SECURITY SCREEN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security frame adapted to be fitted to door and window openings and adjustably accommodate decorative panels of differing thicknesses. The frame includes: at least two frame members connectable together to form the frame for accommodating at least one decorative panel; at least one panel clamping bed extending along an inner sidewall of each frame member and having a clamping portion and a channel; and at least one clamping clip including a retention portion and at least one clamping arm extending from the retention portion and configured to clamp a peripheral edge of the at least one decorative panel against the clamping portion when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel, wherein said channel and said retention portion each include at least one key arrangement configured to intermesh with each other at a plurality of positions when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel thereby enabling decorative panels of differing thicknesses to be accommodated and clamped to the frame.

Claims

1. A security frame assembly for accommodating at least one decorative panel comprising: at least two frame members connectable together to form a frame for accommodating the panel, each of the frame members comprises a pair of opposed ends, an outer wall, an opposed inner wall and a pair of opposed side walls, including an inner sidewall and an opposed outer sidewall; at least one panel clamping bed extending inwards from and at least partially along a length of the inner sidewall of each frame member and having a clamping portion and a channel, said channel being defined between the inner sidewall and the clamping portion; and at least one clamping clip comprising a retention portion and at least one clamping arm extending from the retention portion and configured to clamp a peripheral edge portion of the at least one decorative panel against the clamping portion when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel, wherein said channel and said retention portion each comprise at least one key arrangement configured to intermesh with each other at a plurality of positions when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel thereby enabling decorative panels of differing thicknesses to be accommodated and clamped to the security frame.

2. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the security frame assembly is configured to be fitted to a door or window.

3. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one decorative panel comprises a plurality of perforated and/or profile cut openings arranged on the at least one decorative panel to create a decorative pattern, motif, shape or word.

4. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one clamping clip when engaged with the at least one panel clamping bed is adjustable to accommodate decorative panels of differing thicknesses.

5. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention portion of the at least one clamping clip and the channel of the at least one panel clamping bed permanently connect together in a one-way engagement arrangement when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel.

6. The security frame assembly of claim 4, wherein the assembly is adapted to accommodate and clamp decorative panels ranging in thickness from about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm.

7. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention portion of the at least one clamping clip comprises a pair of legs extending substantially parallel to one another and a web interconnecting the pair of legs.

8. The security frame assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of legs are configured to be frictionally fitted in the channel when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel.

9. The security frame assembly of claim 8, wherein when frictionally fitted, the web functions as a biasing member for biasing the pair of legs apart from one another into engagement with sidewalls of the channel ensuring a secure frictional fit is achieved.

10. The security frame assembly of claim 9, wherein a junction between each leg of the pair of legs and the web of the retention portion comprises a flexion point enabling flexion of the pair of legs at least partially towards each other against a biasing force of the web when the pair of legs are being frictionally fitted in the channel.

11. The security frame assembly of claim 10, wherein the key arrangements enable adjustment of the at least one clamping clip relative to the at least one panel clamping bed in about 0.5 mm intervals.

12. The security frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the retention portion comprises two key arrangements and the channel comprises two key arrangements and wherein the two key arrangements of the retention portion are configured to intermesh with the two key arrangements of the channel when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel.

13. The security frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the two key arrangements of the retention portion respectively extend from and along an outer surface of each of the pair of legs.

14. The security frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the two key arrangement of the channel respectively extend from and along an inner surface of each channel sidewall.

15. The security frame assembly of claim 11, wherein each key in the key arrangements are provided at spaced intervals of about 0.5 mm.

16. The security frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the respective said at least one key arrangements of the retention portion and the channel angle or point away from each other to prevent disengagement of the key arrangements when intermeshed and when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel.

17. The security frame assembly of claim 16, wherein keys of each of the at least one key arrangements comprise teeth having an angular lead-in edge that angles away from a direction of engagement.

18. The security frame assembly of claim 17, further comprising a screen mesh or shade cloth configured to be fastened to the frame when assembled by a spline and wherein the at least one clamping clip comprises a spline channel for at least partially receiving the spline and securing the screen mesh or shade cloth to the frame when assembled.

19. A method of assembling a security frame for accommodating at least one decorative panel comprising: joining at least two frame members together to form the frame, each of the frame members comprising at least one panel clamping bed extending inwards from and at least partially along a length of an inner sidewall of the frame member and having a clamping portion and a channel, said channel being defined between the inner sidewall and the clamping portion; aligning the panel relative to the frame and inserting the panel such that each peripheral edge portion of the panel rests at least partially against a respective said clamping portion of the at least one panel clamping bed; and clamping each peripheral edge of the at least one decorative panel in place by aligning and pressing a clamping clip having a retention portion and at least one clamping arm extending from the retention portion against the at least one panel clamping bed such that the clamping arm clamps the peripheral edge of the at least one decorative panel against the clamping portion and the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel, wherein said channel and said retention portion each comprise at least one key arrangement configured to intermesh with each other at a plurality of positions when the retention portion is at least partially received in the channel thereby enabling decorative panels of differing thicknesses to be accommodated and clamped to the frame.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said clamping comprises pressing the at least one clamping clip into the at least one panel clamping bed until the clamping arm is firmly clamping a peripheral edge of the at least one decorative panel against the clamping portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0126] 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 Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0127] FIG. 1 is a line drawing showing a front view of a security door frame with a fitted decorative panel according to an embodiment of the present invention for fitting to a door opening;

[0128] FIG. 2 is a line drawing showing a rear view of a security window frame with a fitted decorative panel according to an embodiment of the present invention for fitting to a window opening;

[0129] FIG. 3 is a line drawing showing perspective and magnified views of the frame as shown in FIG. 1;

[0130] FIG. 4 is a line drawing showing perspective and magnified views of the frame as shown in FIG. 2;

[0131] FIG. 5 is a line drawing showing a perspective view of a corner of a partially assembled security frame with a fitted decorative panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0132] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the partially assembled security frame as shown in FIG. 5;

[0133] FIG. 7 is a line drawing showing an end view of part of a frame member, including the panel clamping bed, of a security frame similar to the frame as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0134] FIG. 8 is a line drawing showing an end view of a clamping clip of the security frame as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0135] FIG. 9 is a line drawing showing a cross sectional view of part of the partially assembled security frame as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with a fitted screen mesh;

[0136] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the part of the partially assembled security frame as shown in FIG. 9; and

[0137] FIGS. 11A to 110 are line drawings respectively showing cross sectional views of part of an assembled security frame according to an embodiment of the present invention accommodating decorative panels of differing thicknesses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] FIGS. 1 to 11 show embodiments of a security frame (100) and parts thereof according to the present invention.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the security frame (100) is formed from four frame members (110) connected together in an end-to-end manner to form the frame (100) for accommodating a decorative panel (200). Each frame member (110) includes a pair of opposed open ends (112), an outer wall (114), an opposed inner wall (116) and a pair of opposed sidewalls, including an inner sidewall (117; not visible) and an opposed outer sidewall (118; not visible).

[0140] The frame (100) further includes a panel clamping bed (300; not visible) and a clamping clip (400; not visible), which together clamp the panel (200) to the frame (100). These will be described in detail later.

[0141] As shown, the decorative panel (200) has a substantially rectangular shape for filling a central void of the frame (100) and filling a door or window opening.

[0142] Each panel (200) has two opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges. The panel (200) further includes a plurality of perforated openings (210) extending through both surfaces and arranged on the panel to create a decorative motif (220). The openings (210) are generally formed by one or more of laser cutting, router cutting, water jet cutting, jig saw cutting, plasma cutting, punching and/or any other process capable of forming a defined opening (210).

[0143] The panel (200), frame (100) and frame members (110) are all formed of aluminium.

[0144] The panel (200) has a thickness, extending between the opposed surfaces, which may range from about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm. Typically, the thickness of the panel (200) can vary according to security demands and the particular motif (220) to be arranged on the panel (200).

[0145] The frame members (110) forming the security frame (100) each have an elongate shape extending longitudinally in a linear direction between the opposed open ends (112). Each frame member (110) is an extrusion having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0146] Best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame members (110) are joined together in an end-to-end manner at right angles to form a rectangular-shaped frame (100). Each frame member (110) has profiled ends (112) such that the ends (112) of adjacent frame members (110) can meet flush.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, adjacent frame members (110) are joined together via a joining component in the form of a corner connector (120). Each corner connector (120) is substantially L-shaped and configured to be partially fitted in the open and profiled ends (112) of the frame members (110) to be joined. The corner connector (120) is formed from plastic or metal material or materials, typically fibreglass.

[0148] As indicated above, the frame (100) includes the panel clamping bed (300), which extends inwardly from and entirely along an inner sidewall (117) of each frame member (110). The clamping bed (300) is integrally formed with each frame member (110).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 6, the clamping bed (300) has a substantially rectangular profile shape. The clamping bed (300) is formed by three portions of the outer wall (114) extending inwards and past the inner sidewall (117), including: a first portion (310) extending inwards in a direction away from the inner sidewall (117) and at least partially curving towards the inner wall (116) of the frame member (110); a second portion or clamping portion (320) extending from the first portion (310) at least partially towards the inner sidewall (117) in a linear direction co-planar with the inner and outer walls (114, 116) of the frame member (110); and a third portion (330) orthogonally extending in a linear direction from the clamping portion (320) to the first portion (310) to additionally define a channel (340) between the inner sidewall (117) and the third portion (330).

[0150] The channel (340) is defined by a pair of opposed sidewalls (342) corresponding to at least a part of the inner sidewall (117) of the frame member (110) and at least a part of the third portion (330) of the panel clamping bed (300), and a bottom wall (344) corresponding to at least a part of the first portion (310) of the panel clamping bed (300). The channel (340) is sized and shaped to snugly receive and frictionally engage part of the clamping clip (400).

[0151] The panel clamping bed (300), like the ends (112) of the frame members (110), has profiled ends.

[0152] As indicated above, the clamping clip (400) is configured to engage with the panel clamping bed (300) and adjustably clamp the panel (200) to the frame (100). Advantageously, the clip (400) adjustably clamps the panel (200) to the panel clamping bed (300) enabling panels (200) ranging in thickness from about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm to be clamped to the frame (100). This will be described in detail later.

[0153] The clamping clip (400) is formed of aluminium and is an extrusion.

[0154] The clamping clip (400) includes a retention portion (410) configured to be at least partially received in the channel (340) and a clamping arm (450) extending away from the retention portion (410) and configured to clamp against the clamping portion (320) of the clamping bed (300) and retain an edge portion of a panel (200) therebetween when the retention portion (410) is at least partially received in the channel (340).

[0155] The clamping clip (400) is elongate and of a same length as the panel clamping bed (300) to which it is configured to engage or connect.

[0156] Like the panel clamping bed (300) and the frame member (110), the clamping clip (400) has profiled ends.

[0157] Referring again to FIG. 5, the clamping clip (400) and the panel clamping bed (300) are permanently connected together by an interference fit in which the retention portion (410) of the clip (400) is frictionally fitted into the channel (340) of the clamping bed (300). Once connected, the clip (400) cannot be pulled away from the clamping bed (300).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 8, the retention portion (410) of the clip (400) includes a pair of legs (420) interconnected by a web (430). The legs (420) extend substantially parallel to one another and the web (430) interconnects the legs (420) at a location about mid-way along the legs (420). A junction between the web (430) and each leg (420) includes a flexion point (432) to assist the legs (420) in flexing towards each other relative to the web (430), when the retention portion (410) is frictionally fitted into the channel (340; shown in FIG. 7).

[0159] The web (430) functions as a biasing member for biasing the legs (420) apart from one another. In use, the pressing of the retention portion (410) into the channel (340; shown in FIG. 7) squeezes the legs (420) about the flexion point (432) partially towards each other against the biasing force of the web (430). When received in the channel (340; shown in FIG. 7), the web (430) urges or biases the legs (420) away from one another into engagement with the respective sidewalls (342; shown in FIG. 7) of the channel (340; shown in FIG. 7) ensuring a secure frictional fit is achieved.

[0160] The clamping arm (450) extends in a linear direction from an outer end of one of the legs (420) at an acute angle of from about 80 to about 89 relative to the leg (420) from which the arm (450) extends. Advantageously, the acute angle at least partially enhances the clamping effect. The clamping arm (450) extends any suitable distance to be able to clamp an edge portion of the panel (200; not shown) against the clamping portion (320; shown in FIG. 7).

[0161] The clamping clip (400) further includes at a junction between the leg (420) and the clamping arm (450) a flexion point (452) to at least partially assist in flexing of the arm (450) relative to the retention portion (410) when the clamping clip (400) is pressed into the channel (340; shown in FIG. 7) to securely clamp a panel (200; not shown) in place.

[0162] Referring to both FIGS. 7 and 8, the retention portion (410) and the channel (340) each further include respective teeth arrangements (500; i.e., key arrangements) configured to interlock or intermesh with each other when the retention portion (410) is at least partially pressed into the channel (340).

[0163] The respective teeth arrangements (500) extend partially along an outer surface of each leg (420) and partially along an inner surface of each sidewall (342) of the channel (340). The teeth arrangements (500) are each of integral construction with the retention portion (410) and the channel (340).

[0164] The respective teeth arrangements (500) interlock with one another when the legs (420) of the retention portion (410) are pressed into the channel (340) and prevent the clamping clip (400) from being separated/pulled away from the panel clamping bed (300). The teeth arrangements (500) are capable of interlocking with one another at a plurality of positions thereby enabling panels (200; not shown) of differing thicknesses to be accommodated and clamped to the security frame (100).

[0165] Each teeth arrangement (500) includes a number of teeth (510) spaced along a length of the arrangement (500) at intervals of 0.5 mm. Each tooth (510) is angled or pointed away from the other corresponding respective arrangement (500) to prevent disengagement of the respective key arrangements (500) and the retention portion (410) and the channel (340) from being pulled apart.

[0166] The spaced intervals of 0.5 mm between adjacent teeth (510) of each arrangement (500) enable precise adjustment of the clamping clip (400) relative to the panel clamping bed (300) at 0.5 mm intervals. Together with the acute angle of the clamping arm (450) relative to the retention portion (410), precise adjustments of the clamping clip (400) relative to the panel clamping bed (300) of 0.2-0.3 mm intervals are envisaged.

[0167] The clamping arm (450) and the clamping portion (320) each include a plurality of teeth (610) configured to bite into an edge portion of the panel (200; not shown) when clamped in place. The teeth (610) are also angled towards the frame member (110; only shown in FIG. 7) to prevent the panel (200; not shown) from being pulled away from the frame member (110; only shown in FIG. 7) clamped to the peripheral edge. Advantageously, the acute angle of the clamping arm (450) relative to the retention portion (410) enhances the clamping effect and thus assists the teeth (610) in biting into an edge portion of the panel (200; not shown) when clamped in place.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the frame (100) further includes a screen mesh (700) configured to be fastened to the frame (100) when assembled via a spline (710).

[0169] In such embodiments, the clamping clip (400) further includes a spline channel (720) for receiving the spline (710) and securing the screen mesh (700) to the frame (100) when assembled. The spline channel (720) is formed by the web (430) interconnecting the pair of legs (420) of the retention portion (410). As shown, the web (430) has a concave curvature at least partially complementing the substantially circular profile shape of the spline (710).

[0170] As also shown, the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the spline channel (720) each include teeth (722) for biting into the spline (710) and retaining the spline (710) when received in the spline channel (720) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 11A to 110, these figures respectively show the clamping clip (400) and the panel clamping bed (300) connecting to one another to clamp panels (200) of differing thicknesses.

[0172] FIG. 11A shows a frame member (110) clamped to an 8 mm thick panel (200). To clamp the panel (200), the retention portion (410) of the clamping clip (400) is pressed into the channel (340) until the clamping arm (450) firmly clamps an edge portion of the panel (200) against the clamping portion (320) of the clamping bed (300).

[0173] As shown, the respective teeth arrangements (500) together with the frictionally fitted legs (420) of the retention portion (410) ensure the clamping clip (400) is permanently connected to the clamping bed (300). Put another way, the clamping clip (400) is unable to be disengaged from the clamping bed (300) due to the frictionally fitted legs (420) and the interlocking of the respective teeth arrangements (500).

[0174] FIG. 11B shows a frame member (110) clamped to a 3 mm thick panel (200). In this figure, the retention portion (410) of the clamping clip (400) is shown pressed further into the channel (340) so as to firmly clamp the thinner panel (200) against the clamping portion (320) than as shown in FIG. 11A.

[0175] FIG. 110 shows a frame member (110) clamped to a 1 mm thick panel (200). As shown, in this figure the retention portion (410) of the clamping clip (400) is shown pressed the furthest into the channel (340) when compared to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

[0176] A method of assembling the frame (100) will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10.

[0177] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a first step includes joining frame members (110) together in an end-to-end manner. An L-shaped corner connector (120) is partially fitted in the open and profiled ends (112) of the frame members (110) to be joined.

[0178] With reference to FIG. 10, the next step includes aligning the panel (200) relative to the assembled frame (100) and inserting the panel (200) so that a peripheral edge portion of the panel (200) rests against a clamping portion (320) of the panel clamping bed (300) extending along an inner side of each frame member (110).

[0179] Each peripheral edge portion of the panel (200) is then clamped in place by aligning and pressing a clamping clip (400) against the panel clamping bed (300) such that the retention portion (410) is frictionally fitted into the channel (340) and the clamping arm (450) firmly clamps the panel (200) against the clamping portion (320) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0180] Referring again to FIG. 10, a screen mesh (700) can be optionally fitted. The screen mesh (700) is aligned and fastened to the frame (100) atop the panel (200). The mesh (700) is fastened with a spline (710) pressed against an outer surface of the mesh (700) to clamp the mesh (700) against the frame (100). The spline (710) is pressed into a spline channel (720) provided on an outer side of the retention portion (410) of the clamping clip (400) to clamp the mesh (700) in place as again shown in FIG. 9.

[0181] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word comprising and its derivatives including comprises and comprise include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0182] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0183] 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 (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.