AU2015201787B2

AU2015201787B2 - Caravan door with security screen

Info

Publication number: AU2015201787B2
Application number: AU2015201787A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicolas Christophe Gilles Chevalier; Richard William Jardine; Frederic Roman Mucha; Braddon Paul Slater; William Edward Thiel
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Current assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Priority date: 2015-04-09
Filing date: 2015-04-09
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-09
Also published as: AU2015201787A1

Abstract

The invention provides in a broadest first aspect a caravan door with a security screen installed in a frame of the door, wherein the security screen is secured into the frame around a perimeter of the security screen between an outer frame element and an inner frame element with a securing means, the securing means comprising one or more layers of adhesive. In a broadest second aspect, the invention provides a method of installing a security screen into a frame of a caravan door. 4/4 Fig 3D 414 3, 0 16 24-4 F3 221 1440

Description

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CARAVAN DOOR WITH SECURITY SCREEN FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to security screens, in particular to a caravan door with a security screen and a method of fixing security screens in a caravan door.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Security screens are traditionally anchored in relatively large metal frames of windows or doors in dwellings. There are various methods of fixing the security screens into frames, including the use of glue around the perimeter, screws screwed into the perimeter of the screen material, and wedges forced in between frame elements. It is generally believed that glued security screens are inferior to screwed and wedged security screens in strength against intrusion.

[0004] In applying the teachings of the prior art to a security screen of small area inside a lightweight plastic caravan door, the applicant originally utilised screws which were screwed into a plastic frame surrounding a perimeter of the security screen material, and the plastic frame was then screwed into the plastic caravan door. However it was found that the resultant window was easily kicked in, surviving less than 60 to 70 J of impact. According to teachings of the prior art, it would be necessary to utilise instead a rigid metallic frame to increase the retaining strength. However, it was also desired to simplify and reduce the number of components and in addition not to increase the weight of the door with the use of a metallic frame. A glued screen would be less strong according to teachings of the prior art, but due to the degree of design difficulty for alternative methods, the inventors decided nonetheless to investigate the use of adhesive fixing, and found to their surprise an adhesive fixing system which is easy to manufacture, requiring fewer components and survives repeated impacts of at least 180 J.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a caravan door with a security screen installed in a frame of the door, wherein the security screen is secured into the frame around a perimeter of the security screen between an outer frame element and an inner frame element with a securing means, the securing means comprising: a first layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the outer frame element; a second layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the inner frame element; and screws or bolts disposed outside the perimeter of the security screen which hold the inner frame element in a firm engagement with the outer frame element, wherein the inner frame element further includes one or more channels which when installed over the second layer of adhesive urge the second layer of adhesive to occupy the one or more channels and contribute to securing the inner frame element to the security screen.

[0006] In one embodiment, the one or more layers of adhesive comprise a first layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the outer frame element, and a second layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the inner frame element.

[0007] In one embodiment, the securing means includes screws or bolts disposed outside the perimeter of the security screen which hold the inner frame element in a firm engagement with the outer frame element.

[0008] In one embodiment, a closest distance of points on the security screen to the securing adhesive is nowhere greater than 300 mm.

[0009] In one embodiment, a closest distance of points on the security screen to the securing adhesive is nowhere greater than 250 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the layer or layers of adhesive are substantially continuous extruded lines of adhesive disposed around the perimeter.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer frame element comprises a perimeter outer frame element rim, with the outer frame element rim engaging the security screen and one of the layers of adhesive being disposed adjacent the outer frame element rim.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner frame element comprises a perimeter inner frame element rim, with the inner frame element rim engaging the security screen and the second layer of adhesive being disposed adjacent the inner frame element rim.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner frame element further comprises one or more channels which when installed over the second layer of pieces urge the second layer of adhesive to occupy the one or more channels and contribute to securing the inner frame element to the security screen.

[0014] In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a security screen into a frame of a caravan door, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first layer of adhesive around an outer frame element or around an outer face of a perimeter of the security screen; assembling the security screen together with the outer frame element so that the first layer of adhesive is disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the outer frame element; applying a second layer of adhesive around an inner face of the perimeter of the security screen or around an inner frame element; and assembling the inner frame element together with the security screen so that the second layer of adhesive is disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the inner frame element, wherein the inner frame element includes one or more channels which when installed over the second layer of adhesive, urge the second layer of adhesive to occupy the one or more channels and contribute to securing the inner frame element to the security screen; and securing the inner frame element into a firm engagement with the outer frame element using screws or bolts disposed adjacent to and outside the perimeter of the security screen.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of securing the inner frame element into a firm engagement with the outer frame element using screws or bolts disposed adjacent to and outside the perimeter of the security screen.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of applying the first layer of adhesive comprises extruding a substantially continuous line of the adhesive around the outer frame element or around an outer face of the perimeter of the security screen.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of applying the second layer of adhesive comprises extruding a substantially continuous line of the adhesive around the inner frame element or around an inner face of the perimeter of the security screen.

[0018] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1B shows an outer view of a closed caravan door according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 1B shows the closed caravan door of Figure 1 with an outer panel opened and security screens revealed;

[0021] Figure 2A, 2B and 2C show outer, side and inner use of the caravan door of Figure 1; and

[0022] Figures 3A to 3E show details of the construction and installation of the security screen in the caravan door of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] An embodiment of the current invention will now be described.

[0024] Referring first to Figure 1A, a caravan door 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown on a caravan in a closed position. On an outer face of caravan door 1 is a hinged panel 2. Referring now to Figure 1B, hinged panel 2 is shown in an open position revealing two security screens 3 which are provided to allow ventilation and security in the closed and locked door 1 when panel 2 is opened. Each security screen 3 is composed of a woven metal screen being approximately 380 mm wide and 560 mm in maximum height.

[0025] Figure 2A, Figure 2B and Figure 2C show details of an outside view, a side view and an inside view respectively of door 1. In Figure 2C, security screen 3 can be viewed from an inside perspective. Around a perimeter of security screen 3 is installed a plastic inner frame element 20 which is screwed with screws (of which screws 30, 31 and 32 are visible) spaced around a ledge 21 into an outer frame element (not visible) which is part of and integral with doorframe 10.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 3, a sequence of steps of an exemplary method of installation of security screen 3 is described. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view through the perpendicular plane A-A shown in Figure 2A which intersects screw 30 shown in Figure 2C, before installation of security screen 3. Hinged panel 2 is shown in its closed position on outer side of the door, and doorframe 10 is composed of contoured plastic skins 11 and 12 filled with polyurethane foam 13. An outer frame element is formed by rim 14, channel 15 ledge 16 and outer skin 11 and is part of and integral with doorframe 10.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 3B, the first step of installation involves extruding a line of adhesive to form a first adhesive layer 40 substantially continuously around channel 15 in the outer frame element, next to rim 14. Adhesive types which have been successfully used experimentally include Henkel Terostat MS939 and Sikaflex 553 2K, with the latter being selected for production. Referring now to Figure 3C, the next step involves pressing security screen 3 into engagement with rim 14 and first adhesive layer 40, an outer face of a perimeter of security screen 3 engaging and spreading adhesive layer 40 somewhat. Referring now to Figure 3D, the next step involves extruding another line of adhesive to form a second adhesive layer 41 substantially continuously around an inner face of the perimeter of security screen 3.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 3E, the final step involves installing inner frame element 20 over second adhesive layer 41 and securing inner frame element 20 into the outer frame element with screws, screw 30 shown. It can be seen that inner frame element 20 comprises a rim 22 around a perimeter which engages with security screen 3 above rim 14 of the outer frame element and which helps to enclose second adhesive layer 41. Positioning of inner frame element 20 may help to displace adhesive 41 into channels 23 and 24 and around an edge of security screen 3. Screw 30 is secured in plate 16 and covered by plastic cap 50.

[0029] It has been surprisingly found that the caravan door security screens installed as described above are exceptionally strong, resisting repeated impacts of at least 180 J. Without wishing to be bound, it is believed that the exceptional strength contrary to expectations of the prior art may be contributed by the small size of the windows compared with traditional security screens installed in dwellings. In the embodiment above a closest distance of points on the security screen to the securing adhesive is nowhere greater than 190 mm, being half the width. It is anticipated that if the closest distance is nowhere greater than 250 mm or 300 mm, sufficient strength will be maintained.

[0030] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, which is determined from the broadest scopes and claims.

[0031] For example, the broad first aspect of the invention is not restricted to caravan doors comprising two layers of adhesive, and single layers may be effective in certain circumstances. Further, the inner and outer frame elements may be a separable or integral with the door frame in the broadest aspects of the invention. Further still, the broad second aspect of the invention encompasses multiple alternative modes of application of the adhesive, for example application of the first layer of adhesive to an outer face of the perimeter of the security screen before assembly, rather than to the outer frame element. Also, other constructions of security screens such as perforated sheet metal rather than woven metal screens are contemplated within the scope of the invention. In addition, while the embodiment above is advantageously applied to caravan doors, primarily composed of plastic, other construction materials such as aluminium remained within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in its broadest aspect the invention does not require a continuous line of adhesive, and any amount of adhesive in a broken layer which is found sufficient in practice to achieve acceptable security against intrusion is within the scope of the invention.

[0032] 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. Further, any method steps recited in the claims are not necessarily intended to be performed temporally in the sequence written, or to be performed without pause once started, unless the context requires it.

[0033] 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 any other country.

Claims

1. A caravan door with a security screen installed in a frame of the door, wherein the security screen is secured into the frame around a perimeter of the security screen between an outer frame element and an inner frame element with a securing means, the securing means including: a first layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the outer frame element; a second layer of adhesive disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the inner frame element; and screws or bolts disposed outside the perimeter of the security screen which hold the inner frame element in a firm engagement with the outer frame element, wherein the inner frame element further includes one or more channels which when installed over the second layer of adhesive urge the second layer of adhesive to occupy the one or more channels and contribute to securing the inner frame element to the security screen.

2. The caravan door according to claim 1, wherein a closest distance of points on the security screen to the securing adhesive is nowhere greater than 300 mm.

3. The caravan door according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a closest distance of points on the security screen to the securing adhesive is nowhere greater than 250 mm.

4. The caravan door according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the layer or layers of adhesive are substantially continuous extruded lines of adhesive disposed around the perimeter.

5. The caravan door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer frame element comprises a perimeter outer frame element rim, with the outer frame element rim engaging the security screen and one of the layers of adhesive being disposed adjacent the outer frame element rim.

6. The caravan door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner frame element comprises a perimeter inner frame element rim, with the inner frame element rim engaging the security screen and the second layer of adhesive being disposed adjacent the inner frame element rim.

7. A method of installing a security screen into a frame of a caravan door, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first layer of adhesive around an outer frame element or around an outer face of a perimeter of the security screen; assembling the security screen together with the outer frame element so that the first layer of adhesive is disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the outer frame element; applying a second layer of adhesive around an inner face of the perimeter of the security screen or around an inner frame element; assembling the inner frame element together with the security screen so that the second layer of adhesive is disposed between the perimeter of the security screen and the inner frame element, wherein the inner frame element includes one or more channels which when installed over the second layer of adhesive urge the second layer of adhesive to occupy the one or more channels and contribute to securing the inner frame element to the security screen; and securing the inner frame element into a firm engagement with the outer frame element using screws or bolts disposed adjacent to and outside the perimeter of the security screen.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of applying the first layer of adhesive comprises extruding a substantially continuous line of the adhesive around the outer frame element or around an outer face of the perimeter of the security screen.

9. The method of claims 7 or claim 8, wherein the step of applying the second layer of adhesive comprises extruding a substantially continuous line of the adhesive around the inner frame element or around an inner face of the perimeter of the security screen.