AU2005201900B2 - Weather Cover for Windows - Google Patents

Description

05-MAY-2005 02:34PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 T-932 P-05/025 F-114

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(N WEATHER COVER FOR WINDOWS FIELD OF INVENTION SThe present invention relates to fittings for windows and other openings In a 0 5 building. In particular the present invention relates to external covers for windows 0 O' and openings In dwellings, buildings and houses.

o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION c Many houses and buildings have sliding windows. The windows are often left open for ventilation purposes. During Inclement weather, rain can enter and cause water damage to the interior of the house or building. To avoid this problem, people either close their window. Closing the window opening stops the circulation of fresh air.

An external weather cover was described In Australian patent specification AU 71829/2000 as a cover that overlaps a window opening allowing ventilation while attempting to prevent the entry of rain. The disclosed weather shield Is externally fitted to the outer frame of the window. The disclosed weather shield extends outwardly from the frame of the window and has a planar shape parallel with the window.

The mounted weather shield described in AU 71829/2000 however cannot withstand comparatively high winds. With high winds that often accompany storms, the disclosed weather shield would become dislodged from its mounting and fall off.

As well, apartments and units of high rise buildings are often subject to relatively high winds. Consequently, the disclosed weather shield cannot be used for windows in high rise buildings.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:34PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 T-932 P-006/025 F-114 0 -2- OBJECT OF THE INVENTION C It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative window cover o that overcomes at least In part one or more of the problems described above.

o 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION SIn one aspect the present Invention broadly resides in a weather cover for vI' windows Including o a curved portion that has an outwardly-extending arcuate leading section, a comparatively shallow curved middle section and an inwardly disposed arcuate rear section; and one or more peripheral flanges that extend along the edge of the leading section and or one or more adjacent side edges of the cover, Preferably the cover Is elongate and the cover In transverse cross-section preferably has a shallow convex shape. Preferably the middle section Is wider than the leading section and the leading section is preferably wider than the rear section.

The outwardly extending arcuate leading section preferably extends outwardly to space the curved portion from the window to allow ventilation when the window is open.

The curvature of the curved portion preferably provides the cover with rigidity and strength to withstand comparatively higher wind forces. The curvature of the curved portion provides greater strength and rigidity than if the curve portion was planar.

The outwardly extending arcuate leading section and the curved middle section form a curve In cross-section that has a reducing angle to the transverse axis of the cover.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:34PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 -932 P.OOT/25 F-1 14 S-3- The inwardly disposed arcuate rear section extends substantially towards the Swindow when the cover is mounted to the window. The inwardly disposed arcuate S rear section may be of different desired widths depending on the requirements of the cover where a wider rear section provides greater strength and rigidity than a o 5 narrower rear section.

The degree of curvature of the cover and the width of the Inwardly disposed a arcuate rear section affects the wind speed rating of the cover. Where a cover is o required to withstand relatively high wind speeds, the curved portion will be suitably aerodynamlcally arcuate and have a suitably wide inwardly disposed arcuate rear section.

The space between the rear edge of the cover and the planar face of the window may vary. Preferably decreasing the space and consequent Increasing the width of the rear section will Increase the overall strength of the cover. Increasing the strength of the cover with increasing the width of the rear section and decreasing the space between the rear edge of the cover and the planar face of the window, will assist In retention of the cover during high winds and assist in preventing rain driven by these winds entering the building.

Preferably there Is a single peripheral flange that extends along the edge of the leading section and the adjacent side edges of the cover. The one or more peripheral flanges preferably serve to mount the cover to the window frame or other suitable mounting. The one or more flanges may vary in size, shape and angle allowing the cover to be fitted to different frames or suitable mountings.

In another aspect the Invention broadly resides in a cover externally mountable to a window In a building, said cover having an arcuate aerodynamic shape for withstanding corparatively high wind forces and a flange along a COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:34PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P.008/025 F-114 8-4peripheral edge wherein in use the flange Is fixed and or Inserted about the opening Send of the window and the free end of the cover Is spaced from the window so that o when the window Is opened the cover protects the opening shielded by the cover from the weather while allowing air to circulate through the opening.

0 o 5 Preferably the cover is elongate. Preferably there is one or more flanges o extending about three sides of the cover. More preferably there is one flange In extending about three sides of the cover. The free end of the cover is preferably o Inwardly disposed and has an arcuate shape to provide Increased strength and rigidity.

Preferably the cover Is formed from a unitary sheet of material such as plastics, glass and aluminum. The plastics material preferably Includes Perspex, lexsan, PETG and polycarbonate. The cover Is preferably clear but may be translucent, opaque or coloured.

The cover Is preferably attached to an external frame about the window such as a window frame, window jamb, a fly screen frame or a security screen frame. In a preferred form the cover is seallngly attachable to an external frame about the window. In one form the cover flange Is fixed to the external frame by double sided tape, adhesive glue, fasteners or rivets. Alternatively the cover flange may be Inserted Into a channel In the external frame. In one preferred embodiment the cover is located within a channel in a fly screen frame or security screen frame.

In another aspect the Invention broadly resides In a cover assembly including a cover as described above, a fly screen or security screen frame having a channel within which the cover is mountable, wherein said fly screen or security screen frame is mountable in a channel in a window frame.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-WAY-2005 02:35PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P.009/025 F-114 o In a further aspect the invention broadly resides in a cover and fly screen assembly Including a cover as described above, a fly screen frame having a channel n within which the cover is mountable, a fly screen positioned across the frame, wherein said fly screen frame is mountable In a channel in a window frame.

o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put S into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 Is a diagrammatic view of the preferred embodiment of the weather cover fixed to the external surface of the window frame; Figure 2 Is a diagrammatic view of the preferred embodiment of the weather cover; Figure 3 Is a diagrammatic sectional view of the weather cover along axis A-A shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 (A to D) is sequential diagrams showing the Installation of the weather cover to an external window frame as shown In Figure 1; Figure 5 Is a diagrammatic plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of fixing the weather cover to a window; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a further alternate preferred embodiment of fixing the weather cover to a fly screen frame; and Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of a section of the preferred fly screen frame for mounting the weather cover as shown in Figure 6.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:35PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P-01/025 F-114 o -6- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Wind Tunnel Tests of the Preferred Embodiment of the Weather Cover tn The weather cover was designed to provide strength and rigidity and be able 0 to withstand relatively high wind forces that may occur during storms and when o 5 mounted to window frames of high rise buildings. A test was conducted to determine the strength and rigidity of the weather cover and the Integrity of the weather cover c mounting when subjected to relatively high wind forces.

o An acrylic weather cover as described below was fitted to a window frame as per fitting procedures described below. The weather cover was fitted to the window frame with double sided 3M clear tape. The window frame with the fixed weather cover was then placed in a wind tunnel and fixed to the floor. The fixed weather cover had the open edge facing Into the wind. Wind was then generated and passed along the wind tunnel being slowly ramped up to 10 metres per second and held at that speed for 3 minutes. The generated wind was further Increased In Increments to 36.5 metres per second. After the sample was tested for 2 hours and 58 minutes with the weather cover being subject to a wind having a speed of 36.5 metres per second for I hour and 25 minutes, the test sample was inspected.

The test sample was inspected for peeling of the adhesive, cracking or any other deformation of the weather cover. Inspection of the weather cover and Its mounting failed to show signs of peeling or failure.

In conclusion, the weather cover and Its mounting was tested in a wind tunnel with generated wind having a speed of 36.5 metres per second (130 kph) without showing signs of peeling, cracking or any other type of deformation, even after prolonged duration at the maximum velocity.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:35PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 T-932 P-011/025 F-114 o 7 Examples of Preferred Embodiment of the Weather Cover and it's Installation SWith reference to figures 2 and 3 there is shown a weather cover 10 for n attachment to a window in a building or house, The weather cover 10 has an arcuate portion 11 with a surrounding peripheral flange 12 on three sides of the o 5 cover 10. The curvature of the arcuate portion 11 provides strength and rigidity to the cover 10 enabling It when fixed to a window to withstand comparatively high winds. The surrounding peripheral flange 12 serves to fix the weather cover to an S external window frame or be mounted within a channel of an external frame.

The arcuate portion 11 has a leading section 13 that extends outwardly from the flange 12, The arcuate portion 11 also has a curved middle section 14 which continues the outward extension of the cover 10 but with a reduced angle to the transverse axis of the cover. The arcuate portion 11 also has an inwardly disposed rear section 15 that extends substantially to the planar axis of the flange 12. The rear section 15 has a free edge 16 that is spaced from the planar axis of the flange 12. The curvature of the leading section 13, curved middle section 15 and rear section 15 provides strength and rigidity to the weather cover 10 enabling It to withstand comparatively greater wind forces than a cover that had a flat top surface.

The width of the rear section 15 may be varied depending on the strength and rigidity required for the weather cover 10. A wider rear section 15 provides the weather cover 10 with comparatively greater strength and rigidity than a narrower rear section When the weather cover 10 is fixed to or about a window, the free edge 16 is spaced from the window forming an opening 17 with the window and the cover forms a subsequent passage 18 with the window to allow the entry and circulation of air Into the building or house.

COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:36PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 T-932 P-012/025 F-114 8-8- There are several different preferred embodiments for attaching the weather Scover 10 to a window. The selection of the embodiment for attaching the weather n cover 10 to a window will depend on the type of external window frame.

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a weather cover 21 fixed to an o 5 external window frame 22 by the surrounding peripheral flange 23 of the weather cover 21. The surrounding peripheral flange 23 Is fixed by double sided adhesive tape to the external window frame 22. Within the external window frame 22 there Is S a slidable window 24 and a fixed window 25. In Figure 1 the slidable window 24 Is partially opened to form a window opening 26. The window opening 26 does not extend past the free edge 27 of the weather cover 21. The free edge 27 is spaced from slldable window 24 thereby allowing air to pass through the formed opening 28 and Internal passage 29 formed between the weather cover 21 and slidable window 24 and through the window opening 26 into the building or house.

With reference to Figure 4 there Is shown the step wise installation of the weather cover 21 to the external window frame 22. Figure 4a Indicates that the window frame 22 to which the weather cover 21 Is to be fixed requires the surface of the window frame 22 to be clean and dry. Figure 4b shows that alcohol may be wiped across the surface of the window frame 22 to further clean the surface and facilitate fixing of the weather cover 21. Figure 4c shows the backing of the adhesive tape adhered to the flanges 23 removed. Figure 4d shows positioning the weather cover 21 onto the prepared surface of the window frame 22 to complete installation.

A second preferred embodiment of installation of the weather cover is shown In Figure 5. With the second preferred embodiment of Installation, the weather cover Is positioned within a conventional fly screen frame 31 together with the fly screen 32 and maintained in the desired position by a spline 33. The conventional fly COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:36PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P-013/025 F-114 0 -9- 0 screen frame 31 is then inserted within a channel 35 of the window frame 36. There Sare separate channels 37 and 38 within the window frame 36 for the fixed window V panel 39 and sliding window panel 40 respectively.

0 With reference to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a third preferred o 5 embodiment of Installation of the weather cover. With installation, the flange 41 of the weather cover 40 is fitted within a channel 42 of a fly screen frame 43. The

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flange 41 Is retained In position by cooperative secure fitting of the securing o protrusion 44 on the inside surface of the flange 41 and locking ridge 45 on an inside surface of the channel 42, The fly screen frame 43 has a further channel 46 for independent installation of the fly screen and fixing rubber spline. The Inside surface of the channel 46 also has locking ridges 47 for retaining the spline and fly screen.

The advantage in using the fly screen frame 43 with a separate channel 42 for installation of the weather cover 40 is that installation Is Independent of installation of the fly screen and the weather cover 40 can be retro fitted to existing fly screens with the fly screen frame 43.

ADVANTAGES

The advantages of the preferred embodiment of the cover Include providing a guard against entry of rain and the like while allowing circulation of air. The cover of the preferred embodiment is able to withstand relatively high winds and consequently can be mounted on windows on high rise buildings, An advantage of another form of the preferred embodiment Is that the weather cover can be mounted on a fly screen frame and form a unitary external window accessory.

yARIATIONS COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:36PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P.014/025 F-114 0 N It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of Illustrative example of this Invention, all such and other modifications and variations C thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within 0 the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

o 5 Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to 0 (N exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

0 0 ci COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05

Claims (5)

19-JUN-2008 10:46 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:O62837999 P.13/15 00 -11- 0 SCLAIMS c 1. A weather cover for windows of a building including a curved portion that has an outwardly-extending arcuate leading section, a S 5 comparatively shallow curved middle section and an inwardly disposed arcuate rear section; and 0 one or more peripheral flanges that extend along the edge of the leading 0 section and or one or more adjacent side edges of the cover. 2. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover is elongate and the cover in transverse cross-section preferably has a shallow convex shape. 3. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle section is wider than the leading section and the leading section is preferably wider than the rear section. 4. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outwardly extending arcuate leading section extends outwardly to space the curved portion from the window to allow ventilation when the window is open. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outwardly extending arcuate leading section and the curved middle section form a curve in cross-section that has a reducing angle to the transverse axis to the cover, COMS ID No: ARCS-195076 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:56 Date 2008-06-19 19-JUN-2008 10:46 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:026237999 P.14z15 00) 12 0 S6. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inwardly disposed arcuate Srear section extends substantially towards the window when the cover is mounted to the window. o 5 7. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inwardly disposed arcuate O rear section may be of different desired widths depending on the requirements of the 0 cover where a wider rear section provides greater strength and rigidity than a O narrower rear section. 8. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the degree of curvature of the cover and the width of the inwardly disposed arcuale rear section affects the wind speed rating of the cover. 9. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is a single peripheral flange that extends along the edge of the leading section and the adjacent side edges of the cover. A weather cover externally mountable to a window in a building, said cover having an arcuate aerodynamic shape for withstanding comparatively high wind forces, the arcuate aerodynamic shape including a curved portion that has an outwardly-extending arcuate leading section, a comparatively shallow curved middle section and an inwardly disposed arcuate rear section, and a flange along a peripheral edge wherein in use the flange is fixed about the opening end of the window and the free end of the cover is spaced from the window so that when the COMS ID No: ARCS-195076 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:56 Date 2008-06-19 19-JU-2008 10:46 From:WYNNES PAlT&TM RITT 073341 3 I 07 1L- i o; b:0cj 162837999 P.15/15 00 0 o window is opened the cover at least partially protects the opening from the weather Swhile allowing air to circulate through the opening. 11. A weather cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover is elongate. 0 0 0 COMS ID No: ARCS-195076 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:56 Date 2008-06-19 05-IAY-2005 02:37PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 7 33421292 T-932 P.OIT/025 F-114 -13- 0 12. A weather cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein there Is one or more flanges S extending about three sides of the cover. O O 5 13. A weather cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the free end of the cover Is 0 O inwardly disposed and has an arcuate shape to provide increased strength and Ci rigidity. 14. A weather cover as claimed in claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover is formed from a unitary sheet of material such as plastics, glass and aluminum. A weather cover as claimed In claim 1 or 10, wherein the cover is dear, translucent or opaque. 16. A weather cover as claimed in claim I or 10, wherein the cover is attached to an external frame about the window, said external frame includes a window frame, window Jamb, a fly screen frame or a security screen frame. 17. A weather cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cover flange is fixed to the external frame by double sided tape, adhesive glue, fasteners or rivets. 18. A weather cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cover flange is insertable in a channel In the external frame. COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAY-2005 02:37PM FROM-Wynnes pat&tm attorneys 61 T 33421292 T-932 P.018/025 F-114 -14- 19. A weather cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cover flange is insertable SIn a channel in a fly screen frame or secudty screen frame. A cover assembly including a cover as claimed in any one of the 0 5 abovementioned claims, a fly screen or security screen frame having a channel 0 S within which the cover Is mountable, wherein said fly screen or security screen frame 0 N Is mountable in a channel In a window frame. 0

21. A cover and fly screen assembly Including a cover as claimed In any one of the abovementioned claims, a fly screen frame having a channel within which the cover Is mountable, a fly screen positioned across the frame, wherein said fly screen frame is mountable In a channel in a window frame.

22. A weather cover as substantially described herein with reference to and as Illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

23. A weather cover assembly as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

24. A weather cover and fly screen assembly as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. DATED THIS FIFTH DAY OF MAY 2005 WINDOW WEATHER SYSTEMS By Their Patent Attorneys COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05 05-MAAY-2005 02:STPM FROM-Wynnes pat&tn attorneys51732 92T32 P1/05 F A 61 7 33421292 T-932 P.019/025 F-114 0 0 c~KI WYNNES PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 0 0 0 0 ci 0 0 ci COMS ID No: SBMI-01233052 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:36 Date 2005-05-05