Balustrade mounting

Abstract

In various embodiments, the present invention provides: a mounting for attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge; a kit of parts comprising a mounting and a balustrade; a balcony comprising a ledge and a balustrade attached to the outer vertical side of the ledge via a mounting; and a method of attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge via a mounting The mounting comprises a first bracket configured for attachment to the outer side of the ledge, the first bracket defining a central channel, the central channel having a first opening at a vertically upper end of the first bracket. It comprises a second bracket having one or more fixings arranged to connect to an internal side of the balustrade. The first and second brackets are configured to be assembled by sliding the second bracket into the central channel of the first bracket. The vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable by one or more of: (i) accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism; and / or (ii) inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets.

Description

[0001] BALUSTRADE MOUNTING

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a balustrade mounting. It is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with a mounting for attaching balustrades to an outer side of a ledge and with methods of mounting a balustrade on the outer side of a ledge.

[0004] Background

[0005] Many buildings are designed with balconies which are surrounded by a balustrade to prevent the occupants from falling from the balcony. The balustrades may be wooden or metal, but are increasingly made from glass panels which have a low visual impact whilst providing the necessary structural integrity.

[0006] On some buildings the balconies are made in concrete sections off site, and the balustrade is then attached at ground level just before the complete balcony is lifted up into position.

[0007] To form such balustrades, glass balustrade panels are typically bolted onto the vertical outer face(s) of the concrete balcony, e.g. by using resin anchors. However, this approach is far from ideal as, once the balcony is lifted onto the building, due to the tolerances in the concrete construction, the balustrade panels can end up out of line and / or out of level. To correct such problems, access to the bolts is required (to loosen, re-position the balustrade panel and re-tighten), but this is often very difficult as there may be no scaffold around the building, and access equipment can be expensive and slow and even not possible where the balcony forms part of a high rise apartment building.

[0008] Furthermore, if a glass panel gets damaged (either during installation or later in its life), access to the outside is needed to unbolt it for replacement, causing similar difficulties.

[0009] In other known configurations the balustrade itself, or a fixing bracket, is mounted on top of the concrete slab forming the balcony. This means that the fixings can be accessed afterwards (thus addressing some of the problems indicated above). However, this configuration takes up balcony space and can be a trip hazard for occupants.

[0010] Therefore there is a need to provide a way of quickly and simply mounting balustrade panels, particularly glass balustrade panels, onto a pre-cast concrete balcony prior to lifting the balcony onto the building, but which allows for easy adjustment from within the balcony.

[0011] Previous developments in this space include those described in GB2531351 B: this right describes balustrade mountings having first and second brackets that are assembled by sliding the second bracket into the first such that the mounting is substantially sandwiched between a panel of sheet material (providing the balustrade) for attachment to an outer vertical side of a ledge, and said ledge. The panel of sheet material can then be levelled relative to the ledge by adjustment of fixings of the mounting that engage with the panel. Such arrangements offer convenient methods for attaching panels to ledges. However, such arrangements also have a number of disadvantages: in particular, arrangements as described in this right include grub screws positioned in adjustment holes for levelling adjustment of the panels. These screws are accessed through the access holes in a face of one of the brackets of the mounting, to be tightened / loosened as required to adjust the vertical angle of the panel relative to the ledge. In order to allow access to these access holes, it is therefore essential for the mounting to extend above the horizonal top surface of the ledge once installed, which may be aesthetically undesirable, and additionally may pose a trip risk etc. for users of the balcony.

[0012] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present inventors have realised that it is possible to provide balustrade mountings that both allow for suitable levelling of balustrades attached to the mounting, whilst not requiring access to a back face of the mounting for adjustment.

[0015] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a mounting for attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge, the mounting comprising: a first bracket configured for attachment to the outer side of the ledge, the first bracket defining a central channel, the central channel having a first opening at a vertically upper end of the first bracket; and a second bracket having one or more fixings arranged to connect to an internal side of the balustrade; wherein the first and second brackets are configured to be assembled by sliding the second bracket into the central channel of the first bracket via the first opening such that the mounting is substantially sandwiched between the balustrade and the ledge; and wherein the mounting is configured such that the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable by:

[0016] (i) accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism; and / or

[0017] (ii) inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets.

[0018] Advantageously, the present inventors have realised that by providing arrangements in which the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket (and thus the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the balustrade relative to the ledge) is adjustable via the first opening (i.e. adjustable from a vertically upper end of the mounting), and performing such positional adjustments via the first opening, it is possible to attach the mounting to the ledge in a wider variety of ways as compared with known arrangements.

[0019] For example, as discussed above in the background section, the mounting arrangements disclosed in GB2531351 B require the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket to be adjusted by accessing levelling grub screws via access holes formed in a back surface of the first (ledge-side) bracket. The effect of this is that such arrangements must be attached to the ledge such that the first bracket extends above a vertically upper surface of the ledge, such that the access holes formed in the back surface of the ledge-side bracket are accessible. In comparison, in arrangements according to the present invention it is not necessary for the first bracket to extend above a vertically upper surface of the ledge once installed. This opens up the possibility of installation arrangements for mountings according to the present invention that include e.g. casting in the first bracket to the ledge, whilst allowing for a clear surface finish for the vertically upper surface of the ledge, because the first bracket can be installed with its vertically upper end flush with the vertically upper surface of the ledge once installed.

[0020] As noted above, it is contemplated that a range of different options for how to adjust the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket via the first opening are available.

[0021] Preferred arrangements include provision of an adjustment mechanism that is provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and which is operable via the first opening. Such arrangements may comprise at least one screw threadably engaged with the second bracket, or two or more screws threadably engaged with the second bracket. Conveniently, the adjustment mechanism may comprise two screws threadably engaged with the second bracket, said screws being respectively provided on either side of a longitudinal centreline of the second bracket. The screw(s) may conveniently be grub screws. The screw(s) may engage with respective threaded holes provided in one or more of the first and / or second bracket. Preferably, the threaded screw(s) pass through threaded hole(s) provided in the second bracket, such that rotation of the screws adjusts the relative position of the second bracket relative to the screws. That is, the second bracket may comprise one or more threaded holes to correspond to the one or more screws of the adjustment mechanism. By constraining the position of the screws within the central channel of the first bracket (e.g., by having first and second ends of the screws abut against opposite walls of the first bracket), the relative position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket can accordingly be adjusted by rotation of the screw(s) in a first direction, and / or in an opposite second direction.

[0022] Preferably, the or each screw comprises an engagement member attached to, and rotationally fixed with respect to the screw, such that the screw can be rotated by applying torque to its respective engagement member. Providing a suitable engagement member may allow the screw for be more facilely rotated when accessing the adjustment mechanism via the first opening. The engagement member may comprise a gear, cog or nut: gears, cogs are nuts are all parts that are mechanically simple to manufacture and attach to a screw, and which provide one or more engagement surfaces that may be more readily engaged via the first opening than the rounded form of a screw - for example, a gear or cog may be readily engaged by use of e.g. a standard flat-head screwdriver in order to apply a torque to the cog or gear in view of the toothed profile of gears / cogs: the flat-head screwdriver can be inserted between teeth of the gear / cog in order to apply to required torque. Where the engagement member is provided by a nut, this may be readily engaged by a spanner in order to apply a torque to the nut, to rotate the engagement member and correspondingly rotate the screw to which it is attached. However, other possible forms for the engagement member are also contemplated. The engagement member may be provided at a first end of the or each screw. The engagement member may constitute a head portion of the or each screw. The engagement member may have a diameter at its widest point that is larger than the shaft of the screw to which it is fixed. The engagement member may extend radially outwardly of the shaft of the screw to which it is fixed.

[0023] In some arrangements, no adjustment mechanism may be provided, but rather the first and second brackets may be configured such that a gap is provided between the first and second brackets when they are assembled together, and the first opening may be configured to allow insertion of one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets, in order to allow adjustment of the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket. Suitable spacing components may conveniently constitute e.g. wedges that are insertable between the first and second brackets via the first opening. Suitable spacing composition may conveniently include hardenable compositions (curable resins being an example of a hardenable composition): the hardenable composition may be inserted (e.g. via injection) into the gap between the first and second brackets which may adjust the position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket. The hardenable composition may then be allowed to harden to fix the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket. Such arrangements offer the advantages that not requiring the presence of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket can make the mounting more mechanically simple to produce.

[0024] In some further arrangements, an adjustment mechanism may be provided in combination with one or more spacing components or compositions, which can advantageously provide greater stability to the second bracket when housed in the first bracket, and / or more control over the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket. For example, when the second bracket is inserted into the central channel, there may be a first gap between the second bracket and first bracket in the channel on a first side of the second bracket, and a second gap between the first bracket and second bracket in the channel on a second side of the second bracket (e.g., opposite the first side of the bracket). In such cases, an adjustment mechanism may be (primarily / substantially) provided within the first gap, or at least an engagement member of the adjustment mechanism may be provided in the first gap, and a spacing component / composition may be provided in the second gap. Alternatively, both an adjustment mechanism and one or more spacing components / compositions may be provided in the same gap.

[0025] In some examples, when both an adjustment mechanism and one or more spacing components / compositions are provided, the adjustment mechanism may serve as the primary form of adjustment control, whilst the one or more spacing components / compositions may be intended as a support. For example, prior to adjustment, the spacing components / compositions may be partially removed from the gap between the first and second brackets, and the adjustment mechanism may be actuated so as to adjust the second bracket relative to the first bracket. The spacing components / compositions may then be repositioned so as to once again support the second bracket in (its new) position relative to the first bracket. This advantageously provides greater stability to the mounting assembly. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, the adjustment mechanism may be usable to actuate the second bracket in a first direction relative to the first bracket, whilst the spacing component / composition may be usable to actuate the second bracket in a second direction relative to the first bracket opposite the first direction. The precise geometric form and shape of each of the first and second brackets is not particularly limited. However, in some convenient arrangements, the first bracket has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the vertical direction, including a back wall which is arranged to lie against the vertical side of the ledge and a pair of arm sections which, together with the back wall, define the central channel.

[0026] The first bracket may comprise one or more keying features provided on an outer surface of the first bracket, e.g. on an outer surface of the back wall of the first bracket, or on an outer surface of the arm section(s). A keying feature is defined herein as a feature which providing for a keying interaction between the first bracket and e.g. the ledge on or in which it is installed. Preferably, the keying feature provides a keying engagement when the first bracket is cast-in to the ledge: this can ensure satisfactory mechanical performance when the first bracket is cast into the ledge.

[0027] Where one or more such keying features are provided, they may comprise one or more projections or ridges formed on an outer surface of the first bracket. In one convenient arrangement, such ridges may extend along some or all of the vertical length of the first bracket e.g. along 30 % or more, 40 % or more, 50 % or more, 60 % or more, 70 % or more, 80 % or more, or 90% or more of the vertical length of the first bracket. The ridge may extend along substantially the entire vertical length of the first bracket. The greater proportion of the vertical length of the first bracket along which the ridges extend, the greater the resultant keying interaction may be.

[0028] Where one or more such ridges are provided, they may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, the ridges may have a substantially trapezoid (‘dovetail’) cross-section: it has been found that such arrangement may provide for increased strength of a keying interaction between the first bracket and a ledge into which the first bracket is cast-in.

[0029] The first bracket may comprise one or more (e.g., countersunk) holes, e.g. two such holes, provided in a back face of the first bracket. These countersunk holes may provide an additional attachment point for fixing the first bracket to the ledge on installation - e.g. using M10 bolts or similar. It may be desirable to both bolt and cast-in the first bracket to the ledge, for the most secure fit.

[0030] The first bracket may comprise a base section at its lower end which provides vertical support to the second bracket when the mounting is assembled. The base section may provide a vertically lower end face of the first bracket. The vertically lower end face of the first bracket may be substantially horizontal. The base section may be integrally formed with a main body portion of the first bracket (i.e. with the back wall and arm sections of the first bracket), or may be provided as a separate component that is attachable to the main body portion of the first bracket.

[0031] The base section may comprise one or more tapered support members, the one or more tapered support members defining a tapered recess in which the second bracket is supported when the mounting is assembled. The base section may comprise multiple tapered support members. In preferred arrangements, the base section comprises at least one pair of tapered support members, the pair of tapered support members being arranged on opposite side of the base section so as to define a substantially ‘V’ shaped recess between the tapered support members. This arrangement can help to centrally locate the second bracket within the first bracket, when the second bracket is inserted into the central channel of the first bracket during assembly. Alternatively, or additionally, the assembled mounting may be provided with a dowel, which is usable to support the second bracket. For example, the dowel may extend vertically upward from the base section, and be configured to fit into a vertical slot in the second bracket when the second bracket is inserted into the first bracket so as to centrally locate the second bracket within the first bracket. The dowel may be attached to the base section itself, or may be attached to a base plate fitted into the first bracket so as to abut against the base section. The dowel may be positioned within the central channel of the first bracket, or may protrude from a portion of the base section / base plate that extends out of the central channel of the first bracket via an opening in a side of the first bracket (e.g., through a side opening created by the first bracket having a a C-shaped cross sectional shape).

[0032] In some convenient arrangements, the second bracket has a substantially H-shaped cross-section, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the vertical direction, including first and second walls joined by a rib. The first and second walls may be substantially equal in width. Alternatively, the first and second walls may have different widths.

[0033] The C- and H-shaped profiles of the brackets allow the main part of the brackets to be extruded, for example from aluminium. However, the brackets are not limited to being formed in this way, and may instead, for example, be cast, machine, or formed by any other suitable method. Additional elements, such as the cap and the base section may be cast separately and joined to the profiles. This configuration allows for a securely interlocking mounting to be constructed from a relatively small amount of material, whilst retaining a high level of rigidity in the individual brackets and in the mounting as a whole.

[0034] The mounting may further be configured such that:

[0035] (i) the vertical position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the height of the balustrade relative to the ledge; and / or

[0036] (ii) the horizontal position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the horizontal position of the panel along the direction of the side of the ledge.

[0037] Various configurations in which the vertical position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the height of the balustrade relative to the ledge are contemplated. In one preferred arrangement, the second bracket may comprise a hollow vertical slot, a portion of said slot being threaded to receive a threaded adjustment member, whereby rotation of the threaded adjustment member results in a change in the vertical position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket. In one convenient arrangement, the threaded adjustment member is a threaded screw (e.g. a grub screw), the threaded screw being provided at a vertically lower end of the hollow vertical slot of the second bracket, such that rotation of the threaded screw causes the screw to retract into / extend out of the hollow vertical slot, depending on the direction of rotation. The screw may bear against the base section of the first bracket when the mounting is assembled, such that rotation of the screw to cause it to extend out of the hollow vertical slot in the second bracket causes the second bracket to be vertically raised with respect to the first bracket, and conversely, such that rotation of the screw to cause it to retract into the hollow vertical slot in the second bracket causes the second bracket to be vertically lowered with respect to the first bracket. The screw may be accessed for adjustment by e.g. an extended alien key or other suitable tool, which may be passed down the hollow vertical slot from a vertically upper end of the slot.

[0038] Various configurations in which the horizontal position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the horizontal position of the panel along the direction of the side of the ledge are contemplated. In one preferred arrangement, the portion of the second bracket which slides into the central channel of the first bracket has a lateral width that is smaller than the lateral width of the central channel of the first bracket. In this way, the second bracket can be laterally adjusted with respect to the first bracket in order to adjust the horizontal position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket.

[0039] In some arrangements, the mounting may further include a cap element which fits over the top of one or both of the first and second brackets when assembled.

[0040] Preferably, the first bracket has a first cap element that sits over a first end the first bracket (e.g., on top of a vertical ledge of the first bracket) allowing the second bracket to pass through (e.g., because of the greater height of the second bracket in comparison to the first bracket). Additionally, or alternatively, the second bracket may have a second cap that is configured to cover the second bracket. The second cap may fit into the top via a pin or other fastening means slotted into the hollow section opening.

[0041] In other examples, a single cap may cover all of the fastenings and adjustment members, thereby giving a neat overall appearance and preventing access to tamper with the fastenings etc. once the panel and ledge have been installed and are in use.

[0042] The one or more caps can be adapted to prevent dirt from entering into the mounting.

[0043] Mountings according to the first aspect may be provided as part of a kit of parts for installation of a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge. Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising a mounting according to any one of the preceding claims and a balustrade.

[0044] Where the mounting is a mounting configured such that the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable by inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets, the kit may further comprise one or more spacing components or compositions for insertion in a gap between the first and second brackets during installation of the mounting, e.g. one or more wedges, or one or more hardenable compositions (e.g. curable resins).

[0045] The form of the balustrade is not particularly limited, and mountings according to the present invention may find use with a wide variety of types of balustrade, but may find particular use in arrangement in which the balustrade comprises a panel of sheet material e.g. a sheet of laminated glass. In some arrangements, the balustrade may comprise a capping running along the top of the balustrade (e.g. along the top of the panel of sheet material). The capping can prevent water from settling on the top edge of the panel, which would, over time result in delamination of the top edge. The capping can also provide a handrail for the balustrade and be finished accordingly to meet decorative requirements.

[0046] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a balcony comprising a ledge and a balustrade attached to the outer vertical side of a ledge via a mounting according to the first aspect.

[0047] Conveniently, the first bracket is cast into the ledge. The ledge may comprise a concrete slab.

[0048] Preferably, where the first bracket is cast into the ledge, the vertically upper end of the first bracket does not extend above the vertical upper surface of the ledge. This can ensure that a vertically upper surface of the ledge can be suitably finished during manufacture of the ledge: conversely in arrangements where the vertically upper end of the first bracket does extend above the vertical upper surface of the ledge, it may be difficult to provide a suitable surface finish for the ledge around the cast-in bracket.

[0049] It is also contemplated that in some alternative arrangements, the ledge may be provided by e.g. a balcony cassette comprising a framework structure (the framework structure of the balcony cassette thereby constituting said ledge). In such arrangements, the first bracket may therefore be attached to the framework structure of the cassette via one or more fixings.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge, the outer side of the ledge having a first bracket attached thereto, the first bracket defining a central channel for receipt of a second bracket, the central channel having a first opening at a vertically upper end of the first bracket, the method including steps of: attaching the second bracket to one side of the balustrade; mounting the balustrade onto the ledge by sliding the second bracket into the central channel of the first bracket via the first opening, such that the first and second brackets interlock and are substantially sandwiched between the panel and the ledge; and subsequently adjusting the position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket by:

[0051] (i) accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism; and / or

[0052] (ii) inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets.

[0053] In arrangements where the method includes accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism may be an adjustment mechanism as described above in relation to the first aspect. Where the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one screw threadably engaged with the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism may comprise a step of rotating the screw in a first direction.

[0054] Where the adjustment mechanism comprises two screws threadably engaged with the second bracket, said screws being respectively provided on either side of a longitudinal centreline of the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism may comprise a step of rotating at least one of the two screws in a first direction.

[0055] In arrangements where the method includes inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets, the method may include inserting, via the first opening, one or more wedges in a gap between the first and second brackets - said wedges constituting the spacing components.

[0056] In arrangements where the method includes inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets, the method may include inserting, via the first opening, a hardenable composition in a gap between the first and second brackets, and allowing the hardenable composition to harden to fix the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket - said hardenable composition constituting the spacing composition.

[0057] In some arrangements, the ledge may be supplied with the first bracket pre-attached (e.g. pre-cast in, or pre-affixed to the outer side of the ledge using one or more fasteners). Alternatively, in other methods, the method may include a step of attaching the first bracket to the outer side of the ledge, by (i) casting the first bracket into the outer side of the ledge, and / or (ii) attaching the first bracket to the outer side of the ledge using one or more fasteners.

[0058] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0059] Summary of the Figures

[0060] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0061] Figs. 1 (a)-(d) show different respective views of a first bracket forming part of a mounting of the present invention.

[0062] Figs. 2(a)-(d) show different respective views of a second bracket forming part of a mounting of the present invention.

[0063] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting according to the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the second bracket of Fig. 2 including an adjustment mechanism and a threaded adjustment member.

[0065] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

[0066] Fig. 6 is a first perspective view of the mounting of Fig. 3 attached to an outer vertical side of a ledge.

[0067] Fig. 7 is second perspective partial view of the mounting engaged with the outer side of the ledge.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting according to a second example of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a first bracket of the assembled mounting of Fig. 8 including an adjustment mechanism and spacing components.

[0069] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the adjustment mechanism and spacing components of the second example.

[0070] Figs. 11 (a)-(b) are perspective views of a balustrade engaged to a ledge via the mounting of Fig. 8.

[0071] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0072] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] Figs. 1 (a)-(d) show different respective views of a first bracket 120 forming part of a mounting of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view of the first bracket 120, (b) is a front view of the first bracket 120, (c) is a top view of the first bracket 120, and (d) is a perspective view of a base section 130 of the first bracket 120.

[0074] The first bracket 120 is an elongate member extending in a longitudinal direction (represented by the arrow 102) between a first end 121 and a second end 122, and includes a back wall 124 and a pair of arms 126 arranged such that the first bracket 120 forms a substantially C-shaped cross section when viewed along said longitudinal direction 102 (e.g., the first bracket 120 forms a substantially C-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102). More particularly, each arm 126 includes a first arm part 126-1 , which respectively extend from opposite sides of the back wall 126, and a second arm part 126-2 which respectively extend inwardly toward one another from distal ends of the respective first arm parts 126-1 to define a channel 127 therebetween into which a central rib 164 of a second bracket 160 (described in more detail in relation to Fig. 2) can be inserted (e.g., slid) via a first opening of the first bracket 120 at the first end 121 .

[0075] In the present example, the first bracket 120 is formed via extrusion, so as to form an elongate extruded member. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way, and the first bracket 120 may instead be formed via casting.

[0076] The pair of arms 126 also each include a ridge 128 extending longitudinally along an outer face of the first arm part 126-1. These ridges 128 advantageously increase the strength of engagement between the first bracket 120 and a ledge of a balcony when the first bracket 120 is embedded within said ledge (described in more detail below, particularly in relation to Figs. 6 and 7). However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, each of the pair of arms 126 may include more than one ridge, one or more of which may extend along directions angled relative to the longitudinal direction 102. Alternatively, each of the pair of arms 126 may include no ridges.

[0077] Moreover, the ridges 128 of the present example are shaped so as to have a dovetail cross section when viewed along the longitudinal direction 102 (e.g., the ridges 128 have a dovetail cross section in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102). More particularly, the ridges 128 increase in width with increasing distance from the pair of arms 126 from which they respectively protrude. This provides greater stability to the first bracket 120 when cast in to a balcony as is described in relation to later Figs. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this manner, and the ridges 128 may instead have a variety of alternative cross sectional designs. For example, the ridges 128 may have a rectangular cross section when viewed along the longitudinal direction 102.

[0078] The back wall 124 of the first bracket 120 is adapted to contact the ledge (e.g., either via abutment against the ledge or as a result of being embedded in / cast-in to the ledge), and includes countersunk holes 125 through which fastening elements (e.g., screws or bolts) can be passed to secure the first bracket 120 to the ledge. In the present example, there are two countersunk holes 125, respectively positioned in an upper portion and a lower portion of the back wall 124 and vertically aligned along a longitudinal centreline of the back wall 124. This advantageously ensures the entire first bracket 120 is securely connected to the ledge. However, alternative numbers and arrangements of the countersunk holes 125 are envisaged.

[0079] Each of the countersunk holes 125 is tapered such that the opening of each countersunk hole 125 on an internal side of the back plate 122 (e.g., a side of the backplate facing inwardly into the C-shape cross section) has a greater area than the opening of each countersunk hole 125 on an external side of the back plate 124 (e.g., a side of the backplate configurable to contact the ledge). This improves the ease with which the fastening elements can be inserted through the holes, and / or allows heads of the fastening elements to be at least partially hidden within the countersunk holes 125 so as to free up room within the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section (e.g., a central channel of the first bracket).

[0080] The first bracket 120 further includes a base section 130 (most clearly shown in Fig. 1 (d)), which is designed to fit into and block a second opening of the first bracket 120 at the second end 122 (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)) so as to provide vertical support to the second bracket 160 when said second bracket 160 is inserted into / engaged with the first bracket 120 (e.g., when a mounting, which comprises both the first bracket 120 and the second bracket 160, is in an assembled state, said mounting being discussed in more detail in relation to Fig. 3 and onward). In the present example, the base section 130 is a separate (e.g., non-integral) component to the main body of the first bracket 120, which is advantageous for cleaning and maintenance purposes (e.g., the base section 130 can be removed allowing easier access to the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the main body of the first bracket 120). However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way, and in alternative examples the base section 130 may instead be integral with the main body of the first bracket 120.

[0081] The base section 130 includes a plate portion 132, as well as tapered support members 133-136 which protrude from the plate portion 132 and are configured to extend into the space enclosed by the C- shaped cross section of the main body of the first bracket 120 when the base section 130 is engaged with said main body. The tapered support members 133-136 are arranged in two pairs 138 140. Each pair 138 140 is configured to define a tapered recess in which the second bracket 160 is supported when engaged with the first bracket 120. This tapering advantageously allows the second bracket 160 to be more easily guided into the recess, as well as facilitating easier movement of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120 (said movement being described in more detail below).

[0082] The base section 130 also includes apertures 142 through two of the tapered support members 133 135, which are designed to align with corresponding apertures 144 on the main body of the first bracket 120. Note that only one of these apertures 144 is shown on the main body of the first bracket 120 in Fig. 1 (a), more particularly being shown on one of the pair of arms 126, but there is also a second one of these apertures 144 located on an aligned portion of the other of the pair of arms 126. Once the base section 130 is inserted into the second opening, the apertures 142 144 become aligned such that a fixing element, e.g., a rod (not shown), is threadable therethrough to fix the base section 130 in place relative to the main body of the first bracket 120. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way, and alternative means of securing the base section 130 in place in the second opening are envisaged. For example, the base section 130 may be held in place via a frictional force exerted on the base section 130 by a compressive action of the back wall 124 and / or pair of arms 126 forming the C-shaped cross section, or may be held in place by an adhesive or other suitable such fixing means.

[0083] In the present example, one or both of the first bracket 120 and the base section 130 are conveniently formed of a metal or metal alloy (e.g., aluminium), though the present disclosure is not limited in this way.

[0084] Figs. 2(a)-(d) show different respective views of a second bracket 160 forming part of an example of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view of the second bracket 160, (b) is a front view of the second bracket 160, (c) is a back view of the second bracket 160, and (d) is a top view of the second bracket 160.

[0085] The second bracket 160 is, like the first bracket 120, an elongate (e.g., extruded) member extending in the longitudinal direction 102 from a first end 161 to a second end 162. But unlike the first bracket 120, the second bracket 160 has a substantially H-shaped cross section when viewed along said longitudinal direction 102 (e.g., the second bracket 160 forms a substantially H-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102), which includes a first wall 166 and a second wall 168 joined by a central rib 164.

[0086] The first wall 166 of the second bracket 160 is configured to interlock with the first bracket 120 via being slid into the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the first bracket 120, and includes (e.g., threaded or tapped) holes 167 which are usable in combination with threaded rotational adjustment members 170 (shown in Figs. 4 and 5) to form an adjustment mechanism that can be used to adjust the vertical and / or horizontal rotation / slant of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120. In the present example, the holes are positioned in a substantially longitudinally central portion of the first wall 166, with each hole being positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal centre line. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, the holes may be arranged in an alternative position, and / or there may be a different number of holes. In some examples, there may not be any holes at all (as discussed below). Both the interlocking and adjustment of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120 are described in more detail below in relation to Figs. 3-5. Meanwhile, the second wall 168 is configured to be secured to a (e.g., glass) balustrade panel (as shown in Fig. 11). More particularly, an outer face of the second wall 168 (e.g., a face of the second wall that faces away from the second bracket 160) is configured to be abutted against the balustrade panel, before fastening elements (e.g., nuts, bolts or screws) which pass through the balustrade panel (e.g., via tapped holes) are inserted through holes 169 in the second wall 168. In the present example, there are two holes 169 which are arranged along a longitudinal centreline of the second wall 168, with one hole being positioned in an upper section of the second wall 168 (e.g., close to the first end 161) and one hole being positioned in a lower section of the second wall 168 (e.g., close to the second end 162). For example, the holes 169 may be respectively positioned within 10 cm, 9 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, or 1 cm of their respective ends of the second wall 168. In this case, the fastening elements pass through the holes 169 and into a cavity space 165-1 (e.g., a first hollow space) within the central rib 164. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this arrangement of holes 169, and alternative arrangements and number of holes are envisaged.

[0087] In cases where the balustrade panel is at least partially formed of glass (for example, see Fig. 11), the second wall 168 can either be secured directly against a glass section of the balustrade panel, or it may be secured to a base which supports the glass panel (as discussed in relation to Fig. 11).

[0088] The balustrade fastening elements may be two M8 bolts with (e.g., 60mm) spreader washers and suitable gaskets.

[0089] As previously mentioned, the rib 164 includes a cavity space 165-1 for accommodating the fastening elements used to secure the second bracket 160 to the balustrade panel. In addition to this, the rib 164 also has a hollow vertical slot 165-2 (e.g., a second hollow space that, in the present example, is partially separated from the first hollow space discussed above by a local narrowing of the cavity space) extending substantially entirely along the length of the central rib 164 between the first end 161 of the second bracket element 160, at which the hollow vertical slot 165-2 has a first opening, and the second end 162 of the second bracket element 160, at which the hollow vertical slot 165-2 has a second opening. The hollow vertical slot 165-2 includes a threaded section proximal to the second opening, into which is threaded a threaded vertical adjustment member 174 (shown in Fig. 4) that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120. This is described in more detail in relation to Figs. 3-5 below.

[0090] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting 100 according to the present invention, in which the first bracket 120 is interlocked with the second bracket 160 to form the mounting 100. More particularly, the first wall 166 of the second bracket 160 is inserted into the space enclosed by the C- shaped cross section of the first bracket 120 via the first opening of the first bracket 120 until the second end 162 of the second bracket 160 reaches the tapered recess formed by the tapered support members 133-136 of the base section 130. In this way, the first wall 166 is locked between the back wall 124 and the pair of arms 146 whilst the central rib 164 extends between the arms of the first bracket out of the channel 127, thus interlocking the second bracket 160 as a whole to the first bracket 120. The respective profiles of the first and second brackets 120 160 are chosen to give a high level of rigidity to withstand balustrade loads and wind pressures exerted on the balustrade and transferred to the brackets 120 160. In the present example, the assembled mounting 100 also includes the previously mentioned threaded rotational adjustment members 170 and the threaded vertical adjustment member 174, comprising a threaded (e.g., grub) screw, all of which are shown in Fig. 4 in relation to the second bracket 160. As shown in Fig. 4, the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 are threaded into the holes 167, and the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 is (e.g., at least partially) threaded into the hollow vertical slot 165-2 at the second end 162. Further, when the first bracket 120 is interlocked with the second bracket 160 as shown in Fig. 3, both the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 and the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 are positioned within the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the first bracket 120, with the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 being positioned proximal to the first end 121 (e.g., within 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm of the first end) and the threaded vertical adjustment member being positioned proximal to the second end 122 (e.g., within 3 cm, 2 cm, or 1 cm of the second end).

[0091] As previously mentioned, the adjustment members 170 174 are usable to adjust the (e.g., vertical and / or rotational) position of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120, and thus more broadly to adjust the position of the balustrade panel attached to the second bracket 160 relative to the ledge attached to the first bracket 120 (both attachments being shown in Fig. 11).

[0092] With respect to vertical positioning of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120, this is controlled via the threaded vertical adjustment member 174. More particularly, twisting the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 through the threaded portion of the hollow vertical slot 165-2 in a first direction causes the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 to extend from the hollow vertical slot 165- 2. The distal protruding end of the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 then abuts against / engages (e.g., the plate portion 132 of) the base section 130, and further rotation of the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 forces the second bracket 160 upward relative to the first bracket 120 as a result of the pressure between the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 and the base section 130. Conversely, rotation of the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 in the opposite direction causes a retraction of the threaded vertical adjustment member 174 into the hollow vertical slot 165-2, easing the pressure / force and causing downward movement of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120.

[0093] In the present example, rotation of the vertical adjustment member 174 is actuated via the use of an actuator (e.g., an alien key), which is passed down into the hollow vertical slot 165-2 at the first end 161 until a distal end of the actuator abuts and / or locks to the vertical adjustment member 174 at the second end 162. However, alternative embodiments are envisaged.

[0094] With respect to rotational positioning of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120 (i.e. the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket), this is controlled by the threaded rotational adjustment members 170, which are positioned within the channel of the first bracket, between the second arm parts 126-2 and the back wall 124 (as shown in Fig. 7). Rotating one or both of the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 in a first direction forces the second bracket to lean / slant / rotate / adjust toward the back wall 124 as the one or more threaded rotation adjustment members 170 are threaded through the respective threaded holes 167 in a first direction. In particular, it is the second bracket 160, as opposed to the threaded rotational adjustment members 170, that is forced to move, as a result of the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 being horizontally constrained between the pair of arms 126 and the back wall 124. Conversely, rotation of one or both of the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 in an opposite (second) direction forces the second bracket 160 to slant in the opposite direction (i.e. , toward the second arm parts 126-2) as the threaded rotation adjustment members 170 is threaded through the threaded hole 167 in the second direction. The range of slant / adjustment is preferably between + / - 2 degrees (e.g., the longitudinal axis of at least a portion of the second bracket 160 at the first end 161 being angled + / - 2 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the first bracket 120). As a balustrade mounted to a ledge via the mounting will typically have a height far greater than the height of the mounting itself, it will be appreciated that even small adjustments to the relative slant of the first and second brackets of the mounting (e.g. adjustments of + / - 0.5 degrees, or + / - 1 degree) can lead to significant adjustment in the position of the top edge of a balustrade relative to the ledge. An adjustment range of + / - 2 degrees of the second bracket relative to the first bracket may result in a movement of the top edge of a balustrade mounted on the second bracket of between + / - 40 mm from an un-slanted position, in which the longitudinal axis of the second bracket aligns with the longitudinal axis of the first bracket).

[0095] By rotating only one of the threaded rotation adjustment members 170 at a time, only one side of the second bracket 160 is slanted toward / away from the back wall 124. As such, a horizontal rotational component of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120 can be introduced via unequal rotation of the two threaded rotational adjustment members 170. Alternatively, both threaded rotational adjustment members 170 can be rotated an equal amount, causing equal (vertical) rotation / slanting of both sides of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120.

[0096] Rotation of the threaded rotation adjustment members 170 can be actuated by inserting an actuator (not shown) into the first end 121 of the first bracket 120, which can be used to push on one side of one of the threaded rotation adjustment members 170 and thus apply torque to the adjustment members.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 5, the threaded rotation adjustment members 170 include a shank 171 and an engagement member 172. In this figure, the shank is shown as smooth, but this figure is schematic: in practice, the shank is conveniently threaded. The engagement member 172 is broader than the shank 171 (e.g., the engagement member 172 has a greater area in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the adjustment member than the shank 171 , and extends outwardly of the outer diameter of the shank), and further includes a castellated / toothed outer rim. This advantageously allows the actuator to more securely engage and actuate the threaded rotational adjustment members 170, such that each threaded rotational adjustment member 170 can be rotated more easily, and thus the second bracket 160 can be slanted more easily relative to the first bracket 120.

[0098] Each engagement member 172 may be a cog, gear or nut which are either screwed onto or integral with the shank 171 so as to be rotationally fixed with respect to the shank. In some examples, the shank 171 and the engagement member 172 may together be formed from a screw (e.g. a screw comprising a castellated / toothed head portion). However, the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, in some embodiments, the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 and holes 167 may not be present. Instead, insertion of the second bracket 160 into the first bracket 120, and more particularly into the tapering recess created by the base section 130, may result in the second bracket being supported in a position in which there is a space / gap between the inserted first wall 166 of the second bracket 160 and the surrounding C-shaped cross sectional structure of the first bracket 120 (e.g., there is a space between the first wall 166 and the back wall 124 and / or the pair of arms 126). Rotational adjustment of the second bracket 160 relative to the first bracket 120 may then be controllable using suitable spacing components or compositions, which may be inserted into the space between the first wall and the back wall 124 or the pair of arms 126, depending on the direction of rotation sought, via the first opening of the first bracket 120. The spacing components may be, for example, wedges having a tapering width, which makes insertion into the first opening advantageously easier, though the present disclosure is not limited in this way. Alternatively, a spacing composition may be a hardening material (e.g. a curable resin), wherein said hardening material may be inserted into the space between the inserted second bracket 160 and the first bracket 120 whilst in liquid form, before the hardening material then hardens and expands into a solid, causing the desired rotation.

[0099] Figs. 6 and 7 show respective perspective views of the mounting 100 attached to the outer side of a ledge 20. More particularly, Fig. 6 shows a broader perspective view in which the entirety of the mounting 100 is visible. Meanwhile, Fig. 7 shows a zoomed-in perspective view focused on the first end of the first bracket 120 and the threaded vertical adjustment members 170 discussed above.

[0100] The mounting assembly 100 is cast into the ledge 20. More particularly, the first bracket 120 is cast into the ledge, which advantageously strengthens the engagement between the mounting 100 and the ledge 20, improves the look of the balcony (of which the ledge is a part) as a whole, and minimises the amount of space required by the mounting 100. In the present example, the first bracket 120 is cast-in to the ledge 20 in such a way that at least the first end of the first bracket 120 is positioned (slightly) below a surface of the ledge 20, which both strengthens the engagement between the mounting 100 and the ledge 20 and allows the ridges on the arms 126 of the first bracket to be hidden from view. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, in alternative examples the first end of the first bracket 120 may be flush with the surface of the ledge 20, or may be positioned above the ledge 20. Alternatively, or additionally, the first bracket 120 may not be cast-in to the balcony at all, and instead the back wall 124 may simply abut against an outer edge of the ledge 20 and be fixed in place via one or more fixing elements, e.g. bolts.

[0101] In the present example, the ledge 20 is a concrete slab. This makes it advantageously easy to cast one or more first brackets 120 into the ledge, as the concrete can be poured around the first bracket 120 before being allowed to set. However, alternatives are envisaged.

[0102] Figs. 8 and 9 respectively show perspective views of an assembled mounting 200 and a first bracket 220 of the assembled mounting 200 including an adjustment mechanism and spacing components 280, according to a second example of the present invention. Meanwhile, Fig. 10 shows a more detailed perspective view of the adjustment mechanism and spacing components 280. The assembled mounting 200 is similar to the assembled mounting 100 in several ways, and reference numerals incremented by 100 are used to denote like components of the two respective examples.

[0103] As with the assembled mounting 100, the assembled mounting 200 comprises a first bracket 220 and a second bracket 260, both of which are elongated members extending in a longitudinal direction. The first bracket 220 again forms a substantially C-shaped cross section when viewed along said longitudinal direction, and also includes similar holes 225 and ridges 228 as in the first bracket 120 (though in this case the holes 225 are not countersunk, unlike the holes 125 of the assembled mounting 100). In addition to these common components, the first bracket 220 further includes enlarged portions 227-1 227-2 in a channel 227 of the first bracket 220, said enlarged portions 227-1 227-2 respectively being aligned with the holes 225, as well as a base section 230 that is formed integrally with, and covers an end of, the C- shaped cross sectional portion of the first bracket 220 at a second end 222. The enlarged portions 227-1 227-2 allow for improved access to fastening elements passes through the holes 225 (e.g., improved access for adjustment equipment such as a socket spanner tool), whilst the base section 230 is configured to support the second bracket 260 when said second bracket 260 is inserted into the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section (e.g., a central channel of the first bracket 220) at an opening of the first bracket 220 at a first end 221 .

[0104] Meanwhile, the second bracket 260 again has a substantially H-shaped cross section when viewed along the longitudinal direction, and includes first and second walls 266 268 separated by a central rib 264. As shown in Fig. 8, the second bracket 260 is different from the second bracket 160 of Fig. 1-7 in that the second wall 268 has a greater longitudinal length than the first wall 266. To accommodate which, the rib 264 comprises a sloped portion extending from an end of the first wall 266 to the corresponding end of the second wall 268. Furthermore, the rib 264, having a cavity space 265-1 and vertical slot 265-2 which are (partially) separated from one another similarly to the rib 164 of Fig. 2, is configured oppositely to the rib 164. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 2(d), the cavity space 165-1 of the rib 164 is positioned proximal to the second face 168 (such that fastening elements for connecting the second bracket 160 to a balustrade panel can be passed through holes 167 and partially housed within said cavity space 165-1 , as discussed above), whilst the hollow vertical slot 165-2 is positioned proximal to the first wall 166. In contrast, the cavity space 265-1 of the rib 264 is positioned proximal to the first wall 266, whilst the hollow vertical slot 265-2 is positioned proximal to the second wall 268. As such, fastening elements for attaching the second bracket 260 to a balustrade panel now instead pass through holes (not shown) on the second wall 268. In this example, the fastening elements are configured to extend only into the holes in the second wall 268. In other words, the screws do not enter into the vertical slot 265-2. This prevents the screws from obstructing the insertion of an actuator to adjust a threaded vertical adjustment member at the second end of the second bracket, such as the one discussed in relation to Figs. 1-7 (e.g., the threaded vertical adjustment member 174).

[0105] To form the assembled mounting 200, the first wall 266 of the second bracket 260 is inserted into the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the first bracket 220 via the first opening of the first bracket 220 until a second end of the second bracket 160 reaches the base section 230, locking the second bracket 260 to the first bracket 220. In addition to the first bracket 220 and second bracket 260, the assembled mounting 200 further comprises an adjustment mechanism, comprising a threaded rotational adjustment member 270, a threaded vertical adjustment member (not shown), and spacing elements 280. The adjustment mechanism of the assembled mounting 200 is similar to the adjustment mechanism of the assembled mounting 100, except in that the adjustment mechanism of the assembled mounting 200 comprises only a single threaded rotational adjustment member 270, which is conveniently provided by a hex head screw which comprises a threaded shank 271 (thread not shown) and an engagement member 272 provided by the hex head of the screw. Said single threaded rotational adjustment member 270 is threaded into a centrally positioned hole (not shown) in the first face 266, such that it may partially be housed within the cavity space 265-1 , and works in a similar manner to the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 of the assembled mounting 100 of the first example (that is, rotational adjustment of this member moves the second bracket relative to the first bracket).

[0106] The threaded vertical adjustment member is conveniently provided as a grub screw, and works in a similar manner to the threaded vertical adjustment member 174, in that it is threaded into the into the vertical slot 265-2 at a bottom end, and is usable to adjust the vertical height of the second bracket 260 relative to the first bracket 220 via helical rotation of the threaded vertical adjustment member along said vertical slot 265-2. In the present case, however, due to the changed position of the vertical slot 265-2 in the rib 264 discussed above, the threaded vertical adjustment member does not abut the base section 230. Instead, the threaded vertical adjustment member abuts against a base plate 273 of the assembled mounting 200, which is configured to be placed against the base section 230 within the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the first bracket 220.

[0107] The base plate 230 includes a platform protrusion which extends through the channel 227, from which extends a dowel 276 (e.g., a cylindrical protrusion) in a vertically upward direction substantially along the longitudinal direction of the first bracket 220. The dowel 276 is configured to extend into the vertical slot 265-2 so as to secure (e.g., a bottom portion of) the second bracket 260 in place relative to the first bracket 220 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as well as to act as a fulcrum point about which the second bracket 260 may rotate / slant. Note that the dowel 276 is positioned outside the space enclosed by the C-shaped cross section of the first bracket 220. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this way, and in other examples the dowel 274 may instead be positioned within the central channel of the first bracket 220. As such, when the threaded vertical adjustment member is rotated toward the exit of the vertical slot 265-2, it abuts against an upper surface of the dowel 276 (e.g., as opposed to against the base section 230 as was the case in the assembled mounting 100 described above) creating the necessary force to move the brackets 220 260 relative to one another.

[0108] In the present example, the base plate 273 is separate to the base section 230, but in alternative examples it may be integrally formed with the base section 230. Indeed, in further examples the base plate 273 may be removed entirely and a protrusion against which the threaded vertical adjustment member may abut may extend directly from the base section 230. Further, some examples may not have the dowel 276 (for example, see the mounting assembly 100 of Figs. 1-7) and / or the threaded vertical adjustment member. Turning now to the spacing components 280, these are shown most clearly in Fig. 10 alongside the threaded rotational adjustment member 270. The spacing components 280 are wedges which extend in and taper along a longitudinal direction. Said spacing components 280 further include a series of longitudinally spaced recesses 282 which each run laterally across the tapering surface, which allow the spacing components to be snapped or trimmed once at an optimal depth (e.g., depth within the first bracket 220) so that they do not protrude above the opening of the first bracket 220 at the first end 221 after being correctly positioned. This improves the aesthetic look of the mounted assembly 200 when used in the balcony as described below.

[0109] The spacing components 280 are configured to be inserted into, via the first opening at the first end 221 of the first bracket 220, a gap between the second bracket 260 and the first bracket 220 when the second bracket 260 is fitted into the first bracket 220. More particularly, in the present example, fitting the second bracket 260 into the first bracket 220 creates first and second gaps, the two gaps being on opposite sides of the first wall 266. The spacing elements 280 are configured to be inserted into the first gap, whilst the threaded rotational adjustment member 270 is configured to be inserted into the second gap.

[0110] The threaded rotational adjustment member 270 and the spacing components 280 are usable in combination to rotate the second bracket 260 relative to the first bracket 220. In particular, by rotating the threaded rotational adjustment member 270 in a first direction, and simultaneously adjusting one or both of the spacing components 280 by pushing them further into the space enclosed by the first bracket 220, a portion of the second bracket 260 at the first end 221 of the first bracket 220 can be slanted toward a back wall 224 of the first bracket 220 whilst a portion of the second bracket 260 at the second end 222 of the first bracket 220 remains stationary, causing an effective rotation of the second bracket 260 in a vertical plane (i.e., a plane that the longitudinal direction is parallel to) relative to the first bracket 220. Contrastingly, if the threaded rotational adjustment member 270 is rotated in the opposite direction, and the spacing components 280 are pulled partially out of the space enclosed by first bracket 220, the second bracket 260 can be slanted (and thus rotated in the vertical plane) away from the back wall 224 of the first bracket 220. In addition to this, the second bracket 260 can also be rotated in a horizontal plane by simultaneously pulling one of the spacing components 280 out of the first bracket 220 enclosed space, whilst pushing the second spacing component 280 further into the first bracket 220 enclosed space. This creates similar rotational forces on the second bracket as when the threaded rotational adjustment members 170 are rotated in opposite directions.

[0111] In some examples, the assembled mounting may further comprise a top cap 282 (see Fig. 11) for covering a top end of the bracket, though this is not shown in the present example.

[0112] Figs. 11 (a) and (b) are perspective views of a balustrade attached to a ledge 20 via the mounting 200 to form a balcony 10 according to an example of the present invention. More particularly, Fig. 11 (a) shows a front-facing-backward perspective view of the (partially constructed) balcony 10, in which the balustrade has been partially formed. Le., a first of two balustrade panels 30 has been attached to the ledge 20 via mountings 200. Meanwhile, Fig. 11 (b) shows a back-facing-forward perspective view of a fully constructed balcony 10, in which both balustrade panels 30 have now been attached to the ledge 20 via the mountings 200. For the purposes of this illustration, the balustrade has only been attached on an outer edge of the ledge 20, but it will be appreciated that further balustrade panels 30 can be provided along one or both side edges of the ledge 20 in a similar fashion to that described below.

[0113] In the present example, the assembled mounting used to form the balcony 10 is the one depicted in Figs. 8-10 (e.g., assembled mounting 200). However, this is for exemplary purposes only, and the skilled person will recognise that the balcony 10 may be formed using any of the assembled mountings covered within the scope of the present disclosure, including, though not limited to, the assembled mounting 100 depicted in Figs. 1-7. With this in mind, referencing is made in the following description to preceding Figs, relating to both assembled mountings 100200, which has been done to increase the clarity of said description.

[0114] In the present example, the balustrade panels 30 are formed entirely of (e.g., laminated) glass, with a railing 32 provided over the top which serves as a handrail and cap for the balustrade panels 30. The present disclosure is not limited in this way however, and the skilled person would recognise alternative balustrade panels, and indeed balustrades more generally, as falling within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, each balustrade panel may instead include a non-glass base portion, which may be used to attach the balustrade panel 30 to the second bracket 260, a glass portion, which provides protection to the user of a balcony 10 (e.g., protection against the wind and against falling off the balcony 10) without inhibiting the user’s view, and an individual top rail.

[0115] To mount the balustrade panels 30 to the ledge 20, the ledge 20 is first prepared by either casting-in (as exemplarily shown in Figs. 6-7) or attaching a plurality of first brackets 220 to a vertical outer edge of a ledge 20 which makes up the base of the balcony 10. The ledge 20 preferably has a number of sockets cast into it during its formation, into which fastening elements passing through the holes 225 of the first bracket 220 can be screwed to (further) secure the mounting to the ledge 20 (as discussed in relation to Fig. 1 (a)). These sockets provide threaded holes in the desired positions and avoid the need to drill into the ledge 20 and potentially risk hitting reinforcing rods within the ledge 20.

[0116] The balustrade panel 30 is prepared by attaching one or more second brackets 260 to the lower part of one side of the balustrade panel 30. In the present example, the second brackets 260 are attached to a base portion of the balustrade panel 30.

[0117] It will be appreciated that the order of performing the above preparatory steps is not important. In particular, the balustrade panels 30 may be prepared off-site and transported to the site with the second brackets 260 already attached.

[0118] In the example shown, each balustrade panel 30 has two second brackets 260 attached, and a corresponding number of first brackets 220 are provided on the outer edge of the balcony 10. However, it will be appreciated that any number of pairs of respective first and second brackets 220260 may be provided for each balustrade panel 30 being installed, depending on the weight of the balustrade panels 30, their size (and therefore the anticipated wind pressures) and the size of the first and second brackets 220 260 and their load-bearing abilities. It is preferable that there are at least two second brackets 260 per balustrade panel 30 as this makes it easier to level the balustrade panel 30 once secured. There is also generally a practical upper limit on the number of second brackets 260 that can be provided per balustrade panel 30 based on considerations of cost and time to fit.

[0119] The first balustrade panel 30 is then attached to the balcony 10 by sliding the second brackets 260 into the channels in the first brackets 220 (e.g., via the first opening in the first brackets 220), resulting in the arrangement shown in Figs. 11 (a)-(b). At this point the balustrade panel 30 can be secured in place, but its precise positioning can be adjusted later (as described above in relation to Figs. 8-10). As the balustrade panel 30, having the second bracket(s) 260 attached, simply slides together with the first bracket(s) 220, no bolting is required, making it quick and simple to slide the balustrade panel 30 onto the balcony 10.

[0120] Second (and further, where appropriate) balustrade panels 30 are then fitted in a similar manner until the whole balcony 10 and balustrade construction is complete as shown in Fig. 11 (b). The steps of fitting the balustrade panels 30 to the ledge 20 of the balcony 10 will typically be performed at ground level adjacent to a building (not shown) to which the balcony 10 is to be attached, as this removes the need for complex lifting and positioning of the balustrade panels 30 whilst they are being attached to the balcony 10.

[0121] However, in alternative embodiments, where the ledge 20 of the balcony 10 is formed integrally with other structural elements of the building, the first and second brackets 120 160 may be secured in place working from an elevated platform (this operation being relatively quick and not involving significant loads) and the balustrade panels 30 slid on later.

[0122] Once attached, the whole balcony 10 and balustrade construction can be lifted for attachment to the building. Once attached to the structure of the building, the heights of the balustrade panels 30 can be adjusted (e.g., vertically and / or rotationally) by adjusting the threaded vertical and / or rotational adjustment members. This can all be done by working from the balcony itself as the fixings are all accessible without the need to access the outside of the balustrade. Moreover, this can be done in a way that only requires access to the first opening of the first bracket 220 for the reasons described above, meaning that a majority of the mounting 200 can be hidden below the ground level of the ledge 20.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 11 (b), the balustrade panels 30 attach to the balcony 10 with the mounting 200 sandwiched between the ledge 20 and the balustrade panels 30 themselves. This avoids having any fixings on the upper surface of the balcony 10 which would take up space and potentially be a trip hazard for users. It also means that further surface finishes can be applied to the balcony 10 without the need to work around the fixings making such surface finishing quicker and easier.

[0124] An edging strip (not shown) may be fitted which fills or covers the / any gaps between the balustrade panels 30 and the edge of the ledge 20 (though it is noted that examples that cast the first bracket 220 into the ledge 20 will advantageously minimise or entirely remove such gaps). Alternatively, such gaps can be left open to allow rainwater to drain freely from the edge without the risk of leaves and dirt blocking the outlet.

[0125] The attachment of the balustrade panels 30 to the ledge of the balcony 10 in this manner also makes it very easy and safe to lift out and replace a damaged or broken panel if required in the future. All of the access to release the old panel and to secure the new panel can be achieved from the ledge 20 of the balcony 10 itself, so no access platform or scaffold is required. Workers, secured to the building via a harness, can use glass suckers or other glass handling equipment to simply lift the old panel out and lower a new panel into its place.

[0126] ***

[0127] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0128] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0129] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0130] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0131] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0132] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

Claims:1 . A mounting for attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge, the mounting comprising: a first bracket configured for attachment to the outer side of the ledge, the first bracket defining a central channel, the central channel having a first opening at a vertically upper end of the first bracket; and a second bracket having one or more fixings arranged to connect to an internal side of the balustrade; wherein the first and second brackets are configured to be assembled by sliding the second bracket into the central channel of the first bracket via the first opening such that the mounting is substantially sandwiched between the balustrade and the ledge; and wherein the mounting is configured such that the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable by:(i) accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism; and / or(ii) inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets.

2. The mounting according to claim 1 wherein (i) applies, and wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one screw threadably engaged with the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism comprising a step of rotating the screw in a first direction.

3. The mounting according to claim 2 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises two screws threadably engaged with the second bracket, said screws being respectively provided on either side of a longitudinal centreline of the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism comprising a step of rotating at least one of the two screws in a first direction.

4. The mounting according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the or each screw comprises an engagement member attached to, and rotationally fixed with respect to the screw, such that the screw can be rotated by applying torque to its respective engagement member.

5. The mounting according to claim 4 wherein the engagement member comprises a gear, cog or nut.

6. The mounting according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first bracket comprises one or more keying features provided on an outer surface of the first bracket.

7. The mounting according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first bracket comprises a base section at its lower end which provides vertical support to the second bracket when the mounting is assembled.

8. The mounting according to claim 7 wherein the base section comprises one or more tapered support members, the one or more tapered support members defining a tapered recess inwhich the second bracket is supported when the mounting is assembled.

9. The mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting is further configured such that:(i) the vertical position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the height of the balustrade relative to the ledge; and / or(ii) the horizontal position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable, to thereby adjust the horizontal position of the panel along the direction of the side of the ledge.

10. The mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a cap element which fits over the top of one or both of the first and second brackets when assembled.

11. A mounting according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first bracket has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to a vertical direction, including a back wall which is arranged to lie against the vertical side of the ledge and a pair of arm sections which, together with the back wall, define the central channel.

12. A mounting according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second bracket has a substantially H-shaped cross-section, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to a vertical direction, including first and second walls joined by a rib.

13. A kit of parts comprising a mounting according to any one of the preceding claims and a balustrade.

14. A kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein the mounting is configured such that the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket is adjustable by inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets, and wherein the kit further comprises: one or more spacing components or compositions for insertion in a gap between the first and second brackets during installation of the mounting.

15. A kit of parts according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the balustrade comprises a panel of sheet material.

16. A kit of parts according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the balustrade comprises a capping running along the top of the balustrade.

17. A balcony comprising a ledge and a balustrade attached to the outer vertical side of a ledge via a mounting as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. The balcony according to claim 17 wherein the first bracket is cast-in to the ledge, optionally wherein the ledge comprises a concrete slab.

19. The balcony according to claim 18 wherein the vertically upper end of the first bracket does not extend above a vertical upper surface of the ledge.

20. A method of attaching a balustrade to the outer vertical side of a ledge, the outer side of the ledge having a first bracket attached thereto, the first bracket defining a central channel for receipt of a second bracket, the central channel having a first opening at a vertically upper end of the first bracket, themethod including steps of: attaching the second bracket to one side of the balustrade; mounting the balustrade onto the ledge by sliding the second bracket into the central channel of the first bracket via the first opening, such that the first and second brackets interlock and are substantially sandwiched between the panel and the ledge; and subsequently adjusting the position of the second bracket relative to the first bracket by:(i) accessing, via the first opening, an adjustment mechanism provided within the central channel of the first bracket, and operating said adjustment mechanism; and / or(ii) inserting, via the first opening, one or more spacing components or compositions in a gap between the first and second brackets.

21. The method according to claim 20 wherein (i) applies, and wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one screw threadably engaged with the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism comprising a step of rotating the screw in a first direction.

22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises two screws threadably engaged with the second bracket, said screws being respectively provided on either side of a longitudinal centreline of the second bracket, operating said adjustment mechanism comprising a step of rotating at least one of the two screws in a first direction23. The method according to claim 20 wherein (ii) applies, and wherein the method includes inserting, via the first opening, one or more wedges in a gap between the first and second brackets.

24. The method according to claim 20 wherein (ii) applies, and wherein the method includes inserting, via the first opening, a hardenable composition in a gap between the first and second brackets, and allowing the hardenable composition to harden to fix the vertical and / or horizontal angle of the second bracket relative to the first bracket.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein the method includes a step of attaching the first bracket to the outer side of the ledge, by (i) casting the first bracket into the outer side of the ledge, and / or (ii) attaching the first bracket to the outer side of the ledge using one or more fasteners.

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