GB2566303A

GB2566303A - Panel support

Info

Publication number: GB2566303A
Application number: GB1714477.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Auty Ian
Original assignee: Fastec Handrail Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Fastec Handrail Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-08
Filing date: 2017-09-08
Publication date: 2019-03-13
Also published as: GB201714477D0

Abstract

The support is formed of a support member 104, for holding the panel, slideably received in a retaining member 102, and fixing means, preferably wedge 106, for fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member. The support allows the position of a panel (2, Fig. 1) to be adjusted with respect to the channel (4, Fig 1) in which it is held. The support member may be received in an aperture in the base of the retaining member, the retaining member having an elongate guide slot (126, Fig. 5b) for receiving a rail (169, Fig. 6a) of the support member in which it can slide. The aperture may be a parallelogram, the slot being at an angle to the length of the channel such that the position of a panel, held in the support, can be adjusted both along the length of and across the width of the channel. Also claimed is a balustrade including the support and a method of use.

Description

PANEL SUPPORT

The invention relates to a support for supporting a panel in a channel, in particular for a balustrade system, and a method for installing a panel within a channel.

To install a balustrade system, a channel is provided into which the panel is inserted and fixed. Often, the panel is not inserted into the channel in the desired position at the first attempt. Thus, it is of interest to develop a support which allows adjustment of the panel relative to the channel, once the panel is inserted into the channel, in order to obtain the desired positioning of the panel.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a support for supporting a panel in a channel, the support comprising: a retaining member for attachment to the channel; a support member for supporting the panel in the channel, the support member being slidably attached to the retaining member so as to allow the position of the panel to be adjusted in a direction parallel to the channel when in contact with the support member; and a fixing means for fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member. The ability to adjust the panel along the channel enables the desired positioning of the panel to be achieved without removing and reinserting the panel. Furthermore, the panel may be adjusted by small distances along the channel to fine-tune its positioning with greater ease. Adjustment along the channel may comprise adjustment longitudinally along the channel. Adjustment along the channel may comprise movement of the panel at least partially in a direction parallel to the channel. The panel may move at least partially in a direction parallel to the width of the channel (i.e. lateral to the longitudinal direction of the channel).

The support member may be adjusted along the channel in an adjusting direction.

The adjusting direction may have a component parallel to the direction of extension x of the channel, and a component parallel to the width of the channel (i.e. lateral to the channel or across the channel).

The channel may be a channel for a balustrade system. The channel may comprise a base portion. The channel may comprise two substantially vertically extending wall portions. The channel may be substantially prismatic or have a repeating cross section along its length. The channel may have a substantially constant cross-section. The wall portions may be substantially parallel. The base portion and the wall portions of the channel may define a receiving trough above the base portion and between the wall portions for receiving the panel and the support. The base portion and the wall portions may define an internal profile of the channel. The surfaces of the base portions and wall portions facing the receiving trough may define an inner surface. The channel may have a U-shaped cross-section. The channel may be fixed or fixable to a floor or wall. The channel may be sunk or recessed into the floor so that the channel does not protrude from the floor, so that it can be hidden from view. In some examples, the channel may be formed as a recess in a supporting surface, such as a floor. The length of the channel in a main direction of extension of the channel may be greater than the width or height of the channel. A support may be inserted into the channel. A plurality of supports may be inserted into the channel.

The retaining member may comprise a base portion. The retaining member may comprise two substantially vertically extending wall portions. The wall portions may comprise two surfaces extending substantially vertically from the base portion and opposing each other across the base portion. The wall portions may be substantially parallel. The wall portions may comprise continuous regions. The wall portions may comprise frame elements. The frame elements may define apertures within the wall portions. The retaining member may define a panel receiving space between the wall portions and above the base member. An inner surface of the retaining member may define the panel receiving space. An outer surface of the retaining member may face away from the panel receiving space. An outer surface of the retaining member may be shaped to conform to the internal profile or the inner surface of the channel. The retaining member may be sized to fit in the receiving trough of the channel. The retaining member may be shorter than the length of the channel in the main direction of extension of the channel.

The support member may be arranged on the base portion of the retaining member. The support member may be arranged on an upper face of the base of the retaining member. The support member may be arranged between the wall portions of the retaining member. The support member may be arranged within the panel receiving space.

The retaining member may comprise an elongate guide element defining a movement path for the support member. The support member may be slidable relative to the along the guide element so as to follow the movement path. As the panel will be supported by the support member, as the support member is slid along the elongate guide element, the panel will follow the same movement path as the support member. The elongate guide element may comprise a receiving channel. The elongate guide element may comprise a track, slot, groove or recess. The support member may be slidable along the guide element. The support member may comprise a complementary feature so as to enable sliding of the support member along the guide element. The complementary feature may comprise a rail, a protrusion or a runner. The complementary feature may be discontinuous. The complementary feature may be continuous.

The elongate guide element may comprise a rail. The elongate guide element may comprise a protrusion or a runner. The elongate guide element may be discontinuous. The elongate guide element may be continuous. The support member may be slidable along the guide element. The support member may comprise a complementary feature so as to enable sliding of the support member along the guide element. The complementary feature may comprise a channel, track, slot, groove or recess.

The elongate guide element may be arranged on an outer surface of the support member. There may be an elongate guide element arranged on each side wall portion of the support member. The elongate guide element may be arranged on the base portion of the support member. The complementary feature may be arranged on an inner surface of the retaining member. There may be a complementary feature arranged on each wall portion of the retaining member. The complementary feature may be arranged on the base portion of the support member.

The fixing means may be engageable with the channel and the retaining member to thereby fix the panel in position. The fixing means may be releasable. The fixing means may comprise a wedge and an adjustable fixing element to urge the wedge between the channel and the panel to thereby secure the panel in the channel. The adjustable fixing element may be a threaded fastener. The adjustable fixing element may be a screw or a bolt. The fixing means secures the panel in position such that it will stay in position, particularly if the panel is leaned on by a user. Where the fixing means is releasable, the panel can be secured, and then later released to allow adjustment or removal if required.

The retaining member may be insertable into the channel in a direction parallel to the channel and may be slidable relative to the channel when the fixing means is not engaged to fix the panel in position. The retaining member may be inserted into the channel before the channel is positioned on the floor or wall, or after the channel is positioned on the wall/floor.

The channel may comprise an engaging feature, which may extend along a direction parallel to the main direction of extension of the channel. The retaining member may comprise a corresponding feature, which has a complementary profile to the engaging feature for engagement with the engaging feature. The engaging feature and the corresponding feature may engage/interlock so as to allow movement of the retaining member relative to the channel in the main direction of extension of the channel, and prevent movement in other directions.

The engaging feature may be arranged on the inner surface or internal profile of the channel. The engaging feature may be arranged within the receiving trough of the channel. An engaging features may be formed on each side wall of the channel. The engaging feature may be formed on the base portion of the channel. The corresponding feature may be on an outer surface of the retaining member. A corresponding features may be formed on each side wall of the retaining member. The corresponding feature may be formed on the base portion of the retaining member.

The engaging feature may comprise a track. The engaging feature may comprise a slot, a groove, or a recess. The support member may comprise a corresponding feature so as to engage the engaging feature, such as a rail, a protrusion or a runner. The engaging feature may be slidable in the corresponding feature.

The engaging feature may comprise a rail. The engaging feature may comprise a protrusion or a runner. The engaging feature may be continuous. The engaging feature may be discontinuous. The support member may comprise a corresponding feature so as to engage the engaging feature, such as a track, slot, groove or recess. The support member may be slidable along the engaging feature.

The support member may have a retaining feature in an upper surface in which the panel is receivable or locatable. The retaining feature may comprise a slot or a seat.

The retaining member may comprise a distance marker. The support member may comprise an indicator to indicate a position of the support member relative to the retaining member, and/ or to indicate a relative distance moved between the retaining member and the support member. Thus, precise positioning and adjustment of the panel may be achieved. The indicator may comprise a pointer and a distance marker. The distance marker may comprise a scale bar on the retaining member. The scale bar may be arranged on an inner surface of the retaining member. The pointer may protrude from the support member and, as such, may be more easily visible to a user. The pointer may protrude such that it is parallel to the side walls of the channel when in use.

When inserted into the channel, the support member may be adjustable relative to the retaining member in an adjusting direction, and the adjusting direction may have a component parallel to a main direction of extension of the channel and a component parallel to the width of the channel. Accordingly, when the panel is inserted into the support member, the panel may be adjusted in an adjusting direction with a component parallel to the main direction of extension of the channel and a component parallel to the width of the channel. The adjusting direction of the support member may be nonparallel to the main direction of extension of the channel. Accordingly, when the panel is inserted into the support member, the panel may be adjusted in a direction nonparallel to the main direction of extension of the channel in addition to adjustment in the direction parallel to the channel. The adjusting direction may be misaligned with the channel. Accordingly, when the panel is inserted into the support member, the panel may be additionally adjusted in a direction which is misaligned with the channel. Although the panel may be adjusted in a direction that is non-parallel to the direction of extension of the channel, it should be understood that the adjustment is at least partially in a direction parallel to the main direction of extension of the channel as per the first aspect of the invention.

The elongate guide element and the complementary feature may define an adjusting direction at an angle to a main direction of extension of the channel.

The retaining feature of the support member may be at an angle to both the complementary feature and the elongate guide element, such that, when the panel is inserted, the panel is parallel to the channel.

The support may be made out of plastic materials. The support may be manufactured by injection moulding.

The support member may be resiliently deformable. The support member may comprise a resiliently deformable material. The support member may comprise a rubberised or deformable surface for contacting the panel, so that the panel is not damaged or scratched by the support member.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a balustrade comprising a support as herein described, and a panel. The balustrade may further comprise a channel and a plurality of panels. Each panel may be supported by at least one support as herein described. Each panel may be supported by a plurality of supports. The support or supports may be retainable within the channel.

The balustrade may further comprise a handrail attached to an edge of the panel. The handrail may be attached at an opposite side of the panel to the support. The handrail may be attached to an upper edge or portion of the panel.

The panel may comprise a rigid material. The panel may be substantially planar. The panel may a have thickness which is smaller than a width of the receiving trough of the channel. The panel may be rectangular. The panel may be a glass panel. The panel may be a plastic material, in particular PMMA. The panel may be a metal.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of installing a panel in a channel; wherein the method may comprise inserting a support into the channel, the support comprising: a retaining member for attachment to the channel, a support member for supporting the panel in the channel, the support member being slidably attached to the retaining member so as to allow the position of the panel to be adjusted in a direction parallel to the channel when in contact with the support member; and a fixing means for fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member; inserting a panel into the support and supporting the panel with the support member; adjusting the position of the panel in the channel by sliding the support member relative to the retaining member; and fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member with the fixing means.

The method may be a method of using a support with any of the features described above.

The skilled person will appreciate that, except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a balustrade comprising a glass panel in a channel and a handrail, the glass panel supported by a support;

Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a channel and a panel supported in the channel by a support.

Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a support for supporting a panel in a channel;

Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a support for supporting a panel in a channel;

Figure 5a schematically shows a perspective view of a retaining member;

Figure 5b schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a retaining member;

Figure 6a schematically shows a perspective view of a support member;

Figure 6b schematically shows a top view of the support member;

Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of a wedge member;

Figure 8 schematically shows a bottom side of the support; and

Figure 9 schematically shows a bottom side of the support, indicating the movement of the support member.

Figure 1 shows a balustrade 1 comprising a panel 2 (in particular a glass panel 2), a channel 4, and a handrail 6. The panel 2 is supported in the channel 4 by a support 100. Figure 2 shows the panel 2, the channel 4 and the support 100 in more detail. The channel 4 comprises a base portion or base 6 and two substantially vertically extending parallel side wall portions or side walls 8, 10. The channel 4 extends in a main direction of extension x, and is substantially prismatic along its length L (i.e. the channel 4 has a substantially constant cross-section along its length L).

The base 6 and the walls 8,10 define a receiving trough 12 above the base 6 and between the side walls 8,10. The base 6 and the side walls 8,10 define an internal profile 11 of the channel 4. The internal profile 11 is formed of the inner surface of each of the base 6 and the side walls 8,10. The inner surfaces are the surfaces of the base 6 and side walls 8,10 which face into to the receiving trough 12. An outer surface of each of the base 6 and the side walls 8,10 is defined by the surfaces facing away from the receiving channel 12. The inner surfaces and outer surfaces of the base 6 are substantially parallel to each other. The inner and outer surfaces of the side walls 8, 10 are substantially parallel to each other. Thus, the base 6 and the side walls 8, 10 have a substantially constant thickness. The channel 4 has a U-shaped cross-section formed by the base 6 and side walls 8,10. The channel 4 is fixable to a floor or wall.

The channel 4 may be sunk or recessed into the floor. The length of the channel in the direction of extension of the channel is greater than the width or height of the channel 4.

The channel 4 has an engaging feature 16 along the direction parallel to the channel 4. In this embodiment, the engaging feature 16 comprises a recess formed on the inner surface of each side wall portion 8, 10 of the channel 4, which extends along the length of extension of the channel 4, forming a track.

Referring also to Figure 3, the support 100 comprises three components: a retaining member 102, a support member 104 and fixing means, such as a wedge 106. The retaining member 102 is attachable to or securable in the channel. The support member 104 is slidably attached to the retaining member 102 so as to allow the position of the panel 2 to be adjusted in a direction parallel to the channel 4 when in contact with the support member 104. The wedge 106 is provided for fixing the panel 2 in position relative to the retaining member 102.

The retaining member 102, shown in more detail in Figures 5a and 5b, comprises a base wall portion 108, a first side wall portion 110 and a second side wall portion 112. The side wall portions 110, 112 are substantially parallel. The base wall portion 108 and the two side wall portions 110, 112 define between them a receiving space 114.

The length of the retaining member 102 in the main direction of extension x of the channel 4 is shorter than the length L of the channel 4.

The retaining member 102 is insertable into the channel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the base wall portion 108, such that in use, the retaining member 102 is insertable into the channel 4 in a substantially vertical direction. The retaining member 102 is also insertable into the channel 4 in a direction parallel to the direction of extension in the channel 4 In use the retaining member 102 is slidable relative to the channel when the panel 2 is not placed within the retaining member 102. . When the panel 2 is placed within the retaining member 102, the retaining member 102 is weighed down such that it is no longer slidable relative to the channel 4. An inner surface 111 of the retaining member is defined by the surfaces bounding the receiving space 114. The inner surface 111 of the retaining member comprises an inner surface of the first wall portion 110, an inner surface of the second wall portion 112 and an inner surface of the base portion 108. An outer surface 113 of the retaining member 102, the surface facing away from the receiving space 114, is shaped to conform to the internal profile 11 of the channel 4. The outer surface 113 of the retaining member 102 comprises an outer surface of the first wall portion 110, an outer surface of the second wall portion 112 and an outer surface of the base wall portion 108.

As shown in Figure 9, the retaining member 102 has a dimension D in the direction of extension of the channel, and a dimension C in the direction of the width of the channel. In this embodiment, D is 150mm, and C is 39.7mm. It should be understood that the dimensions C and D may have a different size to that shown in the present example.

Two notches 115 are formed in the upper end of the outer surface 113 of the first wall portion 110, and two notches 115 are formed in the upper end of the outer surface 113 of the second wall portion 112. These notches 115 provide a space in which a screw driver can be located, and used to flex the retaining member 102 inwardly to enable the removal of the retaining member from the channel.

When inserted into the channel 4, the side wall portions 110, 112 of the retaining member 102 are parallel with the side wall portions 8,10 of the channel.

The base wall portion 108 defines an aperture 116 which extends through a region of the base wall portion 108. The aperture 116 is bounded by a perimeter formed by the base wall portion 108. The aperture 116 has longer perimeter sections 118 and shorter perimeter sections 120. The longer perimeter sections 118 each comprise an upper longitudinal protrusion 122 and a lower longitudinal protrusion 124. The protrusions 122, 124 extend the length of the aperture 116. The protrusions 122 and 124 define an elongate guide element 126 in the form of a receiving channel 126 between them, into which a complementary feature, such as a rail 169 of the support member 104 can be inserted, as will be discussed in detail. The elongate guide element 126 defines a movement path for the support member, such that the support member 104 can be adjusted relative to the retaining member 102 in an adjusting direction, to adjust the panel to a desired position.

The aperture 116 has a parallelogram-like shape in plan view, which can be seen most clearly in Figures 8 and 9. The longer perimeter sections 118 extend an angle A to the side wall portions 110,112 of the retaining member, and thus at an angle A to the direction of extension x of the channel 4 when the retaining member 102 is inserted into the channel 4. The shorter perimeter sections 120 of the aperture 116 are perpendicular to the side wall portions 110,112 of the retaining member 102. In this embodiment, the angle A has a value of 2°. It should be understood that the angle A may have a different size to that shown in the present example.

The length B of the aperture 116 in the main direction of extension x of the channel 4 is shorter than the length of the retaining member 102, and therefore also shorter than the length L of the channel 4. The aperture 116 has a dimension E in the direction of the width of the channel. In this embodiment, the length B is 130mm, and the length E is variable based on the width of panel 2 used: for a 12mm panel, the length E is 18.5mm, but would be increased for a thicker panel. It should be understood that the dimensions E, B and E may be different to those shown in the present example.

Due to the angle A, the panel 2, when inserted into the retaining member 104, can be moved from one longitudinal end of the aperture 116 to the other longitudinal end of the aperture 116, and thereby adjusted in the direction of the width of the channel by a fixed maximum distance F. In this embodiment, the adjustment distance F is 3.14mm. It should be understood that the distance F may be different to that shown in the present example.

The direction of extension of the upper and lower longitudinal protrusions 122, 124, and therefore the elongate guide element 126, is parallel to the longer perimeter sections 118 of the aperture 116. Therefore the movement path for the support member 104, defined by the elongate guide element 126, is at an angle A to the side wall portions 110,112 of the retaining member 102, and thus at an angle A to the main direction of extension x of the channel 4 when the retaining member 102 is inserted into the channel 4. In other words, the movement path and adjusting direction of the support member 102 has a component parallel to the extension of the channel 4, and a component parallel to the width of the channel 4.

The upper and lower longitudinal protrusions 122, 124 define a movement path for the support member 104. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the elongate guide element 126 of the retaining member may alternatively comprise a rail and the support member 104 may comprise a complementary feature such as a channel, so that the support member 104 can slide along the elongate guide element and relative to the retaining member 102.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5a, the first side wall portion 110 comprises an aperture 125. The first side wall portion 110 comprises a distance marker, such as scale bar 127, extending along the longitudinal direction of extension of the first side wall portion 110. The scale bar 127 could be marked by engraving, embossing or printing onto the first side wall portion 110. In this embodiment, the scale bar 127 is located such that it is above the aperture 125 when in use, and is located on an inside face of the first side wall portion 110, such that the scale bar 127 faces second side wall portion 112, however the skilled person would appreciate that other arrangements would also be suitable. The scale bar 127 comprises a plurality of equally spaced markings along the length of the wall portion 110 which can be used to indicate a distance along the wall portion 110.

The second side wall portion 112 comprises a top face 128 at an opposite end of the side wall portion 112 to the base wall portion 108, an inside face 130 which faces the first side wall portion 110 and an outside face 132 which in use, faces the inner surface of the side wall portion 10 of channel 4. The second side wall portion 112 also comprises two side faces 133, 135, which face in the direction of extension of the retaining member.

The top face 128 has a hole 134 which extends downwards into the second side wall portion 112. A region below the hole 134 in the wall portion 112 is cut away so as to form a recess 136 in the outside face 132 of the second side wall portion 112. A nut 138 can be placed within the recess 136 such that a threaded member such as a bolt 140 may be inserted into the hole 134 and engaged with the nut 138. In alternative arrangements the hole 134 could be a threaded hole and the threaded member could be a screw or bolt for engaging the threaded hole.

The side faces 133,135 of the second side wall portion 112 each comprise a recess 139, 141 extending from the top face 128 in the direction of the base wall portion 108. The recesses 139, 141 extend downwards approximately half the height of the second side wall portion 112.

The outside face 115 of the first side wall portion 110 comprises two protrusions 142 which extend outwards from the wall portion 110 and along in the direction of extension of the channel, forming two rails. The two protrusions 142 are collinear with a space between them. The protrusions 142 are substantially shorter than the longitudinal extent of the retaining member 102.

The outside face 132 of the second side wall portion 112 comprises two protrusions 146, 148 which extend in the direction of extension of the channel 4, forming two rails.

The protrusions 146, 148 are collinear with a space between them. The protrusions 146, 148 are substantially shorter than the longitudinal extent of the retaining member.

The protrusions 142, 146, 148 are sized for engagement with the corresponding track 16 on the channel 4 so that the retaining member 102 can slide along the length of the channel 4. It would appreciated by a person skilled in the art that alternatively, the protrusions may form a rail on the channel 4, and the track could be formed on the retaining member 102.

The support member 104, as shown in Figure 6a, comprises a base portion 150 and first and second side wall portions 152, 154. The side wall portions 152, 154 are substantially parallel. The space between the side wall portions 152, 154 and above the base portion 150 defines a receiving space 156 of the support member 104 for receiving the panel 2, in particular the bottom edge of the panel 2. The receiving space 156 is bounded by an inner face 158 of the first side wall portion 152, an inner face 160 of the second side wall portion 154 and an upper face 162 of the base wall portion 150. The first side wall portion 152 has an outer face 164, the second side wall portion 154 has an outer face 166, and the base wall portion 150 has a lower face 165 facing away from receiving space 156. The receiving space 156 defines a retaining feature in which a panel 2 is receivable. The distance between the inner face 158 of the first side wall portion 152 and the inner face of the 160 of the second side wall portion 154 can be varied depending on the width of the panel 2 to be used. In use, a panel 2 is located within the receiving space 156, and held between the first side wall portion 153 and the second side wall portion 154. In this embodiment, the panel 2 is held above the base wall portion 150 such that the panel 2 does not contact base wall portion 150. The panel 2 is in contact with the base wall portion 108 of the retaining member 102 in the region of the shorter perimeter sections 120. However in other embodiments, the panel 2 may be in contact with the base wall portion 150 of the retaining member.

In use, the support member 104 is located within the retaining member 102. The support member 104 is located within the receiving space 114. The retaining member 102 can be made from a plastic material. The retaining member 102 can be manufactured by injection moulding.

As best seen in Figure 6b and Figure 9, the inner faces 158, 160 of the first and second side wall portions 152, 154 are parallel to each other. The outer faces 164, 166 of the first and second side wall portions 152, 154 are parallel to each other. The inner face 158, 160 and outer face 164, 166 of each wall 152, 154 are not parallel, such that they are at an angle to each other, equal to angle A discussed above. Thus, the receiving space 156 of the support member 104 extends parallel to the direction x, while the side walls 152,154 are at an angle A to the direction x.

The outer faces 164, 166 of the first and second side wall portions 152, 154 of the support member 104 each comprise a complementary feature to the elongate guide element 126 of the retaining member 102, such that the support member 104 is slidable in an axial direction along the elongate guide element 126, so as to follow the movement path of the elongate guide element 126. In this embodiment, the complementary feature is a rail 169 formed on each of the outer faces 164, 166 of the first and second side wall portions 152, 154. The rails 169 are sized so as to fit within the receiving channel 126. In this way, the support member 104 is slidable along the elongate guide element 126 of the retaining member 102. A recess 168, 170 is formed on each of the outer faces 164, 166, adjacent to the rails 169. The recess 168, 170 extends along the length of the support member 104.

The direction of extension of the complementary feature is parallel to the direction of extension of the elongate guide element 126. As the complementary feature is on each outer face 164, 166, the retaining feature is defined by the inner walls 158, 160, and the inner walls 158, 160 and outer walls 162, 164 are at an angle to each other, the retaining feature is at an angle to complementary feature. As the direction of extension of the complementary feature is parallel to the direction of extension of the elongate guide element, the receiving space 156 is at an angle to the direction of extension of the elongate guide element.

When inserted into the retaining member 102, the inner faces 158, 160 of the side wall portions 152, 154 of the support member 104 are parallel with the side wall portions 8, 10 of the channel 4. As such, when a panel 2 is inserted into the receiving space 156, the panel 2 is parallel to the channel 4.

The first side wall portion 152 comprises a pointer 172 which extends from the first side wall portion 152 in an opposite direction to the base wall 150 of the support member 104. The pointer 172 has a shorter length in the direction of extension of the channel 4 than the length of the first side wall portion 134 in the same direction. The pointer 172 is located centrally along the length of the first side wall portion 152 in the direction of extension of the channel 4. The pointer 172 comprises a substantially cuboidal shaft portion 174 and a pointed tip 178. When the support member 104 is inserted into the retaining member 102, and is in a central position midway along the guide member 127, the pointer 172 will point at zero (as shown in Figure 4). In use, after a panel 2 has been inserted into the support member 104, the support member 104 and the panel 2 can be adjusted in the adjusting direction, and the adjustment in the direction of extension of the channel 4 will be indicated by the relative movement of the pointer 172 and the scale bar 127. Thus, the pointer 172 and the scale bar 127 in combination form an indicator for indicating the relative position of the support member to the retaining member. It will be appreciated the adjustment in the direction of the width of the channel 4 could also be indicated by the scale bar 127. It will be appreciated that the scale bar 127 and the pointer 172 could be at different locations on the retaining member 102 and the support member 104 in order to perform their function.

The support member 104 can be made from a plastic material. The support member 104 can be manufactured by injection moulding.

The support member is inserted into the retaining member 102 through the aperture in the base of the retaining member 102. The rail 169 of the support member 104 will snap-fit into the receiving channel 169 of the retaining member 102. After inserting into the retaining member 102, the support member 104 is slidable relative to the retaining member 102 in the adjusting direction x. Figure 7 shows a fixing means, comprising a wedge 106. The wedge is a prism with a constant cross-section. The cross-section is the shape of a right-angle trapezium, with the constant cross-section having a wider upper end 176 and a narrower lower end 178, such that the wedge tapers towards the lower end 178. The wedge 106 has an upper face 180, a lower face 182, two longer side faces 184, 186 and two shorter side faces 188, 190. In use, the wedge 106 can be inserted into the channel 1 between the channel side wall portion 10 and the panel 2, urging the wedge 106 between the channel 4 and the panel 2 to thereby secure the panel 2 in the channel 4. The wedge 106, and therefore the panel 2, can be fixed in position by means of an adjustable fixing element such as a bolt 140 or a screw. The adjustable fixing element can be releasable.

A hole 194 is formed through the wedge 106, from the upper face 180 to the lower face 182. A bolt 140 (not shown) is inserted through the hole 194, and into the hole 134 of the second side wall 112 of the retaining member 102, where it is secured by means of the nut 138 inserted into the recess 136 of the second side wall 112 of the retaining element 102.

Protruding from both shorter side faces 188, 190 is an arm 196, 198. The arms 196, 198 extend in a straight line in a direction from the upper face 180 to the lower face 182, and extend beyond the lower face 182. The arms 196, 198 locate in corresponding recesses 139, 141 formed in the second side wall 112 of the retaining member 102 and are sized to fit in the corresponding recesses 139, 141 so that as the adjustable fixing element is tightened, the arms 196, 198 move further into the corresponding recesses 139, 141 and the fixing member 106 remains correctly aligned with the retaining member 102..

Figure 8 shows a view from the underside of the support 100. The angle of the aperture 116 relative to the outer surfaces of the side wall portions can be seen more clearly.

Figure 9 shows a schematic of how the panel 2 can be adjusted within the support. It can be seen from the diagram how movement of the support member 104 along the elongate guide element 126 effects a movement of the support member partially in a direction parallel to the direction of extension x of the channel 4 and also partially in the direction of the width of the channel 4, due to the angle of the aperture 116, the receiving channel 126 of the retaining member 102 and the corresponding rail 169 of the support member 104. The retaining feature 158, or seat, of the support member 104 is angled to the side wall portions 152, 154 of the support member 104 such that the retaining feature supports the panel in a plane parallel to the side walls of the channel 8,10 regardless of the relative position of the support member 104 along the guide element 126.

Thus, when the support 110 is located in the channel 4, the panel 2 can be inserted into the receiving space 156 of the support member 104 and engaged with the support member. The panel 2 can then be moved with the support member 104 relative to the retaining member 102 (and thus also relative to the channel) and its position monitored using the indicator (172, 127). Accordingly, the position of the panel 2 relative to the channel 4 can be fine-tuned using the support 100 and, when the desired position is achieved, the panel 2 can be secured with the fixing means 106.

The panel 2, as discussed above, can be moved laterally within the channel 4 at the panel’s base by movement along the guide element 126. This lateral movement can be used to lean the panel laterally such that the panel 2 is at a small angle to the vertical (i.e. such that the top edge of the panel will be laterally displaced by a greater distance than the base of the panel). In this way, a small lateral adjustment at the bottom of the panel 2 can be translated into a large lateral movement at the top edge of the panel, which may be necessary to correctly locate a handrail to be located at the top edge of the panel 2. In the example shown in the figures, while the lateral movement range of the bottom of the panel 2 may be 3.14mm, by also leaning the panel 2, a lateral movement range of around 40mm at the top edge of the panel 2 may be achievable.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments abovedescribed and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the 10 disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

1. A support for supporting a panel in a channel, the support comprising:

a retaining member for attachment to the channel;

a support member for supporting the panel in the channel, the support member being slidably attached to the retaining member so as to allow the position of the panel to be adjusted along the channel when in contact with the support member; and a fixing means for fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member.

2. A support according to claim 1, wherein the support member can be adjusted along the channel in an adjusting direction.

3. A support according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting direction has a component parallel to the direction of extension x of the channel, and a component parallel to the width of the channel.

4. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of the retaining member is shaped to conform to an internal profile of the channel.

5. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member is located within the retaining member.

6. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises a base portion and two parallel side walls.

7. A support according to claim 6, wherein the support member is located on the base portion of the retaining member.

8. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises an elongate guide element defining a movement path for the support member and the support member is slidable along the guide element so as to follow the movement path.

9. A support according to claim 8, wherein the elongate guide element comprises a track or rail and the support member comprises a complementary feature so as to slide along the guide element.

10. A support according to claim 9, wherein the complementary feature is on an outer surface of a base portion of the support member.

11. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means is engageable with the channel and the retaining member to thereby fix the panel in position.

12. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member is insertable into the channel in a direction parallel to the channel and is slidable relative to the channel when the fixing means is not engaged to fix the panel in position.

13. A support according to claim 12, wherein the channel comprises an engaging feature along the direction parallel to the channel and the retaining member comprises a corresponding feature which has a complementary profile to the engaging feature.

14. A support according to claim 13, wherein the engaging feature is on an inner surface of the channel and the corresponding feature is on an outer surface of the retaining member.

15. A support according to claim 14, wherein the engaging feature is formed on side walls of the channel and the corresponding feature is formed on the side walls of the retaining member.

16. A support according to claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the engaging feature comprises a track or rail.

17. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member has a retaining feature in an upper surface in which the panel is receivable.

18. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member comprises a distance marker.

19. A support according to claim 18, wherein the support member comprises an indicator to indicate the relative distance moved between the two parts.

20. A support according to claim 19, wherein the retaining member comprises an elongate guide element defining a movement path for the support member and the support member is slidable along the guide element so as to follow the movement path, wherein the elongate guide element comprises a track or rail and the support member comprises a complementary feature so as to slide along the guide element; and wherein the track or rail and the complementary feature are at an angle to a main direction of extension of the channel.

21. A support according to claim 20, wherein the support member comprises a retaining feature in an upper surface in which the panel is receivable and the complementary feature is formed in a lower surface, wherein the retaining feature is at an angle to both the complementary feature and the elongate guide element, such that, when the panel is inserted, the panel is parallel to the channel.

22. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means are releasable.

23. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing means comprise a wedge and an adjustable fixing element to urge the wedge between the channel and the panel to thereby secure the panel in the channel.

24. A support according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member is resiliently deformable.

25. A balustrade comprising one or more supports according to any preceding claim, and a panel

26. A balustrade according to claim 25, further comprising a channel, a plurality of panels, each panel being supported by at least one support.

27. A balustrade according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising a handrail attached to an edge of the panel.

28. A balustrade according to any of claims 25-27, wherein the panel comprises a rigid material.

29. A balustrade according to any of claims 25-28, wherein the panel is a glass panel.

30. A method of installing a panel in a channel comprising inserting a support into the channel, the support comprising:

a retaining member for attachment to the channel, a support member for supporting the panel in the channel, the support member being slidably attached to the retaining member so as to allow the position of the panel to be adjusted along the channel when in contact with the support member; and a fixing means for fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member;

inserting a panel into the support and supporting the panel with the support member;

adjusting the position of the panel in the channel by sliding the support member relative to the retaining member; and fixing the panel in position relative to the retaining member with the fixing means.