Glazing panel support and handling apparatus and systems

Abstract

Apparatus 100, suitable for supporting a glazing panel such as a vehicle windscreen, having a support frame 102 with two elongate arms 108 that can support a glazing panel. A sliding member 110 is mou

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure provides apparatuses and systems for supporting and handling glazing panels during installation and / or removal of said glazing panels. The glazing panel may be, but is not limited to, a vehicle glazing panel, such as a vehicle windscreen. BACKGROUND There are various activities in which individuals are required to lift and handle relatively heavy or cumbersome glazing panels, such as during installation and / or removal of said glazing panels. Often, these glazing panels are required to be lifted by a single user or technician, which over time can lead to health and safety problems, even if proper manual handling practices are attempted to followed by the technician, using the equipment provided. For example, vehicle glazing panels, such as windscreens, side glazing panels and rear glazing panels, are often installed and removed by a single technician. The vehicle windscreens are typically heavy and cumbersome, which can cause result in short- or long-term injuries for technicians, such as back problems. The present disclosure seeks to provide improved equipment for handling glazing panels, to facilitate the safe handling, turning and lifting of glazing panels, such as vehicle glazing panels, mitigating the risk of injury to the user. SUMMARY Aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a glazing panel support apparatus, comprising: a support frame, the support frame comprising two elongate support arms arranged to support a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; and two sliding members, wherein: each sliding member is slidably mounted on a respective one of the elongate support arms, such that each sliding member is displaceable along at least a portion of elongate support arm parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support arm; and each sliding member comprises a channel dimensioned to receive a respective portion of an edge of a glazing panel, such that the edge of the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with both channels and the sliding members. There is an improvement in the ease of manipulation of a glazing panel, meaning less risk of injury to a technician particularly during a fitting process. This is particularly important where the glazing panel is heavy as in the case of a windscreen. Each sliding member is beneficially displaceable between a first position, in which the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with the elongate support arms in an upward facing orientation, and a second position, in which the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with the elongate support arms in a downward facing orientation. The glazing panel may further be readily turned over which aids in the ease of the fitting process. The sliding member may be formed of a first portion and a second portion where the first portion is removably connected to the second portion. Each elongate support arm may comprise a first end portion and an opposing second end portion; each first end portion may comprise a first support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; and each second end portion may comprise a second support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. The support frame further may comprise two upright support members that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, wherein each elongate support arm is connected to a respective one of the upright support members and a longitudinal axis of each elongate support arm is substantially perpendicular to both a longitudinal axis of each upright support member and the first direction. The support frame may further comprise a base member, and an end of each upright support member is connected to the base member. The support frame may further comprise two support legs, each support leg connected to a respective one of the elongate support arms at a location spaced from the upright support member along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support arm. Each elongate support arm may be rotatably connected to the upright support member. According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is a glazing panel support apparatus, comprising: a support frame; and two pivoting support arms, each pivoting support arm comprising a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein each first end portion comprises a connector for connecting to a glazing panel handling apparatus, and wherein each second end portion is pivotably connected to the support frame such that each pivoting support arm is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the pivoting support arm supports a glazing panel secured to the glazing panel handling apparatus in a laid down orientation; and a second configuration in which the pivoting support arm is pivoted upwardly relative to the support frame to support a glazing panel secured to the glazing panel handling apparatus in a raised orientation. The glazing support apparatus allows ease of manipulation of a glazing panel, particularly when the glazing panel is heavy, to allow appropriate orientation and alignment for subsequent installation into a vehicle. The support frame may be configured to stand on a surface and in the first configuration a longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm is substantially perpendicular to the surface, and in the second configuration the longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm extends at a first angle relative to the surface, wherein the first angle is greater than 45° and less than or equal to 90°. The first end portion of each pivoting support arm comprises a first support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; and the second end portion of each pivoting support arm comprises a second support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. The first support surface may be provided on the connector. Each connector may a clip member or a clamp. Each pivoting support arm may be removably connected to the support frame, to thereby secure the pivoting support arm in the first configuration; and / or wherein a length of each pivoting support arm is adjustable. Each pivoting support arm may be removably seated in a respective receiving portion of the support frame, to thereby seat the pivoting support arm in the first configuration. A respective locking mechanism may be connected to each pivoting support arm, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the pivoting support arm in the second configuration. This enables a technician to temporarily leave a glazing panel supported by the support arms in a raised / upright configuration to allow further preparation of supplementary equipment for use in the glazing panel fitting process. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking pin received in a channel of a lock plate. The locking mechanism may form part of a pivoting mechanism that pivotably connects the pivoting support arm to the support frame. The glazing panel support apparatus may further comprise two sliding members, wherein each sliding member is slidably mounted on a respective one of the pivoting support arms, such that each sliding member is displaceable along at least a portion of pivoting support arm parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm; and each sliding member comprises a channel dimensioned to receive a respective portion of an edge of a glazing panel, such that the edge of the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with both channels. The support frame may further comprise two upright support members that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and wherein each pivoting support arm is pivotably connected to a respective one of the upright support members at a first location proximate a first end of the upright support member, such that the pivoting support arm is pivotable about an axis parallel to the first direction. Each pivoting support arm may be rotatably connected to the respective upright support member, such that the pivoting support arm is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the upright support member. The support frame may further comprise two elongate support arms, wherein each elongate support arm is connected to a respective one of the upright support members. Each elongate support arm may be connected to the respective upright support member at a second location positioned longitudinally between the first location and a second end of the upright member. Each elongate support arm may be rotatably connected to the respective upright support. The support frame may further comprise a base member, and the second end of each upright support member is connected to the base member. The support frame further comprises two support legs, each support leg connected to a respective one of the elongate support arms at a location spaced from the upright support member along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support arm. A longitudinal axis of each support leg extends at a first angle relative to a vertical plane, wherein the first angle is greater than 0° and less than 60°. This assists in stability of the support frame, particularly when used to manipulate large glazing panels for example during vehicle windscreen installation. According to another aspect there is a glazing panel support apparatus, comprising: a support frame comprising: first and second elongate support arms; first and second upright support members; and first and second support legs; wherein: the first elongate support arm is connected to both the first upright support arm and the first support leg at respective locations spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate support arm; the second elongate support arm is connected to both the second upright support arm and the second support leg at respective locations spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the second elongate support arm; a longitudinal axis of each support leg extends at a first angle relative to a vertical plane, wherein the first angle is greater than 0° and less than 60°. The glazing support apparatus improves stability, particularly when manipulating larger glazing panels such as vehicle windscreens. The first support leg may comprise a first foot and the first upright member may comprise a second foot, where the distance between the first and second feet is greater than the length of the first elongate support arm from the locations at which the first uprights support arm and first support leg connect to the first elongate support arm. It will be appreciated that it is beneficial that the same distance and length configurations are in place for the second elongate support arm and respective feet of the second upright support arm and second support leg. The support frame may further comprise a base member, and an end of each upright support member may be connected to the base member. The glazing panel support apparatus may further comprise at least one brace provided between the base member and each upright support member. A length of each upright support member may be adjustable and a length of each support leg may be adjustable. Each support leg may be telescopic and a respective release mechanism may be provided for each support leg, wherein each release mechanism is actuatable between a locked configuration in which the length of the support leg is fixed, and an unlocked configuration in which the length of the support leg is adjustable. An access space may be provided between the upright support members, said access space extending through to between the support legs, such that a user can pass bodily through the access space. The support frame may be configured such that a user can move bodily through the support frame. According to another aspect there is a glazing panel handling apparatus, comprising: a first suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising a first connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod; a second suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising at second connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod; and at least one elongate support member coupling the first suction mount to the second suction mount, such that the first and second suction mounts are spaced apart. The glazing panel handling apparatus may be grasped and manipulated by a technician. The first and second suction mounts may be coupled together by a support frame, the support frame comprising a plurality of elongate support members. A length of at least one of the plurality of elongate support members may be adjustable, such that at least one dimension of the elongate support frame is adjustable. The plurality of elongate support members may comprise: a first elongate support member; a second elongate support member; a third elongate support member; and a fourth elongate support member; wherein the third and fourth elongate support members are each connected between the first and second elongate support members. Each suction mount may comprise a channel extending through a body of the suction mount; the first elongate support member is inserted through the channel of the first suction mount, such that the first suction mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the first elongate support member; and the second elongate support member is inserted through the channel of the second suction mount, such that the second suction mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the second elongate support member. The support frame may further comprise a central bar moveably connected between the third and fourth elongate support members, such that the central bar can be displaced along the third and fourth elongate support members. The central bar may comprise one or more attachment points for coupling to a lifting crane. The attachment points may comprise simple apertures in the central bar. The glazing panel handling apparatus may be configured for use with a vehicle windscreen and wherein the support frame is curved to at least partially follow the contour of a curved windscreen. The support frame may be curved. According to a further aspect there is glazing panel handling system, comprising: a glazing panel handling apparatus a comprising a first suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising a first connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod; a second suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising at second connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod; and at least one elongate support member coupling the first suction mount to the second suction mount, such that the first and second suction mounts are spaced apart; and a handle apparatus configured to be connected to the first connector or the second connector, wherein the handle apparatus comprises two handle portions, each handle portion being arranged to be gripped by a user. The glazing panel handling system may further comprise: a second handle apparatus configured to be connected to the first connector or the second connector, wherein the second handle apparatus comprises two handle portions, each handle portion being arranged to be gripped by a user. According to another aspect there is a system, comprising: a glazing panel support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 33; and a glazing panel handling system of claim 42 or claim 43. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of this disclosure will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference signs relate to like elements and in which: Figure la shows a side view of a glazing panel support apparatus and Figure lb shows a sliding member according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus including pivotally mounted support arms in a lowered configuration according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus including pivotally mounted support arms in a raised configuration according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus including pivotally mounted support arms in a lowered configuration supporting a windscreen according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus including pivotally mounted support arms in a raised configuration supporting a windscreen according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a glazing panel support apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 8a and b show detailed views of a pivot mechanism for use in embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a glazing panel handling apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 10 is a side view of a glazing panel handling apparatus according to an 5 embodiment of this disclosure; Figures 11-13 are perspective views of a glazing panel handling system according to an embodiment of this disclosure; 10 Figure 14 is a perspective view of a glazing panel handling system in use for windscreen replacement according to an embodiment of this disclosure;. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of this disclosure are described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A shows a side view of an embodiment of a glazing panel support apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 comprises a support frame 102 configured to stand on a surface (e.g. the ground) and support a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A the support frame 102 comprises a pair of upright support members 104, a pair of support legs 106 and a pair of elongate support arms 108. Each upright support member 104 may comprise a respective foot 105 configured to stand on a surface, or a common base member 105 may connect an end of both upright support members 104 together. Each support leg 106 may likewise comprise a respective foot 107, or a common base member 107 may connect an end of both support legs 106 together. As Figure 1A is a side view, only one half of the support frame 102 is visible. In some embodiments (not shown), a cross-bar or cross-brace may connect the pair of support legs 106 or extend between the pair of the upright support members 104 to connect the two halves of the support frame 102 together. In other embodiments, a base member 105, 107 may connect the pair of support legs 106 together or the pair of the upright support members 104 together to connect the two halves of the support frame 102 to each other (discussed above). In Figure 1A, each support leg 106 extends at an angle offset from vertical. In other words, a longitudinal axis of each support leg (represented by line B-B) is provided at an angle that is greater than 0° from a vertical plane (represented by line A-A). This angle is an acute angle. In some embodiments, this angle is greater than 0° and less than 60°, or between than 5° and 45°. The support leg 106 being provided at an angle offset from vertical increases the stability of the support frame 102. A plurality of support elements 120, 122 are provided, each support element providing a contact surface for engaging a portion of a glazing panel. Thus, the outer surface of the support elements 120, 122 may be substantially smooth to prevent scratching or damaging a glazing panel. The support elements 120, 122 may be made of a material that is more flexible than the support frame 102. For example, the support elements 120, 122 can be made of a rubber or plastic material that is resiliently deformable, to provide some flex or “give” when a glazing panel is rested against the support element 120, 122. In other embodiments, the support elements 120, 122 may form part of the support frame itself. It will be appreciated that the geometry of the supporting elements 120, 122 is not limited to a hemispherical shape as shown in Figure 1A. A longitudinal axis of the elongate support arms 108 extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the upright support members 104. Thus, in use, the elongate support arms 108 may extend in a substantially horizonal direction. Each elongate support arm 108 has a respective sliding member 110 mounted thereon. The sliding member 110 is movably mounted to the elongate support arm 108, such that the sliding member 110 can be translated or displaced along at least a portion of a length of the elongate support arm 108 in a longitudinal direction (represented by the arrow in Figure 1 A). Figure IB is a close-up front view of an embodiment of a sliding member 110 according to the present disclosure. The sliding member 110 comprises a recessed portion or seat 114 configured to receive the elongate support arm 108. Thus, the recessed portion or seat 114 is dimensioned to allow the sliding member to be securely mounted on the elongate support arm 108 and be translatable along said arm. It will be appreciated that the sliding member 110 may be movably mounted on the elongate support arm 108 in a number of different ways, such that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure IB. In embodiments, the sliding member 110 may comprise a collar configured to extend around the elongate support arm 108, or the sliding member 110 may comprise a projection configured to be inserted into a complementary groove of the elongate support arm 108. Any suitable slidable connection is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In Figure IB, the sliding member 110 comprises a first and second fastening means 116, 118. Each fastening means 116, 118 is received in a respective aperture of the sliding member 110 (not shown) and can be adjusted to engage the elongate support arm 108, thereby holding the sliding member 110 in a fixed position relative to the elongate support arm 108. In some applications, it may be desirable to secure the sliding members 110 in a fixed position to prevent further movement of the glazing panel, for example to allow a visible inspection of the glazing panel. In some embodiments, the fastening members 116, 118 may be bolts. In some embodiments, the fastening members 116, 118 may not be provided, or only a single fastening or securing member may be provided per sliding member 110. The sliding member 110 comprises a channel 112 provided in an upper surface of the sliding member 110. The channel 112 is configured (or shaped and dimensioned) to receive an edge of a glazing panel that is lowered into the channel 112, to assist in moving and transitioning the glazing panel between different positions. Although the channel 112 is shown as hemispherical in Figure IB, this is just one possible geometry or many suitable geometries, which may depend on the particular glazing panel properties. For example, in some nonlimiting embodiments, the channel 112 may have a square or triangle cross section. In some embodiments, the sliding member 110 may be a unitary structure. In other embodiments, the sliding member 110 may be formed of a first portion 110a and a second portion 110b. The channel 112 may be provided by the first portion of the sliding member 110a. In some embodiments, the first portion 110a of the sliding member may be removably connected to the second portion 110b. The dividing line between the two portions 110a, 110b is represented by line C-C in Figure IB. This removable connection may be advantageous to allow the channel 112 (i.e. the geometry of the channel) to be selected depending on the particular glazing panel about to be used with the support frame 102. Additionally or alternatively, if the channel 112 becomes damaged or worn, the portion 110a can be replaced to extend the lifespan of the sliding member 110. In some embodiments, the first portion 110a of the sliding member may be made of a different material compared to the second portion 110b. For example, the second portion 110b may be more rigid relative to the first portion 110a. In some embodiments, the first portion 110a may be formed using a mold. In some embodiments, the first portion 110a may be formed of rubber, or a rubber-like polymeric material. Accordingly, when the apparatus 100 is in use, an edge of a glazing panel may be lowered into each channel 112 of the sliding members 110, such that the glazing panel is in an upright or raised orientation. A user may hold the glazing panel in position within the channels 112 using a handling or lifting tool mounted to the glazing panel by one or more suction mounts. By pushing in the direction of the arrows in Figure 1 A, the glazing panel can be easily moved along the length of the elongate support arm 108 due to the sliding motion of the sliding members 110. When the sliding members 110 have moved a sufficient distance away from support elements 120, the glazing panel may be pivoted out of the channels 112 and lowered towards a laid down orientation in which the glazing panel rests against the support elements 120. Likewise, when the sliding members 110 have moved a sufficient distance away from support elements 122, the glazing panel may be pivoted out of the channels 112 and lowered towards a reversed laid down orientation in which the glazing panel rests against the support elements 122. Thus, the sliding members 110 allowthe glazing panel to be conveniently moved between a first laid down orientation, an upright or raised orientation, and a second laid down orientation (flipped over or reversed compared to the first laid down orientation), which eases the lifting burden of the user, reducing the risks of manual handling injuries. Another embodiment of a glazing panel support apparatus 200 according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of apparatus 200, such that the entire apparatus can be seen. The glazing panel support apparatus 200 comprises a support frame 202 similar to support frame 102. Features of these two embodiments may be combined together and are interchangeable. The support frame 202 comprises a base member 205, a pair of upright support members 204, a pair of elongate support arms 208 and a pair of support legs 206. An end of each upright support member 204 is connected to the base member 205. The base member 205 is substantially planar and is configured to stand on a surface. A plurality of braces 215 are connected between the upright support members 204 and the base 205 to improve strength and stability of the support frame 202. In this embodiment, the support frame 202 is configured such that a user can bodily move through the access space 230 provided between the two halves of the support frame 202, which can be advantageous during handling a glazing panel. For example, a user can step over the base member 205 and walk through the middle of the support frame and out from between the support legs 206. An end of each elongate support arm 208 is connected to a respective one of the upright support members 204. The other end of each elongate support arm 208 is connected to a respective one of the support legs 206. A length of each of the upright support members 204, elongate support arms 208 and support legs 206 is adjustable. In Figure 2, each of the upright support members 204, elongate support arms 208 and support legs 206 is telescopic, and is secured at the desired length by clamps. This is most clearly shown in Figure 2 in connection with the support legs 206, which comprise a second portion 206a telescopically received in a first portion 206a. Friction clamps may fix the support legs 206 at the desired length. As described in connection with Figure 1 A, the support legs 206 are not perpendicular to the elongate support arms 208, to improve stability of the support frame 202. The glazing panel support apparatus 200 further comprises a pair of pivoting support arms 210. A first end portion of each pivoting support arm 210 comprises a connector 222 for connecting to a glazing panel handling apparatus (e.g. see Figures 9 and 10). In this embodiment, each connector 222 is a clip or a clamp, but other types of connector may be provided. A second end portion, opposite the first end portion, of each pivoting support arm 210 is connected to the support frame 202 by a respective pivoting mechanism 224. In Figure 2, a second end portion of each pivoting support arm 210 is connected to a respective one of the elongate support arms 208, but it will be appreciated that the pivoting connection may equivalently be to the upright support member 204, or the support leg 206 of the support frame 202. The pivoting mechanism 224 may be any type of mechanism configured to allow the pivoting support arms 224 to be pivoted relative to the support frame 202, allowing the pivoting support arms 210 to be raised and lowered. A first support element 220 provides a support surface for engaging a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. The connector 222 provides a second support surface for engaging a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. In addition, a ledge 207 may be provided on each support leg 206 for supporting the glazing panel in a raised up orientation. In this embodiment, a sliding member 110 is slidably mounted on each pivoting support arm 210, wherein the sliding member 110 is as described above in connection with Figure 1A and IB. In other embodiments, the sliding members 110 may not be provided. In Figure 2, the pivoting support arms 210 are shown in a first or lowered position. In this position a glazing panel 10 may be supported in a laid down orientation (e.g. see Figure 4), or the glazing panel 10 may be held in a vertical orientation (e.g. inserted into the sliding members 110, or received in the ledges 207). In Figure 4, the glazing panel 10 rests against a contact surface 222a of each connector 222 and rests against the support elements 220. In Figure 3, the pivoting support arms 210 have been pivoted relative to the support frame 202 to a second or raised up configuration. In this configuration, a glazing panel handling apparatus secured to a glazing panel 10 will be connected to the connectors 222 and the glazing panel 10 will be lifted using the pivoting arms 210 to a raised orientation (see Figure 5). This can allow inspection of the glazing panel, and also positions the glazing panel ready for insertion. Although the glazing panel 10 in Figures 4 and 5 represents a vehicle windscreen, the present disclosure is not limited to apparatus and systems for vehicle windscreens. The glazing panel 10 may be other vehicle glass, such as a side or rear window, or a glazing panel not for a vehicle. Indeed, Figure 6 shows how the glazing panel support apparatus 200 is adapted to be used with glazing panels 10 of different sizes. In this embodiment, the elongate support arms 208 are mounted to the respective upright support member 204 such that the elongate support arms 208 are rotatable relative to the upright support member 204 (see arrows in Figure 6). The elongate support arms 208 are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the upright support members 204. It will be appreciated that a variety of suitable rotatable coupling mechanisms exist. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6, the elongate support arms 208 and the support legs 206 connected thereto can be rotated relative to the upright support members 204, to move the support legs 206 closer together to accommodate a smaller glazing panel, whilst still maintaining stability. Another embodiment of a glazing panel support apparatus 300 according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of apparatus 300, such that the entire apparatus can be seen. The glazing panel support apparatus 300 comprises a support frame 302 similar to support frame 202 showing many similar features providing the same functionality. The support frame 302 comprises a base member 305, a pair of upright support members 304, a pair of elongate support arms 308 and a pair of support legs 306 with an end of each upright support member 304 connected to the base member 305. A plurality of braces 315 are connected between the upright support members 304 and the base 305 to improve strength and stability of the support frame 302. In this embodiment, the support frame 302 is configured such that a user can bodily move through the access space 330 provided between the two halves of the support frame 302. which can be advantageous during handling a glazing panel. For example, a user can step over the base member 305 and walk through the middle of the support frame and out from between the support legs 306. As described in connection with Figure 1A, the support legs 306 are not perpendicular to the elongate support arms 308, to improve stability of the support frame 302. The glazing panel support apparatus 300 further comprises a pair of pivoting support arms 310. A first end portion of each pivoting support arm 310 comprises a connector 322 for connecting to a glazing panel handling apparatus (e.g. see Figures 9 and 10). In this embodiment, each connector 322 is a clip or a clamp, but other types of connector may be provided. A second end portion, opposite the first end portion, of each pivoting support arm 310 is connected to the support frame 302 by a respective pivoting mechanism 324. The pivoting mechanism 324 is configured to allow the pivoting support arms 324 to be pivoted relative to the support frame 302, allowing the pivoting support arms 310 to be raised and lowered. The pivoting mechanism 324 provides a support surface 324a onto which a glazing panel is supported in a laid down configuration. The connector 322 provides a second support surface 322a for engaging a glazing panel in a laid down orientation. In this embodiment, a sliding member 110 is slidably mounted on each pivoting support arm 310, wherein the sliding member 110 is as described above in connection with Figure 1A and IB. In other embodiments, the sliding members 110 may not be provided. In Figure 7, the pivoting support arms 310 are shown in a first or lowered position. In this position a glazing panel 10 may be supported in a laid down orientation (e.g. see Figure 4), or the glazing panel 10 may be held in a vertical orientation (e.g. inserted into the sliding members 110). Referring now to Figures 8A and 8B, an illustrative pivoting mechanism 324 is presented in greater detail, with Figure 8A showing the pivoting mechanism in a perspective view, and Figure 8B showing the same view with the one of the lock plates 326 removed. The pivoting mechanism is arranged to allow the support arms 310 to move between the lowered (first) and raised (second) configurations as described above. The pivoting mechanism 324 comprises a housing 328 for housing a locking mechanism that is arranged to automatically engage when the support arms 310 are raised to the second configuration. The locking mechanism comprises a locking pin 325 carried by a shuttle 330 which is slidably received in a shuttle housing 332. A spring 334 biases the shuttle 330 such that the locking pin 325 bears against the lock plate 326. It will be appreciated that although the pivoting mechanism is only visible from one side in Figure 8, the locking pin 325 projects from both sides of the shuttle 330 to seat in the respective curved channels 327 provided by the opposing lock plates 326. As shown in Figure 8 with the support arms in the first configuration, the spring 334 biases the locking pin 325 against the lock plate 326. As the support arm 310 is raised, the locking pin 325 slides along the channel 327 until the second configuration is reached. The locking pin 325 is then received into a first notch 338a in the lock plate 326. The notch 338a provides a shoulder 340 to prevent reversal of direction of rotation of the support arm 310. The notch 338a is shaped to with a gradual slope to allow further movement if required towards the second configuration to allow the locking pin 325 to enter a second notch 338b. This second notch 338b is shaped to prevent further rotation in either rotational direction. Once in the second configuration, the supports arms 310 cannot be lowered without release of the locking pins 325 from the respective notches 338. Accordingly, a user operable release arrangement 336 is provided that allows movement of the shuttle 330 and thus locking pins from the notches 338 such that the support arms 310 can lower. The release arrangement 336 may comprise a user interface such as a strap or tab for activation by a user to draw the shuttle 330 against the spring 334. Referring now to Figure 9, there is a glazing panel handling apparatus 400 designed to both be mounted to a glazing panel and be used with any of the glazing panel support apparatuses as described above. The glazing panel handling apparatus 400 comprises a support frame made up of first, second, third and fourth elongate members 401, 402, 403, 404. A first and second spaced apart suction mount 406, 408 for suction to a glazing panel are secured to the frame on the first and second elongate members 401, 402 respectively. A first connector 407 extends from the first suction mount 406 for connecting to a support rod 600 (which in turn can be connected to a windscreen installation apparatus 700, an example of which is shown in Figure 14). A second connector 409 extends from the second suction mount 408 to a handle apparatus 500. Each of the suction mounts 406, 408 has a channel extending through the body of the suction mount. The elongate support member 401 is inserted through the channel of the suction mount 408 and the elongate support member 402 is inserted through the channel of the suction mount 406. This allows the suction mounts to be is slidably and rotatably mounted on the respective elongate support member on which it is mounted to enable conformance to the size and / or geometry of the glazing panel. A dimension of the elongate support frame is adjustable. This is to accommodate different glazing panel sizes. The elongate support members 403, 404 may comprise first and second portions telescopically engaged with one another and being arranged to lock in a plurality of positions relative to one another to enable the length of the frame to be adjusted. The support frame as shown comprises a central bar 405 moveably connected between the third and fourth elongate support members 403, 404 such that the central bar can be displaced along the third and fourth elongate support members. The central bar 405 may comprise one or more attachment points for coupling to a lifting crane. This is particularly beneficial when the glazing panel is large and may be too heavy for use with a window mounted windscreen installation apparatus 700 as shown in Figure 14. Such attachment points can for example be holes provided in the central bar 405. The handle apparatus 500 is connected to the suction mount 408 by the second connector 409 which enables securing in a plurality of rotational positions. First and second handle portion 502, 504 are provided for gripping by a user depending on how the user needs to manipulate the glazing panel 10. It will be understood that both suction cups can be secured to a respective handle apparatus 500 concurrently depending on the installation required. Referring now to Figure 10, it is beneficial that the support frame is curved to generally conform to the curved geometry of a windscreen of a vehicle. Accordingly, the elongate members 403, 404 are curved to accommodate for the curve across the windscreen, whereas the elongate members 401, 402 extend generally linearly to accommodate the lack of significant curve in a windscreen between the top and bottom edges. Referring to Figures 11-13, use of the glazing panel support system utilizing the glazing panel handling apparatus 300 and handle apparatus 500 is described, however it will be appreciated that a similar or same technique can be utilised as for the glazing panel handling apparatus 200. It is further noted that this embodiment includes both features of the sliding members 110 and the pivoting support arms 210, 310 and both will be described, although embodiments of the invention may include one or both of the sliding members 110 and / or pivoting support arms 210, 310. In a first step not shown in the Figures, the windscreen 10 is lifted in a generally upright configuration with a technician approaching from the rearward side as shown in Figures 11-13 having the inside of the windscreen 10 facing themself. The upper windscreen edges are located into the channels. The technician pushes the windscreen away and at the same time lowers the upper edge causing the sliding members 110 to slide away from the technician thereby lowering the windscreen such that the outside surface of the windscreen faces upwardly. The windscreen 10 can then be released as is supported by the support surfaces 324a and the sliding members. The technician then takes a handling apparatus 400 and secures the suction mounts 406, 408 of the handling apparatus to the windscreen 10. The next step of the process is the technician approaches the handling apparatus 400 from the opposing side of the glazing panel handling apparatus. In this configuration the sliding members 110 are adjacent to a respective connector 322. The technician can then enter the floor plan zone occupied by the glazing panel handling apparatus and pivot the glazing panel 10 upwardly about the edges of the glazing panel 10 within the channels 112 of the sliding members 110. The technician who is grasping the handling apparatus pushes the windscreen 10 away such the sliding members slide back away from the technician. At the same time the windscreen 10 is lowered such that the handling apparatus is underneath the windscreen and the underside of the windscreen 10 is facing upwardly. The handling apparatus bears against the pivoting support arms 310. The elongate member 403 is then pushed into engagement with the connectors 322. This is the configuration as shown in Figure 11. The next step of the process as shown in Figure 12 is lifting the windscreen 10 from a generally horizontal configuration to a generally upright configuration. The technician accordingly then grasps the elongate member 403 and lifts such that the pivoting support arms 310 pivot about the pivoting mechanisms 324. Once the pivoting support arms 310 have been pivoted to a predetermined orientation the locking mechanism of the pivoting mechanism 324 engages to hold the pivoting support arms 310 in a generally upright configuration as shown in Figure 12. In this position the windscreen is supported without requiring support from the technician. The technician can then ready the handling apparatus 400 for engagement with a windscreen installation apparatus. As represented in Figure 13, if not already attached the support rod 600 and handle apparatus 500 are attached to the handling apparatus 400. The end of the handling apparatus 400 from which the support rod 600 extends is then lifted to disengage from the connector 322. The support rod 600 is then engaged with a windscreen installation apparatus as shown and described with respect to Figure 14 Referring to Figure 14, the glazing panel 10 is in an upright orientation supported by the glazing panel handling apparatus 400 on the support apparatus 100. The glazing panel handling apparatus 400 is in communication with a windscreen installation apparatus 700 that can be secured to a side window of a vehicle for example when installing a windscreen. An example of such an apparatus is described in WO2012059755. WO2012059755 describes a mount assembly 700 that is mounted to a vehicle side window and includes a guide channel through which the support rod 600 can slide in a longitudinal direction of the support rod 600. This supports the glazing panel 10 and glazing panel handling apparatus 400 enabling ease of manipulation during installation of the glazing panel 10. 5 Although particular embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be appreciated that many modifications / additions and / or substitutions may be made within the scope of the claims. 10

Claims

1. A glazing panel support apparatus, comprising:a support frame, the support frame comprising two elongate support arms arranged to support a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; and two sliding members, wherein:each sliding member is slidably mounted on a respective one of the elongate support arms, such that each sliding member is displaceable along at least a portion of elongate support arm parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support arm; andeach sliding member comprises a channel dimensioned to receive a respective portion of an edge of a glazing panel, such that the edge of the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with both channels and the sliding members.

2. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 1, wherein each sliding member is displaceable between a first position, in which the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with the elongate support arms in an upward facing orientation, and a second position, in which the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with the elongate support arms in a downward facing orientation.

3. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:each elongate support arm comprises a first end portion and an opposing second end portion;each first end portion comprises a first support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; andeach second end portion comprises a second support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation.

4. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the support frame further comprises two upright support members that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, wherein each elongate support arm is connected to a respective one of the upright support members and a longitudinal axisof each elongate support arm is substantially perpendicular to both a longitudinal axis of each upright support member and the first direction.

5. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the support frame further comprises a base member, and an end of each upright support member is connected to the base member.

6. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support frame further comprises two support legs, each support leg connected to a respective one of the elongate support arms at a location spaced from the upright support member along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support arm.

7. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each elongate support arm is rotatably connected to the upright support member.

8. A glazing panel support apparatus, comprising:a support frame; andtwo pivoting support arms, each pivoting support arm comprising a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein each first end portion comprises a connector for connecting to a glazing panel handling apparatus, and wherein each second end portion is pivotably connected to the support frame such that each pivoting support arm is reconfigurable between:a first configuration in which the pivoting support arm supports a glazing panel secured to the glazing panel handling apparatus in a laid down orientation; anda second configuration in which the pivoting support arm is pivoted upwardly relative to the support frame to support a glazing panel secured to the glazing panel handling apparatus in a raised orientation.

9. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support frame is configured to stand on a surface and in the first configuration a longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm is substantially perpendicular to the surface, and in the second configuration the longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm extends at afirst angle relative to the surface, wherein the first angle is greater than 45° and less than or equal to 90°.

10. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein: the first end portion of each pivoting support arm comprises a first support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation; andthe second end portion of each pivoting support arm comprises a second support surface configured to support a portion of a glazing panel in a laid down orientation.

11. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first support surface is provided on the connector.

12. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein each connector is a clip member or a clamp.

13. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein each pivoting support arm is removably connected to the support frame, to thereby secure the pivoting support arm in the first configuration; and / orwherein a length of each pivoting support arm is adjustable.

14. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein each pivoting support arm is removably seated in a respective receiving portion of the support frame, to thereby seat the pivoting support arm in the first configuration.

15. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising: a respective locking mechanism connected to each pivoting support arm, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the pivoting support arm in the second configuration.

16. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin received in a channel of a lock plate.

17. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 15 or claim 116, wherein the locking mechanism forms part of a pivoting mechanism that pivotably connects the pivoting support arm to the support frame.

18. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 17, further comprising: two sliding members, wherein each sliding member is slidably mounted on a respective one of the pivoting support arms, such that each sliding member is displaceable along at least a portion of pivoting support arm parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pivoting support arm; andeach sliding member comprises a channel dimensioned to receive a respective portion of an edge of a glazing panel, such that the edge of the glazing panel can be lowered into engagement with both channels.

19. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein the support frame further comprises two upright support members that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction; andwherein each pivoting support arm is pivotably connected to a respective one of the upright support members at a first location proximate a first end of the upright support member, such that the pivoting support arm is pivotable about an axis parallel to the first direction.

20. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 19, wherein each pivoting support arm is rotatably connected to the respective upright support member, such that the pivoting support arm is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the upright support member.

21. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the support frame further comprises two elongate support arms, wherein each elongate support arm is connected to a respective one of the upright support members.

22. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 21, wherein each elongate support arm is connected to the respective upright support member at a second location positioned longitudinally between the first location and a second end of the upright member.

23. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 22, wherein each elongate support arm is rotatably connected to the respective upright support.

24. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the support frame further comprises a base member, and the second end of each upright support member is connected to the base member.

25. The glazing panel support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the support frame further comprises two support legs, each support leg connected to a respective one of the elongate support arms at a location spaced from the upright support member along the longitudinal axis of the elongate support arm.

26. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 6 or claim 25, wherein a longitudinal axis of each support leg extends at a first angle relative to a vertical plane, wherein the first angle is greater than 0° and less than 60°.

27. A glazing panel support apparatus, comprising:a support frame comprising:first and second elongate support arms;first and second upright support members; andfirst and second support legs;wherein:the first elongate support arm is connected to both the first upright support arm and the first support leg at respective locations spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate support arm;the second elongate support arm is connected to both the second upright support arm and the second support leg at respective locations spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the second elongate support arm;a longitudinal axis of each support leg extends at a first angle relative to a vertical plane, wherein the first angle is greater than 0° and less than 60°.

28. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 27, wherein the support frame further comprises a base member, and an end of each upright support member is connected to the base member.

29. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 28, further comprising at least one brace provided between the base member and each upright support member.

30. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 6 or any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein a length of each upright support member is adjustable and a length of each support leg is adjustable.

31. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 30, wherein each support leg is telescopic and a respective release mechanism is provided for each support leg, wherein each release mechanism is actuatable between a locked configuration in which the length of the support leg is fixed, and an unlocked configuration in which the length of the support leg is adjustable.

32. The glazing panel support apparatus of claim 6 or any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein an access space is provided between the upright support members, said access space extending through to between the support legs, such that a user can pass bodily through the access space.

33. The glazing panel support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the support frame is configured such that a user can move bodily through the support frame.

34. A glazing panel handling apparatus, comprising:a first suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising a first connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod;a second suction mount for securing to a glazing panel, the first suction mount comprising at second connector configured for connecting to a handle apparatus or a support rod; andat least one elongate support member coupling the first suction mount to the second suction mount, such that the first and second suction mounts are spaced apart.

35. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first and second suction mounts are coupled together by a support frame, the support frame comprising a plurality of elongate support members.

36. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 35, wherein a length of at least one of the plurality of elongate support members is adjustable, such that at least one dimension of the elongate support frame is adjustable.

37. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the plurality of elongate support members comprises:a first elongate support member;a second elongate support member;a third elongate support member; anda fourth elongate support member;wherein the third and fourth elongate support members are each connected between the first and second elongate support members.

38. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 37, wherein:each suction mount comprises a channel extending through a body of the suction mount;the first elongate support member is inserted through the channel of the first suction mount, such that the first suction mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the first elongate support member; andthe second elongate support member is inserted through the channel of the second suction mount, such that the second suction mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the second elongate support member.

39. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the support frame further comprises a central bar moveably connected between the third and fourth elongate support members, such that the central bar can be displaced along the third and fourth elongate support members.

40. The glazing panel handling apparatus of claim 39, wherein the central bar comprises one or more attachment points for coupling to a lifting crane.

41. The glazing panel handling apparatus of any of claims 35 to 40, wherein the glazing panel handling apparatus is configured for use with a vehicle windscreen and wherein the support frame is curved to at least partially follow the contour of a curved windscreen.

42. A glazing panel handling system, comprising:the glazing panel handling apparatus of any one of claims 34 to 41; anda handle apparatus configured to be connected to the first connector or the second connector, wherein the handle apparatus comprises two handle portions, each handle portion being arranged to be gripped by a user.

43. The glazing panel handling system of claim 42, further comprising:a second handle apparatus configured to be connected to the first connector or the second connector, wherein the second handle apparatus comprises two handle portions, each handle portion being arranged to be gripped by a user.

44. A system, comprising:a glazing panel support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 33; anda glazing panel handling system of claim 42 or claim 43.s

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