Pull across roll up screen assembly and method of assembly

The present invention relates generally to a screen assembly that can be used in a window or door cavity, or any other area which may benefit from the assembly and which contains a flexible sheet like member (for instance an insect screen) wound about substantially vertical rod (for example), which can be pulled across the window or door cavity such that the screen extends and retracts in a horizontal direction and particularly to a system and method allowing more straightforward installation on site, quickly and easily.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage application under 35 USC 371 of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/AU2020/050016, filed on 14 Jan. 2020; which claims priority from AU Provisional Application No. 2019900100, filed 14 Jan. 2019, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a screen assembly that can be used in a window or door cavity, or any other area which may benefit from the assembly and which contains a flexible sheet like member (for instance an insect screen) wound about a substantially vertical rod (for example), which can be pulled across the window or door cavity or other area, such that the screen extends and retracts in a horizontal direction and particularly to a system and method allowing more straightforward installation on site, quickly and easily.

BACKGROUND ART

A previous invention disclosed in WO2007/068037 to the current applicant discloses a screen assembly that comprises a horizontally movable screen (that is the screen that can move across an area) and where the screen can be substantially balanced at a plurality of positions, or at all positions or at substantially all positions, (“balanced” meaning that the screen does not move across the area unless moved by a user).

The balance of the screen at a plurality of positions, or at all positions or at substantially all positions in that previous embodiment was achieved by a special design of some of the components of the screen assembly to enable a “continuous” balance to be achieved, or at least a balance to be achieved at multiple positions of the screen.

The prior art system is illustrated inFIGS.1to6herein with the forces applied to the various line members or cords in the system illustrated inFIG.7.

This system worked well, but its complexity and the precision required in assembly required that the manufacturer assemble the screen assembly, balance the screen and deliver the assembled screen assembly to the installation site for installation. This increased the time taken for assembly.

Also, if the balance of the screen assembly was upset for any reason, such as accidental dislodgement of a line member from an upper frustoconical drum of the assembly, for example, the balance will be disrupted and it can be extremely difficult for the installer to rebalance the screen.

OBJECT OF INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a pull across roll up screen assembly and method of assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a pull across roll up screen assembly comprising:a. a flexible screen having a stile located at a front edge area of the flexible screenb. a substantially vertical supporting member about which the flexible screen can be wound/unwound and having an upper end and a lower end,c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create a tension in the flexible screen,d. at least one drum associated with the supporting member,e. a line member that can be wound onto and off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the stile such that as the flexible screen is extended, the line member is wound onto the drum, and as the flexible screen is retracted, the line member is wound off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly including:i. a line connection device relative to which a portion of the line member is connectable;ii. a slide block operatively associated with the at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly; andiii. an elongate connector mounted relative to the line connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the line member and thereby tension the flexible screen.

In a second form, the present invention resides in a method for assembling a pull across roll up screen assembly comprisinga. a flexible screen having a stile located at a front edge area of the flexible screenb. a substantially vertical supporting member about which the flexible screen can be wound/unwound and having an upper end and a lower end,c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create a tension in the flexible screen,d. at least one drum associated with the supporting member,e. a line member that can be wound onto and off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the stile such that as the flexible screen is extended, the line member is wound onto the drum, and as the flexible screen is retracted, the line member is wound off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly including:i. a line connection device relative to which a portion of the line member is connectable;ii. a slide block operatively associated with the at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly; andiii. an elongate connector mounted relative to the line connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the line member and thereby tension the flexible screen;
the method including the steps of pre-tensioning the line member before attachment to the line connection device, attaching the line member to the line connection device, engaging the elongate connector with the tensioning assembly of the slide block to take up any slack in the line member, working the flexible screen to wind and unwind the line member a number of times and adjusting the final tension of the line member by moving the elongate connector relative to the tensioning assembly of the slide block if necessary.

In a third form, the present invention resides in an attachment assembly for the aforementioned pull across roll up screen assembly, the attachment assembly comprising:a line connection device relative to which a portion of a line member of the screen assembly is connectable;a slide block operatively associated with at least one biasing device of the screen assembly and having a tensioning assembly; andan elongate connector mounted relative to the line connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the line member and thereby tension at least one flexible screen of the screen assembly.

The present invention is directed at providing a screen assembly that comprises a horizontally movable screen (that is the screen that can move across an area) and where the screen can be substantially balanced at a plurality of positions, or at all positions or at substantially all positions, (“balanced” meaning that the screen does not move across the area unless moved by a user) with an attachment assembly allowing the connection of the line members providing the balance in the screen assembly in a quick and simple, but still precise “balanced” manner.

The present invention includes a flexible screen having a stile located at a front edge area of the flexible screen. The flexible screen may be of any type and one or more flexible screens may be provided in a screen assembly. For example, the flexible screen may be a mesh screen or an opaque screen or a combination of a mesh screen and an opaque screen can be provided in the same screen assembly.

The flexible screen will typically be non-resilient and be manufactured from a fabric or polymeric sheet of material. The flexible screen sheet will typically be attached/mounted to the stile at a forward edge area of the screen and also attached to or relative to the supporting member or roll at the opposite edge area.

As mentioned, more than one flexible screen may be provided. If so, the number of flexible screens may extend from both sides of the assembly towards the middle (or another point) and/or more than one flexible screen may extend from the same side of the assembly but spaced apart so as not to obstruct one another as this configuration may allow different screens to be used for example, a mesh screen to prevent the ingress of insects and a parallel but spaced apart opaque screen to minimise light entry through the screen assembly.

The present invention also includes a substantially vertical supporting member about which the flexible screen can be wound/unwound and having an upper end and a lower end. The substantially vertical supporting member is typically configured as a cylindrical member or roll, onto and from which the flexible screen can be wound and unwound as required by the user. Typically, the vertical supporting member will extend substantially the height of the screen, and typically slightly more than the height of the flexible screen member itself. The supporting member is preferably mounted for rotation, typically mounted at an upper end and a lower end.

In use, movement of the stile will typically cause the flexible screen to be wound and unwound, to and from the supporting member via one or more line members associated with the at least one biasing device providing a balancing tension such that force is required on the stile to extend and retract the flexible movement and where no active force is being applied to the stile, the stile will not move and the stile and the flexible screen will remain in position.

The stile is typically located at the front edge area of the flexible screen, the front edge area being the end of the flexible screen which is located toward the midline or opposite end of the screen assembly. The stile will typically be elongate and substantially vertical. Typically, the stile is provided parallel to the supporting member and remains substantially parallel to the supporting member at all times during movement, at least in part due to the one or more line members associated with the at least one biasing device.

Normally the stile will have one or more guides provided at an upper end and/or a lower end in order to guide movement of the stile between the extended and retracted positions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stile is a rigid member with a U-shaped channel provided therein in order to contain components, particularly the components of the attachment assembly. Preferably, the U-shaped channel will be provided on a side of the stile which is opposite to the supporting member but this is a preferred position only. The preferred U-shaped channel will normally be provided with a removable cover which is engageable relative to the U-shaped channel in order to cover any components provided in the U-shaped channel and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. In other embodiments, the channel provided in the stile can have other shapes to accommodate the components.

The stile can be manufactured of any material, but will normally be a light metal or engineering plastic for example. The stile can have any shape or configuration, but typically, the shape and configuration of the stile is the same over its height or length.

The present invention includes at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create a tension in the flexible screen. Typically, the creation and maintenance of tension in the flexible screen regardless of the position of the stile relative to the supporting member is used to ensure that the flexible screen remains taut and any sagging of the flexible screen is minimised.

Any number of biasing devices can be provided. Typically, at least one is provided and preferably a pair of biasing devices are provided for each stile, one upper biasing device and one lower biasing device. In configuration where more than one biasing device is provided, it is preferred that the biasing devices are provided substantially coaxially relative to the stile and preferably mounted end to end, typically completely within the preferred U-shaped channel provided in the stile. The biasing devices are preferably mounted independently of one another. Preferably, the mount of each of the biasing devices may be able to be moved within the stile in order to adjust the tension which the biasing device exerts.

The biasing devices may have any configuration, preferably a simple spring is used but more complex configurations can be used if required. The provision of a simple spring allows the parameters of the spring (the length, pitch, diameter of material and the like) to determine the tension properties of the spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one biasing device is mounted at least partially, and preferably completely within the preferred U-shaped channel provided in the stile, relative to the centre of the stile. Preferably, one or more mounting blocks is provided relative to the centre of the stile and one end of the at least one biasing device is attached relative to the mounting block.

One or more guides or spacers may be provided relative to the or each biasing device to maintain the or each biasing device in position relative to the preferred U-shaped channel of the stile.

The present invention includes at least one drum associated with the supporting member. At least one drum is provided and preferably a single drum is provided for each flexible screen. Normally, the drum is provided at an upper end of the substantially vertical supporting member typically coaxially with the supporting member and rotating with the supporting member.

A feature of screen assemblies of this type is to “tune” the drum diameter to be about the same as the diameter of the screen about the supporting member. Thus, as the screen is unwound, and the diameter decreases, the diameter of the drum, where the line member is wound onto the drum also decreases, to be about the same diameter. Conversely, as the screen is wound back onto the supporting member, and the diameter increases, the diameter of the drum where the line member is unwound from the drum also increases.

This particular feature enables the screen to be “balanced” at almost every point of extension and retraction which means that a person feels no resistance from the mesh tension at any position during operation of the unit. It also enables the screen material to have considerable tension to minimise sagging.

By “tuning” the diameter of the drum line to the diameter of the screen/supporting member, the forces seem to be quite balanced which means that it is relatively easy to pull the screen across the cavity without feeling an increased pullback force from the spring, and if the screen is let go, it will stay in position or possibly move only quite slowly.

One way by which the “tuning” can be achieved is to have a drum which has a conical shape, or where part of the drum has a conical shape, such that as the line member is wound onto, or off the drum, the diameter at the position where the line member contacts the drum will vary, and by designing a conical shape with regard to the diameter of the retracted screen, it is possible to have the two diameters to be approximately the same at all times.

Another advantage of the present invention is that by varying the shape of the drum, the operation of the screen can be varied. Thus, rather than needing to completely redesign the assembly for each use, it may be possible to do so by changing the drum.

The drum may have a simple conical profile, or a more complicated profile which may have cone shaped portions which may diverge or converge, cylindrical portions, other shapes, combination of shapes and the like. This may allow the screen to have places where the screen is “balanced” and other positions where the screen can slowly open or close; places where the screen may have increased or decreased tension as the screen is moved and the like.

As examples, the drum may comprise multiple cylinders of different diameters to provide a “stepped” profile, or a tapered cone at either end optionally with a short parallel portion at or adjacent the centre, the shape of a “reverse barrel”, or substantially cylindrical. It should be appreciated that these are examples only of the drum and it is not considered that the invention should be limited only to these examples.

Typically, the drum will be attached to, or relative to one end of the supporting member, and it is preferred that the drum is attached to, or relative to an upper end of the supporting member. It is also preferred that the drum tapers from a larger diameter closest to the supporting member, to a smaller diameter further away from the supporting member, although this can be reversed if desired.

The present invention includes a line member that can be wound onto and off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the stile such that as the flexible screen is extended, the line member is wound onto the drum and as the flexible screen is retracted the line members went off the drum. The line member is also operatively associated with the at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly.

Typically, more than one line member will be provided in the screen assembly of a preferred form of the present invention. Preferably, a first line member is provided to be wound onto and off the drum and at least one, and preferably a number of other line members and/or line portions are provided in order to balance the flexible screen.

At least one line member is preferably operatively attached relative to the at least one biasing device. In a preferred form in which a pair of biasing devices are provided, a line member will preferably be attached at an upper end of an upper biasing device and a line member will preferably be attached at a lower end of the lower biasing device.

As mentioned above, a number of line members may be provided in the screen assembly of a preferred embodiment including a first line member to be wound onto and off the drum and possibly one or more other line members to attach respectively to the or each of the biasing devices. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first line member which is wound onto and off the drum extends to a joiner block, a second line member extends from the joiner block to the preferred upper biasing device and a third line member extends from the joiner block to the preferred lower biasing device. The line members may extend about one or more wheels or pulleys in order to change direction and be provided about the edge of the flexible screen.

An attachment assembly is preferably provided to attach each line member relative to the respective biasing device. The number of attachment assemblies provided in any screen assembly will typically depend upon the configuration of the screen assembly. In a single stile screen assembly with a pair of biasing devices, a pair of attachment assemblies is preferably provided, one in respect of the upper biasing device and one in respect of the lower biasing device.

The or each preferred attachment assembly includes a line connection device relative to which a portion of the line member is connectable. Preferably, the line connection device is located within the preferred U-shaped channel of the stile. Typically, the line connection device is configured as a body located completely within the preferred U-shaped channel of the stile and a cover which is detachably connected relative to the body. Removal of the cover from the body will typically allow access to the body to attach and detach the line member. An appropriate connection mechanism is provided to allow the connection of the line member relative to the line connection device. Any connection mechanism may be used for example a crimping mechanism, a clamping mechanism or a pin and slot mechanism or the like. A simple and direct connection mechanism is preferred for ease and speed of assembly.

The elongate connector is preferably mounted relative to the line connection device. Again, any connection mechanism can be used to connect the elongate connector to the line connection device. In one form, the elongate connector may be provided with an enlarged portion which is received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the line connection device allowing the elongate connector to extend toward the slide block of the attachment assembly. Attachment of the cover relative to the body of the line connection device will typically sandwich the enlarged portion, fixing its position relative to the line connection device. This relatively simple connection mechanism will allow removal and/or replacement of the elongate connector if necessary.

The line connection device may be made of any material and typically a light metal or engineering plastic will be used.

The line connection device may be mounted relative to the stile movably or be fixed in position. If the line connection device is movably mounted, it is preferred that only linear movement is possible relative to the stile.

The attachment assembly of the present invention includes a slide block operatively associated with the at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly. The slide block may be mounted relative to the stile removably or be fixed in position. If the slide block is movably mounted, it is preferred that only linear movement is possible relative to the stile and all other movement restricted or substantially prevented. In a preferred configuration, the slide block will be mounted for movement relative to the stile and movement of the slide block will act to extend or compress the preferred biasing device relative to which the slide block is mounted.

The slide block is operatively associated with at least one, and typically a respective biasing device, with the biasing device typically being attached to or relative to the slide block. Typically, an outer end (the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device respectively) will preferably be attached directly to a respective slide block.

In a preferred configuration, each slide block has a body allowing attachment of the biasing device relative thereto and which also allows the attachment or mounting of the elongate connector, preferably through provision of the elongate connector engagement head.

In a preferred configuration, the elongate connector engagement head is located at least partially within the body of the slide block in order to be located completely within the preferred U-shaped channel of the stile.

The body of the slide block is preferably generally rectangular. The body of the slide block will preferably have an opening provided at one end facing the line connection device, the opening through which the elongate connector is fed during attachment of the elongate connector to the slide block. Preferably, the opening is provided adjacent to the elongate connector engagement head.

The elongate connector engagement head is preferably provided with at least one engagement shoulder. The engagement shoulder is typically biased into engagement with an elongate connector when the elongate connector is inserted into the engagement head. This biasing can be achieved in many ways, but one simple way is to provide the engagement shoulder extending into an opening through which the elongate connector is inserted such that the engagement shoulder is depressed or moved by the dimension of the elongate connector as the elongate connector is inserted.

The engagement shoulder is provided in such a way that the engagement shoulder may be released against the bias through an application of force. The force can be applied to move the engagement shoulder either manually and/or using a tool, either directly or indirectly. In this way, the engagement shoulder can typically be released from the elongate connector to allow removal or release of the elongate connector from the engagement head allowing the elongate connector to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder but also allowing movement of the elongate connector in the reverse direction once the engagement shoulder has been disengaged.

In a preferred form, the engagement shoulder is formed at the apex of a pair of walls which are angled relative to one another. Preferably the engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongate connector or at least the width of the engagement formations provided on the elongate connector.

In use, the engagement between the slide block and the elongate connector will create the tensioning assembly allowing a user to exert tension on the flexible screen via the line member and the biasing device associated with the slide block.

The attachment assembly also includes an elongate connector mounted relative to the line connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the line member and thereby tension the flexible screen. The elongate connector will of course be elongate and preferably include a substantially planar portion to engage with the engagement head. It is preferred that the elongate connector be flexible but the elongate connector will preferably not be resilient. In some embodiments, the elongate connector may be resilient but have limits to that resiliency to provide a buffering effect but also to maintain tension in the flexible screen.

The elongate connector typically has a plurality of engagement formations to engage with the engagement head. Preferably as the elongate connector is drawn through the engagement head, the engagement shoulder will engage respective engagement formations to exert or adjust the tension in the flexible screen.

Although the engagement formations may have any form, is preferred that the engagement formations be or include a number of spaced apart ridges with which the engagement shoulder can engage as required. The spaced apart ridges are typically spaced over at least a portion of the length of the elongate connector.

A gripping portion may be provided at the forward end of the elongate connector. A forward end of the elongate connector may be tapered in order to ease insertion or alignment of the elongate connector with the engagement head. An opening may be provided in the forward end of the elongate connector to allow a user to insert a finger for example to pull the elongate connector through the engagement head.

The elongate connector may be provided with one or more alignment markings or configurations.

One or more corresponding alignment markings or configurations may be provided on the stile. The alignment markings or configurations provided on the stile may have any configuration, but it is preferred that indentations or similar are provided on the stile because markings provided on the stile may be accidentally removed through rubbing, for example. The alignment markings or configurations provided on the elongate connector and the corresponding alignment markings or configurations provided on stile are preferably used during the pre-tensioning step during assembly.

Further forms and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following Detailed Description.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pull across roll up screen assembly and method of assembly is provided.

The pull across roll up screen assembly illustrated comprises a flexible screen having a stile located at a front edge area of the flexible screen, a substantially vertical supporting member about which the flexible screen can be wound/unwound and having an upper end and a lower end, at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create a tension in the flexible screen, at least one drum associated with the supporting member, a line member that can be wound onto and off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the stile such that as the flexible screen is extended, the line member is wound onto the drum, and as the flexible screen is retracted, the line member is wound off the drum, the line member being operatively associated with the at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly including a line connection device relative to which a portion of the line member is connectable, a slide block operatively associated with the at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly and an elongate connector mounted relative to the line connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the line member and thereby tension the flexible screen.

Referring toFIGS.1-6, the prior art screen assembly according to the particular embodiment basically comprises the following components: A screen10, which in the particular embodiment comprises an insect screen, a supporting member11about which the screen is wound and unwound, a drum12which is positioned in an upper part of the assembly and on top of supporting member11, a front edge13of the screen10and which is made of an elongate aluminium section, a biasing spring14(the lower portion being visible inFIG.3, and the upper portion being visible inFIG.4), the biasing spring14being attached to a stile3at the front edge13, a line member which is split into a first line member15and a second line member16(this will be described in greater detail below), a first return pulley17(FIG.4), a second pulley18(FIG.4), a third return pulley19(FIG.3) and a fourth pulley20(FIG.3).

The present invention includes an attachment assembly80, a preferred configuration of which is illustrated inFIGS.8to14.

There are many advantages to this arrangement. One advantage is that the screen can be “balanced” at a plurality of positions (and indeed it may be balanced substantially continuously) as the screen is extended and retracted. Another advantage in the particular embodiment is that the biasing spring (in this case springs) is not positioned in the supporting member, but instead can be positioned within or next to the front edge13.

Screen10, in the particular embodiment, can be extended between 2-5 m and therefore has this length at least. One end of the screen10is attached to the supporting member11. Supporting member11is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis such that the screen10can be wound and unwound from the supporting member. Importantly, as screen10is wound or unwound from the supporting member, the diameter (this being the diameter of the supporting member+any attached screen material) of the supporting member11will vary, and will decrease as the screen is unwound and will increase as the screen is wound.

Attached to the top of supporting member11is drum12. In the particular embodiment, drum12has a tapered face and is therefore substantially conical. The taper goes from a smaller diameter adjacent the top of the supporting member11to a large diameter. It is envisaged that the drum may also be positioned the other way as well. The length of the drum is approximately 3 cm. The widest part of the drum (in the particular embodiment) will be approximately the same diameter as the widest diameter of the supporting member11+screen10(that is when the screen is fully wound on the drum and is completely retracted), and the narrowest part of the drum (in the particular embodiment) will be approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the supporting member+any remaining screen10when the screen has been fully extended, and unwound from the drum.

The first line member15, which in the particular embodiment comprises a plastic-coated steel wire having a diameter of between 1-3 mm, has one end attached to the drum. Therefore, rotation of the drum will cause line member15to wind on to the drum or off the drum as the case may be. In the particular embodiment, and because of the cone shape of the drum, the line member will be laid next to each other on the drum. Thus, the diameter of the drum at the point where the line member is wound onto or off the drum will vary because of the conical shape of the drum.

The first line member15extends from drum12and extends about first return pulley17and then about second pulley18and is ultimately attached to the upper part of the biasing spring14which in the particular embodiment comprises a spring. Thus, there is tension in the first line member15. A second line member16is also provided which is formed from the same material as first line member15and second line member16has one end which is joined to first line member (and therefore branches therefrom) in between drum12and first return pulley17. Second line member16then also extends about first return pulley17but then extends substantially vertically to extend about third pulley19, then fourth pulley20and is attached to the lower end of biasing spring14. Thus, there is tension in second line member16.

The biasing spring14, and second pulley18and third pulley19are all attached to or relative to the front edge13of the screen and therefore move with the screen.

In use, as the screen10is extended, the first line member15will be wound about and onto drum12. In the particular embodiment, as the line winds onto the drum the line progressively winds from the larger diameter of the drum to the narrower diameter of the drum and therefore the diameter reduces where the line is wound onto the drum. This can be seen with reference toFIG.1andFIG.2. At the same time, the diameter of the support member11containing the wound-up screen material10will decrease as the screen material is unwound, and the construction and arrangement is such that the diameter of the drum is about the same at any one point as the diameter of the support member+any remaining screen material. This will also be the case when the screen is retracted as this will cause the diameter of the support member+screen material to increase and at the same time the line member is being unwound from the drum12at progressively increasing diameters.

It has been found that this assists in allowing for balancing tension to be applied at all time. The drum12enables a constant length of screen to be on a roll (supporting member) at all times thereby largely eliminating the need to allow for a change in length deployed in the system. The use of a spring as opposed to counterweights can reduce the system inertia.

FIG.7shows a schematic balanced single unit screen assembly within which the attachment assembly80is used. A line member is attached to a biasing member (e.g. a tension spring) contained in either end of the moveable vertical stile, in this embodiment, line member5ais attached to biasing member3a, and line member5bis attached to biasing member3b. The pretension force applied by each extended biasing member (Force A from the top member and Force B from the bottom member) is transferred to the respective line members5aand5b, which are taken around pulleys7at one end of the aperture to be screened. These two line members5aand5bare attached to a joiner block4and a third line member5(or alternatively either5aor5bcould extend through the joiner block4) is attached to the other side of the joiner block. Force C in line member5is equal to the combined forces A&B and the other end of this line member5is attached to a drum or spooling member which is fixed to the top end of a rod6onto which the flexible membrane (2) is rolled.

As the stile3is moved away from the rod6, the flexible membrane is unrolled from the rod6and at the same time the line member5is wound onto the drum1. The tension (Force C) in the line member5is applied to the drum1causing a resultant torque. In a perfectly balanced system, if the effective diameter of drum1is equal to the outer diameter of the roll of flexible membrane2on the rod6, then the torque applied by the line member is perfectly balanced by the torque applied by the distributed net force in the flexible membrane2and there is no tendency for the system to move in any direction except by the application of an external force applied somewhere in the system (either by a persons hand or foot or by electrically powered device). In this situation, the resultant Force C in the line member5is equal to the force (tension) in the flexible membrane2. In the absence of any external force being applied to the system, friction will overcome the low inertia of the system and the stile3will stop moving smoothly after being released.

If the diameters of the drum1on which the line member is wound, or the diameter of the roll of the flexible membrane2are not matched, then a resultant torque is applied to the rod6and then the system will be biased to move in one direction by the release of the potential energy stored in biasing spring3aand3band the unit will tend to move in one direction—either rolling up onto the rod6or further deploying across the aperture towards the pulleys7around which the line members5aand5bpass. The direction of movement is determined by the relative diameters. If the effective diameter of the drum1is the lesser, then the line member5will tend to wind onto it, but if the roll diameter on the rod6is lesser, then the flexible membrane2will tend to roll onto the rod6.

An important feature of the screen assembly of the preferred embodiment is an attachment assembly80, one form of which is illustrated inFIGS.8to14, provided to attach each line member81relative to the respective biasing spring14. The number of attachment assemblies80provided in any screen assembly will typically depend upon the configuration of the screen assembly. In a single stile screen assembly with a pair of biasing devices such as that illustrated inFIGS.8to14, a pair of attachment assemblies80is provided, one in respect of the upper biasing spring14and one in respect of the lower biasing device14′.

A number of guides or spacers83may be provided relative to each biasing spring14to maintain the biasing springs14in position relative to a channel96of the stile3. In preferred embodiments, the channel96is U-shaped, but in other embodiments the channel can have other shapes in which to locate the components as described herein.

Each attachment assembly80includes a line connection device82relative to which a portion of the line member81is connectable. In the illustrated embodiment, the line connection device82is located within the U-shaped channel96of the stile3. As shown inFIG.14, the line connection device82is configured as a body84located completely within the U-shaped channel96of the stile3and a cover85which is detachably connected relative to a base plate87using a threaded fastener86. Removal of the cover85from the body84will typically allow access to the body84to attach and detach the line member81. An appropriate connection mechanism is provided on the body84to allow the connection of the line member81relative to the line connection device82. Any connection mechanism may be used for example a crimping mechanism, a clamping mechanism or a pin and slot mechanism or the like. A simple and direct connection mechanism is preferred for ease and speed of assembly.

The elongate connector88is preferably mounted relative to the line connection device82. Again, any connection mechanism can be used to connect the elongate connector88to the line connection device82. In the illustrated preferred form, the elongate connector88is provided with an enlarged portion89which is received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the line connection device82allowing the elongate connector88to extend toward a slide block90of the attachment assembly80. Attachment of the cover85relative to the body84of the line connection device82will typically sandwich the enlarged portion89, fixing its position relative to the line connection device82. This relatively simple connection mechanism will allow removal and/or replacement of the elongate connector88if necessary.

The line connection device82may be made of any material and typically a light metal or engineering plastic will be used.

The line connection device82may be mounted relative to the stile3movably or be fixed in position. If the line connection device82is movably mounted, it is preferred that only linear movement is possible relative to the U-shaped channel96of the stile3.

The attachment assembly80of the illustrated embodiment includes the slide block90operatively associated with each biasing spring14and having a tensioning assembly. If the slide block90is movably mounted relatively to the stile3, which is preferred, it is preferred that only linear movement is possible relative to the stile3and all other movement restricted or substantially prevented. In the illustrated preferred configuration, the slide block90is mounted for movement relative to the stile3and movement of the slide block90acts to extend or allow retraction of the biasing spring14relative to which the slide block90is mounted.

In the illustrated embodiment, each slide block90is operatively associated with a respective biasing spring14, with the biasing spring14being attached to or relative to the slide block90. Typically, an outer end of the slide block90(the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device respectively) is attached directly to a respective slide block90with the other end of the biasing spring attached to the centre block91.

The biasing springs14,14′ are provided substantially coaxially relative to the stile3and mounted end to end, either side of the centre block91, typically completely within the U-shaped channel96provided in the stile3. The biasing springs14,14′ are preferably mounted independently of one another, with the mount of each of the biasing springs14,14′ able to be moved within the stile3in order to individually adjust the tension which the biasing springs14,14′ exert.

In the configuration illustrated in detail inFIG.13, each slide block90has a body92allowing attachment of the biasing spring14relative thereto and which also allows the engagement of the elongate connector88through provision of the elongate connector engagement head93.

In the illustrated configuration, the elongate connector engagement head93is located at least partially within the body92of the slide block90in order to be located completely within the U-shaped channel96of the stile3.

The body92of the slide block90is preferably generally rectangular having an opening94provided at one end facing the line connection device82, through which the elongate connector88is fed during attachment of the elongate connector88to the slide block90. Preferably, the opening94is provided adjacent to the elongate connector engagement head93.

The elongate connector engagement head93is provided with an engagement shoulder which is biased into engagement with an elongate connector88when the elongate connector88is inserted into the engagement head93. This biasing can be achieved in many ways, but one simple way is to provide the engagement shoulder extending into an opening through which the elongate connector88is inserted such that the engagement shoulder is depressed or moved by the dimension of the elongate connector88as the elongate connector88is inserted.

The engagement shoulder is provided in such a way that the engagement shoulder may be released against the bias through an application of force. The force can be applied to move the engagement shoulder either manually and/or using a tool, either directly or indirectly. In this way, the engagement shoulder can typically be released from the elongate connector88to allow removal or release of the elongate connector88from the engagement head93allowing the elongate connector88to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder but also allowing movement of the elongate connector88in the reverse direction once the engagement shoulder has been disengaged.

In a preferred form, the engagement shoulder is formed at the apex of a pair of walls which are angled relative to one another. Preferably the engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongate connector88or at least the width of the engagement formations provided on the elongate connector88.

In use, the engagement between the slide block90and the elongate connector88will create the tensioning assembly, allowing a user to exert tension on the flexible screen10via the line member81and the biasing spring14associated with the slide block90.

The elongate connector88will of course be elongate and in the preferred form, include a substantially planar portion to engage with the engagement head93. It is preferred that the elongate connector88is flexible but preferably not be resilient.

The elongate connector88of the preferred configuration has a plurality of engagement formations to engage with the engagement head93. Preferably as the elongate connector88is drawn through the engagement head93, the engagement shoulder will engage respective engagement formations to exert or adjust the tension in the flexible screen10.

Although the engagement formations may have any form, is preferred that the engagement formations be or include a number of spaced apart ridges with which the engagement shoulder can engage as required. The spaced apart ridges are typically spaced over at least a portion of the length of the elongate connector88.

A gripping portion may be provided at the forward end of the elongate connector. A forward end of the elongate connector may be tapered in order to ease insertion or alignment of the elongate connector with the engagement head. An opening may be provided in the forward end of the elongate connector to allow a user to insert a finger for example to pull the elongate connector through the engagement head.

The elongate connector is provided with one or more alignment markings or configurations.

A number of corresponding alignment indentations95are provided on the stile3. The alignment indentations95provided on stile3are used with alignment markings or configurations provided on the elongate connector88during the pre-tensioning step during assembly.

The assembly method includes pre-tensioning the line member81before attachment to the line connection device82to remove any slack, attaching the line member81to the line connection device82, engaging the elongate connector88with the slide block90to take up any slack in the line member81, working the flexible screen10to wind and unwind the line member81a number of times and adjusting the final tension of the line member81by moving the elongate connector88relative to the slide block90if necessary.

Once set, the flexible screen will remain balanced although some adjustment (typically tightening) can be undertaken as and when necessary using the attachment assembly80.