Lateral pull wound barrier assembly and method of assembly and attachment assembly therefor

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a cross-pull wound barrier assembly and methods of assembly and attachment assemblies thereof. A barrier assembly usable in a window or door opening or any other area that may benefit from the assembly, the barrier assembly comprising a flexible sheet member (e.g., an insect-proof net) wound about a substantially vertical reel (e.g.), the barrier assembly may be pulled across the window or door opening such that the barrier extends and contracts in a horizontal direction, the invention particularly relates to a system and a method which allow rapid and easy more direct installation in the field.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT international invention patent application with application number 202080008878.3, application date January 14, 2020, and invention name “Horizontal-pull winding barrier assembly and assembly method”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a screen assembly that can be used in a window or door cavity, or any other area that can benefit from the assembly, the screen assembly comprising a flexible sheet member (e.g., an insect screen) wound around a substantially vertical reel (for example), the screen assembly being able to be pulled across the window or door cavity or other area so that the screen can be expanded and contracted in a horizontal direction, and the present invention particularly relates to a system and method that allows for quick and easy more direct installation on site, and more particularly to a horizontally pulled roll-up screen assembly and assembly method and attachment assembly thereof. Background Art

[0003] A previous invention by the applicant disclosed in WO2007 / 068037 discloses a barrier assembly comprising a horizontally movable barrier (i.e. a barrier that can be moved across an area) and wherein the barrier can be substantially balanced ("balanced" means that the barrier does not move across an area unless moved by a user) in a plurality of positions or in all positions or in substantially all positions.

[0004] Balancing of the barrier in the previous embodiments at multiple positions or at all positions or at substantially all positions is achieved by special design of some components of the barrier assembly to enable "continuous" balancing, or at least balancing at multiple positions of the barrier.

[0005] The existing system in this paper Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the figure, the force applied to Figure 7 Various wire members or ropes in the system shown.

[0006] The system works well, but it relies on multiple variables—particularly wire member (i.e., cable) length and spring tension—to maintain balance. As a result, manufacturers must typically assemble the barrier assembly, balance the barrier, and then ship the fully assembled barrier assembly to the installation site for installation. This increases the time required for assembly and further complicates field setup.

[0007] Furthermore, if the balance of the barrier assembly is disturbed for any reason (e.g., a wire member accidentally dislodged from the assembly's upper frustoconical drum), one or more variables, such as cable length and spring tension, need to be readjusted to restore proper balance, which can be extremely difficult for the installer to perform in the field.

[0008] While WO2007 / 068037 is a particular example, other known barrier assemblies also involve managing multiple parameters (eg cable length and spring tension), introducing similar complexities.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly and assembly method that may at least partially overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and / or provide a useful or commercial choice for consumers.

[0011] In view of the above, one form of the present invention broadly resides in a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, comprising:

[0012] a. A flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier;

[0013] b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end;

[0014] c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier;

[0015] d. at least one reel associated with the support member;

[0016] e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising:

[0017] i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected;

[0018] ii. A slider operatively associated with said at least one biasing device and having

[0019] has a tensioning assembly; and

[0020] iii. an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured to selectively engage the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby the flexible barrier.

[0021] In a second form, the invention resides in a method for assembling a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly comprising:

[0022] a. a flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier;

[0023] b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end;

[0024] c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier;

[0025] d. at least one reel associated with the support member;

[0026] e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising:

[0027] i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected;

[0028] ii. A slider operatively associated with said at least one biasing device and having

[0029] has a tensioning assembly; and

[0030] iii. an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured to selectively engage with the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby the flexible barrier,

[0031] The method includes the steps of pre-tensioning the wire member prior to attachment to the wire connection device; attaching the wire member to the wire connection device; engaging the elongated connector with a tensioning assembly of the slider to take up any slack in the wire member; operating the flexible barrier to wind and unwind the wire member multiple times; and adjusting the final tension of the wire member by moving the elongated connector relative to the tensioning assembly of the slider when necessary.

[0032] In a third form, the present invention resides in an attachment assembly for the aforementioned cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the attachment assembly comprising:

[0033] a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member of the barrier assembly is connectable;

[0034] a slider operably associated with at least one biasing device of the barrier assembly and having a tensioning assembly; and

[0035] An elongated connector is mounted relative to the wire connection device and is configured to selectively engage the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby tension at least one flexible barrier of the barrier assembly.

[0036] The present invention is directed to a barrier assembly comprising a horizontally movable barrier (i.e., a barrier that can be moved across an area), and wherein the barrier can be substantially balanced ("balanced" meaning that the barrier does not move across an area unless moved by a user) at multiple positions, or at all positions, or at substantially all positions, wherein an attachment assembly allows a wire member to be connected to provide balance in the barrier assembly in a quick and simple, yet still precise, "balanced" manner.

[0037] The present invention includes a flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier. The flexible barrier may be of any type and one or more flexible barriers may be provided in a barrier assembly. For example, the flexible barrier may be a mesh barrier or an opaque barrier, or a combination of mesh barriers and opaque barriers may be provided in the same barrier assembly.

[0038] Flexible barriers are typically inelastic and manufactured from a fabric or polymer sheet. The flexible barrier sheet is typically attached / mounted to the door jamb at a front edge region of the barrier and also attached to or relative to a support member or scroll at an opposing edge region.

[0039] As described above, more than one flexible barrier may be provided. If so, multiple flexible barriers may extend from both sides of the assembly toward the middle (or another point), and / or more than one flexible barrier may extend from the same side of the assembly but be spaced apart so as not to obstruct each other, as this configuration may allow the use of different barriers, for example, a mesh barrier for preventing insect entry and parallel but spaced apart opaque barriers for minimizing light entry through the barrier assembly.

[0040] The present invention also includes a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and the support member has an upper end and a lower end. The substantially vertical support member is typically configured as a cylindrical member or reel onto which the flexible barrier can be wound and unwound from as desired by the user. Typically, the vertical support member will extend substantially the height of the barrier, and will typically be slightly higher than the height of the flexible barrier member itself. The support member is preferably mounted for rotation, typically at the upper and lower ends.

[0041] In use, movement of the stiles will typically cause the flexible barrier to be wound onto and unwound from the support member by means of one or more wire members associated with at least one biasing device providing balanced tension, such that a force is required to be applied to the support member to extend and retract the flexible movement, and in the absence of active forces applied to the stiles, the stiles will not move and the stiles and flexible barrier will remain in place.

[0042] The stiles are typically located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier, the front edge region being an end of the flexible barrier that is located toward a mid-end or an opposite end of the barrier assembly. The stiles are typically elongated and substantially vertical. Typically, the stiles are disposed parallel to the support member and remain substantially parallel to the support member at all times during movement due at least in part to one or more wire members associated with at least one biasing device.

[0043] Typically, the stile will have one or more guides disposed at the upper and / or lower ends to guide movement of the stile between the extended and retracted positions.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stile is a rigid member in which a U-shaped channel is provided to accommodate components, particularly components of the attachment assembly. Preferably, the U-shaped channel will be provided on the side of the stile opposite the support member, but this is only a preferred location. The preferred U-shaped channel is typically provided with a removable cover that can be engaged relative to the U-shaped channel 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 may have other shapes to accommodate components.

[0045] The stiles may be made of any material, but are typically, for example, light metal or engineered plastic. The stiles may be of any shape or configuration, but typically the shape and configuration of the stiles are the same throughout their height or length.

[0046] The present invention includes at least one biasing device associated with the door jamb to generate tension in the flexible barrier. Generally, generating and maintaining tension in the flexible barrier serves to ensure that the flexible barrier remains taut and minimize any sagging of the flexible barrier regardless of the position of the door jamb relative to the support member.

[0047] Any number of biasing devices may be provided. Typically, at least one biasing device is provided and preferably a pair of biasing devices is provided for each stile, an upper biasing device and a lower biasing device. In configurations where more than one biasing device is provided, preferably the biasing devices are arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the stile and are preferably mounted end-to-end, typically entirely within a preferably U-shaped channel provided in the stile. The biasing devices are preferably mounted independently of each other. Preferably, the base of each biasing device is movable within the stile to adjust the tension applied by the biasing device.

[0048] The biasing means may be of any construction, preferably using a simple spring, although more complex constructions may be used if required. Providing a simple spring allows the parameters of the spring (length, pitch, material diameter etc) to determine the tension characteristics of the spring.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, at least one biasing device is at least partially, and preferably completely, mounted in a preferably U-shaped channel provided in the door jamb relative to the center of the door jamb. Preferably, one or more mounting blocks are provided relative to the center of the door jamb and one end of the at least one biasing device is attached relative to the mounting block.

[0050] One or more guides or spacers may be provided relative to the or each biasing means to maintain the or each biasing means in position relative to the preferred U-shaped channel of the stile.

[0051] The invention comprises at least one drum associated with the support member. At least one drum is provided and preferably a single drum is provided for each flexible barrier. Typically, the drum is arranged at the upper end of a substantially vertical support member, typically coaxial with the support member and rotating with the support member.

[0052] One feature of this type of barrier assembly is that the diameter of the spool is "tuned" to be approximately the same as the diameter of the barrier around the support member. Thus, as the barrier is unwound and decreases in diameter, the diameter of the spool on which the wire member is wound on the spool also decreases to approximately the same diameter. Conversely, as the barrier is wound back onto the support member and increases in diameter, the diameter of the spool on which the wire member is unwound from the spool also increases.

[0053] This special feature allows the barrier to be "balanced" at nearly every point of extension and contraction, meaning that a person will not feel the hindrance of mesh tension at any position during operation of the unit. It also allows for considerable tension in the barrier material to minimize sagging.

[0054] By "tuning" the diameter of the drum line to that of the barrier / support member, the forces seem to be fairly balanced, meaning that it will be relatively easy to pull the barrier across the cavity without feeling the increased pull back force of the springs, and if you release the barrier it will stay in place or perhaps only move very slowly.

[0055] One way in which "adjustment" can be achieved is to give the drum, or a portion of the drum, a conical shape, so that as the wire member is wound onto or off the drum, the diameter where the wire member contacts the drum changes, and by designing the conical shape in relation to the diameter of the shrink barrier, the two diameters can always be made approximately the same.

[0056] Another advantage of the present invention is that by changing the shape of the drum, the operation of the barrier can be changed. Thus, there is no need to completely redesign the assembly for each use, but this can be achieved by replacing the drum.

[0057] The roll may have a simple conical profile; or a more complex profile which may have conical portions that may diverge or converge, cylindrical portions, other shapes, combinations of shapes, etc. This may allow the barrier to have positions where the barrier is "balanced" and other positions where the barrier may slowly open or close; positions where the barrier may increase or decrease tension as the barrier moves, etc.

[0058] For example, the drum may include a cylindrical shape of multiple different diameters to provide a "stepped" profile, or a conical shape that tapers at either end with a short parallel portion at or near the center, a "reverse barrel" shape, or a substantially cylindrical shape. It should be understood that these are merely examples of drums and the invention should not be considered to be limited to these examples.

[0059] Typically, the reel will be attached to or relative to one end of the support member, and preferably the reel is attached to or relative to the upper end of the support member. It is also preferred that the reel tapers from a larger diameter closest to the support member to a smaller diameter away from the support member, but this can be reversed if desired.

[0060] The present invention includes a wire member that can be wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the door jamb so that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is off the drum. The wire member is also operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly.

[0061] Typically, more than one wire member will be provided in a preferred form of the barrier assembly of the invention. Preferably, a first wire member is provided to be wound on and off a reel, and at least one, and preferably a plurality of other wire members and / or wire portions are provided to balance the flexible barrier.

[0062] At least one wire member is preferably operably attached relative to the at least one biasing means.In a preferred form where a pair of biasing means are provided, the wire member will preferably be attached at the upper end of the upper biasing means and the wire member will preferably be attached at the lower end of the lower biasing means.

[0063] As described above, a plurality of wire members may be provided in the barrier assembly of a preferred embodiment, including a first wire member to be wound on and off the reel and one or more other wire members that may be attached to the biasing device or each biasing device, respectively. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first wire member to be wound on and off the reel extends to an engagement block, a second wire member extends from the engagement block to a preferred upper biasing device, and a third wire member extends from the engagement block to a preferred lower biasing device. The wire members may extend around one or more wheels or pulleys to change direction, and may be provided around the edge of the flexible barrier.

[0064] An attachment assembly is preferably provided to attach each wire member relative to a respective biasing means. The number of attachment assemblies provided in any barrier assembly generally depends on the configuration of the barrier assembly. In a single stile barrier assembly having a pair of biasing means, preferably a pair of attachment assemblies is provided, one for the upper biasing means and one for the lower biasing means.

[0065] The or each preferred attachment assembly comprises a wire connection means to which a portion of the wire member is connectable. Preferably, the wire connection means is located within the preferably U-shaped channel of the stile. Typically, the wire connection means is constructed as a body located entirely within the preferably U-shaped channel of the stile and a cover removably connected relative to the body. Removal of the cover from the body will typically allow access to the body for attachment and detachment of the wire member. An appropriate connection mechanism is provided to allow connection of the wire member relative to the wire connection means. Any connection mechanism may be used, such as 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 quick assembly.

[0066] The elongated connector is preferably mounted relative to the line connection device. Again, any connection mechanism can be used to connect the elongated connector to the line connection device. In one form, the elongated connector may be provided with an extension portion that is received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the line connection device, thereby allowing the elongated connector to extend toward the slider of the attachment assembly. The attachment of the cover relative to the body of the line connection device typically sandwiches the extension portion in the middle, thereby fixing its position relative to the line connection device. If necessary, this relatively simple connection mechanism will allow the elongated connector to be removed and / or replaced.

[0067] The wire connection device can be made of any material, and typically light metals or engineered plastics will be used.

[0068] The wire connection device may be movably mounted relative to the door jamb or fixed in position. If the wire connection device is movably mounted, it is preferably only linearly movable relative to the door jamb.

[0069] The attachment assembly of the present invention includes a slider operably associated with at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly. The slider may be movably mounted relative to the door jamb or fixed in position. If the slider is movably mounted, preferably only linear movement relative to the door jamb is possible, and all other movement is restricted or substantially prevented. In a preferred configuration, the slider will be mounted for movement relative to the door jamb, and movement of the slider will serve to extend or compress the preferred biasing device relative to which the slider is mounted.

[0070] The slider is operatively associated with at least one and usually a corresponding biasing device, which is usually attached to or relative to the slider. Usually, the outer end (the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device, respectively) will preferably be directly attached to the corresponding slider.

[0071] In a preferred construction, each slider has a body which allows the biasing means to be attached relative thereto and also allows the attachment or mounting of an elongate connector, preferably by providing an elongate connector engagement head.

[0072] In a preferred construction, the elongated connector engagement head is at least partially located within the body of the slider so as to be located completely within the preferably U-shaped channel of the stile.

[0073] The body of the slider is preferably substantially rectangular. The body of the slider will preferably have an opening disposed at one end facing the line connection means, through which the elongated connector is fed during attachment to the slider. Preferably, the opening is disposed adjacent the elongated connector engagement head.

[0074] The elongated connector engagement head is preferably provided with at least one engagement shoulder. When the elongated connector is inserted into the engagement head, the engagement shoulder is typically biased into engagement with the elongated connector. This biasing can be achieved in a number of ways, but one simple method is to provide an engagement shoulder that extends into an opening through which the elongated connector is inserted, such that when the elongated connector is inserted, the engagement shoulder is pressed or moved by the dimensions of the elongated connector.

[0075] The engagement shoulder is arranged so that the engagement shoulder can be released by applying a force to overcome the bias. The force can be applied directly or indirectly manually and / or using a tool to move the engagement shoulder. In this way, the engagement shoulder can generally be released from the elongated connector to allow the elongated connector to be removed or released from the engagement head, thereby allowing the elongated connector to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder, but also allowing the elongated connector to move in the opposite direction once the engagement shoulder has been disengaged.

[0076] In a preferred form, the engagement shoulder is formed at the apex of a pair of walls which are angled relative to each other.Preferably, the engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongate connector or at least across the width of an engagement formation provided on the elongate connector.

[0077] In use, engagement between the slider and the elongate connector will create a tensioning assembly, allowing a user to apply tension to the flexible barrier via the wire member and biasing means associated with the slider.

[0078] The attachment assembly also includes an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured to selectively engage with the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby the flexible barrier. The elongated connector will of course be elongated and preferably include a substantially flat portion that engages with the engagement head. Preferably, the elongated connector is flexible, but the elongated connector is preferably not elastic. In some embodiments, the elongated connector may be elastic, but with limits on the elasticity to provide a cushioning effect but also to maintain tension in the flexible barrier.

[0079] The elongated connector typically has a plurality of engagement structures to engage with the engagement head. Preferably, when the elongated connector is pulled through the engagement head, the engagement shoulders will engage the corresponding engagement structures to apply or adjust tension in the flexible barrier.

[0080] Although the engagement formation may have any form, it is preferred that the engagement formation is or comprises a plurality of spaced apart ridges with which the engagement shoulder may engage as required.The spaced apart ridges are typically spaced apart over at least a portion of the length of the elongate connector.

[0081] A grip portion may be provided at the front end of the elongated connector. The front end of the elongated connector may be tapered to facilitate insertion or alignment of the elongated connector with the engagement head. An opening may be provided in the front end of the elongated connector to allow a user to insert a finger, for example, to pull the elongated connector through the engagement head.

[0082] The elongate connector may be provided with one or more alignment marks or formations.

[0083] One or more corresponding alignment marks or formations may be provided on the stile. The alignment marks or formations provided on the stile may have any formation, but preferably notches or the like are provided on the stile, as marks provided on the stile may be accidentally removed, for example by friction. The alignment marks or formations provided on the elongate connector and the corresponding alignment marks or formations provided on the stile are preferably used during a pre-tensioning step during assembly.

[0084] Within the scope of the present invention, any feature described herein may be combined with any one or more other features described herein, in any combination.

[0085] Other forms and / or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] The preferred features, embodiments and variations of the present invention can be seen from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to carry out the invention. The detailed description should not be considered to limit the scope of the foregoing invention in any way. The detailed description will refer to the following multiple drawings:

[0087] Figure 1 The upper portion of a prior art barrier assembly is shown, particularly showing the roll and fully extended barrier.

[0088] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The configuration shown in , in which the barrier is partially extended.

[0089] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 , particularly showing the third pulley, the fourth pulley and the lower end of the biasing device (the housing on the stile at the front edge of the barrier has been removed for clarity).

[0090] Figure 4 The upper part of the front edge of the barrier shown in Figure 1 is shown, in particular the first and second bend pulleys and the upper part of the biasing means adjacent the front edge of the barrier.

[0091] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 The assembly shown in , with the barrier in a retracted position.

[0092] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 The assembly is shown in , with the barrier in an approximately half-extended position.

[0093] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a barrier assembly, the barrier assembly including Figure 1 Wire members, pulleys, springs shown in , with forces indicated thereon.

[0094] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a central portion of a door stile for a barrier assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A detailed isometric view of the center section is shown in FIG.

[0096] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An isometric view of the portion identified by reference letter B shown in FIG.

[0097] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A more detailed isometric view of the section shown in .

[0098] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 An isometric view of the portion identified by reference letter A shown in FIG.

[0099] Fig.13 is with Fig.11 Similar isometric view, but with the slider exploded.

[0100] Fig.14 is with Fig.12 Similar isometric view, but with the line block exploded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a transverse pull type roll-up barrier assembly and an assembly method are provided.

[0102] The illustrated horizontal pull roll-up barrier assembly includes: a flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier; a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and the support member has an upper end and a lower end; at least one biasing device associated with the stile to generate tension in the flexible barrier; at least one drum associated with the support member; a wire member that can be wound onto and off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile so that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with the at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly including: a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected; a slider operably associated with the at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly; and an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured for selective engagement with the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby tension the flexible barrier.

[0103] Reference Figure 1-6 The prior art barrier assembly according to a particular embodiment basically comprises the following components: a barrier 10, which in this particular embodiment comprises an insect screen; a support member 11, around which the barrier is wound and unwound; a reel 12, which is located in the upper part of the assembly and on top of the support member 11; a front edge 13 of the barrier 10, which is made of an elongated aluminum section; a bias spring 14 (the lower part of which is located at Figure 3 As can be seen in the upper Figure 4), a bias spring 14 attached to the stile 3 at the front edge 13; a wire member, which is divided into a first wire member 15 and a second wire member 16 (which will be described in more detail below); a first redirecting pulley 17 ( Figure 4 ); the second pulley 18 ( Figure 4 ); the third redirecting pulley 19 ( Figure 3 ) and the fourth pulley 20 ( Figure 3 ).

[0104] The present invention includes an attachment assembly 80, wherein Figures 8 to 14 Its preferred configuration is shown in FIG.

[0105] This arrangement has a number of advantages. One advantage is that the barrier can be "balanced" in multiple positions as it extends and contracts (and in fact it can be balanced substantially continuously). Another advantage in certain embodiments is that the biasing spring (in this case the spring) is not located in the support member, but can be located in or near the front edge 13.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the barrier 10 may stretch between 2-5 m and therefore have at least this length. One end of the barrier 10 is attached to a support member 11. The support member 11 is mounted to rotate about its longitudinal axis so that the barrier 10 can be wound and unwound from the support member. Importantly, as the barrier 10 is wound or unwound from the support member, the diameter of the support member 11 (which is the diameter of the support member + any attached barrier material) will change and will decrease as the barrier is unwound and increase as the barrier is wound.

[0107] Attached to the top of the support member 11 is a roll 12. In a particular embodiment, the roll 12 has a tapered face and is therefore substantially conical. The taper changes from a smaller diameter adjacent to the top of the support member 11 to a larger diameter. It is contemplated that the roll may also be positioned in other ways. The length of the roll is approximately 3 cm. The widest part of the roll (in a particular embodiment) will be approximately the same as the widest diameter of the support member 11 + barrier 10 (i.e. when the barrier is fully wound on the roll and fully retracted), and the narrowest part of the roll (in a particular embodiment) will be approximately the same as the diameter of the support member + any remaining barrier 10 when the barrier has been fully extended and unwound from the roll.

[0108] The first wire member 15 comprises, in a particular embodiment, a plastic coated steel wire having a diameter between 1-3 mm, one end of which is attached to the drum. Thus, rotation of the drum will cause the wire member 15 to be wound onto or off the drum, as the case may be. In a particular embodiment, and due to the conical shape of the drum, the wire members will be laid on the drum adjacent to each other. Thus, the diameter of the drum at the location where the wire member is wound onto or off the drum will vary due to the conical shape of the drum.

[0109] The first wire member 15 stretches from the drum 12, and stretches around the first redirecting pulley 17 and then around the second pulley 18 and is finally attached to the upper part of the bias spring 14, which comprises a spring in a specific embodiment. Therefore, there is tension in the first wire member 15. A second wire member 16 is also provided, which is formed of the same material as the first wire member 15, and one end of the second wire member 16 is joined to the first wire member between the drum 12 and the first redirecting pulley 17 (and thus branches from it). The second wire member 16 then also stretches around the first redirecting pulley 17, but then stretches substantially vertically to stretch around the third pulley 19, then the fourth pulley 20 and is attached to the lower end of the bias spring 14. Therefore, there is tension in the second wire member 16.

[0110] The bias spring 14, the second pulley 18 and the third pulley 19 are all attached to or relative to the front edge 13 of the barrier and therefore move with the barrier.

[0111] In use, as the barrier 10 is extended, the first wire member 15 will be wound around and onto the drum 12. In certain embodiments, as the wire is wound onto the drum, the wire is gradually wound from the larger diameter of the drum to the narrower diameter of the drum, so that the diameter decreases where the wire is wound onto the drum. This can be referred to as Figure 1 and Figure 2 At the same time, the diameter of the support member 11 including the rolled barrier material 10 will decrease as the barrier material is unwound, and is constructed and arranged so that the diameter of the roll is approximately the same as the diameter of the support member + any remaining barrier material in any position. This will also be the case when the barrier shrinks, as this will cause the diameter of the support member + barrier material to increase while the wire member is being unwound from the roll 12 with a gradually increasing diameter.

[0112] This has been found to help allow a balanced tension to be applied at all times. The reel 12 enables a constant length of barrier to be always on the reel (support member), thereby largely removing the need to allow for varying lengths of deployment in the system. Using springs rather than weights can reduce system inertia.

[0113] Figure 7A schematically balanced single unit barrier assembly is shown in which an attachment assembly 80 is used. The wire members are attached to biasing members (e.g., tensioning springs) included in either end of a movable vertical stile, in this embodiment, wire member 5a is attached to biasing member 3a and wire member 5b is attached to biasing member 3b. The pretensioning force applied by each extended biasing member (force A from the top member and force B from the bottom member) is transmitted to the corresponding wire members 5a and 5b, which surround the pulley 7 at one end of the hole to be shielded. These two wire members 5a and 5b are attached to the engagement block 4 and a third wire member 5 (or alternatively, 5a or 5b can be extended through the engagement block 4) is attached to the other side of the engagement block. The force C in the wire member 5 is equal to the resultant forces A and B, and the other end of the wire member 5 is attached to a reel or winding member, which is fixed to the top end of a reel 6, and the flexible membrane (2) is wound on the top end of the reel 6.

[0114] As the stile 3 moves away from the reel 6, the flexible film is unwound from the reel 6 while the wire member 5 is wound onto the reel 1. The tension (force C) in the wire member 5 is applied to the reel 1, creating a resultant torque. In a perfectly balanced system, if the effective diameter of the reel 1 is equal to the outer diameter of the reel of the flexible film 2 on the reel 6, the torque applied by the wire member is perfectly balanced by the torque applied by the net force distributed in the flexible film 2, and the system has no tendency to move in any direction except by an external force applied somewhere in the system (either by a person's hand or foot or by a motorized device). In this case, the resultant force C in the wire member 5 is equal to the force (tension) in the flexible film 2. In the absence of any external forces acting on the system, the frictional forces will overcome the low inertia of the system and the stile 3 will stop moving smoothly after release.

[0115] If the diameter of the drum 1 on which the wire member is wound or the diameter of the spool of the flexible film 2 does not match, the resultant torque is applied to the spool 6, and the system will then be biased to move in one direction by releasing the potential energy stored in the bias springs 3a and 3b, and the unit will tend to move in one direction - either winding up onto the spool 6, or further across the hole towards the pulley 7, around which the wire members 5a and 5b pass. The direction of movement is determined by the relative diameters. If the effective diameter of the drum 1 is smaller, the wire member 5 will tend to be wound on it, but if the spool diameter on the spool 6 is smaller, the flexible film 2 will tend to be wound onto the spool 6.

[0116] An important feature of the barrier assembly of the preferred embodiment is the attachment assembly 80, one form of which is Figures 8 to 14 1 and are arranged to attach each wire member 81 relative to a corresponding bias spring 14. The number of attachment assemblies 80 provided in any barrier assembly generally depends on the configuration of the barrier assembly. In a single stile barrier assembly having a pair of biasing means, for example Figures 8 to 14 As shown, a pair of attachment assemblies 80 are provided, one for the upper biasing spring 14 and one for the lower biasing device 14'.

[0117] A plurality of guides or spacers 83 may be provided relative to each bias spring 14 to hold the bias spring 14 in position relative to the channel 96 of the stile 3. In a preferred embodiment, the channel 96 is U-shaped, but in other embodiments, the channel may have other shapes to position components as described herein therein.

[0118] Each attachment assembly 80 includes a wire connection device 82, relative to which a portion of the wire member 81 can be connected. In the embodiment shown, the wire connection device 82 is located within the U-shaped channel 96 of the door stile 3. Fig.14 As shown, the wire connection device 82 is constructed as a main body 84 that is completely located within the U-shaped channel 96 of the door stile 3 and a cover 85 that is removably attached relative to the base plate 87 using threaded fasteners 86. Removing the cover 85 from the main body 84 will generally allow access to the main body 84 for attaching and detaching the wire member 81. An appropriate connection mechanism is provided on the main body 84 to allow connection of the wire member 81 relative to the wire connection device 82. Any connection mechanism may be used, such as a crimping mechanism, a clamping mechanism, or a pin and slot mechanism, etc. A simple and direct connection mechanism is preferred for easy and quick assembly.

[0119] The elongated connector 88 is preferably mounted relative to the line connection device 82. Again, any connection mechanism may be used to connect the elongated connector 88 to the line connection device 82. In the preferred form shown, the elongated connector 88 is provided with an extension portion 89 that is received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the line connection device 82, thereby allowing the elongated connector 88 to extend toward the slider 90 of the attachment assembly. The attachment of the cover 85 relative to the body 84 of the line connection device 82 typically sandwiches the extension portion 89, thereby fixing its position relative to the line connection device 82. This relatively simple connection mechanism will allow the elongated connector 88 to be removed and / or replaced if necessary.

[0120] The wire connection device 82 may be made of any material and typically light metals or engineered plastics will be used.

[0121] The wire connection device 82 may be movably mounted or fixed in position relative to the door stile 3. If the wire connection device 82 is movably mounted, preferably the U-shaped channel 96 relative to the door stile 3 is only linearly movable.

[0122] The attachment assembly 80 of the illustrated embodiment includes a slider 90 operatively associated with each bias spring 14 and having a tensioning assembly. If the slider 90 is movably mounted relative to the stile 3, which is preferred, then preferably only linear movement relative to the stile 3 is possible and all other movement is restricted or substantially prevented. In the illustrated preferred construction, the slider 90 is mounted for movement relative to the stile 3, and movement of the slider 90 serves to extend or allow contraction of the slider 90 relative to the bias spring 14 to which it is mounted.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, each slider 90 is operably associated with a corresponding bias spring 14, which is attached to or relative to the slider 90. Typically, the outer end of the slider 90 (the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device, respectively) is directly attached to the corresponding slider 90, while the other end of the bias spring is attached to the center block 91.

[0124] The bias springs 14, 14' are disposed substantially coaxially relative to the stile 3 and are mounted end-to-end on either side of the center block 91, typically completely within a U-shaped channel 96 provided in the stile 3. The bias springs 14, 14' are preferably mounted independently of one another, with the base of each of the bias springs 14, 14' being movable within the stile 3 to individually adjust the tension applied by the bias springs 14, 14'.

[0125] exist Fig.13 In the construction shown in detail in FIG. 8 , each slider 90 has a body 92 that allows the biasing spring 14 to be attached relative thereto and also allows the elongated connector 88 to be engaged by providing an elongated connector engaging head 93 .

[0126] In the illustrated construction, the elongated connector engagement head 93 is at least partially located within the body 92 of the slider 90 so as to be completely located within the U-shaped channel 96 of the stile 3 .

[0127] The body 92 of the slider 90 is preferably generally rectangular with an opening 94 disposed at one end facing the wire connection device 82 through which the elongated connector 88 is fed during attachment to the slider 90. Preferably, the opening 94 is disposed adjacent the elongated connector engagement head 93.

[0128] The elongated connector engagement head 93 is provided with an engagement shoulder that is biased into engagement with the elongated connector 88 when the elongated connector 88 is inserted into the engagement head 93. This biasing can be achieved in a variety of ways, but one simple method is to provide an engagement shoulder that extends into the opening through which the elongated connector 88 is inserted, so that when the elongated connector 88 is inserted, the engagement shoulder is pressed or moved by the size of the elongated connector 88.

[0129] The engagement shoulder is arranged so that the engagement shoulder can be released by applying a force to overcome the bias. The force can be applied directly or indirectly manually and / or using a tool to move the engagement shoulder. In this way, the engagement shoulder can be generally released from the elongated connector 88 to allow the elongated connector 88 to be removed or released from the engagement head 93, thereby allowing the elongated connector 88 to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder, but once the engagement shoulder has been disengaged, the elongated connector 88 is also allowed to move in the opposite direction.

[0130] In a preferred form, the engagement shoulder is formed at the apex of a pair of walls that are angled relative to each other.Preferably, the engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongated connector 88 or across the width of at least the engagement structure provided on the elongated connector 88.

[0131] In use, engagement between the slider 90 and the elongate connector 88 will create a tensioning assembly, allowing a user to apply tension to the flexible barrier 10 via the wire member 81 and the biasing spring 14 associated with the slider 90 .

[0132] The elongate connector 88 is of course elongate and, in the preferred form, includes a substantially planar portion that engages with the engagement head 93. Preferably, the elongate connector 88 is flexible, but preferably is not elastic.

[0133] The elongated connector 88 of the preferred configuration has a plurality of engagement structures to engage with the engagement head 93. Preferably, when the elongated connector 88 is pulled through the engagement head 93, the engagement shoulders will engage the corresponding engagement structures to apply or adjust tension in the flexible barrier 10.

[0134] Although the engagement structure may have any form, it is preferred that the engagement structure is or includes a plurality of spaced ridges with which the engagement shoulders may engage as desired. The spaced ridges are typically spaced apart over at least a portion of the length of the elongated connector 88.

[0135] A grip portion may be provided at the front end of the elongated connector. The front end of the elongated connector may be tapered to facilitate insertion or alignment of the elongated connector with the engagement head. An opening may be provided in the front end of the elongated connector to allow a user to insert a finger, for example to pull the elongated connector through the engagement head.

[0136] The elongated connector is provided with one or more alignment marks or formations.

[0137] A plurality of corresponding alignment notches 95 are provided on the stile 3. The alignment notches 95 provided on the stile 3 are used in conjunction with alignment marks or formations provided on the elongate connector 88 during the pre-tensioning step during assembly.

[0138] The assembly method includes pre-tensioning the wire member 81 to remove any slack prior to attachment to the wire connection device 82, attaching the wire member 81 to the wire connection device 82, engaging the elongated connector 88 with the slider 90 to take up any slack in the wire member 81, operating the flexible barrier 10 to wind and unwind the wire member 81 multiple times, and, if necessary, adjusting the final tension of the wire member 81 by moving the elongated connector 88 relative to the slider 90.

[0139] In this way, the wire member 81 can be provided in a predetermined length for the intended opening, thereby eliminating the need for the installer to measure or cut the cable in the field. Thus, the cable length can be effectively removed as a field variable. Instead, by adjusting the elongated connector 88 in incremental steps relative to the slide 90, the final tension can be easily fine-tuned in the field without the need for factory fine-tuning or complicated tension balancing.

[0140] Once set, the flexible barrier will remain balanced, but some adjustment (typically tightening) can be made using the connection assembly 80 if necessary.

[0141] In this specification and claims (if any), the word "comprise" and its derivatives, including "including" and "comprising", include each stated integer and do not exclude the inclusion of one or more other integers.

[0142] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the various appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner into one or more combinations.

[0143] In accordance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language that is more or less specific to structural or methodological features. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the means described herein comprise preferred forms for making the present invention effective. The present invention is therefore claimed in any form or modification thereof within the proper scope of the appended claims as properly interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[0144] The present invention provides the following embodiments:

[0145] Embodiment 1. A horizontally pulled winding barrier assembly, comprising:

[0146] a. at least one flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier;

[0147] b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end;

[0148] c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier;

[0149] d. at least one reel associated with the support member;

[0150] e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising:

[0151] i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected;

[0152] ii. a slider operably associated with said at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly; and

[0153] iii. an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured to selectively engage the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby the flexible barrier.

[0154] Embodiment 2. The barrier assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one flexible barrier is a mesh barrier, or an opaque barrier, or a combination of a mesh barrier and an opaque barrier.

[0155] Embodiment 3. The barrier assembly of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one flexible barrier is:

[0156] inelastic; and / or

[0157] Made of textile or polymer sheets; and / or

[0158] Attached to or relative to the support member at opposing edge regions of the at least one flexible barrier.

[0159] Embodiment 4. The barrier assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments comprises a plurality of flexible barriers, wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible barriers extends from both sides of the assembly toward the middle or another point, and / or wherein more than one of the plurality of flexible barriers extends from the same side of the assembly but are spaced apart to avoid obstruction of each other.

[0160] Embodiment 5. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the substantially vertical support member:

[0161] is configured as a cylindrical member or spool; and / or

[0162] is mounted for rotation at an upper end and at a lower end; and / or

[0163] Extends substantially to the height of the flexible barrier member or slightly beyond the height of the flexible barrier member.

[0164] Embodiment 6. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stile:

[0165] comprising one or more guides disposed at the upper and / or lower ends to guide movement of the stile between the extended position and the retracted position; and / or

[0166] A rigid member including channels disposed therein to accommodate components, particularly components of an attachment assembly.

[0167] Embodiment 7. The barrier assembly of embodiment 6, wherein the channel is U-shaped and:

[0168] provided on a side of the stile opposite to the support member; and / or

[0169] A removable cover is provided that is engageable with respect to the U-shaped channel.

[0170] Embodiment 8. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, comprising a pair of biasing means for each stile, an upper biasing means and a lower biasing means.

[0171] Embodiment 9. The barrier assembly of embodiment 8, wherein the biasing device:

[0172] is disposed substantially coaxially with respect to said stile; and / or

[0173] End-to-end installation; and / or

[0174] At least partially, and preferably completely, mounted within a U-shaped channel provided in the door jamb; and / or

[0175] Installed independently of each other.

[0176] Embodiment 10. The barrier assembly of embodiment 9, wherein the base of each biasing device is movable within the stile to adjust the tension applied by the biasing device.

[0177] Embodiment 11. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, comprising one or more mounting blocks relative to the center of the stile, wherein one end of the at least one biasing device is attached relative to the mounting block.

[0178] Embodiment 12. A barrier assembly according to any one of embodiments 6 to 11, comprising one or more guides or spacers relative to the or each biasing device to hold the or each biasing device in position relative to the U-shaped channel of the stile.

[0179] Embodiment 13. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the drum is disposed at an upper end of the substantially vertical support member and is coaxial therewith for rotation therewith.

[0180] Embodiment 14. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the diameter of the drum is substantially the same as the diameter of the flexible barrier surrounding the support member.

[0181] Embodiment 15. The barrier assembly of embodiment 14, wherein the drum or a portion of the drum has a shaped profile such that the diameter of the drum changes at the location where the wire member contacts the drum as the wire member is wound onto or off the drum.

[0182] Embodiment 16. A barrier assembly according to embodiment 15, wherein the drum or a portion of the drum has one or a combination of the following shapes: conical; partial conical; diverging conical; converging conical; cylindrical; substantially cylindrical; a "stepped" profile comprising multiple cylinders of different diameters; a cone with a taper at either end, optionally with a short parallel portion at or near the center; a "reverse barrel", gradually decreasing from a larger diameter closest to the support member to a smaller diameter away from the support member, or vice versa.

[0183] Embodiment 17. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, comprising a first wire member and one or more other wire members and / or wire portions to be wound on and off the reel to balance the flexible barrier.

[0184] Embodiment 18. The barrier assembly of embodiment 17, wherein, where a pair of biasing means are provided, a first wire member is attached at an upper end of an upper biasing means and another wire member is attached at a lower end of a lower biasing means.

[0185] Embodiment 19. The barrier assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the first wire member extends to an engagement block, a second wire member extends from the engagement block to the upper biasing device, and a third wire member extends from the engagement block to the lower biasing device.

[0186] Embodiment 20. The barrier assembly of embodiment 19, wherein the wire member stretches around one or more wheels or pulleys to change direction and is disposed around an edge of the flexible barrier.

[0187] Embodiment 21. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, comprising a plurality of attachment assemblies, wherein the attachment assemblies are operably associated with respective biasing devices.

[0188] Embodiment 22. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 6 to 21, wherein the wire connection device is configured as a body and / or is located within a U-shaped channel of the stile.

[0189] Embodiment 23. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the wire member is connected to the wire connection device by one of the following connection mechanisms: a crimping mechanism; a clamping mechanism; a pin and slot mechanism.

[0190] Embodiment 24. A barrier assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated connector includes an extension portion received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the wire connection device, allowing the elongated connector to extend toward a slider of the attachment assembly.

[0191] Embodiment 25. The barrier assembly of embodiment 24, wherein attachment of the removable cover of the stile's U-shaped channel relative to the body of the wire connection sandwiches the extension, thereby fixing its position relative to the wire connection.

[0192] Embodiment 26. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the wire connection device is mounted in a fixed position or movably mounted relative to the stile, wherein only linear movement relative to the stile is possible.

[0193] Embodiment 27. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the slider is mounted relative to the stile either fixed in position or movable, wherein only linear movement relative to the stile is possible and all other movement is restricted or substantially prevented.

[0194] Embodiment 28. The barrier assembly of embodiment 27, wherein, where the slider is mounted for movement relative to the door jamb, movement of the slider serves to extend or compress the biasing device relative to which the slider is mounted.

[0195] Embodiment 29. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the outer end (the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device, respectively) is directly attached to the respective slider.

[0196] Embodiment 30. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein each slider has a body that allows the biasing device to be attached relative thereto and the elongated connector to be attached or mounted through an elongated connector engagement head.

[0197] Embodiment 31. The barrier assembly of embodiment 30, wherein the elongated connector engagement head is at least partially located within the body of the slider to be completely located within the U-shaped channel of the stile.

[0198] Embodiment 32. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the body of the slider:

[0199] is generally rectangular; and / or

[0200] An opening is included at an end facing the line connection device, through which the elongated connector is fed during attachment of the elongated connector to the slider, wherein the opening is preferably adjacent to an elongated connector engagement head.

[0201] Embodiment 33. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the elongated connector engagement head includes at least one engagement shoulder.

[0202] Embodiment 34. The barrier assembly of Embodiment 33, wherein the engagement shoulder is biased into engagement with the elongated connector when the elongated connector is inserted into the engagement head.

[0203] Embodiment 35. The barrier assembly of embodiment 34, wherein the engagement shoulder extends into the opening through which the elongated connector is inserted, such that when the elongated connector is inserted, the engagement shoulder is pressed or moved by the size of the elongated connector.

[0204] Embodiment 36. A barrier assembly according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the engagement shoulder is configured in the following manner: the engagement shoulder is released by overcoming the bias by applying a force to allow the slender connector to be removed or released from the engagement head, thereby allowing the slender connector to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder, and once the engagement shoulder has disengaged, allowing the slender connector to move in the opposite direction.

[0205] Embodiment 37. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the engagement shoulder is formed at an apex of a pair of walls that are angled relative to each other.

[0206] Embodiment 38. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 33 to 37, wherein the engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongated connector or at least across the width of an engagement structure provided on the elongated connector.

[0207] Embodiment 39. A barrier assembly according to any one of embodiments 33 to 38, wherein the engagement between the slider and the slender connector generates the tensioning assembly, allowing a user to apply tension on the flexible barrier via the wire member and a biasing device associated with the slider.

[0208] Embodiment 40. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 30 to 39, wherein the elongated connector:

[0209] comprising a substantially flat portion for engagement with the engagement head; and / or

[0210] is flexible; and / or

[0211] Not elastic, or having limited elasticity to provide a cushioning effect while maintaining tension in the flexible barrier.

[0212] Embodiment 41. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 38 to 40, wherein the engagement structure of the elongated connector:

[0213] engaged by the engagement shoulder to apply or adjust tension in the flexible barrier as the elongate connector is pulled through the engagement head; and / or

[0214] There may be or include a plurality of spaced apart ridges spaced apart over at least a portion of the length of the elongate connector, the engagement shoulder being engageable with the ridges.

[0215] Embodiment 42. The barrier assembly of any one of Embodiments 30 to 41, wherein the front end of the elongated connector:

[0216] including a grip portion; and / or

[0217] gradually tapering to facilitate insertion or alignment of the elongated connector with the engagement head; and / or

[0218] An opening is included to allow a user to insert a finger or a tool to pull the elongated connector through the engagement head.

[0219] Embodiment 43. The barrier assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the elongated connector includes one or more alignment marks or formations, and the stile includes one or more corresponding alignment marks or formations, preferably in the form of notches or the like.

[0220] Embodiment 44. An attachment assembly for a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the attachment assembly comprising:

[0221] a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member of the barrier assembly is connectable;

[0222] a slider operably associated with at least one biasing device of the barrier assembly and having a tensioning assembly; and

[0223] An elongated connector is mounted relative to the wire connection device and is configured to selectively engage the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby tension at least one flexible barrier of the barrier assembly.

[0224] Embodiment 45. An attachment assembly according to embodiment 44, comprising the features of any one or more of embodiments 2 to 43.

[0225] Embodiment 46. A method for assembling a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly comprising:

[0226] a. a flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier;

[0227] b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end;

[0228] c. at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier;

[0229] d. at least one reel associated with the support member;

[0230] e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising:

[0231] i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected;

[0232] ii. a slider operably associated with said at least one biasing device and having a tensioning assembly; and

[0233] iii. an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device and configured to selectively engage with the tensioning assembly to tension the wire member and thereby the flexible barrier,

[0234] The method includes the steps of pre-tensioning the wire member prior to attachment to the wire connection device; attaching the wire member to the wire connection device; engaging the elongated connector with a tensioning assembly of the slider to take up any slack in the wire member; operating the flexible barrier to wind and unwind the wire member multiple times; and adjusting the final tension of the wire member by moving the elongated connector relative to the tensioning assembly of the slider when necessary.

Claims

1. A horizontally pulled winding barrier assembly, comprising: a. at least one flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier; b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end; c. at least one biasing device within the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier; d. at least one reel associated with the support member; e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising: i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected, the wire connection device being located within the U-shaped channel of the stile; ii. a slider operably connected to said at least one biasing means; as well as iii. An elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device, the elongated connector having a plurality of engagement structures spaced apart along a portion thereof, the slider comprising at least one engagement shoulder arranged to selectively engage the engagement structures in discrete increments, thereby allowing a user to incrementally tighten the flexible barrier.

2. The barrier assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flexible barrier is a mesh barrier, or an opaque barrier, or a combination of a mesh barrier and an opaque barrier.

3. The barrier assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one flexible barrier is: inelastic; and / or Made of textile or polymer sheets; and / or Attached to or relative to the support member at opposing edge regions of the at least one flexible barrier.

4. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of flexible barriers, wherein: At least one of the plurality of flexible barriers extends from both sides of the assembly toward the middle or another point, and / or wherein more than one of the plurality of flexible barriers extends from the same side of the assembly but are spaced apart so as not to obstruct each other.

5. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The substantially vertical support member: is configured as a cylindrical member or spool; and / or is mounted for rotation at an upper end and at a lower end; and / or Extends substantially to the height of the flexible barrier member or slightly beyond the height of the flexible barrier member.

6. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The stiles: comprising one or more guides disposed at the upper and / or lower ends to guide movement of the stile between the extended position and the retracted position; and / or is a rigid member and the U-shaped channel is provided therein to accommodate components, in particular components of the attachment assembly.

7. The barrier assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The U-shaped channel: provided on a side of the stile opposite to the support member; and / or A removable cover is provided that is engageable with respect to the U-shaped channel.

8. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a pair of biasing means for each stile, an upper biasing means and a lower biasing means.

9. The barrier assembly of claim 8, wherein: The biasing device: is disposed substantially coaxially with respect to said stile; and / or End-to-end installation; and / or At least partially, and preferably completely, mounted within a U-shaped channel provided in the door jamb; and / or Installed independently of each other.

10. The barrier assembly of claim 9, wherein: The base of each biasing device is movable within the stile to adjust the tension applied by the biasing device.

11. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more mounting blocks relative to the centre of the stile, wherein One end of the at least one biasing device is attached relative to the mounting block.

12. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 11, comprising one or more guides or spacers relative to the or each biasing means to retain the or each biasing means in position relative to the U-shaped channel of the stile.

13. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The drum is disposed at an upper end of the substantially vertical support member and is coaxial therewith for rotation therewith.

14. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The diameter of the drum is substantially the same as the diameter of the flexible barrier surrounding the support member.

15. The barrier assembly of claim 14, wherein: The drum or a portion of the drum has a shaped profile such that the diameter of the drum at the location where the wire member contacts the drum varies as the wire member is wound onto or off the drum.

16. The barrier assembly of claim 15, wherein: The drum or a portion of the drum has one or a combination of the following shapes: conical; partial conical; diverging conical; converging conical; cylindrical; substantially cylindrical; a "stepped" profile comprising multiple cylinders of different diameters; a cone with tapers at either end, optionally with short parallel portions at or near the center; a "reverse barrel", gradually decreasing from a larger diameter closest to the support member to a smaller diameter away from the support member, or vice versa.

17. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a first wire member and one or more further wire members and / or wire portions to be wound on and off the reel to balance the flexible barrier.

18. The barrier assembly of claim 17, wherein: Where a pair of biasing means are provided, a first wire member is attached at an upper end of an upper biasing means and another wire member is attached at a lower end of a lower biasing means.

19. The barrier assembly of claim 18, wherein: The first wire member extends to an engagement block, a second wire member extends from the engagement block to the upper biasing means, and a third wire member extends from the engagement block to the lower biasing means.

20. The barrier assembly of claim 19, wherein: The wire members are stretched around one or more wheels or pulleys to change direction and are disposed around the edges of the flexible barrier.

21. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of attachment assemblies, wherein: The attachment assemblies are operably associated with respective biasing devices.

22. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 21, wherein: The line connection device is configured as a main body.

23. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The wire member is connected to the wire connection device by one of the following connection mechanisms: a crimping mechanism; a clamping mechanism; a pin and slot mechanism.

24. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The elongated connector includes an extension portion that is received in or relative to a corresponding receiving portion of the wire connection device, allowing the elongated connector to extend toward a slider of the attachment assembly.

25. The barrier assembly of claim 24, wherein: Attachment of the removable cover of the stile's U-shaped channel relative to the body of the wire connection sandwiches the extension, thereby fixing its position relative to the wire connection.

26. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The wire connection device can be mounted in a fixed position or movably mounted relative to the door stile, wherein only linear movement relative to the door stile is possible.

27. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The slide may be mounted relative to the stile either fixed in position or movable, wherein only linear movement relative to the stile is possible and all other movement is restricted or substantially prevented.

28. The barrier assembly of claim 27, wherein: Where the slider is mounted for movement relative to the stile, movement of the slider acts to extend or compress the biasing means relative to which it is mounted.

29. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The outer end (the top end of the upper biasing device or the lower end of the lower biasing device, respectively) is directly attached to the corresponding slider.

30. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each slider has a body that allows the biasing device to be attached relative thereto and the elongated connector to be attached or mounted through the elongated connector engagement head.

31. The barrier assembly of claim 30, wherein: The elongated connector engagement head is at least partially positioned within the body of the slider to be positioned completely within the U-shaped channel of the stile.

32. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The main body of the slider: is generally rectangular; and / or An opening is included at an end facing the line connection device, through which the elongated connector is fed during attachment of the elongated connector to the slider, wherein the opening is preferably adjacent to an elongated connector engagement head.

33. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein: The elongated connector engagement head includes at least one engagement shoulder.

34. The barrier assembly of claim 33, wherein: The engagement shoulder is biased into engagement with the elongated connector when the elongated connector is inserted into the engagement head.

35. The barrier assembly of claim 34, wherein: The engagement shoulder extends into the opening through which the elongated connector is inserted such that when the elongated connector is inserted, the engagement shoulder is depressed or moved by the dimensions of the elongated connector.

36. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein: The engagement shoulder is arranged in the following manner: the engagement shoulder is released by overcoming the bias by applying a force to allow the slender connector to be removed or released from the engagement head, thereby allowing the slender connector to move in a forward direction to be engaged by the engagement shoulder, and once the engagement shoulder has disengaged, allowing the slender connector to move in the opposite direction.

37. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein: The engagement shoulder is formed at the apex of a pair of walls that are angled relative to each other.

38. A barrier assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein: The engagement shoulder extends across the width of the elongate connector or at least across the width of an engagement structure provided on the elongate connector.

39. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein: The elongated connector: including a generally planar portion for engagement with the engagement head; and / or is flexible; and / or Not elastic, or having limited elasticity to provide a cushioning effect while maintaining tension in the flexible barrier.

40. The barrier assembly of any one of claims 38 to 39, wherein: The engagement structure of the elongated connector: being engaged by the engagement shoulder to apply or adjust tension in the flexible barrier as the elongated connector is pulled through the engagement head; and / or There may be or include a plurality of spaced apart ridges spaced apart over at least a portion of the length of the elongate connector, the engagement shoulder being engageable with the ridges.

41. The barrier assembly according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein: The front end of the elongated connector: including a grip portion; and / or gradually tapering to facilitate insertion or alignment of the elongated connector with the engagement head; and / or An opening is included to allow a user to insert a finger or tool to pull the elongated connector through the engagement head.

42. A barrier assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The elongate connector includes one or more alignment marks or formations and the stile includes one or more corresponding alignment marks or formations, preferably in the form of notches or the like.

43. An attachment assembly for a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the attachment assembly comprising: a wire connection device configured to connect to a portion of a wire member of the barrier assembly, the wire connection device being located within a U-shaped channel of a vertical stile located at a front edge region of at least one flexible barrier configured to wrap / unwrap around a substantially vertical support member having an upper end and a lower end; a slider operably connected to at least one biasing device of the barrier assembly; as well as An elongated connector is mounted relative to the wire connection device, the elongated connector having a plurality of engagement structures spaced apart along a portion thereof, the slider including at least one engagement shoulder arranged to selectively engage the engagement structures in discrete increments, thereby allowing a user to incrementally tension the flexible barrier.

44. An attachment assembly according to claim 43, including the features of any one or more of claims 2 to 42.

45. A method for assembling a cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly, the cross-pull roll-up barrier assembly comprising: a. a flexible barrier having a stile located at a front edge region of the flexible barrier; b. a substantially vertical support member around which the flexible barrier can be wound / unwound, and having an upper end and a lower end; c. at least one biasing device within the stile to create tension in the flexible barrier; d. at least one reel associated with the support member; e. A wire member capable of being wound onto and off a drum, the wire member being operably associated with the stile such that when the flexible barrier is extended, the wire member is wound onto the drum, and when the flexible barrier is contracted, the wire member is wound off the drum, the wire member being operably associated with at least one biasing device using an attachment assembly comprising: i. a wire connection device to which a portion of the wire member can be connected, the wire connection device being located within the U-shaped channel of the stile; ii. a slider operably connected to said at least one biasing means; as well as iii. an elongated connector mounted relative to the wire connection device, the elongated connector having a plurality of engagement structures spaced apart along a portion thereof, the slider comprising at least one engagement shoulder arranged to selectively engage the engagement structures in discrete increments to incrementally tension the flexible barrier, The method includes the steps of pre-tensioning the wire member prior to attachment to the wire connection device; attaching the wire member to the wire connection device; engaging at least one engagement shoulder of the slider with a plurality of engagement structures of the elongated connector to take up any slack in the wire member; operating the flexible barrier to wind and unwind the wire member multiple times; and in order to adjust the tension in the wire member by incrementally advancing the elongated connector relative to the slider in discrete increments, adjusting the final tension of the wire member when necessary by incrementally advancing the elongated connector relative to the slider in discrete increments.

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