NZ548460A - Panel support assembly with posts/housing, and top and/or bottom rails with removable wall portion for panel installation or removal - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly consists of two parts provided at side edges of a panel (not shown) and top and bottom rails. Each rail has a panel edge receiving recess for supporting the panels. The panel receiving recess is defined by one or more walls with at least one such wall (in top and/or bottom rail) being selectively removable to allow for panel insertion or removal.

Description

4 8 4 6 0 *10052149389* PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Our ref: WEJ506344NZPR NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 DIVISIONAL OUT OF NZ 530465 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO POSTS AND STRUCTURES SUPPORTED THEREBY 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: 1 - 300586158_1 ,DOC:WEJ:qakld ■ - JUi ,0jlJL 200$ I 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 2 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO POSTS AND STRUCTURES SUPPORTED THEREBY Field of the Invention This invention relates to posts and structures supported by posts (i.e. post-supported structures) such as (without limitation) balustrades, fences, screens, internal and external partitioning, sign boards, and joinery such as window systems.

Background to the Invention Post-supported structures such as balustrades for example come in various forms and are common features in modern building constructions. It is desirable that they be functional but also have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Balustrade assemblies are normally constructed from a number of elements including vertical posts and horizontal rails. These elements are generally formed from metal extrusions.

The rails are normally centrally disposed and extend between the vertical posts to provide further safety and support features for the balustrade assembly.

These balustrade assemblies have had a number of disadvantages. Weathering of the elements that connect the rails to the posts may allow the rails to become loose and dislodge. This is particularly significant when the rails support a glass panel, for example.

For ease of construction, it is preferred that the surfaces of the rails which contact the post ends are substantially flat. This means that the posts are normally provided as square or rectangular extrusions. This reduces the time and costs involved in installing the rails to the posts. However, a balustrade assembly which uses posts formed from square or rectangular extrusions often results in an overly utilitarian structure. The appearance of these balustrade assemblies can dominate architecturally to the detriment of the installation as a whole.

A further significant issue is safety standards. Many barrier assemblies must have significant strength to resist transverse loads such as wind loading on a wall or balustrade structure. For example, balustrade posts are tested for compliance with the standard by being subjected to a transverse load applied to the top of the post in a direction at right angles to the line of the 300586310_1 .DC>C:WEJ506344NZPR 3 balustrade. The post deflection in response to the load is measured.

Post-supported structures are often used to mount panels which are usually provided between posts of the assembly. One particular material that is frequently used to provide such panels is glass. 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 barriers 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 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 alt four edges.

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 300586310_1 ,DC>C:WEJ506344NZPR 4 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 into 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 references above to known assemblies are not to be taken as an admission that the known assemblies constitute common general knowledge.

Object of the Invention It is an object of this invention to provide an improved post for post supported structures or an improved method of providing post or post supported structures.

Alternatively it is an object of the invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages of the prior art constructions, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

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

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the invention consists in a post adapted for use with a post-supported structure, the post comprising: an internal elongate post support having a central web disposed between two end portions, the central web and the end portions defining two oppositely disposed elongate longitudinal channels separated by the central web, at least one end portion having a housing engagement means, and; 300586310_1. DOC:WEJ5Q6344NZPR at least one housing component, the housing component being adapted to provide an exterior surface to the post and having a support engagement means to engage with the housing engagement means of the post support.

The housing component can provide one or more panel edge receiving recesses or channels.

At least one channel is adapted to receive the end of a rail, and the housing component may be adapted to support the rail.

At least one end portion is preferably provided with a fastening means to fasten an end of a rail within one of the channels.

The at least one housing component may include an aperture to accommodate the rail therethrough.

Two housing components may be provided, each component defining one side of an entrance to a panel edge receiving recess extending into a channel. The two housing components support a panel edge disposed in the recess.

At least one of the end portions is preferably provided with a top rail engagement means for fastening a top rail to an end of the post.

In one embodiment, the housing engagement means and the support engagement means are formed so that the housing component is engaged with the end portion by relative movement in a longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment the housing engagement means and the support engagement means are formed so that the housing component is engaged with the end portion by relative movement in a transverse direction.

The post support comprises a general I or H shape in section.

In a second aspect the invention consists in a post-supported structure including a post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

The port supported structure comprised one or more of a: barrier assembly; balustrade 300594978_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 6 assembly; joinery assembly (such as a window system); fence; partition (internal or external); sign support.

In a third aspect the invention consists in a kitset for constructing a post adapted for use with a post-supported structure, the kitset comprising: an internal elongate post support having a central web disposed between two end portions, the central web and the end portions defining two oppositely disposed elongate longitudinal channels separated by the central web, at least one end portion having a housing engagement means, and; at least one housing component, the housing component being adapted to provide an exterior surface to the post and having a support engagement means to engage with the housing engagement means of the post support.

In a fourth aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including two posts according to the first statement of invention in which the housing component can provide one or more panel edge receiving recesses or channels, and each post being adapted to support the vertical edge of a panel.

The assembly may include a top rail and a bottom rail, each rail including a panel edge receiving recess to support the upper and lower edges respectively of a panel.

The panel edge receiving recess of the top rail or the bottom rail preferably includes a wall to support at least a part of a panel edge and the wall being selectively removable to facilitate installation or removal of the panel.

In a fifth aspect the invention consists in a panel support assembly including two posts adapted to be provided at side edges of a 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 the panel therebetween, the panel edge receiving recess being defined by one or more walls to support at least a part of a panel edge, and at least one of the walls of the panel edge receiving recess in the top rail or the bottom rail being selectively removable to facilitate installation or removal of the panel.

In a sixth aspect the invention consists in a method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of sliding the upper edge of the panel into the horizontal edge receiving recess of the top rail, moving the panel by allowing the 300594978_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 7 upper edge to rotate relative to the top rail to direct the lower edge toward the bottom rail, and lowering the panel in the plane of the panel to engage the lower edge in the edge receiving recess of the bottom rail.

The method may include the step of placing a glazing strip or wedge between the panel edge and a side of the edge receiving recess.

The method may include the step of placing a backing seal between the panel edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

The method may include applying the backing seal to the side of the edge receiving channel before the panel edge is placed in the channel.

The method may include applying the glazing strip to the side of the panel opposite the backing seal after the panel edge has been placed in the channel.

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 A preferred embodiment of the invention is described herein with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the balustrade assembly of the present invention; Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of a post support and a base plate of the balustrade assembly of Figure 1; Figure 2B is an assembled perspective view of the post support and base plate otthe 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344N2PR 8 balustrade assembly of Figure 2A; Figure 3 is a plan view (in cross section) of the post support of Figure 2.

Figures 4A-4D are plan views (in cross section) of various housing components of the balustrade assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the balustrade assembly of Figure 1 which includes an alternative housing from that shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a rail engaged with the post of the preceding Figures; Figures 6A-6B are elevations in cross section of rail rebate constructions; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a rail engaged with the post of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a further exploded view of the assembly of the balustrade assembly of Figure 1, and; Figure 9 is a further exploded view of the balustrade assembly of Figure 8 showing the balustrade in a partially assembled state.

Detailed Description of the invention The invention will be described with reference to the drawing Figures which depict a balustrade assembly. Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will appreciate that the invention is applicable to post supported structures generally, with a balustrade assembly being but one example of such structures.

A balustrade assembly which is generally referenced 1 is adapted to provide a safety barrier or support around a predetermined area such as a balcony, pool edge, stairway or the like.

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the balustrade assembly 1. The balustrade assembly 1 will typically include a plurality of posts 2, and a top rail 3, and usually also further rails 5 and 6, and a plurality of base plates 4. The rails are typically oriented generally 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 9 orthogonally relative to the post 2, with the angle varying somewhat dependent on the angle of the post to the surface on which the assembly is mounted. Figure 1 shows only a partial section only an overall assembly. A completed balustrade assembly may include any number of posts and rails depending on the desired length of the installation and desired appearance.

The base plate 4 is adapted to secure the post 2 and thus the assembly as a whole to a mounting surface i.e. to part of a suitable body or structure. The mounting surface could include a ground surface; a concrete or wood surface; any secure surface to which the balustrade assembly 1 may be fastened.

The post 2 extends substantially vertically from the base plate 4. It will be understood that the height to which the post 2 extends will depend largely on the specific requirements for the balustrade assembly 1. Preferably all the posts of the balustrade assembly 1 are substantially similar height, although it will be appreciated that where a mounting surface is uneven or non-regularly configured, the height of an individual post 2 may be varied. An appropriate height for a post 2 may typically be in the range of about 0.5 to 4 metres.

The post 2 includes a housing generally referenced 11 which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3. Housing 11 provides an exterior surface to the post 2 and defines the overall shape and appearance of the post 2. The housing 11 may include apertures 11 a in the surface of the housing 11 adapted to allow the rails 5, 6 to project or extend horizontally through the housing 11. The shape and size of the aperture(s) 11 a may vary according to the dimensions of the rails 5, 6. It will of course be appreciated that where a particular balustrade assembly 1 does not require rails 5, 6, then the housing 11 may be absent of apertures 11a.

In Figure 1 the rails 5, 6 are centrally disposed and extend in opposite directions either side of the post 2 in Figures 5 and 6. The rails 5, 6 of Figure 1 are the same shape and dimension as each other and are substantially circular or oval extrusions. The specific shape of the rails 5, 6 may vary according to the desired appearance of the balustrade assembly 1 or its intended function.

For example, the rails 5, 6 may be oval but include a recess or channel adapted to accommodate and support a glass panel as will be described below with reference to Figure 5. In particular the rails may include a removable bead or wall portion 80 as shown in Figure 6A 300586310_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR and described further below.

Generally the spacing between posts 2 dictates the length of the rails. It will be appreciated that it is not essential that the rails 5, 6 extend from either side of the post 2.

The rail 3 is a top rail and is engaged to the upper end of the post 2 i.e. to the end of the post that is opposite to the end attached to the base plate 4. The rail 3 extends in opposite directions either side of the post 2 and is substantially parallel to the rails 5, 6 and the mounting surface to which the balustrade assembly 1 is secured. The rail 3 engages with the post 2 at an upper portion 12 of the post 2. If the post 2 were a newel, an end post or corner post it may be unnecessary for the rail 3 to extend at opposite directions either side of the post 2.

The rails shown may be replaced with chains, ropes or the like that may be stretched between the posts 2 and provide a barrier.

The post 2 includes an elongate internal post support 13 within the housing 11. The support 13 is illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 3. The support 13 is adapted to engage with the base plate 4. The support 13 includes a central web 16 having two end portions 18 and 19 at either end of the web. The arrangement defines two oppositely disposed longitudinal channels 14 and 15 which are separated by the web 16. The arrangement of the web 16 and end portions 18 and 19 is such that the support 13 has a substantially "I" or "H" shape in cross section as can be seen in Figure 3. The support 13 can conveniently be extruded from an appropriate material such as aluminium or certain plastics materials for example.

Alternatively the support 13 may include the housing profile i.e. be formed (for example by an extrusion process) to have a generally elliptical external profile with one or more recesses adapted to receive an edge of a panel such as a glass panel.

At least one and preferably both of the end portions 18 and 19 include housing engagement means comprising recesses and/or projections 17A and 17B. The channels 14 and 15 allow the end of a rail to be disposed therein to be fastened in place, for example by one of more fasteners such as screws being placed through the end portions 18 and/or 19 and into, or into contact with, the rail end. Cavities 55 provide a top rail engagement means (obscured in Figures 2a and 2b), allowing fasteners such as screws to be disposed through part of a top rail and into the cavities 55 to secure the top rail to the post support 13. 300586310J ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 11 Dependent on the material from which the support 13 is constructed, rails may be engaged in the channels by providing apertures 24 in the end portions 18 and 19. Alternatively, guide slots 25 may be provided, with a self tapping screw being sufficient to penetrate the material of the end portions.

The base plate 4 includes two faces, namely an upper face 7 and a lower face 8 (not seen in Figure 1). The upper face 7 is adapted to engage with a lower portion 9 of the post 2. The lower face 8 engages with the mounting surface. In one preferred embodiment the lower face 8 is substantially flat to contact a substantially flat mounting surface. However, it will be appreciated that the lower face 8 may be configured to co-operate with the orientation of the mounting surface, where such surface is uneven or inclined, for example.

The base plate 4 is in use secured to the mounting surface. This is typically achieved by screws, bolts or similar fasteners which are placed through apertures 10. In use the apertures 10 are adapted to allow screws or bolts (not shown) to extend through from the upper face 7 to the lower face 8 and embed in the mounting surface. The base plate 4 may alternatively be secured to the mounting surface using adhesives, or a welded joint suitable to the mounting surface, or simply setting the base of the post in concrete for example.

As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the base plate 4 further includes a stud or projection 20 in which a recess 21 is provided. The projection 20 extends from the upper face 7 of the base plate 4. The recess 21 is adapted to co-operatively engage with the web 16 of support 13 to retain the support 13 in a substantially vertical position relative to the base plate 4. With reference to Figure 2b, when the balustrade assembly 1 is assembled the projection 20 straddles the web 16 and is disposed in the base of each channel 14 and 15.

Figures 4A-4D illustrate in plan view (i.e. in cross section) various housing components 11 which may engage with support 13 to form the post 2. The housing component 11 in Figure 4A is semi-circular or half elliptical in shape. Two housing components 11 of Figure 4A are required to form the generally elliptical external surface of the post 2 of Figure 1.

The housing components 11 may be supplied in various different shapes depending on the appearance of the post 2 required. Figures 4B to 4D illustrate various alternative forms of housing 11. The housing components shown in Figures 4A and 4C are designed to form a rebate suitable for supporting a glass panel, whereas the housing portions shown in Figures 4B 30Q586310_1.DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 12 and 4D do not form a rebate and are therefore not suitable for supporting glass. However, although the housings of Figures 46 and 4D cannot support glass panels the horizontal rails can support glass in a two edge-glazing situation. The housings of Figures 4B and 4D are therefore well suited to two edge glazing situations, for example top and bottom.

The housing 11 may include a support engagement means 26 in the form of shaped projections. The projections 26 engage the relevant housing component 11 with the support 13 by co-operatively engaging with the housing attachment means 17A and/or 17B via a "friction fit" or "snap fit" engagement lock. Friction fit arrangements have the advantage of allowing easy removal of the housing 11 from the support 13. This can be useful if the user desires to alter the appearance or function of the balustrade assembly 1.

These snap fit or friction fit engagements may be achieved by placing the selected housing component adjacent to the support 13 so that the projections 26 are adjacent to the relevant engagement portions 17A or 17B of the support 13. The housing component is then pushed laterally toward the support so that the projections 26 ride over the relevant surfaces of the support (as a result of a resilient property of the material such as aluminium or plastic from which the housing component is constructed) and engage with portions 17A and/or 17B. Alternatively, an end of the housing component may be placed adjacent to an end of the support 13 and then pushed longitudinally over the support so that the projections 26 slide into the engagement portions 17A and/or 17B.

A firm engagement is created, so removal is difficult in the preferred embodiment but is possible if so required. Preferably the housing engagement means 17 is of a shape so that it can co-operatively engage with a support attachment means 21 on the housing 11.

It will be appreciated that the exact shape and structure of the housing engagement means 17A and 17B is not essential to the overall operation of the invention. The support 13 may include various other forms of housing engagement means adapted to secure the housing components 11 to the support 13. Support 13 forms part of the recess or rebate area into which the panel edge (e.g. glass edge) fits. With only the wall thickness of support 13 separating the two rebate areas the post width is minimised, while at the same time maximising the rebate area. The elliptical shape has a number of important advantages. Posts are arranged so that the sides (i.e. the regions having the least curvature) of the ellipse are generally perpendicular to the rail or panel that the posts support. Thus the post provides a minimum width elevation and minimum visual interruption to a user viewing the assembly supported by the post. While 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 13 minimising width the shape also provides significant resistance to forces in a direction perpendicular to the rail or panel that the post supports. Therefore the post shape provides near optimum strength for its cross section (which reduces material costs) while also enhancing aesthetics. Furthermore, the shape allows a top rail (e.g. a handrail) to be provided over the post at almost any angle without the post edges projecting beyond the edges of the rail. The depth of the rebate area provided by the invention is advantageous, as the edge of a glass panel needs to be recessed into the rebate area further as the wind load increases. This could be as much as 18mm for edge cover (i.e. extent of projection of the edge into the recess) plus 6mm of clearance between the glass edge and the web 13. Known posts may have only 12mm edge cover. The support or web 13 also has the advantage of being relatively stiff in the direction in which the post will experience most load. That is to say, the support 13 resists loads applied in a direction normal to the line of the barrier or balustrade.

In general the housing components 11 are a facade to the I Beam structure of the post. Although functional, they are not an integral structural component of the post and therefore can be designed for aesthetic appearance. This opens up opportunities for unlimited shapes of housings. In one example in which a user wishes to light the immediate barrier area at night, this can be done by incorporating a light bulb into the I Beam rebate area allowing the light to pass through the edge of the glass panel or alternatively incorporate perforations into the housing to allow light to pass through. Also, electrical wiring may be passed up the interior of the post to supply a light provided within the post or at the top or bottom of the post.

In another situation, for example on a high-rise apartment block, the barriers are exposed to damage from an early stage and often need to be repaired prior to completion. The removable housing makes this process quick and relatively cost effective in contrast to replacing the whole post, which in some situations may be set in concrete.

Figure 5 illustrates a balustrade assembly 1 which includes housing components 11 adapted to accommodate a glass panel (not shown). The housing 11 includes a recess 40 which is formed between the rails 5, 6 and has panel support surfaces 42 which define an entrance to the recess and support a panel edge. The support surfaces 42 may be configured to carry a glazing wedge to allow a glass panel to be provided in the recess.

Where a housing component 11 of Figure 5 is selected it may also be appropriate to select rails 5, 6 which include recess 60, 61 of rails 5, 6 respectively. These rails 5, 6 are adapted to support a glass panel. When the rails 5, 6 including the recesses 60, 61 are engaged with the 300586310_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 14 post 2, recesses 60, 61 extend perpendicularly away from recess 40 of the housing 11.

The combination of recess 40 of the housing 11 and recesses 60, 61 of rails 5, 6 respectively are adapted to provide support to a glass panel. This system is different from previous methods and the advantages of this system are that the relevant housing components 11 can be removed which provides a gap. This allows the edge of the panel (e.g. glass panel) to pass through the gap into the rebate area. In a situation where four-edge glazing is required the glass is installed the same way, except in a vertical shuffling movement where the glass is lifted up into the horizontal top rail rebate and then dropped down into the bottom rail rebate. The housing is then replaced and glazing rubber is wedged between the glass face and the rebate housing locking both glass and housing into place. This is in contrast to the known constructions which do not allow glazing on four sides without dismantling the barrier structure in some way.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the recesses 40, 60, 61 are defined by surfaces adapted to support seals such as a backing seal (which in the preferred embodiment is engaged with one side of the recess prior to insertion of the panel edge) and glazing wedge to contact the glass panel.

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the top rail 3 and its construction. It will be appreciated that the rail 3 is not essential to the overall workings of the invention. However, where the rail 3 is required or desirable, in a preferred embodiment, the rail 3 may include an engagement plate 50 and a cover surface 51. As will be apparent in Figure 6 the support 13 and the housing 11 are engaged to form the post 2. The engagement plate 50 provides a firm support surface and is adapted to engage with the post 2 and the cover surface 51. In a preferred form screws 56 may be used to secure the engagement plate 50 to the top rail engagement means 55 of the support 13. It will be appreciated that other methods may be used to secure the engagement plate 50 to the post 2. In an alternative form the engagement plate 50 may be secured by welding or the like to the post 2.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate glazing rebates that may be used in the top and bottom rails. Thus in Figure 6A, a bottom rail 70 is affixed directly to a primary surface or may be separated from the primary surface by packers of say 12mm to allow water to pass underneath the rail for drainage purposes. The rail has a recess 72 and may include a support 74 for glass panel 76. The recess 72 has a wall portion 80 having a tongue 82 for location in a groove 84. A top rail engagement plate 90 includes a recess 92. This arrangement allows the panel to be slid upwardly into the top rebate, then with the wall section 80 removed, the lower edge is moved 300586310_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR into the bottom rebate. The wall section 80 is replaced and glazing beads 94 and 98 are pushed into place to complete the installation.

In Figure 6B the lower rail is shown set in the primary surface, which in this example is concrete. The upper plate 90 has a line of weakness 100. This allows the plate to be slit to allow access to the rebate as shown. Thus the lower panel edge may be placed in the lower rebate, and then the upper panel edge can be placed in the open rebate 92.

Referring again to Figure 6, the engagement plate 50 may be of any shape or form provided that it is adapted to engage with both the support 13 and the cover member 51 and provide a firm supportive surface.

The cover member 51 provides an exterior surface to the rail 3 and is adapted to co-operatively engage with the engagement plate 50. In one preferred embodiment the cover member 51 is adapted to engage with the engagement plate 50 via a friction fit arrangement. The cover member 51 includes profiled internal surface 53 which is adapted to align and form a friction fit with the engagement plate 50 to produce the rail 3 of Figure 7.

The invention is not limited to a rail 3 including an engagement plate 50 and cover member 51. In further alternative embodiments the cover member 51 and engagement plate 50 may be integrally formed and securable as a single unit to the post 2.

The support 13 and engagement plate 50 are preferably formed from any suitably strong materials including aluminium, stainless steel, rigid plastics and the like. The engagement plate 50 and support 13 preferably provide an internal skeleton to the balustrade assembly 1 so it may be important that these elements are formed from strong materials.

The housing components 11 and cover surface 51 may also be formed from any firm or rigid surface. As the housing 11 and rails 5, 6 provide the outer surfaces of the balustrade assembly 1 they should be strong but also provide an attractive outer surface. Polished aluminium extrusion and/or a stainless steel extrusion or timber rails may be used to form the outer surfaces.

The base plate 4 may be formed from any suitably strong material. In the preferred embodiment metal materials such as aluminium are used. 300586310_1 ,DC>C:WEJ506344NZPR 16 In a preferred form, support 13, engagement plate 50, housing 11 and cover surface 51 of the balustrade assembly 1 may be formed as continuous metal extrusions. The advantage of this is that each element may be cut at the site of construction to the particular dimensions of a balcony, stairway, pool edge or the like.

In a further alternative form, the support 13, housing 11, engagement plate 50 and cover member 51 may be prefabricated or manufactured to a specified standard requirement.

Figures 2, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate assembly of a preferred embodiment of the balustrade assembly 1.

Initially the base plate 4 is engaged with the support 13 using projection 20 as shown in Figure 2. Central surface 16 engages in recess 24 of the projection 20 to retain the support 13 in a substantially vertical position. Support 13 may be further secured to the base plate by fasteners 80. This substantially prevents the support 13 being lifted from the base plate 4. In a preferred form the fasteners include screws. Rather than using a base plate, the post may be affixed to the primary surface in other ways, for example by being set in concrete.

The assembly is then engaged with the primary surface. As mentioned the primary surface may include the ground, concrete, wood or the like. The lower face 8 contacts the primary surface. Base plate 4 is secured to the primary face via the securing means. In one preferred form the securing means may include screws, bolts or the like as will be known in the art. The base plate 4 may be secured an even or uneven distance from each other depending on the requirements of the balustrade assembly 1.

The height of the support 13 is adapted to the specific requirements of a balustrade assembly 1. As the support 13 principally defines the height of the balustrade assembly 1, a plurality of supports 13 will be fabricated to a specific length or cut on site to the specified requirements.

Once the support 13 is secured in a vertical position by the base plate 4, rails 5, 6 may be engaged with the support 13 as in Figure 8. The number of rails which are to be engaged with support 13 will depend largely on the requirements for the specific balustrade assembly 1. For example, in some cases no rails, one, two or more rails will be appropriate.

The rails 5, 6 may be of an equal length and define the distance between each post 2 of the 300586310_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 17 balustrade assembly 1.

With reference to Figure 8, an end surface 61 of rails 5, 6 are engaged with support 13. The maximum diameter of the end surface of the rails 5, 6 is accommodated by the width of channels 14 and 15 of the support 13.

The housing 11 is engaged with the rails 5, 6. Rails 5, 6 extend through the aperture 11a of the housing. Preferably the apertures 11a form a snug fit with the rails 5, 6. The rails are then secured to the support 13. This fixedly engages the rails 5, 6 in a substantially horizontal position relative to the support 13. Housing 11 is moved horizontally along rails 5, 6 to contact support 13 and is engaged by pushing it into place as described above.

The post 2 is now constructed. Rail 3 may then engaged with the top of post 2 via engagement plate 50.

The balustrade assembly 1 may be adapted to accommodate a glass panel if desired.

If a glass panel or any other panel is to be supported by the balustrade assembly 1, the housing 11 selected may include recess 40. To further adapt the balustrade assembly 1 to the glass panel, rails 5, 6 which include recess 60, 61 may also be used.

This arrangement makes it much easier to fit panels to posts using the removable housing portions shown in Figures 4A-4D. This makes four edge glazing much easier and safer, providing a cost saving in the thinner panels that may be mounted in assemblies according to the invention.

The invention also allows the one or more housing components 11 to support the rails. Thus referring to Figure 8 the end of a rail such as rail 5 or rail 6 may be provided in channel 14 or 15, and the aperture or recess 11A in the housing component 11 may be used to support the rail relative to the post. In this way, fasteners such as screws provided through apertures 24 are not required, or do not penetrate the rail ends. This construction has the advantage that the post supported assembly may tolerate seismic movement. For example, the construction illustrated in Figure 8 in which the rail ends are to be fastened within the channel using screws forms a rigid connection 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 a significant damage and is a 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 18 significant safety issue. If the housing component is used to support the rails, then the post support 13 provides horizontal or load bearing support to the rail during seismic movement. The housing provides vertical support to the rail and simply prevents 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 as shown in Figure 8, but allowing the rail to float unfixed inside the I beam channel. Provided the channel is of a suitable depth to allow seismic movement without the rail jumping out of the channel the whole rail and glass assembly can float independently of the fixed posts and resist the destructive forces of an earthquake.

The present invention may provide a balustrade assembly with improved strength and appearance. Because the end faces of the rails 5, 6 are protected from weathering conditions through the housing 11, the rails 5, 6 are less likely to be displaced from the post 2 and/or become damaged. Also, rails 5, 6 are locked between outer surfaces of the support 13 which further strengthens the connection to resist shear loads. Furthermore, the components may be provided as a kitset for assembly at a desired location.

Furthermore the invention may improve the aesthetic appearance of the balustrade assembly 1 whilst the balustrade assembly retains the strength and durability of the rail engagement to the post 2 through the support 13. In particular, the elliptical profile of the post has a number of advantages. The elliptical profile provides significant strength (greater than a square section post constructed from the same quantity of material), and has an improved aesthetic appearance. The visual profile of an elliptical post viewed from the perspective of a user in front of the barrier is relatively slim, yet the side profile (not normally seen by a user) is broader, providing improved strength.

While in the foregoing description there has been made reference to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

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.

The word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is intended to be 300586310_1 .DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 19 interpreted herein in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense, i.e. as meaning "including but not limited to". 300594978J ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR

Claims (20)

1. A panel support assembly including two posts adapted to be provided at side edges of a 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 the panel therebetween, the panel edge receiving recess being defined by one or more walls to support at least a part of a panel edge, and at least one of the walls of the panel edge receiving recess in the top rail or the bottom rail being selectively removable to facilitate installation or removal of the panel.

2. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the selectively removable wall has a tongue for engagement with a groove in the top or bottom rail.

3. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge receiving recess of the top or bottom rail includes a wall having a line of weakness or hinge substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rail such that the selectively removable wall may be selectively removed from the recess by way of pivoting about the line of weakness or hinge.

4. A panel support assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each post has at least one panel edge receiving recess for supporting the panel therebetween, the panel edge receiving recess being defined by one or more walls to support at least a part of a panel edge, and at least one of the walls of the panel edge receiving recess of each post being selectively removable to facilitate installation or removal of the panel.

5. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the selectively removable wall of the post comprises a selectively removable post housing component.

6. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the selectively removeable housing component is engageable with the post by way of a friction fit.

7. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the selectively removeable housing component is engageable with the post by way of a snap fit.

8. A panel support assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the"bpitQm 300594978_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 21 rail is affixed directly to a primary surface.

9. A panel support assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the bottom rail is separated from the primary surface by a plurality of packers.

10. A panel support assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the bottom rail is set in the primary surface.

11. A panel support assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the assembly includes three or more rails.

12. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of sliding the upper edge of the panel into the horizontal edge receiving recess of the top rail, moving the panel by allowing the upper edge to rotate relative to the top rail to direct the lower edge toward the bottom rail, and lowering the panel in the plane of the panel to engage the lower edge in the edge receiving recess of the bottom rail.

13. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of removing the wall portion from a first rail, sliding a first edge of the panel into the horizontal edge receiving recess of a second rail, moving the panel by allowing the first edge to rotate relative to the second rail to direct a second opposing edge of the panel toward the open recess of the first rail, and replacing the wall portion in the first rail.

14. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly as claimed in claim 4, the method including the steps of removing the wall portion from a first rail, removing the wall portion from each post, sliding a first edge of the panel into the horizontal edge receiving recess of a second rail, moving the panel by allowing the first edge to rotate relative to the second rail to direct a second opposing edge of the panel toward the open recess of the first rail, replacing the wall portion in the first rail, and replacing the wall portion in each post.

15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 including the step of placing a glazing strip or wedge between the panel edge and a side of the edge receiving recess. 300594978_1 ,DOC:WEJ506344NZPR 22

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 including the step of placing a backing seal between the panel edge and a side of the edge receiving channel.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the backing seal is applied to the side of the edge receiving channel before the panel edge is placed in the channel.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the glazing strip is applied to the side of the panel opposite the backing seal after the panel edge has been placed in the channel.

19. A panel support assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

20. A method of providing a panel in a panel support assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment illustrated in the drawings.