GB2393193A

GB2393193A - A panel securement apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2393193A
Application number: GB0321015A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John David Carroll
Original assignee: UCM TIMBER
Current assignee: UCM TIMBER
Priority date: 2002-09-20
Filing date: 2003-09-09
Publication date: 2004-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-09
Also published as: GB0221824D0; GB2393193B; GB0321015D0

Abstract

A construction unit (10 fig. 1) comprises a number of panels 12, 14 which are secured together with securement apparatus. The securement apparatus comprising first securement means (16 fig. 1) to secure a first edge 11 of the panel and second securement means (18 fig. 1) to secure a second edge (17 fig 1.) of the panel 12,14. The first securement means (16 fig. 1) being arranged, in use, to provide a push fit join for the panel 12,14 within the assembly, the panel 12,14 being movable from an unsecured position to a second position causing the first securement means (16 fig 1.) and the second securement means (18 fig. 1) to both secure the panel 12,14 within the assembly. The first securement means (16 fig. 1) may comprise a male member 20 for engagement with a female member 22 and the second securement means (18 fig. 1) may comprise a slide securement arrangement. This apparatus may be used in the construction of a conservatory wall.

Description

1 2393193

SECUREMENT APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

5 The present invention relates to securement apparatus, an assembly comprising securement apparatus, a construction unit comprising securement apparatus and a method of securing a panel in a construction unit.

10 Background to the Invention

Conventional means and methods of securing conservatory panels together or to a framework comprise screws or nails. Accordingly, such panels take time and skill to be 15 correctly installed and the screws and nails are also susceptible to failure and erosion or rusting. In addition, the screws or nails are spaced apart and, therefore, the securement is not continuous and is only secured in discrete locations. This increases the forces 20 on the individual securement elements which may increase the risk of failure of the securement.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred

25 to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there 30 is provided securement apparatus for securing a first panel within an assembly, the securement apparatus comprising first securement means to secure a first edge of the panel and second securement means to secure a

second edge of the panel, the first securement means being arranged, in use, to provide a push fit join for the panel within the assembly, the panel being movable from an unsecured position to a secured position causing the first 5 securement means and the second securement means to both secure the panel within the assembly.

Preferably the first securement means secures the panel in a lateral plane and preferably not in a longitudinal 10 plane. Preferably the second securement means secures the panel in a longitudinal plane and preferably not in a lateral plane. Preferably the first securement means and/or the second securement means secure the panel in a horizontal plane.

Preferably the first edge of the panel is at an angle to the second edge of the panel. Preferably the first edge of the panel is substantially perpendicular to the second edge of the panel.

Preferably the first edge of the panel is a lateral edge of the panel.

Preferably the second edge of the panel is an edge on one 25 longitudinal end of the panel. The second edge of the panel may comprise the lower edge of the panel. The second edge of the panel may comprise an upper edge of the panel. 30 Preferably the panel is movable laterally from the unsecured position to the secured position in which the first securement means and the second securement means secure the panel within the assembly.

Preferably in the secured position the panel is prevented or inhibited from moving in a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction. Preferably in the secured 5 position the first securement means is arranged to prevent or inhibit lateral movement (or sideways movement) of the panel and the second securement means is arranged to prevent longitudinal movement (or vertical movement) of the panel.

Preferably in the second position the panel is prevented or inhibited in moving in a horizontal plane. Preferably the second securement means prevents or inhibits movement of the panel in a horizontal plane. Additionally or 15 alternatively, the first securement means in the secured position may prevent movement of the panel in a horizontal plane. Preferably the panel is secured by two first securement 20 means. Preferably one first securement means is arranged to secure one edge of the panel and the other first securement means is arranged to secure an opposite edge of the panel. One first securement means may secure a first lateral edge of the panel and the other first securement 25 means may be arranged to secure the second lateral edge of the panel. For example, the first securement means may be arranged to secure the left edge of the panel and the other first securement means may be arranged to secure the right edge of the panel.

The first securement means preferably comprises a male member for engagement with a female member.

The male member is preferably elongate. The male member preferably extends for substantially the full length of the first edge of the panel.

5 Preferably the male member comprises two engagement surfaces for engaging with cooperating engagement surfaces provided by a female member. Preferably the two engagement surfaces are spaced apart. Preferably the two engagement surfaces are movable relative to each other.

10 Preferably the two engagement surfaces are biased towards a first position. The two engagement surfaces may be arranged to be urged from a first position to a second position and preferably towards each other whilst the panel is being moved from an unsecured position to a 15 secured position and thereafter arranged to be urged towards the first position when in the secured position.

Preferably the engagement surface comprises teeth defined thereon. Preferably the teeth are shaped to enable the 20 engagement surfaces of the male member to move over engagement surfaces of the female member whilst the panel is being moved from the unsecured position to the secured position and may be shaped to prevent or inhibit the engagement surfaces of the male member moving over the 25 engagement surfaces of the female member from the secured position towards the unsecured position.

Preferably the teeth comprise saw teeth.

30 Preferably the male member comprises a resilient material.

The male member may comprise a plastics

The male member may be provided on mounting means. The mounting means may enable the male member to be mounted to the panel or to an assembly and preferably to an edge of the panel or to an edge of the assembly.

Preferably the male member comprises two elongate members.

Preferably the first elongate member provides the first engagement surface and the second elongate member may provide the second engagement surface. Preferably the 10 engagement surfaces are provided on outer surfaces of the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

The first securement means may comprise a female member for engagement with a male member.

The female member is preferably elongate. The female member preferably extends for substantially the full length of an edge of the panel.

20 Preferably the female member comprises two engagement surfaces for engaging with co-operating engagement surfaces provided in the male member. Preferably the two engagement surfaces of the female member are spaced apart.

Preferably the two engagement surfaces of the female 25 member are movable relative to each other. Preferably the two engagement surfaces of the female member are biased towards a first position. The two engagement surfaces of the female member may be arranged to be urged from a first position to a second position and preferably away from 30 each other whilst the panel is being moved from an unsecured position to a secured position and may be arranged to be urged towards the first position when in the secured position.

Preferably the engagement surfaces comprise a raised tooth and may comprise a series of raised teeth. Preferably the tooth or series of teeth are shaped to enable the 5 engagement surfaces of the female member to move one engagement surfaces of the male member whilst the panel is being moved from the unsecured position to the secured position and may be shaped to prevent or inhibit the engagement surfaces of the female member moving over the 10 engagement surfaces of the male member from the secured position towards the unsecured position.

The tooth or series of teeth may comprise a saw tooth or a series of saw teeth.

Preferably the female member comprises a resilient material. The female member may comprise a plastics.

The female member may be provided on mounting means. The 20 mounting means may enable the female member to be mounted to the panel or to an assembly and preferably to the edge of a panel or to an edge of an assembly.

Preferably the female member comprises two elongate 25 members. Preferably the first elongate member provides the first engagement surface and the second elongate member may provide the second engagement surface.

Preferably the engagement surfaces are provided on inner opposing surfaces of the first elongate member and the 30 second elongate member.

The panel may comprise a male member on one lateral edge and a female member on a second lateral edge.

Preferably the second securement means comprises a slide securement arrangement.

The second securement means may comprise a projecting 5 element for engagement with a corresponding securement recess. The projecting element may comprise a shaft and a head located on the end thereof. The head may be arranged to 10 locate in the securement recess.

The securement recess may comprise an elongate slot. The width of the slot may vary. Preferably slot has an insertion region allowing the head of the projecting 15 element to pass therethrough and a retaining region which prevents the head passing therethrough.

Preferably the head is passed through the insertion region and the panel is then moved from the unsecured position to 20 the secured position in order to move the head to the retaining region in order to secure the panel. Preferably the movement of the panel is a lateral movement of the panel and the second securement means may secure to the panel in a longitudinal direction.

Preferably the second securement means provides guide means or alignment means for guiding the first securement means into a secured position.

30 The projecting element may comprise a spigot.

Preferably the projecting element comprises a metal and preferably comprises steel.

Preferably the securement recess is provided by a part of the assembly and preferably on an edge of the assembly.

The securement recess may be provided on a cill.

The second securement member may comprise two projecting elements for engagement with two corresponding securement recesses. Preferably each projecting element is provided on the same edge of the panel.

The projecting element may comprise a head located on an extending portion. Preferably the cross-section of the head is greater than the cross-section of the elongate portion in at least one plane. Preferably the cross 15 section of the head is greater than the cross-section of the extending portion in all planes. Preferably the cross-section of the head forms a substantially concentric circle with the cross-section of the extending portion.

20 Preferably the recess provides an aperture for a part of the projecting element to project therethrough.

Preferably the aperture is elongate and thereby defines a slot which may provide a first portion to enable a part of the projecting element to pass therethrough and a second 25 portion to prevent a part of the projecting element passing therethrough. Preferably the projecting element moves from the first portion to the second portion as the panel moves from an unsecured position to a secured position. The aperture or slot may be defined by a cover 30 plate located over the recess.

Preferably the second securement means comprises two projecting elements for engaging with two securement

recesses. Preferably both projecting elements and securement recesses are arranged to secure one edge and preferably the lower edge of the panel.

5 Preferably the panel comprises a conservatory panel for use in constructing a conservatory wall.

Preferably a part of the panel may be glazed.

10 The panel may comprise a window or may comprise a door.

The panel may comprise a timber panel or may comprise a UPVC panel.

15 Preferably a part of the panel is not glazed.

Preferably the panel is arranged, in use, to be secured to an adjacent panel. Preferably the panel is arranged to be secured to a laterally adjacent panel. The panel may be 20 secured to two adjacent panels and may be secured to two laterally adjacent panels.

The panel may be arranged, in use, to be secured to a wall. The wall may provide a first part of the first 25 securement means to engage with a second part of a first securement means provided on the panel. The wall may have a male member or a female member mounted thereto.

A securement member comprising a male member or female 30 member may be arranged to secure the panel to an adjacent panel and/or a wall. The securement member may comprise an elongate member which is arranged, in use, to be secured within the assembly preferably to a wall of the

assembly, and to provide a male and/or female member for securing a panel within the assembly.

The securement member may provide a male member on one 5 side thereof and a female member on a second side thereof.

The securement member may be used to secure the panel at an angle to the wall or a panel. For example the plane of the male member may be at an angle to the plane of the female member.

The panel may be secured to the wall and/or an adjacent panel at an angle thereto. The panel may be secured to a securement member or an interconnector which forms an angle between the panel and an adjacent panel and/or a 15 wall. The interconnector may provide a first part of first securement means on one side thereof and a second part of first securement means on a second side thereof wherein one side is at an angle to the second side. For example, the interconnector may have a male member at an 20 angle to a female member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel is secured to the 25 second panel by securement apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a construction unit including a panel, the 30 panel being secured therein by securement apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing a panel in a construction unit comprising moving the panel from an unsecured position to a secured position in order for 5 first securement means on a first edge and second securement means on a second edge to secure the securement panel therein.

Preferably the method comprises securing the panel with a 10 push fit securement.

Preferably the method comprises moving the panel in a lateral direction in order for the first securement means and the second securement means to secure the panel.

Preferably the method comprises preventing or inhibiting movement of the panel from the secured position to the unsecured position. Preferably the method comprises preventing or inhibiting movement of the panel in a 20 lateral direction and/or a longitudinal direction and/or a horizontal direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

25 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a conservatory wall 30 secured to a building with an embodiment of securement apparatus.

Flqure 2 is a cross-section of a part of a conservatory wall secured to a building with an embodiment of securement apparatus.

5 Figure 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 6 is a top view of a first side of an 15 embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 7 is a top view of a second side of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

20 Figure 8 is a top view of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 10 is a side view of a lower edge of an embodiment of a conservatory panel.

Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a wall of a 30 building.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an elongate male member connected to a first panel and an elongate female member connected to a second panel.

5 Figure 13 is a cross-section of an elongate male member and an elongated female member.

Figure 14 is a cross-section of an elongate male member connected to a first panel engaged with an elongate 10 female member connected to a second panel.

Figure IS is a perspective view of a cover plate.

Figure 16 is a plan view of a cover plate.

Figure 17 is a side view of a cover plate.

Figure 18 is an end view of a cover plate.

20 Figure 19 is a perspective view of a projecting element. Figure 20 is a plan view of a projecting element.

25 Figure 21 is a side view of a projecting element.

Figure 22 is an end view of a projecting element.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a projecting 30 element mounted to a first panel and a cover plate mounted to a second panel.

Figure 24 is a cross-section of a further alternative embodiment of an elongate member and an elongate female member. 5 Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As shown in Figure 1, a construction unit 10 comprises a number of panels 12, 14 which are secured together with securement apparatus. In addition, the securement 10 apparatus secures the panel within the construction unit 10. In particular, a number of conservatory panels 12, 14 are secured to each other to form a wall for a conservatory. The lateral edges of adjacent conservatory panels 12, 14 are secured to each other by first 15 securement means 16 whilst the lower edges of the conservatory panels are secured to a cill 21 by second securement means 18. In addition, the lateral edges 11,15 of the outermost conservatory panels are secured by the first securement means 16 to the building.

The securement provided by the first securement means 16 comprises a male member 20 and a corresponding female member 22, as shown in Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 12 to 14. The first securement means 16 is arranged to provide 25 a push fit and especially a snap fit securement between adjacent panels 12, 14 or between one panel and a part of the construction unit. The male member 20 comprises an elongate member which extends along a first lateral edge 11 of the conservatory panel 12. Similarly, the female 30 member 22 comprises an elongate member which extends along a second lateral edge 15 of an adjacent conservatory panel 14. The male member 20 and the female member 22

preferably extend for substantially the full height or longitudinal length of the conservatory panel 12, 14.

The male member 20 comprises two substantially parallel 5 flanges 24, 26 which are arranged to project outwardly away from the conservatory panel 12. The flanges 24, 26 may be provided on a mounting means in the form of an elongate mounting strip 28 which is produced separately from the conservatory panel 12. The mounting strip 28 is 10 secured to a first lateral edge 11 of the conservatory panel 12 by mounting elements in the form of screws 29 which project through securement apertures provided in the mounting strip 28. The screws 24 then project into the conservatory panel 12 in order to secure the male member 15 20 to the first lateral edge 11 of the conservatory panel 12. The flanges 24, 26 extend substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the first lateral edge 11 of the 20 conservatory panel 12 for example, the flanges 24, 26 are in substantially the same plane as the panel. The flanges 24, 26 comprise a resilient material and can be moved relative towards or away from each other. The outer surfaces of the flanges 24, 26 comprise engagement means 25 in the form of shaped engagement surfaces 30, 32. In particular, the engagement surfaces 30,32 comprise teeth or raised elongate projections in order to engage with a corresponding engagement surface 38, 40 provided by a respective female member 22.

The female member 22 is also provided with mounting means in order to mount the female member 22 to the panel 12, 14. The female member 22 is mounted using the mounting

means, to a second lateral side 15 of a conservatory panel 14. The mounting means comprises a mounting strip 35.

Again, the female member 22 is mounted using mounting elements in the form of screws 37 projecting through securement apertures provided in the mounting strip 35 and project into the conservatory panel 12, 14. Alternative mounting means may be used, for example an adhesive. In addition, auxiliary mounting means, for example an adhesive, may be used to supplement the mounting provided 10 by the screws.

The female member 22 comprises two flanges 34, 36 which preferably extend for substantially the full length of the female member 22 and the full longitudinal height of the 15 respective edge of the panel. The two flanges 34, 36 are arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to the surface of the second edge 15 of the conservatory panel 12, 14 i.e. the two flanges 34, 36 are substantially in the same plane as the panel. The inner surfaces of the 20 flanges 34, 36 are provided with engagement means in the form of a shaped engagement surface 38, 40. In particular, the inner surfaces are provided with a tooth or a series of teeth or raised projections in order to cooperate with and engage the corresponding engagement 25 surfaces 30, 32 provided on the outer surfaces of the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20.

The teeth on the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 and on the flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 are saw 30 teeth that enable the teeth to slide over each other in a first direction but to prevent movement in a second, opposite direction. In particular, the teeth enable the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 to be pushed into the

space defined between the two flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 and to thereby inhibit or prevent the male member 20 being removed from the female member 22.

5 The flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 may be resilient in order to aid the securement between the male member 20 and female member 22.

In use, the first lateral edge 11 of the first 10 conservatory panel 12 is moved towards a second lateral edge 15 of a second conservatory panel 14. Once the respective flanges 24, 26, 34, 36 are aligned, further movement causes the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 to move or deflect towards each other and/or the flanges 15 34, 36 of the female member 22 to move or deflect away from each other. The profile of the teeth on the flanges 24, 26, 34, 36 enable movement of the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 further in to the gap provided between the flanges 34, 36 of the female member 24 until an 20 abutment surface 42 of the first lateral edge 11 of the first conservatory panel 12 abuts an abutment surface 44 of the second lateral edge 15 of the second conservatory panel 14. Further movement is thereby prevented. The teeth of the male member 20 engage with a groove defined 25 by the tooth or teeth of the female member 22 to prevent or inhibit removal of the second conservatory panel 14 from the first conservatory panel 12. Accordingly, the first securement means 16 provides a simple push fit joint between two conservatory panels 12, 14 that is quick and 30 easy to utilise. In addition, the male member 20 and female member 22 can be secured to the respective conservatory panels 12, 14 "off site" and thereby significantly reduces time spent "on site". This is also

advantageous in that adverse weather conditions may be avoided which otherwise may occur if the construction "on site" was time consuming.

5 Furthermore, the panels can be fully glazed and finished with either paint or stain or varnish before being taken to the site. This means that most of the preparation work can be done in controlled conditions in a workshop and thereby reduces the time required "on site".

In an alternative embodiment, the flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 may be provided with a single projecting ridge or tooth, as shown in Figure 7, in order to engage with the teeth of the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 15 20.

In a further alternative embodiment, the elongate male member 22 and elongate female member 22 may comprise co-

operating surfaces to engage the elongate male member 20 20 to the elongate female member 22, as shown in Figure 24.

The flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 comprise inwardly facing raised or bent sections which project towards each other to decrease the space between the two flanges 34, 36 at that section. The bent sections are 25 generally V-shaped or U-shaped. Similarly, the flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 comprise outwardly facing raised or bent sections which project away from each other in order to increase the distance between the flanges 24, 26 at that section. The bent sections are generally V-

30 shaped or U-shaped.

As before, the male member 20 and female member 22 can be engaged by inserting the male member 20 into the female

member 22. The flanges 24, 26 of the male member 20 will flex inwardly and/or the flanges 34, 36 of the female member 22 will flex outwardly as the male member 20 is moved towards the female member 22. This is caused by a 5 surface 86 of the flanges 24, 26 co-operating with a surface 84 of the flanges 34, 36.

Once inserted a surface 88 on the flanges 24, 26 co operates with a surface 82 on the flanges 34, 36 to 10 prevent inadvertent disengagement of the two members 20, 22. The conservatory panels 12, 14 are provided with second securement means 18 in order to secure the conservatory 15 panel to a part of the building.

The second securement means 18 is a slide securement arrangement such that sliding of the panel causes the second securement means to secure the panel and the 20 sliding of the panel is not restricted or inhibited by the securement means whilst moving the panel to a secured position. As shown in Figures 10, 11 and 15 to 23, a part of the 25 second securement means 18 is provided on a lower edge 17 of the conservatory panel 12, 14 and is arranged to secure the conservatory panel 12, 14 to a recess 52 provided by a cill 21.

30 The second securement means 18 comprises a projecting element 30 which is arranged to engage with a corresponding aperture or groove or recess 52. In particular, the projecting element 50 comprises a spigot

located on the lower edge 17 of the conservatory panel 12, 14. The projecting element 50 is arranged to at least partially locate in a groove or recess 52 provided in the wall in order to secure the conservatory panel 12, 14 to 5 the wall. The conservatory panel 12, 14 is preferably provided with two spigots or projecting elements 50. The two projecting elements 50 are spaced apart on the lower edge 17 of the conservatory panel 12, 14 and are preferably located towards the lateral sides 11, 15 of the 10 conservatory panel 12, 14.

The projecting element 50 comprises an extending 54 portion and a head 56 wherein the head 56 has a greater cross-section than the extending portion 54 in at least one plane and preferably comprises a cross-section providing a concentric circle with a greater diameter teeth than the circular cross-section of the extending portion 54.

20 The recess 52 has a cover plate 64 secured thereon which defines an elongate opening which provides a slot having at last two portions 58, 60 with different widths. In particular, the cover plate 64 provides a slot with a first portion 58 providing an insertion region to enable 25 the head 56 of the projecting element 50 to be inserted therethrough and a second retaining portion 60 providing a reduced width to prevent or inhibit removal of the head 56 of the projecting element 50 from the recess 52.

30 In particular, the slot may have a single central insertion region to enable the head 56 of the projecting element 50 to pass therethrough and two retaining regions on either side thereof. Only one retaining regionwill be

required in use, but this arrangement allows for fixing the panels with a left lateral movement or a right lateral movement. 5 The projecting element 50 is provided on a mounting plate 62 and enables the projecting element 50 to be secured to an edge of the panel 12, 14.

The recess 52 is preferably defined in the cill 21 of the 10 assembly and comprises a cover plate 64 to define the different width regions 58, 60 for the securement recess.

The cover plate 64 and the mounting plate 62 may be secured to the panel 12, 14 or respective cill by screws.

Accordingly, the panel 12, 14 is provided with all the necessary securement apparatus to secure the panel within the assembly.

20 The projecting element 50 is secured to the mounting plate 62 in a recess or groove 66 provided on the lower edge of the panel 12, 14. The projecting element 50 comprises a bright steel cill fixing spigot. Similarly, the mounting plate 64 comprises a bright steel fixing plate. The cill 25 21 is provided by or is otherwise secured to the construction unit and then enables the panels to be secured thereto. More specifically the mounting plates 64 are mounted on to the upper surface of sub Gills.

30 The male member 20 and female member 22 are mounted one on each either side jamb of each panel 12, 14, for example the male member 20 on the left hand side and the female member 22 on the right hand side of the panel 12, 14. The

male member 20 and the female member 22 are located in grooves machined into the side of the jambs of the panel.

In the preferred embodiment, each panel comprises a male member 20, a female member 22 and two cill fixing spigots 50. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the panels 12, 14 are secured to each other except where they meet a wall of the 10 construction unit. At the edges of the wall, locating a securement member 70 is fixed to the wall and the first panel 12 is secured to the securement member 70.

Accordingly, the securement member 70 may comprise either a male member 20 or a female member 22. In addition, a 15 securement member or interconnector 72 or "wall packer" may also be used, for example to secure two panels at angle of one another such as in a bay window. Again, the "wall packer" comprises a securement member which may provide a male member 20 to secure to one panel 12 and a 20 female member 22 to secure to a second panel 14. As previously explained, the male member 20 may be at an angle to the female member 22.

The panels 12, 14 are machined from red hardwood and are 25 pre-assembled in the factory.

The male member 20 and the female member 22 are extruded from a plastics material.

30 The male member 20 may be mounted within a groove provided along the edge 11 of the panel 12, 14. Similarly, the female member may be mounted within a groove along the edge 15 of the panel 15. Furthermore, the projecting

elements 50 may be located within a groove on the lower edge of the panel 12, 14.

The upper edge 19 of the panel 12, 14 is secured within 5 the assembly by means of a timber ring beam which is fixed around the perimeter of the conservatory as part of the roof construction.

The panels may comprise windows or doors in order to 10 construct a series of windows or doors and/or secure the window(s) or door(s) within a framework provided in a construction unit, for example a building.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and 15 documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and

which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and

documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, 25 except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including

any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be 30 replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each

feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the 5 foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any 10 method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. Securement apparatus for securing a first panel within an assembly, the securement apparatus comprising first 5 securement means to secure a first edge of the panel and second securement means to secure a second edge of the panel, the first securement means being arranged, in use, to provide a push fit join for the panel within the assembly, the panel being movable from an unsecured 10 position to a secured position causing the first securement means and the second securement means to both secure the panel within the assembly.

2. Securement apparatus according to claim 1 in which the 15 first securement means secures the panel in a lateral plane.

3. Securement apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the first securement member does not secure the 20 panel in a longitudinal plane.

4. Securement apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the second securement means secures the panel in a longitudinal plane.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the second securement means does not secure the panel in a lateral plane.

30

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the first securement means and the second securement means secure the panel in a horizontal plane.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the first edge of the panel is substantially perpendicular to the second edge of the panel.

5

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel is movable laterally from the unsecured position to the secured position in which the first securement means and the second securement means secure the panel within the assembly.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which in the secured position the panel is prevented or inhibited from moving in a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which in the secured position the first securement means is arranged to prevent or inhibit lateral movement (or sideways movement) of the panel and the second securement 20 means is arranged to prevent longitudinal movement (or vertical movement) of the panel.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel is secured by two first securement means.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which one first securement means is arranged to Secure one edge of the panel and the other first securement means is arranged to secure an opposite edge of the panel.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the first securement means comprises a male member for engagement with a female member.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the male member comprises two engagement surfaces for engaging with cooperating engagement surfaces provided by a female 5 member.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel comprises a male member on one lateral edge and a female member on a second lateral edge.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the second securement means comprises a slide securement arrangement. 15

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which second securement means comprises a projecting element for engagement with a corresponding securement recess.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the 20 projecting element comprises a shaft and a head located on the end thereof.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the head may be arranged to locate in the securement recess.

20. Apparatus according to one of claims 17 to 19 in which the securement recess comprises an elongate slot.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which 30 the second securement means provides guide means for guiding the first securement means into a secured position.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel comprises a conservatory panel for use in constructing a conservatory wall.

5

23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which a part of the panel is glazed.

24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel is arranged, in use, to be secured to an 10 adjacent panel.

25. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the panel is arranged, in use, to be secured to a wall.

15

26. An assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel is secured to the second panel by securement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

20

27. A construction unit including a panel, the panel being secured therein by securement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A method of securing a panel in a construction unit 25 comprising moving the panel from an unsecured position to a secured position in order for first securement means on a first edge and second securement means on a second edge to secure the securement panel therein.

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29. A method according to claim 28 in which the method comprises securing the panel with a push fit securement.

30. A method according to claim 28 or claim 29 in which the method comprises moving the panel in a lateral direction in order for the first securement means and the second securement means to secure the panel.

31. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 30 in which the method comprises preventing or inhibiting movement of the panel from the secured position to the unsecured position.

32. Securement apparatus for securing a first panel within an assembly substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.

33. An assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.

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34. A construction unit including a panel substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.

35. A method of securing a panel in a construction unit 25 substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.