WO2007056789A1

WO2007056789A1 - New frame assemblies for security screens

Info

Publication number: WO2007056789A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001744
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jim Reid
Original assignee: Dier Corp Trustee For Reid Family Superannuation Trust AS
Current assignee: Dier Corp Trustee For Reid Family Superannuation Trust AS
Priority date: 2005-11-16
Filing date: 2005-11-16
Publication date: 2007-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2008-05-16

Abstract

An alternative type of frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means locatable within the recess and having an opening and gripping faces for gripping a generally planar member within the opening, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the gripping means in the recess and wherein at least one of the gripping faces comprises a deformable material which contacts the generally planar member and provides a resistive force to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the urging means urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member. It is preferred that the resistive force is a result of the high coefficient of friction characterising the deformable material.

Description

NEW FRAME ASSEMBLIES FOR SECURITY SCREENS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates primarily to building security.

Background of the Invention

Security screen assemblies have been developed to prevent unauthorised access through windows and doors but to allow vision and ventilation. One type of frame assembly consists of a number of frame elements which are connected together in such a manner that they define an opening around the inner edge of the frame which opening receives a wire screen mesh and is held in place by teeth on the inner edges of the recess which are clamped together by suitable fasting means to ensure the wire screen mesh is retained within the recess .

The present invention provides an alternative type of frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means locatable within the recess and having an opening and gripping faces for gripping a generally planar member within the opening, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the gripping means in the recess and wherein at least one of the gripping faces comprises a deformable material which contacts the generally planar member and provides a resistive force to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the urging means urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member.

It is preferred that the resistive force is a result of the high coefficient of friction characterising the deformable material .

The urging means comprises the frame portions forming the recess reducing in width from the entry of the recess to a bottom end thereof.

Preferably, the urging means frame portions urge the gripping faces together as the gripping means is located deeper within the recess.

Alternatively, the urging means comprises the frame portions forming the recess with a generally constant width and gripping portions of the gripping means decreasing in width from an outer end to an inner end.

It is preferred that the gripping faces grip the generally planar member more tightly as a result of the gripping means moving deeper into the recess and the changing width of the gripping portions forcing the gripping portions to move together and grip the generally planar member .

It is preferred that gripping pressure applied by the urging means is the result of a reducing width of the recess or alternatively the recess may have a constant width but the width of the plug may increase from the front end to the rear end when the side walls are in a substantially parallel orientation (jaw portions) .

The deformable material may be resilient. The generally planar member may be a security screen mesh.

It is preferred that one gripping face only comprises at least one protrusion for gripping the generally planar member . Both gripping faces preferably comprise the deformable material .

The deformable material may have a generally smooth external surface which contacts the generally planar member . The deformable material may comprise a soft compound.

The deformable material preferably comprises a sheet of material .

According to an alternative embodiment the deformable material comprises a layer of a substance which is able to be deposited on an external surface of the gripping faces . The deformable material may be retained by a recess in the external surface of the frame portions .

Preferably the gripping means includes an adhesive to stick the deformable material to the external surface of the gripping face .

The gripping face may be substantially flat. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, gripping means locatable within the recess and having an opening and gripping faces for gripping a generally planar member within the opening, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the gripping means in the recess and wherein at least one of the gripping faces comprises a plurality of projections which are configured to contact the generally planar member and provide a resistive from to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the urging means urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member.

It is preferred that one gripping surface includes a plurality of gripping teeth and the other gripping surface includes the deformable material .

According to one embodiment, two gripping surfaces are provided, each one on an opposite side of the opening .

The gripping means may comprise a plug having a pair of jaw portions with each jaw portion including one gripping surface . Preferably the deformable material comprises a sheet, tape, adhesive on one face, gel or other substance.

Preferably the external surface of the gripping surface is substantially flat and/or smooth .

According to one embodiment, the retaining means comprises a lip of the frame portions. The frame portions may include first and second side walls with the recess located between them. Preferably the retaining means comprises a lip of each side wall, which lip extends part way across an entry for the recess.

Preferably the recess has a width which is larger near the entry.

The gripping means preferably comprises a plug with first and second jaw portions which are able to move together and apart .

The first and second jaw portions may be configured to move together as the gripping means is inserted into the recess .

Preferably the retaining means includes a fastening device through one side wall of the frame portion and a lip at the outer end of the other side wall . Preferably the retaining means includes a fastening device through one side wall of the frame portions which fastening device extends though part of the plug.

It is preferred that in one embodiment the fastening device extends through one jaw portion.

Alternatively the fastening device extends through a base portion from which the jaw portions extend.

Preferably the retaining means comprises an elbow portion connected to a side wall so that an end of the elbow portion acts as a lip which prevents exit of the plug from the recess .

It is preferred that the retaining means comprises at least one tooth on an inner surface of one side wall which is/are configured to engage at least one tooth/projection/ recess in an outer side surface of one jaw portion.

According to an alternative embodiment, the plug is retained within the recess by different types of retaining means including a combination of an elbow and lip as previously described individually, an elbow and teeth provided on opposing faces of an extension of the plug which extends around an outer end of one side wall of the frame portions and has teeth on its outer surface adapted to engage with teeth on the inner surface of the wedge extension.

According to one embodiment the plug may have a lateral foot portion (s) extending from an outer end and fastening means connecting the foot portion to an outwardly extending lip at an outer end of one side wall .

The foot portion may be connected through a fastening means which may include a screw, bolt, clip, adhesive tape, inter-engaging teeth etc.

According to an alternative embodiment, a fastener may be provided through the base surface of the plug or a side wall of the plug.

The base portion may include a connection means and the frame portions may include a base wall at a bottom of the recess, with the retaining means comprising an attachment means for connecting with the connection means to retain the plug in the recess.

It is preferred that the attachment portion comprises a spigot receivable in a cavity of the connection means .

The spigot may include protrusion (s) which couple with recesses in a side wall of a cavity formed therebetween . The spigot may have a plurality of protrusions or teeth which engage with teeth in the cavity wall .

According to another embodiment the spigot includes teeth on one or more sides of the spigot.

According to an alternative embodiment the retaining means includes inter-engaging teeth on an external surface of at least one side wall of frame portions and inner side wall of an overlapping leg extension portion at an outer end of one/each jaw portion.

The retaining means may also be glue. It is preferred that the urging means comprises the reducing width of the recess .

The applicant's prior patent, AU 200047349, discloses different types of frame assemblies for fastening a security screen such as steel mesh within a channel of an outer frame .

In the above patent, frame assemblies are shown in which a tubular frame component is provided with a recess between generally parallel side walls. In one embodiment, a frame is shown with an insert having teeth which are configured to engage a wire screen mesh located in the recess . A wedge-like device is inserted behind the insert and forces the teeth of the insert into the mesh and through a soft PVC extrusion located on the opposite side of the mesh . The present invention provides an alternative type of frame assembly.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess .

A gripping means for gripping a generally planar member within the recess, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the urging means within the recess and wherein the gripping means includes at least one side surface with a deformable material for gripping the generally planar member with the opposite side surface of the gripping means so as to prevent lateral withdrawal movement of the generally planar member from within the recess .

The deformable material preferably is resilient.

The deformable material may be soft and/or flat.

The deformable material may be made from a soft substance.

The deformable material may comprise a deformable member .

It is preferred that the deformable material has a high friction surface which resists relative lateral movement of the generally planar member when pressed there against.

It should be understood that the generally planar member includes a sheet of material including a security screen such as a wire screen mesh .

It is preferred that the deformable material has a generally even surface which contacts the generally planar member .

The gripping means may include first and second gripping portions or surfaces on opposite faces of the generally planar member .

Each first and second surface may comprise a deformable material for gripping the generally planar member .

Preferably the deformable material is generally flat.

The deformable material may be in the form of a gel , spray, mat or coating applied to the gripping portion.

The deformable material may provide a smooth outer surface .

The deformable material may comprise a layer of a deformable substance.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means for gripping a generally planar member within the recess, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the planar member and a retaining means for retaining the urging means within the recess and wherein the gripping means includes at least one side surface with a plurality of protrusions for gripping the generally planar member with the opposite side surface of the gripping means so as to prevent lateral withdrawal movement of the generally planar member from within the recess .

One gripping surface may be attached to an inner surface of the recess of the frame portion.

Preferably the one gripping surface includes a coupling portion which couples with a coupling portion of the inner surface .

The coupling portion of the gripping surface may comprise a male or female portion and the coupling portion of the inner surface may comprise a complementary female or male portion. Alternatively, the coupling portions may comprise combinations of male and female portions and matching portions .

The coupling portion of the gripping surface may include a foot portion which fits into a channel of the inner surface.

One gripping surface may be located on an inner/upper surface of an insulator .

The insulator may be attached to the inner surface . The deformable material may be located on the inner surface of the insulator.

It is preferred that the insulator has a plurality of projections on its lower surface which couple with a recess on the inner surface. Preferably the plurality of projections include teeth .

The insulator may have a foot at one end for receipt in the recess.

Preferably the foot is located at an outer end of the insulator.

The insulator may include an elbow portion at an opposite end.

Preferably the elbow portion includes an upright end which extends behind the generally planar member when located in the recess.

It is preferred that the urging means comprises a keeper/wedge member which is adapted to fit in the recess between one side wall of the frame portion and the generally planar member . The wedge member is preferably located between the side wall and one gripping surface of the gripping means . The gripping means may include a gripping sheet.

Alternatively, the gripping means includes a gripping element/member having one gripping surface adjacent the generally planar member. Preferably, one gripping portion comprises a substantially flat member interposed between one side of the wedge member and one face of the generally planar member .

The one gripping portion may have one face with a plurality of projections for engaging an opposing surface of the generally planar member .

The projections may be in the form of teeth.

The wedge member may have a generally T-shape with the top of the T forming a head section. Preferably the head section provides a limit on how far the wedge member can be inserted into the recess .

According to one embodiment, one edge of the head section is adapted to prevent lateral movement of one gripping portion when inserted in the recess. Preferably the wedge member includes an elongate leg portion which is adapted to press against one gripping portion when inserted in the recess .

According to one embodiment of the invention the retaining means includes a fastener which prevents movement of the wedge member when it is inserted with its elongate leg portion in the recess .

The fastener may be in the form of a pin, screw, bolt, clip or other fastening device.

According to one embodiment of the invention the fastener is in the form of a screw or rivet which is inserted through a side wall of one frame portion and a leg portion of the wedge member .

According to another embodiment, the fastener is in the form of a deformable material located on either opposing surface of the wedge member or side wall of the adjacent frame portion.

The fastener may be in the form of a glue . Alternatively the fastener may be a clip which is in the form of an extension from the head section of the wedge member, which is flexible and has a catch for receipt in a recess in an outer wall of the frame portion adjacent the wedge member.

The wedge member may be provided with a coupling portion which allows a clip to be attached to it from part of the adjacent side wall of the adjacent frame portion.

The fastening means may be in the form of a tape with a deformable material on either face thereof and which is adapted to contact opposing faces of the wedge member and adjacent side wall of the adjacent frame portion .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, one gripping surface includes teeth for engaging with the generally planar member and the opposite gripping surface comprises the deformable material .

According to one embodiment the insulator comprises the deformable material . It is preferred that the insulator extends around an inner face of the recess preventing contact of the generally planar member with the frame portions .

It is preferred that the foot portion of the insulator fits in a recess located near an outer end of a lower wall of the frame portions.

According to one embodiment, the wedge member , deformable material and generally planar member are arranged in the recess in a layered configuration.

In the applicant's prior patent no. AU 200047349 a frame assembly for security screens is disclosed in which the frame assembly is constructed with at least two parts which are connected together to form a recess having inner opposing walls provided with teeth near the entry point to the recess. A security screen is able to be inserted between the opposing sets of teeth and the two parts of the frame assembly are able to be clamped together so that the teeth are able to grip and retain the security screen mesh within the recess .

According to one aspect the present invention relates to an alternative type of frame assembly which does not involve the use of opposing sets of teeth to grip a generally planar member such as a security screen mesh.

According to the present invention there is provided a frame assembly for security screens having at least two parts including first and second parts which together provide a recess, a gripping means for gripping a generally planar member located in the recess, an urging means for increasing the force with which the gripping means grips an end portion of the generally planar member and wherein the gripping means comprises first and second gripping portions with a deformable material on at least one face of one gripping portion, the deformable material acting to resist removal of the generally planar member from the recess .

Preferably the deformable material is resilient. The deformable material may be soft and/or flat. the deformable material may be made from a soft substance .

Preferably the deformable material has a high friction surface which resists relative lateral movement of the generally planar member when pressed thereagainst . It should be understood that in the situation where a deformable material is provided on only one gripping portion, then it is the combined action of the deformable material and the other gripping portion which acts to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the gripping means grips the generally planar member.

The first and second gripping portions may each have the deformable material on one face opposite the generally planar member .

Preferably the first and second gripping portions comprise jaw portions of the frame portions.

The jaw portions may be located on the first and second parts respectively. Each jaw portion may comprise a substantially straight inner wall .

At least one of the jaw portions may include a recess configured to retain the deformable material . Preferably the recess prevents extraction of the deformable material from the recess by lateral movement of the deformable material .

The deformable material may be glued to the outer surface of the jaw portion. The deformable material may have engaging portions on a lower surface which are adapted to engage with matching engaging portions on the upper surface or outer surface of the jaw portion to which it is connected.

Each jaw portion may comprise a substantially straight inner wall.

According to one embodiment, both jaw portions have opposing surfaces which are substantially parallel.

According to an alternative embodiment, the jaw portions are curved or irregular in shape . It is preferred that the inner walls of the jaw portion have matching configurations to allow for tight gripping of the generally planar material therebetween .

Preferably the first and second frame parts are connected together by a fastening means . The fastening means may include a screw, bolt, clip etc.

The urging means may include the fastening means .

According to another embodiment of the invention, one of the jaw portions is provided with gripping teeth which in combination with the deformable material on the opposing jaw portion, grip the generally planar member.

According to one embodiment of the invention , the frame assembly comprises two main parts, each main part including the gripping means . The two parts may be the first and second parts and may include a coupling portion which coupling portions are adapted to connect together . At least one of the coupling portions includes a plurality of ridges or teeth.

According to one embodiment, one coupling portion includes a coupling wall with an outer end including the coupling portion .

The frame assembly may include a tubular section adapted to act as an outer frame of the frame assembly.

Preferably the frame assembly includes a coupling means for coupling the first and second parts . The urging means may include the coupling means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a first part of the frame assembly includes a tubular outer section, one of the gripping portions, a neck portion separating the gripping portion and tubular section and a coupling portion for attaching the frame part to the other frame part .

It is preferred that the other frame part includes a coupling portion and the other gripping portion . The coupling means preferably includes coupling portions on each part which coupling portions when coupled together connect both parts to form the frame assembly.

According to one embodiment, one coupling portion includes a coupling wall with an outer end including the coupling portion.

The coupling portion may include a bevelled end adapted to engage the ridges or teeth of the other frame part.

It is preferred that one part forms a cavity which is adapted to receive at least part of another part.

Preferably the coupling wall extends substantially at right angles towards the wall of the coupling portion of the other part.

According to an alternative embodiment, coupling walls of each part are adapted to extend substantially parallel to each other upon coupling.

At least one part has two parallel coupling walls each with coupling portions along their inner surfaces .

Preferably both parts have two parallel coupling walls , each with coupling portions along their inner surfaces . One part may include a coupling wall having coupling portions on parallel outer surfaces .

One part may include a coupling portion in the form of an elongate wall which is adapted to engage in a channel formed in the other part. It is preferred that the coupling means include tightening means for altering the tightness of the coupling between coupling portions of opposing parts .

The tightening means may include urging means for forcing engaging coupling walls together. At least one part may have a slanted surface which is adapted to abut with a tightening portion of the other part.

The tightening portion may include an inwardly directed wall . The inwardly directed wall may be spaced apart from the coupling wall(s) .

It is preferred that the inwardly directed wall is substantially parallel to the coupling wall of the same part. It is preferred that a channel is formed between the inwardly directed wall and the coupling wall . The coupling wall of the other part may be adapted to extend at least part way across the channel formed between the inwardly directed wall and the coupling wall . Preferably the coupling wall of the other part includes an angled support wall on which the inwardly directed wall is adapted to slide during coupling.

The inwardly directed wall is preferably adapted to be located between the outer frame and the support wall.

A plurality of teeth are preferably provided on one part to enable an increasing gripping pressure on the generally planar member, due to a decrease in the width of the recess between the two parts .

The coupling means preferably connects the two parts together and urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member more tightly .

Preferably the urging means is for decreasing the width of the recess.

The urging means may include a male portion on one part and a female portion on the other part. Preferably the urging means includes interengaging teeth on opposing parts . Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly for a security screen according to a first embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a second embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention . Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention . Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 18 shows a side cross-sectional view of a frame assembly according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to an twenty fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty sixth embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to a twenty seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional side view of a frame assembly according to an twenty eigth embodiment of the present invention ; Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional end view of a two part security screen frame assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 shows an end cross-sectional view of a two part security screen frame assembly according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31 shows an end cross-sectional view of a two part security screen frame assembly according to a thirty first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 shows an end cross-sectional view of a two part security screen assembly according to a thirty second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33 shows an end cross-sectional view of a security screen assembly according to a thirty third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 34 shows an end cross-sectional view of a security screen assembly according to a thirty fourth embodiment of the present invention_/ and

Figure 35 shows an end cross-sectional view of a security screen assembly according to a thirty fifth embodiment of the present invention .

Detailed Description of the Drawings As shown in Figure 1 a single piece frame assembly is shown consisting of a rectangular tubular portion 11 with two substantially parallel side walls 12 and 13 extending from the right hand side wall of the tubular section 11 and forming a recess therebetween 14. It should be noted that this embodiment and the other embodiments also includes frames which are formed from a number of frame components .

The side walls shown in Figures 12 and 13 have a width which is widest at the opening to the recess 14 and which is narrowest at the base 15 (corresponding to right- hand side wall of the tubular section 11) of the recess

14.

A plug 16 is shown inserted in the recess 14.

This plug 16 is a generally c-shaped clamping device with upper and lower jaws 17, 18 respectively. A generally rectangular channel or opening 19 is located between the upper and lower jaws 17, 18.

Each of the jaws 17, 18 reduce slightly in width from the opening end 20 to the base end 21. A soft resiliently deformable material 22, 23 is attached to the inside surfaces 24, 25 of both of the jaws

17, 18. This deformable material may be in the form of a tape with adhesive on one face to attach to the inside surface 24, 25 and having a soft compound on the opposite face. A wire screen mesh 26 located inside the opening 19 is sandwiched between the soft compound on the inside faces of the jaws 17, 18. During construction the wire screen mesh is inserted as far as it will go into the opening 19 and the plug 17 inserted into the recess 14. The deeper the plug is inserted in the recess 14 the tighter jaws 17, 18 clamp down on the wire screen mesh thus squeezing the soft compound of the deformable material 24, 25 into contact with the wire screen mesh 26.

In the embodiments shown in Figure 1 the plug 17 is retained within the recess 14 by a fastener such as a bolt or screw 27 which is inserted vertically downwardly through a base end of the upper wall 12 and into base 28 of the plug 17.

With the plug 17 retained within the recess 14, the jaws 17, 18 and associated deformable material 24, 25 grips the wire screen mesh 26 and provides a high frictional resistance against any lateral movement of the wire screen mesh 26 which would result from a force applied to the wire screen mesh 26 to extract it from the opening 19. The soft compound may be a plastic or polymer material and is preferably formed on the inside surface of an adhesive tape . Alternatively the deformable material 24, 25 may be in the form of a flexible strip or mat which is inserted between the adjacent jaw and wire screen mesh. According to another embodiment, the edges of the wire screen mesh have the deformable material formed thereon. This can be by adhering it to the edges of the mesh or by a dipping action or depositing action on both faces of the wire screen mesh . It is preferred that the deformable material is resilient and is able to deform into the spaces in the weave of the wire screen mesh when a clamping force is applied to the jaws 17, 18.

It is preferred that the deformable material is pre-set so that removal of the plug will allow easy removal of the wire screen mesh from between the jaws 17, 18. In Figure 2 , a second embodiment is shown for retaining the plug 17 within the recess 14. This involves the use of a fastener 30 which is inserted vertically through an outer end of wall 12 after passing through an elbow retainer 31 which passes along the outer edge of wall 12 and around part of the opening to the recess 14. The fastener 30 may pass all the way through wall 12 into the upper jaw 17. Vertical section 32 of the elbow retainer 31 acts to prevent the plug 16 from being withdrawn from the recess 14.

In a third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 an additional feature is added to that shown in Figure 2. Thus the lower jaw 18 is provided with teeth 33 on its lower external service which engage with complimentary teeth 34 on the inner face of the lower wall 13. In this manner both the upper and lower jaws 17, 18 are prevented from being withdrawn laterally under pressure applied by the wire screen mesh 26.

In a fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4 the embodiment of Figure 2 is varied so that the lower wall 12 is provided with an upstanding lip 35 at its outer end which acts to prevent the lower jaw 18 from being withdrawn from the recess 14.

In Figure 5 according to a fifth embodiment the upper jaw 17 of plug 16 is provided with a vertical flange 36 at its outer end. This flange 36 abuts a matching vertical flange at the outer end of wall 12 and allows a fastener 38 to be inserted horizontally through both flanges so as to prevent lateral withdrawal movement of the upper jaw 17. The lower jaw 18 has the external teeth 33 as shown in Figure 3.

In Figure 6 embodiment 5 shown in Figure 5 is varied slightly with a fastening device in the form of a clip 39 which fits around the outer ends of both flanges 36, 37 instead of the fastener 38.

In Figure 7 the seventh embodiment of the invention shows a double sided tape or glue 40 being used to connect the adjacent flanges 36, 37.

According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 8 , a long lateral screw or fastener 41 is inserted through the left-hand side wall 42 of tubular section 11. This screw 41 extends all the way into the base 28 of the plug 16. The screw 41 engages a matching thread through the base section 28 and acts to prevent lateral extraction of the plug 16 under force applied by the wire screen mesh . According to the ninth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 9, a ratchet spigot 43 is provided extending horizontally from right-side wall 15 of tubular section 11. This ratchet spigot 43 has a head section 44 with teeth on upper and lower faces (or all the way around the outer surface) . Plug 16 has a channel 44 located in its base 28 and extending inwardly from the external left-hand side of the base 28. This channel 44 has an opening provided with grooves/teeth which match the configuration of the ratchet teeth on the external surface of spigot 43. Thus when the plug 16 is inserted into recess 14 the inter-engaging teeth of the spigot 43 and plug 16 grip the plug 16 and prevent it from being withdrawn laterally if a lateral force is applied by the wire screen mesh 26. Figure 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the invention which is a variation on the ninth embodiment. Thus the spigot 43 is varied to long stem 47 with ratchet teeth 48 on an upper edge only. Likewise the channel 44 is replaced by channel 49 with matching teeth/grooves on an upper inside edge of the plug 16.

According to an eleventh embodiment shown in Figure 11 the upper jaw 17 extends upwardly and around the outer edge of upper wall 12 to form a hook-like section 51. The inner edge of this hook section is provided with ratchet teeth 52 which are configured to engage with corresponding ratchet teeth 53 on the outer upper edge of wall 12. In Figure 12 , the twelfth embodiment of the invention is similar to the fourth embodiment of the invention except the elbow retainer 31 is removed, leaving a combination of fastener 30 and lip 35 to retain plug 16 in the recess 14.

In Figure 13 , the thirteenth embodiment of the invention shows lip 35 on the outer end of lower wall 13 and a matching downwardly directed lip 54 on the outer end of upper wall 12. It should be understood that each of the embodiments described above can be varied to provide different combinations of retaining features for keeping the plug 16 within recess 14. Thus a combination of teeth and fastening devices may be employed to keep the respective upper and lower jaws 17, 18 within recess 14.

In each of the embodiments described above, a soft deformable material is used as the primary form of retaining the wire screen mesh 26 within the opening 19. It is preferred that this deformable material provides a flat smooth surface facing the opposing side of the wire screen mesh 16.

Each of the embodiments described above may also be modified to replace one or both of the deformable materials with other retaining means , such as teeth on the lower and upper inside faces of the jaws 17, 18, or through inserts which fit between the wire screen mesh and the opposing inside face of one of the jaws. These inserts may be provided with teeth or a series of projections which are adapted to grip the external surface of the wire screen mesh 26.

The plug 16 may be modified so as to have recesses formed on the inside faces of the jaws 17, 18, which recesses receive a deformable material having characteristics previously described. According to another embodiment, plugs having any of the features previously described may be retained within the recess 14 by a keeper or wedge-like device. According to another variation of the invention, the plug could be glued inside the recess .

According to additional embodiments of the present invention the plug 16 may be replaced by two separated jaw pieces 60, 61 as shown in Figure 14. This figure is similar to Figure 12 but the jaw portions 60, 61 are not joined through a base section as in the previously described embodiments. Each jaw portion 60, 61 however is still retained within the recess by a fastener 30 and lip 35 respectively. At the inner ends of each of these jaw members 60 , 61 there is a slight taper in width to a narrow inner ending 62, 62 respectively.

The wire screen mesh 26 is held between the jaw portion 60 , 61 in a similar fashion to that described in relation to Figure 12 and the other embodiments, ie the decreasing width of the recess 14 results in increased pressure being applied to the wire screen mesh the deeper the jaw portion 60, 61 are inserted into the recess 14.

It should be noted that each of the previously described embodiments can be modified in the same fashion as embodiment 12. Thus each of the plugs 16 can be split and retained within the recess by the fastening or retaining system described with reference to the previous figures . Where only one side of the plug is being retained within the recess 14 the split version of the plug shown in Figure 14 can be modified so that each of the jaw portions are retained within the recess by one of the previously described retaining methods . The soft deformable material may be a double- sided or single-sided foam tape made of any one of the following : acrylic carrier with acrylic adhesive; polyurethane carrier with acrylic adhesive or rubber adhesive; polyethylene carrier with acrylic adhesive or rubber adhesive . Alternatively the deformable material may be single sided rubber tape as follows : rubber carrier with embossed silicone on one side and acrylic glue or rubber glue on the other side. Double sided rubber tape as follows : rubber carrier with embossed silicone on both sides .

The embodiments of the invention described above involve the use of a plug 16 or a split plug having jaw portions 60, 61. According to further embodiments of the present invention, the plug 16 could be retained within recess 14 by a wedge-like keeper device 70. Figure 15 shows one such embodiment which is effectively a variation on embodiment 11 of the invention shown in Figure 11. Thus instead of the upper jaw 17 having the hook-like section 51, a keeper device 70 is provided with a hook- like section 71. The upper wall 12 has a similar tooth like configuration 53 to that shown in Figure 11. In addition the keeper device 70 has a lower heel or lip 72 (the lower part of the head section) which acts to prevent the upper jaw portion 17 from moving out of the recess 14. The lower jaw portion 18 is retained in the recess by upright lip 73 extending from the end of the lower wall 13. Variations may be made to the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17, where the keeper device 74 and plug 16 are modified so that their inner most ends form a recess with teeth/grooves formed in the opening to the recess in a similar fashion to the channel 44 shown in Figure 9. The spigot 43 remains effectively the same as that shown in Figure 9.

In addition, the outer end of the keeper device 74 has only the lower heel 72 not the hook section 71.

In figure 17 the keeper device 75 is similar to keeper device 74 except the inner end does not have a stepped region of smaller width on which the inside teeth are located. Instead the width of the inner end of the keeper device is fairly constant and the teeth 76 are able to engage with the teeth of spigot 47 in a similar fashion to that shown in Figure 10. Thus in this embodiment, the plug 16 is retained within the recess 14 purely by the keeper device 75 and upstanding lip 73.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the lower jaw portion 18 is glued to the inside surface of the lower wall 13. And a keeper device is used above the upper jaw 17 to keep the upper jaw portion 17 in the recess 14.

According to a further variation, the keeper device may be retained in the recess 14 by glue or the soft deformable material acting on a smooth inner surface of the upper wall 12. According to an additional embodiment of the present invention the plug is provided with teeth on the inside surface of each jaw portion 17, 18. The base which connects each jaw portion together may also be a thin webbed material which allows easy flexing pivotal movement of one jaw portion with respect to the other.

According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, any of the plugs 16 described above may have teeth on an external surface in order to keep one of the jaw portions from being withdrawn from recess 14. It should be noted that the method for retaining the keeper device within recess 14 may be varied in accordance with any of the retaining methods described with reference to any one of the drawings .

It should also be noted that the drawings have been described for convenience with regard to upper and lower walls 12 and 13. Thus any of the described components in the overall frame assembly can be reconfigured, so that for example, the keeper device is located below the lower jaw portion 18 rather than above the upper jaw portion 17.

It should be noted that for each of the above embodiments , particular types of gripping surfaces are described. For each of those embodiments, alternative types of gripping faces may be included. Thus, where the gripping surfaces are a deformable material , the deformable material may be replaced by a gripping surface having rigid or flexible teeth or projections. The gripping surfaces may also include a combination of deformable material on one gripping face and teeth on the other gripping surface. Furthermore, in some embodiments where sufficient gripping pressure can be applied, a hard flat surface may act as one gripping surface as long as the other gripping surface comprises a soft deformable material or gripping teeth/projections.

For each of the previous embodiments , it should also be understood that a wire screen mesh has been used as a specific example. However, any form of security screen or generally planar member is also able to be gripped by the described frame assemblies .

As shown in Figure 18, the frame assembly is shown as having a generally square tubular outer section 111 with two lateral side walls 112 and 113 extending from the right hand side of the tube 111 and forming a recess 114 therebetween. The lower side wall 113 is thicker than the upper side wall 112 and extends below the level of the tubular section 111. In contrast, the side wall 112 has an outer surface 115 which is continuous with the top of the tubular section 111.

A wire screen mesh 116 is shown inserted in the recess above an insulator 117 which extends along the inner surface of the lower side wall 113 and vertically upwardly adjacent side wall 118 of the tubular section 111.

The insulator 117 has a downwardly extending triangular shaped foot extending from its outermost end near the opening to the recess 114. This foot 119 is located in a wedge-shaped channel which extends across the opening of the recess 114 in the inner face of the side wall 113 near its outermost edge 120. The main part of the insulator is a thin mat-like structure with the inner vertical section 121 having an upper end which contacts the inner face of the upper side wall 112 and a lower heel 122 which is located in a slight depression 123 in the inner surface of side wall 113 adjacent side wall 118.

A smooth flat planar element 124 is located above the wire screen mesh 116 and runs substantially in parallel to the side walls 112 and 113. It may be provided on its lower surface with a set of teeth 125 as shown. Alternatively, the teeth may be replaced by a deformable material which is part of the element 124 or alternatively a layer provided on the lower surface of element 124.

A T-shaped wedge 126 is inserted in the recess behind (above) element 124 until its T-shaped head 127 abuts the outer ends of the top wall 112 and element 124.

It is noted that the wedge 126 has an upper surface 128 which slopes inwardly from the head section 127 to its tip 128. This surface is provided with a soft deformable material having a high friction coefficient such as a high friction tape or double-sided tape. The tape may be adhered to the upper surface of the wedge 126. In use, the frame assembly is configured as shown in Figure 18 with the wedge 126 forced into the recess above element 124 so that there is frictional engagement between the upper surface through the soft deformable material and the adjacent lower surface of side wall 112. The lower surface of side wall 112 may increase in width towards the inner end of recess 114 so as to ensure the wedge 126 forces the element 124 downwardly the further the wedge 126 is inserted into the recess 114.

The pressure applied by the wedge 126 forces the teeth 125 to bite into the wire screen mesh 116 and forces it against the upper side of the insulator 117. The insulator is then held firmly within the recess 114 and the wedge 126 blocks removal of the element 124 which in turn in combination with the wedge 126 and side walls 112, 113 and insulator 117 prevent removal of wire screen mesh 116.

The deformable material may also be provided on the upper surface of the insulator or may be configured to be an inherent feature of the insulator . Therefore , in this embodiment and other embodiments the element 124 may be configured either with teeth or with a deformable substance and the insulator may also be configured with teeth or a deformable substance or likewise an element similar to element 124 situated on its top surface.

According to another embodiment, a deformable substance may be provided on both faces of like elements 124 situated on both sides of the wire screen mesh 116. The deformable material may be spread onto a supporting surface of may be in the form of a mat or strip of material-like tape. The tape may have one side with an adhesive for connecting it to a supporting surface and the other side with the deformable substance or inherent resilient deformability characteristics which allow it to provide a high friction resistance to lateral movement of the wire screen mesh if it is withdrawn from the recess with all the components assembled as in any of the Figures .

In Figure 19 a screw or rivet 129 is provided vertically through an end region of wall 112 and the leg of wedge 126. This fastener is provided instead of the soft deformable material on the upper surface of the leg of the wedge 126 in Figure 18.

In Figure 20 silicon or glue is used on the opposing faces of wall 112 and wedge 126 to keep the wedge within the recess 114.

In Figures 21 and 22 the head 127 of the wedge 126 is provided with a flexible clip extension 130 extending from its upper right hand corner . This clip extension 130 consists of a right angle section with its outer end in the form of a catch 131. The catch can be bent downwardly so that it fits into an opening 132 provided in the external surface of the outer end of wall 112. Thus in Figure 22 the catch 131 is positioned in the opening 132 so as to prevent removal of the wedge from the recess 114. In Figure 23 a different type of fastener is provided in the form of a clip 133 which is essentially a curved elbow shaped element with catches 134 and 135 provided at each end. These catches 134, 135 engage with a depression of 136 provided in the head section 127 of wedge 126 and a matching catch 137 extending vertically upwardly and at right angles parallel to the upper surface of the frame 110 at the outer end of wall 112.

The clip 133 therefore extends around a corner edge of the wall 112 and head section 127 to retain the wedge 126 in the recess 114.

Figure 24 shows an alternative clip configuration in which clip 138 has a short vertical downwardly extending leg at one end and a longer downwardly extending leg 140 at the other. Each leg fits into a complimentarily shaped recess 141, 142 in the top surface of the end of wall 112 and top edge of head section 127 of wedge 126. An upwardly extending ridge 143 on the top surface of the leg of the wedge 126 near the head section 127 abuts an opposing upstanding end wall 144 of wall 112. In Figure 25 top section 145 of the head section

127 is attached to the opposing upstanding edge wall 146 of wall 112. Attachment is provided by a double sided tape or adhesive 147.

In Figure 25 an alternative embodiment is shown in which a single wedge 150 with teeth 151 on its upper surface has a lower flat surface 152 which abuts against the top surface of the wire screen mesh 153.

The wedge 150 is retained within recess 154 of frame member 155 which has a similar structural appearance to the frame members of the previous embodiments. Upper wall 156 which corresponds to upper wall 112 in the previous embodiments is provided with teeth 157 on its inner surface which engage with teeth 151 of wedge 150. This serves to keep the wedge within the recess and the wedge 154 has its lower surface 152 as a flat hard surface or it may be provided with a deformable material as previously described to apply a gripping pressure to the wire screen mesh 153 and retain it within recess 154.

The upper surface of the lower wall 158 which corresponds to wall 113 in the previous embodiments, is provided with an insulator 159 in a similar fashion to the previous embodiments. The lower surface may be provided with any of the options previously outlined in relation to the previous embodiments .

Figure 27 shows a further variation of the frame assembly shown in Figure 26 in which the insulator has a lower surface provided with a tooth like configuration which engages with matching teeth/ridges/recesses in the top surface of lower wall 158.

The shape of the wedge shown in Figures 26 and 27 may be changed to allow increased gripping pressure as the wedge is inserted deeper into the recess. Likewise the configuration of the top wall 156 may be altered to enable the wedge to apply greater gripping pressure as it is inserted deeper into the recess 154.

In its preferred form, a deformable material is provided on both surfaces opposing the wire screen mesh.

Therefore a soft pliable surface contacts both surfaces of the wire screen mesh and the gripping pressure applied by the wedge ensures maximum frictional engagement between the deformable substance and the wire screen mesh so that lateral withdrawal of the wire screen mesh is prevented.

In addition to the above the engaging teeth 151 and 157 may be replaced by engaging soft deformable materials provided on the inner and upper surface respectively of the wall 156 and wedge 150. It should also be noted that the insulator and security screen mesh could be provided closer to the top wall and the wedge and other components of previous embodiments are located closer to the bottom wall .

It is also possible that the singular frame construction be replaced by a multiple frame construction which forms the recesses. According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 28, an insulator 162 is provided in combination with wedge 150. The insulator 162 has projections or teeth 163 on its upper surface facing the lower side of wire screen mesh 164 and lower teeth 165 on its bottom surface which are adapted to engage with upstanding teeth 166 on the upper inside face of lower wall 158. Although not shown, the lower surface of wedge 150 is provided with the soft deformable material.

The soft deformable material may be a double- sided or single-sided foam tape made of any one of the following: acrylic carrier with acrylic adhesive; polyurethane carrier with acrylic adhesive or rubber adhesive; polyethylene carrier with acrylic adhesive or rubber adhesive .

Alternatively the deformable material may be single sided rubber tape as follows : rubber carrier with embossed silicone on one side and acrylic glue or rubber glue on the other side. Double sided rubber tape as follows : rubber carrier with embossed silicone on both sides .

It should be noted that for each of the above embodiments, particular types of gripping surfaces are described. For each of those embodiments, alternative types of gripping faces may be included. Thus, where the gripping surfaces are a deformable material , the deformable material may be replaced by a gripping surface having rigid or flexible teeth or projections. The gripping surfaces may also include a combination of deformable material on one gripping face and teeth on the other gripping surface . Furthermore , in some embodiments where sufficient gripping pressure can be applied, a hard flat surface may act as one gripping surface as long as the other gripping surface comprises a soft deformable material or gripping teeth/projections.

For each of the previous embodiments , it should also be understood that a wire screen mesh has been used as a specific example. However, any form of security screen or generally planar member is also able to be gripped by the described frame assemblies.

The security screen assembly shown in Figure 29 consists of an upper part 211 and a lower part 212 which parts may be made of steel, aluminium or plastics as well as other materials . The lower part 212 consists of a rectangular tubular outer part 213 with a narrow web portion 14 formed to the right of its lower right corner 215.

The narrow web portion 214 extends into a forked wall section including an upwardly extending wall section 216 having a slight inclination away from a vertical orientation, and a lower elbow portion 6_ which at its lower end extends upwardly to the right as a straight horizontal lower wall 217. The outer end of this lower wall 217 has an inner surface 218 having a convex shape and formed as a recess having inner and outer lips 219 and 220.

The upwardly extending wall 216 has an elbow section 221 which extends to the right in parallel with the lower wall 217 as inner wall 222. The inner wall 222 terminates in a bevelled end 223 which corresponds approximately to less than half of the length of the lower wall 217.

The upper part 211 consists of a generally n- shaped first section 224 including a downwardly extending left wall 225 which fits into a gap 226 formed between the right side wall 227 of part 213 and the opposing upwardly extending wall 220. The wall 225 extends at right angles to an upper horizontal wall 228 which itself extends at right angles to a downwardly extending right wall 229 which is generally parallel to wall 225. The wall 229 is provided with two teeth 230 on its inner surface and a recess 231 formed between the two teeth is adapted to receive a bevelled end 223 therein.

The lower end of the wall 229 extends horizontally outwardly as outer wall 232. This wall 232 has an inner concave-shaped recess 233 having a matching shape to the convex surface 218. The recess 233 is defined by inner and outer side walls or lips 234, 235 respectively .

The opposing upper and lower walls 232, 218 form a pair of jaws and are provided with a soft deformable resilient material which is retained in each of the defined recesses.

The upper part 211 and lower part 212 fit together to form a snap-lock fit. A screw 234 extends through the centre of walls 228 and 222 and tightens the upper and lower parts 211, 212 together. Thus, the upper part 211 fits over the lower part 212 so that the inner wall 222 fits into the space between wall 225 and wall 229. As upper part 211 is placed over the upper wall 222 and its associated wall 220, the lowermost end of wall 225 abuts against the outer slanted wall 234 of wall 220. As the upper part 211 is pushed downwardly, the lowermost end of wall 225 slides along the slanted wall 234 and at the same time the outer surface, of the lowermost tooth 230 slides along the upper surface of the opposing bevelled end 223.

As upper part 211 is pushed further downwardly by tightening the screw, outermost end of the bevelled end 223 snaps into the recess 31 between the first and second teeth 230.

When a wire screen mesh is located in the space 237 between the deformable materials 235, 236 the tightness with which the deformable materials engage the wire mesh is determined by how far upper part 211 is screwed downwardly into engagement with the lower part

212. By having more teeth 230, the first part would be able to snap into additional positions by tightening of the screw 234.

The size of the teeth could be varied to provide a greater degree of variations and tightness between the snap-lock fitted upper part 211 and lower part 212 and thus the opposing inner walls 218, 233 and their associated deformable material 235, 236.

The deformable material which may be made from a polymeric material provides gripping of the security screen and has a particularly high coefficient of friction to any lateral movement of the security screen, ie . withdrawal movement .

The greater the surface area of the deformable material which contacts the wire screen mesh, the greater the coefficient of friction and thus the force acting against any force to withdraw the wire screen mesh from the confines of the recess between the inner walls 218 and

233.

The deformable material may be stuck in the recess by an adhesive or the end walls of the recesses may be sufficient to prevent removal of the deformable material .

The space between the inner walls 218, 233 may be in the form of a curved channel between the two parts , which channel may curve downwardly or upwardly.

Figure 30 shows a variation to the embodiment shown in Figure 29. Thus, the inner walls 218 and 233 of the first and second parts 211 and 212 are straight and parallel to each other . In addition, the bevelled end 223 of inner wall

222 is inverted so that it slopes upwardly and outwardly to its more distal point 200. The opposing wall 201 of the upper part 211 has a single tooth or protuberance 202 which is angled downwardly at 45° with its upper surface of a matching configuration to that of the opposing surface of the bevelled end 223. With the above embodiment, the tooth 202 is engaged underneath the bevelled end 223.

In the remaining Figures the inner surfaces 230 and 233 are shown being straight and in parallel. However, it should be understood that they could have a curved configuration as shown in Figure 29 or an alternative irregular configuration, but one in which the opposing inner surfaces substantially match to allow for gripping of a wire mesh security screen therebetween.

In Figure 31 an alternative embodiment is shown in which the snap-lock arrangement shown in the previous Figures is replaced by an alternative snap-lock arrangement. Thus the upper part 280 has two downwardly extending walls 281 and 282 which on their inner surfaces and at their lower ends have opposing teeth 283, 284. The opposing teeth 283, 284 form a narrow gap 285 therebetween which is adapted to receive an upwardly extending spigot wall 285 of the lower part 286. The upwardly extending spigot wall 285 is provided with teeth 286 and 287 on opposing external surfaces thereof and has a Christmas tree-like configuration.

When the upper part 280 is pushed downwardly the teeth 283, 284 of the walls 281 and 282 engage the teeth 286 and 287 of the upwardly extending spigot wall 285 to provide a snap-lock fit between the two parts 280 and 288. To the right of the engaging teeth 283, 284, 286 and 287, jaws 289 and 290 extend with inner opposing teeth in a similar configuration to the jaws 218 and 232 of Figure 29.

To the left of the engaging teeth 283, 284, 286 and 287 the downwardly extending wall 291 which corresponds to wall 225 of Figure 29 fits into a gap provided between the adjacent outer frame 292 and upwardly extending wall 293 of the lower part 288. Thus, there is no lateral pressure applied to the engaging parts 280 and 288 so as to increase the tightness between engaging teeth 283, 284, 286 and 287. However, according to an alternative embodiment, walls 291 and 293 can be reconfigured so that they are similar to the walls 225 and 220 of Figure 29.

In Figure 32 , another embodiment is shown in which essentially the reverse of the embodiment shown in Figure 31. Thus, the lower part 293 (which corresponds to the lower part 288 in Figure 2 has two upwardly extending walls 294 and 295 with teeth 295 and 297 respectively on their inner faces. The upper part 298 has a downwardly extending spigot wall 299 with a Christmas tree-like configuration similar to that shown in Figure 231. Teeth on the spigot wall 299 engage with the teeth 296 and 297 in a similar fashion to that of the embodiment of Figure 31.

To the left of the snap-lock engagement components 294, 295 and 296, a downwardly extending wall 300 fits into a gap 301 between the outer frame 302 and a vertically extending upper wall 303.

According to a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 33, the snap-lock engagement between upper part 305 and lower part 306 is performed by opposing teeth 307 and

308 of a downwardly extending wall 309 and an upwardly extending 310. To the left of the snap-lock arrangement of this embodiment, downwardly extending wall 311 fits into a gap 312 in a similar fashion to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 32.

Figure 34 shows an embodiment similar to Figure 29 except that the fastener 234 extends all the way through walls 228, 222 and into wall 217 of the first part 212. In addition the snap-lock configuration has been removed.

Figure 35 shows another embodiment which is very similar to Figure 34 except that the end of wall 222 is extended downwardly to form an enclosed tubular channel 240. The purpose of this channel 240 is to provide greater structural integrity to the lower part 212. A fastener 234 in the form of a screw (not shown) is able to be screwed into the tubular part as in Figure 34 or Figure 29 and in this way does not contact the wire screen mesh if it happens to be forced deep into the interior of the frame assembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention each of the embodiments previously described can be modified to incorporate a plug between the outer end of horizontal lower wall 217 and the opposing wall 232 of frame component 211. The plug can be located in the space 237 in place of the deformable material 235, 236. The plug can be retained between these two walls by any suitable fastening means including screws, clips, inter- engaging teeth etc. The inside surfaces of the jaws of the plug can be provided with the soft deformable material or teeth or a combination of both on one or both inside surfaces of the jaws. Thus, in these embodiments the jaws will be closed together around the wire screen mesh to grip it, when the frame members 211 and 212 are fastened together by any of the means previously described in Figures 29 to 35.

It should be noted that for each of the above embodiments , particular types of gripping surfaces are described. For each of those embodiments, alternative types of gripping faces may be included. Thus, where the gripping surfaces are a deformable material , the deformable material may be replaced by a gripping surface having rigid or flexible teeth or projections. The gripping surfaces may also include a combination of deformable material on one gripping face and teeth on the other gripping surface . Furthermore , in some embodiments where sufficient gripping pressure can be applied, a hard flat surface may act as one gripping surface as long as the other gripping surface comprises a soft deformable material or gripping teeth/projections.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means locatable within the recess and having an opening and gripping faces for gripping a generally planar member within the opening, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the gripping means in the recess and wherein at least one of the gripping faces comprises a deformable material which contacts the generally planar member and provides a resistive force to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the urging means urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member .

2. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deformable material is resilient.

3. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein one gripping face only comprises at least one protrusion for gripping the generally planar member.

4. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein both gripping faces comprise the deformable material .

5. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 4 wherein the deformable material has a generally smooth external surface which contacts the generally planar member .

6. The frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the deformable material comprises a soft compound.

7. The frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the deformable material comprises a sheet of material .

8. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deformable material comprises a layer of a substance which is able to be deposited on an external surface of the gripping faces .

9. The frame assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the deformable material is retained by a recess in the external surface of the frame portions .

10. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gripping means includes an adhesive to stick the deformable material to the external surface of the gripping face .

11. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the gripping face is substantially flat.

12. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein one gripping surface includes a plurality of gripping teeth and the other gripping surface includes the deformable material .

13. A frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, gripping means locatable within the recess and having an opening and gripping faces for gripping a generally planar member within the opening, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the gripping means in the recess and wherein at least one of the gripping faces comprises a plurality of projections which are configured to contact the generally planar member and provide a resistive from to prevent removal of the generally planar member when the urging means urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member .

14. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the gripping means comprises a plug having a pair of jaw portions with each jaw portion including one gripping surface.

15. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the retaining means comprises a lip off the frame portions .

16. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the frame portions include first and second side walls with the recess located between them.

17. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the retaining means comprises a lip of each side wall, which lip extends partway across an entry for the recess .

18. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein the recess has a width which is larger near the entry .

19. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the gripping means comprises a plug with first and second jaw portions which are able to move together and apart .

20. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and second jaw portions are configured to move together as the gripping means is inserted into the recess .

21. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or

13 wherein the retaining means includes a fastening device through one side wall of the frame portion and a lip at the outer side of the other wall .

22. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the retaining means includes a fastening device through one side wall of the frame portions which fastening device extends through part of the plug.

23. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the fastening device extends through one jaw portion.

24. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the retaining means comprises an elbow portion connected to a side wall so that an end of the elbow portion acts as a lip which prevents exit of the plug from the recess.

25. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the retaining means comprises at least one tooth on an inner surface of one side wall which is configured to engage at least one tooth recess in an outer side surface of one jaw portion.

26. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the plug has a lateral foot portion extending from an outer end and fastening means connecting the foot portion to an outwardly extending lip at an outer end of one side wall .

27. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein the base portion includes a connection means and the frame portions include a base wall at a bottom of the recess, where the retaining means comprising an attachment means for connecting with the connection means to retain in the plug in the recess .

28. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein the attachment portion comprises a spigot receivable in a cavity of the connection means .

29. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein the spigot includes one or more protrusions which couple with recesses in a side wall of a cavity formed therebetween .

30. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein the spigot has a plurality of protrusions which engage with protrusions in the cavity wall .

31. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or

13 wherein the retaining means includes interengaging teeth on an external surface of at least one side wall of frame portions and inner side wall of an overlapping leg extension portion at an outer end of one/each jaw portion.

32. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or

13 wherein the retaining means comprises glue.

33. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the urging means comprises the frame portions forming the recess reducing in width from the entry of the recess to a bottom end thereof.

34. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 13 wherein the urging means frame portions urge the gripping faces together as the gripping means is located deeper within the recess .

35. A frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means for gripping a generally planar member within the recess, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the generally planar member and a retaining means for retaining the urging means within the recess and wherein the gripping means includes at least one side gripping portion comprising a deformable material for gripping the generally planar member with another side portion of the gripping means so as to prevent lateral withdrawal movement of the generally planar member from within the recess .

36. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 wherein the deformable material is resilient.

37. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36 wherein the deformable material is soft.

38. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 wherein the deformable material comprises a deformable member .

39. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 wherein the deformable material has a high friction surface which resists relative lateral movement of the generally planar member when pressed there against.

40. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 39 wherein the gripping means comprises first and second portions comprising a deformable material for gripping the generally planar member .

41. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the deformable material is generally flat.

42. A frame assembly for security screens comprising frame portions forming a recess, a gripping means for gripping a generally planar member within the recess, an urging means for urging the gripping means to grip the planar member and a retaining means for retaining the urging means within the recess and wherein the gripping means includes at least one side surface with a plurality of protrusions for gripping the generally planar member with the opposite side surface of the gripping means so as to prevent lateral withdrawal movement of the generally planar member from within the recess.

43. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 42 wherein the gripping means comprises at least one gripping portion attached to an inner surface of the recess of the frame portion.

44. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 43 wherein the one gripping portion includes a coupling portion which couples with a coupling portion of the inner surface .

45. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 44 wherein the coupling portion of the gripping portion comprises a male of female portion and the coupling portion of the inner surface comprises a complementary female or male portion .

46. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 45 wherein the coupling portion of the gripping portion includes a foot portion which fits into a channel of the inner surface .

47. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the gripping portion is located on an inner surface of an insulator.

48. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 47 wherein the insulator is attached to the inner surface .

49. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 48 wherein the deformable material is located on the inner surface of the insulator.

50. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 49 wherein the insulator has a plurality of projections on its lower surface which couple with a recess on an the inner surface .

51. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 50 wherein the plurality of projections include teeth.

52. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 47 wherein the insulator has a foot at one end for receipt in the recess.

53. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 52 wherein the foot is located at an outer end of the insulator .

54. A frame assembly as claimed in claim 53 wherein the insulator includes an elbow portion at an opposite end.

55. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 54 wherein the elbow portion includes an upright end which extends behind the generally planar member when located in the recess .

56. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 42 wherein the urging means comprises a wedge member which is adapted to fit in the recess between one side wall of the frame portion and the generally planar member .

57. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 56 wherein the wedge member is located between the side wall and one gripping portion of the gripping means .

58. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 43 wherein the gripping means includes a gripping sheet.

59. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 58 wherein the gripping means includes a gripping member having one gripping surface adjacent the generally planar member .

60. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 51 wherein one gripping portion comprises a substantially flat member interposed between one side of the wedge member and one face of the generally planar member.

61. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 42 wherein one gripping portion has one face with a plurality of projections for engaging an opposing surface of the generally planar member .

62. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 61 wherein the projections are in the form of teeth.

63. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 56 wherein the wedge member has a generally T-shape with the top of the T forming a head section .

64. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 63 wherein the head section provides a limit on how far the wedge member can be inserted into the recess .

65. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 64 wherein one edge of the head section is adapted to prevent lateral movement of one gripping portion when inserted in the recess.

66. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 56 wherein the wedge member includes an elongate leg portion which is adapted to press against one gripping portion when inserted in the recess .

67. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 42 wherein the retaining means includes a fastener which prevents movement of the wedge member when it is inserted with its elongate leg portion in the recess .

68. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 56 wherein the wedge member is provided with a coupling portion which allows a clip to be attached to it from part of the adjacent side wall of the adjacent frame portion.

69. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 67 wherein the fastener may be in the form of a tape with a deformable material on either face thereof and which is adapted to contact opposing faces of the wedge member and adjacent side wall of the adjacent frame portion.

70. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 35 or 42 wherein one gripping portion includes teeth for engaging with the generally planar member and the opposite gripping portion comprises the deformable material.

71. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 47 wherein the insulator comprises the deformable material .

72. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 71 wherein the insulator extends around the inner face of the recess preventing contact of the generally planar member with the frame portions .

73. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 52 wherein the foot portion of the insulator fits in a recess located near an outer end of the lower wall of the frame portions.

74. The frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings .

75. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 42 wherein the wedge member, deformable material and generally planar member are arranged in the recess in a layered configuration .

76. A frame assembly for security screens having at least two parts including first and second parts which together provide a recess , a gripping means for gripping a generally planar member located in the recess, an urging means for increasing the force with which the gripping means grips an end portion of the generally planar member and wherein the gripping means comprises first and second gripping portions with a deformable material on at least one face of one gripping portion, the deformable material acting to resist removal of the generally planar member from the recess .

77. A frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the deformable material is resilient.

78. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the deformable material is soft.

79. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the deformable material has a high friction surface which resists relative lateral movement of the generally planar member when pressed there against.

80. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the first and second gripping portions each have the deformable material on one face opposite the generally planar member .

81. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the first and second gripping portions comprise jaw portions of the frame portions.

82. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 81 wherein the jaw portions are located on the first and second parts respectively.

83. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 82 wherein each jaw portion comprises a substantially straight inner wall.

84. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 83 wherein at least one of the jaw portions includes a recess configured to retain the deformable material .

85. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 84 wherein the recess prevents extraction of the deformable material from the recess by lateral movement of the deformable material .

86. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 84 wherein the deformable material is glued to the outer surface of the jaw portion.

87. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 86 wherein the deformable material has engaging portions on a lower surface which are adapted to engage with matching engaging portions on the upper surface or outer surface of the jaw portion to which it is connected.

88. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 87 wherein both jaw portions have opposing surfaces which are substantially parallel .

89. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 88 wherein the inner walls of the jaw portion have matching configurations to allow for tight gripping of the generally planar material therebetween .

90. The frame assembly as claimed in any one of claims 76 to 90 wherein the first and second frame parts are connected together by a fastening means.

91. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 90 wherein the urging means includes the fastening means.

92. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 83 wherein one of the jaw portions is provided with gripping teeth which in combination with the deformable material on the opposing jaw portion, grip the generally planar member .

93. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the frame assembly comprises two main parts, each main part including part of the gripping means.

94. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 or 93 , wherein the two parts are the first and second parts and include coupling portions which are adapted to connect together .

95. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 94 wherein at least one of the coupling portions includes a plurality of teeth.

96. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 95 wherein one coupling portion includes a coupling wall with an outer end including the coupling portion .

97. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 including a tubular section adapted to act as an outer frame of the frame assembly.

98. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the first part of the frame assembly includes a tubular outer section , one of the gripping portions , a neck portion separating the gripping portion and tubular section and a coupling portion for attaching the frame part to the other frame part.

99. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 98 wherein one coupling portion includes a coupling wall with an outer end including the coupling portion.

100. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 99 wherein the coupling portion includes a bevelled end adapted to engage the teeth of the other frame part .

101. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 99 wherein one part forms the cavity which is adapted to receive at least one part of another part.

102. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein both parts have two parallel coupling walls, each with coupling portions along their inner surfaces .

103. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein one part includes a coupling wall having coupling portions on parallel outer surfaces .

104. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 103 wherein one part includes a coupling portion in the form of an elongate wall which is adapted to engage in a channel formed in the other part .

105. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 104 wherein the coupling means includes tightening means for altering the tightness of the coupling between the coupling portions of opposing parts .

106. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 105 wherein the tightening means include urging means for forcing engaging coupling walls together.

107. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein at least one part has a slanted surface which is adapted to abut with a tightening portion of the other part.

108. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 107 wherein the tightening portion includes an inwardly directed wall .

109. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 108 wherein the inwardly directed wall is spaced apart from the coupling wall .

110. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 109 wherein the inwardly directed wall is substantially parallel to the coupling wall of the same part.

111. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 110 wherein a channel is formed between the inwardly directed wall and the coupling wall , the coupling wall of the other part being adapted to extend at least partway across the channel formed between the inwardly directed wall and the coupling wall.

112. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein a plurality of teeth are provided on one part to enable an increase in gripping pressure on the generally planar member, due to a decrease in the width of the recess between the two parts.

113. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 including a coupling means which connects the two parts together and urges the gripping means to grip the generally planar member more tightly .

114. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 76 wherein the urging means includes a male portion on one part and a female portion on the other part .

115. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 77 wherein the urging means acts to decrease the width of the recess .

116. The frame assembly as claimed in claim 77 wherein the urging means includes entering engaging teeth on opposing parts .

117. A frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 17.

118. The frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 18 to 28 of the accompanying drawings.

119. The frame assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 29 to 35 as shown in the accompanying drawings.