Roller shutter

Abstract

 A plurality of side by side hollow box section laths (12) are connected to each other by respective hinge elements (14), which have flanges (16) fastened to adjacent laths (12), e.g. by welding. Inserts, such as metal bars (13), concrete granules, or insulating material (15) may be provided in the laths (12) and end caps (11) may be fitted. The security of such a shutter is enhanced. It is difficult to gain rapid unauthorized access using a cutting tool.

Description

[0001] The invention concerns a roller shutter, particularly of metal.

[0002] Such shutters are known for security purposes, for use over doors and windows. They generally comprise a series of substantially parallel and abutting laths of metal or plastics material which are hingedly interlinked to permit winding of the shutter onto an upper spindle upon retraction.

[0003] A shutter of this type is known wherein the laths comprise hollow metal profiles having integrally formed curling extensions from upper and lower surfaces to enable hinged interlinking with adjacent laths.

[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a simpler structure, not requiring specially shaped lath profiles, but making use of less expensive standard profiles, and which is also stronger for security purposes.

[0005] According to the invention a roller shutter is provided which comprises a plurality of side by side hollow box section laths which are connected to each other by respective hinge elements, in which respect the hinge elements have flanges that are fastened to adjacent laths.

[0006] At least some of the box section laths, which are preferably of metal, may have metal bars inserted to provide added resistance to deformation or penetration of the shutter, when closed. Alternatively or additionally thermal and/or sound insulating material, such as blocks of polystyrene, may be inserted into at least some of the hollow laths.

[0007] Another alternative is that at least some of the box section laths should be filled with concrete granules. This is a particularly good security measure along with a proportion of laths having metal bars inserted. The concrete granules tend rapidly to blunt the disc of any cutting tool used to penetrate the shutters by those seeking unauthorized entry via the shutter, when closed and locked.

[0008] End caps to the hollow laths may be provided for aesthetic purposes and to protect operatives against injury from sharp edges.

[0009] The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view, from the rear, of a practical embodiment of the roller shutter of the invention when installed and raised; and

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, from the rear and one side, and enlarged compared to Fig. 1, of a part of a shutter of the invention, such as that in Fig. 1.

[0010] As illustrated, the exemplary shutter 10 comprises a plurality of side by side hollow box section laths 12 of mild steel and of generally rectangular cross section. These are connected to each other by respective hinge elements 14, which, in conventional manner, each have a pair of flanges 16. These flanges 16 are welded to the respective laths.

[0011] In use, the laths extend substantially horizontally. When the shutter 10 is closed (Fig. 2) they are arranged one above the other in a co-planar array, with their narrow edges abutting or almost so. The front of the shutter 10 presents a substantially flat surface, while at the rear the laths 12 are connected by the visible hinge elements 14.

[0012] In use, as shown in Fig. 1, an uppermost lath is connected to a spindle 18, which is rotatably mounted between brackets 19. The brackets 19 may be integrally formed at the top of facing guide track elements 17 for reception and guiding of side edges of the shutter 10 as it is raised and lowered. In other arrangements, the brackets or other spindle mounting means may be formed separately from such guide elements. The latter are preferable, but not essential.

[0013] -Fig. 2 illustrates how metal bars 13 or blocks 15 of polystyrene or other insulating material may be inserted into the laths 12. It is likely that either one or the other type of insert will be selected, or none at all, but a mixture of both types and/or some empty laths in any one shutter 10 would be possible.

[0014] Another alternative, not illustrated, is for at least some of the hollow laths 12 to be filled with concrete granules for added security against rapid penetration of the shutter by conventional cutting tools.

[0015] End caps 11 may be a push fit onto the ends of the laths 12 whether or not an insert is provided therein. Obviously, end caps or comparable end closures would be used when there is a filling of concrete granules.

[0016] The foregoing is illustrative and not limitative of the scope of the invention and variations in detail are possible in other embodiments.

[0017] The shutter of the invention, when made of metal components, particularly steel or a metal of comparable strength properties, presents a much better security barrier than any known hitherto as the presence of the respective hinge elements make it difficult to cut through or deform. This security is enhanced by use of suitable insert materials, such as steel bars and concrete granules.

Claims

1. A roller shutter comprising a plurality of side by side hollow laths (12) which are hingedly connected to each other, characterized in that the laths (12) are plain box section laths which are connected to each other by respective hinge elements (14), which have flanges (16) fastened to adjacent laths (12).

2. A roller shutter according to claim 1 in which the box section laths (12) are provided with end caps (11).

3. A roller according to claim 1 or 2 having metal bars (13) inserted into at least some of the box section laths (12).

4. A roller shutter according to any preceding claim having blocks (15) of insulation material inserted into at least some of the box section laths (12).

5. A roller shutter according to any preceding claim having concrete granules present in at least some of the box section laths (12).

Drawing