H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb\DCC\TW\55853961. docx-24/10/2011 PANEL SUPPORT APPARTUS Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for supporting a panel member during installation, and in one particular example, a method and apparatus for supporting panels, such as glass panels, during installation of a fence, such as a pool fence. Description of the Prior Art [0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0003] Recent legislation changes have required that all swimming pools are surrounded by a fence to prevent unwanted access by children, animals, or the like. One popular type of fence utilises panels, such as glass panels, supported by posts and held in position using clamps, or the like. [0004] However, installation of such fences can prove difficult due to the need to position the glass panels as required before the posts are installed, thereby ensuring posts are provided in the correct positions. Handling of the panels during this process can be problematic. For example, the glass panels can be difficult for a single individual to manipulate and retain in position, particularly given that the installer often needs to perform other tasks whilst the panels are held in position. [0005] Attempts to address this have included using braces, such as wooden posts, which are angled up against opposing faces of the panel to hold it in position during installation, as well as the use of wooden wedges placed under the panel edges to maintain a height of the panel above ground level. However, these techniques are of limited accuracy and stability, meaning as a result, there can be a high risk that panels will be unevenly aligned, or provided in a non-vertical orientation during the installation. Additionally, the handling process can H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5585396_1.docx-24/10/201 1 -2 lead to panel damage, such as chipping, scratching or breaking of the glass. This leads to the pool fence having an unsightly appearance. [0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for assisting in constructing panel fences and ensuring that panels are correctly positioned. Summary of the Present Invention [0007] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for supporting a panel during installation, the panel support including: a) a base for positioning on a surface in use; b) a support body adjustably mounted to the base, the support body including an opening for receiving the panel to be installed; and, c) a securing mechanism for securing the panel in the opening to thereby support the panel. [0008] Typically the securing mechanism includes a clamp member for urging the panel against a side wall of the opening. [0009] Typically clamp member includes a resilient pad, the resilient pad being urged against the panel in use. [0010] Typically in use a resilient pad is provided between the panel and a side wall of the opening. [0011] Typically in use a resilient pad is provided on a base wall of the opening. [0012] Typically in use the opening includes two substantially parallel side walls and a base wall. [0013] Typically the panel support includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the support body relative to the base. [0014] Typically the adjustment mechanism is for adjusting at least one of a separation distance and angle between the base and the support body.
H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\5585396_ 1.docx-24/10/201 1 -3 [0015] Typically the adjustment mechanism includes two screw members for threadingly engaging apertures in the support body, the screw members extending through the support body and engaging the base such that rotation of the screw members adjusts a relative separation between the base and the support body. [0016] Typically the screw members are positioned proximate ends of the support body, and wherein the opening is provided between the screw members, the opening extending laterally across the support body. [0017] Typically the panel support body includes at least one orientation indicator for displaying an orientation of the support body relative to the base. [0018] Typically in use, the panel support allows a relative height and angle of the panel relative to the surface to be adjusted. [0019] Typically in use, at least one panel support is used to support opposing ends of the panel. [0020] Typically in use, the panel support is used to support a panel during installation, the panel support being used to maintain a position of the panel relative to the surface so that panel can be coupled to panel support posts. [0021] In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of supporting a panel during installation, the method including, supporting the panel using a supporting apparatus including: a) a base for positioning on a surface in use; b) a support body adjustably mounted to the base, the support body including an opening for receiving the panel to be installed; and, c) a securing mechanism for securing the panel in the opening to thereby support the panel. [0022] Typically the method includes supporting each end of a panel using a respective supporting apparatus.
H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\5585396_ 1.docx-24/10/201 1 -4 [0023] Typically the method includes adjusting at least one of a separation distance and angle between the base and the support body to thereby adjust a position of the panel relative to a surface. [0024] Typically the method is a method of installing a pool fence. [0025] Typically the method is for installing glass panels. [0026] Features of broad forms of the invention can be used independently or in conjunction as required. Brief Description of the Drawings [0027] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0028] Figure 1A is a schematic side view of an example of an apparatus for supporting a panel during installation; and [0029] Figure 1B is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 1A. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0030] An example of apparatus for supporting a panel during installation will now be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B. [0031] In this example, the apparatus 100 includes a base 110 for positioning on a surface S in use. A support body 120 is adjustably mounted to the base 110, to allow a relative separation and/or orientation of the base 110 and support body 120 to be adjusted, as will be described in more detail below. The support body 120 includes an opening 130, such as a slot, for receiving a panel 150, whilst a securing mechanism 140 may be provided for securing the panel 150 within the opening 130, to thereby support the panel relative to the surface during an installation process. [0032] The above-described apparatus therefore provides a simple mechanism for supporting panels, such as glass panels, during an installation process. In particular, the panel can be positioned within the opening 130 in the support body 120 and then secured thereto utilising H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb\DCC\TW\5585396_1.docx-24/10/201 1 -5 the securing mechanism 140. The support body 120 is supported relative to a surface, such as the ground, by the base 110. By adjusting the relative position of the base 110 and the support body 120, this allows a position of the panel 150 relative to the surface S to be adjusted and controlled. [0033] In one particular example, the panel may be supported at either of two opposing ends utilising two sets of apparatus 100. In this instance, the height of each end of the panel 150 above the ground surface S can be adjusted by adjusting a separation between the support body 120 and base 110 of each set of apparatus 100. Additionally, a relative angle between the support body 120 and base 110 can be used to ensure that the panel is correctly vertically aligned, as will be described in more detail below. [0034] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described arrangement allows panels, such as glass panels to be supported in a desired position and orientation during an installation process. The glass panels can be entirely supported by one or more sets of apparatus 100, which in turn can be provided resting on a surface, such as the ground. This allows an installer to easily position panels as required for installation and then perform other tasks, such as installation of posts, without requiring a further individual to hold the panel in position. This further ensures that the panel does not move during the installation of posts or the like, thereby ensuring the correct panel orientation is maintained. [0035] A number of further features will now be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B. [0036] The base 110 typically is in the form of an elongate body having ends 111, 112. Recess 113, 114 are provided proximate the ends for use with an adjustment mechanism, as will be described below. The base may alternatively be formed in separate parts, for example as respective adjustable feet connected to the support body 120, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. [0037] The support body 120 generally is in the form of an elongate body having first and second ends 121, 122 which extend via curved shoulders 123, 124 to upstanding portions 125, 126 that define the opening 130. The support body further includes apertures 127, 128 H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb\DCC\TW\5585396_1.docx-24/10/201 1 -6 provided proximate the first and second ends 121, 122, and an aperture 129 providing in one of the upstanding portions 126, as will be described in more detail below. [0038] The base and support body 110, 120 can be made of any suitable material that is sufficiently strong to receive, retain and support a glass panel. It will be appreciated that particularly when used for installing pool fences, it can be desirable to ensure the materials are corrosion resistant to prevent corrosion by chlorinated or salt water. In one example, the base and support body 110, 120 can be made of aluminium, stainless steel, or the like, although any appropriate material(s), such as plastics, including but not limited to injection moulded polymers or the like, could be used. It will also be appreciated that the dimensions of the base and support body 110, 120 can be selected depending on factors, such as the preferred implementation and the size of the panels to be installed. [0039] The opening 130 typically includes first and second substantially parallel side walls 131, 132, defined by the upstanding portions 125, 126, and a base 133 connecting the side walls 131, 132. The opening 130 extends laterally across the support body 120, substantially midway between the support body ends 121, 122. This arrangement allows the opening to receive a panel 150, with the panel being positioned between the support body ends 121, 122, and extending substantially perpendicularly from the support body 130, in use. The provides for maximum stability, reducing the risk of the panel 150 being accidentally knocked over, whilst providing sufficient flexibility in terms of the position of the panel 150 relative to the surface S. [0040] In use, the opening 130 can include one or more resilient pads for assisting in support the glass panel 150. In one particular example, the opening includes a resilient pad 135 provided on the base 133 and a resilient pad 134 provided against one of the side walls 131, 132. The resilient pads 134, 135 may be made of rubber or the like and are used to ensure that the glass panel 150 is not damaged when retained in the opening 130. [0041] In use, the securing mechanism 140 is used to retain the panel 150 in the opening 130, for example to prevent the panel 150 accidentally being removed from the opening. The securing mechanism 140 can be of any appropriate form depending upon the preferred implementation.
H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5585396_ 1.docx-24/10/201 1 -7 [0042] In one example, the securing mechanism 140 utilises a clamping mechanism or the like to thereby urge the panel 150 against one of the side walls 131, 132. In one particular example, the securing mechanism 140 includes a threaded shaft 141 coupled to a thumb wheel 142. The threaded shaft 141 extends through and engages the aperture 129 within the upstanding portion 126, so that an end of the shaft 141 extends into the opening 130. The end of the shaft includes a rubber foot 143 for engaging the panel 150. In use, rotation of the thumb wheel 142 can be used to urge the rubber foot 143 towards, or away from, the glass panel 150, thereby allowing the glass panel to be clamped in place. In particular, the panel 150 is urged against the rubber pad 134, whilst the glass panel is further supported on the rubber pad 135 thereby retaining the glass panel 150 in the opening 130. [0043] Whilst any suitable form of adjustment mechanism could be used, in one particular example, the adjustment mechanism can include threaded shafts 161, 162 coupled to respective thumbscrews 163, 164. The threaded shafts extend through and engage the apertures 127, 128 and are coupled to recesses 113, 114 provided in the base 110, so that as the thumbscrews 163, 164 are rotated, a relative separation between respective ends 111, 112 and 121, 122 of the base and support body are adjusted. It will be appreciated that this allows a separation distance and angle between the base and support body to be adjusted. [0044] During installation, an installer will typically operate to couple a respective set of apparatus 100 to opposing ends of a panel, and then manually position the panel 150 in an approximate position for installation. The installer can then adjust the height adjustment screws 161, 162 so that the panel is provided at a desired angle for installation, typically vertical. The installer can also adjust the separation between the base and support body 110, 120 for each set of apparatus 100, thereby controlling a relative angle of a lower edge of the panel 150 relative to the ground surface on which the panel is being installed. This allows the installer to achieve a desired position and orientation of the panel, regardless of the shape of the surface on which the panel is to be installed. To assist with this process, the apparatus might also include one or more indicators, such as inbuilt spirit levels, thereby ensuring the panel is positioned as required. [0045] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5585396_1.docx-24/10/201 1 understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0046] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.