AU2015100338A4 - Glass modifying method - Google Patents

Abstract

H: stp\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\STP\7573779_1.docx-18/03/2015 - 18 A method of modifying an in situ glass panel, the method including bonding a secondary glass layer to the in situ glass panel using a bonding layer. Fig. 1

Description

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\61212651. doc-24/10/2011 GLASS MODIFYING METHOD Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a method of modifying a glass panel and a modified glass panel. 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] It is known to use glass when constructing commercial and residential buildings or structures, for example, to provide glass windows, balustrades, and the like. However, additives in glass, and particularly tempered or toughened glass, such as nickel sulphide, can create flaws which may subsequently cause the glass to shatter, for example particularly when undergoing rapid thermal expansion or contraction. As will be appreciated, shattering glass poses a serious risk to the health and safety of any residents and by-passers. [0004] Traditionally, any flawed glass found in buildings or structures is replaced in order to prevent the glass from shattering. However, replacing multiple flawed glass panels in a large building/structure can be dangerous for both workers who need to scale large buildings, and any by-passers in the event the glass shatters during replacement. Furthermore, as each glass panel must be individually replaced by higher quality glass, the process can be particularly complex and time consuming. This can not only increase the cost of replacement, but also increases the risk that a flawed glass panel may break in the time taken to replace it. [0005] Additionally, in buildings or structures where the flawed glass is mounted/embedded in a media, for example concrete, the replacement process is further prolonged by the need to extract all of the glass panel from the concrete or other media prior to replacement. This also significantly adds to the cost of replacement.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\T W\6121265 1. doc-24/10/2011 -2 Summary of the Present Invention [0006] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art or provide a workable alternative. [0007] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide a method of modifying an in situ glass panel, the method including bonding a secondary glass layer to the in situ glass panel using a bonding layer. [0008] Typically, the method includes: a) providing a secondary glass panel and spacer against the glass panel, the secondary panel and glass panel being held in a spaced apart relationship by the spacer, and wherein a seal is provided along at least a lower edge of the secondary panel; b) providing a resin between the secondary panel and glass panel; and, c) allowing the resin to set. [0009] Typically, the resin is a polyester/acrylic liquid resin. [0010] Typically, the resin includes resin components including a formulated resin, adhesion promoter and peroxide catalyst, and wherein the method includes: a) mixing the resin components; b) allowing bubbles to rise to the mixture surface; and, c) pouring the resin between the secondary and glass panels using a funnel. [0011] Typically, a resin funnel includes a laterally elongate funnel having an extended edge, and wherein the method includes inserting the extended edge between the secondary and glass panels when pouring the resin. [0012] Typically, the method includes clamping the secondary glass panel and the glass panel prior to providing the resin. [0013] Typically, the method includes urging an upper edge of the secondary panel and glass panel apart prior to providing the resin.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 -3 [0014] Typically, the spacer includes an adhesive glazing tape, and wherein the method includes applying the glazing tape to at least one of the secondary and glass panels prior to clamping. [0015] Typically, the method includes clamping the secondary glass panel and spacer to a first side of the glass panel after applying a protective film to a second opposing side of the glass panel. [0016] Typically, the seal includes a polyurethane-based, elastomeric sealant. [0017] Typically, the glass panel is mounted in a building. [0018] Typically, the spacer is the seal. [0019] Typically, the method includes applying a solvent to at least one of the secondary glass panel and the glass panel prior to providing the bonding layer therebetween. [0020] Typically, the method includes removing at least part of the spacer after providing the resin. [0021] Typically, the method includes providing a reinforcing bracket to thereby clamp the secondary glass panel and the glass panel. [0022] Typically, the secondary glass panel includes at least two glass panels with interposed laminate. [0023] In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a modified glass panel including: a) an in situ glass panel; and, b) a secondary glass panel bonded to a portion of the in situ glass panel using a bonding layer, wherein bonding is achieved in situ. [0024] Typically, the modified glass panel further includes a reinforcing bracket for applying a compressive force to opposing external faces of the modified glass panel.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\T W\6121265 1. doc-24/10/2011 -4 Brief Description of the Drawings [0025] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a side view of a first example of a modified glass panel; [0027] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a first example of a method of modifying a glass panel; [0028] Figures 3A to 3G are schematic diagrams of sides views a further example of a method of modifying a glass panel; [0029] Figures 4A and 4B are flowcharts of a further example of a method of modifying a glass panel; [0030] Figures 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of a perspective views of examples of a resin funnel; and, [0031] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of plan views of examples of a reinforcing bracket. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0007] An example of a method of modifying an in situ glass panel will now be described with reference to Figure 1. [0008] In this example, the method includes bonding a secondary glass layer 120 to the in situ glass panel 110 using a bonding layer 130. Thus, in one example, the method may be used to produce a modified glass panel 100 including an in situ glass panel 110 with a secondary glass panel 120 bonded to a portion of the in situ glass panel 110 using a bonding layer 130, as shown in Figure 1, where bonding is achieved in situ. In this regard, the in situ glass panel 110 may be at least partially embedded in concrete C or other media, such as cement, stone, or the like, and/or at least partially provided in a frame and/or supported by one or more brackets. Thus, the glass reinforcing panel 120 can be offset relative to the concrete, other media, frame, brackets or the like, so that the in situ glass panel 110 can be held in place using existing support structures.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 -5 [0009] Thus the method allows for the modifying of a glass panel 110 where the panel 110 may be located in any number of locations, for example, in situ in a building. Hence, the abovementioned method offers a number of advantages. [0010] In particular, the method may be used for any suitable type of modification of the in situ glass panel 110, for example, in respect of thermal, visual, and/or structural characteristics. This is particularly beneficial, allowing for modifications to the glass panel 110 which reinforce, change the aesthetics, decrease UV and/or thermal transmission through the glass panel 110, provide energy saving characteristics, and the like. [0011] In addition, where the glass panel 110 is in situ, such as mounted in a building, the method allows the panel 110 to be modified without the need for removing and replacing the glass panel 110. Thus the method can provide a cost effective and relatively fast method of modification. This is particularly beneficial in situations where installed glass panels 110 are or may be flawed, as a reduction in the time taken to reinforce the glass thus minimises the risk that the flawed glass will shatter and injure people in the vicinity of the structure. This can also significantly reduce the costs of mitigating issues with installed glass panels, compared to a complete reinstall of the existing panels. [0012] In one example, the method is directed towards reinforcing an in situ glass panel 110, and this is described with reference to Figure 2. In this example, the method includes at step 200 providing a secondary glass panel, such as a glass reinforcing panel, and spacer (not shown) against the glass panel, the reinforcing panel and glass panel being held in a spaced apart relationship by the spacer, and where a seal is provided along at least a lower edge of the reinforcing panel. At step 210, the method includes providing bonding layer, such as a resin, between the reinforcing panel and glass panel. In this regard, the resin may be provided in any suitable method, including any one or more of pouring, applying, injecting, and the like. The method further includes allowing the resin to set at step 220, thereby effectively creating a unitary reinforced panel. [0013] In this example, in the event that the in situ panel shatters, the integrity of the overall panel will be maintained by virtue of the secondary panel . In this instance, this prevents the glass panel falling from the building and causing damage or injuring passers by. In this H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 -6 situation, the panel will need to be replaced, but it will be appreciated that during this process the shattered glass panel will adhere to the secondary glass panel , allowing it to be removed as a single piece, thereby facilitating the replacement process. [0014] Accordingly, this arrangement allows existing glass panels to be modified in situ, thereby ensuring that should the existing panel shatter, this will occur without risk of damage or injury, and allowing the shattered panel to be replaced in a safe manner. This can therefore obviate the need to replace unshattered panels that may not have flaws and hence may not ultimately shatter. [0015] In a further example, the method of modification includes providing a bonding layer 130 such as an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and/or a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer or the like between the secondary glass panel 120 and the in situ glass 110 panel, and laminating the secondary glass panel 120 and the in situ glass 110 panel using a portable heating mechanism. In this regard, the portable heating mechanism may be provided in any suitable, such as a portable convection, infra-red oven, or the like. In one example, the interlayer(s) may be flexible. [0016] A number of other features will now be described. [0017] The secondary glass panel 120 may include any suitable panel for providing modification to the glass panel 110, and in one example includes at least two glass panels with interposed laminates. This is particularly advantageous as glass with interposed laminates provides additional strength and robustness. In some examples the secondary glass panel 120 may include any one or more of energy saving laminate interlayers, coloured interlayers, UV, hot and/or cold reduction interlayers or laminates, or the like. In another example, the secondary glass panel 120 includes toughened glass, and/or may be composed of single-layered glass. [0018] In addition, the secondary glass panel 120 may be provided in any suitable thickness, depending upon the application. In one example, the thickness of the secondary glass panel 120 is approximately between 5 and 25 mm, typically between 10 and 15 mm, and more typically about 12.8 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the thickness will vary depending on a range of factors, such as the structural and/or aesthetic requirements or other H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 -7 desirable characteristics of the resulting panel. Thus, for example, when reinforcing an in situ glass panel 110, the thickness and degree of lamination of the secondary glass panel 120 will vary depending on structural requirements, expected wind loads, building code requirements or the like and the above values are therefore intended to be of guidance only and are not intended to be limiting. [0019] The bonding layer 130 may be composed of any suitable material and in one example includes a resin, such as a polyester/acrylic liquid resin, however in other examples the bonding layer 130 may include interlayer(s) of EVA, PVB, TPU, or the like. [0020] In a further example, the resin includes resin components including a formulated resin, an adhesion promoter and a peroxide catalyst. The resin components may be provided in the ratios of between 95-99% formulated resin, 0.5-2.5% silane and 0.5-2.5% methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, such as the compound sold under the trade name Butanox. More typically the components are provided in the ratios of about 98% formulated resin, 1% silane and 1% Butanox. This particular combination of components provides benefits such as fast and economical setting, as well as allowing the user to laminate glass of many sizes and thicknesses. Depending upon the bonding layer or resin used, protective equipment may be required, such as a respirator and/or nitrile gloves, during the mixing and pouring processes. [0021] When resin components, the method typically includes mixing the resin components, optionally allowing bubbles to rise to the mixture surface, and then pouring the resin between the secondary panel 120 and the glass panel 110 using a funnel, or injecting the resin using a syringe. In this regard, allowing the bubbles to rise before pouring the resin allows for the removal of air such that any air bubbles in the poured method are minimised. In addition, the use of a funnel is beneficial in guiding the resin between the panels, thus minimising spillage waste, damage to existing surfaces, and cost. [0022] In one example, a resin funnel may be used where the funnel includes a laterally elongate funnel having an extended edge, and the method includes inserting an extended edge between the secondary glass panel 120 and the glass panel 110 when pouring the resin. Thus, the extended edge is particularly beneficial in guiding the resin between the panels 110, 120, H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 particularly in situations where the void between the panels is narrow. In this regard, the funnel may be composed of any suitable material, such as stainless steel, plastic, or the like. [0023] In a further example, the resin funnel is composed of a flexible material and includes a semi-rigid inlet for receiving the resin. In this regard, the flexible outlet can be manipulated and positioned between the secondary glass panel 120 and the glass panel 110 when pouring the resin. Additionally or alternatively the resin may be provided between the glass panel 110 and secondary panel 120 using a syringe, or the like, as discussed above. [0024] In a further example, the method includes clamping the secondary panel 120 and the glass panel 110 prior to providing the resin or other bonding layer 130 therebetween. This may be achieved in any suitable manner and in one example includes using clamps to urge the secondary panel 120 and glass panel 110 together, and this will be discussed in more detail below. However, it would be appreciated that any suitable form of clamping may be used such as C-shaped brackets or the like. [0025] In one example, one or more of the clamps may include the spacer. For example, the clamp may include an E-shaped bracket where the outer legs of the bracket abut outer surfaces of the glass panel 110 and secondary glass panel 120, and the middle leg forms a spacer for spacing the glass and secondary glass panels 110, 120 apart. [0026] However, more typically the spacer includes an adhesive glazing tape and the method includes applying the glazing tape to one or more of the secondary glass panel 110 and the secondary glass panel 120 prior to clamping. The use of adhesive glazing tape can be beneficial in providing at least some adhesion between the glass secondary panel 120 and the glass panel 110 prior to clamping, if used, thus a user does not need to hold the panels in position while fixing the clamps. Furthermore, adhesive glazing tape may be easily removed, if desired, or can remain in situ after the resin is provided, poured or set, blending in with the resin, thus increasing ease of clean-up and the aesthetics of the modified glass panel 100. However, alternatively the spacer could include any member that can be used to hold the panels 110, 120 in a spaced apart arrangement and could include rigid members, such as plastic strips, or flexible members, such as fishing line, wire or the like.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 -9 [0027] In a further example, the method includes urging an upper edge of the secondary panel 120 and a glass panel 110 apart prior to providing the resin. This may be achieved in any suitable manner and in one example includes positioning a second spacer between the secondary panel 120 and the glass panel 110. In the preferred embodiment the second spacer includes a soft plastic packer. Typically, a thickness of the second spacer is approximately between 2 and 10 mm, and more typically between 3 to 4 mm. However this is not essential and any suitable spacer of any suitable size may be used depending on the desired thickness of resin. [0028] In a further example the method includes clamping the secondary glass panel 120 and spacer to a first side of the glass panel 110 after applying a protective film to a second opposing side of a glass panel 110. This is particularly beneficial when reinforcing flawed glass panels as the protective film can prevent damage to the glass panel, minimise the risk the glass panel shattering during the modification process, or at least can ensure that any shattered glass remains in situ. [0029] In a further example, the modified glass panel 100 includes a seal interposed between a glass secondary panel 120 and the concrete C. The seal provides benefits during manufacture, as described above, as well as an aesthetically pleasing finish on the modified glass panel 100. [0030] In one example, the seal includes a polyurethane based, elastomeric sealant and the method includes providing the seal to the lower edge of the secondary panel. This may be performed at any suitable step in the method, and in one example the seal is positioned adjacent the glass panel 110 prior to or after the glass secondary panel 120 is clamped thereto. This is particularly beneficial in secondary a substantially vertical glass panel 110 as the seal thus prevents any poured or injected resin from leaking out from between the glass and secondary panels 110, 120. However, this is not essential and additionally and/or alternatively the spacer may be the seal. For example, adhesive glazing tape may be used on the lower edge of the secondary panel 120 as a seal. This arrangement is advantageous in minimising the number of different components required when secondary the glass panel, thus reducing installation complexity and cost.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 10 [0031] In a further example, the method includes applying a solvent to the glass secondary panel 120 and/or the glass panel 110 prior to providing the bonding layer 130. This is particularly advantageous in removing any surface impurities from the glass and secondary panels 110, 120 such that any dirt or other surface markings are removed which may damage the aesthetics, or strength of the modified glass panel 100. [0032] In a further example, the modified glass panel 100 includes a reinforcing bracket for applying a compressive force to opposing outer faces of the modified glass panel 100. In this regard, the bracket provides additional strength and robustness to the modified glass panel 100, and may be particularly suited to instances where the modified glass panel 100 is required to withstand predefined wind loads and human impact loads. In particular, the bracket may be provided in any suitable arrangement, and in one example is provided as described herein. [0033] In one example, the method includes providing the reinforcing bracket to thereby clamp the glass secondary panel 120 and the glass panel 110. In this respect the bracket may be provided for extra strength and stability of the modified glass panel 100. In particular, in the event that the glass panel 110 shatters or breaks, the brackets provide an additional security measure to ensure that the glass panel 110 will remain in situ and supported by the reinforcing brackets. [0034] In the preferred embodiment the bracket includes two planar portions, each planar portion adjacent opposing external faces of the modified glass panel 100 and a connector connecting the two planar portions and urging them together. In addition, the bracket may include compliant gaskets abutting the external faces, to thereby allow for expansion and contraction of the glass over time, for example, due to temperature, and this is discussed in more detail below. [0035] A further example of a method of modifying a glass panel will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3F and Figures 4A to 4B, and in particular a method of reinforcing a glass panel. [0036] In this example, a glass panel 310 is in situ in a building, and in particular is embedded in concrete, other media, or supported in a frame, by bracket(s), or the like. In this H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 11 regard, typically a glass reinforcing panel 320 is adhered to a side of the glass panel 310 facing the building, hereinafter an 'inner face', however this is not essential and the glass reinforcing panel 320 may be adhered to either side of the glass panel 310. [0037] At step 400, optionally the method includes applying a protective film 340, such as the film sold under the tradename Spotstick, to a face of the in situ glass panel 310 opposing the face to be reinforced, and hence typically to an outer face opposing the inner face of the glass panel 310, as discussed above. The protective film 340 minimises the risk that the glass panel 310 will shatter during the reinforcing process, or at least ensures that any shattered glass remains in situ. [0038] At step 405, the method further includes optionally applying a builder's film (not shown) to the floor and a hand rail, if present. The builder's film provides some protection to surrounding areas in order to prevent damage, for example, from dropped tools, resin spills, and the like. In this step, a setting block 341, such as a glass setting block, is placed abutting the inner face of the glass panel 310 and the concrete, as shown in Figure 3B. The glass setting block 341 thus provides an at least partial seal between the glass reinforcing panel 320, the glass panel 310 and the floor, and in additional allows the glass reinforcing panel 320 to be positioned at a greater offset relative to the concrete. In one example, the glass setting block 341 is approximately between 3 and 10 mm in height, and more typically about 6 mm in height, thus offsetting the lower edge of the glass reinforcing panel 320 approximately 6 mm from the concrete. [0039] At step 410 the glass panel 310 and/or glass reinforcing panel 320 may optionally be cleaned. This may be performed using any suitable glass cleaner such as the cleaner sold under the trade name "CRL Glass Cleaner", and allows for the removal of large surface markings. At 415 the method further includes applying isopropanol to the glass panel 310 and/or glass reinforcing panel 320. The application of this solvent removes any surface impurities to thus ensure the integrity of the resin when poured as well as the aesthetics of the final reinforced glass panel. [0040] At step 420 the method includes applying double sided glazing tape 342 to the glass panel 310. The glass reinforcing panel is then positioned in abutment with the glass panel H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 12 310 and setting block 341 at step 425, and as shown in Figure 3C. In this regard, whilst the glazing tape 342 is applied to the glass panel 310 before positioning the glass reinforcing panel 320, it will be appreciated that in other examples the glazing tape 342 may instead be applied to the glass reinforcing panel 320 first. In addition, typically the glazing tape is applied to the lower edge and two substantially vertical side edges of the glass panel 310. Whilst the glazing tape may be provided in any suitable size and shape, typically the tape includes a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm, and more typically about 2 mm, in order to hold the glass panel 310 and the glass reinforcing panel 320 sufficiently spaced apart prior to pouring the resin 330. [0041] At step 430 clamps 344 are applied to side edges of the glass panel 310 and glass reinforcing panel 320 and a seal 343, such as the sealant sold under the trade name "Sikaflex 1A', is applied at the lower edge of the reinforced laminate 320, as shown in Figure 3D. Optionally specialised glass clamps may also be used to further urge the glass panel 310 and the reinforced laminate 320 together. This may be provided in any suitable manner and in one example includes drilling into a surface of the glass panel 310 in order to position the specialised glass clamps. [0042] At step 440, the method includes positioning a second spacer 345, and in this example, a soft plastic packer, between the glass panel 310 and glass reinforcing panel 320 to thereby urge the glass panel 310 and glass reinforcing panel 320 apart, as shown in Figure 3E. The plastic packer may be any suitable shape depending on the desired thickness of resin 320, and in the preferred embodiment is approximately 3-4 mm thick. [0043] At step 445, the method includes positioning a funnel in place and optionally taping or to otherwise securing the funnel to the upper edge of the glass reinforcing panel 320, although this can be hand-held depending on the preferred process. In this example, the glass reinforcing panel 320 includes a mitred upper edge in order to facilitate the funnel and/or pouring of resin, however this feature is optional. In this regard, the mitred edge may be provided at any suitable, and typically the angle is between 35 and 60', and more typically about 45.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 13 [0044] At 450 the method includes mixing the resin components allowing the bubbles to rise before pouring, such as discussed above. This is beneficial in minimising bubbles in the resin after pouring, which can compromise the strength of the reinforced glass panel 300 as well as detract from the aesthetics. [0045] At step 455, the method includes pouring the resin 330 using the funnel between the glass panel 310 and the glass laminate 320, and subsequently allowing resin 330 to self-level and de-air at step 460, as shown in figure 3F. Optionally, the method may also include adjusting the clamps in order to adjust the thickness of the resin 330, however this is not essential. Also at this step, an upper seal may be provided abutting the upper edge of the glass reinforcing panel, in order to prevent the resin being exposed to the air such that curing of the resin 330 is not compromised. In this regard, the seal may include any suitable material and typically includes a structural clear silicone seal. Whilst the setting time of the resin 330 will depend upon the resin 330 used, typically the resin 330 of the preferred embodiment will gel in approximately 30 minutes, and cure within approximately 48 hours. [0046] At step 465 the method includes removing the clamps 344, protective film 340, optionally removing the upper seal, inspecting the reinforced glass panel 300 and optionally cleaning the reinforced glass panel. The reinforced glass panel 300 is shown in Figure 3G. Additionally, at this point, excess resin projecting from between the panels 310, 320 can be removed. [0047] An example of a resin funnel for use in modifying a glass panel will now be described with reference to Figure 5A. [0048] In this example, the resin funnel 500 includes a laterally elongate funnel having an extended edge 502. In this respect, the funnel 500 includes an inlet 501 and an outlet, where the inlet 501 is larger than the outlet in order to funnel 500 resin. The outlet is at least partially bounded by the extended edge 502 and a non-extended edge 503. [0049] In use, the extended edge 502 is inserted between a reinforcing glass panel and glass panel when pouring the resin, as discussed above. In this regard, the funnel 500 is particularly advantageous when pouring resin into a narrow void between a reinforcing glass panel and glass panel and allows the resin to be guided, and waste minimised. Thus, H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 14 typically the distance between the extended and non-extended edges 502, 503 is similar to, or less than, a distance between the reinforcing glass panel and glass panel. [0050] Further examples of resin funnels for use in modifying a glass panel are also shown in Figures 5B and 5C. In the example of Figure 5B, the resin funnel 510 includes a rigid or semi-rigid mouth 514 which includes a square or rectangular cross-section, and an inlet 511 for receiving the resin, in use. A flexible portion 513, also referred to as throat, is attached to the mouth 514, and in fluid communication with the inlet 511, at a first end. The flexible portion 513 also includes an outlet 512 at a second, opposing, end for communicating resin out of the funnel 510. [0051] In use, the flexible portion 513 is provided is positioned between a reinforcing glass panel and glass panel when pouring the resin, thus minimising waste and avoiding contacting resin with external surfaces. The flexible portion 513 may be composed of any suitable material, and in one example is composed of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the funnel 510 may be single use and/or disposable. [0052] In the alternative example of Figure 5C, the resin funnel 520 includes a rigid or semi rigid mouth 524 which includes a circular cross-section, and an inlet 521 for receiving the resin, in use. A flexible portion 523 is attached to the mouth 524, and in fluid communication with the inlet 521, at a first end. The flexible portion 523 also includes an outlet 522 at a second, opposing, end for communicating resin out of the funnel 510. In use, the funnel 520 is utilised as described above with reference to Figure 5B. [0053] Examples of a reinforcing bracket for use in modifying a glass panel will now be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. Features similar to those of the examples described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0054] In this example shown in Figure 6A, the reinforcing bracket 600 includes two planar and substantially parallel portions 601, 602, where each planar portion 601, 602 is provided adjacent opposing external faces of the reinforced glass panel. In this regard, the reinforced glass panels are similar to those described above, and include a reinforcing glass plane 320 adhered to a glass panel 310 using a bonding layer, such as resin 330, and in addition show an optional spacer 342, such as glazing tape. Whilst any suitable portions 601, 602 may be H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortb1\DCC\TW\6121265_1.doc-24/10/2011 - 15 used depending upon the application, in one example the portions 601, 602 are formed from a 3 mm satin stainless steel flat security bracket. [0055] In this example, the portions 601, 602 are coupled using a connector 650 which urges the portions 601, 602 together. In this example, the connector 650 includes a tube spacer and SS bolt or acorn nut, however any suitable connector 650 may be used. Further, the bracket 600 includes compliant gaskets 603 abutting the external faces of the reinforced glass panel, to thereby allow for expansion and contraction of the glass over time, for example, due to temperature. [0056] In the example shown in Figure 6B, the glass reinforced panels are not co-planar and thus the reinforcing bracket 650 includes two angular portions 651, 652. Thus, the brackets 650 may be used where multiple reinforced glass panels form a curved or non-linear wall. It will also be appreciated that reinforcing brackets could be provided on a single reinforced glass panel. Additionally, the reinforcing brackets 600, 650 may be provided at multiple locations on an edge(s) of a reinforced glass panel and/or on multiple edges of the reinforced glass panel. In one particular example, between 4 and 8 reinforcing brackets are provided per reinforced glass panel, and more typically 6 reinforcing brackets are provided per reinforced glass panel. [0057] Thus, the above describes a method of modifying a glass panel, and a modified glass panel 100, 300, which provides numerous benefits, including in some examples increasing safety, decreasing cost and installation time, lowering energy usage, improving aesthetics, and the like. [0058] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be 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. [0059] 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.