Screening or screening panel for rigid lattice fences and method for fixing the same

Abstract

A privacy screen or screening panel (1-1) for a rigid mesh fence, comprising a plate (10) having a front face and an opposite face called the rear face, and fastening and locking means (5) for locking the plate against the mesh in the mounted position of the panel, said fastening and locking means (5) comprising at least one attachment piece (50) capable of cooperating with at least one pair of a first bore (70) and a second bore formed in the thickness of the plate, characterized in that the attachment piece (50) is a rigid piece which comprises a first part (50A) positioned on the front face (16) of the plate in the position of use of the attachment piece on the plate, and a second part capable of passing through the first bore (70) to be arranged on the side of the rear face of the plate and opposite the second bore,and in that the fastening and locking means (5) further comprise at least one locking element (51) which is capable of cooperating with the second bore and the second part of the attachment piece (50).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of privacy screen or screening devices for rigid mesh fences.

[0002] A rigid mesh fence consists of posts and rigid panels fixed between them. The panels are made of interlacing vertical and horizontal rigid wires forming a rigid, openwork mesh. In addition, the vertical wires have a localized V-shaped ridge, usually at least at the top and bottom, extending from one face of the panel (referred to as the ribbed face in the following description) to reinforce the panel's rigidity.

[0003] It is sometimes desirable to dress up such a fence to block the view or at least break up the view.

[0004] It is particularly known for individual slats that are slid vertically between the vertical wires of the trellis, thus closing the space between two vertical wires. Various fastening systems exist for securing the slats.

[0005] However, these plastic slats, usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), age poorly; they discolor and deteriorate over time. Furthermore, while they serve as privacy screens, in combination with the mesh, they are not actually completely opaque.

[0006] US 10 290 238 B1 describes a sign attached to a wire mesh fence.

[0007] Also known from patent application FR3032217 is a foldable material plate comprising, near one of its edges, a line of edge holes for positioning the plate on the mesh, and, distributed in regularly spaced bands, a multitude of multi-functional holes. The plate is first positioned on the fence mesh by passing the edge holes around the distal ends of the vertical wires. The plate is then folded perpendicularly to bring it against the ribbed face of the mesh panel, then folded to conform to the V-shape of the mesh, and finally secured by clamps or straps that are passed around the vertical or horizontal wires via the edge holes and through several of the holes distributed across the surface of the plate.In addition to their function of attaching the panel to the mesh, the holes are arranged in regularly spaced bands to create fold lines and facilitate bending the panel. Furthermore, they allow air to pass through the panel to prevent deformation and even damage in windy conditions.

[0008] However, the aforementioned plate is neither convenient nor quick to install; indeed, it is necessary to fold the plate in several places, firstly, to press it against the wire mesh, and secondly, to ensure it perfectly conforms to the mesh's ribbed shape. Furthermore, the plate must be folded skillfully the first time, because otherwise, when attempting to unfold and refold it correctly, it will retain creases in certain areas. Moreover, the numerous holes are unsightly. Finally, the fact that this plate is made of a flexible material may deter the user from purchasing it, as it does not initially appear very sturdy.

[0009] Furthermore, the aforementioned panel is secured using flexible clamps that must be passed through numerous holes in the panel, or by pinching the panel at specific cutouts. This method is neither practical nor quick, and it also requires the panel to be accessible to the operator from both the front and rear. However, depending on the fence's location, the operator may not always be able to access the rear of the fence.

[0010] The invention therefore aims to provide a privacy screen, or even a total blackout device, that does not present the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular by being quick and easy to install and allowing for a locked attachment of the device from its front face (the face from which the device is positioned against the fence). The device will also be sturdy and durable, while being aesthetically pleasing.

[0011] Thus, the invention relates to a privacy screen or screening panel for rigid mesh fencing, comprising: a plate (preferably rigid, i.e. not capable of being bent during its installation on the fence) having a front face and an opposite face called the rear face (the mesh being intended to be on the rear face of the panel plate), fixing and locking means for the panel (the fixing and locking means being intended to lock the fixing of the plate against the mesh in the mounted position of the panel), said fixing and locking means comprising at least one attachment piece capable of cooperating with at least one pair of a first bore and a second bore, the bores being provided in the thickness of the plate (from the front face to the rear face), characterized in that the attachment piece is a rigid part which includes a first part positioned on the front face of the plate in the position of use of the attachment piece on the plate, and a second part adapted to pass through the first bore to be arranged on the side of the rear face of the plate and opposite the second bore, and in that the fastening and locking means further comprise at least one locking element (which is a part independent of the attachment piece) which is adapted to cooperate (from the front face of the plate) with the second bore and the second part of the attachment piece (which is on the rear face in the position of use of the attachment piece).

[0012] According to one characteristic, the first and second bores are spaced at an appropriate distance so as to be positioned, in the mounted position of a panel on a fence trellis, on either side of at least one vertical wire of the trellis.

[0013] In the following description, the term "height," and the adjectives "upper," "lower," "high," and "low" in relation to the privacy screen or screening panel of the invention, referred to as the screening panel, are used in the context of a normal installation of said panel, that is, relating to a vertical dimension of its installation on a rigid fence. The term "length" with respect to a component of the screening device refers to the longest dimension in a horizontal plane.

[0014] Thus, the combination of the pair of appropriately spaced bores, and the fastener piece which is rigid and suitable for being positioned partly at the rear of the panel plate while another part remains at the front of the plate, allows the fastener piece to be attached effortlessly from only one side of the panel (here the front face) without the user having to go behind the panel.More specifically, the first bore is used for the introduction of part of the fastener (its second part) so that it passes to the rear of the plate and is positioned opposite the second bore (which is done without difficulty because the part is rigid), the fastener (its second part) having covered on the rear side at least one vertical wire of the mesh in the installed position of the plate against the mesh; the second bore allows access from the front to the second part of the fastener, which is located at the rear of the plate, in order to make the locking element cooperate from the front.The first part of the fastener, remaining on the front face of the plate, acts as a lever, ensuring that the second part of the fastener, which engages with the locking element, remains in a stable position at the rear of the plate. This is achieved even when the user inserts the locking element into the second part of the fastener, applying a pushing force to the second part in a direction opposite to the plate. Without the first part of the fastener bearing against the front face of the plate, the fastener would tend to move away from the plate when the user attempts to secure the locking element.According to one characteristic, the first part of the fastener intended to bear against the front face of the plate has dimensions adapted to counterbalance the thrust forces intended to be applied against the second part of the fastener when the locking element is attached to said second part.

[0015] According to another feature, the second part cooperates with the second bore in such a way that the second part remains arranged only on the rear face of the plate (without passing back through the plate – which further simplifies the shape of the part). According to another feature, the second part includes a fastening area suitable for positioning itself opposite said second bore so that the locking element cooperates with the fastening area to secure the fastener (and consequently to lock the plate, and therefore the panel, against the mesh by having trapped at least one vertical wire of the mesh).

[0016] Preferably, the fastener is elongated and comprises, as a first and second part, two spaced, parallel arms extending in opposite directions, connected by a substantially perpendicular connecting portion. In particular, the fastener is elongated and doubly angled to define the first and second parts, both elongated, and a substantially perpendicular connecting portion joining the two parts. Preferably, this connecting portion has a width just greater than the thickness of the panel and the thickness of a wire of the mesh for which the panel is intended. "Just" means that the dimension is adjusted to allow minimal play between the fastener and the mesh wire so as to allow a grip on the back of the mesh wire and secure it.

[0017] In one particular example, the locking element is removable; preferably, the locking element is a screw, while the second part of the fastener has a mounting area consisting of a threaded recess projecting away from the plate in the mounted position of the fastener. Alternatively, the locking element is a rivet, while the second part of the fastener has a mounting area that includes a hole.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the first bore has a cross-section adapted to accommodate the passage of the second part of the fastener and the connecting part. Preferably, the first bore is square or rectangular.

[0019] According to another characteristic, the second bore is oblong.

[0020] Advantageously, the attachment piece is metallic, preferably galvanized.

[0021] Another characteristic is that the attachment piece includes a decorative element that is integral to the first part (so as to be visible on the front of the plate). This decorative element helps to minimize the visual impact of the locking mechanism and allows the attachment piece to blend into the decorative design of the plate.

[0022] Preferably, the privacy screen panel includes a mounting flange extending from or near the top edge of the panel, specifically perpendicular to the overall plane of the panel, and equipped with widely spaced holes. These widely spaced holes in the mounting flange allow for direct installation of the panel by hooking or vertically suspending it from the fence mesh. Once the privacy screen panel is installed in this way, the operator has their hands free to lock the panel's fastening using at least one fastener associated with the locking mechanism, while remaining on only one side of the panel.

[0023] Consequently, the panel is quick to install and lock. The user lifts the panel slightly above the trellis and slides it up and down to insert the ends of the vertical wires through the holes until the wing butts against, typically, the first V-shaped angled portion of the trellis' raised sections. This secures the panel and positions it directly against the trellis. The panel is heavy enough to hang by gravity and remain firmly against the fence. Attaching the panel is therefore very easy and quick. Moreover, because the privacy panel of the invention is rigid and non-flexible, it has a robust and durable appearance.Furthermore, a rigid fence typically has the ribbed face of the mesh on the outside; therefore, the privacy panel of the invention, when installed on the opposite side from the ribbed face, is located on the inner perimeter side of the fence and not on the outer ribbed face as in the prior art. This is much more convenient for the user to install the privacy screen or privacy panel against the flat surface and within the fenced perimeter. The privacy screen or privacy panel may be solid or not, painted and / or decorated. Finally, as mentioned above, locking the panel onto the mesh is quick and easy, with the user remaining on only one side of the panel.By passing the fastening piece from the first bore to opposite the second bore (spaced at the appropriate distance), the fastening piece passes behind at least one vertical wire of the mesh. After the locking element is secured in the fastening piece, the mesh wire is trapped, preventing the panel from being dislodged and locking it in position. Since the fastening is done from the front, a third party located outside the fence (on the rear side) will not be able to remove the panel.

[0024] Preferably, the holes in the fixing wing are oblong (their length parallel to the upper edge of the panel), rather than circular. The oblong shape can have straight and / or curved segments. The oblong shape of the holes facilitates panel installation for the user by allowing them to align directly with the vertical wires of the mesh, without having to position them precisely above the vertical wires. Furthermore, the oblong shape allows the same panel of the invention to be adapted to fence panels with different mesh widths (different vertical wire spacings). For example, the hole length is between 30 and 50 mm, and the spacing (solid portion) between two adjacent holes is approximately 10 mm.Preferably, the oblong holes are of varying lengths, alternating between a first and second length, separated by solid areas to maintain panel rigidity. This configuration of different hole sizes allows for coverage of all rigid mesh panels currently on the market.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fixing flange has an orthogonal return parallel to the general plane of the plate, designed to abut against the raised V-shaped upper form of the lattice. This return contributes to the rigidity of the panel (especially when there are multiple holes of varying lengths in succession), as well as to the panel's positioning.

[0026] Modern rigid fences differ primarily in how the rigid mesh fence panels are arranged within the grooves of the fence posts. There are two main types of arrangement within the post grooves.

[0027] The first type of fence corresponds to a first type of arrangement of a rigid mesh fence panel; this first type of arrangement is made inside the post's groove, which leaves, on the side opposite the ribbed face of the mesh, a free space between the mesh panel and the edge of the groove. This free space allows the privacy panel of the invention to be slid directly vertically into the post's groove between the rigid mesh and the edge of the groove, locking it directly into position along a horizontal plane by its vertical edges. To this end, according to a feature of the invention, the privacy panel has a length adapted so that at least one of its vertical edges cooperates, in the installed position, with the inside of the post's groove, the entire height of the vertical edge of the privacy panel being intended to be enclosed within the groove.

[0028] A second type of fence, corresponding to a second arrangement of a rigid mesh fence panel, is designed so that the mesh panel is positioned against one edge of the post's groove, with the ribbed face of the mesh panel extending towards the opposite edge of the groove. In this configuration, the entire vertical edge of the privacy panel of the invention cannot be inserted into the post's groove.

[0029] In one embodiment (particularly for the second type of fence), the privacy panel has, on one or two opposite vertical edges of the panel, at least one tab (or tab), preferably rigid, projecting from the vertical edge but coplanar with the panel (allowing the panel to be retained in the groove of a fence post), preferably at least two tabs extending from the same edge of the panel, one of which is located at the lower end of the panel. In this embodiment, the privacy panel has a length from one vertical edge to the other (excluding the tabs) such that, when installed on the fence, this length corresponds at most to the distance between the opening planes of the opposite grooves of two adjacent fence posts.The tabs are designed to fit into the grooves of the posts, in particular by translating the panel in a plane parallel to the trellis, which is made possible once the panel is installed via the fixing wing thanks to the oblong-shaped holes in the fixing wing.

[0030] Advantageously, the plate includes at least one decorative element, particularly one formed by cutouts in its thickness. Thus, the plate can be completely solid, or it can incorporate decorative elements directly from the cutouts. The plate can be painted. The plate can be made of various materials, such as metal, stainless steel, or aluminum, or it can be made of plastic or composite material.

[0031] The invention also relates to a privacy screen or screening device for rigid mesh fencing, comprising a plurality of the aforementioned screening panels of the invention, joined vertically and intended to cover one or more mesh fencing panels. Either the screening panel covers a single mesh panel, or several screening panels are joined end-to-end to cover one or more mesh panels. The privacy screen or screening device, with its multiple joined screening panels, may feature a design extending across all the screening panels, and each panel has a marker to guide the sequential joining of the panels to create the design.

[0032] The invention relates to a rigid mesh fence comprising at least one rigid mesh panel made of an interlacing of vertical and horizontal wires (and generally of relief shapes such as V on one face of the mesh panel while the other face of the mesh panel is flat), and at least one panel or a privacy screen or screening device of the aforementioned invention, the plate of a panel being installed against the mesh panel (in particular against the flat face of the mesh panel opposite the face with the relief shapes) and being locked in position by at least one fastening piece passing behind at least one vertical wire of the mesh and by the locking element associated with the fastening piece, preferably the plate also being held by at least one fixing wing having holes cooperating with the upper ends of the vertical wires.

[0033] Finally, the invention relates to a method for installing and fixing a aforementioned privacy panel of the invention against a rigid mesh fence comprising spaced vertical wires, the method comprising placing the privacy panel against the rigid mesh (not necessarily by the fixing wing if the panel does not have one) and locking the fixing of said privacy panel via the fixing and locking means, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: introduction from the front face of the plate, of the second part of the fastener into the first bore of the plate until it is opposite the second bore of the plate (on the rear face of the plate), said second part of the fastener passing behind at least one vertical wire of the rigid mesh; holding (in particular by simple pressure of the operator's hand) the first part of the fastener against the front face of the plate while the locking element is brought to the front face of the plate opposite the second bore and is fixed (in particular by passing through said second bore) to the second part of the fastener, preferably the locking element being a screw screwed into a tapped fixing area of ​​the second part of the fastener.

[0034] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: Figure 1 represents a perspective front view of a privacy screen or screening device fixed and locked according to the invention on a rigid mesh fence, the device comprising here several screening panels and according to an embodiment as to their cooperation with the fence posts. Figure 2 represents a perspective view of another example of a privacy screen panel of a privacy screen or obscuring device according to the invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the end blackout panels of the device figure 1 . Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a blackout panel of the figure 1 ou 2 , on the front and showing the means of fixing and locking once in place. Figure 5 corresponds to the back of the figure 4 , rigid mesh side. Figure 6 corresponds to the view figure 4 before locking and at the start of the operation to install the fastening and locking means. Figure 7 represents an enlarged view of the fastening and locking means in a step following the step of the figure 6 , more specifically when introducing part of the fastener into the first cooperation bore of the panel plate. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the obscuring panel, visualizing the back of the panel with dotted lines; this figure corresponds to the step following the step of the figure 7 , one part of the attachment piece being completely inserted into the first bore by being positioned at the rear of the panel and opposite the second cooperation bore. Figure 9 follows the step of figure 8 and corresponds to the last stage of installation of the fastening and locking means, in particular when introducing the locking element into the fastener piece. Figure 10 shows a front view of an example of an attachment part according to the invention comprising a decorative element. Figure 11 illustrates a partial view of a blackout panel with a machined (cut-out) design in the plate, the panel being mounted on a rigid mesh by being fixed and locked via fasteners of the type of those of the figure 10 with another decorative element.

[0035] The device of the invention, a privacy screen or screening device for rigid mesh fencing, hereinafter referred to as the screening device and illustrated in the figure 1 , is intended to be mounted on the rigid mesh 2 of a fence 3, preferably being held by hooking at least at the top of the mesh 2, and being able to remain hanging down by gravity against the mesh 2. The fence 3 has posts 30 and 31 with a groove 4, only two posts being shown here, and wire mesh panels, of which only one wire mesh panel 20 is visible here and is fixed between the two posts 30 and 31 by being laterally engaged in the grooves 4 of the posts.

[0036] According to the invention, the screening device 1 is fixed in a locked manner by means of fastening and locking means 5, which are described later. Thus, the screening device cannot be easily removed by simply unhooking it from the mesh. Furthermore, the fastening and locking means 5 allow the device to be installed from only one side, namely the front face where the operator is located when attaching the screening panel(s); the operator does not need to access the outer or rear side of the fence.

[0037] In relation to the figure 5 Showing the rear face of the device on the fence 3, the wire mesh panel 20 consists of the rigid mesh 2, which comprises, as is known, an interweaving of rigid vertical wires 21 and horizontal wires 22 forming an openwork mesh. The vertical wires 22, from one face of the wire mesh panel, have raised shapes 23 arranged in a V-shape, generally positioned at the top and, at the bottom and / or in the middle, to contribute to the rigidity of the wire mesh panel. The face with the raised shapes 23 is called the ribbed face. This face is generally oriented towards the outside of the fence (rear face of the fence).

[0038] The screening device 1 is designed to be mounted to cover one face of the mesh panel 20, the flat front face opposite the ribbed face. The screening device 1 preferably covers the entire surface of the mesh panel 20 between the two posts 30 and 31, but could cover only part of the mesh panel 20 (by adjusting its length and height).

[0039] The screening device 1 comprises at least one privacy screen or screening panel of the invention 1-1 ( figure 1 ) or 1' ( figure 2 ), hereinafter referred to as a screening panel, to correspond to the length or part of the length of a 20 mm mesh fence panel. The screening device 1 may therefore comprise a single screening panel whose length corresponds to that of a 20 mm mesh fence panel or may comprise (as visible on the figure 1 ) several privacy panels 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 and 1-5, depending on the length to be covered by a wire mesh panel and / or the length of the privacy panel as manufactured and / or the installation method of the privacy device 1 according to the type of fence.

[0040] The shading device 1 has a weight that allows it to be held in place by gravity alone when attached to the upper part of the trellis via its fixing wing 11 equipped with openings 12 (as more clearly seen in the example of the figure 2 ).

[0041] Plate 10 is rigid. For example, it is made of metal. Plate 10 is made of a material that is not flexible when installed on the fence. It has a thickness, for example, of approximately 1.5 to 3 mm.

[0042] The fixing flange 11 is positioned on the upper part of the plate 10, preferably at the upper distal end edge of the plate 10. The fixing flange 11 projects from one of the faces of the plate, extending at least perpendicularly along the entire length of the plate. Alternatively, the fixing flange 11 could not extend along the entire length and could be discontinuous, but this would reduce the rigidity of the privacy screen and make it less aesthetically pleasing. Preferably, the fixing flange 11 has, on its longitudinal edge opposite the plate 10, an orthogonal return 13, parallel to and facing the plate 10. This return 13 contributes to the rigidity of the privacy screen.In addition, the return 13 can provide a wedge for the privacy screen on the fence mesh 2, in particular by coming against the upper ribbed shape or line 23 which, depending on the type of mesh, is in the immediate vicinity of the upper end of the wire mesh panel 20. The fixing wing 11 and its return 13 are produced during the manufacture of the privacy screen, either by folding the plate 10 from a metal sheet, or by molding when the material of the privacy screen is plastic-based.

[0043] The holes 12 in the mounting flange are through holes arranged in the horizontal surface of the flange, which is perpendicular to the plate 10. Each hole 12 has a cross-section suitable for each of the vertical wires 21 of the mesh. The cross-section of the holes is also adapted to allow minimal play with the vertical wires 21 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 10 (and therefore to the general plane of the mesh panel), so that the screening device 1 can remain pressed against the mesh panel. The holes 12 constitute means of retaining the screening device 1 in the installed position on the fence 3. The holes 12 have a closed perimeter so that, in combination with their arrangement in a plane orthogonal to the plate 10, they allow the plate 10 to be held in a dropped position against the mesh panel 20.

[0044] Preferably, the orifices 12 are oblong in shape, their length being parallel to the length of the plate, which facilitates the placement of the blackout panel around the vertical wires 21.

[0045] The 12 openings can have different lengths, which allows all current rigid mesh fences to be covered regardless of the pitch of the vertical wires 21.

[0046] The screening device 1 is designed so that, when installed on the fence 3, particularly on the wire mesh panel 20, the entire (example of the screening panel construction) figure 2 ) or part of its vertical edges (example of the construction of the blackout panel of the figure 1 ) is suitable for being trapped in the rebate 4 of the two opposing fence posts 30 and 31.

[0047] There figure 2 illustrates an example of the construction of a privacy panel 1' in which the plate 10 has a length adapted so that its two vertical edges 14 and 15 cooperate in the installation position of the privacy panel with the inside of the rebate 4 of the two respective posts 30 and 31, the entire height of the vertical edges 14 and 15 of the privacy panel being trapped in each rebate 4. The privacy device 1 is thus held in a complementary manner by the posts 30 and 31 of the fence 3.This type of privacy panel is perfectly suited to fences (known as first type) where the mesh panel 20 is fixed inside the groove 4 of the posts, leaving a free space along the entire height of the posts, between the lateral edge of the groove of the posts (plane perpendicular to the opening of the groove) and the flat face of the mesh panel 20 (the one opposite the ribbed face), which allows the privacy panel 1' to be slid vertically into this free space of the groove.

[0048] Furthermore, in this example of implementation of the figure 2 Plate 10 is completely solid. It could feature painted decorations or D-shaped decorations created by cutting out the plate, as seen in the example of the figure 1 .

[0049] There figure 1 shows an example of the implementation of a blackout device 1 whose end blackout panels 1-1 and 1-5 ( figure 3 ) have on their vertical edge intended to cooperate with the rebates 4 of the posts 30 and 31, preferably rigid tabs 6, here three tabs spaced on the two vertical edges 14' and 15' of the plate 10. The installation of the last opacity panel 1-5 is done by positioning the holes 12 of the fixing wing around the upper ends of the vertical wires 21 and pressing the plate 10 against the trellises 2 while slightly translating the plate towards the opposite post so as to be able to insert the tabs 6 of the vertical edge 14' into the rebate 4 of the associated post. In this case, the orifices 12 are suitable to be sufficiently large in the direction parallel to the plate 10, and are preferably oblong, to allow this latitude of translation of the last plate 10. The joining edges 14" and 15" of the blackout panels with the other intermediate blackout panels are straight without tabs.Alternatively, forms of mutual cooperation could be considered on the 14" and 15" junction edges, but this would complicate manufacturing.

[0050] The privacy screen or screening device with several butted screening panels ( figure1 ), may feature a design extending across all the blackout panels, and each of the blackout panels 1-1 to 1-5 has a marker 18 for joining the panels in a sequential order to create the design. By way of non-limiting example, the upper end of the first blackout panel 1-1 has a marker in the form of a line 18A, the second blackout panel 1-2 has a line 18A on the left side and a double-line marker 18B on the right side, the third blackout panel 1-3 has the double line 18A on the side and a new marker 18C on the right side, and the fourth blackout panel 1-4 has the same marker 18C on the left side as the previous panel 1-3 and a new, different marker 18D on the right side, and the last blackout panel 1-5 has the marker 18D of the previous panel on the left.

[0051] Regardless of the construction of the vertical edges of the plate 10 of the shading panel(s), the shading device 1 in place on the trellis 2 is designed to be fixed and locked onto the trellis from only one face of the panel, the front face 16, while the trellis is on the rear face 17. To this end, the shading device 1 includes fixing and locking means 5 which cooperate with the shading panels and the trellis 2. These fixing and locking means 5 which cooperate at the rear ( figure 5 ) with the trellis 2 are fixed from the front because it is not necessary to access the back of the privacy panel to fix said panel to the trellis.

[0052] The fastening and locking means 5 (better visible on the figures 4 à 10 ) comprise at least one fastening piece 50 and at least one associated locking element 51. For mounting the fastening and locking means 5 on the panel and around the mesh, the plate 10 of a privacy panel comprises at least one pair of a first cooperation bore 70 and a second cooperation bore 71 which are spaced apart and with which the fastening and locking means 5 cooperate. The fastening piece 50 is front-mounted and is nevertheless intended to cooperate with a vertical wire 21 of the mesh 2 located on the rear side of the panel ( figure 5 Each front-mounted fastener 50 is capable of securing at least one vertical wire 21 behind the panel. The fastener 50 is positioned locally on the surface of the panel 10. The number of fasteners 50 is adapted to the panel dimensions. Each fastener 50 is designed to allow its engagement and locking from the front face 16 of the panel without the user (either the user themselves or their arm) having to reach behind the panel and therefore the mesh.

[0053] As shown on the figure 7 The attachment piece 50 comprises a first part 50A and a second part 50B. The attachment piece 50 is preferably metallic; its two parts are in particular formed by folding the part. The second part 50B is adapted to engage through the first cooperation bore 70 to pass to the rear of the blackout panel 1-1 and is intended to be positioned opposite the second cooperation orifice 71 to be fixed to the plate 10 by the locking element 51 intended to pass through said second cooperation orifice 7. The first part 50A is intended to be pressed against the front face 16 of the blackout panel 1 adjacent to the first cooperation orifice 70 and opposite the second bore 71. This first part 50A of the fastener 50 is designed to lever the fastener 50 so that the second part 50B can be brought forward from the rear against the second cooperation orifice 71.By keeping the first part 50A pressed against the plate 10 while the second part 50B is positioned opposite the second bore 71, it is possible to insert the locking element 51 into said second part 50B. The first part 50A has a suitable surface so as to bear sufficiently against the front face 16 of the panel while the user, when inserting the locking element 51 into the second part 50B positioned at the rear of the privacy panel, exerts a pushing force against said second part 50A; in this way, said second part 50B remains in a stable position against the rear face during the insertion of the locking element 51.

[0054] More specifically, the two cooperation bores 70 and 71 are horizontally aligned and spaced such that, when a privacy panel is mounted, these two cooperation bores 70 and 71 are positioned on either side of at least one vertical wire 21 of the lattice 2. The first cooperation bore 70 has a cross-section suitable for the passage of the fastener 50. For example, the first cooperation bore 70 has a square cross-section and a cross-section greater than the height of the fastener 50. The second cooperation bore 71 has a cross-section suitable for the passage of the locking element 51. For example, the second cooperation bore 71 has a circular cross-section for the passage of a screw.Preferably, the second cooperation bore 71 has an oval cross-section (the major axis of the oval being horizontal) for the passage of a screw and to allow a clearance for the alignment of the fastener 50 depending on the spacing of the vertical wires 21 of the lattice 2. This oval geometry facilitates a systematic alignment of the fastener 50 (of the fastening area of ​​the fastener) opposite the second cooperation bore 71.

[0055] More specifically, the 50 front-mounted attachment piece (still visible in detail on the figure 7 The attachment 50 has an elongated body that is doubly bent in its substantially central portion. The attachment piece 50 has a generally S-shaped form. The attachment piece 50 comprises (as the respective first and second parts described above) a first arm 50A and a second arm 50B, which are spaced apart and parallel to each other, extending in opposite directions and connected by a portion 52. The connecting portion 52 extends substantially perpendicularly to the arms. The connecting portion 52 comprises a first bend 52A connecting the first arm 50A and a second bend 52B connecting the second arm 50B. At least the first arm 50A is flat. In the mounted position of the attachment piece 50, the first arm 50A is intended to be pressed against the front face 16 of the plate 10.In the mounted position of the attachment piece 50, the second arm 50B is designed to be positioned parallel to the rear face 17 of the plate 10, offset by a thickness corresponding to the width of the connecting portion 52 (the width being the dimension perpendicular to the length of the piece). The connecting portion 52 has a width slightly greater than the thickness of the sheet metal of the plate 10 and the cross-section of a vertical wire 21 of the mesh 2. Indeed, the connecting portion 52 has a dimension (width) that allows the second arm 50B to be automatically positioned behind at least one wire 21 of the mesh 2. The gap between the second arm 50B and the wire 21 of the mesh is minimal so that the attachment piece 50 grips the wire 21 as closely as possible.The second arm 50B has, opposite the connecting portion 52, preferably at its free end, a fixing area 53 which is intended to accommodate the locking element 51 to lock the attachment piece 50 in position once in place.

[0056] The mounting area 53 is, in the example shown, a threaded recess projecting (perpendicularly) from the second arm 50B in a direction opposite to the connecting portion 52. The threaded recess is, for example, an insert that is welded or crimped. The threaded recess is intended to receive a screw as a locking element 51. The screw 51 constitutes a removable locking element if the user wishes to disassemble the panel. Alternatively, the mounting area 53 could be a simple hole, while the locking element 51 would be a rivet.

[0057] The dimensions of the attachment piece 50 are, for example (non-limiting), the following (to fit all types of rigid mesh currently on the market): the length of the attachment piece 50 from one end to the other of the first part 50A to the second part 50B (40 mm) is 90 mm; the height of the first and second parts 50A and 50B is 15 mm; the width (transverse dimension to the length of the piece) of the connecting part 52 is 10 mm.

[0058] The implementation of the means of fixing and locking 5 from the front of a blackout panel is now described.

[0059] The assembly process is repeated for each blackout panel.

[0060] The 1-1 blackout panel is put in place by pressing it against the rigid mesh. Then the operator takes a fastener 50 and positions it in front of the first cooperation bore 70 from the front face 16 of the plate ( figure 6 ). He then inserts the attachment part 50 into the first cooperation bore 70 by passing the second part 50B through it ( figure 7 ). It continues the introduction by pivoting the attachment piece by means of the doubly angled connecting part 52 until said second part 50B, in particular the fixing area 53, is opposite the second cooperation bore 71 of the plate ( figure 8 ); said second part 50B of the fastener automatically (necessarily) passes behind at least one vertical wire 21 of the rigid mesh 2. Then, the operator holds the first part 50A of the fastener 50 against the front face 16 of the plate with one hand, while with the other hand he brings the locking element (screw) 51 to the front face of the plate opposite the second cooperation bore 71 ( figure 9 He then inserts the screw 51 through the second bore 71 into the second part 50B of the fastener. The operator can begin screwing the screw without difficulty into the fastening area 53, here the threaded recess, even though there is no support behind the fastening area because the first part 50A, being sufficiently elongated and supported against the plate 10, allows for the transfer of forces. Once the screw is engaged with the threaded recess 53, the operator can continue screwing with both hands without having to hold the fastener 50. After tightening, the panel is fixed and locked in place, the fastener trapping at least one vertical wire 21 of the mesh.

[0061] Finally, with regard to the figures 10 et 11The attachment piece 50 may include, as a fixed part to the first part 50A, a decorative element 54. The decorative element 54 may have any shape extending from the elongated base of the first part 50A.

Claims

1. Privacy or screening panel (1'; 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) for rigid mesh fencing, comprising: - a plate (10) having a front face (16) and an opposite rear face (17), - fastening and locking means (5) for the panel, said fastening and locking means (5) comprising at least one attachment piece (50) capable of cooperating with at least one pair of a first bore (70) and a second bore (71), the bores being formed in the thickness of the plate, characterized in that the attachment piece (50) is a rigid piece which includes a first part (50A) positioned on the front face (16) of the plate in the position of use of the attachment piece on the plate, and a second part (50B) adapted to pass through the first bore (70) to be arranged on the side of the rear face (17) of the plate and opposite the second bore (71), and in that the fastening and locking means (5) further include at least one locking element (51) which is adapted to cooperate with the second bore (71) and the second part (50B) of the attachment piece (50).

2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part (50B) comprises a fixing zone (53) adapted to be located opposite said second bore (71) so that the locking element (51) cooperates with the fixing zone (53) to fix the fastener piece.

3. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment piece (50) is elongated in shape and comprises as a first part (50A) and second part (50B), respectively two spaced, parallel arms extending in opposite directions, and being connected by a substantially perpendicular connecting part (52), preferably the connecting part (52) having a width which is greater than the thickness of the plate and the thickness of a wire of the mesh for which the panel is intended.

4. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (51) is removable, preferably the locking element (51) is a screw while the second part (50B) of the fastener piece (50) has a fixing area (53) which consists of a threaded housing projecting towards the opposite side of the plate in the mounted position of the fastener piece (50).

5. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking element (51) is a rivet while the second part (50B) of the fastener piece (50) has a fixing area (53) which includes a hole.

6. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second bore (71) is oblong.

7. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment piece (50) is metallic, preferably galvanized.

8. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment piece (50) comprises a decorative element (54) which is integral with the first part (50A).

9. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a so-called fixing wing (11) which extends from or near the so-called upper edge of the plate, in particular perpendicular to the general plane of the plate, and which is provided with spaced orifices (12).

10. Panel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises on one vertical edge (14') of the plate or on two opposite vertical edges (14', 15') of the plate, at least one tongue (7), preferably rigid, projecting from the vertical edge while being coplanar to the plate.

11. A privacy screen or screening device (1) for a rigid mesh fence comprising a plurality of screening panels (1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) according to any one of the preceding claims which are joined vertically and intended to cover one or more wire mesh fence panels (20).

12. A privacy screen or screening device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has a design extending over all the panels (1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) and in that each of the screening panels has a marker (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D) for joining the panels in a sequential order to draw the design.

13. Rigid mesh fence comprising at least one wire mesh panel (20) of rigid mesh (2) consisting of an interlacing of vertical (21) and horizontal (22) wires, and at least one panel (1'; 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) or a privacy screen or screening device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plate (10) of a panel being installed against the wire mesh panel (20) and being locked in position by at least one fastening piece (50) passing behind at least one vertical wire (21) of the mesh and by the locking element (51) associated with the fastening piece, preferably the plate also being retained by at least one fixing wing (11) having holes cooperating with the upper ends of the vertical wires (21).

14. Method of installing and fixing a privacy screen (1'; 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 against a rigid mesh fence (2) comprising spaced vertical wires (21), the method comprising placing the privacy screen (1'; 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5) against the rigid mesh (2) and locking the fixing of said privacy screen via the fixing and locking means (5), the method comprises the following steps: - introduction from the front face (16) of the plate, of the second part (50B) of the fastener piece (50) into the first bore (70) of the plate until it comes opposite the second bore (71) of the plate, said second part (50B) of the fastener piece passing behind at least one vertical wire (21) of the rigid mesh (2); - holding the first part (50A) of the fastener (50) against the front face (16) of the plate while the locking element (51) is brought to the front face of the plate opposite the second bore (71) and is fixed to the second part (50B) of the fastener, preferably the locking element (51) being a screw screwed into a tapped fixing area (53) of the second part (50B) of the fastener.

Images