Closure apparatus and / or method of use of manufacture thereof

Abstract

Closure apparatus for use in selectively closing an opening in a surface or wall includes a frame means for at least partly framing the opening in use and closure means movably mounted to said frame m

Description

This invention relates to closure apparatus and / or to a method of use or manufacturer thereof. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to closure apparatus in the form of loft hatch door apparatus, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the closure apparatus of the present invention could be any form of access apparatus, door or window apparatus for use in any suitable application. It is a Building Regulation requirement for the purposes of energy conservation that all loft hatch doors in new buildings pass a required air tightness test, which is a measure of air leakage through the door. Loft hatch doors are typically doors provided over a loft hatch or opening in a building that can be moved between an open position, wherein access to the loft of the building can be gained, and a closed position, wherein access to the loft of the building is substantially prevented. The Applicant already has granted patent GB2527908 for access panel apparatus that includes an access panel and frame that meets the required air tightness test. Such access panel apparatus can also be used to access services, wall voids and / or the like. A problem with many known access apparatus or panels is that if they are not designed for use in certain applications, such as for example in rooms or locations where X-ray generating apparatus or other radiation emitting equipment or substances are located because they do not provide any shielding effect from the X-rays or radiation emitted by the equipment or substances. As such, persons present in an adjacent area to the room or location in which the X-ray apparatus or radiation emitting equipment or substances are located are vulnerable to being exposed to unwanted radiation. The Applicant is aware of an access panel in the marketplace which provides a lead lining on part of the panel. However, the arrangement of the access panel and lead lining in this known design is such that radiation is still able to pass through gaps in the access panel and between the access panel and the frame, thereby still resulting in potential exposure to persons present in an adjacent area to the radiation source. JPH07218690 discloses a radiation shield door having a two sided lock arrangement which has radiation shielding so as to prevent the passage of gamma rays therethrough. The lock is a two sided lock arrangement where either a) the lock on each side of the door is offset with respect to each other so as to prevent radiation leakage through the lock; or b) the shaft between the two locks is filled with radiation shielding material to prevent radiation leakage through the same. A hinge arrangement is provided on an external side of the door in contact with an iron plate. The hollow interior of the door is filled with radiation shielding material. However, there is no radiation shielding material associated with the surrounding wall or frame in which the door is located. Therefore, radiation is still able to pass around the door into an adjacent area. It is an aim of the present invention to provide alternative closure apparatus, an access panel or access apparatus (interchangeably used to refer to the same or similar item) having radiation shielding means. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of use and / or manufacture of closure apparatus, an access panel or access apparatus having radiation shielding means. According to the present invention there is provided closure apparatus for use in selectively closing an opening in a surface or wall; said closure apparatus including frame means for at least partly framing the opening in use and closure means movably mounted to said frame means in use; said closure means movable relative to said frame means between a first closed position, wherein access through the opening is prevented or substantially prevented, and a second open position, wherein access through the opening is possible; the closure means further including handle means and / or locking means for retaining and / or locking said closure means in the first closed position in use; and wherein radiation shielding means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means, the frame means and the handle and / or locking means, and the radiation shielding means are arranged so as to prevent or substantially prevent the passage of radiation therethrough in use. Thus, by providing radiation shielding means on the closure means, the frame means and the handle / locking means, this prevents or significantly reduces the likelihood of radiation passing through said means or any gaps between said means in use. Preferably the handle means and / or locking means are movable or actuatable in use to allow the closure means to be moved between open and closed positions and / or between unlocked and locked positions in use. Preferably the handle means and locking means could be: separate and independent devices; a single combined handle and locking device that allows both opening and closing of the closure apparatus and unlocking and locking of the closure apparatus in use, or a single device that allows either the closure apparatus to be moved between the open and closed positions or to be moved between unlocked and locked positions in use. Preferably the frame means are locatable in the opening of the surface or wall in use, and optionally fixable to the surface or wall in use. Preferably the frame means frames or borders at least a part or all of the closure means and / or opening in use. For example, the frame means can be provided around all sides of the closure means when the closure means is in a closed position in use. In one example, the frame means are provided around three sides of the closure means, such as a top and two opposing side walls of the closure means when the closure means is in a closed position in use. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are arranged such that there is at least abutment, overlapping or at least a partial overlapping of the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure means and the frame means, the closure means and the handle and / or locking means, and / or the frame means and the handle and / or locking means. Preferably the abutment, overlapping or at least partial overlapping of the radiation shielding means on the different components or combination of components of the closure apparatus helps to prevent the passage of radiation around or through the same in use. Preferably the overlapping or at least partial overlapping of radiation shielding means can take place (such as for example along a particular plane or axis) even if the radiation shielding means are located a spaced distance apart from each other. This prevents radiation travelling in a straight fine from easily passing through, around or between the overlapping regions of the radiation shielding means of different components (i.e. of the closure means, the locking means or the frame means). For example, if the radiation shielding means on the frame, closure means, lock and / or handle means are arranged in a parallel or substantially parallel orientation to each other but a spaced distance apart from each other, any radiation travelling in a direction perpendicular or transverse to the radiation shielding means will be prevented from passing through or around one or both of the parallel orientated radiation shieling means. Preferably the radiation shielding means includes, comprises or consists of any or any combination of lead, a lead coating, a lead lining, a lead panel or a lead member. However, other radiation shielding material(s) can be used and can preferably be provided as any or any combination of one or more linings, coatings, panels and / or members as required. Preferably the closure means , frame means, handle means and / or locking means has a first or front surface and a second or rear surface. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are provided on, between and / or associated with the first or front surface and / or a second or rear surface of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are provided on and / or associated with the second or rear surface or surfaces of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. Preferably the second or rear surface is arranged to face away from the room or location where the radiation is present or being emitted in use. Preferably the first or front surface is arranged to face the room or location where the radiation is present or being emitted in use. In one example, the second or rear surface of the frame means is the surface facing towards the wall or surface defining the opening in which the closure apparatus is located in use. In one example, the second or rear surface of the handle means or locking means is the surface of the handle or locking means furthest away from the closure means in use. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is provided as an intermediate layer, panel, lining, member or coating of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. For example, a wall of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means may include a first layer, lining, member, panel or coating; at least a second layer, lining, panel, member or coating; and one or more intermediate layers, linings, coatings, panel or members, at least one of which is the radiation shielding means. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is provided as an outermost layer, panel, member or coating of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is attached to the one or more surfaces or outer surfaces of the closure means frame means, handle means and / or locking means via attachment means. In one example, the radiation shielding means is attached after construction of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means and is not integral or within the interior of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. This makes for a more cost effective solution which can be easily adapted to the radiation shielding requirements in the specific application in which the closure means is to be used. Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of adhesive, welding, lead welding, one or more screws, nuts and bolts, clips, inter-engaging members and / or the like. Preferably the attachment means are provided with, made from or include radiation shielding means. For example, a lead containing weld can be used to attach a lead lining to the closure means in use. In one embodiment the handle means and / or locking means are arranged to move between a first position, wherein the closure means can be opened and / or unlocked, and a second position, wherein the closure means are retained in the closed position and / or locked. Preferably the handle means can include a knob, handle, pivotable handle, rotatable knob and / or the like. In one embodiment the locking means is or includes compression locking means or device. Preferably the compression locking means or device is arranged to at least partly move and / or retain the closure means under compression or increasing the compressive force on or relative to the frame means when in a locked position in use. Preferably the locking means is movable between locked and unlocked positions in use. Preferably with the locking means in the locked position, the closure means is retained in the closed position in use. Preferably with the locking means in an unlocked position, the closure means can be moved between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment the locking means includes a bolt or arm portion that is movable or rotatably movable between the locked and unlocked positions in use. In one embodiment a first part or end of the bolt or arm portion is movably mounted to one of the closure means or frame means, and a second part or opposite end of the bolt or arm portion is movable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the other of the closure means or frame means. In one embodiment the first part or end of the bolt or arm portion is rotatably mounted to the closure means and the second part or opposite end of the bolt or arm portion engages with the frame means or a flange of the frame means when in the locked position. Preferably the second part or opposite end of the bolt or arm portion disengages with the frame means or the flange of the frame means when in the unlocked position in use. In one example, the second part or opposite end of the bolt or arm portion engages with or in a strike plate provided on and / or associated with the frame means. Preferably the arm portion is rotatably mounted or movable via a shaft or spindle relative to the closure means or frame means in use. In one example, at least part of the shaft or spindle passes through an aperture defined in or through the closure means, frame and / or radiation shielding means of the closure means or frame means. Preferably a key member and / or user actuation means is arranged to move or rotate the shaft or spindle relative to the closure means or frame means in use. Preferably the user actuation means is provided on the first or front surface of the closure means or frame means. Preferably the arm portion or bolt are provided on a second or rear surface of the closure means or frame means. In one embodiment the locking means is provided with a cover or housing which is located over at least part or all of the locking means, bolt or arm portion, and / or spindle or shaft, and further preferably this cover or housing is provided on at least a rear side of the closure means or frame means. Preferably the handle means is provided with a cover or housing. Preferably the radiation shielding means is provided on and / or associated with the cover or housing of said handle means and / or locking means, and further preferably a rear surface of the cover or housing. Further preferably the radiation shielding means is provided on and / or associated with the outermost surface of the cover or housing of said handle means and / or locking means (i.e. the surface that faces away from the closure means). Preferably the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure means at least partially overlaps with the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the cover or housing of the handle means and / or locking means. For example, this can be arranged such that radiation passing through a front of the handle means and / or locking means cannot penetrate past the radiation shield means of the cover or housing provided at the rear of the locking means or past the radiation shielding means associated with the closure means. For example, the spindle or shaft of the handle means and / or locking means passing through the aperture in the closure means is at least partially covered at the rear by the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the cover or housing of the handle means and / or locking means. Preferably at least part or all of the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure means is parallel or substantially parallel to at least part or all of the radiation shielding provided on and / or associated with the handle means and / or locking means. Further preferably the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure means is provided parallel or substantially parallel and a spaced distance apart to the radiation shielding provided on and / or associated with the handle means and / or locking means. In one example, there is only a single radiation shield coating, layer, panel or member provided on the rear surface of the housing of the handle means and / or locking means. In one embodiment there is no requirement to have a radiation shield means, coating, layer, panel or member provided on and / or associated with the handle means and / or locking means that is arranged perpendicular or transverse to the radiation shield means, coating, layer, panel or member of the closure means. In one embodiment the user actuation means for actuating the handle means and / or locking means and moving the same between the open and closed positions or the locked and unlocked positions is provided on a single side or surface of the closure means only (i.e. typically on a front surface of the closure means). Further preferably the radiation shielding means is provided on the rear surface of the closure means, handle means and / or locking means. In one embodiment at least part of the handle means and / or locking means is located in an open aperture defined through the closure means. For example, at least part of the spindle or shaft of the handle means and / or locking means is located through the open aperture of the closure means. Preferably the open aperture or internal mechanism of the handle means and / or locking means is not provided with radiation shielding means but the cover or housing to the handle means and / or locking means is provided with the radiation shielding means thereon. This allows a much simpler and more cost effective locking mechanism to be provided in use. Preferably the locking means is movable between the locked and unlocked position using a key member in use. Preferably the key member is a removable key member. In one example, the user actuation means includes a triangular actuation member that engages with a triangular key member in use. In one embodiment the closure member and / or the frame means are provided with at least one flange or wall portion. In one embodiment the at least one flange or wall portion protrudes outwardly from a rear surface the closure member and / or frame means or protrudes away from the front surface of the closure member and / or frame means. Preferably the radiation shielding means are provided on and / or associated with the at least one flange or wall portion, such as for example on a rear surface of the same. Preferably the frame means includes a plurality of frame members joined together to form a frame, and further preferably the frame partially or wholly surrounds around the opening and / or closure means. In one embodiment the frame means or members are provided with at least one flange that protrudes outwardly of the frame means or members. Preferably radiation shielding means is provided on and / or associated with this outwardly protruding flange, such as for example on a rear surface of the same. Preferably the front surface of the outwardly protruding flange wholly or at least partially surrounds the front surface of the closure means when in a closed position in use. Preferably the outwardly protruding flange is for engaging with or against a wall or front surface defining the access opening in which the closure apparatus is to be located in use. In one embodiment the frame means is provided with at least one flange that protrudes inwardly of the frame means or members. Preferably the frame means includes both the at least one inwardly protruding flange and the at least one outwardly protruding flange and said flanges are located a spaced distance apart from each other. Preferably at least one side wall of the frame means (or the frame members) is / are located between and join the inwardly and outwardly protruding flanges together. In one embodiment the at least one side wall or frame members located between the inwardly protruding flange and the outwardly protruding flange is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each of the flanges. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are provided on and / or associated with the side wall of the frame means, such as for example on a rear surface of the side walls. In one embodiment the frame means includes an inwardly protruding flange portion, an outwardly protruding flange portion and a side wall between the inwardly protruding flange and the outwardly protruding flange portion. Preferably the radiation shielding means can be provided on and / or associated with the inwardly protruding flange portion, the outwardly protruding flange portion and / or the side wall between the flange portions, and further preferably a rear surface of the same. In one embodiment the frame means has an S or Z-shaped cross sectional profile. Preferably the radiation shielding means are provided on the rear surface of the S-or Z-shaped cross sectional profile. In one embodiment the frame means includes at least one outwardly protruding flange and / or at least one inwardly protruding flange In one embodiment the frame means includes a side wall, at least one front outwardly protruding flange and at least one rear inwardly protruding flange. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is provided on a rear surface of the side wall, the at least one outwardly protruding flange and / or the at least one inwardly protruding flange. Preferably the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure means at least partially overlaps with the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the inwardly protruding flange portion of the frame means when the closure means is in a closed position in use. Preferably the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure member is arranged to be parallel to or substantially parallel to the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the inwardly protruding flange portion when the closure member is in a closed position in use. In one embodiment the inwardly and outwardly protruding flange portions of the frame means are arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to each other but protrude in opposite or substantially opposite directions. Preferably the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the side wall between the inwardly and outwardly protruding flange portions is provided perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the radiation shielding means provided on and / or associated with the closure member, inwardly protruding flange and / or outwardly protruding flange. Preferably reference to surfaces being overlapping or partially overlapping in this description can relate to overlapping surfaces in direct abutment with each other or overlapping surfaces a spaced distance apart from each other. In one embodiment the inwardly protruding flanges and / or one or more surfaces of the closure means and the frame means are arranged to be substantially parallel and abutting directly, or indirectly via sealing means, when in the closed position and / or locked position in use. Preferably the second part or end of the bolt or arm of the locking means moves into engagement with said inwardly protruding flange portion of the frame means when in the locked position, thereby moving the inwardly protruding flange of the frame means into engagement with the closure means and under compression when in the locked position. Preferably the second part or end of the bolt or arm of the locking means moves into engagement with inwardly protruding flange portions of both the frame means and closure means when in the locked position, thereby moving the inwardly protruding flange of the frame means and closure means into engagement and under compression when in the locked position. In one embodiment the locking means are compression locking means in that a greater compressive force or locking force is applied to the closure means and / or the frame means when the closure means is in a closed and locked position compared to when the closure means is in a closed and unlocked position in use. This reduces air leakage past the closure means when in the closed and locked position. Preferably the locking means, or further preferably at least the bolt or arm portion of the locking means, are slidably, rotatably and / or pivotably movable between the locked and unlocked positions. In one embodiment the closure means is hingedly connected to the frame means via hinge means. Preferably the hinge means are arranged to be air tight or substantially air tight (i.e. the hinge means prevents or substantially prevents air from passing through said hinge arrangement.) In one embodiment the hinge means are located between the radiation shielding means of the closure member and the inwardly protruding flange portion of the frame means. As such, the closure means does not allow any radiation to pass through the same from one side of the closure means to the opposite side of the closure means via the hinge means. Preferably the hinge means are mounted substantially on an interior, rear or inwardly facing surface of the closure means. Preferably the hinge means are concealed or substantially concealed within the frame means of the closure apparatus. This increases the aesthetic appeal provided by the same in use. Preferably the hinge means are connected with the side wall between the inwardly and outwardly protruding flange portions of the frame means and the interior or rear facing surface of the closure member. In one example the hinge means includes one or more pivot pins, pivot members and / or the Eke. However, any suitable hinge means could be used. Preferably sealing means are provided on and / or associated with the hinge means to improve the air tightness of the hinge means in use. Preferably sealing means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means and / or frame means to allow sealing between the same in use. The sealing means help to prevent or substantially reduce air leakage past said sealing means in use. In one embodiment the sealing means can include any or any combination of one or more seals, sealing strips, rubber sealing strips, neoprene sealing strips, memory sealing strips, washers and / or the like. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are provided as a continuous or substantially continuous member, lining, coating, layer or panel on the relevant surface of the closure means, frame means, handle means and / or locking means. This prevents any gaps in the radiation shielding means. Preferably the radiation shielding means is provided as a planar or substantially planar panel, layer, coating or member on each surface of the locking means, closure means, handle means and / or frame means on which it is provided and / or associated in use. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means are provided on the entire or substantially entire relevant surface of the closure means. This helps to prevents gaps in the radiation shielding means. Preferably the frame means can be provided at or against one or more sides of the closure means, and further preferably the frame means surrounds the entire or substantially the entire closure means in use. In one embodiment fixing means are provided on or associated with the frame means for allowing the frame means to be attached to a wall or surface defining the opening in use. Preferably the fixing means can include any or any combination of welding, adhesive, one or more apertures, channels, recesses, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, nails, interengaging members and / or the like. In one embodiment the closure apparatus is in the form of a loft hatch apparatus or access panel apparatus and the closure means is a door member thereof. In this embodiment an exterior or front of the closure means is typically the side of the door facing away from the loft or facing towards the radiation emitting area and the interior or rear of the closure means is typically the side of the door facing inwardly of the loft or facing away from the radiation emitting area. Preferably insulation means can be provided on and / or associated with one or more sides of the closure means, locking means, handle means, frame means and / or the Eke. Preferably the insulation means includes thermal insulation means which reduces the passage of heat therethrough, such as for example mineral wool, foamed insulation, polystyrene insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) and / or the like. Preferably the closure means and / or frame means can be made from or include any or any combination of wood, plastic, metal and / or the like. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is of sufficient thickness to prevent or substantially prevent the passage of radiation therethrough in use. In one example, the thickness of the radiation shielding means or lead shielding layer is between 2mm-4mm, and further preferably 2.2mm+ / -0.2mm — 3.2 + / -0.2mm. In one embodiment the radiation shielding means is arranged to specifically stop X-rays from passing through the same in use. Preferably the shape of the radiation shielding layer, member, coating or panel is complementary or substantially complementary in shape to the closure means, frame means, handle means and locking means on which it is provided. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing closure apparatus for use in selectively closing an opening in a surface or wall; said method including the steps of providing frame means for at least partly framing the opening in use, movably mounting closure means to said frame means and arranging said closure means to move relative to said frame means between a first closed position, wherein access through the opening is prevented or substantially prevented, and a second open position, wherein access through the opening is possible in use; providing handle means and / or locking means for retaining and / or locking said closure means in the first closed position in use; and providing radiation shielding means on and / or with the closure means, the frame means, and the handle and / or locking means so as to prevent or substantially prevent the passage of radiation therethrough in use. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using closure apparatus for selectively closing an opening in a surface of wall. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided closure means. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figures la and lb show an end view and a side view of frame means respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b show an end view and a side view of closure means respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a rear plan view of closure apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 4a and 4b shown an end view and a side view of the closure apparatus respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention with X-ray penetrating beams shown. Referring to the figures, there is illustrated closure apparatus in the form of access panel apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The access panel apparatus 2 is for use in providing a closure mechanism for an opening in a wall or surface of a room or locality. The access panel apparatus 2 comprises frame means or frame 4 and a closure means or door 6 hingedly mounted within the frame 4. The frame 4 defines an opening therebetween. Door 6 is movable within the opening of the frame 4 between an open position, wherein access through the opening is possible, and a closed position, wherein access through the opening is prevented. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame completely surrounds the door 6 on all sides when the door is in a closed position in use. The frame 4 includes four frame members or side walls 8 defining a square shaped frame in this example, although it is noted that other shapes of frames can be provided as required. An inwardly protruding flange 10 is provided at a first end 12 of the side walls 8 and an outwardly protruding flange 14 is provided at a second end 16 of the side walls 8. This arrangement of inwardly and outwardly protruding flanges relative to the side walls typically creates a Z-shape or S-shape cross sectional frame. In use, the frame 4 is fitted in an opening defined in a wall of a room, building or locality. The outwardly protruding flange 14 defines a front of the frame 4 and typically is visible from the room, building or locality . The inwardly protruding flange 10 forms a rear of the frame 4 and typically faces away from the room, building or locality when fitted in use. Fixing means including apertures 3 are provided to allow the frame 4 to be attached to the surfaces of the wall in which the access panel apparatus 2 is to be located in use. Further fixing means in the form of screws or bolts can be provided to pass through the apertures 3 to allow the frame 4 to be screwed to the wall. Other fixing mechanisms could be provided as required. The door 6 comprises a front surface 18 and a rear surface 20. Side walls 22 can be optionally be provided between the front and rear surfaces 18, 20 and an interior compartment or tray can be defined therebetween in one example. The door is hingedly mounted via hinge means to the frame 4. More particularly, the hinge means are located between the front of the closure means and the inwardly protruding flange 14 of the frame. The hinge means includes a pivot pin 23 provided between a side wall of the closure means and the side wall 8 of the frame 4 on one side and the same on the opposite side. Locking means in the form of a lock arrangement 24 are provided on the door 6 to allow the door to be locked to the frame 4 when in a closed position in use. More particularly, the locking arrangement 24 can be moved between a locked position, wherein the door 6 is retained in the closed position, and an unlocked position, wherein the door 6 can be moved between open and closed positions. Thus, the locking means in this embodiment can be said to be acting as both locking means and handle means. In this example, the lock arrangement 24 includes a locking arm 28 which is rotatably mounted on a spindle 30 and rotatable between the locked and unlocked positions in use. A cover 26 is located over the locking arm 28 and spindle 30. The cover 26, locking arm 28 and spindle 30 are provided on the rear surface 20 of the door 6. User actuation means for actuating the locking 6 are provided on the front surface 18 of door 6 in the form of a triangular lock 32. A spindle 34 of triangular lock 32 passes through an aperture in the door 6 from the front surface 18 to the rear surface 20 and is arranged to actuate rotation of locking arm spindle 30 on rotation of the triangular lock 32 in use. A removable key member (not shown) can be used to rotate the triangular lock 32 in use. Sealing means can also be provided on door 6 for sealing the door 6 in the frame 4 if required. A problem with existing access panels arrangements is that they are not designed to prevent radiation, such as X-rays from passing through the same. As such, persons located at the rear side of a conventional access panel will be exposed to X-ray radiation passing through the access panel in use. In an attempt to overcome this problem and to provide an access panel that prevents or substantially prevents radiation from passing through the same, the access panel apparatus 2 of the present invention is provided with radiation shielding means on the closure means (door 6), the frame means (frame 4) and the locking means (lock 24). In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation shielding means is in the form of lead lining or a number of lead members arranged side by side. More particularly, a lead lining 36 is provided on the rear surfaces of the frame 4. Thus, lead lining 36 is provided on the rear facing surface of the inwardly protruding flange 10, the rear facing surface of the outwardly protruding flange 14 and on the rear facing surface of side walls 8 located between the inwardly and outwardly protruding flanges 10, 14. Thus, in this illustrated a S-shaped or Z-shaped or substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped lead lining member is provided on the frame 4. The lead lining 36 is typically complementary in shape to the frame 4. A lead lining 38 is also provided on an inwardly facing or rear surface of door 6 or on the rear side of the front surface 18 of door 6. In this example, the lead lining 38 is a continuous lining that covers that entire rear side of front surface 18 with the exception of the aperture through which spindle 34 is located. The lead lining 38 is parallel to the front surface 18 of door 6. The spindle 34 of lock 32 passes through the door 6 and the lead lining 38. A lead lining 40 is also provided over at least part of the lock cover 26, and preferably on the rear, outer surface of the lock cover 26 that is parallel or substantially parallel to the front surface 18 of door 6. This rear outer surface faces away from the room in which the radiation is being generated in use. With the door 6 fitted in the frame 4 in use, the lead lining 36 on the inwardly protruding flange 10 of the frame overlaps with the lead lining 38 of door 6 when the door is in a closed position, thereby acting as a barrier to X-ray penetration from X-ray beam 42. This is because the X-ray beam is unable to bend around the overlap region. A similar area of overlap is found between the lead lining 40 on the lock cover 26 and the lead lining 38 of door 6. Thus, if any X-rays are able to penetrate through the front of the lock arrangement, they will be prevented from penetrating beyond the lock cover 26 to the rear of the same as a result of lead lining 40. Thus, even though the lead linings 36, 38, 40 of access panel 2 are a spaced distance apart from each other, there is overlap between the regions of lead lining of the door, the frame and the lock so as to prevent any gaps being formed which are not provided with radiation shielding. For example, there is overlap in the lead linings on plan view of the access panel when viewed from the front surface.

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