Louvre

Abstract

A system comprises a mesh panel 20 and louvre 10, the louvre being attached to the mesh panel such that at least one of the mesh or louvre is elastically or resilliently deformed. The elastic deformat

Description

06 03 25 The present invention relates to louvres. More particularly, the present invention relates to louvres attachable to mesh arrangements such as wire mesh panels, fences, 5 and the like; and methods of fitting the same. Mesh arrangements such as wire meshes used in fencing may demark boundaries between spaces while limiting or preventing passage of people and / or matter across the boundary defined by the mesh. Mesh arrangements may therefore find use in 10 many applications including security systems, as would-be intruders are deterred by the presence of a physical barrier complicating entry into a secure area, and safety roles, by placing a barrier between humans and potential harm. Mesh arrangements are often found along the outside of property or spaces as part of fencing or similar barriers. Barriers including mesh arrangements are often chosen over solid walls on 15 the basis of aesthetics and cost. However, mesh arrangements generally provide little privacy and hence it is beneficial to be able to add louvres which improve privacy but also still allow airflow through the mesh arrangement. Louvres may be included as part of a mesh arrangement to alleviate, mitigate or 20 otherwise address some of the various issues associated with the use of a mesh when compared to the use of a solid barrier such as a wall. Louvres are generally defined as angled slats arranged such that light and air may enter a space between the angled slats of the louvres while obstructing ingress at other angles. In the context of mesh panels, louvres may be used to limit the amount or direction of light passing through a 25 mesh, limit the amount or direction of sound passing through a mesh, direct matter incident upon a mesh such as wind, rain or snow in a particular direction, or any combination thereof. In practical terms, louvres as a component of a mesh arrangement may therefore prevent a person or surveillance system on one side of the mesh from observing the far side of the mesh, act as acoustic insulation between 30 each side of a mesh, or protect one side of a mesh from fluids, dusts, or other material that may pass through the mesh. Louvres used in applications such as fencing have traditionally been welded into position as a means of supporting the louvre. However, the inventors of the present invention have appreciated that louvres may be attached to mesh structures in an alternative manner that may impart various advantages including but not limited to ease of installation, ease of maintenance, modularity, reduction in noise generation, ability to retrofit, and others that will be apparent to the skilled person with the benefit of this disclosure. 06 03 25 5 According to one aspect of the invention, there is a provided system as set out in claim 1 and a method as set out in claim 9. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims. The louvre is attached to the mesh panel such that the louvre and / or the mesh panel are resiliently and elastically deformed so as to spring bias the louvre into abutment with the mesh panel and / or the mesh panel into abutment with the louvre. 10 The louvre includes a first attachment element which loops, or partially loops, about the mesh panel. The first attachment element comprises a hook. The system may include a plurality of horizontal elements and the first attachment element may loop, or partially loop, about a horizontal element of the mesh panel. The system may further include a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel. The louvre may be secured 15 to a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel by a second attachment element. The second attachment element may include, or be formed from one or more brackets to receive, or from which extends, a bolt, pin or screw threaded fastener. The first attachment element may extend from a first edge of the louvre, the first edge of the louvre abutting the mesh panel due to biasing forces. The contact point or area 20 between the first edge of the louvre and the mesh panel may form a fulcrum about which bending forces act in the louvre and / or the mesh panel. The system may include a plurality of vertical elements, and the first edge of the louvre may be biased into abutment with two or more of the vertical elements, and / or two or more of the vertical elements may be biased into abutment with the first edge of the louvre. The first edge 25 of the louvre may be shaped to provide a space between the mesh panel and the first edge at one or more positions distant from the first attachment element. The louvre may include a plurality of first attachment elements extending from the first edge of the louvre, the first attachment elements spaced along the first edge and wherein the first edge may be shaped to provide the space at positions midway between each of the 30 plurality of first attachment elements. A vertical element may be positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element, wherein the first edge of the louvre may be shaped to abut and be biased against, and / or to be abutted due to bias by, the vertical elements positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element, and the first edge may be shaped to be spaced from the remaining vertical elements by 06 03 25 the space. The louvre may be attached to the mesh panel by a first attachment element and secured to a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel by a second attachment element, wherein the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the spring biasing of the louvre into abutment with the mesh panel and / or 5 the spring biasing of the mesh panel into abutment with the louvre immobilises the louvre relative to the mesh panel. The system may be a fence. The mesh panel may be a fence panel. The system may be a fence and the mesh panel may be a fence panel. 10 The method includes: attaching one or more attachment elements of the louvre to the mesh panel; rotating the louvre around the point of attachment of the one or more attachment elements to the mesh panel until an edge of the louvre abuts the mesh panel; and further rotating the louvre until the louvre and / or mesh panel are resiliently and elastically deformed to spring bias the louvre against the mesh panel and / or the 15 mesh panel against the louvre at the abutting edge. The method may further include affixing the louvre to a securing point on a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel using a second attachment element. The method may involve the edge of the louvre being biased against at least two vertical elements of the mesh panel for each first attachment element of the louvre and / or at least two vertical elements of the mesh 20 panel being biased against the edge of the louvre for each first attachment element. The mesh panel may be a fence panel and / or the mesh panel may form part of a fence. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 25 Figure 1 shows two perspective views of louvres that may be used with a mesh panel; Figures 2A and 2B show enlarged versions of the various louvre attachment means of the louvre of Figure 1; 30 Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show side views of various stages of attaching the louvre of Figure 1 to a mesh panel; 06 03 25 Figure 4 shows the attachment of the bracket of the louvre of Figure 1 to a support post; Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show an alternative perspective view of the attachment of a 5 louvre formed from a single slat to a mesh panel; Figures 6 is a flow diagram of a method for attaching a louvre to a mesh panel. The louvres, systems, mesh panels and related methods and components as 10 described herein are described with reference to various directions, orientations and the like. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ are described relative to the surface upon which a system or mesh panel may be positioned, such as the ground. In this example, a component oriented ‘vertically’ will be positioned perpendicular to the surface upon which the system or mesh panel resides whereas a 15 ‘horizontally’ oriented component will be positioned such that it is parallel to the surface upon which the system or mesh panel resides. Similarly, terms such as ‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, and the like are used in reference to a system, mesh panel and / or louvre in an orientation in which they are positioned on a surface such that the system and / or mesh panel generally approximates the direction of gravity. The skilled person will 20 appreciate that all such orientations, alignments and directions are relative such that, for example, a system or mesh panel aligned such that it was substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity would not depart from the scope of the invention as described herein. 25 Figure 1 shows a louvre 10 formed from a first slat 11 and a second slat 12 including first attachment elements 13 positioned along an edge of the first slat 11 and second attachment elements 14 positioned at either side of second slat 14. The first slat 11 and second slat 12 may be separate components joined along the abutting edge of each slat or, alternatively, may be formed from single piece of material bent, folded or 30 otherwise shaped into two or more distinct sections. In use, the first slat 11 of louvre 12 will be angled relative to a system, mesh panel and / or the surface upon which the system to which the louvre 10 is attached resides. The second slat 12 is vertical, or substantially vertical, in use such as to be substantially parallel with a system or mesh panel to which the louvre is attached. Vertical alignment of the second slat 12 may aid 06 03 25 in the securing of the louvre 10 to one or more components of a system such as a post, support structure, or mesh panel via the second attachment elements 14. The skilled person will appreciate, with the benefit of this disclosure that the louvre 10 need not be formed from two slats and may instead be formed from a single slat which will 5 be angled in use in the manner of the first slat 11. In this alternative configuration, bracket 14 will be positioned on the underside of at least part of the single slat. While the first and second slats 11,12 of the louvre 10 are shown as substantially flat or planar elongated plates, it will be further appreciated that any suitable shape, topography, alignment, angling or structure of slat or slats may be used suffice that 10 the slat or slats may be attached to a mesh panel in the manner described herein. The louvres disclosed herein are attachable to a mesh arrangement such as a mesh panel, or equivalent, by one or more attachment elements. The louvre 10 includes three first attachment elements 13 which are shown as hook arrangements in the 15 louvre 10 of Figure 1. The first attachments elements are generally positioned and spaced along the edge of the louvre 10 farthest from the second attachment elements 14. Although three first attachment elements 13 are shown in the louvre 10 of Figure 1, it will be appreciated that any number of first attachment elements 13 may be positioned along the edge of the first slat 11. In an example, the louvre 10 may include 20 a single first attachment element 13. In this example, the first attachment element 13 may be positioned at or proximate to the middle of the edge of the first slat 11 so as to be approximately equidistant between the ends of the louvre 10. In other examples, the louvre 10 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of first attachment elements 13. It may be advantageous to utilise a 25 number of first attachment elements dependent upon desired length of louvre, the configuration of the mesh arrangement, mesh panel, or structure to which the louvre is to be attached, the material used to form the louvre, the weight of the louvre, or any other suitable factor. For example, it may be appropriate to use a greater number of first attachment elements for louvres of greater length or mass. The skilled person with 30 the benefit of this disclosure will be able to identify a suitable number of first attachment elements for use in a particular design or configuration of louvre. Where a louvre 10 includes a plurality of first attachment elements 13, the first attachment elements may be spaced equidistantly along the edge of the louvre 10. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to position the first attachment elements 13 at unequal intervals along 06 03 25 the louvre. For example, where a louvre 10 includes five first attachment elements 13, it may be advantageous to position pairs of first attachment elements proximate to the each end of the louvre 10 with a single first attachment element 13 positioned apart from each pair towards the centre of the edge of the louvre or slat. The first attachment 5 elements 13 are attachable to a wire, cable, cord, thread, bar, rod, pole, link, beam, rail, or similar component of a mesh arrangement or mesh panel such that the louvre may be rotated, or at least partially rotated around the wire, cable, cord, thread, bar, rod, pole, link, beam, rail, or similar. For example, the hook elements 13 shown in louvre 10 of Figure 1 hook, latch, or otherwise partially surround a wire, cable, cord, 10 thread, bar, rod, pole, link, beam, rail, or similar component and allow the louvre 10 to rotate or roll around the point of attachment without the louvre coming free. The or each first attachment element may therefore loop, or partially loop, about a portion of a mesh or mesh panel. An enlarged representation of a hook configuration of first attachment element 13 of louvre 10 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2A. The first 15 attachment element may be configured such that the louvre 10 is releasably attached to a mesh via the first attachment element. For example, where the first attachment element 13 is a hook, the hook may be lifted off of the portion of the mesh supporting the hook when desired. Alternatively, the first attachment element 13 may be fixed such that release of the louvre 10 from a mesh to which it is connected is prevented. 20 In one example of such a configuration, the first attachment element 13 may be a ring which is shaped or formed around the portion of the mesh to which the louvre 10 is attached at the time of attachment. In this this example, the louvre 10 will not be able to be detached from the mesh without damaging, destroying or otherwise breaking the ring structure or portion of the mesh to which the louvre is attached. 25 The second attachment elements 14 of the louvre of Figure 1 are positioned on either side of the second slat 12. As previously noted, while the second attachment elements 14 are shown in the louvre 10 of Figure 1 as part of the second slat 12, the louvre 10 may be formed from a single slat including both the first and second attachment 30 elements 13,14. The second attachment elements 14 are positioned at each end of the louvre 10 at positions whereby they may be attached, fixed, or otherwise connected to a part of a post, support structure, additional mesh panel, or the like. In an example, the second attachment elements 14 may be attached, fixed or otherwise connected to one or more support posts. Where the mesh panel forms part of a fence, 06 03 25 the second attachment elements 14 may be attached, fixed or otherwise connected to one or more fence support posts. In other examples, the second attachment elements 14 may be attached, fixed or otherwise connected to a wall, or other support structure in proximity to the mesh to which the louvre is to be attached. Where a louvre includes 5 two or more second attachment elements 14, each attachment element may be attached, fixed or otherwise connected to a different wall, post, support structure or any other suitable point of attachment. In general, a louvre 10 may include only a single second attachment element 14 positioned at one end of the louvre. However, it may be advantageous to include one or more second attachment elements 14 at each 10 end of the louvre 10. In one embodiment, it may be advantageous to include a single second attachment element 14 at each end of the louvre in the manner shown in Figure 1. The second attachment elements 14 shown in Figure 1 are in the form of brackets. An enlarged representation of a bracket second attachment element 14 of louvre 10 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2B. Brackets may therefore be used as one 15 or more of the second attachment elements 14. The or each bracket, where present, may be configured to receive a bolt, pin, screw threaded fastener, or any other suitable means of securing the bracket to another structure. Additionally, or alternatively, a bolt, pin, screw threaded fastener or any other suitable means of securing a bracket to another structure may extend from the or each bracket to facilitate attachment of the 20 or each second attachment element to another structure. While the louvres 10 presented in Figures 1 to 4 are shown with brackets as the second attachment element 14, it will be appreciated that any suitable second attachment element or elements 14 may be used suffice that the louvre may be affixed tightly and / or rigidly to another structure via the second attachment element 14 such that movement of the louvre 10 25 relative to the structure to which it is secured is substantially prevented or eliminated. Indeed, the second attachment element 14 may be any component or intermediate component suitable for fixing one part to another. The second attachment element 14 may be configured such that the louvre 10 is releasably attached to another structure via the second attachment element 14. In an example, the second attachment element 30 14 may connect the louvre 10 to another structure via a screw or similar means that allow the second attachment element 14 to be fixedly secured during use but unscrewed or otherwise released if necessary to detach the louvre from a mesh and its supporting structures. Alternatively, the second attachment element 14 may be welded or connected in a non-releasable manner to a portion of the system, a further 06 03 25 mesh panel or other supporting element. However, it may be advantageous to attach the second attachment element 14 in a releasable manner. The louvre 10 of Figure 1 further includes three protruding portions 15 which extend 5 from the edge of the first slat 11 of louvre 10 along the edge of the first slat 11 in proximity to the positions from which the first attachment elements 13 also extend. In the louvre 10 of Figure 1, the first attachments elements 13 extend from the middle of each protruding portion 15. Each first attachment element 13 of the louvre of Figure 1 is associated with a protruding portion 15. The skilled person will appreciate with the 10 benefit of this disclosure that the first attachment elements 13 need not extend from the precise middle of the protruding portion 15 and may be in any suitable position relative to the protruding portion 15. Moreover, a protruding portion 15 need not be present for each first attachment element 13 positioned along the edge of the louvre 10 depending on the configuration of the louvre 10, the mesh to which it is attached 15 and the intended function of the louvre 10. However, each first attachment element 13 may be associated with one or more protruding portions 15. The presence of a plurality of protruding portions 15 positioned along the edge of the first slat 11 of the louvre 10 provides ‘cut-away’ sections of the first slat 11 between each first attachment element 13 and protruding portion 15. The ‘cut-away’ portions between each protruding portion 20 15 will cause the ‘cut-away’ portions of the louvre to be spaced away from the mesh to which the louvre 10 is attached, in use. The protruding portions 15 are configured such that the louvre 10 and / or the mesh, mesh panel or equivalent to which the louvre 10 is attached may be resiliently and elastically deformed such that the louvre 10 is spring biased into abutment with the mesh, mesh panel, or equivalent and / or the 25 mesh, mesh panel, or equivalent is spring biased into abutment with the louvre 10 when the louvre 10 is attached to a mesh as will be described further in relation to Figures 3A to 3C and 5A to 5C. Figures 3A to 3C demonstrate the process of attaching the louvre 10 of Figure 1 to a 30 mesh 20. The mesh 20 includes a plurality of horizontal components 21 and a plurality of vertical components 22. As shown in Figure 3A, the first attachment element 13 is hooked or rested upon one of the horizontal elements 21 of the mesh 20. The attachment of the first attachment element 13 to the horizontal element 21 of the mesh 20 allows movement or rotation of the louvre 10 relative to the mesh 20 such that the 06 03 25 louvre 10 may be swung or rotated around the point of attachment. To these ends, it is preferable that the first attachment element 13 is not fixed to the horizontal component 21 of the mesh 20 via welding, adhesives, or other means that would prevent movement of the louvre 10 and first attachment element 13 relative to the 5 mesh 20. Rotational movement of the louvre 10 as facilitated by the first attachment element 13 looping, surrounding, or partially looping or surrounding the horizontal element 21 of the mesh may aid in the installation, fitting, and / or removal of the louvre 10 from a mesh 20. Once attached by a first attachment element 13, the louvre 10 is then rotated such that the first slat 11 and second slat 12 move upwards relative to 10 the mesh 20. As shown in Figure 3B, this motion moves the first slat 11 into a position in which it is aligned diagonally with the structure of the mesh or mesh panel of system 20 such that it may perform the function of a louvre 10. At the same time, the second slat 12 is brought closer into an alignment substantially parallel with the mesh 20. Further rotation of the louvre 10 around the first attachment element 13 moves the 15 louvre 10 into the position shown in Figure 3C. In this position, the or each protruding element 15 is brought into contact with one or more of the vertical elements 22 of the mesh 20 at the contact point or area 16. Contact between the or each protruding element 15 and one or more vertical elements 22 of the mesh 20 prevents further rotation of the louvre 10. The louvre 10 is rotated sufficiently farthat it is pressed firmly 20 against the one or more vertical elements 22 of mesh 20 so as to be braced and / or tensioned against the vertical elements 22 of the mesh. In practice, the louvre may be braced via one or more of the protruding portions 15, where present, and / or via the edge of the first slat 11 from which the first attachment elements 13 extend. The louvre 10 is then secured to a support structure, a post and / or a portion of one or more 25 additional mesh arrangements such as mesh panels via the second attachment element 14 to secure the louvre in place. Figure 4 shows the attachment of a bracket second attachment element 14 of the louvre 10 of Figure 1 to a support post 30 using screw 17 and connection point 31 of the support post 30. The securing of the louvre 10 using the or each second attachment elements 14 while braced or tensioned 30 against the one or more vertical elements 22 of the mesh 20 locks the louvre in place under partial resilient and elastic deformation of the louvre and / or the mesh 20. When attached to the mesh in this manner, the louvre 10 and / or the mesh 20 is therefore spring biased such that the louvre 10 and mesh 20 abut. Consequently, in use, minor movements of the mesh 20, louvre 10 or the partial loosening of the connections 06 03 25 between the mesh 20 and louvre 10 will cause the louvre 10 and the vertical elements 22 of the mesh to remain pushed together and / or forced into abutment at all times or substantially all times during use. In general, whether the louvre comprises a protruding portion 15 or such protruding portions are absent, the or each first 5 attachment element will extend from a first edge of the louvre and the first edge of the louvre will be biased into abutment with the mesh panel and / or the mesh panel will be biased into abutment with the first edge of the louvre. The area between the first edge of the louvre and the mesh or mesh panel therefore forms a fulcrum about which bending forces act in the louvre and / or the mesh panel. 10 The three main means of contact achieved between the louvre 10 and the system act to substantially immobilise the louvre 10 and prevents movement of the louvre 10 relative to the mesh or mesh panel when the louvre is suitably attached. The first attachment element 13, and second attachment element 14, and the contact between 15 the protruding portion 15 of the first slat 11, or indeed the first slat 11 itself where no such protruding portion is present, operate synergistically to ensure the resilient bracing of the louvre 10 against the mesh 20. The second attachment element 14 and / or the first attachment element 13 hold the louvre in position against the mesh 20 while the braced arrangement relative to the vertical elements 22 in contact with the 20 first slat 11 maintains the contact between the louvre 10 and mesh 20. This cooperation of these three modes of interaction prevents the louvre 10 from moving away from the mesh 20 or mesh panel and so prevents undesirable noise or rattling of the louvre 10 against the mesh 20 due to localised vibrations, the passage of air through mesh due to wind, or other impetus. Therefore, when the louvre is attached 25 to the mesh or mesh panel by a first attachment element and is secured to a support post, support structure or additional mesh panel by a second attachment element, the first attachment element, the second attachment element, and the spring biasing of the louvre into abutment with the mesh and / or the mesh into abutment with the louvre immobilises the louvre relative to the mesh or mesh panel. The prevention or absence 30 of noise arising from interaction between the louvre and mesh is desirable as a means to reduce discomfort or irritation caused to people in proximity to the system. A reduction or limitation in the noise generated when wind passes through the system also makes the louvres and mesh system of the present invention suitable for use in 06 03 25 applications where acoustic sensors or acoustic monitoring apparatus is deployed as part of or in proximity to the system. The angle of the first slat 11 of the louvre 10 relative to the mesh 20 may be adjusted 5 by altering the distance from the mesh 20 at which the second attachment element 14 is secured. For example, securing the second attachment element 14 in a position as shown in Figure 3B would position the first slat 11 at an angle closer to perpendicular to the mesh than when the second attachment element 14 is secured in the position shown in Figure 3C. However, where different orientations or diagonal positioning of 10 louvres is desired, the configuration of the first attachment element 13 and the edge of the first slat 11 and / or protruding portion 15 must be such that the edge or protruding portion 15 remains biased against at least one vertical element 22 of the mesh when the first slat 11 of the louvre 10 is at the desired angle. The angle of a louvre when attached to a mesh or mesh panel may therefore be adjustable depending on 15 configuration of first and second attachment elements, the position of the various elements of the louvre relative to the mesh, the extent to which any protruding portion of the louvre extends towards the mesh following initial attachment, the degree to which rotation of the louvre is permitted by the first attachment element 13 prior to securing of the louvre, or any combination thereof. 20 In louvre designs including both a first slat 11 and a second slat 12, the second slat 12 may impart one or more advantages to a system including a two-slat louvre. For example, the second slat may aid in the identification of the optimal position of the louvre relative to the mesh and / or a support post or similar structure to which the 25 second attachment means is to be affixed. Considering the example of Figure 3C, the positioning of the second slat 14 in a substantially vertical alignment may serve to indicate that the louvre 10 is oriented in the intended position prior to securing the second attachment element 14. In this manner, the second slat 12 may additionally, or alternatively aid in the alignment of the second attachment element 14 with the point 30 to which it is to be secured. Considering the example attachment shown in Figure 4, the louvre 10 and support post 30 may be designed such that the bracket 14 is only in alignment with the intended connection point 31 of the support post 30 when the louvre 10 is correctly positioned such that the second slat 12 is correctly aligned with the support post 30. It will be further apparent that where a plurality of louvres are attached 06 03 25 to a mesh and / or support structure, louvres including a first slat 11 and second slat 12 will form a more tortuous, multi-angled or winding path for light, air, or sound passing through the system. As such, a mesh with a plurality of louvres 10 including a first slat 11 and second slat 12 may provide no directly linear path by which light or air may 5 pass through the mesh. Such a configuration may prevent an individual from seeing through the mesh from any angle and / or may reduce or limit the passage of light, air or sound through the mesh when compared to the use of single slat louvres that may provide linear pathing. 10 Figures 5A to 5C show perspective views of the attachment and bracing of a louvre to a mesh 20. In contrast to the louvres shown in Figures 1 to 4, the louvre of Figures 5A to 5C include only a first slat 11 and no second slat. Consequently, the or each second attachment element (not shown in Figures 5A to 5C) is positioned at the or each end of the first slat 11 of the louvre. Figure 5A shows the first attachment element 13 of the 15 louvre after being hooked on to a horizontal element 21 of a mesh. The louvre is then rotated upwards as shown in Figure 5B such that the protruding portion 15 is brought closer towards the vertical elements 22 of the mesh proximate to the first attachment element 13. Figure 5C shows the louvre positioned relative to the mesh such the protruding portion 15 of the louvre has been pressed into abutment with the vertical 20 elements 22A and 22B on either side of the first attachment element 13. The louvre and / or vertical elements 22A and 22B are consequently resiliently and elastically spring-based such that the louvre and vertical elements 22A and 22B are forced against and into abuttal with each other when the or each second attachment element (not shown) is also affixed to a portion of the mesh or supporting structure. While the 25 protruding portion 15 may abut any number of vertical elements 22 of the mesh, it may be advantageous for each protruding portion, where present, to abut only two vertical elements such as 22A and 22B as shown in Figure 5C. More particularly, it may be advantageous for the protruding element to abut, and therefore be biased against, pressed into abutment by, and / or tensioned with, the vertical elements 22 directly 30 adjacent to the first attachment element 13 extending from the relevant protruding portion 15. Bracing and tensioning the louvre in this manner balances the forces evenly around each first attachment element 13 while also concentrating the biasing forces on a smaller contact point or area 16. Were the protruding portion 15 or edge of the first slat 11 to be braced against more than two vertical elements 22 per first 06 03 25 attachment element 13, the increase in the contact points or areas 16 may distribute the relative forces across a greater surface area and reduce the force experienced by or acting upon any individual vertical element 22 of the mesh. Where forces are distributed in a more diffuse manner, the likelihood that the louvre remains in contact 5 with all vertical components 22 of the mesh against which the louvre would normally abut when outside forces act upon the louvre or mesh is reduced. The concentration of forces in this manner provides the additional benefit of reducing the likelihood and / or severity of noise generation when outside forces such as wind act upon the louvre and / or mesh. Moreover, limiting the contact between the louvre and the mesh to only 10 two points of contact per first attachment elements reduces the number of interactions and surface area of contact between the louvre and the mesh, thus further limiting the noise generated should movement of the louvre relative to the mesh yet occur. In effect, distribution of the forces amongst a greater surface area or greater number of contact points may increase the likelihood that the louvre moves relative to the mesh. 15 Therefore, one vertical element 22 may be positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element 13 and the first edge of the louvre may be shaped to abut against the vertical elements 22 positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element 13 due to bias from deformation of the louvre and / or the vertical elements 22 positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element 13. 20 Louvres including protruding portions 15 and corresponding ‘cut-away’ portions as described in respect of Figure 1 may impart one or more additional advantages to a louvre or system in which the louvres are utilised. In such configurations, a first edge of the louvre is shaped to be spaced from the vertical elements of the mesh which are 25 not abutted by the louvre slat or protruding element(s) of the slat by a space between each first attachment element. In examples where the louvre is shaped to provide a space between the mesh panel and the first edge at one or more positions distant from the first attachment element, the space may be positioned midway between or approximately midway between each first attachment element. Figure 1 shows an 30 arrangement of first attachment elements, spaces, protruding portions and spaces arranged in this manner. The spacing of vertical mesh elements proximate to the space or ‘cut-away’ sections of the louvre from edge portions of the first slat of the louvre, and more particularly such spacing in combination with the bracing of each protruding portion, where present, against two vertical elements of the mesh, may act 06 03 25 to prevent bending or deformation of the louvre over time. Without being bound by theory, the reduction in time related deformation is believed to be caused by the distribution and particular focussing offerees acting on the louvre and / or between the louvre and the mesh on the contact points 16 associated with each first attachment 5 element and the vertical components of the mesh to which it is attached. The present invention therefore provides a method 100 of fitting a louvre to a mesh panel as shown in Figure 6. The method includes attaching 101 one or more attachment elements of the louvre to the mesh panel; rotating 102 the louvre around 10 the point of attachment of the one or more attachment elements to the mesh panel until an edge of the louvre abuts the mesh panel; and further rotating 103 the louvre until the louvre and / or the mesh panel are resiliently and elastically deformed to spring bias the louvre against the mesh panel and / or the mesh panel against the louvre at the abutting edge. The louvre may be any configuration of louvre as substantially 15 described herein such as the louvre of Figure 1, the louvre shown in part in Figures 5A to 50, or any other suitable configuration of louvre. The method may further include affixing the louvre to a securing point on a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel using a second attachment element. When attached to a mesh or mesh panel using the method 100, the edge of the louvre may be biased against at least two 20 vertical elements of the mesh panel, and / or at least two vertical elements of the mesh panel may be biased against the edge of the louvre, for each first attachment element of the louvre. The method may include any number of additional method steps as desired. For example, the method may include fitting a further louvre or louvres to a mesh or mesh panel. The method may also include orienting the louvres, securing the 25 louvres in one or more additional manners, painting the louvres and / or coating the louvres in one or more functional coatings. The method may also include installing one or more support posts or supporting structures in proximity to the system, mesh, mesh panel or louvre. 30 In embodiments where the louvre 10 is attached to a system, mesh, mesh panel and / or other support structure via releasable means, the louvre 10 may be freely attached or removed from a mesh as desired. Removably attaching the louvre to a mesh may impart various advantages. One such advantage is that the louvre or louvres attached to a mesh may be easily removed to allow cleaning or the louvres and / or mesh 06 03 25 components. In a similar manner, the louvres may be easily removed or individually removed to allow replacement of damage louvres, maintenance of louvre or mesh components, or other such upkeep. Where louvres are releasably attached, there is no need to destroy welding, adhesive bonds or parts of the louvre or mesh to remove 5 the louvres. Removal of louvres which are fixedly attached to a mesh with no means of release may damage the mesh or louvre and necessitate replacement of large sections of meshing in some situation. A system including a louvre according to the present invention may therefore be free, or substantially free of welding. A louvre may therefore include only releasable attachment means. 10 The mesh arrangements to which the louvres described herein may be attached may be meshes or mesh panels that form part of one or more fences. Fences are often formed from standardised fence mesh panels supported by fence posts. In such fences, a louvre or louvres may be supported wholly, or in part by the fence mesh 15 panel without interaction with a support post or support structure. In other examples, the louvre or louvres may be supported by the horizontal elements of one or more fence mesh panels in combination with one or more fence support posts, or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, the louvres as described herein are not generally considered to constitute one or more horizontal elements of a mesh panel or fence 20 from which the louvres are supported as such horizontal mesh or fences elements are generally used to support the louvres. Therefore, a system, such as a fence, including one or more louvres in accordance with the present disclosure will generally include one or more horizontal elements in addition to the one or more louvres. 25 The louvres of the present invention are not limited to installation in fencing applications, and may be fitted to any suitable mesh arrangement, mesh panel, or the like. For example, the louvres may be fitted to one or more mesh arrangements forming part of a building, structure, or other edifice. In another example, the louvres may be fitted to one or more mesh arrangements forming part of a vehicle such as a 30 truck, train, aircraft, ship, or any other suitable vehicle. The louvres and the mesh to which they are attached may also be any suitable size, such that the louvres may be fitted to a mesh arrangement in a tool, object, portable item, or the like. 06 03 25 A system, or individual mesh panel, may have any number of louvres as described herein depending on the purpose and design intent of the system. In an example, a system or mesh panel may have a single louvre, or group of louvres positioned at or approximate to the height of a human head to prevent the casual observer from looking 5 through the mesh without effort. In other examples, louvres may be positioned only in areas of a mesh where the passage of light, sound, or air should be controlled. Where a mesh arrangement is used to protect pieces of equipment, louvres may be positioned only at or around the parts of the mesh arrangement in proximity to portions of the equipment that are light, sound, or air sensitive. Alternatively, a system or mesh 10 arrangement may have louvres along its entire length and / or throughout its entire height such that all light, air, and sound incident upon the system or mesh arrangement will interact with, be directed by, or be screened by the louvres. It will therefore be appreciated that the louvres described herein serve in a modular capacity and that the density of louvres on a given mesh panel, the position of the louvres and obstruction 15 to light, sound or air may be modified by the user by employing varying numbers of louvres in varying combinations and positions. The louvres may also be fitted or retrofitted to many existing or standardised mesh systems that do not contain louvres by default. The first attachment element of the louvre requires only a horizontal element for connection to the mesh and the second attachment elements may be 20 secured to existing support posts, supporting structures, supporting walls, other elements of the system in proximity to the mesh, or the like. Where appropriate securing points for the one or more second attachment elements are not present, they may be formed in any suitable proximate surface using a drill, puncturing device, or similar. Where such supporting structure are absent, additional supports such as a 25 support post may be fitted as necessary. The skilled person will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the louvres, systems, mesh arrangements and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For the avoidance of doubt, the scope of 30 the invention is defined by the appended claims. 06 03 25

Claims

1. A system comprising a mesh panel, a louvre and a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel, the louvre being attached to the mesh panel using a first attachment element comprising a hook which extends from a first edge of the louvre and loops, or partially loops, about the mesh panel, and the louvre is secured to the post, support structure, or additional mesh panel, by a second attachment element such that the louvre and / or the mesh panel are resiliently and elastically deformed to spring bias the first edge of the louvre into abutment with the mesh panel, the contact point or area between the first edge of the louvre and the mesh panel forming a fulcrum about which bending forces act in the louvre and / or the mesh panel.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the mesh panel comprises a plurality of horizontal elements and the first attachment element loops, or partially loops, about a horizontal element of the mesh panel.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second attachment element comprises a bracket to receive, or from which extends, a bolt, pin or screw threaded fastener.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a plurality of vertical elements, and the first edge of the louvre is biased into abutment with two or more of the vertical elements, and / or two or more of the vertical elements are biased into abutment with the first edge of the louvre.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first edge of the louvre is shaped to provide a space between the mesh panel and the first edge at one or more positions distant from the first attachment element.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the louvre comprises a plurality of first attachment elements extending from the first edge and spaced along the first06 03 25edge, and the first edge is shaped to provide the space at positions midway between each of the plurality of first attachment elements.

7. A system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a vertical element is positioned oneach side of the or each first attachment element, wherein the first edge is shaped to abut and be biased against, and / or to be abutted due to bias by, the vertical elements positioned on each side of the or each first attachment element, and the first edge is shaped to be spaced from the remaining vertical elements by the space.

8. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system is a fence, the mesh panel is a fence panel, or the system is a fence and the mesh panel is a fence panel.

9. A method of fitting a louvre to a mesh panel, the method comprising: attaching one or more first attachment elements of the louvre to the mesh panel, the first attachment element being a hook extending from a first edge of the louvre and looping, or partially looping, about the mesh panel;rotating the louvre around the point of attachment of the one or more first attachment elements to the mesh panel until the first edge of the louvre is biassed into abutment with the mesh panel;further rotating the louvre until the louvre and / or the mesh panel are resiliently and elastically deformed to spring bias the louvre against the mesh panel and / or the mesh panel against the louvre at the abutting edge, the contact point or area between the first edge of the louvre and the mesh panel forming a fulcrum about which bending forces act in the louvre and / or the mesh panel; andaffixing the louvre to a securing point on a post, support structure, or additional mesh panel using a second attachment element.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the edge of the louvre is biased against at least two vertical elements of the mesh panel for each first attachment element of the louvre and / or at least two vertical elements of themesh panel are biased against the edge of the louvre for each first attachment element.

11. The method according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the mesh panel is a fence panel and / or the mesh panel forms part of a fence.LDCM

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