pins 56 are formed of long sheets of pins 56, which can be broken to form the combs 70 of any suitable length.

According to some embodiments, the hollows 68 described above are not present. In such case, the inner frame member 54 is solid at the point where the hollow 68 otherwise would have been.

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 appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A frame for a security screen, the frame including two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel in which a screen sheet of the security screen can be received, the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other and a locking space, internal to the frame and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

2. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises a locking pin.

3. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises a comb defining a plurality of interconnected locking pins.

4. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking space comprises a locking channel for receiving a portion of the locking member.

5. A frame as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking channel extends longitudinally along at least one of the frame members.

6. A frame as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking channel is defined by one of the frame members.

7. A frame as claimed in claim 6, wherein a head is defined by the other frame member, the head for retaining the locking member in the locking channel.

8. A frame as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a second locking channel for receiving a portion of a second locking member.

9. A frame as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first locking channel and the second locking channel are parallel.

10. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the members are elongate metal extrusions.

11. A portion of a frame for a security screen, the portion including two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel in which a screen sheet of the security screen can be received, the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other and a locking space, internal to the portion of the frame and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, for receiving a locking member that extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

12. A security screen, the security screen including: two frame members which can be interconnected to define a channel; the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other; a locking member for being received in a locking space of the channel, the locking space internal to the security screen and defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members; and a screen sheet for being retained within the channel by the locking member, wherein the locking member extends through the screen sheet to lock the screen sheet between the frame members.

13. A security screen as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a second locking member, for being received in the locking space of the channel, the second locking member being longitudinally spaced from the first locking member.

14. A security screen as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a second locking member, for being received in a second locking space of the channel, the second locking member being longitudinally spaced from the first locking member.

15. A security screen as claimed in claim 12, wherein the screen sheet is formed of meshed or latticed material.

16. A method for assembling a security screen, the method including the steps of: interconnecting two frame members; the frame members defining pivoting formations that enable the members to pivot relative to each other; receiving a screen sheet between the two frame members; receiving a locking member in a locking space defined by an internal surface of at least one of the frame members, the locking member extending through the screen sheet; and pivoting one of the members relative to the other to lock the screen sheet between the frame members by the locking member.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking member comprises a locking pin.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the locking member comprises a comb defining a plurality of interconnected locking pins.

19. A method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: receiving a second locking member through at least a second aperture of the screen sheet, wherein the second locking member is clamped between the frame members and wherein the first and second locking members are spaced longitudinally along the frame members.

20. A method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: receiving a second locking member through at least a second aperture of the screen sheet, wherein the second locking member is clamped between the frame members and wherein the first and second locking members are spaced laterally along the frame members.