Abstract:
A framed architectural mesh panel system including a mesh panel; a frame assembly; and a tensioning system; wherein the tensioning system is integrated within the frame assembly.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure is directed to an architectural mesh panel, and more particularly to a framed architectural mesh panel with an integrated tensioning system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Architectural mesh panels add an aesthetic look to a building façade while also adding additional benefits such as security, fall protection, and ventilation. Large mesh panels such as those spanning the heights of building can be used, for example, on parking garages in order to improve the appearance thereof. These large mesh panels are typically manufactured from a flexible mesh, such as that utilized in conveyor belts, and require a tensioning system to apply pre-tension to the mesh panel in order to keep the mesh taught so that it can withstand large wind loads. An example of such an architectural mesh system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,888 to Cambridge International, Inc., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In contrast, smaller framed mesh panels of rigid architectural mesh are typically used as wall panels, ceiling panels, room dividers, handrail in-fill panels, elevator wall panels, and the like. An example of an architectural mesh used in a smaller rigid panel is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D483,953 to Cambridge International, Inc., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The rigid nature required for these panels prevents a flexible mesh from being utilized in these applications because the typical mesh tensioning system is too bulky to fit inside of the conventional framing components. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need in the marketplace for a mesh panel system with a self-contained tensioning system integral to a frame such that the tension required to utilize flexible mesh can be applied. The advantages of utilizing a flexible mesh in a framed mesh panel include a greater variety of available mesh patterns and appearances, lower costs, lighter weight, increased ventilation, and light transparency. 
     SUMMARY 
     A framed architectural mesh panel system includes a mesh panel, a frame assembly, and a tensioning system integrated within the frame assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an architectural mesh framing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the architectural mesh framing system mounted within a support structure. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the architectural mesh within the framing system. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a tension bar in the architectural mesh framing system. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are illustrations of attachment clips used in the architectural mesh framing system. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of tensioning the architectural mesh framing system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is directed to a framed architectural mesh panel system  10 , as shown generally in  FIGS. 1-3 . The system  10  includes a mesh panel  12 , a frame assembly  14 , a tensioning system  16 , and attachment clips  18 . The frame assembly  14  comprises a plurality of hollow structural steel tubing  20  with a slit  22  cut on the inner periphery in order to receive the edge of the mesh panel  12 . Sections of the tubing  20  are cut to allow insertion of the mesh panel  12 , mounting of components of the tensioning system  16  and to allow assembly of the steel tubing  20  to form a frame  24  having the desired size and configuration. The frame tubing  20  is typically stainless steel but it could of course be fabricated from other materials, and powder coated, if desired. Attachment clips  18  are welded onto the frame  24  for securing the frame  24  to the intended mounting surface or structure  26 . 
     The architectural mesh panel  12 , as shown best in  FIG. 3 , is woven to a predetermined width and has the uppermost and lower edges defined by a plurality of loops  28 . A single helically-wound spiral wire  30  is associated with two connector crimp rods  32   a ,  32   b  positioned to be sequentially adjacent in the vertical direction of the mesh panel  12  and to define a spiral unit. Horizontal crimp rods  32   a ,  32   b  are inserted into the woven spirals  30  to join the individual spirals together into a panel  12 . The terminal ends of the crimp rods are welded to make the assembly permanent. The mesh  12  can be woven with a variety of different wire sizes, pitches, and directions to produce a large variety of patterns. Further details of possible woven mesh patterns are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,739 to Cambridge International, Inc., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,739 describes an architectural mesh with a combination of various mesh patterns, however, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a single mesh pattern or any combination thereof could of course be utilized in the framing system disclosed herein. The mesh material is typically stainless steel but can be manufactured with a number of different metallic alloys for different appearances. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , tensioning system  16  is used to keep the mesh panel taught and straight. The tensioning system  16  includes a plurality of flat tension bar sections  34  with holes  36  to match the pattern of loops on the connection spiral  30 . These sections are welded to the backing bar  38  giving the assembly the strength and rigidity to withstand the tension forces exerted on the mesh panel  12 . Tension nuts  40  are welded at different sections along the backing bar  38 . The number and spacing of these nuts are determined by the size of the mesh panel  12 . 
     The connecting spirals  30  of the mesh panel are rotated onto and through the holes  36  in the tension bars  34 , thereby joining the mesh panel  12  to the tensioning system  16 . The mesh panel  12  and tension bars  34  are inserted into the frame assembly  14  and the frame  24  is welded together. Screws  42  are inserted into fittings  44  on the top and bottom of the frame  24  and threaded into the tension nuts  40  on the tension bar assembly  34 , as best shown in  FIG. 6 . The number and size of the fittings  44  are determined by the size of the frame  14 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the framed architectural mesh panel  10  can be secured onto a mounting surface or structure  26  with a variety of attachment clips  18 , tabs, or fasteners. These clips can be designed to match existing clips or environment. The attachments can be mounted along the periphery of the frame edges or along the back side if the frame is mounted flush on a wall or ceiling. The size and number of attachment clips  18  is determined by the weight of the frame assembly and the availability of existing clips and structure. 
     The framed architectural mesh panel  10  is tensioned as shown in  FIG. 6  by tightening the screws  42  in the fittings  44  located along either end of the frame  24 . The mesh panel  12 , connected to the tension bar  34 , is drawn in opposite directions towards the top and bottom of the frame  24 . This tension removes slack from the mesh panel  12  keeping the mesh spirals  30  in crimp and results in a uniform appearance. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, this is by way of illustration for purposes of disclosure rather than to confine the invention to any specific arrangement as there are various alterations, changes, deviations, eliminations, substitutions, omissions and departures which may be made in the particular embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the claims.