AU2022200264A1

AU2022200264A1 - Frameless Glass Fencing Component

Info

Publication number: AU2022200264A1
Application number: AU2022200264A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Adam Budai; Neil Robert Wilson
Original assignee: Beyond Architectural Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Beyond Architectural Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2022-01-17
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: AU2020202943A1; AU2018203647A1

Abstract

FRAMELESS GLASS FENCING COMPONENT ABSTRACT In a first aspect the invention concerns frameless glass fencing component (10) for a frameless glass fencing installation. The frameless glass fencing component (10) is produced from an engineering plastic. In a further aspect there is disclosed herein a frameless glass fencing installation and a method of installing a frameless glass fence.

Description

FRAMELESS GLASS FENCING COMPONENT FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a frameless glass fencing component, in particular but not exclusively, a frameless glass fencing component for use in installing a frameless glass fence for a swimming pool, balcony, decking or patio.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Swimming pool barriers are designed such that young children are unable to climb over them and most countries have strict laws governing what constitutes an acceptable pool barrier. In Australia, for example, all swimming pool barrier fencing must comply with the Australian Standard for Swimming Pool Fencing (AS1926). Some of the stipulations in that standard require that pool fencing be at least 1,200mm high and that gates be built in such a way that they swing away from the pool and have a child safety lock.

[0003] It has become fashionable to provide swimming pool barriers and balcony balustrades in the form of frameless glass fences. Not only is glass durable to the moist environment of a swimming pool, it also provides an aesthetic appealing appearance which is in vogue in contemporary architectural design. A typical frameless glass fence for a pool includes a plurality of individual tempered glass panels which are supported by spaced apart mini-posts, referred to as spigots. Typically, two spigots are evenly spaced across the bottom edge of the glass panel and will clamp onto the panel and support it. Frameless glass fence spigots must not only be strong to support a glass panel, they must preferably also be corrosion resistant and have favourable aesthetic features. For this reason conventional spigots are produced from anodized aluminium or polished stainless steel.

[0004] Frameless glass fencing for balconies, commonly referred to as glass balustrades, typically comprise tempered glass balustrade panels supported by, for example, posts, spigots, standoff fixings, glass clamps or floor glazing channels. Australian Standard AS1170 requires that frameless glass fences be designed to prevent a fall from a balcony. The standard further specifies that (i) the height of the glass fence must be at least 1000mm when measured from the finished balcony floor level to the top of the balustrade, and (ii) must have a continuous interlinking handrail. Such handrail is required so as to inhibit a fall temporarily in the event of a glass panel of the glass balustrade breaking.

[0005] Drawbacks associated with current components employed in supporting glass panels in frameless glass fencing installations include that when they are not maintained or looked after for prolonged periods of time they tend to stain or corrode.

OBJECT

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative frameless glass fencing component for use in frameless glass fencing installations which addresses or at least ameliorates the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a frameless glass fencing component for a frameless glass fencing installation, the frameless glass fencing component being produced from a polyarylamide having a reinforcing filler.

[0008] In a second aspect there is disclosed herein a frameless glass fencing installation including at least one glass panel and a frameless glass fencing component attached to the glass panel, the frameless glass fencing component being produced from a polyarylamide having a reinforcing filler.

[0009] In a third aspect there is provided a method of installing a frameless glass fence, the method including the step of providing a frameless glass fencing component produced from a polyarylamide having a reinforcing filler.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a frameless glass fencing spigot for a frameless glass fencing installation, the frameless glass fencing spigot being produced from a polyarylamide having a reinforcing filler.

[0011] Ina fifth aspect there is disclosed herein a frameless glass fencing spigot for a frameless glass fencing installation, the frameless glass fencing spigot including (i) a post portion defining a slot operatively adapted to hold a portion of a glass panel of the frameless glass fencing installation, and (ii) a flange portion or a threaded portion operatively adapted to secure the post portion in an upright orientation, wherein the frameless glass fencing spigot is produced from a polyamide having a glass fibre reinforcing filler.

[0012] Preferably the engineering plastic is covered with a coating.

[0013] Preferably the engineering plastic includes abase material.

[0014] Preferably the engineering plastic includes abase material and a reinforcing filler.

[0015] Preferably the reinforcing filler includes glass fibre.

[0016] Preferably the reinforcing filler includes carbon fibre.

[0017] Preferably the engineering plastic is a polyarylamide.

[0018] Preferably the polyarylamide includes glass fibre reinforcement wherein the concentration of the glass fibre reinforcement is between 50% to 60% by volume.

[0019] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing spigot.

[0020] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing latch.

[0021] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing standoff.

[0022] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing support clamp.

[0023] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing hinge.

[0024] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing rail connector.

[0025] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing clamp.

[0026] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a channel fixing.

[0027] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a standoff face mounted fixing.

[0028] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a top rail for a glass balustrade.

[0029] Preferably the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing floor glazing channel.

[0030] In another aspect there is disclosed a frameless glass fencing standoff for a frameless glass fencing installation, the frameless glass fencing standoff at least in part produced from an engineering plastic.

[0031] Preferably the engineering plastic is a polyamide with a glassfibre reinforcing filler.

[0032] Preferably the engineering plastic is a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0033] Preferably the engineering plastic is an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0034] In yet another aspect there is disclosed a frameless glass fencing installation including at least one glass panel and a frameless glass fencing standoff attached to the glass panel, the frameless glass fencing standoff being produced from an engineering plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing component, here a frameless glass fencing spigot;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the frameless glass fencing component of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing component, here a frameless glass fencing spigot;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the frameless glass fencing component of Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing standoff;

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing standoff;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment frameless glass fencing channel;

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing top rail;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing top rail;

[0045] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp;

[0046] Figure 11 is a second schematic perspective view of the frameless glass fencing clamp of Figure 10;

[0047] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp;

[0048] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp;

[0049] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth second embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp;

[0050] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp;

[0051] Figure 16 is a second schematic perspective view of the frameless glass fencing clamp of Figure 15;

[0052] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing hinge;

[0053] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing hinge;

[0054] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment frameless glass fencing latch;

[0055] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment frameless glass fencing latch; and

[0056] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment frameless glass fencing face fixed spigot.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Conventional frameless glass fencing components are produced from stainless steel or anodised aluminium. Drawbacks of employing such materials include relative high weight and costs. Further drawbacks associated with stainless steel products include that they tend to stain and corrode over a short or prolonged period of time. Preferred embodiments of the present invention address those problems by doing away with stainless steel / aluminium and providing frameless glass fencing components produced from an engineering plastic. Engineering plastics are plastic materials that are used in applications generally requiring higher performance in the areas of mechanical properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, impact and fire retardancy. Also, as plastic generally does not conduct electricity, this feature will provide enhanced safety in a moist environment, such as a swimming pool. In particular the preferred engineering plastic will meet the requirements of AS3000:2007 for earth bonding where frameless glass fencing spigots are within 1.25m of a pool of water.

[0058] To provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance the embodiment engineering plastic may include an outer coating having a stainless steel appearance. Such coating may be available in a range of colours. Typically, coatings can be applied after surface activation of the engineering plastic product by either plasma, chemical-based materials or spray coatings. Final coatings can then be applied by electroplating, plasma surface coating, powder-coating, PVD coating or spray coating.

[0059] A typical embodiment engineering plastic includes a base material having a filler to provide added strength / reinforcing. In an embodiment frameless glass fencing component the filler includes glass fibre. In another embodiment frameless glass fencing component the filler includes carbon fibre.

[0060] In an embodiment frameless glass fencing component the base material includes a polyamide. Typically examples of polyamide which could be employed include those sold under the trade marks Nylon@ and Zytel®.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment the base material of the engineering plastic includes polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In yet a further alternative the base material of the engineering plastic includes styrene.

[0062] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment frameless glass fencing component, here a frameless glass fencing spigot generally indicated with the reference numeral 10. The spigot 10 includes a post portion 12 and a flange portion 14. The post portion 12 and flange portion 14 is of unitary construction and is produced from an engineering plastic. In this embodiment the engineering plastic is polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. This engineering plastic is a light weight, non-corroding and non-conductive alternative to stainless steel and aluminium. In this embodiment the engineering plastic has an outer coating to provide the appearance of a stainless steel or coloured finish.

[0063] The flange portion 14 includes a plurality of fastener openings 16 for receiving non illustrated fasteners, for example bolts, to secure the post portion 12 in an upright orientation adjacent a pool to be fenced in. The post portion 12 defines a slot 18 for receiving an end portion of a non-illustrated tempered glass panel when constructing a non-illustrated frameless glass fence. The slot 18 includes a polymer packer 20 to protect the glass panel. Typically, the glass panel is secured within the slot 18 with non-illustrated grub screws passing through transverse holes 22 in the post portion 12. In effect a frameless glass fence is constructed in a conventional manner, but with the stainless steel / aluminium spigots replaced with spigots produced from the engineering plastic.

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment frameless glass fencing component, here also a frameless glass fencing spigot, generally indicated with the reference numeral 30. The spigot 30 includes a post portion 12 similar to that of the spigot 10. The flange portion 14 of the spigot 10 is replaced with a threaded portion 32 for location in a core drilled hole. As is the case with the spigot 10, the spigot 30 is also produced from an engineering plastic. However, in this embodiment the engineering plastic is provided in the form of an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. This material is resistant to water and other chemicals and has a high strength and other favourable mechanical properties.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing standoff 40 for use in constructing a non-illustrated frameless glass fencing installation. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that standoffs are used to secure glass panels to structural surfaces. The frameless glass fencing standoff 40 includes a standoff body 42 and a standoff head 44 produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The standoff body and standoff head 42, 44 are mounted to a threaded rod 46. The threaded rod 46 is operatively secured to a structural surface. In this embodiment the threaded rod 46 is produced from steel, but it will be appreciated that it could also be produced from an engineering plastic such as a polyarylamide having glass fibre reinforcement.

[0066] Figure 6 shows another embodiment frameless glass fencing standoff 50. The frameless glass fencing standoff 50 is similar to the frameless glass fencing standoff 40 in that it includes a first standoff body 52 and a standoff head 54 both produced from a polyarylamide having a 50 % by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The standoff body and standoff head 52,

54 are mounted to a threaded rod 56 produced from an engineering plastic, such as a polyarylamide having glass fibre reinforcement. The frameless glass fencing standoff 50 further includes a second spacing standoff body 58 also produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The second spacing standoff body 58 is operatively mounted to the threaded rod 56 and located between the first standoff body 52 and a non-illustrated structural surface.

[0067] In a non-illustrated embodiment the standoff body, standoff head and/or standoff spacing body of Figure 6 are produced from a polyamide having a glass fibre reinforcement.

[0068] In a non-illustrated embodiment the standoff body, standoff head and/or standoff spacing body of Figure 6 are produced from a from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing floor glazing channel 60 produced from an engineering plastic, here a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The channel 60 includes an elongate, longitudinally extending channel body 62 which defines an elongate glazing slot 64 operatively adapted to receive a glass panel.

[0070] In a non-illustrated embodiment the frameless glass fencing floor glazing channel of Figure 7 is produced from a polyamide having a glass fibre reinforcement.

[0071] In yet another non-illustrated embodiment there is provided a frameless glass fencing floor glazing channel, for example one having the same configuration as the channel of Figure 7, produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0072] Figure 8 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing top rail 80, in this embodiment a glass balustrade top rail, produced from an engineering plastic in the form of a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The top rail 80 includes an elongate, longitudinally extending rail body 82 which defines an elongate slot 84 operatively adapted to receive a top portion of a glass panel. An outer surface of the rail body 82 is curved as show.

[0073] Figure 9 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing top rail 90, specifically a glass balustrade top rail, produced from an engineering plastic in the form of a polyarylamide having a

-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The top rail 90 includes an elongate, longitudinally extending rail body 92 which defines an elongate slot 94 operatively adapted to receive a top portion of a glass panel. The rail body 92 includes a number of substantially flat outer surfaces 96.

[0074] In non-illustrated embodiments the frameless glass fencing top rail of Figures 8 and 9 are produced from a polyamide having a glass fibre reinforcement.

[0075] In another non-illustrated embodiment there is provided a glass balustrade top rail, for example one similar in configuration as the top rails of Figures 8 and 9, produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement.

[0076] Figures 10 and 11 show an embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp 100. In this embodiment the clamp 100 is a 900 frameless glass pool fencing clamp. The clamp 100 includes a first clamp member 102 operatively associated with a second clamp member 104, the first and second clamp members 102, 104 being produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The second clamp member 104 includes a spacer 106 which outwardly extends from a surface of the second clamp member 104. The first clamp member 102 is secured to the second clamp member 104 via a fastener 108 which extends from the first clamp member 102 into the spacer 106 of the second clamp member 104. By tightening the fastener 108 a non-illustrated glass panel located within a clamping area 110 can be securely clamped in position between the first and second clamp members 102, 104.

[0077] Figure 12 shows another embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp 120. In this embodiment the clamp 120 is a 1800 frameless glass pool fencing clamp. The clamp 120 includes a first clamp member 122 operatively associated with a second clamp member 124, the first and second clamp members 122, 124 being produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The second clamp member 124 includes a spacer 126 which outwardly extends from a surface of the second clamp member 124. The first clamp member 122 is secured to the second clamp member 124 via a fastener 128 which extends from the first clamp member 122 into the spacer 126 of the second clamp member 124. By tightening the fastener 128 two non-illustrated glass panels located within clamping areas 130, 132 will be securely clamped in position between the first and second clamp members 122, 124.

[0078] Figure 13 shows another embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp 140. In this embodiment the clamp 140 is an adjustable frameless glass pool fencing clamp. The clamp 140 includes a first clamp member 142 operatively associated with a second clamp member 144, the first and second clamp members 142, 144 being produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The first clamp member 142 includes a flange 146 which is operatively adapted to be located proximate a flange 148 of the second clamp member 144. The flanges 146, 148 are connected via a fastener 150. In use the first and second clamp member 142, 144 can be pivoted about the fastener 150 until located in a desired orientation. The fastener 150 can then be fastened to secure the first and second clamp members 142, 144 in the desired orientation. The first and second fastener members 142, 144 respectively define holding slots 152, 154 for receiving respective edges of non-illustrated glass panels. The non-illustrated glass panels are secured within the holding slots 152, 154 with panel fasteners 156, here provided in the form of grub screws.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp 160. The clamp 160 includes a first clamp member 162 operatively associated with a second clamp member 164, the first and second clamp members 162, 164 being produced from a polyarylamide having a 50 % by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. A spacer 166 is held in position between the first and second clamp members 162, 164. The first clamp member 162 is secured to the second clamp member 164 via fasteners 168 which respectively extend from the first and second clamp members 162, 164 into the spacer 166. By tightening the fasteners 168 a non-illustrated glass panel, located within a clamping area 170 formed between the first and second clamp members 162, 164, will be securely clamped in position.

[0080] Figures 15 and 16 show an embodiment frameless glass fencing clamp 180. In this embodiment the clamp 100 is a 900 frameless glass fencing wall clamp. The clamp 180 includes a first clamp member 182 operatively associated with a second clamp member 184, the first and second clamp members 182, 184 being produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The second clamp member 184 includes a spacer 186 which outwardly extends from a surface of the second clamp member 184. The first clamp member 182 is secured to the second clamp member 184 via a fastener 188 which extends from the first clamp member 182 into the spacer 186 of the second clamp member 184. By tightening the fastener 188 a non-illustrated glass panel located within a clamping area 190 can be securely clamped in position between the first and second clamp members 182, 184. The second clamp member 184 has a hole 192 through which a fastener is operatively passed to secure the clamp to a non-illustrated wall or other surface.

[0081] In further non-illustrated embodiments, the first and second clamp members of the frameless glass fencing clamps of Figures 10 - 16 are produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement.

[0082] Figure 17 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing hinge 200, here a glass-to-glass 1800hinge. The hinge 200 includes a number of planar hinge members 202 configured so as to be attached to non-illustrated glass panels. In this embodiment the hinge members 202 are produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. It will of course be appreciated that other parts of the hinge 200 could also be produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0083] The hinge 200 includes a hinge closure mechanism 204 to facilitate relative pivotal movement between the non-illustrated glass panels to which the hinge members 202 are attached. The hinge 200 operates in a conventional manner which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art. It is pointed out that the hinge closure mechanism 204 may be in the form of a spring mechanism, an hydraulic mechanism, a hydraulic with clutch mechanism, a combination with spring and hydraulic mechanism or other hinge closure mechanisms.

[0084] Figure 18 shows another embodiment frameless glass fencing hinge 210, here a glass-to wall or glass-to-post hinge. The hinge 210 includes a number of planar hinge members 212 configured so as to be attached to a non-illustrated glass panel and a wall / post. In this embodiment the hinge members 212 are produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. It will of course be appreciated that other parts of the hinge 210 could also be produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0085] The hinge 210 includes a hinge closure mechanism 214 to facilitate relative pivotal movement between the non-illustrated glass panel and wall / post to which the hinge members 212 are attached. The hinge 210 operates in a conventional manner which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art. It is pointed out that the hinge closure mechanism 214 may be in the form of a spring mechanism, an hydraulic mechanism, a hydraulic with clutch mechanism, a combination spring and hydraulic mechanism or other hinge closure mechanisms.

[0086] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the hinge members of the frameless glass fencing hinge of Figures 17 and 18 are produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement.

[0087] Figure 19 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing latch 220, here a glass-to-wall or glass-to-post latch. The latch 200 includes a number of latch members 222, 224, 226 configured to be attached to a non-illustrated glass panel and wall / post. In this embodiment the latch members 222, 224, 226 are produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. It will of course be appreciated that other parts of the latch 220 could also be produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0088] The latch 220 includes a latch mechanism 228, housed by the latch member 226. The latch and latch mechanism 220, 228 operate in a conventional manner which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art. In this specific embodiment, a latch locking member 230 of the latch mechanism 228 is operatively received within a slot 232 of the latch member 224 when the latch mechanism 228 is located in its locked configuration.

[0089] Figure 20 shows an embodiment frameless glass fencing latch 240, a here a glass-to glass 1800latch. The latch 240 includes a number of latch members 242 configured so as to be attached to non-illustrated glass panels. In this embodiment the latch members 242, 244, 246 are produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. It will of course be appreciated that other parts of the latch 240 could also be produced from a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0090] The latch 240 includes a latch mechanism 248, housed by the latch member 246. The latch and latch mechanism 240, 248 operate in a conventional manner which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art. In this embodiment, a latch locking member 250 of the latch mechanism 248 is operatively received within a slot 252 of the latch member 244 when the latch mechanism 248 is located in its locked configuration.

[0091] Ina non-illustrated embodiment, the latch members of the frameless glass fencing latch of Figures 19 and 20 are produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement. It will of course be appreciated that other parts of the frameless glass fencing latch could also be produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement.

[0092] Figure 21 shows yet a further embodiment frameless glass fencing component, here another spigot, specifically a face fixed spigot 260. The spigot 260 includes a spigot body 262 which defines a slot 264 for receiving an end portion of a non-illustrated tempered glass panel when constructing a non-illustrated frameless glass fence. In this embodiment the spigot body is produced from an engineering plastic, specifically a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration. The spigot 160 has an outer coating to provide the appearance of a stainless steel or coloured finish.

[0093] Typically, the glass panel is secured within the slot 264 with non-illustrated grub screws passing through non-illustrated transverse holes in the spigot body 262. The spigot body 262 includes a flat face 266 which is attached to a fastener 268, here an M16 bolt, which is operatively embedded within a building structure. The flat face 266 also includes holes 270 through which non-illustrated screw fasteners can pass when the spigot 260 is required to be secured to, for example a timber beam.

[0094] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the spigot body of Figure 21 is produced from an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement.

[0095] In yet another non-illustrated embodiment the spigot body of Figure 21 is produced from a polyamide having a glass fibre reinforcement.

[0096] In a non-illustrated embodiment there is provided a method of installing a frameless glass fence. The method includes the step of providing a frameless glass fencing component produced from an engineering plastic. Typically, the engineering plastic is (i) a polyarylamide having a 50 % by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration, or (ii) an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0097] In a non-illustrated embodiment there is provided a frameless glass fence post produced from an engineering plastic. Specifically, the post is a glass balustrade post produced from (i) a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration, or (ii) an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[0098] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to glass barriers for pools, but could be employed in various frameless glass fencing installations such as glass balustrades on apartment balconies or glass balustrades in residential dwellings.

[0099] It will be appreciated that the hinges and latches need not be limited to pool fences but could also be employed in other types of door hinges for home or office door closures. Specifically in non-illustrated embodiments there is disclosed a hinge or latch produced from an engineering plastic wherein the engineering plastic is (i) a polyarylamide having a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration, or (ii) an epoxy vinyl ester resin having a 50-70% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

[00100] Although the invention is described above in relation to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A frameless glass fencing component for a frameless glass fencing installation, the frameless glass fencing component being produced from a polyarylamide having a reinforcing filler.

2. A frameless glass fencing component according to claim 1, wherein the polyarylamide is covered with an exterior coating.

3. A frameless glass fencing component according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing filler includes glass fibre.

4. A frameless glass fencing component according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing filler includes carbon fibre.

5. A frameless glass fencing component according to claim 3, wherein the polyarylamide has a 50-60% by volume glass fibre reinforcement concentration.

6. A frameless glass fencing component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frameless glass fencing component is a frameless glass fencing spigot, a frameless glass fencing latch, a frameless glass fencing standoff, a frameless glass fencing support clamp, a frameless glass fencing hinge, a frameless glass fencing rail connector, a frameless glass fencing clamp, a frameless glass fencing top rail or a frameless glass fencing floor glazing channel.

7. A frameless glass fencing installation including at least one glass panel and a frameless glass fencing component attached to the glass panel, the frameless glass fencing component being in accordance with any one of claim 1 - 5.

8. A method of installing a frameless glass fence, the method including the step of providing a frameless glass fencing component in accordance with any one of claims 1 - 6.

Beyond Architectural Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant Meyer West IP