WO2012063017A2

WO2012063017A2 - Self-closing barrier screen

Info

Publication number: WO2012063017A2
Application number: PCT/GB2011/001572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kirin Kopalan; Simon Clegg
Original assignee: Rollatherm Designs Limited
Priority date: 2010-11-08
Filing date: 2011-11-08
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: WO2012063017A3; GB201018803D0

Abstract

There is described a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises; a roller assembly including a closure biasing means; at least one screen material; at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position; and a lateral screen retaining strip said retaining strip being provided with biasing means connecting the retaining strip to one or more units adapted to slidably engage with the at least one rod, wherein the biasing means is substantially perpendicular to the at least one rod; and wherein the rod biasing means is under tension when the screen assembly is in the open position.

Description

Self-Closing Barrier Screen

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a novel mechanism for the operation of roller blinds, novel; roller blind systems and methods related thereto.

More particularly the present invention relates to a novel roller blind mechanism and a novel roller blind system for use, for example, in connection with display cabinets, such as chiller or refrigerator cabinets, tobacco cabinets or drink cabinets and similar such cabinets wherein there is a desire to screen the produce from the consumer at a chosen time.

Background of the invention

There are numerous reasons why it may be desirable to screen merchandise or produce, i.e. goods on display in a retail environment, especially if the goods are of the sort that are required to be stored in a refrigerator or chiller cabinet. For example, due to increasing restrictions on carbon emissions and carbon footprints the requirement to provide thermal screens for refrigerators and chiller cabinets has increased. Currently, in the UK alone, tens of thousands of supermarket freezer cabinets are open, i.e. without doors or any other form of screen. This creates a huge energy waste and the cost is often passed on to consumers, for example, in the form of higher food prices. Increasingly, supermarkets are being encouraged to put doors on all freezer units and chiller cabinets so as to reduce energy waste. Optimum operating temperature for a chiller cabinet is from about 2 to 4°C, less for a freezer cabinet. Many different methods of screening chilled or frozen produce have been developed. For refrigerated retail displays it is desirable to provide a screen that can be operated by the customer, for example, in shopping stores, supermarkets and the like, without creating an obstruction when the doors of such cabinets are opened. Thus, screens may be seen as an obstruction to the consumer. However, in order to minimise any obstruction to the consumer and maximise thermal and/or energy efficiency, it is desirable to provide a self-closing screen for, e.g. a chiller cabinet. Glass doors, and especially double glazed glass doors are often used, especially for chiller cabinets or freezer units that have a "vertical" display of the produce. Although sliding doors have been developed to try to minimise the obstruction that may be created when such doors are opened. However, all glass doors suffer from the disadvantage that a cold air barrier is created directly on the inside of the glass panel. This can lead to excessive condensation thus restricting visibility and deterring the customer from purchasing the produce. Sliding doors are beneficial in that the cause less of an obstruction than conventionally hinged doors, but they are particularly susceptible to being inadvertently left open by the consumer. In addition, such glass doors are disadvantageous in that they are expensive to manufacture and install and they are heavy, thus being problematical to install and use.

European Patent Application No. 1 158 135 describes a horizontally sliding screen for, e.g. French doors, comprising a roll-back mechanism provided with a spring and a weight wherein the load of the weight is less than or equal than the force of the P T/GB2011/001572

Such an arrangement is not suitable for use in connection with a chiller or freezer cabinet, since, inter alia, it does not act as a self closing barrier or screen, and in fact arranged to be urged to an open position. Our own International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2010/000098 describes a horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises a screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen.

Summary of the Invention

The horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly described in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2010/000098 satisfactorily meets the current needs for cabinet screens. However, there remains a need to improve on the existing design by providing a self-closing screen assembly which is easier to construct, has fewer moving parts, in particular no pulleys and/or cables, and is consequently easier to manufacture.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention we provide a slidable self- closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means (a roller biasing means);

at least one screen material;

at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position; and a lateral screen retaining strip said retaining strip being provided with biasing means (rod biasing means) connecting the retaining strip to one or more units adapted to slidably engage with the at least one rod, wherein the biasing means is substantially perpendicular to the at least one rod;

and wherein the rod biasing means is under tension when the screen assembly is in the open position.

Preferably, the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and each is arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position, for example the pair of rods may be inclined and divergent with respect to one another. When a pair of rods is present it is within the scope of the present invention for one rod to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the screen and the other rod is at an inclined angle. When the inclined rod comprises a pair of divergent rods, they are desirably, although not essentially, dimensionally substantially the same as each other, i.e. in length, diameter, etc. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the actual length of each or both of the divergent rods, which may be the same or different, may vary depending upon, inter alia, whether the screen is intended to be horizontally or vertically slidable, whether one or two slidable screens are to be employed, etc. Thus, for example, when the screen(s) is intended to be horizontally slidable and only a single screen is employed, the length of one or both of the rods will be substantially the same length as the width of the cabinet. If two screens are employed, the length of one or both of the rods will be substantially half the length of the width of the cabinet. Similarly, when the screen(s) is intended to be vertically slidable and only i screen is employed, the length of one or both of the rods will be substantially the same length as the height of the cabinet. If two screens are employed, the length of one or both of the rods will be substantially half the height of the cabinet. Although these are the most desirable arrangements, it will be understood that are arrangements should be considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, if two screens are employed, they may be arranged so that one screen is slidable further than the other.

The inclined rod or the inclined divergent rods may desirably comprise substantially cylindrical rods. However, the unit(s), as hereinafter described, for slidably engaging with the inclined rod or the inclined divergent rods can be varied to reflect the cross- sectional shape, dimension, etc of the inclined rod or the inclined divergent rods. Thus, the cross-section of the inclined rod or the inclined divergent rods which, when there is more than one rod, may be the same or different, may be circular, triangular, square, parallelogram, pentagonal, hexagonal etc, circular, oval, etc. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that any such cross-sectional shapes may be utilised. However, for ease of manufacturing it is preferred that the one or more rods are of a square or circular cross-section, preferably circular.

When there is a pair of inclined divergent rods they are desirably made of the same material. Thus, the inclined rod or the pair of divergent rods preferably comprises a robust material, such as a metal, e.g. stainless steel. To facilitate the movement of the slidable unit, each of the one or more inclined rods may be polished. Alternatively, each of the one or more of the inclined rods may comprise a plastics material. The use of a plastics material is advantageous in that, inter alia, friction is low, noise levels may be reduced during the sliding action, etc. Each of the slidable units will generally comprise a block provided with an aperture, the aperture being substantially coaxial with the corresponding inclined rod. Desirably the aperture may be lined with an anti-friction material, such as a plastics material, a PTFE lining, and the like. Preferably, the aperture may include a rolling element bearing, such as a ball bearing e.g. in the form a of a ball bearing cage.

The angle of "incline" or divergence of one or more inclined or inclined divergent rods relative to either the vertical or horizontal is preferably the same. However, the angle may be varied depending upon, inter alia, the rate at which it is desired for the screen to close, the nature of the screen material, etc. Preferably the angle of incline or divergence, relative to the horizontal for a horizontally slidable screen, or relative to the vertical for a vertically slidable screen, is from about 5 to 25°, more preferably about 5 to 20°, more preferably about 7 to 17°, more preferably about 12 to 17° and most preferably about 15°. In addition, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the size, strength, etc of the rod biasing means, e.g. the spring, may also be varied so as to affect the rate at which the screen closes.

The rod biasing means for connecting the screen retaining strip to the one or more , preferably two, inclined rods, e.g. via the corresponding slid able units, may comprise conventional biasing means used and known to the person skilled in the art.

It is within the scope of the present invention that a single rod biasing means, e.g. an elastic member, such as a torsion spring, may be used to connect to one or both of the inclined divergent rods. However, preferably a pair of rod biasing means, e.g. springs (rod springs), is provided, i.e. one rod spring connecting to one inclined divergent rod e.g. via a slidable unit. It will be understood that more than one rod spring may be used, but a single rod spring connected to each inclined divergent rod e.g. via a slidable unit, is preferred because, inter alia, this is more efficient and cost effective. Hereinafter this is referred to as the rod spring.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the tension experienced by the rod biasing means is under tension may varied, provided that the tension experienced by the rod biasing means is under tension is greater than the tension experienced by the rod biasing means when the screen is closed. Generally, when the screen is in the closed position the rod biasing means will be in a relaxed position.

Thus, by way of example only, the assembly may be provided with a rod spring which has a load of from 10 to 300 Newtons. It will be understood that the rod spring load may be varied, however, if the rod spring load is too low then the screen may close too slowly and, similarly, if the rod spring load is too high then the screen may close too quickly and may have the potential to cause injury. Thus, preferably a rod spring load of from 50 to 250 Newtons may be used, for example, from about 75 to about 225 Newtons, preferably from about 100 to about 200 Newtons, more preferably from about 125 to about 175 Newtons and most preferably about 150 Newtons. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the torsional load of the rod spring may be varied depending upon, inter alia, the angle of at which the rod spring is positions relative to its accompanying inclined rod.

Due to the angle of incline of the inclined rod, when the slidable unit travels al rod the slidable unit must also be adapted to slidably engage with the substantially perpendicular support bracket. The slidable unit may be arranged to slide freely within the substantially perpendicular support bracket and thus the support bracket may be provided with a channel within which the slidable unit can travel. Preferably, the movement of the slidable unit within the support bracket may be facilitated by providing the slidable unit with one or more rollers or wheels which rest against one or more of the internal walls of the support bracket.

The assembly as hereinbefore described may be placed in a cabinet or a housing unit, e.g. a self-contained frame. The cabinet or housing may also be provided with one or more rod supports. The rod support(s) is adapted to hold the corresponding rod in a position remote from the surface of the housing, providing clearance and consequently permitting the slidable unit to be able to move without obstruction. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more rod supports may positioned near an end of the rod so that it can also act as a "stop" for the slidable unit.

The assembly according to the invention preferentially operates by the screen being opened manually and upon release, the screen will close automatically, i.e. without the need for the operator to urge the screen to a closed position.

The end of the screen that is distal to the screen retaining strip may comprise any conventionally known roller blind assembly. Preferably, such an assembly is provided with the biasing means may be, for example, a spring biasing means optionally inside the roller, such as a torsion spring. The roller assembly will generally comprise a conventional assembly used in a roller blind assembly, thus, for example, the closure biasing means in the roller assembly will generally comprise a conventional torsion spring. Thus, the screen(s), in use, may be mounted so as to be vertically or horizontally slidable. The use of a pair of screens as described herein is advantageous in that, inter alia, it provides convenient access for the consumer to the merchandise. Moreover, whilst the present invention does envisage the use of a single self-closing barrier screen, a single screen necessarily increases the profile diameter of the roller when the screen is in the open position and thereby the frame housing the assembly must be larger to accommodate this. This consequently reduces the effective selling space for the merchandise which is undesirable for the retailer or merchandise manufacturer. Also, if a single screen is not fully retracted areas of the merchandise display unit may be less accessible. Thus, the use of a double screen assembly as hereinbefore described maximises the visibility and accessibility of the merchandise.

For use with a chiller cabinet or freezer cabinet the screen may comprise a thermal insulation barrier. Thus, for example, the screen may comprise a thermally insulating fabric or film. An example of such a thermally insulating film may be a film comprising a polymer or co-polymer. Although a variety of polymers or co-polymers conventionally known in the art may be used, examples of such polymer may be polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the like.

It is also desirable that the screen may comprise a substantially transparent material. This is especially preferred if the screen is fitted to a display cabinet, such as a or chiller cabinet. Polymer films as hereinbefore described, such as PVA or PVC films, are suitably available as transparent films which may be used in the assembly of the present invention. An especially preferred screen material is one which is flexible, transparent, insulating and scratch resistant. Thus, one especially preferred example of a material which satisfies each of these requirements is a scratch resistant coated press polished vinyl, such as that available from Strataglass™. Furthermore, for use in freezer or chiller cabinets the screen may comprise a perforated material. The use of a perforated material is advantageous in that, inter alia, the perforations may prevent condensation from forming and thus enable the screen to maintain its transparency and provide good visibility, enabling customers to view the products on display in the cabinet.

The assembly as hereinbefore described may be placed in a housing unit. Thus, the housing unit may comprise a facia that is mountable on existing display or chiller cabinets. The use of such a housing unit allows the screen assembly of the invention to be easily fitted in situ and or may be retro fitted. A further advantage as hereinbefore described is that the housing for use in connection with a pair of screens may be peripherally smaller than a housing used with a conventional roller blind assembly, thus increasing merchandise visibility and accessibility.

The assembly may desirably be arranged so that a cover of the assembly may be easilv removed. This is especially beneficial for use where a chiller cabinet house produce as it facilitates ease of access for cleaning, etc.

Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention we provide a housing unit adapted to contain or containing a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means (a roller biasing means);

at least one screen material;

at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position;

a lateral screen retaining strip said retaining strip being provided with biasing means connecting the retaining strip to one or more units adapted to slidably engage with the at least one rod, wherein the biasing means is substantially perpendicular to the at least one rod;

Preferably, the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and each is arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position, for example the pair of rods may be inclined and divergent with respect to one another.

The housing unit may be provided with one or more channels in which the one or more rods may sit. Thus, when the mechanism of the slidable self-closing screen assembly may be discretely hidden from the consumer. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the unit may operate satisfactorily with a single slidable screen. However, it is desirable that the unit is provided with a pair of screens each of which is slidable. Each of the screens may be independently slidable or may be operably linked to each other so that when a user slides one screen both screens slide open and/or closed.

In a yet further aspect of the invention we provide a cabinet, such a chiller cabinet, display cabinet, etc. fitted with a screen assembly and/or a housing unit as hereinbefore described.

In a further aspect of the invention the screen assembly or the unit may be fitted with one or more sensors, which might be beneficial as an additional safety measure, alternatively or in addition, if a sensor is e.g. a motion sensor, it may enable the opening and/or closing of the screen to be automated. Such an arrangement may be especially advantageous for marketing merchandise to certain customer or for customers that are infirm or are not able bodied. Thus, for example, automatic opening and/or closing sensor may be operate a microwave Doppler action or may comprise active or passive infrared detection which detects the motion of a person approaching the cabinet or screen. Such sensors may be used to detect movement of a person approaching the screen and thus the screen may be automated and set to open when a person is in the vicinity.

When the assembly is automated as hereinbefore described, the screen may, for example, be connected to one or more motors. The assembly may use conven known motors which may be mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or kinetic in nature. Alternatively, the automated assembly may use one or more actuators. The one or more actuators according to this aspect of the invention may be pneumatic or electrical actuators. If more than one actuator or motor is present they may be the same or different. When the assembly of the invention is automated, the assembly may include a counterweight as hereinbefore described or may the assembly may rely solely on the use of the one or more motors. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that when the assembly includes a motor, this may optionally be with or without the use of a sensor.

Furthermore, the assembly may be maintained in the open position by the use of one or more magnets, for example, electro magnets. The one or more magnets according to this aspect of the invention may optionally be part of a timed relay that is adjustable so that the amount of time the assembly is held in the open position can be a manufacturers fixed setting or may be adjusted, e.g. manually, to suit user requirements. When the assembly comprises a manually adjustable magnetic system as hereinbefore described, this system may also incorporate a manual override capable of being operated to keep the doors open for unlimited periods to allow access for longer periods of time. Such a system is advantageous, inter alia, it allows the screen to be maintained in the open position to permit the stocking of shelves, maintenance, etc.

The unit as hereinbefore described may be provided pre-assembled. Alternatively, the unit may be provided in kit form. Therefore, according to a yet further aspect of the invention we provide a kit comprising, in a first part, at least one screen materi 11 001572 second part, a roller assembly including a torsion spring, a counterweight and pulley system and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen; and optionally in a third part a housing unit adapted to contain a slidable screen assembly.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention we provide a method of screening a cabinet which comprises fitting to a cabinet a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means (a roller biasing means);

at least one screen material;

at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position; a lateral screen retaining strip said retaining strip being provided with biasing means connecting the retaining strip to one or more units adapted to slidably engage with the at least one rod, wherein the biasing means is substantially perpendicular to the at least one rod;

and wherein the biasing means is under tension when the screen assembly is in the open position.

Preferably, the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and each is arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position, for example the pair of rods may be inclined and divergent with respect to one another. Preferably in this aspect of the invention the method comprises fitting to a cabinet a screen assembly in a housing unit as hereinbefore described. The assembly of the present invention, unit or kit of the present invention is advantageous in that, inter alia, it proposes a frame that incorporates two vertically positioned self-retracting blinds. This will then create a self closing barrier screen that can be fitted to the front of a cabinet. When fitted the self closing barrier screen will be in the closed position. This means that the two screens (left & right) will meet in the centre, thus creating a thermal barrier, keeping the cold air in and the warm air out. The fabric will be of a transparent nature with a special perforation. The perforation will prevent condensation from forming and thus provide good visibility and enable the customer to view the product on the shelf. To open the self closing barrier screen, the customer pushes aside the relative left or right side screen to access the product. The relative left or right screen will then close automatically to centre slowly.

This invention will not be restricted to use on refrigerators only. Thus, the novel roller blind mechanism and a novel roller blind system may be used in connection with display cabinets, such as chiller or refrigerator cabinets, tobacco cabinets or drink cabinets and similar such cabinets wherein there is a desire to screen the produce from the consumer at a chosen time. For example, the screen assembly of the invention may be utilised as a thermal screen for any thermally insulated cabinet, such as a chilled cabinet, a refrigerator or freezer or the like or a cabinet which displays warmed, e.g. ready to eat, food. Furthermore, with the use of different fabrics and incorporating locking systems in the shutter beams, the screen assembly can be

15 a Secure-Self Closing Barrier Screen. This can be used in conjunction with many applications where a Self-Closing Barrier Screen is required, e.g. cabinets, doorways, shelving and windows etc, etc. For example, the assembly may be used in conjunction with a tear or slash resistant fabric or other material in a secure cabinet for the storage and/or display of restricted products, such as cigarettes or other tobacco products or high value products.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a slidable self-closing screen assembly of the invention;

Figure 2 is an end view of the rod, fitted with slidable unit and spring; and

Figure 3 is a side view of the slidable unit fitted to a rod and a screen retaining strip.

Referring to figure 1, a slidable self-closing screen assembly of the invention comprises a first inclined divergent rod 1 and a second inclined divergent rod 2. A screen 3 is provided at one end 4 with a screen retaining strip 5, which in the embodiment shown is provided with a handle 6 on the side 7 distal to the screen 3. The screen retaining strip 5 is provided with a first and second slidable units 8 and 9. Each of the slidable units 8 and 9 is fixed to the screen retaining strip 5 and is slidable about the inclined divergent rod. Thus, the first unit 8 is arranged to be slidable about the first inclined divergent rod 1 and the second slidable unit 9 is arranged to be slidable about the second inclined divergent rod 2. In the embodiment shown the self- closing screen assembly is horizontally mounted and is adapted to close form left to right as depicted. It will be understood that this depiction is for illustration purposes only and should be construed as non-limiting. However, it will be understood that a particular advantage of the system of the present invention is that, inter alia, the self-closing screen assembly can readily be mounted to be slidable horizontally or vertically without the requirement for significant variation in the operating system.

In addition, in use each of the inclined divergent rods would be mounted in the display cabinet (not shown) and would generally be arranged so as to not be visible to the consumer.

Referring to figure 2, a slidable self-closing screen assembly of the invention comprises a screen material 3, a first inclined divergent rod 1 and a first slidable unit 8. The slidable unit 8 is fixed to a screen retaining strip 5 via bracket 10. The slidable unit 8 is provided with an aperture 11, in the embodiment shown the aperture 11 is lined with an anti-friction material 12, such as a plastics or PTFE lining. Preferably, the aperture may include a rolling element bearing, such as a ball bearing e.g. in the form a of a ball bearing cage. The cabinet (not shown) is provided with a rod support 13 which provides the unit 8 with clearance to enable the unit to be slidable. The rod support 13 also acts as a "stop" for the slidably mounted unit 8. The screen retaining strip 5 is provided with a handle 14 to enable the screen to be pulled by the user. The screen retaining strip 5 is also provided with a bracket 15 adapted to retain a spring 16. In the embodiment shown the handle 14 and spring retaining bracket 15 are integral, i.e. providing a single unit. The slidable unit 8 is provided with a spring anchor 17 in the form of a mounted ring. A corresponding spring anchor may be provided in the spring retaining bracket 15 but is not shown in the embodiment illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated the screen 3 is substantially closed and therefore the spring 16 is not under significant tension. In the preferred embodiment wherein a pair of inclined divergent rods 1 and 2 is provided, a corresponding spring 18 is provided for the second rod 2 (not shown).

Referring to figure 3, a slidable self-closing screen assembly of the invention comprises a first inclined divergent rod 1 and a first slidable unit 8. The slidable unit 8 is fixed to the rear side 19 of a screen retaining strip 5 via bracket 10. In the embodiment shown the rear side 19 a screen retaining strip 5 is provided with a support bracket 20. Such a bracket 20 is desirable since it facilitates the positioning of the slidable unit, but it will be understood that it is not an essential element. The first inclined divergent rod 1 protrudes through the aperture (11 but not shown) and a first slidable unit 8 and the protruding end 21 rests on rod support 13, rod support 13 is mounted on the cabinet (not shown). Due to the angle of incline of the inclined rod 1, when the slidable unit 8 travels along the rod 1 the slidable unit 8 must also be adapted to slidably engage with the substantially perpendicular support bracket 20. In addition, the slidability may be facilitated by providing the slidable unit 8 with one or more wheels (not shown) that allow the unit 8 to slide laterally along the support bracket 10 more easily.

The assembly may be placed in a cabinet or a housing unit, e.g. a self-contained frame. In use, the screen 3 is at rest in the closed position and the springs 16and relaxed, i.e. they are not under tension. When a consumer operates the screen assembly (manually) the consumer grasps the handle 6 of the retaining strip 5 and slides the screen 3 to the open or partially open position. The movement of the screen 3 slides each of the slidable units 8 and 9 along the inclined divergent rods 1 and 2. Because the rods are positioned in a diverging arrangement, the separation of the slidable units 8 and 9 increases and the springs 16 and 18 are consequently placed under tension. Once the consumer releases the handle 6 the tensioned springs 16 and 18 are urged to a relaxed state and thus the slidable units 8 and 9 are urged to slide along the respective inclined divergent rods 1 and 2 until the rest position is reached.

Claims

1. A slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means;

at least one screen material;

at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position; and

2. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position.

3. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pair of rods are inclined and divergent with respect to one another.

4. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inclined rod(s) comprises a substantially cylindrical rod(s).

5. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rods each comprise a robust material, such as a metal.

6. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rods comprise a polished stainless steel.

7. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one rod comprises a plastics material.

8. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the slidable units comprises a block provided with an aperture, the aperture being substantially coaxial with the corresponding rod.

9. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is lined with an anti-friction material.

10. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the angle of "incline" or divergence of each of the inclined divergent rods relative to the horizontal for a horizontally slidable screen, is from about 5 to 25°.

11. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the angle of "incline" or divergence of each of the inclined divergent rods relative to the vertical for a vertically slidable screen, is from about 5 to 25°.

12. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means comprises an elastic member.

13. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elastic member comprises a torsion spring.

14. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a pair of biasing means is provided which connect to the inclined divergent rod via a slidable unit.

15. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rod spring load is from about 10 to 300 Newtons.

16. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cabinet or housing is provided with one or more rod supports.

17. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rod supports) is positioned near an end of the rod so that it can also act as a "stop" for the slidable unit.

18. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the end of the screen that is distal to the screen retaining strip comprises a conventionally known roller blind assembly.

A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to claim 1 wher closure biasing means in the roller assembly comprises a torsion spring.

20. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen(s) is mounted so as to be vertically slidable.

21. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen(s) is mounted so as to be horizontally slidable.

22. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a thermally insulating fabric or film.

23. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a substantially transparent material.

24. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a scratch resistant material.

25. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a material which is flexible, transparent, insulating and scratch resistant.

26. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a PVA or PVC films material.

27. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the pr claims wherein the screen material comprises a Strataglass™ material.

28. A slidable self-closing screen assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen material comprises a perforated material.

29. A housing unit adapted to contain or containing a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means;

at least one screen material;

a lateral screen retaining strip said retaining strip being provided with biasing means connecting the retaining strip to one or more units adapted to slidably engage with one or both of the inclined rods, wherein the biasing means is substantially perpendicular to the inclined rods;

30. A housing unit according to claim 29 wherein the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position.

31. A housing unit according to claims 29 or 30 wherein each of the rods in a pair of rods is inclined and divergent with respect to one another.

32. A kit for a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means;

at least one screen material;

33. A kit according to claim 32 wherein the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position.

34. A kit according to claims 32 or 33 wherein each of the rods in a pair of rods is inclined and divergent with respect to one another.

35. A method of screening a cabinet which comprises fitting to a cabinet a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises;

a roller assembly including a closure biasing means;

at least one screen material; at least one rod adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and connected to the at least one screen material the at least one rod being inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position;

36. A method of screening a cabinet according to claim 35 wherein the inclined rod comprises a pair of rods adapted to be fixed to a display cabinet and arranged to be inclined away from the longitudinal axis of the screen towards an open position.

37. A method of screening a cabinet according to claims 35 or 36 wherein the pair of rods are inclined and divergent with respect to one another.

38. A method of screening a cabinet according to any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein the method comprises fitting to a cabinet a screen assembly in a housing unit as hereinbefore described.

39. The assembly, unit, kit or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying examples.