AU2014100793A4 - Improvements in, or relating to, mounting - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to mounting. In particular, though not solely, the present invention is directed to mounting sheet glass panels A sheet fence mounting, adapted to hold at least part of a sheet fence to a structure, comprising or including, a body to receive and hold a portion of said sheet, a first location on said body to engage with a first height adjustable height fastening, said first height adjustable mounting to hold said first location between an upper part and lower part thereof, wherein said first height adjustable fastening mounted from said structure is adjusted to provide a desired distance of said body to said structure and said body is locked to thereto. 'Iv. L 4 to NN Il)

Description

303421441 DSC5104'8AUPR IMPROVEMENTS IN, OR RELATING TO, MOUNTING TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to mounting. In particular, though not solely, the present 5 invention is directed to mounting sheet glass panels BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 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 10 particular use when forming fences, and balustrades, for example for decking. Toughened glass panelling is often used as the sheet material, because it is rigid, safe and largely transparent. Prior art mounting systems typically have used a continuous extrusion to receive the sheet 15 and the extrusion is then mounted to the structure, for example a deck. An example of such a continuous mount is that shown in document US4054268. However, with improvements in the sheet material, mountings and different applications, discrete mounts are increasingly popular. These allow for example two discrete mounts 20 per panel that receive and hold the panel and the mounts engage the structure. These discrete mounts save cost in materials, weight and mounting time. However, due to their separate nature they can easily be mounted out of alignment when compared to a continuous mount. This mis-alignment can occur because of the surface of the structure to which they are mounted being irregular or not perfectly flat or horizontal, or other 25 installation failures. The result is a sheet panel that is not perfectly vertical, or where there are a series of them, the panels are out of plane which is quickly picked up by the eye and is undesirable. 30 An example of the ability to adjust sheet angle relative the mounting surface is again that shown in US4054268 and also NZ 570225 where screws perpendicular to the plane of the sheet are used to rock the sheet relative to the mounting, which in turn is rigidly mounted to the structure/surface. 35 A further example is that shown in NZ551096 where one edge of the mount is located on the surface of the structure to which it is mounted and a threaded adjuster is used to rock the mount (and attached panel) relative the structure. This has the disadvantage in that 303421441 SC51 O498AUPR the mount cannot be mounted a distance off the surface. This can provide issues at least for draining purposes. Also all of US4054268, NZ 570225 and NZ551096 do not allow for adjustment where the 5 surface (normally horizontal) is irregular in a direction parallel to the sheet. 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 10 otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such 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, method and 15 system for sheet glass panels or to overcome the above shortcomings or address the above desiderata, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a sheet fence 20 mounting, adapted to hold at least part of a sheet fence to a structure, comprising or including, A body to receive and hold a portion of said sheet, A first location on said body to engage with a first height adjustable height fastening, 25 A second location on said body to engage with a second height adjustable fastening, Wherein said first and second height adjustable fastenings mounted from said structure are adjusted to provide a desired height and angle of said body to said structure and said body is locked to them. 30 Preferably said mounting holds said sheet on a lower edge thereof. Preferably said first and second height adjustable fastenings are threaded fastenings. 35 Preferably said first and second height adjustable fastenings each have a lower engaging member below a portion of each said body, whereby adjustment of said lower engaging member can adjust said desired height and angle.

303421441 DSC510498AUPR 3 Preferably said first and second height adjustable fastenings each have an upper engaging member above a portion of each said body, to lock said body to said first and second height adjustable fastenings. 5 Preferably said lower engaging member is a lock nut locking onto a threaded rod extending from said structure. Alternatively said lower engaging member is a flange on a threaded adjustable member which in turn is threadwise engaged to said structure. 10 Preferably said upper engaging member is a lock nut locking onto, said threaded rod extending from said structure, or said threaded adjustable member. Preferably there is a threaded barrel engaged to said structure, which said threaded 15 adjustable member extends from and can adjust its height by threaded in or out of. Preferably said sheet is a friction fit into said body. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a sheet fence 20 mounting system, adapted to hold a sheet fence panel to a structure, comprising or including, At least one pair of height adjustable fastenings to engage with said structure, At least one mounting body, adapted to receive an edge portion of said sheet, and to receive and operatively engage with said at least one pair of height adjustable 25 fastenings, Wherein said at least one mounting body can be locked to its said at least one pair of height adjustable fastenings, and said at least one pair of height adjustable fastenings can be adjusted to adjust, a height of said sheet off of said structure, 30 an angle of a major plane of said sheet to said structure, and an angle of said edge to said structure. Preferably said sheet is supported and held further along said edge, or at another edge location. 35 Preferably there are pairs of said mounting bodies, each supported by pairs of said height adjustable fastenings, for each said sheet.

303421441 In yet another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a method of sheet fence mounting where at least part of a sheet fence is mounted to a structure, comprising or including the steps of, 5 Providing at least two pairs of height adjustable fastenings mounted to said structure, Adjusting a mount height of said adjustable fastenings, Attaching a pair of mountings to each said respective pair of height adjustable fasteners, said mountings adapted to receive an edge of said sheet, 10 Such that said sheet when mounted to said pair of mountings is located at a desired height off of said structure, angle of a major plane of said sheet to said structure, and angle of said edge to said structure. 15 In yet still another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a kit of parts to provide once assembled with a suitable sheet, a sheet fence mounted from a structure, comprising or including, A pair of height adjustable fasteners for engaging said structure, A mounting body to receive an edge of said sheet and engage with said pair of 20 height adjustable fasteners, Whereby when said sheet is assembled with said mounting body the following can be adjusted via said pair of height adjustable fasteners, a height of said sheet off of said structure, an angle of a major plane of said sheet to said structure, and 25 an angle of said edge to said structure. In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a sheet mounting fence mounting apparatus as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 30 In another aspect the present invention consists in a sheet fence mounting as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of sheet fence mounting 35 as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. In another aspect the present invention consists in a sheet fence mounting system as 303421441 DSC510O49SAUPR 5 described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. 5 As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. 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 10 also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner. 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, 15 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). The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference. 20 This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements and features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to 25 which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 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. 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; 35 Figure 1 Shows in 1A a side view of a first embodiment of the invention where a sheet fence is mounted on uneven ground, and 1B shows an end view of that embodiment of 1A 303421441 DSC510458AUPR 6 Figure 2 Shows in close up the end view of the embodiment of the invention in Figure 1A, 5 Figure 3 Shows a similar view to that of Figure 2 in close up variations on how the height adjustable members are attached to the surface, with 3A showing an in surface mounting of the fastener, and 3B showing a boss proud of the surface for the fastener, 10 Figure 4 Shows a further fastening variation of the first embodiment of the invention where the fasteners are recessed into the body, Figure 5 Shows a side view of the variation in Figure 4, 15 Figure 6 Shows an a second embodiment in side view of the invention, whereby the engagement with the structure is proud of the surface, Figure 7 Shows a close up in end view of the variation in Figure 6, and 20 Figure 8 Shows a variation of the mounting for attachment to a surface parallel to the sheet at 8A a cross section on line AA of Figure 8B, 8B a side view of the mounting, 8C a cross section along line BB of 8B, and 8D a bottom view of the mounting. 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 8. The mounting of a sheet fence 24 using a plurality of discrete mounts 27 is of primary importance to ensure that the individual sheets 24 are positioned appropriately relative the 30 surface 26 of a structure 25 to which the mounting is fastened to. The structure 25 may be a deck, balcony or other area to be enclosed or partially fenced. A first embodiment shown is shown in Figures 1 through 5 for mounting on a surface 26 of a structure 25 where the surface 26 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sheet 35 24. As shown in Figure 1 the sheet fence is typically constructed by abutting, or positioning closely, a number of sheet fence portions 24A and 24B. The orientation of the individual sheet fence panels, elements or portions, including orientation and vertical tilt, 30342 1441 OSC51O498AUPR 7 as well as the alignment and relationship between adjacent sheet fence elements, must be considered. The problem of alignment may be exacerbated by a non-uniform mounting surface 26 on the structure, or an uneven structure. For instance, if a mounting surface 26 comprises irregular wooden planks, textured paving elements, sloped 5 concrete, rough or inferior finish. In each of these cases the surface deviation may mean that a discrete mount 27 attached directly to the surface 26 may not sit flat or level or a plurality of discrete mounts may be misaligned due to the surface contour. A first embodiment of a mount 27 has a body 32 with a throat 31 open to receive a lower 10 edge of sheet 29 in it as shown in Figure 2. In part it is the adjustment of the invention that allows the alignment of these throats over successive mountings 27 to form a channel that has substantially parallel walls, such that when a sheet 24 is located between two mountings it is held without addition stress being induced, and successive sheets 24 are aligned as close as possible vertically and horizontally. To effect the adjustment the body 15 32 has at least one mounting location 34, and preferably as shown two such locations, to engage with a (first) height adjustable fastening 20, and second height adjustable fastening 21. Each fastening 20 under and over-engages with said portion to enable locking of the location 34 to the fastening 20. Only one location 34 and fastener 20 may present per mount 27, for example where only relative height needs adjusting, or where 20 there is separate articulation of adjustment, for example the sheet 24 may be rocked vertically relative the surface, for example by adjustment in the throat 31, or a pivot or similar elsewhere in the body between the throat 31 and the location 34. In the preferred form of this embodiment there are two locations 34 each to receive a 25 fastener 20 and 21 respectively. On the fastener 20 there is a lower engagement member 23 and an upper engagement member 22. 30 In a first embodiment of the invention the upper and lower engagement members 22 and 23 respectively are both threadwise engaged with a threaded portion 35 of the fastener 20. The lower member 23 on each fastener is adjusted to make the mount 27 upright and also level with respect to the other mounts present. The upper member, also for example a nut, is then tightene/d down on to fastener 20 and the members 22 and 23 then lock the 35 locations 34 of each mount in place relative the structure 25. Small adjustments can be made and the assembly retightened.

3034214418 DSC51o49BAUPR The sheets 24 can then be located into throats 31 of their respective mounts. A spacer 30 may be used to hold the sheet 24 in the throat 31. Figure 1 shows a sheet fence mounting system which uses a plurality of discrete mounts 5 connected to a substantially horizontal surface 26 supporting a substantially vertical sheet fence. The mounts allow movement in multiple axes of freedom to allow a sheet fence to mount on an irregular surface so that not only individual portions for example 24A are arranged in the mount so as to not load the sheets unduly by mis-orientation (for example twisting or height) of the mounts 27, but that also two adjoining portions 24A and 24B are 10 as aligned as possible to a single plane and have continuity of their upper edge 29. Preferably the mountings 27 are arranged so as to support a lower edge 28 of a sheet fence 24. Preferably each sheet fence portion 24A or 24B has two mountings 27 each. Figure 1 shows sets of fastenings 20 positioned along an uneven surface 26 (exaggerated 15 for effect, and is also uneven into the page). Therefore if mountings 27 were bolted hard down onto the surface there orientation would not be uniform. In this example they are shown as threaded screws firmly held in a supporting surface. However, the form of fastener may change as appropriate depending on the surface. For 20 example a concrete surface may require a threaded rod stud, whilst a log screw may be appropriate for a wooden surface. Alternatively an internally threaded barrel or similar device may be connected to the surface to attach to a fastener. The surface roughness of Figure 1 is exaggerated to demonstrate the problems that may be faced when mounting a sheet fence. 25 Considering first a single sheet portion with two mounts placed beneath, one at substantially each end of the sheet: if the surface 26 beneath the sheet is rough the sheet may not have adequate clearance from the surface when the mounting means is directly on the surface. The surface gradient will also be directly reflected in the slope of the 30 panel and may cause substantial overlap between adjacent panels. In a second example a single sheet fence mount is considered having two adjustable fastenings. If the mount is placed directly on the surface the height and orientation of the mount are fixed. Where a mount has a fixed slot in its body to position the sheet fence this causes an inability to erect a sheet fence in the appropriate position. In a third example a fence sheet portion 35 with two mountings is considered. By adjusting the heights of each of the mountings the sheet portion may be rotated in the vertical plane by raising or lowering one, or both ends. This enables the correct alignment of the sheet fence portion and the structure or surface.

3034214419 DSC51049BAUPR Figure 2 is an embodiment of the invention showing means for adjusting the desired height and angle of the mounting body, In this example a first 20 and second 21 fastening are arranged orthogonal to the surface 26. Alternatively the angle of the fastenings may 5 be adjusted to provide a common orientation along the path of the sheet fence, ensuring that the mountings are orientated constantly and ensuring alignment of each sheet fence portion. The height adjustable fastenings are shown as threaded members in Figure 2 however a range of adjustment means may be used including flanged bolts and similar devices. The first and second height adjustable fastenings connect to the body of the 10 mounting at first and second locations. The first and second locations may provide means to allow easy access to, or ability to adjust the fastenings. Preferably the locations include a hollow in body of the mounting to allow a height adjustable member to pass through and friction surfaces on either side for engagement. The locations may also provide means to encourage support for the fasteners or associated engagement members. The 15 adjustment of the height of the mounting body may also be used to adjust the gradient of a sheet fence portion in relation to the surface 26. The body 27 is preferably made from aluminium or stainless steel to provide strength and durability. A lower engagement member 23 may be connected to each fastening member. 20 Preferably the lower engagement member is a nut. Preferably it may be a locking nut or jam nut. The choice of nut may depend on the body 27 design, the surface or a desired appearance. Alternatively the lower engagement member 23 may be a flange on a threaded adjustable member. In one embodiment the height of the mounting body 27, and therefore the sheet fence, may be adjusted by positioning the lower engagement 25 members at an appropriate height of the fastenings. For instance, where there is a slope in the surface beneath a sheet fence portion, the lower engagement means at the lower end of the surface may be positioned higher on the fastening to compensate for the difference in height. Preferably all slope changes along the path of the sheet fence are considered so that a substantially constant fence height is obtained. 30 The lower engagement member 23 may also be used to adjust the angle between the mounting body 27 and the surface 26. This angle adjustment may be achieved by changing the position of lower engagement members separately. When the lower engagement member 23 on fastener 20 (Figure 2) is raised while the corresponding lower 35 engagement member 23 on fastener 21 is held constant, the body 27 will be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the surface 26. Preferably this action may be used to correct for surface changes between two, or a plurality of mounting elements supporting a single 303421441 1 D"C51 048AUPR 10 sheet fence portion. Similarly if a reversed rotation is required the lower engagement means 23 could be lowered. Alternatively the lower engagement means 23 on the second fastener 21 could be raised. 5 The lower engagement means 23 may be positioned before or after the body 27 is connected to the fasteners. Preferably the body has pre-fabricated locations for connection with the fasteners. Preferably the position of the mounts will be carefully measured so as to ensure correct alignment. Alternatively in some embodiments the attachment locations may allow rotation of the body 27 until the upper connection means 10 22 are secure. For instance this may be achieved by forming a fastener hole larger than required, yet shaped so that the upper engagement member can contact and secure the body. After the appropriate orientation of the body 27 is achieved the upper engagement members 22 may secure the body in place. Preferably the upper engagement means 22 is a nut, more preferably a locking nut. 15 Figure 2 shows a sheet 24 held in a slot 28 of the body 27 using friction. This support provided may be improved by the addition of spacers 30, or wedges, made of plastic or another material, to increase the friction. The support may be enhanced further with the addition of friction screws 25. In alternative embodiments the sheet may be supported by 20 other means including through bolts or contact pads. In a preferred embodiment the sheet fence 24 is made of glass. The glass may be tempered to improve strength. In alternative embodiments the sheet fence may comprise different materials such as steel or plastic. The mounting is particularly suited to materials that are inflexible and difficult to cut. Figure 3 shows two preferable fasteners 20 attached to a surface 26. Figure 3a shows a 25 fastener connected to and in the surface 26 in a fixed manner. Figure 3b shows a fastener connected to a structure, for example a boss proud on the surface 26. In the shown embodiment the surface structure comprises engagement means for the threaded fastener offering further adjustment opportunity. Alternatively a non-adjustable structure may be used. In one example the type or length of the fastener may be chosen to provide 30 additional adjustment ability. There are known ways to mount the fastener in this way for example grouting, or similar or where fasteners are locked to reinforcing of the structure prior to its finishing, for example concreting. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where the fastening means 20 35 21 are obscured from view. The fasteners may be recessed into the body 27 and the body may be shaped so as to engage with the fasteners. In the example shown the lower engagement means 23 are jam nuts and the body has been shaped to match the surface 303421441 DC51048AUPR of the jam nuts. Preferably the fasteners are completely recessed into the body to improve the appearance of the mount. Figure 4 demonstrates a small gradient change on the surface and a corresponding difference in the heights of the lower engagement means 23 to ensure correct orientation of the mounting. The fasteners may comprise further 5 attachments including but not limited to washers and spacers to improve contact, protect the fasteners or improve appearance. Figures 4, and 7 through 8 also show a second embodiment of the present invention. This is where the fastener 20 has the lower member 23 integrally formed on its body as a 10 shoulder or flange. The fastener 20 is threaded below the lower member 23 where it engages into the structure 26 and above the lower member 23. The fastener 20 has a tool engaging portion 36 within the diameter of the thread. This could be any of the known tool types such as, but not limited to, a Allen key head or hex head. 15 The fastener is threadwise engaged to the structure, either by hand or using a tool on the portion 36 so the upper part which supports the location 34 is at the desired height for all fasteners. For example there can be a threaded bore 37 set into the structure 25, for example using a chemical or grouting. The mount 27 can then be located in place and the upper member 22 is threaded down to pinch and lock the location 34 and therefore the 20 mount, in place. Minor adjustments can also be made as needed. A close up of this arrangement is shown in Figure 7. Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4 showing a fastener 20, and the upper 23 and lower 22 engagement means supporting the body 27. The recess 29 in the body for the fastener 25 20 is shown. Preferably the recess is covered or reversibly filled once the sheet fence has been installed. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention where support features have been added to the structure. In this case the support features are threaded barrels which have 30 been affixed to the structure by known means. These features may provide additional spacing between the structure surface and the body or, alternatively may be recessed into the surface. In this case the height adjustable fasteners are threaded bolts with flanges 29. Preferably a tightening means such as screw head or Allen bolt is provided on the head of the flanged bolt. Preferably the bolt also provides means to engage the upper 35 engagement member, for instance a thread. In this example height adjustment is achieved by changing the relationship between the flanged bolts and the threaded barrels.

303421441 1 DSC51049SAUPR 1 Loosening of the flanged bolt 20 causes the flange to rise and re-orientate the body and hence the sheet fence portion. A further variation of the second embodiment is shown in Figure 8 which shows an edge 5 mountable mount 27. This can attach, for example, to the vertical edge of a deck or similar. The mount 27 has a body 32, and throat 31 to receive the sheet 24 (not shown). ON the example shown there are two locations 34 for the fasteners 20 to fasten the mount 27 to the structure 25. Both forms of fastening described above as shown with fastener 20 having thread 35 wise engagement of the upper and lower members 22 and 23, and 10 fastener 21 having threadwise 35 engagement of the upper member 22 and threaded 35 engagement with a threaded bore 37 in the structure 25, whether flush (shown) or proud mounted. The sheet fence mounting means as described provides a straightforward means of 15 assembling a sheet fence panel as part of a sheet fence. Preferably the structure and surface should be inspected and suitable areas for a plurality of height adjustable fastenings should be chosen. Preferably the mount height of the fastenings can then be adjusted, for instance by adjusting the connection between the surface and the fasteners or adjusting a first, or lower, engagement means on the fastener. After a suitable height 20 adjustment is made an angle adjustment may be made to ensure complementary orientations of the plurality of fastenings, the sheet fence portion and the entire sheet fence. Preferably the mounting body is then placed on the fastenings and secured into place through a second, or upper, engagement means. The sheet fence panel can then be attached to each of the mountings. Preferably the mounting will support a lower edge 25 portion of the sheet fence panel or portion. Alternatively the sheet fence panel may be mounted at an earlier stage to allow orientation in place. The sheet fence portion may be kept in place using friction or may require further inserts or spacers 30 or friction screws. In one embodiment there may be additional freedom of movement or play in the 30 connection between the body and the fastener to allow rotation of the body. Once bodies have been orientated correctly on each of the plurality of fastenings the sheet fence can be mounted to the bodies. The sheet fence is preferably attached to the body using friction screws. Alternatively the bodies may first be mounted to the sheet fence and then to the fastening means. In a further alternative the adjustment of lower engagement 35 means or the height adjustable fastenings may take place while the bodies or sheet fence are in place. In a preferable system the access to the fastenings is protected when 303421441 0 85104S8AUPR 13 assembly is complete. Preferably this is achieved by recessing the fastenings and/or providing covers for the fastenings. The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications 5 may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. A sheet fence mounting, adapted to hold at least part of a sheet fence to a structure, comprising or including, 5 a. A body to receive and hold a portion of said sheet, b. A first location on said body to engage with a first height adjustable height fastening, said first height adjustable mounting to hold said first location between an upper part and lower part thereof, c. Wherein said first height adjustable fastening mounted from said structure 10 is adjusted to provide a desired distance of said body to said structure and said body is locked to thereto.

2. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a second location on said body to engage with a second height adjustable fastening, wherein said second height 15 adjustable fastening in conjunction with said first height adjustable fastening can in addition be adjusted to vary a desired angle of said body relative said structure.

3. A mounting as claimed in claim 2 said first and second height adjustable fastenings are threaded fastenings. 20

4. A mounting as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein said first and second height adjustable fastenings each have an upper engaging member above said first and second locations, to lock said body to respective said lower engaging members. 25

5. A method of sheet fence mounting where at least part of a sheet fence is mounted to a structure, comprising or including the steps of, Providing at least two height adjustable fastenings mounted to said structure, Adjusting a mount height of said each of said adjustable fastenings, 30 Attaching a pair of mountings to each said height adjustable fasteners, said mountings adapted to receive an edge said sheet, Such that said sheet when mounted to said pair of mountings is located at a desired distance off of said structure, 35 angle of a major plane of said sheet to said structure, and angle of said edge to said structure.