AU2015303829B2

AU2015303829B2 - A closure assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2015303829B2
Application number: AU2015303829A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Gibson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-10
Filing date: 2015-08-07
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-07
Also published as: WO2016023076A1; AU2015303829A1

Abstract

A closure assembly for a structure such as, for example, a building, dwelling or the like. The closure assembly is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closure assembly includes a frame portion configured to fit an opening of the structure, the frame portion including an aperture therein, a security element fitted to the frame portion to cover the aperture, and at least one aperture closure movable to adjust the closure assembly between the open configuration and the closed configuration, wherein the security element and at least one aperture closure are arranged such that the security element is positioned at an inner facing side of the assembly and the at least one aperture closure is positioned at an outer facing side of the assembly.

Description

A CLOSURE ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to closure assemblies for structures, such as, for example, doors and windows for buildings, dwellings or the like.

Background of the Invention

[002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[003] Typical closure assemblies for buildings and dwellings include doors and windows. It can be difficult to communicate through doors and windows whilst maintaining a certain level of security as conventional doors and windows typically only provide security to a premises when shut/locked.

[004] It would generally be understood that once installed into a wall opening of a dwelling, doors are configured to swing on a hinge or slide between open and closed positions to thereby allow or block entry through the wall opening.

[005] For external entry doors, leading into the dwelling from outside, it is often popular to install a separate security door that allows a resident to ventilate the dwelling and still maintain a barrier for intruders. In most cases, security doors are installed as a separate entity and are usually hingedly attached at the outside of the external entry door, on the door jamb.

[006] This particular arrangement of security door has several disadvantages. At first instance, it makes for an unpleasant visual appearance, as the entry door (which may be well crafted and ornate) is covered by the often cold and confrontational looking security door. This can be off putting residents, visitors and passers by.

[007] Having the security door outside the entry also makes it difficult and potentially dangerous to check the integrity of the security door (i.e. whether it is locked/damaged). For example, with the security door on the outside, a resident needs to open the entry door to check the integrity of security door, exposing themselves to potential danger outside.

[008] In addition, the use of an additional security door typically requires the use of an additional key which can be irritating for a resident. Not to mention that the installation of a security door also brings additional expense.

[009] Similar arrangements are common when applying security screens to windows. Windows also often include security screens fitted to there outer facing sides. Again, this often results in an unpleasant appearance for the dwelling/building.

[0010] External placement of the security screen/doors, which are typically formed of metal, also makes them more prone to corrosion, particularly when installed at coastal dwelling/residences .

[0011] The present invention seeks to address some of the above mentioned disadvantages of conventional closure assemblies and associated security screen/door installations.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] In one broad form, the present invention provides a closure assembly for a structure such as, for example, a building, dwelling or the like, the closure assembly adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the closure assembly including: a frame portion configured to fit an opening of the structure, the frame portion including an aperture therein; a security element fitted to the frame portion to cover the aperture; and at least one aperture closure movable to adjust the closure assembly between the open configuration and the closed configuration. [0013] In one form the closure assembly is such that, in the open configuration, air flow through the aperture is permitted, and, in the closed configuration, air flow through the aperture is substantially prevented.

[0014] In another form, the security element is a security screen or grill.

[0015] In a further form, the security element and at least one aperture closure are arranged such that the security element is positioned at an inner facing side of the assembly and the at least one aperture closure is positioned at an outer facing side of the assembly.

[0016] In one form, movement of the at least one aperture closure is actuable from the inner facing side of the assembly.

[0017] In another form, the at least one aperture closure is movable to adjust the closure assembly between the open and closed configurations via one or more actuator handles accessible from the inner facing side of the assembly.

[0018] In a further form, the one or more actuator handles are operable through the security element.

[0019] In one form, the security element includes one or more handle openings therein each configured to receive a respective actuator handle therethrough.

[0020] In another form, the handle openings in the security element are elongate slots.

[0021] In one form, the actuator handle has a substantially triangular end portion.

[0022] In a further form, the actuator handle is arranged such that in the closed configuration, only a first vertex of the triangular end portion protrudes through a respective slot at the inner facing side of the assembly, and, in the open configuration, only a second vertex of the triangular end portion protrudes through the respective slot at the inner facing side.

[0023] In one form, the security element is configured to be fixed to the frame. [0024] In one form, the security element is configured to be releasably attached to the frame.

[0025] In another form, the security element is hingedly mounted to the frame.

[0026] In one form, the at least one aperture closure member includes a louvre arrangement.

[0027] In another form, the frame portion is configured to be hingedly mounted to the opening of the structure.

[0028] In another form, the frame portion is configured to be slidingly engaged to the opening of the structure.

[0029] In another form, the frame portion is configured to fit and be fixed to the opening of the structure.

[0030] In one form, the closure assembly is a door. [0031] In another form, the closure assembly is a window.

[0032] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a handle for use with a closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

[0033] In one form, the handle include an arm portion for connection to the at least one aperture closure at one end thereof, and, having a substantially triangular end portion and the other end thereof.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0034] This invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention in which:

Figure la shows a front view of one example of a closure assembly when embodied as a door; Figure lb shows a cross section of the door of figure la taken along the line A- A;

Figure lc shows an enlarged view of a portion of the front view of figure 1;

Figure Id shows an enlarged view of a portion of the front view of figure 1;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged and more detailed view of the cross sectional view of figure lb;

Figure 3a shows a rear view of the door of figure 1;

Figure 3b shows an enlarged portion of the rear view of figure 3a;

Figure 4a shows a side view of the door of figure 1;

Figure 4b shows an enlarged portion of the side view of figure 4;

Figure 5a shows a front view of one example of an actuator handle for use with a closure assembly according to one example;

Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the actuator handle of figure 5a;

Figure 5c shows a side view of the actuator handle of figure 5b;

Figure 6a shows a front view closure assembly (door) according to one example with one type of louvre arrangement;

Figure 6b shows a front view closure assembly (door) according to one example with a louvre/panel arrangement;

Figure 7a shows a front view of the closure assembly according to one example when embodied as a window;

Figure 7b shows a cross sectional view of the window of figure 7a; and

Figure 8 shows an enlarged and more detailed view of the cross sectional view 7b.

Detailed Description

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention provide a closure assembly for a structure such as, for example, a building, dwelling or the like. The closure assembly is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Typically, the assembly is a door or a window.

[0036] The closure assembly includes a frame portion configured to fit an opening of the structure (e.g. building or dwelling). The frame portion includes an aperture therein and a security element, which is fitted to the frame portion, to cover the aperture. It will be appreciated that the security element may take a variety of forms but is typically a security screen or grill, such as, for example, a metal/composite mesh screen.

[0037] The closure assembly also includes at least one aperture closure movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0038] Typically, when the at least one aperture closure is opened, air flow is permitted through the aperture. In the closed configuration, air flow is substantially prevented through the aperture. The at least one aperture closure may, for example, be a louvre arrangement, or other form of hinged panel arrangement. The aperture closure may also, for example, be a removable panel and/or one that is slidingly engaged to close the aperture.

[0039] The security element and at least one aperture closure (e.g. louvre arrangement) are arranged such that the security element is positioned at an inner facing side of the assembly and the at least one aperture closure is positioned at an outer facing side of the assembly. The inner facing side would be understood by a skilled person to be the side of the closure that would ultimately face the inside of the dwelling when installed (and closed, for example in the case of a hingedly mounted door/window). Conversely the outer facing side would be understood to be the side of the assembly that would ultimately face the outside the dwelling when installed (and closed, for example in the case of a hingedly mounted door/window).

[0040] Having the security element positioned at the inner facing side provides several advantages. In particular, the integrity of the security element can be validated from the inside of the dwelling, without opening the closure assembly (e.g. door). Furthermore the security element, which may be metal, is more protected from corrosion. This is particularly advantageous for dwellings/buildings situated in coastal areas. It is also more pleasing aesthetically to have the security screen on the inside of the dwelling, out of view from passers by and visitors. [0041] The inbuilt nature of the security element may also provide some advantages. As the security element as part of the assembly, there is not additional installation time required, no additional keys needed, and reduced overall costs.

[0042] Despite being positioned on the outer facing side of the assembly the at least one aperture closure is actuable from the inner facing side of the assembly. This is typically achieved via one or more actuator handles that are accessible from the inner facing side of the assembly. Movement of the one or more handles moves the at least one aperture closure between the open and closed configuration Having the security element and handles at the inner facing side allow the aperture closure (e.g. louvres) to be opened to allow communication through the assembly (e.g. door/window) without compromising security.

[0043] It will be appreciated that when the closure assembly is embodied as a door or window, the entire assembly may be closed and opened (i.e. as a typical door/window would). In addition the aperture closure may be adjustable between the open and closed configuration from the inner side of the assembly. For example the door/window may be closed, but the aperture closure (e.g. louvres) open. Thus full security may be provided as the door/window is closed with security element in place, and communication or ventilation of the dwelling still possible by moving the aperture closure into the open position.

[0044] One particular preferred form of the closure assembly is shown in figures 1 to 5 wherein the assembly embodied as a door.

[0045] Figure la shows a front view (or outer facing side) of the door. The door (1) includes a frame (la) having an aperture (3) therein. The frame (la) includes a mainframe portion (2) and a sub-frame portion (4). The sub-frame portion (4) is mounted to the outer facing side of the main-frame portion (2) along the top and side edges (3 a) of the aperture (3). [0046] Mounted to the sub-frame (4) is a louvre arrangement (5) moveable between an open and closed configuration. The louvre arrangement (5) thereby operates to open and close the aperture to allow or block air flow through the aperture (3).

[0047] As shown most clearly in figures 2 and 3, a security screen (6) is arranged on the rear or inward facing side of the door (1) and is securely mounted to the main frame portion (2) to cover the aperture (3). It will be appreciated that the security screen (6) and/or louvre arrangement may, in other forms, be mounted to differently or to different parts of the frame (la). For example a sub-frame may not be included. Furthermore, in this example the security screen (6) is a mesh screen, however, it will be appreciated that the security screen may be replaced by another type of security element such as, for example, a security grill etc. It will be appreciated that in other forms the security screen may be hingedly mounted or releasably attached.

[0048] Figure 2 shows an enlarged horizontal cross section and illustrates how the sub- frame (4) is mounted to protrude from the outer facing side of the main frame portion (2). Mounting the louvre arrangement to the sub-frame provides extra space such that the louvres are free to rotate without contacting the attached security screen (6).

[0049] One or more actuator handles (7) extend from the louvre arrangement rearward through one or more respective slots (8) in the rim of the security screen (6) such that the louvre arrangement is operable from the inner facing side of the door (e.g. as shown in figure 3A). This has particular advantages in that the louvre arrangement (5) can be operated to allow ventilation through the door without opening the door and compromising security of the dwelling.

[0050] The example of figure 3 shows three elongate slots (8) which receive respective actuator handles (7) from the louvre arrangement. Each handle respectively operating a different portion of the louvre arrangement (5) such that the louvre arrangement may be partially opened or closed. It will be appreciated that there may be a variety of configurations of louvre arrangement or other type of aperture closure, and one or more actuator handles may be used. For example, figures 6A and 6B show some alternate louvre arrangements. In particular, figure 6A shows an arrangement including top (60) and bottom (61) independently operable louvre portions. Figure 6B on the other hand shows a top louvre portion (62) with a bottom (63) non openable section formed of vertical panelling.

[0051] A preferred form of actuator handle is shown in detail in figure 5. The actuator handle (7) had includes an arm portion (10) and triangular end portion (11) with rounded vertices. The actuator handle (7) is configured such that in the closed configuration (for example see figure 4A), only a single vertex (12) of the end portion (11) protrudes through the slot (8). Opening the louvre arrangement by pivoting the handle downward moves the end portion such that only a single second vertex (13) protrudes through the slot (8). This handle shape/arrangement has particular advantages in that smaller slots can be provided and the handle itself does not protrude sufficiently into the dwelling. If, for example, an elongated straight handle were to be used it would be apparent to a person skilled that midway through the turning arc the handle would protrude dangerously into the dwelling perhaps causing injury to a resident, and a much longer slot would need to be provided. The rounded vertices (e.g. 12,13) also provide safe non-sharp contact points for handling.

[0052] A further form of the closure assembly is shown in figures 7 A, 7B and 8. In this example the closure assembly is embodied as a window (20). The frame of the window (20) includes a main frame portion (21) and sub-frame portion (22) mounted on an internal wall (21a) of the main frame (21).

[0053] A louvre arrangement (23) is mounted to the internal wall (22a) of the sub-frame portion (22). A security screen (24) is mounted to the rear inner facing side of the sub- frame (22b). Whilst in this example the security screen is fixed to the sub frame portion (22), it will be appreciated that the security screen (24) may be hingedly connected to the main frame or sub-frame and/or may be releasably attachable from the assembly. This may be advantageous when the closure is used as a window and it allow a resident to clean the louvres from inside (some windows may be too high or inaccessible from the outside). [0054] Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a horizontal cross section of the window (20) which shows the actuator handle (27) protruding through slot (28) in security screen (24).

[0055] It will be appreciated that when embodied as a door or window the entire assembly may be configured to fit and fixed within a wall opening, or hingedly or slidingly mounted to the opening (i.e. hingedly or slidingly movable between a closed or open position).

[0056] It is clear that presently described closure assembly, whether embodied as a door window or otherwise, provides significant advantages over the existing door/window systems, closures and security door arrangements. In particular, the integrity of the security element can be verified from inside the dwelling, the security element is less prone to corrosion, less time is required for installation, and the closure assembly is more aesthetically pleasing yet just as secure as a conventional security door/screen arrangements. In addition, communication is possible through the assembly whilst maintaining security.

[0057] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0058] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0059] It will be appreciated that various forms of the invention may be used individually or in combination.

Claims

Claims:

1. A closure assembly for a structure such as, for example, a building, dwelling or the like, the closure assembly adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the closure assembly including:

a frame portion configured to fit an opening of the structure, the frame portion including an aperture therein;

a security element fitted to the frame portion to cover the aperture; and

at least one aperture closure movable to adjust the closure assembly between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

2. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in the open configuration, air flow through the aperture is permitted, and, in the closed configuration, air flow through the aperture is substantially prevented.

3. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the security element is a security screen or grill.

4. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the security element and at least one aperture closure are arranged such that the security element is positioned at an inner facing side of the assembly and the at least one aperture closure is positioned at an outer facing side of the assembly.

5. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein movement of the at least one aperture closure is actuable from the inner facing side of the assembly.

6. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one aperture closure is movable to adjust the closure assembly between the open and closed configurations via one or more actuator handles accessible from the inner facing side of the assembly.

7. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more actuator handles are operable through the security element.

8. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the security element includes one or more handle openings therein each configured to receive a respective actuator handle therethrough.

9. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the handle openings in the security element are elongate slots.

10. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the actuator handle has a substantially triangular end portion.

11. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuator handle is arranged such that in the closed configuration, only a first vertex of the triangular end portion protrudes through a respective slot at the inner facing side of the assembly, and, in the open configuration, only a second vertex of the triangular end portion protrudes through the respective slot at the inner facing side.

12. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element is configured to be fixed to the frame.

13. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element is configured to be releasably attached to the frame.

14. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element is hingedly mounted to the frame.

15. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aperture closure member includes a louvre arrangement.

16. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame portion is configured to be hingedly mounted to the opening of the structure.

17. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame portion is configured to be slidingly engaged to the opening of the structure.

18. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame portion is configured to fit and be fixed to the opening of the structure.

19. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure assembly is a door.

20. A closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure assembly is a window.

21. A handle for use with a closure assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

22. A handle as claimed in claim 21, including an arm portion for connection to the at least one aperture closure at one end thereof, and, having a substantially triangular end portion and the other end thereof.