NZ530464A - Post with panel supports in recesses so as to rotate panel supports about a common centre - Google Patents

Abstract

A panel support assembly has a post 2 with two elongate recesses 4. Each recess receives an elongate panel support member 8 having an edge receiving channel 12 for receiving an edge of a panel 16. Each panel support member 8 may be adjusted relative to its respective recess about a centre of rotation 11 and the centres of rotation are substantially coincident with each other. This assembly is used in particular in supporting glass panels and allowing four edge glazing.

Description

§30464 Patents Form No. 5 Our Ref: WEJ504650 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 Complete After Provisional No. 530464 Filed: 24 December 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PANEL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY We, ARCHITECTURAL PROFILES LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 19 Northpark Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton 2001, New Zealand hereby declare the invention, for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: PT054238280 Intellectual Property Office of N.Z, 2 4 DEC 200<i RECEIVED 300346447 1 WEJ504650-1:300343929 2 PANEL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention This invention relates to apparatus and methods for supporting and/or installing a panel. Background to the Invention There are generally three methods of installing a panel, such as a glass panel, into a structure: 1. The panel may be bolted to the structure. This option is typically used in steel structures partly because the material does not facilitate extruding rebates into the profiles which support the panel. Therefore, lugs are usually welded onto the structure and the panels are bolted onto the lugs. Alternatively clamps or patch fittings may be used. 2. Another option is two edge support. In this situation the panel is supported on two edges, either vertically by rebates in a post at each side of the panel, or horizontally by a rebate in each rail above and below the panel. This method is most commonly used for glazing glass panels in aluminium barrier assemblies. 3. The third method is four edge support. In this situation the panel is supported in rebates on all four edges i.e. vertical and horizontal edges.

The four edge support method has the significant advantage that, as the panel is supported about all four edges, a thinner (i.e. generally less expensive) panel may be used as part of the barrier structure.

This advantage can be described with reference to the example of installing glass into a barrier structure. If a glass panel is bolted to a barrier structure, then under present glazing standards in most countries a relatively thick glass sheet is required compared to the four edge support method. Also, with two edge support, since only two edges are supported (even though the support is continuous along those edges) the loads carried by the glass are carried by only those two edges whereas with four edge support the loads can be distributed over all four WE.T504650-1:300343929 3 In a more specific example, current New Zealand glazing standards allow use of 6mm toughened glass up to 2.7m2 in area for four edge supported glass barriers in wind pressures of up to 4.5 kPa (4.5 kPa represents the most extreme New Zealand weather conditions and is not unusual in situations at the top of high rise buildings). A barrier assembly with posts centred at 2m and being 1.2m high requires 2.4m2 of glass. As a comparison, a horizontal two edge supported barrier under the same conditions would have to use 12mm toughened glass at an increased cost of approximately 60% per square metre. As a further comparison, if a vertical two edge supported barrier is to be provided for those same conditions, then 19mm thick (minimum) toughened glass would have to be used at further increased cost.

The four edge panel support installation method is uncommon. This is because it suffers a number of disadvantages. These include the installer having to remove the glazing rebate along the upper horizontal edge (i.e. usually the top rail cap and its glazing rebate) in order to drop a glass panel into rebates provided in the posts at either side, and the bottom rail rebates. This task is labour intensive, requires heavy lifting, and can be dangerous when panels are heavy, and particularly if the panels are constructed from a ceramic material such as glass.

The foregoing is not to be interpreted as being common general knowledge to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus or method for supporting panels.

Alternatively it is an object of the invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems referred to above, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including: a post having two elongate recesses, each recess being adapted to receive an elongate panel support member; and one or more elongate panel support members, each having an edge receiving channel for receiving an edge of a panel, whereby in use each panel support member may be adjusted WEJ504G50-1:300343929 3A relative to its respective recess about a centre of rotation, and the centres of rotation substantially coincident with each other.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 4 Preferably the panel support member may be adjusted relative to the recess about a centre of rotation substantially coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the post.

Preferably the recess includes engagement means to engage with the panel support member such that the panel support member cannot be rotated within the recess.

Preferably the engagement means allow the panel support member to be removed from the recess in a longitudinal direction, angularly adjusted relative to the recess, and replaced in the recess by movement in a longitudinal direction.

Preferably the engagement means comprise projections or depressions on a surface of the recess and complementary depressions or projections on a surface of the panel support member.

Preferably the projections or depressions on each of the recess and panel support member are formed by splines.

Preferably the post has a part elliptical external profile.

Alternatively the post has a part square or rectangular external profile.

Preferably the recess is part cylindrical.

Preferably the post comprises part of a barrier assembly.

Preferably the assembly comprises one or more of a: barrier assembly; balustrade assembly; joinery assembly (such as a window system); fence; partition (internal or external); sign support.

In a second aspect the invention consists in method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as set forth in the first statement of invention, the method including the steps of moving a first edge of the panel laterally into the edge receiving channel, adjusting the position of the panel such that a second edge is adjacent to a further support assembly, and moving the panel to engage the second edge in the edge receiving channel of the further panel support assembly.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 Preferably the method includes the step of moving the panel to engage the second edge in the edge receiving channel of the further panel support assembly includes moving the panel in the plane of the panel.

Preferably the direction of the edge receiving channel is selected by orienting the panel edge receiving member prior to moving the first edge into the edge receiving channel.

Preferably the direction of the edge receiving channel is selected by removing the panel support member from the recess in a longitudinal direction, angularly orienting the panel support member relative to the recess, and replacing the panel support member in the recess by movement in a longitudinal direction.

Preferably the step of adjusting the position of the panel includes rotating the panel relative to the support assembly.

Preferably the method includes the step of maintaining the edge receiving channel in the same orientation relative to the post while the position of the panel is being adjusted.

Preferably the method includes the step of placing a glazing strip or wedge between the edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

Preferably the method includes the step of placing a backing seal between the edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

Preferably the method includes the step of applying the backing seal to the side of the edge receiving channel before the panel edge is placed in the channel.

Preferably the method includes the step of applying a glazing strip to the side of the panel opposite the backing seal after the panel edge has been placed in the channel.

In a third aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including a post having an elongate recess adapted to receive an elongate panel support member having an edge receiving channel for receiving an edge of a panel, whereby in use the panel support may be adjusted relative to the recess about a centre of rotation substantially coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the post.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 6 Preferably the post has a part elliptical external profile.

Alternatively the post may have a part square or rectangular external profile.

Preferably each recess may be part cylindrical.

Preferably the post may comprise a part of a barrier assembly.

Preferably the recess includes engagement means to engage with the panel support member such that the panel support member cannot be rotated within the recess.

Preferably the engagement means allow the panel support member to be removed from the recess in a longitudinal direction, angularly adjusted relative to the recess, and replaced in the recess by movement in a longitudinal direction.

Preferably the engagement means comprise projections or depressions on a surface of the recess and complementary depressions or projections on a surface of the panel support member.

Preferably the projections or depressions on each of the recess and panel support member are formed by splines.

In a fourth aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including a post having an elongate recess adapted to receive an elongate panel support member having an edge receiving channel for receiving an edge of a panel, whereby in use the panel support member may be adjusted relative to the recess to facilitate engagement of a panel edge with the panel support member, the panel support member being capable of engagement with the recess in a first direction to define a first range of angular movement of a panel relative to the post, and being capable of engagement with the recess in a second direction to define a second range of angular movement of a panel relative to the post.

In a fifth aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including two posts as set forth in one or more of the preceding statements of invention adapted to be provided at side edges of the panel, and top and bottom rails adapted to be provided at top and bottom edges of the panel, the top and bottom rail each including a panel edge receiving recess for supporting WEJ504650-1:300343929 7 the panel there between.

Preferably the recess in the top or the bottom rail includes a wall to support either side of the panel, and at least one of the recesses in the top or lower rail having wall removal means to remove at least a part of the wall on one side of the panel to facilitate installation or removal of the panel.

In a sixth aspect the invention consists in a method for installation or removal of a barrier structure panel, the method including the step of removing a wall portion of a panel fixing rebate, installing or removing the panel into or from the barrier structure, and replacing the wall portion.

Preferably the panel may include a glass panel.

Preferably applications of the invention include barriers, balustrades, glazing applications, wind, noise or insulation screens.

In a seventh aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including a post having an elongate recess adapted to receive an elongate panel support member having an edge receiving channel for receiving an edge of a panel, whereby in use the panel support member may be adjusted relative to the recess to facilitate engagement of a panel edge with the panel support member, and an obstruction provided in the recess to support the end of a rail.

Although the invention is described with reference to use of substantially planar panel members, such as glass panels, those skilled in the art will understand that the panels of a variety of different geometries may be used.

Those skilled in the art will also understand that various modifications may be made to the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1: Is a plan view in cross section of a panel support assembly; Figure 2: Is a plan view in cross section of another embodiment of a panel support WEJ504650-1:300343929 8 assembly; Figure 3: Is a partial plan view in cross section showing an alternative form of panel edge engagement for the assemblies of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4: Is a plan view and partial cross section of a plurality of panels supported by assemblies that are similar to, or the same as those shown in the preceding figures; Figure 5: Is a partial elevation in cross section through a panel support assembly; Figure 6: Is a partial elevation in cross section through another embodiment of panel support assembly; and Figure 7: Is a diagrammatic plan view showing use of the panel assembly according to the preceding figures to install a panel.

Detailed Description The invention is described below by way of example. A number of embodiments are described, and the features shown in individual drawing Figures may be interchanged with features in embodiments shown in other drawing Figures.

A panel support assembly is shown, generally referenced 1 which is used to mount and support a panel, for example a glass panel. The assembly has a variety of different applications, one being a barrier structure such as a partition, fence or balustrade. However the assembly is not limited to these applications.

The assembly includes a post 2 which in the preferred form has a generally elliptical outer profile. The outer profile may alternatively include other profiles, for example square, rectangular or polygonal shapes. The post 2 includes two recesses 4, each recess being provided on either side of a central web 6. A panel edge support member 8 is provided in each recess, having partially cylindrical outer walls which are supported by part cylindrical inner walls 10 of the post. The arrangement allows the members 8 to rotate within limits relative to the posts about a common centre of rotation 11, or allows the member 8 to rotate about a central longitudinal axis of the post.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 9 Members 8 include a panel edge receiving channel 12. In Figures 1 and 2 the channel is shown as having lips 14 that engage with and support the edge of a panel, such as a glass panel, partially shown in the drawings and referenced 16. The channel may alternatively include glazing backing seals and/or glazing strips or wedges as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 in which the channel 12 is located exteriorly of the post is intended for use with 90° corners, and an example of the use of such posts is shown in Figure 4, which is described further below. However, the embodiment of Figure 1 may also be used for corners at other angles, and could be used for linear barrier arrangements.

In Figure 2, another post assembly is shown, which is substantially the same as the construction described above, but in which the channel 12 is provided substantially within the post assembly. The construction allows a significant range of angular movement of the channel 12 relative to the post while allowing the panel edge to remain within the post structure 2, so the channel 12 may be relatively shallow in proportion to the diameter of the panel edge support member 8.

This embodiment allows an edge of a panel to be engaged in a channel 12 (by moving the edge in a direction perpendicular to the post) so that one end of the panel is supported by a post. This typically occurs after a backing seal is engaged with the channel wall. Then, the panel can be moved, for example by rotation, about the post so that a second opposite edge of the panel can be directed toward a channel of a second assembly. The channel of the second assembly is adjusted relative to the recess, for example by rotation so that it is in the correct orientation or as described below with reference to part 23 of Figure 7, then the panel is moved in the plane of the panel to engage the second panel edge in the channel of the second assembly, so that the panel is supported by and between the two posts. The glazing strips or wedges 21 may then be pushed into place by a user. This method of engagement is illustrated in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 7 it can be seen that the panel 16 which is shown in broken lines firstly has a position 16A when it is moved laterally into the channel 12. The sheet can then be moved to the position shown in broken outline 16B so that the remote end of the panel is appropriately aligned with the second post assembly, after which the panel can be moved in the direction of arrow 18 into the channel 12 of the second assembly. As can be seen from Figure 7, the channels 12 are sufficiently wide and deep to allow at least the second panel edge to be engaged in the channel of the second assembly by a lateral movement rather than relying on any rotational movement of the members 8 to facilitate insertion.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 Exploded portion 23 of Figure 7 also shows engagement means that may be provided between the recess and the panel edge support member. In the preferred embodiment the engagement means take to form of splined surfaces such as one or more projections 25 that engage with one or more depressions 27. Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will see that other geometries may be used to achieve the same result. The projections and depressions 25 and 27 prevent rotation of the panel edge support member 8 in the recess 4. However they allow adjustment of the relative angular position of the support member relative to the recess. Adjustment is achieved by the support member being moved longitudinally (i.e. out of or into the page as shown in Figure 7) in a sliding motion relative to the post. After removal, the angular orientation of the support member may be adjusted relative to the post (and thus the recess), then the support member may be slid back into the recess in a longitudinal motion in such a way that the projections and depressions 25 and 27 engage as shown in part 23 of Figure 7. The prevention of rotational motion of the support member within the recess 4 has the advantage that a stronger construction is achieved. This is because when a panel is under load (for example wind load), the support members may be inclined to rotate leading to the panel edge either freeing itself from the channel 12 or the panel edge breaking.

In another embodiment, a wedge (not shown) may be used instead of projections and depressions 25 and 27 to prevent rotation. The wedge may be formed from a flexible material, such as a plastic or rubber material, and could comprise part of a glazing wedge for example. The wedge is pressed into position between the member 8 and the post 2 to frictionally prevent rotational movement between the post and the panel edge support member 8.

In Figure 3 an alternative channel arrangement to rigid lips 14 is shown, where flexible lips 20 are instead provided. Lips 20 are shown diagrammatically in Figure 3 in the position they adopt when a panel edge is not disposed in the channel 12. The lips 20 are displaced from the position shown in Figure 3 when the panel edge is introduced to the channel, so that they are deformed to form a frictional resilient support for the panel edge relative to the panel edge support member 8. Another option which is illustrated in Figure 4 is to provide glazing or sealing strips 21 between the channel interior wall and the side of the panel.

In Figure 3 it can also be seen that a desired range of rotation movement may be achieved by providing the channel 12 closer to one side or end of member 8 than the other i.e. the channel is positioned asymmetrically relative to the extent of the arcuate face of the panel edge support member 8. Therefore, a first range of movement is provided in the arrangement as shown in Figure 3, and a second range of movement is possible if member 8 is removed (by sliding it in a WEJ504650-1:300343929 11 direction into or out of the page as shown in the drawings) and then inserted in the opposite direction (i.e. upside down). A pocket infill 17 allows an aesthetically pleasing appearance to be provided to any unused channel 12, and prevents detritus from accumulating in the channel.

In Figure 4 an exemplary barrier using a plurality of post assemblies as described above is shown. Lines 22 represent a top rail, for example a hand rai,l which is affixed to the top of each of the posts as will be described further below.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the central point of rotation 11 has the significant advantage of allowing the panels 16 to align along the middle of the rail. This is achieved by the centre of rotation of the panel edge support members 8 being substantially coincident with each other. This allows the upper and lower edges of each panel to be secured within rebates (described further below) so that all four edges of each panel may be supported i.e. four edge panel fixing is provided. The construction of Figure 4 is also facilitated by the centre of rotation of the panel edge support member 8 being provided substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the post.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, two typical panel installations according to the invention are illustrated. A top rail 30 has a recess 32 for receiving the panel edge and may include sealing strips such as glazing strips 34. The top rail 30 is affixed (for example by a screw 36) to post 2. A hand rail 38 may be connected to the top rail.

At the base of the panel a bottom rail 40 is provided having a recess 42 for receiving the panel edge. A panel support member such as a support block 42 may be provided in the base of the recess, and the bottom rail may be secured to a base material (such as concrete for example) by a bolt 46. The bottom rail 40 may also span between the posts with a gap between the mounting surface of the base material or deck and the underside of rail 40. The purpose of the gap is to allow water to pass beneath bottom rail 40. The recess 42 is defined by one or more walls that allow a lower edge of panel 16 to be supported on either side. Again, as shown in the drawings, sealing strips such as strips 48 may be provided. A wall or wall portion 50 of the bottom rail is removable from the remainder of the bottom rail. The engagement with the bottom rail may occur by means of a tongue 52 and groove 54. The arrangement is such that the wall portion 50 may be removed to thereby allow the panel to be removed from the assembly.

As an alternative, or in addition to removal of wall portion 50, the top rail 30 may be provided WEJ504650-1:300343929 12 with a region of weakening or a frangible portion 60 which is capable of being broken by a user as shown in Figure 5. The area of weakening effectively allows a wall or part wall of the recess 32 to be removed so that the panel may in turn be removed from the assembly.

The significant advantage that the constructions shown in Figures 5 and 6 provide is that a panel may be installed or removed without needing to disassemble the top rail construction i.e. without needing to remove top rail 30 from the posts 2. Removal of a top rail can be a time consuming operation because it is likely to also mean that any additional components such as hand rail 38 may also need to be removed. Furthermore, if the panel can be removed without needing to be lifted a significant distance (for example the height of the post) then this is a significant advantage since panels may be heavy and therefore dangerous.

The top and bottom rails 30, 40 may be supported in the channel 12 by obstructions such as plugs or inserts located in the recess 4 immediately beneath each rail. The rail ends rest on the plugs or inserts so that vertical support is provided for the ends of the rails, while allowing the rail ends to float in the recess. In this way, fasteners such as screws provided through the post structure 2 are not required. This construction has the advantage that the post supported assembly may tolerate seismic movement. For example, if the rail ends are to be fastened within the recess using screws then a rigid connection is formed between the post and the rails which is unlikely to survive an earthquake because the screws will tend to snap. Such failure can lead to a panel being dislodged. If the panel is glass, then dislodgement causes significant damage and is a significant safety issue. If plugs or inserts in the recess 4 are used to support the rails, then the post 2 provides horizontal or load bearing support to the rail during seismic movement. The plugs or inserts provide vertical support to the rail and simply prevent the whole rail assembly from dropping. In order to resist structural failure during an earthquake the whole rail and panel (e.g. glass) assembly will float within the post channels. As discussed above, this can be achieved by not screw- fixing the rail to the post, but allowing the rail to float unfixed inside the recess 4. Provided the recess is of a suitable depth to allow seismic movement without the rail jumping out of the recess, the whole rail and glass assembly can float independently of the fixed posts and resist the destructive forces of an earthquake.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components may be supplied as a kitset.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

WEJ504650-1:300343929 13 The word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is intended to be interpreted herein in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense, i.e. as meaning "including but not limited to".

WEJ504650-1:300343929 14

Claims (23)

1. A panel support assembly including: a post having two elongate recesses, each recess being adapted to receive an elongate panel support member; and one or more elongate panel support members, eachhaving an edge receiving channel for receiving an edge of a panel, whereby in use each panel support member may be adjusted relative to its respective recess about a centre of rotation, and the centres of rotation are substantially coincident with each other.

2. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel support member may be adjusted relative to the recess about a centre of rotation substantially coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the post.

3. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the recess includes engagement means to engage with the panel support member such that the panel support member cannot be rotated within the recess.

4. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the engagement means allow the panel support member to be removed from the recess in a longitudinal direction, angularly adjusted relative to the recess, and replaced in the recess by movement in a longitudinal direction.

5. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the engagement means comprise projections or depressions on a surface of the recess and complementary depressions or projections on a surface of the panel support member.

6. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the projections or depressions on each of the recess and panel support member are formed by splines.

7. A panel support assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the post has a part elliptical external profile.

8. A panel support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the post has a part square or rectangular external profile. •. WEJ504650-1:300343929 14A

9. A panel support assembly as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the WEJ504650-1:300343929 15 recess is part cylindrical.

10. A panel support assembly as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the post comprises part of a barrier assembly.

11. A panel support assembly as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the assembly comprises one or more of a: barrier assembly; balustrade assembly; joinery assembly (such as a window system); fence; partition (internal or external); sign support.

12. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of moving a first edge of the panel laterally into the edge receiving channel, adjusting the position of the panel such that a second edge is adjacent to a further support assembly, and moving the panel to engage the second edge in the edge receiving channel of the further panel support assembly.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the step of moving the panel to engage the second edge in the edge receiving channel of the further panel support assembly includes moving the panel in the plane of the panel.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the direction of the edge receiving channel is selected by orienting the panel edge receiving member prior to moving the first edge into the edge receiving channel.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the direction of the edge receiving channel is selected by removing the panel support member from the recess in a longitudinal direction, angularly orienting the panel support member relative to the recess, and replacing the panel support member in the recess by movement in a longitudinal direction.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the step of adjusting the position of the panel includes rotating the panel relative to the support assembly.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 including the step of maintaining the edge receiving channel in the same orientation relative to the post while the position of the panel is being adjusted.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to17 including the step of placing a glazing WEJ504650-1:300343929 16 strip or wedge between the edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to18 including the step of placing a backing seal between the edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 including the step of applying the backing seal to the side of the edge receiving channel before the panel edge is placed in the channel.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 including the step of applying a glazing strip to the side of the panel opposite the backing seal after the panel edge has been placed in the channel.

22. A panel support assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

23. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.