EP3274537A2

EP3274537A2 - A system and method for installing glass panel

Info

Publication number: EP3274537A2
Application number: EP16767888.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Unnikrishnan V PAINUMGAL; Rajappa Tadepalli; Atul KOLESHWAR; Veeraraghavan Srinivasan
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS; Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Priority date: 2015-03-25
Filing date: 2016-03-23
Publication date: 2018-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-23
Also published as: WO2016151603A2; PH12017501581B1; BR112017020489A2; EP3274537B1; PH12017501581A1; MX2017012203A; WO2016151603A3; KR20170130419A; WO2016151603A4; CO2017010809A2; EP3274537A4

Abstract

This invention discloses a device and a system for mounting glass panel on uneven mounting surface such as concrete walls directly without use of plywood and additional frames for getting flat surface. Glass panel in particular is held mechanically by holding the glass using mounting clip and support members are provided to support mounting such glass panels on uneven mounting surface.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING GLASS PANEL

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is generally directed to a device for holding glass panels. This invention further discloses a system and method for installing glass panels.

Background

[0002] The current invention discloses a device for holding glass panels. The current invention further discloses a method for mounting glass panels on even or uneven surfaces directly without the use of plywood and additional frames for getting flat surface.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Conventional installation method involves the installation of an aluminium frame on the concrete wall to compensate for the unevenness of the wall and plywood boards are screwed on the aluminium frame. After that glass panel is fixed on the plywood using silicon glue. It takes a minimum of 48 hours for the silicon glue to cure and then the room can be used.

[0004] Such conventional methods have several steps including aluminium frame installation, plywood, solid flat panel, in particular glass panel pasting and curing. Hence process is time-consuming and increases labor costs. After gluing the solid flat panel, in particular glass panel, replacing due to breakage or refurbishing is difficult. [0005] Chinease utility model 201078070 discloses a clip having a clip body, and a metallic functional strip provided with a lower part of the clip body, where two sides of the clip body are lower than the metallic strip. The lower part of the clip body is fixed to a wall by using a screw bolt, and an upper part of the clip body is utilized to fix and clamp glass.

[0006] US Patent 7100335 discloses a rotatable coupler for easy attachment of the decorative member to the attachment member such as a frame, sash or glass unit.

[0007] US Patent application 20130047540 discloses a wall system comprises a plurality of rectangular solid flat panels, each having at least two cylindrical bores on an upper surface and at least two cylindrical bores on a lower surface, such that each cylindrical bore is adapted to receive one of the guide pins whereby a first of the rectangular solid flat panels is secured upon the two support clips of the first set of support clips on the first and second vertical support members, respectively, and beneath the two support clips of the second set of support clips on the first and second vertical support members. A second of the rectangular panels is secured upon second set of support clips on the first and second vertical support members and beneath third set of two support clips on the first and second vertical support members.

[0008] The above mentioned prior art methods utilize various tools for mounting glass panel. However, they are complex and time consuming. Hence there is a need for a simple and faster way to mount glass panel on an uneven mounting surface.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of indicating a system and a method for mounting glass panel, and an apparatus for holding glass panel, with the aid of which the mounting of glass panel is possible in a simple manner.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for mounting glass panels with the features of claim 1 & 3. A mounting system of the invention is provided by the features of claim 7. The invention furthermore also relates to a method for mounting glass panel or plurality of glass panels using corner clip or channel clip, wherein the method has the features of claim 18 & 19. Further features of the invention emerge from the following description, the claims and/or the attached figures.

[0011] The current invention permits to install the glass panel without the need of a plywood drywalls, additional aluminium frames, and glue. The glass panel can be fixed directly on to the mounting surface such as concrete walls. Hence installation is faster and curing time is completely eliminated. After mounting as per the current invention, the glass panel can be installed or replaced easily by removing few screws.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The present invention can be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 includes a three dimensional view of the corner clip along with the first support member, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1A includes a cross sectional view of the corner clip along with the first support member, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure .

[0015] FIG. 2 includes a three dimensional view of the channel clip along with the first support member, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 A includes a cross sectional view of the channel clip along with the first support member, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [0017] FIG. 3 includes a three dimensional view of the glass mounting assembly using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3A includes a cross sectional view of the glass mounting assembly using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3B includes a cross sectional view showing the vinyl sheet along with the glass panel, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3C includes a three dimensional view of the glass mounting assembly using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 includes a three dimensional view showing the various components of the glass mounting assembly using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 includes a three dimensional view of the glass mounting assembly using the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5A includes a cross sectional view of the glass mounting assembly using the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5B includes a cross sectional view showing the vinyl sheet along with the glass panel, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 includes a three dimensional bottom view of the glass mounting assembly using the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 includes a three dimensional view showing the various components of the glass mounting assembly using the channel clip, according to another

embodiment of the present disclosure. [0027] FIG. 8 depicts the shear strength result of the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts the pull out strength result of the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts the shear strength result of the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts the failure mode results of various materials used as channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12 includes the process of mounting glass panel using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 13 includes the process of mounting glass panel using the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

[0034] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

[0035] The main aspect of the invention is to provide a device for holding glass panel comprising a mounting clip and a first support member disposed between the mounting clip and the mounting surface such as a concrete wall, ceilings, floors or a wooden or similar surface.

[0036] For another aspect, the invention discloses a system for mounting glass panel. The system can be used to mount a single glass panel or a plurality of glass panels. A mounting clip is provided for mounting the single glass panel or a plurality of glass panels on the mounting surface and a first support member placed/disposed between the mounting clip and the mounting surface.

[0037] In yet another aspect, the invention discloses a system for mounting glass panel on to the mounting surface using one or more corner clip or channels clip or combinations thereof.

[0038] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of mounting glass panel using a corner clip. This includes the steps of mounting the base on all four corners and then attaching the gripper. Afterwards the glass panel is placed on the gripper to securely hold the glass panel and finally the gripper is secured to the base of the corner clip.

[0039] In yet another aspect, the invention discloses a method of mounting glass panel using a channel clip. The steps include the mounting the single sided clip of the channel clip and then placing the glass panel on the single sided clip. Afterwards the double sided clip is fixing on the top of the glass panel to securely hold the glass panel. [0040] In yet another aspect, once mounted the glass panel can be replaced or removed easily by removing few screws.

Detailed Description

[0041] The following description, in combination with the figures, is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This discussion is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings.

[0042] The term "averaged," when referring to a value, is intended to mean an average, a geometric mean, or a median value. As used herein, the terms

"comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but can include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. As used herein, the phrase "consists essentially of or "consisting essentially of means that the subject that the phrase describes does not include any other components that substantially affect the property of the subject.

[0043] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). [0044] The use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

[0045] Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range. When the terms "about" or "approximately" precede a numerical value, such as when describing a numerical range, it is intended that the exact numerical value is also included. For example, a numerical range beginning at "about 25" is intended to also include a range that begins at exactly 25. Moreover, it will be appreciated that references to values stated as "at least about," "greater than," "less than," or "not greater than" can include a range of any minimum or maximum value noted therein.

[0046] The term "Mounting clip" refers to a device for mounting the glass panel on a mounting surface which comprises a corner clip, a channel clip or combinations thereof.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and can be found in textbooks and other sources. [0048] Mounting clip of the current invention is designed to mount the glass panel 310 on a mounting surface 330. The mounting surface 330 can be even such as wooden or uneven surface such as concrete walls. The mounting clip is used to hold the glass panel 310 on the mounting surface 330 with minimal exposure outside. This helps to maintain certain level of aesthetic appeal to interiors. The mounting clip is typically used for interior applications and the same can be extended to external applications of a building. According to an embodiment, the mounting clip can be a corner clip 100 to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330. According to an embodiment, the mounting clip can be a channels clip 200 to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330. According to an embodiment, the mounting clip can be a combination of one or more corner clip 100 or channels clip 200 to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330.

[0049] The corner clip 100 is designed to mechanically hold the glass panel 310 in all the four corners of the mounting surface 330. This corner clip 100 has two sections the base 120 and the gripper 110 as shown in FIG.l. The gripper 110 can slide through dovetail slider 140 on the base 120 and the motion of the corner clip 100 can be arrested by using a screw 410 at the corner on the gripper 110 section.

[0050] The base 120 has flush type screw holes 150 by which the corner clip 100 can be fastened to the mounting surface 330. In this way using four channel clips 100 from four corners of the glass panel 310 can be firmly mounted on a mounting surface 330. The corner clip 100 is ideal to mount a small or a large glass panel 310 for decorative or writing board applications. .

[0051] FIG. 1A illustrates the cross sectional view of the device for holding the glass panel 310 comprising corner clip 100 along with a first support member 130. The first support member 130 comprises a compressible material, and an adhesive layer. The compressible material is selected from the group comprising of foam, rubber, PVC, and a combination thereof.

[0052] A schematic view of the channel clip 200 is shown in FIG. 2. This provides the three dimensional view of the double sided clip 201 and single sided clip 202. An extruded profile with an edge shape shown in figure is used to grasp the edges of an edge chamfered and polished glass. The channel clip 200 holds the glass in the horizontal side and there are no holding structural members in the vertical direction as shown in FIG.2. The double sided clip 201 of the channel clip 200 further provides an I-gripper 220 and base 210. I-gripper 220 provides the necessary support for holding the glass panel 310 at the top. The single sided clip 202 of the channel clip 200 further provides a L-gripper 240 and base 250. L-gripper 240 provides the necessary support for holding the glass panel 310 at the bottom.

[0053] FIG. 2A illustrates the cross sectional view of the device for holding the glass panel 310 comprising channel clip 200 along with a first support member 230. The cross section provided the clear view of the I-gripper 220 & L-gripper 240. The first support member 230 comprises a compressible material, and an adhesive layer. The compressible material is selected from the group comprising of foam, rubber, PVC, and a combination thereof.

[0054] The system of the current invention comprises of various components. The current system can be used for installing glass panel 310. The system also provides the necessary options for mounting the glass panel 310 on uneven surfaces.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the system may comprise of one or more corner clip 100 to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330. According to another embodiment, the system may comprise of one or more channel clip 200 to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330. According to another embodiment, the system may comprise of one or more corner clip 100 or channel clip 200 or combinations thereof to mount glass panel 310 on to the mounting surface 330.

[0056] A system utilizing the corner clip is shown in FIG. 3 which uses four corner clips 100 for fixing glass panel 310. The mounting surface 330 can be an even surface or an uneven surface. This invention utilizes a second support member 320 for providing cushioning effect between the glass panel 310 and the mounting surface 330. In addition to this, this further helps to mount on the uneven mounting surface 330. The second support member 320 comprises a compressible material, and an adhesive layer. The compressible material is selected from the group comprising of foam, rubber, PVC, and a combination thereof. This second support member 320 can be selected based on the hardness and other properties of the mounting surface 330.

[0057] A cross section view of this system is depicted in FIG. 3A for better understanding. An another view (FIG. 3B) shows that the glass panel 310 also utilizes a vinyl sheet 340 for holding the glass pieces intact in case of any damage to the glass panel 310 . This helps to safeguard from falling of the broken glass pieces during any breakage to glass panel 310.

[0058] FIG. 3C shows a three dimensional view of the system mounted on a mounting surface 330.

[0059] The various components of the system for mounting glass panel 310 utilizing the corner clip 100 is shown in FIG.4. This three dimensional view shows the glass panel 310 is mounted on gripper 110 which is seated above the base 120 using the dovetail slider 140. The first support member 130 provides the necessary cushioning effect for the corner clip 100. The screw 410 provided to securely hold the glass panel 310 with in the gripper 110. [0060] The base 120 has flush type screw holes 150 by which the corner clip 100 can be fastened to the mounting surface 330. Alternatively the base 120 can be mounted on to a mounting surface 330 using other methods such as glues, tapes, or other suitable mounting methods.

[0061] The system further utilizes a channel clip 200 for mounting the glass panel 310 as shown in FIG. 5 which uses two channel clips 200 namely double sided clip 201 and single sided clip 202 for fixing the glass panel 310. The mounting surface 330 can be an even surface or an uneven surface. This invention utilizes the second support member 320 for providing cushioning effect between the glass panel 310 and the mounting surface 330. In addition to this, this further helps to mount on the uneven mounting surface 330.

[0062] A cross section view of this system is depicted in FIG. 5A for clear understanding. An another view (FIG. 5B) shows that the glass panel 310 also utilizes a vinyl sheet 340 for holding the glass pieces intact in case of any damage to the glass panel 310.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a three dimensional bottom view of the system for mounting the glass panel 310 utilizing the channel clip 200. This view clearly shows the first support member 230 placed in between the mounting surface and the channel clip 200. Both the double sided clip 201 and the single sided clips 202 are provided with screw holes 150 by which the double sided clip 201 and the single sided clips 202 are fastened to the mounting surface 330. Alternatively the double sided clip 201 and the single sided clip 202 are mounted on to a mounting surface 330 using other methods such as glues, tapes, or other suitable mounting methods.

[0064] The various components of the system for mounting the glass panel 310 utilizing the channel clip 200 is shown in FIG.7. This three dimensional view shows the glass panel 310 is mounted on the mounting surface 330 using the channel clip 200. The first support member 230 provides the necessary cushioning effect for the channel clip 200. This invention utilizes further utilizes the second support member 320 for providing cushioning effect between the glass panel 310 and the mounting surface 330. In addition to this, this second support member 320 further helps to mount on the uneven mounting surface 330.

[0065] In another embodiment of the invention, the I-gripper 220 and L-gripper 240 sections of the channel clip 200 can be of various shapes based on the edge shape of the glass panel 310 to be mounted. In an example, four different shapes 855, 865, 875, and 885 of glass panel 310 are demonstrated in FIG. 8. In addition to this, the corresponding I-grippers 810, 820, 830, and 840 are also provided along with the corresponding L-grippers 850, 860, 870, and 880.

[0066] Similar to the example shown here the corner clip is also capable to holding glass panel 310 with various edge shapes shown in the FIG. 8 or any other special shapes. The gripper section will have the same shape of the glass panel 310 edge shape, to be mounted.

[0067] A plywood board of 280mm x 250mm size and 18mm thickness is used as substrate to hold the test corner clip 100. Four corner clips 100 are used to hold a 150mm x 150mm glass panel 310 of 6mm thickness. Each corner clip 100 is fastened to the plywood board using two wood screws. The flat glass panel 310 is then replaced with an equivalent steel plate so that the load bearing capacity of screws and corner clip 100 can be measured. The corner clip 100 used in this test is made of Aluminum 5052 alloy using machining process and is give a golden color coating through anodisation process. [0068] FIG. 9 depicts the shear strength result of the corner clip. During the shear test the nylon side screws failed after taking a maximum shear load of 250 kg. The maximum load carrying capacity of the individual corner clip will be around 100-125 kg irrespective of the span.

[0069] The test setup is similar to the setup used for the shear test. In this case the plywood substrate is held firmly by the INSTRON 5982 universal testing machine, the flat glass panel 310 has been replaced with an equivalent steel plate with extended holding grip at the centre. The holding grip is pulled by the INSTRON 5982 universal testing machine at a rate of lmm/min.

[0070] FIG. 10 depicts the pull out strength result of the corner clip. In the pullout strength test the nylon side screw failed during the test after taking a maximum load of 200 kg.

[0071] This study shows that the shear strength and the pullout strength tests conducted on the corner clip 100 system shows that it is capable of taking a shear load of 250kgf when four corner clips 100 are used for installation. They can also take a pullout load of 200kgf. Typically the glass panel 310 is much lighter than these values. For example a 1000mm x 1000mm glass panel with 6mm thickness will weigh 15kg. The weight of 3000mm x 3000mm glass panel having 6mm thickness will weigh 135kg. Majority of glass panel 310 are manufactured at sizes less than 3000mm x 3000mm dimension due to the manufacturing limitations of such glass panel 310 and difficulties in handling and transport. Hence even considering the 3000mm x 3000mm x 6mm size there is a safety factor of 1.5. Hence the corner clip 100 can be considered safe for installation of standard sizes of glass panel 310 available from the factory as well as from the open market. [0072] A plywood board of 280mm x 250mm size and 18mm thickness is used as substrate to hold the test channel clip 200. One single sided channel clip 202 and one double sided channel clip 201 is used to hold a 150mm x 150mm glass panel of 6mm thickness. The channel clip 200 is fastened to the plywood board using two wood screws in the bottom and two in the top. The Flat glass is then replaced with an equivalent steel plate so that the load bearing capacity of screws and channel clip 200 can be measured. The channel clip 200 used in this test is made of Aluminum 5052 alloy using machining process and is anodized to prevent corrosion.

[0073] The maximum load carrying capacity of the single channel clip 200 for 1mm deformation is found to be 150kgf for the first trial.

[0074] This study related to evaluation of shear strength properties of glass panel 310 and mounting channel clip 200 on plywood material. The channel clip 200 made up of different engineering polymer materials such as Nylocast, Acrylic, Derlin, polypropylene and polycarbonate. A new test method has been developed to understand the load carrying capability of the channel clip 200 by a shear pull using specially designed steel plates. The samples are studied on a universal testing machine at a deformation rate of lmm/min. The maximum shear failure load and the deformation of the channel clip 200 is recorded during the study. The peak failure load and load to deform 1mm are used for understanding the strength of this channel clip 200 under shear load. It is observed that the Delrin samples has better strength both during failure as well as at 1mm deformation level (key requirement as per the channel clip 200) followed by polycarbonate and other samples. The results are provided hereunder in Table 1. [0075]

Table 1:

[0076] Tests are performed on an INSTRON 5982 universal testing machine by using a tensile fixture. Though the final application is for holding the glass panel , a 150 mm x 150 mm specially designed steel plate is used to apply a shear load to the channel clip 200 (Schematic is shown in Fig. 1) throughout the experiments.

[0077] Schematic representation of newly developed shear test method for channel clip 200.

The parameters/conditions used for the study are as follows,

Load cell used: 100 kN

Deformation rate: lmm/min

Distance between channel clip 200: 150 mm [0078] The result obtained after the shear strength test of the channel clip 200 is shown in FIG.ll. It is observed that the Delrin and Polycarbonate channel clip 200 will have similar strengths under shear load. Since the projection clearance for the channel clip 200 is only 1 mm, it is more important to look at the load required to deform the channel clip 200 for 1 mm. Hence, for a maximum deformation of 1mm, Delrin has shown at least 7% higher strength compared to that of polycarbonate. The failure modes for most of the samples are similar and have shown yielding failure near the screws which connects the channel clip 200 and the base substrate

(plywood). The failure mode for various samples is performed by brittle breakage and is shown in FIG.12. Load-deformation response of different single channel glass mounting channel clip 200 under shear pull load.

[0079] The maximum load carrying capability of Acrylic material for the channel clip 200 is 3 to 4 times lower compared to the other such as Nylocast, Delrin, Polypropylene and Polycarbonate.. Delrin and Polycarbonate are preferred candidates for manufacturing channel clip 200 due to its color matching with the glass panel 310 and transparent nature respectively. One or more materials such as polyester, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, polyimide, PEEK is also preferred to manufacture corner clip 100 and channel clip 200.

Example 1:

[0080] The process 1300 of mounting glass panel using the corner clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted in FIG.13. The corner clip 100 is used to install glass panel 310 by mechanically holding the glass panel 310 in four corners on the mounting surface 330. This glass installation process 1300 further comprises the step 1310 of pasting first support member 130 on the base 120 and also pasting one or more second support member 320 on the glass panel 310 to give support to the glass panel 310 as well as counter the uneven surface of the mounting surface 330. Then marking hole location for each comer clip 100, drilling holes and then then mounting the comer clip 100. Two adjacent comer clips 100 are mounted at first and then glass panel 310 is slid in to those comer clips 100. Then the other two comer clips 100 are mounted 1320 to firmly hold the glass panel 310 on the mounting surface 330.

[0081] A horizontal base line has to be marked on the mounting surface 330 of installation using a spirit level or laser plumb line. The glass panel 310 to be mounted is placed on the mounting surface 330 with its bottom aligned to the horizontal line marked on the mounting surface 330. Then the comer clip 100 assembly is inserted in to the four comers of the glass panel 310 in the same way how it will appear after installation. Then with the comer clip 100 in position a sharp pencil is used to mark the edges of the comer clip 100 on the mounting surface 330 so that later base 120 can be placed and hole location can be marked.

[0082] Glass panel 310 is then removed and the hole locations are marked and drilled to insert wall pegs. The bottom left and right comer clip 100 assembly is mounted on the mounting surface 330 with the slide arresting comer screw 410 firmly tightened 1330. Then the top comer clip 100 bases are fixed on the wall using the holes drilled before. Next the glass panel 310 is inserted in to the bottom comer clip 100 and held in position. Now the top comer clip 100 holding sections are slided diagonally from the comers to hold the glass panel 310 firmly 1340. The slide arresting screw 410 is installed on the top comer clip 100 and firmly tightened to prevent slipping 1350. This completes the glass installation and it is ready for use 1360. Example 2:

[0083] The process 1400 of mounting glass panel using the channel clip, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted in FIG.14. The channel clip 200 is used to install glass panel 310 by mechanically holding the glass panel 310 at the bottom and top edges. The glass panel 310 installation process comprising the step of pasting 1410 the first support member 230 on the base 210 of the single sided clip 202 and the base 250 of the double sided clip 201 and one or more second support member 320 is pasted on the rear side of the glass panel 310 to give support to the glass panel 310 as well as counter the uneven mounting surface 330. Then marking hole location for the channel clip 200 having a double sided clip 201 and a single sided clip 202, drilling holes and then then mounting the channel clip 200. The single sided clip 202 is mounted at first 1420 and then glass panel 310 is slid 1430 in to the L-gripper 240. Then the top double sided clip 201 is mounted to firmly hold the glass panel 310 in place 1440. The glass panel 310 can be installed using two double sided clips 201 or one single sided clip 202 and one double sided clip 201.

[0084] A horizontal base line has to be marked on the wall of installation using a spirit level or laser plumb line. The single sided clip 202 with support cushion is placed on the wall and aligned to the horizontal base line. The channel clip screw holes 150 are marked on the walls and holes are drilled and pegged. Using screws the bottom channel clip 200 is firmly mounted on the wall.

[0085] A flat surface such as a metal rod or ruler is used to ensure that the channel clip screws are not excessively tightened to prevent following the walls uneven shape. The glass panel 310 to be mounted is slid in to the single sided clip 202 from the top. Sliding from the side of the channel clip should be avoided to prevent making scratches on the lacquer surface behind the glass. After the glass is placed on the single sided clip 202, then the top double sided clip 201 is placed 1450 on the top edge of the glass using I-gripper 220. Now a sharp pencil is used to mark the hole locations for the double sided clip 201. After hole locations are marked, then the glass panel 310 and double sided clip 201 is removed and holes are drilled and pegged. Again the glass panel 310 is placed in position and double sided clip 201 is fixed using screws to hold the glass panel 310 firmly. Now the glass installation is complete 1460.

[0086] Optionally a suitable rubber coating needs to be applied to metal channel gripping edges where glass and the grip come in contact with each other. This will reduce chances of glass breakage on impacts during and after installation.

[0087] In the foregoing, reference to specific embodiments and the connections of certain components is illustrative. It will be appreciated that reference to components as being coupled or connected is intended to disclose either direct connection between said components or indirect connection through one or more intervening components as will be appreciated to carry out the methods as discussed herein. As such, the above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the present invention. Moreover, not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity cannot be required, and that one or more further activities can be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0088] The disclosure is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing disclosure, certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any sub combination. Still, inventive subject matter can be directed to less than all features of any of the disclosed embodiments.

[0089] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0090] Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0091] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed herein. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

List of Elements

Title: A System and Method for Installing Glass Panel

100 Corner clip

110 Gripper

120 Base

130 First support member of corner clip

140 Dovetail slider

150 Screw holes

200 Channel clip

201 Double sided channel clip

202 Single sided channel clip

210 Base of double sided channel clip

220 I-gripper

230 First support member of channel clip

240 L-gripper

250 Base of single sided channel clip

310 Glass panel

320 Second support member

330 Mounting surface

340 Vinyl sheet

410 Screw

810 Modified I-gripper

820 Modified I-gripper

830 Modified I-gripper

840 Modified I-gripper

850 Modified L-gripper 855 Glass panel edge shape 860 Modified L-gripper 865 Glass panel edge shape 870 Modified L-gripper 875 Glass panel edge shape 880 Modified L-gripper 885 Glass panel edge shape 1300 Method

1310 Step

1320 Step

1330 Step

1340 Step

1350 Step

1360 Step

1400 Step

1410 Method

1420 Step

1430 Step

1440 Step

1450 Step

1460 Step

Not Furnished Upon Filing

Claims

claimed is,

A device for holding glass panel comprising:

a base comprising mounting holes for mounting on the mounting surface; a gripper for holding glass panel;

a dovetail slider attached to the said base for sliding gripper above the base; and

a corner screw for securing the said gripper above the base.

The device as per claim 1, wherein the angle between the gripper surface is atleast about 10 degree and up to 180 degree.

A device for holding glass panel comprising:

a single sided base comprising mounting holes for mounting on the mounting surface, and a gripper for holding glass panel; and

a double sided base comprising mounting holes for mounting on the mounting surface, and a gripper for holding glass panels.

The device as per claim 3, wherein the gripper comprises a L-gripper or a T- gripper.

The device as per claim 1 and 3, wherein the device is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, wood, or combination thereof.

The material as per claim 5, wherein the plastic comprises nylocast, delrin, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyester, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, polyimide, PEEK, or combination thereof. A system for mounting glass panel, comprising:

a single glass panel or a plurality of glass panels;

a mounting clip for mounting the single glass panel or a plurality of glass panels on the mounting surface; and

a first support member disposed between the mounting clip and the mounting surface.

The system for mounting glass panel of claim 7, wherein the glass panel comprises a tempered glass, a lacquered glass, a toughened glass, an annealed sheet glass, a mechanically strengthened glass, or a combinations thereof.

The system of claim 7, wherein the mounting surface comprises a regular surface or an irregular surface.

The system of claim 7, wherein the mounting clip comprises a corner clip, a channel clip or combinations thereof.

The system of claim 7, wherein the first support member comprises a compressible material, and an adhesive layer.

The first support member of claim 11, wherein the compressible material is selected from the group comprising of foam, rubber, PVC, and a combination thereof.

The system of claim 7, further comprises a second support member disposed between the glass panel and the mounting surface.

The system of claim 7, wherein the second support member comprises a compressible material, and an adhesive layer. The second support member of claim 14, wherein the compressible material is selected from the group comprising of foam, rubber, PVC, and a combination thereof.

The system of claim 7, further comprises a thin sheet disposed between the glass panel and the second support member.

The system of claim 7, wherein the thin sheet comprises of vinyl sheet, polyethylene sheet, polyester sheet, polypropylene sheet, any plastic films or combinations thereof.

A method of mounting glass panel using a corner clip, comprising the steps of:

mounting the base on all four corners on the mounting surface;

attaching the gripper to the base of the bottom corner clips;

placing the glass panel on the gripper of the bottom corner clips to hold the glass panel;

attaching the gripper to the base of the top corner clips; and

securing the gripper to the base using the screw.

A method of mounting glass panel using a channel clip, comprising the steps of:

mounting the single sided clip on the mounting surface;

placing the glass panel on the gripper of the single sided clip;

fixing double sided clip on the mounting surface; and

securing the glass panel on the gripper of the double sided clip.