AU2012206989A1 - Improvements to mounting - Google Patents

Abstract

D896 DSC508876AUPR 27 Disclosed is a mount for attachment to a sheet element. The sheet element has at least a first 5 major surface. The mount has a first mount member with a body portion. The body portion has a first mount surface that in use is presentable to lie against, adjacent, or in close proximity to the first major surface. The first mount surface bounding at least in part at least one cavity ("first cavity") in the body portion that in use opens towards the first major surface. Wherein the first cavity is adapted in use to receive an adherent material therein, such that in use the 10 adherent material engages with the first major surface and the first mount member to bond the mount to the sheet element without need for any penetrative through fastening to or of the sheet element. 1i/153 ( C 2$ e 0 Figure 4

Description

0896 DSCSO8876ALPR I IMPROVEMENTS TO MOUNTING TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to mounts and methods for non-penetrative mounting to rigid planar or sheet- like structures, and in particular, though not solely, to toughened glass sheets and similar. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 Rigid planar materials, or sheets that overall are planar, but may be corrugated or similar in their cross-section are useful in forming many structures. These materials are of particular use when forming fences, balustrades and access ways for example hinged doors. 15 They are advantageous because with only one or two cantilever type mountings, for example at a bottom edge, they will stand rigidly, such as for example to form a fence or a door or similar. They do not need full support around all edges. However, in some installations this may happen, even if just for aesthetic reasons, for example when two sheets butt up edge to edge, there may be a gluing together of these edges. 20 A major disadvantage of prior art systems for mounting to such rigid planar materials is the need for penetrative fastening of the mount through the rigid planar material. This requires the addition of holes to the rigid planar material and thus extra work. One example where such extra work is highly unfavourable is where the planar rigid material is a material that cannot be 25 machined, for example adding penetrative fastening holes, in its final form. One such example of this is toughened glass. This material needs measuring first then machining of the penetrative apertures and finishing before it is then toughened and then installed. It is not possible to re-machine or re-temper toughened glass, or at least to do so cost effectively. 30 Toughened glass panelling is often used as a surround for fences, for example for pools, shower or bathroom doors and similar. Such mounts as are needed are structural mounts to hold the rigid planar material, hinge mounts for doors of this material and other such structural fixings as need arise. 35 0896 DSC508876AUPR 2 In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such 5 documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mounting or to overcome the above shortcomings or address the above desiderata, or to at least provide the public with a 10 useful choice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a mount for attachment to a 15 sheet element, said sheet element having at least a first major surface, said mount comprising or including, a first mount member having, a body portion, a first mount surface that in use is presentable to lie against, adjacent, or in close 20 proximity to said first major surface, said first mount surface bounding at least in part at least one cavity ("first cavity") in said body portion that in use opens towards said first major surface, wherein said first cavity is adapted in use to receive an adherent material therein, such that in use said adherent material engages with said first major surface and said 25 first mount member to bond said mount to said sheet element without need for any penetrative through fastening to or of said sheet element. Preferably said sheet element is a rigid sheet element. 30 Preferably said first mount member is located at or near an edge of said sheet element. Preferably there is a second mount member that engages to said first mount member to form a clam shell configuration either side of said edge. 35 Preferably said clam shell configuration at least in part retains said resulting mount to said sheet element.

0896 DSCS08876AUPR 3 Preferably said second mount member acts at least as an aesthetic covering to cover that portion of said first mount member that can contain said adherent material, for example if said sheet element was transparent. 5 Preferably said sheet element has a second major surface opposite to said first major surface onto which said second mount member can mount. Preferably said second mount member engages to said first mount member via threaded fastenings. 10 Preferably said second mount member also has at least one cavity ("second cavity") similar to said first cavity to also in use receive an adherent material to bond said second mount member to said second major surface, said second cavity bounded by a second mount surface, similar to said first mount member. 15 Preferably there is a guide surface on one or both of said first mount member or said second mount member as part of a return on one or both of said first mount member or said second mount member that acts as a guide on said edge of said sheet element. 20 Preferably said guide surface is perpendicular to said first mount surface. Preferably only one of said first mount member or said second mount member has said guide surface and said return, the other of said first mount member or second mount member mounting to a third surface which is part of said return. 25 Preferably said third surface can lie flush with said second major surface, that is said return has substantially the same height as said sheet element has thickness. Alternatively spacing means are provided if said sheet element is thicker than said height. 30 Preferably said first mount surface acts at least in part as a seal for said adherent material in said first cavity. Preferably said second mount surface acts at least in part as a seal for said adherent material in 35 said second cavity.

n896 DSC508876AUPR 4 Preferably there is a sealing means between said first mount surface and said first major surface to at least in part form a sealed said first cavity. Preferably there is a sealing means between said second mount surface and said second major 5 surface to at least in part form a sealed said second cavity. Preferably said sealing means is a deformable material such as a gasket. Preferably said first mount surface (and said second mount surface if present) is held against 10 said first major surface (and said second mount surface), save for said sealing means. Preferably said adherent material is introduced by any one or more of the following ways to either, said first mount member (or second mount member) or 15 said sheet element prior to attaching thereto, or via at least one aperture (first aperture(s) in said first or second mount member into said first or second cavity respectively once said first or second mount member is located against said sheet element. 20 Preferably said adherent material is introduced via said at least one aperture in said first or second mount member. Preferably there is a second aperture in said first or second mount member to at least allow air to escape said first or second cavity as said adherent material is introduced. 25 Preferably at least one of said apertures is through said body to said cavity. Preferably said second aperture is also through said body. 30 Alternatively said second aperture is out a side of said cavity. Preferably said first mount surface and said first major surface are substantially planar surfaces. Preferably said second mount surface and said second major surface are substantially planar 35 surfaces.

n896 DSC50887GAUPR 5 Preferably said sheet element is a sheet of glass. Preferably said sheet of glass is a toughened sheet of glass. 5 Preferably said adherent material is an adhesive typified by that sold under the brand name of SikaBond@ Q-300. Preferably at least one of said first mount member, or said second mount member (if present) has a functional portion. 10 Preferably said functional portion is integral with said first mount member or said second mount member. Alternatively said functional portion is attached to said first mount member or said second mount 15 member. Preferably said functional portion is any one or more of the following, a handle a lock, 20 a latch, a hinge, or part there of, a hook a shroud, a handrail, or 25 other functional or aesthetic portion. Preferably said sheet element requires no machining or change to said edge to accept said mount. 30 In yet another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a method of installing a mount to a sheet element, said sheet element having at least a first major surface, comprising or including the steps of, providing a first mount member having a first mount surface which at least in part bounds at least one cavity ("first cavity") in a body portion of said first mount member, 35 applying said first mount member to said sheet element such that said first major surface is held substantially against, adjacent or in close proximity to said first mount surface, 0896 DSC508876AUPR 6 introducing an adherent material to said at least one cavity before or after applying said first mount member to said sheet element, such that said first mount member is installed to said sheet element and is bonded to said sheet element at least once said adherent material cures. 5 Preferably said sheet element is a rigid sheet element. Preferably said first mount member is located at or near an edge of said sheet element. 10 Preferably said sheet element has a second major surface that opposes said first major surface. Preferably said first major surface and said second major surface are parallel to each other. Preferably said method includes the step of locating and fastening a second mount member to 15 said first mount member, said second mount member to then lie against, adjacent, or in close proximity to said second major surface to form a clamshell configuration either side of said edge. Preferably said second mount member is at least co-extensive with said first cavity so as to 20 substantially cover said first cavity. Preferably said method includes locating a guide surface of at least said first mount member against said edge. 25 Preferably said method includes the step of locating sealing means between said first mount member and said first major surface. Preferably said method includes the step of locating sealing means between said second mount member and said second major surface. 30 Preferably said method includes introducing said adherent material by any one or more of the following ways, to either, said first mount member and/or or second mount member or said sheet element prior to attaching thereto, or 35 via at least one aperture in said first or second mount member into said first or second cavity respectively once said first or second mount member is located near, or against said 996 DSC508876AUPR 7 sheet element. Preferably said method includes introducing said adherent material via at least one first aperture in said first mount member and/or said second mount member through to said first cavity and/or 5 said second cavity respectively. Preferably said method includes the step of allowing air to escape said first or second cavity by at least one second aperture in said first and/or second mount member. 10 Preferably said sheet element is a sheet of glass. Preferably said sheet of glass is a toughened sheet of glass. Preferably said adherent material is an adhesive typified by that sold under the brand name of 15 SikaBond@ Q-300. Preferably at least one of said first mount member, or said second mount member (if present) has a functional portion. 20 Preferably said functional portion is integral with said first mount member or said second mount member. Alternatively said functional portion is attached as part of said method to said first mount member or said second mount member. 25 Preferably said functional portion is any one or more of the following, a handle, a lock, a latch, 30 a hinge, or part there of, a hook, a shroud, a handrail, or other functional or aesthetic portion. 35 Preferably said method requires no machining or change to said edge or said sheet element to 896 DSC508876AUPR 8 accept said mount. In yet a further aspect still the present invention consists in a kits of parts for attaching a mount to a sheet element that has a first major surface, comprising or including, 5 at least one mount member ("first mount member") that includes at least one cavity bounded at least in part by a first mount surface, wherein said first mount surface is adapted to lie against, adjacent or in close proximity to said first major surface, wherein said cavity is adapted to receive an adherent material to attach said first mount member to said sheet element and wherein said attaching requires no machining or change to said sheet 10 element to accept said mount. Preferably said kit includes a second mount member to engage with said first mount member to form a clamshell configuration either side of an edge of said sheet element. 15 Preferably said second mount member is similar to said first mount member and can attach to a second major surface or said sheet element, opposite to said first, also via an adherent material introduced into a second cavity in said second mount member. Preferably said kit includes said adherent material. 20 Preferably said kit includes preparatory materials for cleaning and preparing either or both said first mount member, said second mount member and/or said sheet element. Preferably said first mount member and/or said second mount member includes a functional 25 portion. Alternatively said kit includes at functional portion for attachment to said first mount member and or said second mount member. 30 Preferably said functional portion is any one or more of the following, a handle, a lock, a latch, a hinge, or part there of, 35 a hook, a shroud, "896 DSC508876AUPR 9 a handrail, or other functional or aesthetic portion. In yet still a further aspect the present invention consists in a sheet element with a mount 5 attached thereto, said mount comprising or including, at least one mount member ("first mount member") having, a body portion, a first mount surface lying against, adjacent, or in close proximity to said first major surface, said first mount surface bounding at least in part at least one cavity ("first 10 cavity") in said body portion opening towards said first major surface, wherein said first cavity contains an adherent material therein, such that said adherent material engages with said first major surface and said first mount member to bond said mount to said sheet element without need for any penetrative through fastening to or of said sheet element. 15 A mount as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. A method of installing a mount as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 20 A kit of parts as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. A sheet element with a mount attached as herein described with reference to any one or 25 more of the accompanying drawings. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. 30 The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present, but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner. 35 %896 DSC508876AUPR 10 It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7). 5 The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and 10 widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. 15 Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: (A) shows a left hand isometric view of a mount, and in particular a first mount member of the mount; 25 (B) shows a front isometric view similar of that of (A) showing the interior form of the mount including the cavity and apertures; (C) is a rear isometric view of the mount of (A) and (B); (D) is a cross section through line A-A of (A) showing the cavity and return, Figure 2: (A) shows an interior isometric view of a further part of the mount, as a second 30 mount member, showing the cavity and apertures; (B) shows the second mount member of 2A in a rear isometric view; Figure 3: shows a further embodiment of the mount of the present invention showing the interior surfaces of the first mount member and (optional) second mount member; Figure 4: shows the first mount member of the mount located via its return on the edge of a 35 sheet element; -896 DSC508876AUPR 11 Figure 5: shows an exterior view of that shown in Figure 4; Figure 6: shows a similar view to that of Figure 4 with the exception that an optional second mount member is now applied and fastened to the first mount member to form a clam shell arrangement either side of the first major surface and second 5 major surface of the sheet element, also showing the first aperture and second aperture for in this embodiment introduction of the adherent material to the second cavity, that is the cavity present in the second mount member; Figure 7: shows a side view to the arrangement of Figure 6 and shows one possible location for attachment of a functional portion, that is, the recess shown in the top 10 edge of the first mount member; Figure 8: shows a similar view to that of Figure 7 but from the other side; Figure 9: shows a similar view to Figure 7 after adherent material has been introduced to the assembly; Figure 10: shows a sheet element with a mount of the present invention attached thereto, 15 Figure 11: shows a glass balustrade and fence with the present invention mounted between a first sheet element acting as a door and a second sheet element acting as a fence whereby the functional portion attached to the mount is a hinge; and Figure 12: shows a functional portion attached or integral with the mount of the present invention with the functional portion in this instance being a handle and the view 20 shown in front elevation looking on to the mount, the left hand mount being attached inboard of an edge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 25 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 12. Figure 1 shows a mount I and in particular part of a mount as a first mount member 4. This has a first mount surface 6 which at least in part bounds a first cavity 7. The first cavity 7 is 30 recessed back into the body portion 5 of the first mount member 4. In the preferred embodiment the first mount member 4 also contains a return 16 that presents a guide surface 15. In the preferred embodiment the guide surface 15 is perpendicular to the first mount surface 6, though in other embodiments as will become understood as the invention is described this could be at any angle to suit the sheet element edge the mount I is attached to. In this '996 DSC508876AUPR 12 preferred embodiment there are shown engagement locations 25 on to which optionally a second mount member (not shown in this figure) can be mounted, for example by threaded fastenings. Shown in this embodiment is a first aperture 21 that communicates from the exterior (shown in Figure 1c) of the first mount member 4 to the interior and more specifically the first 5 cavity 7. The functionality of this aperture and fluid communication thereto from the external to the internal will be described shortly. Shown also is a second aperture 22. In the preferred embodiment this second aperture is above the first aperture 21 at least when the mount 1 is installed to the sheet element, and for example is shown out the side of the cavity 7. Shown also are engagements 26 which allow for functional portions (not shown in this figure) to be 10 attached. The functional portions 26 may be any one or more of a handle, lock, latch, hinge, or part there of, hook, shroud, handrail, or other functional or aesthetic portion. As the name suggests the functional portions 26 add function to the mount 1. For example there may be two mounts on a door panel at an edge thereof to connect via a hinge functional portion to two more mounts on the panel forming a fence. There may be a third mount on the door with functional 15 portions of a handle, latch and lock to engage to another functional portion on a mount on the other side of the fence to engage with the latch. Covers (not shown) or plugs (not shown) may be used to hide any apertures used to introduce or bleed the adherent material. 20 Figure 2 shows a further component of mount 1 being a second mount member 10 similar to the first mount member 4. In the preferred embodiment the second mount member 10 is used with the first mount member 4 to form a clamshell configuration as will be described. However, in other embodiments there may only be one mount member used to form the mount. The second 25 mount member 10 has a second mount surface 14 which at least in part surrounds a second cavity 13 into the body 5 of the second mount member 10. The second mount member 10 also has features to allow it to be engaged to the first mount member 4 and in the embodiment shown there are engagement locations 20. In the embodiments shown these are apertures that allow for a threaded fastener 12 (see Figure 6) to pass through the body of the second mount 30 member 10 and engage with the first mount member 4 (or vice versa). Present also in the second mount member 10 is a first aperture 21 which is in fluid communication from the exterior of the second mount member 10 to the interior thereof, and preferably to the recess 13. Shown also is a second aperture 22 in similar functional orientation to that of the first aperture 21. 35 It will be understood that where a first cavity 7 and a second cavity 13 are shown in the first mount member 4 and second mount member 10 respectively these could be more than one "196 DSC508876AUPR 13 cavity. For example there may be a plurality of cavities that present. Other forms of the first and second cavities 7 and 13 respectively will become known to the skilled reader to allow at least for fluid communication of an adherent material (not shown) from an exterior of the mount member to at least the cavity thereof and also the variations on the second aperture to allow 5 expulsion of air trapped in the cavity and also as a prove to show complete or near complete filling of the cavity with the adherent material. Shown in Figure 3 is a further variation of the mount 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment the first apertures 21 (in each mount member) are shown similar to that of that 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. However the second apertures 22 are shown as present through the respective bodies into the back of the first cavity 7 and second cavity 13. The use of these will be described shortly. There is also shown a sealing means 20 present. In the preferred embodiment this is a gasket made out of conformable material or least material that will substantially seal off the first cavity 7 and the second cavity 13 when located against the sheet 15 element. In other embodiments the first mount surface 6 and second mount surface may suffice to form the seal provided tolerances are sufficient for these surfaces and their engagement with those of the sheet element to retain the adherent material or otherwise. The presence of the sealing means 20 also can provide the advantage of preventing debris in similar accumulating or contaminating the mount 1 during the setting of the adherent material and/or post setting 20 once the mount 1 is in the operating environment. With references to Figures 4 through 10 the method of installation will now be described: A sheet element 2 in one embodiment of the present invention presents an edge 9. A first 25 mount member 4 is located on the edge 9 such that the guide surface 15 of the first mount member 4 rests on the edge 9. The first mount member 4 is then located in the desired position on the sheet element 2. Prior to location any cleaning of the sheet element 2 that is needed can be done and typically requires solvents such as isopropyl alcohol or similar to clean the area of the sheet element 2. It can be seen the sheet element 2 has a first major surface 3 onto which 30 the first mount surface 6 of the first mount member 4 lies adjacent against or in approximately close to. In the embodiments shown the first mount surface 6 will be slightly set away at least initially from the first major surface 3 by the provision of the sealing means 18 as shown. This is shown in Figure 4. 35 One embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6 whereby a second mount member 10 is fastened to the first mount member 4. In the embodiment shown the second 896 DSC508876AUPR 14 mount member 10 is engaged to the first mount member 4 by threaded fastenings 12 in through the apertures previously described. Others forms of fastening the two mount members to each other will become apparent, such as a sliding engagement of the two, a press-fit, welding, fusing or similar. In other embodiments the functional portion that is attached may join the two mount 5 members together. As described with reference to Figure 2 the second mount member 10 also has a cavity 13 adapted to receive adherent material, and preferably also has a sealing means 20 such as a gasket similar to that of the first mount member 4 as shown in Figure 4. The provision and 10 attachment of the second mount member 10 may be described as an optional step simply because the provision of the first mount member 4 may be sufficient to achieve the aims of providing a mount to a sheet element without the necessity of the second mount member 10. This may particularly be the case when the contact area of adherent material between the first mount member 4 and the first major surface 3 of the sheet element 2 is sufficient to take the 15 loadings required. Such a configuration may also be used when the mount is to be provided inboard of the edge, as will be described further on. The resulting clam shell configuration of joining the first mount member 4 and second mount member 10 as shown in Figures 6 through 8 is sufficient to hold the mount I to the sheet 20 element 2 at least for assembly purposes. It can be seen in this assembly orientation the preferred embodiment of the first aperture 21 lies below the second aperture 22 on both mount members. In Figure 7 a recess 24 is shown for attachment of functional portions (not shown). In the 25 embodiment shown this is a further recess into the return 16 of the first mount member 4. Once the mount I (whether consisting of both the first mount member 4 and second mount member 10, or just the first mount member 4) is located on the sheet element 2 (whether inboard or on an edge thereof) then adherent material 8 is introduced as shown in Figure 9. It 30 will be understood the cavity or cavities of the mount are substantially sealed by the major surface 3 or 11 it is against save for the first and second apertures in fluid communication with the cavity. In the preferred method the adherent material is introduced via the first aperture 21 and flows into the respective cavity or cavities and thereafter fills the cavity. Due to the orientation of the first aperture 21 below the second aperture 22 any air present in the cavity is 35 expelled through the second aperture 22. Some adherent material may be caused to flow out the second aperture to fully seal off the cavity and to prove the cavity is filled. In other 996 DSC508876AUPR 15 embodiments there may be tilting or other orientation applied to the assembly of the mount 1 and sheet element 2 such that air is in the topmost corner, and/or apertures located in the topmost portion of the cavity to allow the maximum amount of air to be removed. Other methods may also be used such as vibration to remove any entrained air bubbles. The sealant 5 then cures and forms a structural bond between the sheet element 2 and the mount member to thus form an applied mount 1 to the sheet element 2. The result is that, for example, shown in Figure 10 where the mount I is attached to the sheet element 2 and could, for example, be engaged with a functional portion 23 such as a hinge as 10 shown in Figure 11 to in this case form a door 26 in a fence 27. In other forms of the present invention the functional portion 23 may be integral with the either of the mounts. In other embodiments the mount 1 may be applied inboard of an edge 9 of a sheet element 2 such as that shown in Figure 12. In this instance a mount similar to the second mount member 15 10 (in that it has no return 16) can for example be mounted to a second major surface 11 inboard of the edge 9. In this application the second mount member 10 is held in place on the sheet element 2 and the steps of introducing adherent material are then followed. In the application shown in Figure 12 the functional portion 23 on the second mount member 10 ?0 may be a handle and also as shown in mounts 1 located on an edge 9 the functional element may be a hinge. In variations of the method the adherent material 8 may be applied to the sheet material 2 prior to application of the mount 1. Alternatively the adherent material 8 may be applied to the mount 25 1 prior to application of the mount 1 to the sheet element 2. The adherent material may be any one of a number of liquid type adhesives such as that sold under the trade name of SikaBond@ Q-300, which is an acid free adhesive, though other adherent materials may suffice. In other embodiments the adherent material 8 may be a preformed solid or semi-solid block 30 which after application of further conditions may form the adherent material. Such conditions may be heat and/or introduction of another chemical or removal of air such as for anaerobic adhesives. Alternatively, the adherent material 8 in a gel or semi solid block may simply cure after a period 35 of time in situ.

'896 DSC508876AUPR 16 The sheet element 2 in the preferred embodiment is a sheet of toughened glass and therefore the advantage of the present invention can be clearly seen whereby no penetrator fastening or other edge machining of the sheet element 2 is required. This is an advantage because for example a sheet of toughened glass can not be machined once it is toughened. Therefore, 5 typically such sheet element materials that undergo post treating (such as toughening) require machining prior to their post treating. The present invention therefore has the advantage in that no machining other than cutting to the required size (or supplying the product from stock sizes) is required. Thereafter the mount 1 can be applied to the sheet element 2 to rapidly form the desired construction. 10 In other embodiments the sheet element 2 may be used to form a door 26 such as a door 26 to or as part of a shower, bath or other wet area such as for example a sauna or similar. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the return 16 is substantially the same 15 height as the through thickness from the first major surface 3 to the second major surface 11 of the sheet element 2. The thickness of the return 16 may vary depending upon the presence or otherwise of sealing means 20 and to allow for sufficient compression thereof to form a seal. In other embodiments where the through thickness of the sheet element 2 is thicker than the return 16 than spacers may be provided to account for such increased sheet element 2 thickness. 20 In other embodiments there may be returns 16 on both the first mount member 4 and second mount member 10 when edge mounting. For example the first mount member 4 and second mount member 10 may simply be mirror images of each other and the return 16 on each of them is half the through thickness of the sheet element 2 to which they attach. Similarly 25 spacers may be provided where the thickness of the sheet element 2 is greater than the total height of the combined returns 16. From the described invention fencing, barriers or doors or otherwise can easily and quickly be formed without any machining of treated sheet elements, for example, toughened glass. The 30 second mount member 10 when present may optionally be only an aesthetic cover and in this application is simply sufficiently co-extensive to cover the first mount member 4 or at least the first cavity 7 such that when the sheet element 2 is a transparent or similar material such as clear toughened glass then any otherwise undesirable parts of the first mount member 4 that would otherwise show are covered. Such would also cover insulation deficiency such as for 35 example only partially filled cavities where the cavity is sufficiently filled to provide structural 396 DSC508876AUPR 17 strength that may be aesthetically pleasing, or the colour of the adherent material for example is not aesthetically pleasing. The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may 5 be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (69)

1. A mount for attachment to a sheet element, said sheet element having at least a first major surface, said mount comprising or including, 5 a first mount member having, a body portion, a first mount surface that in use is presentable to lie against, adjacent, or in close proximity to said first major surface, said first mount surface bounding at least in part at least one cavity ("first cavity") in said body portion that in use 10 opens towards said first major surface, wherein said first cavity is adapted in use to receive an adherent material therein, such that in use said adherent material engages with said first major surface and said first mount member to bond said mount to said sheet element without need for any penetrative through fastening to or of said sheet element. 15

2. A mount as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet element is rigid.

3. A mount as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein said first mount member is located at or near an edge of said sheet element. 20

4. A mount as claimed in claim 3 wherein there is a second mount member that engages to said first mount member to form a clam shell configuration either side of said edge.

5. A mount as claimed in 4 wherein said clam shell configuration at least in part retains said 25 resulting mount to said sheet element.

6. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 3 to 5 wherein said second mount member acts at least as an aesthetic covering to cover that portion of said first mount member that can contain said adherent material, for example if said sheet element was 30 transparent.

7. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 6 wherein said sheet element has a second major surface opposite to said first major surface onto which said second mount member can mount. 35

8. A mount as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second mount member also has at least one cavity ("second cavity") similar to said first cavity to also in use receive an adherent )896 DSC508876AUPR 19 material to bond said second mount member to said second major surface, said second cavity bounded by a second mount surface.

9. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 8 wherein said second mount 5 member engages to said first mount member via threaded fastenings.

10. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 9 wherein there is a guide surface on one or both of said first mount member or said second mount member as part of a return on one or both of said first mount member or said second mount member that 10 acts as a guide on said edge of said sheet element.

11. A mount as claimed in claim 10 wherein said guide surface is perpendicular to said first mount surface. 15

12. A mount as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 wherein only one of said first mount member or said second mount member has said guide surface and said return, the other of said first mount member or second mount member mounting to a third surface which is part of said return. 20

13. A mount as claimed in claim 12 wherein said third surface can lie flush with said second major surface, that is, said return has substantially the same height as said sheet element has thickness.

14. A mount as claimed in claim 13 wherein spacing means are provided if said sheet 25 element is thicker than said height.

15. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 14 wherein said first mount surface acts at least in part as a seal for said adherent material in said first cavity. 30

16. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 15 wherein said second mount surface acts at least in part as a seal for said adherent material in said second cavity.

17. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 16 wherein there is a sealing means between said first mount surface and said first major surface to at least in part 35 form a sealed said first cavity. 0896 DSC508876AUPR 20

18. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 16 wherein there is a sealing means between said second mount surface and said second major surface to at least in part form a sealed said second cavity. 5

19. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 18 wherein said sealing means is a deformable material such as a gasket.

20. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 19 wherein said first mount surface (and said second mount surface if present) is held against said first major 10 surface (and said second mount surface), save for said sealing means.

21. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 20 wherein said adherent material is introduced by any one or more of the following ways to either, 15 said first mount member (or second mount member) or said sheet element prior to attaching thereto, or via at least one aperture (first aperture(s) in said first or second mount member into said first or second cavity respectively once said first or second mount member is located against said sheet element. 20

22. A mount as claimed in claim 21 wherein said adherent material is introduced via said at least one aperture in said first or second mount member.

23. A mount as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22 wherein there is a second aperture in 25 said first or second mount member to at least allow air to escape said first or second cavity as said adherent material is introduced.

24. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 21 to 23 wherein at least one of said apertures is through said body to said cavity. 30

25. A mount as claimed in claim 23 wherein said second aperture is also through said body.

26. A mount as claimed in claim 23 wherein said second aperture is out a side of said cavity. 35

27. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims I to 26 wherein said first mount surface and said first major surface are substantially planar surfaces. 0896 DSC508876AUPR 21

28. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 27 wherein said second mount surface and said second major surface are substantially planar surfaces. 5

29. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 28 wherein said sheet element is a sheet of glass.

30. A mount as claimed in claim 29 wherein said sheet of glass is a toughened sheet of glass. 10

31. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 30 wherein said adherent material is an adhesive typified by that sold under the brand name of SikaBond@ Q-300.

32. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 4 to 31 wherein at least one of said 15 first mount member, or said second mount member (if present) has a functional portion.

33. A mount as claimed in claim 32 wherein said functional portion is integral with said first mount member or said second mount member. 20

34. A mount as claimed in either of claims 32 or 33 wherein said functional portion is attached to said first mount member or said second mount member.

35. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims 32 to 34 wherein said functional portion is any one or more of the following, 25 a handle a lock, a latch, a hinge, or part there of, a hook 30 a shroud, a handrail, or other functional or aesthetic portion.

36. A mount as claimed in any one or more of claims I to 35 wherein said sheet element 35 requires no machining or change to said edge to accept said mount. 0898 DSC508876AUPR 22

37. A method of installing a mount to a sheet element, said sheet element having at least a first major surface, comprising or including the steps of, providing a first mount member having a first mount surface which at least in part bounds at least one cavity ("first cavity") in a body portion of said first mount member, 5 applying said first mount member to said sheet element such that said first major surface is held substantially against, adjacent or in close proximity to said first mount surface, introducing an adherent material to said at least one cavity before or after applying said first mount member to said sheet element, 10 such that said first mount member is installed to said sheet element and is bonded to said sheet element at least once said adherent material cures.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37 wherein said sheet element is a rigid sheet element. 15

39. A method as claimed in either of claims 37 or 38 wherein said first mount member is located at or near an edge of said sheet element.

40. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 39 wherein said sheet element has a second major surface that opposes said first major surface. 20

41. A method as claimed in claim 40 wherein said first major surface and said second major surface are parallel to each other.

42. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 41 wherein said method 25 includes locating a guide surface of at least said first mount member against said edge.

43. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 42 wherein said method includes the step of locating sealing means between said first mount member and said first major surface. 30

44. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 43 wherein the method includes the step of locating and fastening a second mount member to said first mount member, said second mount member to then lie against, adjacent, or in close proximity to said second major surface to form a clamshell configuration either side of said edge. 35

45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said second mount member is at least co- )896 DSC508876AUPR 23 extensive with said first cavity so as to substantially cover said first cavity.

46. A method as claimed in either of claims 44 or 45 wherein said method includes the step of locating sealing means between said second mount member and said second major 5 surface.

47. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 44 to 46 wherein said method includes introducing said adherent material by any one or more of the following ways, to either, 10 said first mount member and/or or second mount member or said sheet element prior to attaching thereto, or via at least one aperture in said first or second mount member into said first or second cavity respectively once said first or second mount member is located near, or against said sheet element. 15

48. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 44 to 47 wherein said method includes introducing said adherent material via at least one first aperture in said first mount member and/or said second mount member through to said first cavity and/or said second cavity respectively. 20

49. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 44 to 48 wherein said method includes the step of allowing air to escape said first or second cavity by at least one second aperture in said first and/or second mount member. 25

50. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 49 wherein said sheet element is a sheet of glass.

51. A method as claimed in claim 50 wherein said sheet of glass is a toughened sheet of glass. 30

52. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 37 to 51 wherein said adherent material is an adhesive typified by that sold under the brand name of SikaBond@ Q-300.

53. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 44 to 52 wherein at least one of said 35 first mount member, or said second mount member has a functional portion. )896 DSC508876AUPR 24

54. A method as claimed in claim 53 wherein said functional portion is integral with said first mount member or said second mount member.

55. A method as claimed in either of claims 53 or 54 wherein said functional portion is 5 attached as part of said method to said first mount member or said second mount member.

56. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 53 to 55 wherein said functional portion is any one or more of the following, 10 a handle, a lock, a latch, a hinge, or part there of, a hook, 15 a shroud, a handrail, or other functional or aesthetic portion.

57. A method as claimed in any one or more of claims 53 to 56 wherein said method 20 requires no machining or change to said edge or said sheet element to accept said mount.

58. A kit of parts for attaching a mount to a sheet element that has a first major surface, comprising or including, 25 at least one mount member ("first mount member") that includes at least one cavity bounded at least in part by a first mount surface, wherein said first mount surface is adapted to lie against, adjacent or in close proximity to said first major surface, wherein said cavity is adapted to receive an adherent material to attach said first mount member to said sheet element and wherein said attaching requires no machining or 30 change to said sheet element to accept said mount.

59. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 58 wherein said kit includes a second mount member to engage with said first mount member to form a clamshell configuration either side of an edge of said sheet element. 35

60. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 59 wherein said second mount member is similar to 0896 DSC508876AUPR 25 said first mount member and can attach to a second major surface or said sheet element, opposite to said first, also via an adherent material introduced into a second cavity in said second mount member. 5

61. A kit of parts as claimed in any one or more of claims 58 to 60 wherein said kit includes said adherent material.

62. A kit of parts as claimed in any one or more of claims 58 to 61 wherein said kit includes preparatory materials for cleaning and preparing either or both said first mount member, 10 said second mount member and/or said sheet element.

63. A kit of parts as claimed in any one or more of claims 59 to 62 wherein said first mount member and/or said second mount member includes a functional portion for attachment to said first mount member and or said second mount member. 15

64. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 63 wherein said functional portion is any one or more of the following, a handle, a lock, 20 a latch, a hinge, or part there of, a hook, a shroud, a handrail, or 25 other functional or aesthetic portion.

65. A sheet element with a mount attached thereto, said mount comprising or including, at least one mount member ("first mount member") having, a body portion, 30 a first mount surface lying against, adjacent, or in close proximity to said first major surface, said first mount surface bounding at least in part at least one cavity ("first cavity") in said body portion opening towards said first major surface, wherein said first cavity contains an adherent material therein, such that said adherent material engages with said first major surface and said first 35 mount member to bond said mount to said sheet element without need for any penetrative through fastening to or of said sheet element. n896 DSCS08876AUPR 26

66. A mount as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 5

67. A method of installing a mount as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

68. A kit of parts as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 10

69. A sheet element with a mount attached as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.