A FHAME FOR A SECURITY SCREEN Field of the Invention

The present invention relates primarily to security screens which are used across openings to provide a barrier against unauthorised access. The invention also relates to barriers which provide protection against destructive forces. Background of the Invention

Security screens have been developed to prevent unauthorised access through windows and doors but to allow vision and ventilation.

In a typical domestic application, to prevent burglary, unauthorised access through windows and doors can be prevented by providing burglar proof windows and doors .

Alternatively specially designed security screens can be installed and these typically are made from an outside frame with bars or other burglar proof metal cross members extending across the interior of the frame with insufficient space between adjacent metal frame components to prevent unauthorised access.

Although the above described screen assemblies are effective in preventing unauthorised access, they provide an obstacle to unhindered views through the windows and doors where they are located. Therefore to deal with this problem a new type of security screen has evolved which involves providing an outside frame which has an inwardly directed channel around the whole of its inner periphery. A steel mesh is placed across the frame and is secured within the channel on all sides by either screws or rivets which pass through the frame and the steel mesh.

More sophisticated methods of attaching the wire screen mesh to the frame have been developed and some of these involve the use of clamping members which grip the wire screen mesh between them and are secured by some fastening methods such as rivets or screws.

Examples of a publicly available security screen systems are disclosed in Australian patents such as AU694515, AU775813 and the applicant's earlier patent AU776083. Although the security screen assemblies described above provide protection against unauthorised access, more recently security issues have turned to terrorism. It is therefore desirable that security considerations take into account barriers which prevent or resist passage of projectiles and even bomb blasts.

Zt is preferred that according to one aspect the present invention provides a security screen assembly which provides a barrier to prevent or mitigate the passage of projectiles which impact against the barrier or destructive forces such as those arising from bomb blasts. Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen assembly comprising a first frame having first frame portions forming a first recess, a first attachment means which retains a first security screen in the recess, a second frame comprising second frame portions forming a second recess and a second attachment means which retains a second security screen in the recess, wherein the first and second frames are configured together to provide a barrier across an opening.

Preferably the first and second frames are attached to each other.

According to one embodiment the first frame is configured to be attached to an outer portion of the structure and the second frame is configured to be attached to an inner portion of the structure.

Preferably the first and second frames are aligned generally in parallel one behind the other. According to one embodiment the first frame is located in front of a barrier or closure and the second frame is located behind the barrier or closure.

It is preferred that the different aspects of the inventions are applicable to fences, windows, doors, panels or any application where a barrier is required to provide protection against bomb blasts . Preferably the different aspects of the invention are applicable to buildings, walls, roofs, vehicles etc.

Preferably the first frame is configured to be attached to an outside frame outside a closure for an opening and a second frame is configured to be attached to an inside frame inside a closure.

Preferably a closure is understood to include a door, window, panel, barrier, gate, grate or cover.

The first frame may be configured to be attached in front of a door/window etc and the second frame is configured to be attached behind the door/window.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen assembly comprising a first frame having first frame portions which are for clamping at least two security screens therebetween and an attachment means co-acting with the first frame portions to connect the security screens to the first frame.

It is preferred that security screens is understood to include any wire screen mesh, any louvres, bars, grilles, garage doors, shutters including roller shutters or vertical pivoting shutters, grids, plastics, glass etc.

According to one embodiment the first frame portions define a recess in which a plurality of security screens are clamped. According to one embodiment the screen assembly includes spaces which separate adjacent security screens which are clamped by the attachment means and first frame portions .

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen assembly comprising a first frame having first frame portions which are for clamping a first security screen therebetween and a second

frame having second frame portions which are for clamping a second security screen therebetween, wherein the first frame is located across an opening in front of the second frame. Preferably the screen assembly includes first and second attachment means.

The first frame portions may extend substantially in parallel.

Preferably the attachment means includes a fastener such as screws, wedges, clips etc.

According to one embodiment the first and second frame portions are integrally formed together, although according to other embodiments they may be separately formed and configured to attach together to form the first and second frames respectively.

According to another embodiment of the invention the screen assembly includes additional frames each with additional frame portions for clamping one or more security screens therebetween. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing a barrier for an opening comprising locating a first frame across an opening or openings, the first frame having first frame portions which together with a first attachment means clamp a security screen to the first frame, locating a second frame across an opening or openings, the second frame having second frame portions which together with a second attachment means clamp a security screen to the second frame, fixing the first frame to an outside part of a structure associated with the opening (s) and fixing the second frame to an inside part of a structure associated with the opening (s) .

Preferably the structure associated with the opening includes surrounding the opening or closing the opening .

The method may include the step of fixing the first frame outside a closure (e.g. door, window) .

Preferably the method includes the step of fixing the first frame to an outside frame or the closure.

The method may include the step of fixing the second frame inside a closure or to an outside frame or the closure.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame for a security screen comprising an outer frame portion for attachment to a structure and a front clamping portion which is configured to clamp a first security screen, a rear clamping portion which is configured to clamp a second security screen, wherein the front clamping portion and first security screen are aligned in front of the rear clamping portion and second security screen. Preferably the front clamping portions define a front recess and the rear clamping portion defines a rear recess.

Preferably the front clamping portion co-acts with at least one clamping member to clamp the first security screen.

According to another embodiment the rear clamping portion co-acts with at least one clamping member to clamp the second security screen.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame assembly comprising the frame for a security screen as outlined above and first attachment means co-acting with the front clamping portion to clamp the first security screen to the frame and second attachment means co-acting with the rear clamping portion to clamp the second security screen to the frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provide a frame assembly for security screens comprising an outer frame portion for attachment to a structure, front clamping portions which are configured in combination with a front attachment means to clamp a first security screen, and rear clamping portions

which are configured in combination with a rear attachment means to clamp a second security screen.

Preferably the frame assembly comprises a first front clamping portion and a first rear clamping portion. The front and rear clamping portions may be integrally formed with the outer frame.

According to one embodiment at least one of the front clamping portions is separately formed.

The front clamping portions may comprise first and second front clamping parts.

One of the front clamping portions may be attachable to a support portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame for security screens comprising an outer frame portion for attachment to a structure and inner frame portions forming a front recess and a rear recess which are each configured to receive a security screen.

Preferably the frame comprises a plurality of frame parts.

The plurality of frame parts when assembled may form the front and rear recesses .

The frame may comprise three or more frame parts. Preferably the inner frame portions comprise first and second front portions which form opposing side walls of the front recess.

The first and second frame portions may be substantially parallel.

The first front portion may comprise a retaining means for retaining a portion of a gripping member for gripping a security screen.

The retaining means may comprise any one of a detent, channel, fastener, keeper, wedge, deformable material or any other method for retaining a gripping member within a recess such as those disclosed in the applicant's earlier co-pending applications numbered AU2005218020, AU2005218019, AU2005218021 and Patent

AU776083 .

Each of the earlier co-pending applications are incorporated herein by way of reference.

The gripping means may include any method of gripping a security screen such as those disclosed in the applicant's earlier co-pending applications as outlined above.

The second front portion may comprise a retaining means for retaining an edge portion of a security screen within the recess.

The inner frame portion may comprise a retaining means for retaining an edge of a security screen within the front recess.

The inner frame portions preferably comprise a front retaining means and a rear retaining means for retaining a front security screen within the front recess and a rear security screen within the rear recess respectively.

According to other embodiments of the invention there may be additional front and/or security screens held within additional recesses formed by additional front and/or rear portions.

Preferably the inner frame portions comprise first and second rear portions which together form opposing side walls of the rear recess.

The first and second rear portions may be substantially in parallel.

At least one of the first and second rear portions include a retaining means for retaining a portion of a gripping member or keeper, wedge, etc. for a gripping member.

At least one of the first and second rear portions may comprise a gripping means.

The gripping means may include teeth, tape, a pliable member, a fastener or any other gripping means disclosed in for example any one of the earlier co-pending applications of the applicant as referred to above.

The first and second front portions and first and second rear portions may be substantially aligned in parallel .

Preferably the inner portions include a middle portion.

The middle portion preferably comprises the second front portion on one side thereof and the first rear portion on the opposite side.

The first front portion may comprise an inwardly directed extension of the outer frame.

The middle portion may comprise an inwardly directed extension of the outer frame.

The second rear portion may comprise an inwardly directed extension of the outer frame. Preferably the inner frame portions comprise at least three inwardly extending walls with front and rear recesses between front and middle walls and middle and rear walls.

Preferably the middle wall comprises one or more of: retaining means on at least one side surface; gripping means on at least one side surface.

Preferably the inner frame portions are configured to retain a security screen in the front and rear recesses.

The first front portion/wall and second rear portion/wall are substantially identical.

Preferably the front and rear recesses are substantially identical. According to one embodiment one recess is configured to receive a wire security screen and another recess is configured to receive a different type of security screen such as a metal grid security screen, e.g. diamond shape lattice. According to one embodiment the framed portions form greater than two recesses.

The security screens may be gripped in recesses

so that they extend in substantially parallel planes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen assembly including a frame for a security screen comprising an outer frame portion for attachment to a structure and inner front frame portions forming a front recess, inner rear frame portions forming a rear recess, a front security screen with a peripheral edge portion clamped within the front recess, a rear security screen with a peripheral edge portion clamped within the rear recess, a first attachment means for clamping the front security screen within the front recess and a second attachment means for clamping the rear security screen within the rear recess.

Preferably the screen assembly has any one or more of the features of the frame outlined above.

According to one embodiment the frame portions may be integrally formed with the outer frame or may include at least one separately formed frame portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an explosion proof barrier comprising a frame having one or more of the features outlined above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier for resistance to explosions comprising a frame assembly having any one or more of the features outlined above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier comprising at least one security screen assembly according to one of the embodiments outlined above in combination with at least one panel of glass having at least one layer of material on at least one major face.

It is preferred that according to another aspect of the present invention a barrier is provided incorporating a glass panel. Preferably the barrier is configured to mitigate shattering of glass in the barrier if the barrier is exposed to an explosive force such as a

bomb blast .

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier comprising a first frame having a first frame portion forming a first recess, a first attachment means which retains a first security screen in the recess and at least one panel of glass having at least one layer of material on at least one major face.

Preferably the layer of material includes a film or lamination.

Preferably glass includes any transparent panel such as a plastic transparent panel .

Preferably the layer of material comprises anti- shatter film. Preferably the layer of material includes reflective film and tints.

Preferably the layer of material prevents glass from shattering.

Preferably the layer of material strengthens the glass.

Preferably the layer of material comprises a film having a thickness of between 50 and 750 microns.

Preferably the layer of material is located on each major face of the glass. According to one embodiment more than one layer of material is located on one or more faces of the glass.

Preferably the layer of material includes single, double, triple or greater numbers of glazing layers.

The barrier may include a second frame having a second frame portion and a second recess, a second attachment means which retains a second security screen in the recess.

Preferably the first frame is located in front or behind of the glass panel. The second frame may be located in front or behind the glass panel.

The barrier may include one or more additional

frames each with a security screen.

Preferably the barrier comprises a layered configuration of frames and glass panel with the glass panel located between an inner and outer frame. Preferably the barrier comprises a first frame on an inner side of the glass panel and the second frame on an outer side of the glass panel.

Preferably panel includes a pane, a sheet or a composite structure which has two major faces and a thin edge face.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a top view of a frame assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

As shown in Figure 1 the frame assembly 11 in accordance with the present invention comprises a frame 12 consisting of an outer rectangular channel 13 having an inwardly extending rear support wall 14 extending from a small corner region 15 extending from the lower right-hand corner of the channel 13. The rear extension 14 extends generally in parallel with the rear wall 16 of the channel 13 and also in parallel with a middle wall section 17 extending from

the lower half of the right-hand side wall 18 of the channel 13.

The middle wall 17 has a forwardly extending wall 19 extending close to wall 18 and substantially parallel thereto and this wall 19 extends into a corner 20 level with the front wall 21 of channel 13 and then extends inwardly as front wall 22 which is parallel with middle wall 17.

Middle wall 17 forms a recess 23 with rear wall 14. Front wall 22 forms a recess 24 with middle wall 17.

The inner surface of front wall 22 is provided with a tooth formation 25 which is configured to grip an upper gripping member which is locatable in the recess 25. The front surface 26 of middle wall 17 is provided with a small channel 27 which is configured to receive a matching shaped foot portion of a lower clamping member (not shown) .

A wire screen mesh is adapted to be clamped within the recess 24 and for convenience Figure 1 shows the gripping method as incorporating the teeth 25 and channel 26 in the frame 12. However, it should be noted that any type of method which is publicly available or disclosed in one of the applicant's co-pending applications can be used to retain a wire screen mesh or similar within the recess 24.

Recess 23 which is located behind recess 24 has an inner base surface 28 which corresponds to the lower external edge of channel 13 and corner region 15. As is shown the recess 23 extends closer to the channel 13 than recess 25. This recess 23 is adapted to receive a conventional grill panel, such as a diamond grill lattice structure which is used, for example, for security screen doors. Importantly however, it should be noted that frame 12 is configured with a recess 24 specifically adapted for wire screen mesh or equivalents and recess 23 is configured for lattice-type grills or similar structures.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the frame 12

is connected to a structure on the inside of a window or door 30 consisting of an outer frame 31 and a glass panel 32.

The frame may be configured to be connected to a fixed frame (not shown) surrounding the window and door or may be configured for attachment to the window or door frame.

It should also be noted that the frame 12 may be reversed in its orientation so that the recess 23 is in front of the recess 24. In addition, the frame 12 may be located outside of the window/door frame or may be provided in addition to a frame 12 on the inside of the window/door. In each case the frame 12 may be attached by any suitable method to a fixed structure. It may be mounted so that it can pivot or slide with a window and door or independently of a window or door or equivalent.

The frame 12 may also be attached to fencing or may be connected to any form of barrier.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a frame 40 is provided consisting of an outer channel 41 similar in shape to channel 12. In contrast to channel 12, the inner wall 42 corresponding to wall 18 is provided with a short inwardly extending section 43 integrally formed and extending from an upper half of wall 42. This wall extension 43 divides into three inwardly directed parallel walls comprising front wall 44, middle wall 45 and rear wall 46. Walls 44 and 46 and thinner than middle wall 45 and this is because middle wall 45 is required to support clamping pressure applied to wire screen meshes which fit into recesses 47 and 48 respectively. Between the front and middle walls 44,45 and middle and rear walls 45,46.

Recess 47 is configured to receive a grill and is therefore similarly configured to recess 23 in Figure 1. Likewise recess 48 is similarly configured to recess 24 so as to receive a wire screen mesh.

Walls 44 and 46 extend inwardly from a forwardly

extending wall 49 and a rearwardly extending wall 50 respectively. Both of these walls extend in parallel to wall 42. The size and shape of the recesses 47 and 48 can be varied depending upon the size and type of clamping componentry required as well as the size of the security screen which is fixed in the recesses.

As an example, frame 40 is shown located in front of a window or door 51 having a glass panel 52 but it may be attached according to any of the methods previously outlined in relation to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a frame 53 which is similar to frame 40. The main differences however, arise from the configuration of the inner surface of recesses 54 and 55 which correspond to recesses 47 and 48. The inner surfaces of the walls 56,57,58 which correspond to walls 44,45 and 46, are configured to receive and clamp wire screen mesh. Accordingly, the inner surface of wall 56 is configured with teeth and the front side surface of middle wall 57 is configured with a channel to receive the leg of a clamping member. These inner surfaces are formed with a configuration which is the same as that on the rearward side surface of wall 57 and the inner front surface of wall 58. The result is that both recesses 54 and 55 in conjunction with a suitable clamping system is able to clamp a wire screen mesh. In Figure 3 a frame 53 is shown on the outward side and inside of the window/door 54 which has a glass panel 55. The arrangement of recesses 54,55 allows a layered configuration of wire screen mesh to be provided both in front of and behind the glass panel 55. As indicated previously, the inner surface formations of walls 56,57 and 58 which form recesses 54 and 55 respectively may be configured differently depending on the method employed to clamp wire screen mesh therein. In this respect it is also noted that the shape and configuration of the walls 49 and 50 and their equivalents in Figure 3 may also be changed depending on the clamping method employed. An example of this may be

provided, for example, in Figure 9 of the applicant's co- pending application 2005218019. It is noted that all other methods of clamping wire screen mesh identified in the applicant's co-pending application are also applicable to the embodiments described in each of the drawings.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the invention in which a frame 60 is utilised which has a configuration as shown in any one of the applicant's prior co-pending patent applications. In this example, a frame 60 is shown in which a single recess 61 is formed by inwardly extending walls 62,63. The resultant shape of the frame 60 is similar to that shown in Figure 2 with wall 49 and wall 44 removed. According to other embodiments the configuration of the frame may be similar to any one of the examples shown in the applicants co- pending applications. For example the configuration of the inner surface of the recess 61 may be similar to that shown in Figure 9 of the applicant's co-pending patent application 2005218021. Frame 60 is fixed in an appropriate manner in front of the window/door 64 with glass panel 65 and a frame 66 similar to frame 12 is suitably fixed on the opposite side the window/door 64.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the invention in which a frame 67 similar to frame 40 is located in front of the window/door 68 and a frame 69 supporting a single wire screen mesh is located behind or inside the window/door 68.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the invention in which single recess wire screen mesh frames

70 and 71 are located in front of and behind a window/door 72.

It should be clear from the above that the present invention involves many different assembly configurations in which security screens are provided both in front and behind a window/door. As previously outlined a window/door has been provided as an example only and the

invention is not restricted to such applications alone. In this respect frames with security screens may be attached to front and rear walls of fencing.

According to other embodiments of the invention two or more security screen assemblies may be located in front and/or behind a fixture such as a window or door.

In accordance with the layered configuration of security screens which have been outlined above, it is possible to significantly mitigate the impact of projectiles. Thus if an explosion occurs outside of a structure which for example has a window with a security screen assembly of one of the types described above, the layered configuration of security screens can significantly reduce the possibility of projectiles passing through the opening which is closed by the fixture. As an example if a glass window is provided as a fixture across an opening, by having a layered configuration of frame assemblies with security screens the impact of shattered glass which may result from an explosion is severely restricted and can significantly reduce the potential injury that would be inflicted on any person located behind the window.

It is also envisaged as previously outlined that a movable barrier may be created utilising the layered configuration of security screens as outlined above.

Screen assemblies of any of the types described above can also be designed to be part of the existing frame that covers the opening in doors, windows, shutters, shop fronts, pool fencing, balustrades etc. The security screens can also be used as a form of security or blast protection irrespective of their application. They may be installed into side walls irrespective of their make-up or on either side of walls.

The screens may be able to protect floors and ceilings, walkways, ramps, covered walkways and installed in all the applications listed above.

The screens are not limited to double screens, as

triple or quadruple screen combinations can be used in any of the applications with all the variable combinations of inside and out.

The installation of two, three and four screens in a single recess or receptor of any type of security screen frame irrespective of how they are fixed into the frame can be adapted to any of these combinations.

The screens described are not limited to glass protection only. They can be installed to any opening irrespective of what type of infill is in the opening, for example louvres, bars, ornate grills, garage doors, roller shutters, vertical pivoting shutters or simple covering an opening with nothing in it. The screens can be used in protection of balustrades irrespective of what type of infill is being used.

The security screen assemblies described can be fastened to a window or door, hinged off a window or door, or can be secured to the perimeter frame or jam, or fastened or hinged to the surrounding walls. The screens can also slide in tracks.

In accordance with the present invention it should thus be clear that allowance made for a combination of at least two security screens being installed behind glass. The combination can be in the form of any security screen materials fixed in any manner that exists in the market place or as currently disclosed in the applicant's co-pending patent applications and these include for example screwed, welded, riveted, pressure fixed, wedged, glued, speciality tapes, all types of mechanical fasteners, punched, deformed, pressure roller, roll formed etc.

According to another aspect of the present invention a barrier can be formed in accordance with any one of the previously described embodiments. In addition however a glass panel may be provided with at least one face provided with an anti-shatter film on one or each of its major faces.

The film may be made from polyester and preferably is transparent.

One or more film layers may be applied to one or each major face of the glass panel and may be constructed as multiple layers bonded together with acrylic glue.

The film thickness may be 350 micron (minimum thickness 100 micron on one side only or two sides 50 micron each with no top limit on thickness and applications on one side or two sides) . The mounting adhesive is preferably pressure sensitive acrylic glue.

The inside face of the glass panel may be provided with a hard coat layer (only needed for scratch resistance, but can be without this layer) . A tint/reflective layer in the form of a spatter coating onto one of the layers prior to gluing together may be provided in one embodiment.

It is preferred that one film layer has a thickness in the range of 50 micron to 750 micron. Applying film to both sides of a glass panel provides additional protection against shattering of glass which is exposed to an explosive force.

According to another embodiment, glass may be laminated with films in the same variations as outlined above.

A glass may be laminated without film in a single, double or triple glazing. A combination of lamination and non-laminated glass with and without films may also be provided. It is preferred that the glass with one or more film layers would be used in conjunction with dual, triple or quadruple security/blast security screen assemblies which could be on the inside or outside of the glass windows or doors in any combination. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention a frame assembly is provided on one side of a glass panel as outlined above with one or more

security screens and a frame is provided on the other side with one or more security screens.

Preferably security screens include any form of wire screen mesh, woven or unwoven. Alternatively the security screen may be a stamped mesh or other screen capable of providing resistance to unauthorised access through the aperture which is covered.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as

"comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.