[0001] This invention relates to a screen to reduce or prevent ingress of flying insects,
in particular mosquitoes, into a living area such as a room in a house, or a tent,
for example. The screens are of particular use in preventing or reducing ingress of
mosquitoes through openings such as doors and windows.
[0002] It is known to attempt to reduce or prevent ingress of flying insects into living
areas by applying a mesh screen across a window. The size of the mesh prevents flying
insects from entering a room through an open window. The mesh allows a window to remain
open which can be essential in hot countries where air conditioning may not be available.
[0003] A known screen for preventing ingress of flying insects through a window comprises
a mesh screen mounted within a frame. The frame is dimensioned so that it can be positioned
on the window frame or on the wall surrounding the window frame. Such screens tend
to be of a passive nature without any form of chemical insecticide treatment.
[0004] Once the frame is mounted on either the window frame or the wall, the mesh extends
across the window thus preventing insects which are larger than the mesh size from
gaining access through the window. A problem with such a screen is that it is necessary
to mount the net within the frame and then to mount the frame on the window frame
/ wall using nails, screws and/or rivets, for example.
[0005] Such known frames tend to be secured and sealed to a frame or wall on all four sides
of the screen.
[0006] If access is required to the window, for example to close the window, it can be necessary
to entirely remove the mounted mesh in order to gain access to the window.
[0007] It is also known to mount a roller within a frame in order to allow the mesh to be
rolled from a closed position to an open position. However such an arrangement is
complicated and therefore expensive. In addition, the time take to roll open the netting
and then to close it again can prevent insects from flying in.
[0008] EP 0 806 158 describes an insect screen comprising a mesh which is mounted on the frame of a window
around all four sides of the frame using a plastic adhesive strip which has hook elements
arranged in the form of subdivided longitudinal ribs, the distance between the ribs
corresponding to the mesh spacing of the screen (
EP 0 806 158).
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a screen for
an opening in a building or other structure, the screen comprising:
- a) a net; and
- b) attachment means for releasably attaching the net to a surface above the opening,
whereby, in use, the net is held in position over the opening.
[0010] A screen according to the first aspect of the present invention may be positioned
and attached above an opening. This allows the net to hang in a similar manner to
that of a curtain over the opening to be protected by the screen.
[0011] When the screen is in position it overlaps with the opening that it is protecting.
[0012] The opening may be a window or door in a house or other building, for example. The
opening could also comprise ventilation openings into a building. In other embodiments
of the invention, the opening could, for example, be an entrance into a tent or other
temporary structure.
[0013] Previously it had been thought necessary to attach a screen in such a way as to completely
surround an opening. In other words, it had been thought necessary to attach a net
around the window by securing all of the sides of the net to either a window frame
or a wall surrounding the window frame.
[0014] A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that if it is necessary to gain access to
the window behind the screen, the entire net has to be removed. With some known screens
the net and the frame has to be removed.
[0015] By means of the present invention, it is possible to gain access to the window via
the free sides of the net that are not secured.
[0016] In addition, it is not necessary to construct or otherwise use a frame in which to
mount the net. This is because the attachment means may be attached directly to either
a surface surrounding the opening.
[0017] In many embodiments of the invention, the net will be secured by attachment means
above the opening to be protected, and will hang freely in all other respects.
[0018] In some embodiments, however, the attachment means may be attached to a surface surrounding
the opening along sides of the opening.
[0019] Typically the net will be square or rectangular in shape comprising four sides.
[0020] A further advantage of the screen according to the present invention is that it can
be used to protect an open doorway whilst still allowing people to pass through the
doorway.
[0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the screen is adapted for use over a vent.
In such embodiments the product may be applied over a ventilation slot or grill, or
bricks between rooms, or on external walls.
[0022] The net may be attached to the wall / frame by means of the attachment means which
hold the net in position over the opening to be protected.
[0023] The attachment means may be any convenient attachment means and in some embodiments
of the invention the attachment means each comprise a plurality of fasteners, each
fastener comprising a first fastener portion attachable to a surface, and second fastener
portion engageable with the first fastener portion, each fastener being adapted to
hold the net between the first and second fastener portions.
[0024] In a screen according to the present invention therefore there will typically be
a plurality of attachment means, and generally between five and eight attachment means
which may be spaced apart above the opening in order to hold the net in position.
Typically, for a vent screen there will be six attachment means, and for doors and
windows between six and eight or more.
[0025] Each first fastener portion may be adhesively attachable to a surface.
[0026] In embodiments of the invention each fastener comprises a backing plate which backing
plate is attachable to the surface.
[0027] In such embodiments of the invention, the backing plate may have adhesive on one
side thereof, which adhesive allows the first fastener portion to be attached to the
surface.
[0028] In embodiments of the invention, each backing plate is resiliently deformable. This
allows the first fastener portion to be fastened to various surfaces even if those
surfaces are uneven. In embodiments of the invention where the backing plate has an
adhesive backing on one side thereof, the resiliently deformable nature of the backing
plate results from a combination of the properties and the form of the plastic forming
the backing plate and the flexible adhesive backing.
[0029] In embodiments of the invention each first fastener portion comprises an engagement
portion shaped to engage with the corresponding engagement portion of the second fastener
portion.
[0030] The first and second fastener portions may take any convenient shape, but in some
embodiments the first engagement portion is adapted to fit within the second engagement
portion. In other embodiments, the second engagement portion may be adapted to fit
within the first engagement portion.
[0031] In embodiments of the invention the first engagement portion comprises a first hollow
portion having a first diameter, and the second engagement portion comprises a second
hollow portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than
the second diameter.
[0032] In such an arrangement, when the first and second fastener portions are engaged with
one another, the second hollow portion is positioned within the first hollow portion.
[0033] In embodiments of the invention the first engagement portion may comprise a lip extending
radially outwardly from the first hollow portion, and the second engagement portion
may comprise a ridge extending radially inwardly from the second hollow portion, the
lip being engageable with the ridge.
[0034] The lip may extend circumferentially around the entire circumference of the first
hollow portion. In some embodiments, however the lip may be formed from a plurality
of segments each of which segments extends partially around the circumference of the
first hollow portion. In some embodiments of the invention the lip may be split into
four circumferentially extending segments, and in other embodiments there may be a
different number of segments such as two, six, or eight, for example. An advantage
of forming the lip in segments is that the fastener portions may be more easily moulded.
A further advantage is that the fastener becomes more flexible around a surface thereof.
[0035] In embodiments of the invention, the ridge may also be formed from segments similar
to the segments described herein above with reference to the lip. In an embodiment
of the invention therefore, the ridge may comprise a plurality of segments each segment
extending partially around the circumference of the second hollow tube. In other embodiments
of the invention the ridge may extend entirely around the circumference of the second
hollow portion as a single component.
[0036] The lip and ridge may be dimensioned such that when the first fastener portion is
engaged with the second fastener portion the two portions are held in place by the
relative positions of the lip and the ridge. In addition, when the two fastener portions
are engaged with one another, a channel is defined between the tube and the lip that
is substantially "S" shaped.
[0037] The substantially "S" shaped channel thus formed between the first engagement portion
and the second engagement portion has dimensions that are optimised for the thickness
of the net fabric to be used to form the screen. The arrangement allows the fabric
to be locked in place without damaging the fibres of the fabric. The interaction of
the first and second engagement portions ensures that the fabric stays close to the
surface surrounding the opening to be protected. In embodiments of the invention the
interaction of the first and second engagement portions ensures that the fabric stays
directly adjacent to the surface surrounding the opening to be protected. In this
respect the thickness of the first engagement portion and the adhesive are as thin
as practically possible to retain the required mechanical properties and to present
the fabric directly adjacent to the window frame to prevent mosquito entry.
[0038] The dimensions of the "S" shaped channel will depend on the nature of the fabric
to be used to form the net.
[0039] For example, for a 100 denier fabric with a thickness of around 32 fibres, the channel
will define a path that is 0.25mm thick although this could vary by about +/- 0.05mm.
[0040] A gap is also formed between the first and second engagement portions and in this
region the dimensions of the path will be approximately 0.01 mm wider than the width
of the channel. These dimensions depend on the performance of the mould to allow for
a limited interference fit between the first and second engagement portions when the
two portions are engaged but without fabric in place.
[0041] The tolerances may be further tuned for example through process control on the mould
or by moving the "S" shaped channel +/- 0.2mm from the datum for thicker or thinner
fabrics, as a result of different heat processes on the fabric manufacture.
[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the screen comprises a rail adapted to be attached
to the surface above the opening to be protected.
[0043] In embodiments of the invention the rail comprises an adhesive on one side of the
rail. The adhesive may be applied to the rail at the time that the rail is to be attached
to a window frame or wall. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied to the rail
when the rail itself is manufactured. In such embodiments, the adhesive may be protected
by a peelable layer. When it is required to attach the rail to a frame / wall, all
that is required is to peel the protective layer away and to apply pressure to the
rail in order to attach it to the frame / wall.
[0044] The rail may be made from any convenient materials, and in some embodiments is made
from a plastics material. By forming the rail from a plastics material it is possible
to make the rail lightweight and therefore easy to position on the frame above a window.
[0045] In other embodiments of the invention, the rail may be made from a metal such as
aluminium or steel.
[0046] In some embodiments, the rail may comprise a metal coated in plastic. In one embodiment
the rail comprises steel coated in plastic.
[0047] In embodiments of the invention comprising a rail, each first fastener portion is
attachable to the rail.
[0048] In such embodiments therefore each first fastener portion is attached to the rail
rather than directly to a wall / frame above the opening to be protected.
[0049] In some embodiments of the invention each first fastener portion is slideably attachable
to the rail.
[0050] In such embodiments, the fastener portion may comprise a slider attachable to the
first fastener portion which slider is adapted to engage with the rail.
[0051] In such embodiments of the invention, the net may be closed by sliding the fasteners
along the rail in much the same way as a conventional curtain may be drawn. If it
is required to open the screen, the net may be moved in an opposition direction causing
the fasteners to collect towards one end of the rail.
[0052] In some embodiments of the invention the rail is curved in a direction perpendicular
to its length. Such a shape results in the rail having sufficient stiffness to support
the screen. In addition, the shape allows the rail to be rolled into a coil in a similar
manner to a tape measure in order for the rail to be packaged and distributed in small
packing on shelves, or delivered to customer's homes by a door to door agent, for
example.
[0053] In embodiments of the invention, the curve of the rail is concave. In such embodiments,
it is necessary only to attach a central portion of the curved rail to the surface
surrounding the opening. In particular, in some embodiments adhesive may be applied
to a central portion of the curved portion of the rail in order to attach the rail
to the surface surrounding the opening.
[0054] The curved shape of the rail also allows the edges of the rail to be readily connectable
to the first fastener portions since the curve of the rail means that the edges are
spaced apart from the surface to which the rail is attached.
[0055] In embodiments of the invention, the rail may further comprise an end stop positioned
at either end of the rail in order to prevent the fasteners from becoming detached
from the rail.
[0056] In some embodiments of the invention each end stio comprises a braking system. The
braking system is formed by the side edges of the end stop which are shaped to extend
upwardly towards the end of the rail at the end stop. In other words, the depth of
the edges of the rail increases in dimension towards the end stops. This increases
friction between the slider and the end stop slowing down and then stopping the fasteners
and preventing further movement of the fasteners towards the end stops.
[0057] A further advantage of this arrangement is that an end fastener is more likely to
stay at the end stop allowing the screen to be pulled across into a closed position
more readily.
[0058] In embodiments of the invention in which the fasteners are slideably engageable with
the rail, each fastener may comprise a hook portion adapted to engaged with the rail.
[0059] Each first fastener portion may comprise two hook portions each of which hook portions
is adapted to hook around top and bottom edges respectively of the rail. As mentioned
hereinabove, due to the curved nature of the rail in many embodiments of the invention,
the top and bottom edges of the rail will curve away from the surface surrounding
the opening to be protected thus assisting in engagement of the slider with the rail.
[0060] In embodiments of the invention comprising a slider, the slider is engageable with
the rail, and the hooks may be formed on the slider.
[0061] The slider may be attached to the first fastener portion by any convenient means,
such as by means of an adhesive.
[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, the slider and first fastener portion may be
formed as a single component.
[0063] In embodiments of the invention, the screen further comprises a binding which is
attachable to the net along edges of the net. The binding increases the aesthetic
appeal of the screen and also increases the strength of the net at the part of the
net that will be gripped by the attachment means.
[0064] In some embodiments of the invention, the binding may be sewn onto the edges of the
net. In some embodiments of the invention some of the binding may be attached adhesively
and some may be sewn. In other embodiments of the invention the binding may be entirely
adhesively attached to the net.
[0065] The binding also adds weight to the fabric forming the screen helping the screen
to lie flat against the surface surrounding the opening and to resist small draughts
and breezes.
[0066] A bottom portion of the screen may be formed from a skirt formed from heavier material
than the material used to form the net. Such a skirt helps to reduce damage due to
wear and tear. The skirt also assists in weighing down the screen.
[0067] Typically, the skirt may form part of a screen which is to protect a door. The skirt
may be any convenient dimensions but typically comprises 5 to 20 cm of untreated polyester
mesh. The skirt may be formed from a mesh that is the same or denser than that of
the remainder of the net.
[0068] The net forming a screen according to embodiments of the invention may be impregnated
with an insecticidal substance or substances, in particular a substance which kills
mosquitos. Such substances and their means for impregnation in nets are known in the
art.
[0069] Here
"impregnation" means any means of incorporation, whether by single dipping, coating or deeper inclusion
into the structure of the net. The net forming the screen according to embodiments
of the invention is typically a knitted fabric, but other types of material may be
used.
[0070] US 2012/0114727 A1 (BASF SE) discloses sheet-like structures for bed nets finished with an insecticidal
mixture comprising chlorphenapyr and one or more selected pyrethroids.
[0071] Any insecticidal substance capable of killing mosquitoes and capable of impregnation
into the net. The fibres forming the net may be coated with a chemical in a bath in
a Stenter machine. A Stenter machine is a heat treatment machine for fabrics that
help to set a coating on the fabric or helps to fix, by partially melting, the fabric
to provide more stiffness. Other methods may include incorporating the insecticide
into plastic fibres as part of a master batch using, for example, the Olyset by Sumitomo.
The fibres may be impregnated with chemicals such as Alphacypermethrin, Delamethrin
or Permethrin.
[0072] The total level of incorporation of the insecticidal substances into the net may
from 5 to 200 mg/m
2.In some embodiments of the invention the level of incorporation of the insecticidal
substances is 200 +/- 25% mg/m
2 of alphacypermethrin.
[0073] If permethrin is the active ingredient, then the level used is 2% (w/w) as active
ingredient (Al), corresponding to about 1000 mg of Al/m
2 or 20 g Al/kg +/- about 25%.
[0074] If deltamethrin is the active ingredient, the levels may be 1.4, 1.8, 2.1, 2.8 or
4g/kg +/-25%.
[0075] An advantage of treating the net with insecticide is that the insecticide helps to
prevent entry of insects such as mosquitos through the opening that is being protected.
In addition, because the net overlaps with the opening, the presence of an insecticide
helps to create a treated path that despite the looseness of the screen particularly
on free edges of the screen, prevents mosquitos/other insects from passing through.
[0076] As mentioned hereinabove in embodiments of the invention in which the net is treated
with an insecticide substance or substances, the skirt that may be formed at a bottom
portion of the screen will typically not be treated with any such insecticide substance
or substances.
[0077] The mesh size of the knitted material forming the net may be any convenient size
and is typically between 12 and 20 mesh / cm
2.
[0078] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastener
for a screen according to first aspect of the present invention.
[0079] Features of the fastener described hereinabove with respect to the first aspect of
the invention apply also the second aspect of the invention.
[0080] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts
for forming a screen for the kit comprising a net; and a plurality of attachment means
for releasably attaching the net to a surface, and a binding.
[0081] The kit may further comprise a reel of binding. The binding may have a self-adhesive
backing.
[0082] If the kit is for assembling a screen that is slideable along a rail, the kit may
further comprise a length of rail, and two end stops that may attached to each end
of the rail. The kit may further comprise one or more backer plates. Each backer plate
is attachable to the surface to which the rail is to be attached. In turn the rail
may be attached to these backer plates so that the rail is held in position particularly
in mid-sections thereof.
[0083] In one embodiment of the invention, the kit comprises three backer plates.
[0084] The backer plates are attachable to the surface to which the rail is to be attached
at spaced apart intervals, and will tend to be positioned towards a central portion
of the rail.
[0085] The kit of parts may be for forming a screen according to the first aspect of the
present invention.
[0086] Features of this screen according to the first aspect of the present invention will
also apply to a kit of parts according to the third aspect of the present invention.
[0087] The method may be directed towards assembling a screen according to the first aspect
of the present invention.
[0088] Parts of the screen described hereinabove with reference with the first aspect of
the present invention are applicable also to a method according to the fourth aspect
of the present invention.
[0089] In use, a consumer buying a kit may measure the size of the opening to be protected
and cut the net to a size that overlaps the opening to allow the net to be positioned
over the opening, and to be attached over the opening on, for example, a frame surrounding
the opening.
[0090] The attachment means may comprise a plurality of fasteners having the features described
hereinabove with reference to the first and second aspects of the invention.
[0091] The fasteners may be positioned at spaced apart intervals along a frame above the
opening to be protected by the consumer. The fasteners are typically self-adhesive
having an adhesive backing and may be applied directly to the frame / other surface
above the opening.
[0092] Alternatively, the fasteners may be attached to the surface by means of nails and/or
screws, for example. Such a method of applying the fasteners to a surface may be suitable
if the nature of the surface means that adhesive cannot be used.
[0093] The net after having been cut to size, may have the binding applied to the edges
thereof in order to strengthen the netting, and provide an aesthetically appealing
look.
[0094] When the kit contains parts for a screen which is to be slideably attached to a rail,
the rail may first of all be attached to a surface above the opening to be protected.
Typically the rail will have a self-adhesive backing and thus the rail may be attached
directly to a suitable surface.
[0095] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
of assembling a screen in front of an opening to be protected, the screen comprising
a net; and attachment means for releasably attaching the net to a surface, the method
comprising the steps of:
- i) measuring an opening to be protected with a length of binding;
- ii) cutting the length of binding to an appropriate length to cover the opening and
to extend beyond the opening;
- iii) laying out the net on a flat surface;
- iv) attaching one side of the adhesive binding to the fabric along edges thereof;
- v) turning over the net;
- vi) cutting the net to size using the binder as a guide; and
- vii) folding over the binding to form an edge;
- viii) adhesively attaching the second strip of the adhesive binding to close the binding
around the fabric.
[0096] The net may then be positioned over an opening to be protected by means of fasteners
that may be attached to a surface above the opening to allow the net to be hung above
the opening.
[0097] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a screen in position in front of a window
and vent;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a screen according to embodiments of the
invention positioned on a door frame;
Figure 3 is schematic representation showing binding being applied to a net forming
the screen shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional representation of a fastener according to embodiments
of the invention;
Figure 5 is a cross sectional representation of the fastener of Figure 4 showing how
the net would be held by the fastener when the first and second fastener portions
are engaged with one another;
Figure 6 is a view of the fastener of Figure 4 from above;
Figure 7 is a side view of the fastener of Figure 4;
Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing the backing plate forming the fastener
of Figure 4; and
Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a screen according to a second embodiment
of the invention positioned across a doorway;
Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the screen shown in Figure 9 showing the
screen in an open position;
Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a base portion of a fastener according
to the second embodiment of the invention in position on a rail;
Figures 12a and 12b are schematic representations of the rail of Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a schematic representation showing the components of a kit for assembling
the screen shown in Figure 9;
Figure 14 is a detailed representation of an end stop of the screen shown in Figure
9;
Figure 15 is a schematic representation of a slider forming part of the fastener forming
part of the screen in Figure 9;
Figure 16 is a schematic representation of the slider shown in Figure 15, view from
above; and
Figure 17 is a side view of the slider shown in Figures 15 and 16.
[0098] Referring first to Figure 1, a screen according to an embodiment of the invention
is designated generally by the reference numeral 2. The screen comprises a net 4 and
fasteners 12, shown in more detail in Figures 4 to 8 below and is positioned over
a window 10.
[0099] In the illustrated embodiment the net 4 is substantially rectangular in shape having
four sides, 14, 16, 18, 20. A binding 22 is applied to each of the sides 14, 16, 18,
20 in order to provide neat screen with added strength along the edges.
[0100] The net is attached to the wall / frame along one side 20.
[0101] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the net is also attached to side bars of frame
8 by fasteners 12, although the bottom side 16 is unattached.
[0102] In other embodiments, the bottom side could also be fixed to a wall / frame by means
of the fasteners 12.
[0103] A second embodiment of the invention is also shown in Figure 1. The second embodiment
of the invention comprises a screen 200 positioned over some vents 210 on a wall above
the window 10.
[0104] The screen comprises a net 230 having a binding 22 applied to the edges thereof.
The screen 210 is attached to the wall along all four sides of the screen 210 by fasteners
12.
[0105] Turning now to Figure 2, a screen 30 according to a second embodiment of the invention
is illustrated. The screen 30 is adapted to be used across a doorway. The screen 30
comprises net 34, door frame 38 and fasteners 42. A binding 44 runs around the edges
of the net 4.
[0106] In this embodiment, the net is attached to the door frame 36 along an upper edge
of the net. In some embodiments of the invention, the net could also be attached to
the door frame along a side edge thereof.
[0107] Referring now to Figure 3, the binding 22 is shown in more detail. The binding has
an adhesive backing which allows the binding to be adhesively attached to the net
4.
[0108] The adhesive backing may be in two parts on the back of the binding. This allows
the binding to be folded over on itself to be applied to both sides of the net to
form a double sided binding.
[0109] In an embodiment of the invention the binding is 20 mm wide. The binding comprises
two strips of 8 mm adhesive with a 3 to 5 mm gap between the strips of adhesive.
[0110] Any suitable adhesive may be used, and in one embodiment the adhesive is a 3M9080
adhesive. One strip of adhesive sticks to one side of the net, and then the binding
is folded over to form a binding with the other side sticking to the other side of
the net with fabric sandwiched between.
[0111] The binding adds strength to the edges of the net forming the screen, and also is
aesthetically pleasing resulting in a neat screen.
[0112] Referring now to Figures 4 to 8, a fastener forming part of the screen according
to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in more detail. The fastener 12 comprises
a first fastener portion 50 and a second fastener portion 52. The fastener portion
50, 52 are engageable with one another.
[0113] The first fastener portion is adapted to be attached to a surface either above or
around an opening such as a window. To assist in the attachment of the fastener 12
to such a surface, the first fastener portion is in the form of a backing plate 54
which has adhesive (not shown) applied to a back surface 56 thereof. In some embodiments
of the invention the backing plate could be screwed to a wall. In such embodiments
of the of the invention, a screw or nail could be inserted into the through hole 69
formed in the first fastener portion.
[0114] In this embodiment the first fastener portion 50 is formed from a resiliently deformable
material so that the backing plate can be applied to an uneven surface if necessary.
In this embodiment therefore the backing plate comprises channels 58 formed in the
backing plate which assists in the deformability of the backing plate, and also aids
in the moulding process of the plastic lid from the fastener.
[0115] The first fastening portion comprises a first hollow portion 60 having a lip 62 formed
at an end portion of the hollow tube 60, and extending outwardly radially of the hollow
tube 60.
[0116] The second fastener portion 52 comprises a second hollow portion 64, the diameter
of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the first hollow portion 62. The
second hollow portion 64 has a ridge 66 formed at an end thereof, which ridge 66 extends
radially inwardly of the second hollow tube 64.
[0117] When the first fastener portion 50 is engaged within the second fastener portion
52, the ridge 66 and the lip 62 engage with one another in such a way that a channel
68 is defined between the first hollow tube 60 and the second hollow tube 64. The
channel is substantially "S" shaped and is dimensioned such that in use, the net 4
forming the screen 2 can fit within the channel. The curved, substantially "S" shaped
portion of the channel ensures that the screen is held close to the surface to which
the fastener 12 is attached.
[0118] The first and second fastener portions 50, 52 are dimensioned such that when the
net is held between the two portions 50, 52 there is little or no damage to the net.
This means that the fasteners 12 provide means for securing the net above an opening,
but also allows the fastening portions to be removed to release the net which may
be used again if desired.
[0119] This means that the fasteners are designed for a specific type of net fabric and
to provide a suitable pull force (when measured at 15 degrees to the vertical) of
5-100N depending on the tolerances of the fabric and the S-curve). The force is lower
than that of the adhesive, meaning the top of the fastener can fail if the curtain
is pulled by too great force (e.g. child or motorbike getting caught on the fabric),
without the adhesive failing, net tearing or fixture breaking. This thereby acts as
a simple safety feature to reduce the risk of entanglement and damage to ones home.
[0120] Turning now to Figures 9 to 15, a fourth embodiment of the invention is described.
A screen according to a second embodiment of the invention is designated generally
by the reference numeral 80.
[0121] The screen 80 is similar to the screen 2 described hereinabove with reference to
Figures 1 to 8, and comprises a net 4 that is positionable over an opening which in
this embodiment is a doorway.
[0122] In this embodiment, the screen 80 comprises a rail 84 which is securable to a surface
above the opening. In this case the rail is secured to part of the door frame 82.
[0123] The rail may be secured to the door frame by any convenient means, and in this case
the rail is adhesively attached to the door frame.
[0124] The net further comprises fasteners 86 shown in more detail in Figures 10, 11, 12
and 13. The fasteners are slideably engageable with the rail 84 as will be explained
in more detail herein below.
[0125] This means that the screen may be pulled to one side by sliding the fasteners along
the rail in order to allow access into and through the doorway 82.
[0126] Figure 10 shows the screen of Figure 9 in a closed position in which the fasteners
86 have been pulled along the rail so that the fasteners collect at one end of the
rail leaving the doorway free.
[0127] The fasteners 86 comprise the fasteners 12 described hereinabove with reference to
Figures 1 to 8. The fasteners therefore comprise the first and second fastener portion
50, 52 described with particular reference to Figures 4 to 8. However, the fasteners
comprise an additional component which is in the form of a slider 90 which is attachable
to the first fastener portion 50. Typically, the slider 90 will be attached to the
first fastener portion 50 by means of an adhesive. As previously mentioned, the first
fastener portion will typically have an adhesive layer applied to a back surface of
the portion and is this may be used to attached the first fastener portion to the
slider 90.
[0128] The slider 90 comprises two hook portions 92, 94 which are engageable with edges
of the rail in order to allow the fasteners to slide along the rail.
[0129] In this embodiment of the invention, the rail has a curved profile as shown in Figures
11, 12a and 12b particularly. The curve of the rail is in a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the length of the rail. The curve forms a concave shape in which
edges 87, 89 of the rail curve away from the surface to which the rail has been attached.
[0130] In such an embodiment it is necessary only to apply adhesive to a central portion
of the rail in order to secure the rail to the surface to which it is to be attached.
[0131] The rail may additionally be secured to a surface by means of backer plates 103 described
in more detail herein below. The use of backer plates helps to more securely attach
the rail to a surface.
[0132] Since the edges 87, 89 extend away from the surface to which the rail is attached,
the hook portions 92, 94 are readily engageable with those edges.
[0133] In order to avoid the fasteners sliding off the rail and to help secure the corner
of the screen, the rail comprises an end stop portion 100 at either end of the rail.
[0134] A kit of parts according to embodiments of the invention may include the components
shown in Figure 13 together with a sheet of netting (not shown).
[0135] The components shown in Figure 13 comprise a rail 84 which has been coiled as shown
in the figure.
[0136] The kit comprises two end stops which are positionable at either end of the rail.
The end stop is shown in more detail in Figure 14. Each end stop comprises a braking
system 101 which is formed by increasing the depth of the edges 87, 89 of the rail
towards an end portion of the back stop 100. The increase in the width of the edges
87, 89 causes sliding fasteners 86 to slow down and eventually stop. The arrangement
also helps to secure a top corner of the screen in position when the screen is pulled
into a closed position.
[0137] The kit may further comprise three backer plates 103. These backer plates may be
positioned towards a central portion of the rail and may be adhesively attached to
both the surface to which the rail is to be attached, and the rail itself, this helps
to ensure that the rail is properly secured on the surface.
[0138] Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention
should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed
in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features
and parameters of the invention.
[0139] The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document in this specification
should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of
the state of the art or is common general knowledge.
1. A screen for an opening, the screen comprising:
a) a net; and
b) attachment means for releasably attaching the net to a surface above the opening,
whereby, in use, the net is held in position over the opening.
2. A screen according to Claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of
fasteners, each of said fasteners comprising a first fastener portion attachable to
the surface, and a second fastener portion engageable with the first fastener portion,
each fastener being adapted to hold the net between the first and second fastener
portions.
3. A screen according to Claim 2 wherein each first fastener portion is adhesively attachable
to a surface surrounding the opening.
4. A screen according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein each fastener comprises a backing
plate, which backing plate is attachable to the surface.
5. A screen according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein each backing plate is resiliently
deformable.
6. A screen according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein each first fastener portion
comprises an engagement portion shaped to engage with a corresponding engagement portion
of the second fastener portion.
7. A screen according to Claim 6 wherein the first engagement portion is adapted to fit
within the second engagement portion.
8. A screen according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the first engagement portion comprises
a first hollow portion having a first diameter, and the second engagement portion
comprises a second hollow portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter
is greater than the second diameter.
9. A screen according to Claim 8 wherein the first engagement portion comprises a lip
extending radially outwardly from the first hollow portion, and the second engagement
portion comprises a ridge extending radially inwardly from the second hollow portion,
the lip being engageable with the ridge.
10. A screen according to Claim 9 wherein the lip and the ridge are engageable with one
another in such a manner to define a channel between the lip and ridge when the first
fastener portion is engaged with the second fastener portion, which channel is substantially
"S" shaped.
11. A screen according to any one of the proceeding claims further comprising a rail.
12. A screen according to Claim 11 wherein the rail comprises an adhesive on one side
thereof.
13. A screen according to Claim 12 wherein the rail is formed from a plastics material.
14. A screen according to any one of Claims 11 to 13 wherein the rail is curved in a direction
perpendicular to its length.
15. A screen according to any one of Claims 11 to 14 wherein the rail comprises an end
stop positioned at either end of the rail.
16. A screen according to Claim 15 wherein at least one of the end stops comprises a braking
system.
17. A screen according to any one of Claims 11 to 16 wherein the fastening means are slideably
attachable to the rail.
18. A screen according to Claim 17, wherein each fastener comprises a hook portion adapted
to engage with the rail.
19. A screen according to any one of Claims 11 to 18 wherein the first fastener portion
further comprises a slider attachable to the first slider portion.
20. A screen according to claim 18 wherein the hook portion is formed on the slider.
21. A screen according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a binding
adhesively attachable to the net along an edge thereof.
22. A screen according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the net comprises a
skirt attached to a bottom edge thereof.
23. A screen according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the net is impregnated
with an insecticidal substance or substances.
24. A fastener for a screen according to any one of the preceding claims.
25. A kit of parts for forming a screen for an opening, the kit comprises:
a) a net;
b) a plurality of attachment means for releasably attaching the net to a surface;
and
c) a binding.
26. A kit according to Claim 25 further comprising a reel of binding.
27. A kit according to Claim 23 or Claim 24 further comprising three backer plates.
28. A method of assembling a screen in front of an opening to be protected, the screen
comprising a net; and attachment means for releasably attaching the net to a surface,
the method comprising the steps of:
i) measuring an opening to be protected with a length of binding;
ii) cutting the length of binding to an appropriate length to cover the opening and
to extend beyond the opening;
iii) laying out the net on a flat surface;
iv) attaching one side of the adhesive binding to the fabric along edges thereof;
v) turning over the net;
vi) cutting the net to size using the binder as a guide; and
vii) folding over the binding to form an edge;
viii) adhesively attaching the second strip of the adhesive binding to close the binding
around the fabric.