Mount for a panel

Abstract

A mount for a panel comprising: a body including a channel having a base and first side and second side of the body; and two adjustable actuators spaced apart vertically on a first side of the body and each located substantially opposite an inner wall portion of a second side of the body spaced from the first side, the inner wall portion on the second side of the body including either: two spaced apart converging inclined surfaces; or two spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces; located vertically between the two adjustable actuators; and a substantially u-shaped gasket (u-gasket) on which a lower edge of the panel is supported above the base of the channel; at least one clamping member including an inner surface facing the panel and an outer wall portion configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body located vertically between the two adjustable actuators, the outer surface of the clamping member arranged to slide with respect to inclined surfaces of the inner wall portion on the body upon actuation of the two adjustable actuators, to enable tilting of the panel resting on the u-gasket.

Description

[0001] MOUNT FOR A PANEL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a mount for a panel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mount for a panel such as a glass pane for use as a balustrade for example in pool fencing.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Known mounts for panels such as glass balustrades require clamping an edge of the panel in a fixed position via fasteners such as screws which pass through holes in the glass. Such fastener holes reduce the strength of the glass panels by reducing their structural integrity.

[0006] Known mounts for panels exist without the use of fastener holes by fixing both sides of the panel via a mechanical holding device. However, these systems require adjustment from both sides of the panel which can be difficult in locations when access to one side of the panel is restricted, such as multistorey buildings. In these situations, scaffolding is needed to safely install the panel.

[0007] A further problem with known panel mounts is the difficulty in adjusting the vertical angle of the panels to accommodate an uneven support surface. In this situation packing is needed between one of the clamping members and on one side of the panel edge to alter the vertical angle of the panel before the edge of the panel is fixed by adjusting the fasteners. This procedure requires trial and error (and is therefore time consuming) to get the required vertical angle of inclination of the panel (particularly at the top edge of the panel whose position can be magnified by a small alteration of the position of the bottom edge of the panel. In addition, the packing on one side of the panel can place stress on the panel edge being clamped which can result in damage to the panel itself.

[0008] WO 2015047109 addresses one or more of the above- mentioned problems. However, whilst it is an elegant solution it would be useful if there could be provided alternative systems and solutions. It would be further be useful if further solutions could provide a better grip force once the panel has been tilted thus requiring less mounting units per panel to hold in place.

[0009] PRIOR REFERENCES

[0010] All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

[0011] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved mount for a panel that that addresses at least some of the problems of the prior art, such as those discussed above.

[0013] Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention has application to the tilting of panels which have thickness of 12mm - 33mm.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mount for a panel comprising:

[0017] - a body including a channel having a base and first side and second side of the body; and - two adjustable actuators spaced apart vertically on a first side of the body and each located substantially opposite an inner wall portion of a second side of the body spaced from the first side, the inner wall portion on the second side of the body including either:

[0018] - two spaced apart converging inclined surfaces, or two spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces, on an inner wall of a second side of the body located vertically so that one inclined surface is above an upper adjustable actuator and the other inclined surface is located below a lower adjustable actuator; wherein both the converging and diverging inclined surfaces:

[0019] - are not part of a single surface and are distinct surfaces in themselves; and

[0020] - are not connected via any intersection between respective converging surfaces or respective diverging surfaces of each portion:

[0021] - a gasket on which a lower edge of the panel is supported above the base of the channel;

[0022] - at least one clamping member including an inner surface facing the panel and an outer wall portion configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging, or diverging, inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body, the outer surface of the clamping member arranged to slide with respect to aforementioned two, converging or diverging, inclined surfaces of the inner wall portion on the body upon actuation of the two adjustable actuators, to enable tilting of the panel resting on the gasket.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mount substantially as described above wherein the two inclined surface portions are separated by a further surface which bisects each of the converging or diverging inclined surfaces of the inner wall portions.

[0024] The term divergent or converging in relation to the body of the mount refers to the respective angles of the two spaced apart inclined or divergent surfaces on the inner wall portion relative to the position of the panel. Thus, divergent inclined surfaces, will if extrapolated in terms of their length in a direction towards the panel, will be moving away from one another. Conversely, convergent inclined surfaces, will if extrapolated, in terms of their length in direction towards the panel will be moving towards one another, so as to eventually intersect with one another.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mount for a panel comprising:

[0026] - a body including a channel having a base and first side and second side of the body; and

[0027] - two adjustable actuators spaced apart vertically on a first side of the body and each located substantially opposite an inner wall portion of a second side of the body spaced from the first side, the inner wall portion on the second side of the body including either:

[0028] - two discrete vertically spaced apart converging inclined surfaces; or

[0029] - two discrete vertically spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces; wherein the two adjustable actuators are located vertically between the two discrete inclined surfaces; and

[0030] - a gasket on which a lower edge of the panel is supported above the base of the channel;

[0031] - at least one clamping member including an inner surface facing the panel and an outer wall portion configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging or diverging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body located, the outer surface of the clamping member arranged to slide with respect to inclined surfaces of the inner wall portion on the body upon actuation of the two adjustable actuators, to enable tilting of the panel resting on the gasket.

[0032] According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mount for a panel substantially as described above wherein the mount further comprises: a first clamping member which has an inner surface facing the panel, and an outer surface which is configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart discrete opposed converging or diverging inclined inner wall portions on the second side of the body located vertically so one discrete inclined surface is vertically above the uppermost adjustable actuator and the other discrete inclined surface is below the lowermost adjustable actuator ; and a second clamping member which has an inner surface facing the panel which is substantially planar and an outer surface which is also substantially planar.

[0033] A method of adjusting the tilt of a panel in a mount comprising a body the method including the step of: adjusting two adjustable actuators, on a first side of the body, to effect the required tilt of a panel, via a clamping member, so as to cause sliding of the clamping member within two spaced apart: o discrete converging surfaces; or o discrete diverging surfaces located on an inner wall of a second side of the body, upon adjustment of the actuators.

[0034] A method substantially as described above wherein the two adjustable actuators are vertically located in between the two vertically spaced apart discrete inclined or diverging surfaces.

[0035] In preferred embodiments the gasket may also extend vertically along a portion of the panel. In other preferred embodiments the gasket may be configured to receive at least one clamping member on one side thereof. Preferably, the gasket may receive two clamping members on each side thereof.

[0036] The body may be in the form of an elongate strip which extends along a portion of the lateral span of the panel, or alternately in the form of a spigot.

[0037] Preferably, the body comprises a channel configured to contain the at least one clamping member.

[0038] Preferably, the body comprises a base configured for fixing to a support surface with at least one fixing means.

[0039] In some embodiments the body has a side plate configured for fixing to a vertical support surface and for connecting to one side of the body.

[0040] Preferably, the two actuators are configured to push or pull the at least one clamping member to actuate pivoting of the panel with respect to the body.

[0041] Preferably, in some embodiments the mount comprises at least one facia to cover access to the two actuators after the panel edge region has been clamped.

[0042] It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e., that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising1is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

[0043] Preferred aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Embodiments are described below in non-limiting terms. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0044] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0045] Figure 1: shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a mount for a panel in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention where the actuators are accessed and adjusted to tilt the panel through one side of the body of the mount and wherein the panel is in a vertical orientation with respect to the mount;

[0046] Figure 2: shows a cross-sectional view of the mount in Figure 1 wherein the panel is tilted to the right; and

[0047] Figure 3: shows a cross-sectional view of the mount in Figure 2 wherein the panel is tilted to the left.

[0048] Figure 4: shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a mount for a panel in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the panel is in a vertical orientation with respect to the mount;

[0049] Figure 5: shows a cross-sectional view of the mount in Figure 4 wherein the panel is tilted to the right; and

[0050] Figure 6: shows a cross-sectional view of the mount in Figure 5 wherein the panel is tilted to the left;

[0051] Figure 7: shows a perspective view of an alternate pressure plate used in a preferred embodiment where the adjustment of the actuators occurs internally within the mount and not through the body of the mount;

[0052] Figure 8: shows a cross-sectional view of a mount for a panel in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention where the adjustment of the actuators occurs internally within the mount and not through the body of the mount; and wherein the panel is in a vertical orientation with respect to the mount; Figure 9: shows a clamping member in the form of a pressure plate in accordance with one embodiment wherein there are two spaced apart convergent inclined surfaces used on the inner wall portion of the body; and

[0053] Figure 10 shows the body of a mount in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 8.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH BEST MODES

[0055] Referring to Figures 1 -3, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of aluminium mount for a panel generally indicated by arrow (1) that provides the capability of adjusting the vertical angle of inclination of the panel (100) with respect to a support surface generally indicated by arrow (200) such as a deck or floor after an edge of the panel (100) is received in the mount (1) but before fixing the panel (100) into position with respect to the support surface (200). The mount (1) can also provide for mounting from one side of the panel (100) when access is restricted from one side of the panel (100), such as on a multi-story building without the use of scaffolding.

[0056] The mount (1) shown comprises a body (2) defining in this instance a U-shaped, elongate channel generally indicated by arrow (3). The body (2) comprises a base (4) configured for supporting the body (2) on a floor surface (200) by a fixing means such as screws passing through base apertures (not shown). The body (2) has two spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces (SI, S2) on a second side thereof.

[0057] The mount (1) has a rubber u-gasket (300) in the channel (3) and the lower edge of the u-gasket (301) is curved (301).

[0058] A pair of first and second clamping members in the form of pressure plates (5a, 5b) are housed in the channel (3) and on actuation of two spaced grub screws (6) - located on a first side wall of the body (2) in threaded apertures (generally indicated via the dotted lines) - can cause inclined opposed edges (El, E2) on said pressure plate (5b) to slide on two inner wall spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces (S1,S2) on a second side of the body which are separated by surface S which bisects each of the separate diverging surfaces S1,S2. As can be seen the diverging surfaces SI, S2 are visbly discrete to one another and also the bisecting surface S. The angle of the diverging surfaces SI, S2 relative to the bisecting surface is 150 degrees.

[0059] Thus, this sliding arrangement of opposed surfaces (El, E2) and inclined inner wall surface (S1,S2) enables pivoting of the vertical position of a panel (100) with respect to the body (2) by differential adjustment of the grub screws (6).

[0060] In the embodiment shown the top of the panel can be tilted a maximum of 25mm to the right see Figure 2 or tilted a maximum of 25mm to the left see Figure 3 depending on whether the upper or lower grub screw is tightened more than the other grub screw.

[0061] Thus, the vertical position of the panel (100) can be adjusted + / - 3mm illustrated by double headed arrow (A) in Figure 1 which equates to the top of the panel (100) moving + / - 25 mm to allow for support surfaces which are not level and obviate the need to pack the channel (3) on one side of a panel (100) which requires trial and error and can potentially damage the panel (100) edge.

[0062] The dimensions of the pressure plates (5a, 5b) can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] As mentioned, the mount (1) also comprises a gasket in the form of a u-gasket (300) configured to provide a contact surface for a lower edge of the panel (100) and is positioned to hold the pressure plates (5a, 5b) in place while the panel (100) is installed in the channel (3). The u-gasket (300) has on each side thereof upper and lower channels 7a, 7b and 7c, 7d respectively to hold the pressure plates (5a, 5b) in place.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1, the mount (1) can also comprise a detachable facia (11) to cover access to the channel (3) after the panel (100) has been clamped to improve the aesthetic look of the mount (1) after installation and improve weather tightness by preventing the egress of water into the channel (3).

[0065] A pair of collar members can be positioned at a top opening (13) of the channel (3) in the form of two rubber strips (12) which attach to the body (2) via lugs (12a) which fit into recesses (2e) on the u-gasket (14) to abut each side of a panel (100) to stabilise the panel (100) when the edge of the panel (100) is placed in the channel (3). The internal width of the channel (3) of the body (2) allows the mount (1, 8, 10) to accommodate varying thicknesses of panel (100) without having to use different sizes of mounts for different thicknesses of panel (100). Tightening the grub screws (6) compresses the pressure plates (5a, 5b) onto varying thicknesses of panel (100).

[0066] In use, the panel (100) is fixed with respect to the support surface according to the following steps:

[0067] • fixing the body (2) to a support surface (not shown) via fasteners such as screws (not shown);

[0068] • placing the lower edge of a panel in the channel (3);

[0069] • clamping the surface of the panel (100) on actuation of the grub screws (6) or actuation of nuts (600U and 600L); and

[0070] • pivoting of the panel (100) with respect to the body (2) via differential actuation of the grub screws (6) or actuation of nuts (600U and 600L); and

[0071] • repeating the preceding steps with a second mount positioned along the edge of the panel (100) at a distance from the first mount (10).

[0072] In relation to Figures 4 to 6 there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a mount (400). For ease of reference like elements to those shown and described in Figures 1 - 3 have been given the same reference numerals.

[0073] The key difference of the mount (400) to mount (100) is the inclined inner wall portions (S1,S2) on Figure 1 diverge whereas the discrete inclined inner wall portions (C1,C2) on Figure 4 converge.

[0074] The pressure plate 5b in Figure 1 has convergent opposed surfaces El, E2 to fit in divergent inclined surfaces (SI, S2) whereas in Figure 4 the pressure plate 5bl has inclined spaced apart opposed surfaces DI, D2 wherein the incline of each surface diverges to fit within the spaced apart converging inclined surfaces SI, S2).

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 the top of the panel can be tilted a maximum of 18 mm to the right see Figure 5 or tilted a maximum of 22mm to the left see Figure 6 depending on whether the upper or lower grub screw is tightened more than the other grub screw. Figures 7 shows a pressure plate 5al for a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of aluminium mount for a panel generally indicated by arrow (700) in Figure 8. Apart from the differences discussed below this second preferred embodiment operates the same as the first embodiment discussed above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. For this reason like reference numbers have been used to refer to like elements of the mount (700).

[0076] The mount 700 provides the capability of adjusting the vertical angle of inclination of the panel (100) with respect to a support surface generally indicated by arrow (200) such as a deck or floor after an edge of the panel 100 is received in the mount (700) but before fixing the panel (100) into position with respect to the support surface (200). The mount (700) can also provide for mounting from one side of the panel (100) when access is restricted from one side of the panel (100), such as on a multistory building without the use of scaffolding.

[0077] The mount (700) comprises a body (2) defining a U-shaped, elongate channel generally indicated by arrow (3). The body (2) comprises a base (4) configured for supporting the body (2) on a floor surface (100) by a fixing means such as screws passing through base apertures (not shown). The body (2) has an inclined inner wall portion (400) on a second side thereof.

[0078] The mount (1) has a rubber u-gasket (300) in the channel (3) and the lower edge of the u-gasket (301) is curved (301).

[0079] A pair of first and second clamping members in the form of pressure plates (5al, 5b) are housed in the channel (3) and upon actuation of nuts (600U and 600L) also located in the channel on threaded protections (601) extending from plate 5al (see Figure 7) can cause inclined opposed edges (E) on said pressure plate (5b) to slide on spaced apart diverging inclined inner wall portions (I) .

[0080] Actuation of the nuts (600u and 6001) occurring by a ring spanner (not shown) preferably with a ratchet function, which tightens or loosens a particular nut 600u or 6001 as required to achieve the desired tilt. As can be seen the body 2 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 does not have apertures in the first side wall of the body 2 nor use grub screws.

[0081] Figure 9 shows a clamping member in the form of a pressure plate 5b which is configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging inclined inner wall portions Ila, lib of the second side of the body (not shown) but which can be observed in Figure 4. The pressure plate 5b has two spaced apart diverging surfaces Ela, E2b. The two spaced apart diverging surfaces Ela, Elb are connected by a separate surface C which bisects each of Ela and Elb.

[0082] ADVANTAGES

[0083] The present invention in preferred embodiments may offer one or more notable advantages over the prior art including: providing more grip and purchase between the inclined inner wall portion of the second side of the body and the and less slide motion than the invention of WO 2015047109. Thereby resulting in the use of less mounts to hold a panel as each mount has a better frictional grip force after the actuators have tilted the panel the requisite amount; ease and speed of installation as less mounts per panel are required; providing a more overall cost-effective solution to holding and tilting panels as less mounts are required per panel; providing the public with a useful choice of tilt systems.

[0084] VARIATIONS

[0085] The body may generally be made from aluminium, stainless steel or other metals, metal composites which are corrosion resistant.

[0086] The gasket may be made from a number of different materials without departing from the scope of the present invention including but not limited to rubber, nylon, or other suitable plastic compound as would be known to one skilled in the art. The key feature of the u-gasket is the ability to safely receive the lower edge of the panel without damaging same.

[0087] Preferably, the gasket may be at least partially resilient in nature.

[0088] The gasket may preferably be made as a single piece.

[0089] The gasket may have a curved lower edge. In some embodiments the gasket may partially deform once the panel is installed therein. The gasket may come in a variety of different configurations provided it enables tilting of the glass panel.

[0090] In one embodiment the gasket may be substantially U-shaped.

[0091] In another embodiment the gasket may be substantially L-shaped.

[0092] The clamping member(s) may generally be made from aluminium, stainless steel or other metals, metal composites which are corrosion resistant.

[0093] In some examples of this invention there may only be a single clamping member which may be referred to as a first clamping member,

[0094] In preferred embodiments of this invention there may be provided two clamping members referred to as first and second clamping members.

[0095] The shape of the first and second clamping members may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0096] In general, the second clamping member when used may be substantially planar.

[0097] In preferred embodiments wherein the first clamping member is in the form of a pressure plate the outer wall portion may have a variety of cross-sectional profiles which are configured to cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body.

[0098] In one preferred embodiment the first clamping member may be in the form of a pressure plate which may be substantially planer and has opposed bevelled edges on the outer wall surface thereof which in use abut the two spaced apart opposed diverging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body.

[0099] In one preferred embodiment the first clamping member may be in the form of a pressure plate which is substantially planer and has opposed ramp portions facing away from each other - with the incline of each ramp diverging with respect to the other ramp - the ramp portions each positioned at or near the opposed edges of the outer wall surface of the pressure plate. The incline surfaces of each ramp in use abutting the two spaced apart opposed converging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body.

[0100] The inner wall portion on the second side of the body may be configured in a number of different ways to provide either:

[0101] - two spaced apart converging inclined surfaces; or

[0102] - two spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces; located vertically between the two adjustable actuators, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0103] In one preferred embodiment the inner wall portion on the second side of the body may have opposed protrusions with converging inclined surfaces which interact with the clamping members.

[0104] In another preferred embodiment the inner wall portion on the second side of the body may be in the form of a groove wherein the walls of the groove, are inclined and not perpendicular to the base, and are divergently inclined with respect to each other.

[0105] The invention may also be the broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0106] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0107] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A mount for a panel comprising:- a body including a channel having a base and first side and second side of the body; and- two adjustable actuators spaced apart vertically on a first side of the body and each located substantially opposite an inner wall portion of a second side of the body spaced from the first side, the inner wall portion on the second side of the body including either:- two spaced apart converging inclined surfaces, or two spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces, on an inner wall of a second side of the body located vertically so that one inclined surface is above an upper adjustable actuator and the other inclined surface is located below a lower adjustable actuator; wherein both the converging and diverging inclined surfaces:- are not part of a single surface and are distinct surfaces in themselves; and- are not connected via any intersection between respective converging surfaces or respective diverging surfaces of each portion:- a gasket on which a lower edge of the panel is supported above the base of the channel;- at least one clamping member including an inner surface facing the panel and an outer wall portion configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging, or diverging, inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body, the outer surface of the clamping member arranged to slide with respect to aforementioned two, converging or diverging, inclined surfaces of the inner wall portion on the body upon actuation of the two adjustable actuators, to enable tilting of the panel resting on the gasket.omprising:- a body including a channel having a base and first side and second side of the body; and- two adjustable actuators spaced apart vertically on a first side of the body and each located substantially opposite an inner wall portion of a second side of the body spaced from the first side, the inner wall portion on the second side of the body including either:- two discrete vertically spaced apart converging inclined surfaces; or- two discrete vertically spaced apart diverging inclined surfaces; wherein the two adjustable actuators are located vertically between the two discrete inclined surfaces; and- a gasket on which a lower edge of the panel is supported above the base of the channel;- at least one clamping member including an inner surface facing the panel and an outer wall portion configured to contact and cooperate with the two spaced apart opposed converging or diverging inclined inner wall portions of the second side of the body located, the outer surface of the clamping member arranged to slide with respect to inclined surfaces of the inner wall portion on the body upon actuation of the two adjustable actuators, to enable tilting of the panel resting on the gasket.

3. A method of adjusting the tilt of a panel in a mount comprising a body the method including the step of: adjusting two adjustable actuators, on a first side of the body, to effect the required tilt of a panel, via a clamping member, so as to cause sliding of the clamping member within two spaced apart: o discrete converging surfaces; or o discrete diverging surfaces located on an inner wall of a second side of the body, upon adjustment of the actuators.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the two adjustable actuators are vertically located in between the two vertically spaced apart discrete inclined or diverging surfaces.

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