AU597981B2 - Screening for buildings - Google Patents

Description

I I 5 9 va, uo.,,

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: 7 -3 7 Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art:

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t APPLICANTS REF.: C.A.P. of PH 6161 Name(s) of Applicant(s): JGHNS-P-ERR ZDUST-RIS-PTYT

I

Address(es) of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): 60-B-ay--Road C) L 6h 1 san~r-i-ngham-,-V-1r-to 9 31 .9o, AL ut, Uz, -CO AustraLia Address for Service is: PHILLIPS, ORMONDE AND HITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia, 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "SCREENING FOR BUILDINGS" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): p 119/3/84 This invention relates generally to screening of buildings for internal environment control, and in particular to a panel and system for selectively screening the buildings in order to achieve that environmental control. The panel and system is applicable for screening buildings from solar radiation, and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to that application.

A feature of modern building design is the use of large window areas permitting high degrees of natural light into the interior of the building, as well as providing relatively unobstructed views for the occupants. However, use of such windows often means that during days of high solar radiation, there is substantial transfer of solar heat through the see windows. In consequence, this has necessitated installation of large air conditioning plants in the buildings in order to 0 g maintain the interior environment at a comfortable level for 0o the occupants. Unfortunately these plants are expensive to install and maintain as well as to operate.

In an effort to alleviate at least this operating expense, other environment control arrangements have been considered, either alone or in conjunction with the air conditioning plants. One form of control has been the use of internal screening fixtures, such as curtains or blinds, mounted over the windows to reduce the amount of direct solar radiation passing through the windows. Another form of control is external screening fixtures, such as blinds or S slats also mounted over the windows.

External fixtures are preferred as they tend to reduce or stop solar radiation fall onto the windows thus avoiding subsequent heat transfer through the window to the building interior. However, such fixtures are exposed to external environmental conditions and in that past, have quickly deteriorated in those conditions. As a result the fixtures come to detract from the appearance of the building, and sometimes lose their screening effectiveness. Moreover, some of these fixtures have not been of sufficiently strong 39 construction to withstand pressure from applied windloads, JS -2- Patent ind Trade Mark Attornmeys GLC:KW 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia r and, particularly in areas where cyclonic winds may occur, this can be hazardous should the fixtures be dislodged.

Another disadvantage with external screening fixtures is the difficulty of their maintenance, particularly on "high rise" buildings. In that regard, it would be convenient if the fixtures were strong enough to support the weight of a person whilst performing maintenance on them. Those fixtures might then also be used as a support whilst performing general maintenance on the building, for example, window cleaning.

Despite this, any such fixtures should also be of such a construction as to ensure that they do not unduely block light or inhibit view from the windows, and do not detract from the asthetics of the building.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved screening panel and screening system for screening buildings in order to control their internal environment.

With this object in mind, the present invention provides S in one aspect a rigid screening panel including: a series of slats arranged in a spaced apart and at least substantially parallel relationship, each slat extending in a respective plane that is angled relative to a general plane containing the panel; a plurality of elongate support members extending transversely of the spaced slats and connected to them so as to fix the slats to the support members and relative to one another; and at least some of the slats each being provided with an integral louvre extension along one longitudinal edge thereof, the louvre extensions being permanently angled relative to the slats.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a screening system for mounting on an external surface of a building to assist in environmental control of a building interior including: a plurality of above screening panels; and a support structure for rigidly mounting the panels to the building so as to extend in parallel outwardly spaced relationship with the external surface and with the slats extending at least generally horizontally.

This invention is described herein with reference to the sceening panel mounted on an external vertical wall surface S of a building, and terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" Wc t ~a ii -I should be construed in the light of this orientation.

However, it is to be appreciated that other orientations may be equally possible (as will be explained hereinafter) and that consequential changes in terms such as those above may be required for a proper and complete understanding of the invention.

Alternate slats may be provided with the louvre extensions. Moreover, those extensions may project sufficiently outwardly from the slats at an angle thereto so as to overlie an adjacent slat not provided with a louvre extension but not so far as to extend to another slat having a louvre extension. As a result, see-through slot-like gaps are defined between adjacent louvre extensions when viewed perpendicularly to a plane containing the panel.

Preferably, each support member is a support rod. Those rods are preferably spaced apart along the slats, with each rod extending through aligned holes in the slats.

Preferably, the support structure includes a plurality of support frames for securing to the building exterior surface in spaced apart relation. One or more of the screening panels preferably extends between, and is fixed to, those frames. Each support frame may include a fixing leg to which one or more of the screening panels can be actually fixed. The panels may be fixed in a position lying against the fixing legs with the support members extending parallel thereto. One or more mounting brackets may be provided on the screening panels through which those panels are fixed to the support frames.

The following description refers to preferred embodiments of the screening panel and system of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the panel and system are illustrated. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments as hereinafter described and as illustrated.

In the drawings (where the same reference numerals represent the same or like components): -4i ~^..rr~;l-r-ar._rp~~ilumlir;l.,rr~~ Fig. 1 is a perspective view of part of a screening panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an end view of the screening panel part of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of one preferred embodiment of the screening system according to the present invention, when installed on an external wall surface of a building; Fig. 4 is a detailed sectional view of one part of the screening system of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is two alternative detailed sectional views of another part of the screening system of Fig. 3; and, Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic side views of other preferred embodiments of screening systems according to the present invention, when installed on an external wall surface S of a building.

Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2 there is generally shown (in part) rectangular screening panel i, having opposite broad front and rear sides 2 and 3. Panel 1 is of a rigid S construction.

Panel 1 includes a series of rigid slats 4 arranged in a spaced apart, at least substantially parallel relationship.

Slats 4, each have a longitudinal axis, the axes lying in a common plane P, of panel 1. Each slat 4, may lie at any suitable angle to the common plane, e.g. perpendicular thereto (as illustrated).

Slats 4, are secured in their configuration by a plurality of rigid support rods 5, extending transversely thereof. Rods 5, are closely spaced apart along slats 4.

Aligned holes 6, are provided within slats 4, to receive support rods 5, therethrough.

Support rods 5, may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, and in that regard may be non-circular (as illustrated). Holes 6, are conveniently of the same cross-sectional shape so as to "key" support rods 5, within holeo 6.

Slats 4, may be secured to support rods 5, in any 39 suitable manner. Thus, that may be achieved by welding slats JS 4, thereto, or sizing rods 5, and holes 6, so that rods 5, are an interference fit within holes 6 (not illustrated).

Alternatively, (as illustrated) slats 4, may be loosely assembled on rods 5, and then rod portions 7, extending between adjacent slats 4, "flattened" causing it to widen in a lateral cross-sectional direction so as to permanently lock slots 4, and support rods 5, together.

At least some slats 4, are provided with an integral louvre extension 8, along one longitudinal edge 9. Every slat 4, (not illustrated) or alternate slats 4, (as illustrated) may have a louvre extension 8. Louvre extensions 8, all project from the same longitudinal edge 9, of slats 4, on front side 2, of panel i. Louvre extensions 8, are typically wider and thinner than slats 4.

The spacing of slats 4, and the angling of louvre S extensions 8, relative to slats 4, are selected so that panel 1, is aerodynamically neutral and to allow substantially free movement of air therethrough. This will enable panel 1, to handle extreme wind conditions such as may occur in cyclonic storms.

As illustrated, louvre extensions 8, project downwardly from respective slats 4, having regard to the orientation of panel 1, during use. The projection and angling are selected so that each louvre extension 8, overlies an immediately adjacent slat 4, not having a louvre extension 8. However, louvre extensions 8, are also spaced apart from one another so that see-through slot-like gaps 10, are defined. The angle of projection may be the same for all extensions 8, so that Sthey are parallel to one another. Angle may be, for 30 example, about 450 To facilitate mounting on buildings, screening panel i, also includes spaced apart mounting elements 11. Due to the rigid construction of panel i, mounting elements 11, may be attached directly to slats 4, such as by welding thereto.

Mounting elements 11, may be arranged on rear side 3, of panel i. Mounting elements 11,ii may comprise mounting strips 12, extending parallel to support rods 5. Screening panel i, may be composed of any suitable material. Preferably, the 39 material is light and corrosion resistance, with an inherent s -639 JS 1 stiffness allowing panel i, to remain virtually vibration-free in wind conditions. That material may be extruded aluminium.

Referring now to Figs. 3 to 7, there is illustrated several embodiments of a screening system 13, mounted on an external surface S, of building B. Screening system 13, includes a plurality of screening panels i, mountable contiguous with one another on building B, with support structure 14, so as to provide an integral screen extending over at least part of building B. Depending on architectural io requirements one system 13, may extend over the entire building B, or separate systems 13, may extend over different building parts where that occurs, systems 13, may be immediately adjacent one another or spaced apart.

Support structure 14, includes two or more support S frames 15, (only one of which is illustrated in each embodiment) constructed and arranged for securing to external surface S, so that each panel i, is generally spaced o therefrom. Support frames 15, do not need to be connected 9° op together although this may be done if so desired.

Support frames 15, will have a shape and size dependent :o on the shape and size of screening panels i, to be mounted thereby, and the location of panel mounting. In the illustrated embodiments, a typical support frame may be in the S shape of a "squared" P (Fig. 3) or inverted "squared" C (Figs.

6 and 7) when viewed from its side. Such support frames each provide spaced apart fixing leg 16, to which screening panel 1, is fixed, and mounting leg 17, that can be secured to S" building B. Upper cross leg 18, interconnecting legs 16, and S 17, may be used to support catwalk 19, providing access to the building exterior for cleaning and servicing.

Screening panels 1, are fixed to fixing legs 16, through mounting strips 12, and that fixing may be achieved in any suitable manner. In that regard, fastening elements 20, such as bolts, or self trapping screws may be used (as illustrated in detail in Fig. Alternatively, (not illustrated) clipping elements may be used to releasably clip strips 12, thereto or mounting strips 12, may be permanently secured, such as by welding, to fixing legs 16.

39 As illustrated in Fig. 5, one or more mounting brackets JS -7- 21, may be provided along each fixing leg 16, through which mounting strips 12, of screening panels 1, are fixed thereto.

Brackets 21, may be made from angle sections having holes therein to accommodate fastening elements 20, for clipping elements achieving the fixing. Alternatively, as seprately illustrated in Fig. 5, screening panels 1, may be directly attached to fixing legs 16, through mounting strips 12, using fastening elements Frames 15, may be secured to building B, by any suitable method. In that regard, as illustrated in Fig. 4 mounting brackets 22, comprising lateral plates 23, may be welded or otherwise provided on mounting legs 17. Fastening elements 24, such as bolts may then pass through holes in brackets 22, into the building wall.

Support frames 15, may be manufactured from any suitable rigid material, such as by fabrication from box section metal beams.

Screening panel 1, may be orientated at any suitable angle having regard to an intended application. In the example application, panel 1, may extend in a vertical plane with louvre extensions 8, sloping downward deflecting direct solar radiation while slot-like gaps 10, permit views from within building B, to the hoirzon and downwards to be virtually unobstructed. Panel 1, may also extend in a horizontal plane, with louvre extensions 8, again sloping downward. In this plane, the spacing of slats 4, and the strength and rigidity of the panel is such that it may be used in providing catwalk 19, (not illustrated). Horizontally Sorientated panels 1, may be used in conjunction with vertically orientated panels, which may facilitate external cleaning and servicing of panels 1, and building B, in general while maintaining an integrity of appearance of the building screening system 13.

Screening panel 1, may also be used as a sun roof which, when louvre extensions 8, are properly aligned will selectively provide shade from the sun.

Screening panel 1, may also extend in an inclined plane. When orientated in this way around a building panels S1, may produce a "pagoda" look.

ba~ Finally, it is to be understood that various modifications and/or alterations may be made to the screening panel and screening system without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

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Claims (13)

1. A rigid screening panel including: a series of slats arranged in a spaced apart and at least substantially parallel relationship, each slat extending in a respective plane that is angled relative to a general plane containing the panel; a plurality of elongate support members extending transversely of the spaced slats and connected to them so as to fix the slats to the support members and relative to one another; and at least some of the slats each being provided with an integral louvre extension along one longitudinal edge thereof, the louvre extensions being permanently angled relative to the slats.

2. A screening panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein Salternate slats are provided with the louvre extensions and those extensions project sufficiently outwardly from the slats at an angle thereto so as to overlie an adjacent slat not K9 provided with a louvre extension but not so far as to extend S to another slat having a louvre extension, whereby see-through slot like gaps are defined between adjacent louvre extensions when viewed perpendicularly to the plane containing the panel.

3. A screening panel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the slats extend in planes that are perpendicular to the plane containing the panel, and the louvre extensions are angled parallel to one another at about 450 to the plane containing the panel.

4. A screening panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slats with louvre extensions are each of a one piece construction, the slats being narrower and thicker than the louvre extensions.

5. A screening panel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each support member is a support rod, the support rods being spaced apart along the slats with each rod extending through aligned holes provided in the slats.

6. A screening panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein each support rod is of a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and each hole is of a similar non-circular shape for receiving respective rods therethrough, portions of the support rods extending between each adjacent pair of slats being of a 39 flattened wider shape than the holes so as to permanently lock C 1- CI~ the slats on to the rods in a fixed relationship.

7. A rigid screening panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.

8. A screening system for mounting on an external surface of a building to assist in environmental control of a buiding interior, including: a plurality of screening panels as claimed in any preceding claim; and, a support structure for rigidly mounting the panels to the building so as to extend in parallel outwardly spaced relationship with the external surface and with the slats extending at least generally horizontally.

9. A screening system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of support frames for securing to the building exterior surface in spaced apart relation so that one or more screening panels can extend between, and be fixed to, those frames. S

10. A screening system as claimed in claim 9, wherein each support frame includes a fixing leg to which one or more of the screening panels can be actually fixed, the panels being fixed in a position lying against the fixing legs with the support members extending parallel thereto.

11. A screening system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the screening panels each have one or more mounting brackets through which the panels are fixed to the support frames.

12. A screening system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each mounting bracket may comprise a mounting strip extending parallel to the support members and connected to the slats.

13. A screening system for mounting on an external surface of a building to assist in environmental control of \;he building interior, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 16 March, 1990 PHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: L# s JOHNS PERRY INDUSTRIES PTY. L 2123E -11-