NZ551096A - Adjustable balustrade mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A balustrade mounting system for mounting one or more panels of a balustrade to a building structure comprising: a clamping system adapted to hold at least one panel in a cantilever configuration; and a fastening assembly adapted to hold the clamping system a predetermined distance away from the building structure such that a drainage gap is formed between the clamping system and the building structure, and wherein the fastening assembly is adjustable to result in a change in an inclination of the clamping system and the panel when held by the clamping system. A method of installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system is also included. The fastening assembly includes bolts and nuts and the clamping system includes a clamping plate and base member. The following method steps include:-attaching anchor bolts to the building structure in two separate rows; installing and locking fulcrum member to one of the anchor bolts; positioning base member on anchor bolts; positioning and clamping a panel between clamping plate and base member; locking nuts are then adjusted to secure base member to building structure; and locking nuts are then adjusted to adjust the inclination of the panels.

Description

551096 Patents Form # 5 *10054989686 ;NEW ZEALAND ;Patents Act 1953 ;COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;AFTER PROVISIONAL # : S51096 ;DATED : 6 November 2006 ;TITLE : Adjustable Balustrade Mounting System ;We, PILK3NGTON (NEW ZEALAND) LIMITED ;Address: 19 Gabador Place, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand Nationality: A New Zealand company do 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 - ;191324NZA_Cap_20071105_l 106_EMM.doc ;FEE CODE 1050 ;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. ;-5 NOV 2007 ;RFr.Fi*/FD 551096 2 Adjustable Balustrade Mounting System Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to balustrade mounting systems. The invention is directed particularly but not solely towards balustrade mounting systems for attaching panels to a building structure in an adjustable maimer.

Background of the Invention Balustrade mounting systems for coupling panels to a building structure are well known. For instance, existing balustrade mounting systems are currently available for holding panels of glass or other material in a vertical orientation. Typically, the panels are supported along their lower edge only by the balustrade mounting system in a cantilevered arrangement. The 15 panels extend vertically upward from the balustrade mounting system to form a barrier or screen around a perimeter of a balcony, roof, pool, deck, observation deck, etc.

Although effective, previously developed balustrade mounting systems are not without their problems. For instance, in previous bolt-fixed balustrade mounting systems, a base member 20 is firmly and non-adjustably fixed to the building structure. A panel is then clamped between two opposing clamp members. These clamp members are then adjustably attached to the base member to permit the inclination of the panel and the two clamp members to be adjusted relative to the stationary base member. Although effective, this system has its problems. First of all, the system is complicated, since it requires the use of two clamp 25 members which must be adjustably attached to the fixed base member, typically with two bolts, one disposed vertically above the other. Thus, during installation of the panels, both bolts and clamp members must be aligned and assembled, and then these items must be attached to the base member which has been attached to the building structure. Aligning all of these items during installation is a time consuming process, which increases installation 30 time and increases the chance of an error occurring during installation. 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 3 Further, the base member is typically attached by a single row of fasteners aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the balustrade, and most often in a row located directly below the bottom edge of the panel. This single of row of fasteners provides less resistance to torque tending to rotate the panel about its bottom edge. Thus, the balustrade system is less stable.

Also, previously developed balustrade mounting systems mount the base member directly to the building structure. During use, moisture can be trapped around the base member leading to premature failure and/or at least an unaesthetic appearance to the base member due to corrosion, as a result of its exposure to this trapped moisture. Additionally, it has been found 10 that previously developed balustrade mounting systems are prone to premature failure since they have pockets and cavities which tend to accumulate moisture during use. This accumulated water hastens the degradation of the components of the balustrade mounting system, and leads to premature failure of the balustrade mounting system.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a balustrade mounting system that is easier to install, less prone to corrosion, stronger, has fewer parts, provides an improved aesthetic appearance, is reliable, and/or less expensive to manufacture.

The discussion herein of the background to the invention is included to explain the context of 20 the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date of any of the claims.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a balustrade mounting system and method of installation and operation that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

I91324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 Received by IPONZ 18 Jan 2008 4 Summary off the Invention One embodiment of a balustrade mounting system formed in accordance with the present invention for mounting one or more panels of a balustrade to a building structure is disclosed. The balustrade mounting system can include a clamping system adapted to hold a panel in a cantilever configuration and a fastening system. A fastening assembly can be adapted to hold the clamping system a predetermined distance away from the building structure such that a drainage gap is formed between the clamping system and the building structure. The fastening assembly can be adjustable to result in a change in an incline of the clamping system and the panel when held by the clamping system. The clamping system can include a clamping plate and a base member, wherein the clamping plate is adapted to clamp the panel directly to the base member. The fastening assembly can be used to adjustably couple the base member to the building structure.

The balustrade mounting system may include a clamping plate and a base member. The clamping plate can be adapted to clamp the panel directly to the base member. The clamping plate can be clamped to the base member by a single row of fasteners. The fastening assembly can include a plurality of fasteners which couple the clamping system to the building structure. The fastening assembly can be adjusted to adjust the inclination of the clamping system. Preferably, only the plurality of fasteners which couple the clamping system to the building structure remain stationary when the inclination of the panels is adjusted, with all other components of the balustrade mounting system being adjusted in their incline. The fastening assembly can be used to adjustably couple the base member to the building structure without the base member contacting the building structure.

A method of installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system as disclosed above wherein the fastening assembly includes bolts and nuts and the clamping system includes a clamping plate and base member, the following steps include: -attaching anchor bolts to the building structure in two separate rows; -installing and locking fulcrum member to one of the anchor bolts; -positioning base member on anchor bolts; -positioning and clamping a panel between clamping plate and base member; 191324NZA COM SPEC 18Jan 2008 MCG.doc 551096 -locking nuts are then adjusted to secure base member to building structure; -locking nuts are then adjusted to adjust the inclination of the panels.

Preferably covers can be attached to base member to protect the base member and fasting assembly from the elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a balustrade mounting system formed in accordance with the present invention, the balustrade mounting system adapted to mount a balustrade to a horizontal surface; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the balustrade mounting system shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a balustrade mounting system formed in accordance with the present invention, the balustrade mounting system adapted to mount a balustrade to a vertical surface; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the balustrade mounting system shown in Figure 3, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the balustrade mounting system shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the balustrade mounting system shown in Figure 3, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 4-4 of Figure 3. 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 6 Description of the Preferred Embodiments The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a balustrade mounting system for adjustably mounting panels to a 5 building structure. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of a balustrade mounting system 100 formed 10 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Generally described, the balustrade mounting system 100 provides means for attaching at least one panel 108 or a plurality of panels 108, a few suitable examples being translucent, semi-transparent, and opaque panels, such as glass, metal, or wood panels, to a building structure 104, a few suitable examples being a floor or other such support surface. The balustrade mounting system 100 adjustably 15 couples the panels 108 to the building structure 104 such that the panels 108 extend generally perpendicularly upward from the planar surface of the building structure 104 and can be adjusted in inclination by rotating the panels 108 about a pivot axis 110, such as to cause the panels 108 to rotate in the direction of arrow 112 (i.e. counter clockwise) or opposite thereof (i.e. clockwise).

In light of the above general description of the balustrade mounting system 100, the components of the balustrade mounting system 100 will now be described in greater detail. Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the balustrade mounting system 100 includes a base member 102 that is adjustably coupled to a building structure 104. A clamping plate 106 25 clamps the panel 108 directly to the base member 102. One or more fasteners 114 are used to apply a compression or clamping force upon the panel 108 disposed between the clamping plate 106 and the base member 102. The fasteners 114 can be spaced apart in a row along the length of the balustrade mounting system 100 and pass through a series of corresponding apertures 116 in the panels 108. At least a single row of fasteners 114 can be used to clamp 30 the clamping plate 106 to the base member 102. Moreover, it has been found that a single row of fasteners 114 is able to provide sufficient clamping force between the clamping plate 106 and the base member 102 without having to result in two or more rows, one vertically spaced above the other, although it is noted such an arrangement is within the spirit I91324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 200? MCG.doc 551096 7 and scope of the present invention. A minimum of a single row of fasteners 114 has been found to simplify the installation process, reduce the number of components, and reduce the cost of manufacture.

The clamping plate 106 includes an extension panel 117 that extends below a bottom of the clamping plate 106. The extension panel 117 extends below the bottom of the clamping plate 106 so as to provide at least partial covering to an anchoring fastener 118. The extension panel 117 thereby hides the anchoring fastener 118 from view, providing an improved aesthetic appearance to the balustrade mounting system 100, while also protecting 10 the anchoring fastener 118 from the elements, increasing its expected useful life. Since the extension panel 117 can be integrally formed with the clamping plate 106 of the illustrated embodiment, the installation of the balustrade mounting system 100 is improved since the step of installing a separate cover is eliminated. Although the extension panel 117 is illustrated and described as being integrally formed with the clamping plate 106, it is noted 15 that the extension panel 117 can alternately be a separate part attached to balustrade mounting system 100 in any suitable manner.

Of note, the clamping plate 106 is a generally elongate member having a length that can be over a metre in length, or of even greater lengths, such as lengths exceeding 1.5, 2,2.5, or 3 20 metres. However, the length of the clamping plate 106 is minimally equal to or longer the length of the panels 108 which are intended to be installed by the balustrade mounting system 100 such that the entire length of the panel is supported by the clamping plate 106. The clamping plate 106 can be made of any rigid material. The clamping plate 106 can be made of a corrosive resistant metal or combination of materials, such as aluminium and/or 25 stainless steel. In another alternative the clamping plate 106 can be fabricated in a single or continuous piece or it may be fabricated in separate pieces.

Base member 102 can also be a generally elongate member having a length that can be over a metre in length, or of even greater lengths, such as lengths exceeding 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 30 metres. Minimally, the length of the base member 102 can be equal to or greater than the length of the panels 108 which are intended to be installed by the balustrade mounting system 100 such that a majority of the length of the panel 108 is supported by the base member 102. The base member 102 can be made of any rigid material or combination of 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 8 materials. Base member 102 can be made of a corrosive resistant metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel. Alternatively the base member 102 can be fabricated or formed from a continuous or one piece or it can be formed as separate pieces or components.

Base member 102 is generally T-shaped. The base member 102 includes a vertically oriented clamping surface 121 adapted to clamp against the panel, with an interlaying layer, such as fibre gasket or other glazing tape. The base member 102 also includes two rows of apertures 120 and 122, each row oriented parallel to one another. The rows are spaced from one another in the horizontal direction. Each aperture 120 and 122 is adapted to receive a 10 fastener 118 or 119 therethrough of a fastening assembly 124.

The fasteners 118 and 119 of the fastening assembly 124 are used in adjustably attaching the base member 102 to the building structure 104. Fastener 118 includes an anchor bolt 126 and a lock nut 128. The anchor bolt 126 can be substantially a stainless steel threaded rod 15 which extends down into the building structure 104 and is substantially vertically oriented. The lock nut 128 can be selectively tightened to secure the base member 102 to the building structure. Disposed between the base member 102 and the building structure 104 is a fulcrum member 130. The fulcrum member 130 is preferably a corrosive resistant material such as stainless steel. In another variation the fulcrum member can be flexible or 20 deformable material that is adapted to flex or deform when stressed. Moreover, the fulcrum member 130 may be sufficiently flexible or deformable or may be formed such as, to permit the base member 102 to be tilted about the fulcrum member 130 and about pivot axis 110 to permit the inclination of the panel 108 to be adjusted. As the base member 102 is pivoted about pivot axis 110, the fulcrum member 130 flexes and/or deforms or said fulcrum 25 member 130 can be simply formed to permit the change in inclination of the base member 102 in the direction of arrow 112, or opposite thereof.

Further, the fulcrum member 130 serves a second function. The fulcrum member 130 also serves as a spacer, spacing the bottom surface of the base member 102 a predetermined 30 distance above the building structure 104 to form a drainage gap. By spacing the base member 102 above the building structure 104, corrosion of the base member 102 is impeded, which substantially increases the expected useful life of the base member 102. In one embodiment, the fulcrum member 130 is formed by an elongate strip of semi-rigid material 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCGdoc 551096 9 having a row of apertures spaced apart along its length or fulcrum member 130 can be formed by a circular rigid material with an aperture.

Fastener 119 includes an anchor bolt 132 and a pair of lock nuts 134. The anchor bolt 132 is 5 substantially a stainless steel threaded rod which extends down into the building structure 104 and is substantially vertically oriented. The lock nuts 134 can be selectively tightened/loosened to secure the base member 102 to the building structure and to cause the base member 102 to be adjustably pivoted about the fulcrum member 130. As an example, the pair of lock nuts 134 can be moved vertically upward along the length of the anchor 10 bolt 132 to result in the panel 108, base member 102, and clamping plate 106 to rotate about pivot axis 110 in the direction of arrow 112.

The base member 102 includes a fastener channel 136 which can extend along the length of the base member 102. The fastener channel 136 is adapted to receive one of the locking 15 nuts 134 therein. The fastener channel 136 includes at least one or a plurality of drainage ports 138 passing through a sidewall of the fastener channel 136 to assist in the drainage of water from the fastener channel 136. The fastener channel 136 can be adapted to receive a protective/aesthetic cover 140 to close off the fastener channel 136 and provide a barrier to the infiltration of water into the fastener channel 136 while also providing an aesthetically 20 pleasing appearance by hiding the fasteners 119. Cover 140 snaps into place in a quick to connect or snap fit manner, and extends down to cover both locking nuts 134.

As is apparent from the above, the fastening assembly 124 secures the base member 102 to the building structure 104 in an adjustable manner which permits the base member 102 to be 25 selectively pivoted while also spacing the base member 102 above the building structure 104 permitting water to drain past the balustrade mounting system 100 without accumulating and causing the premature failure of the balustrade mounting system 100.

In light of the above description of the components of the balustrade mounting system 100, 30 the installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system 100 will now be described. First, the anchor bolts 126 and 132 are attached to the building structure 104 in two spaced apart and parallel rows. The fulcrum member 130 is then laid down and the bottom lock nut 134 is installed. The base member 102 is then lowered down such that the anchor 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 bolts 126 and 132 extend through the apertures 120 and 122 in the base member 102. Next the bottom edge, of the panel 108 is clamped between the clamping plate 106 and the base member 102 via the use of fasteners 114. Locking nuts 128 and 134 are then adjusted to both secure the base member 102 to the building structure 104 and to adjust the inclination of 5 the panels 108. Cover 140 is then secured to the base member 102.

Turning to Figures 3 and 4, an alternate embodiment of a balustrade mounting system 200 formed in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Generally described, the balustrade mounting system 200 provides a means for attaching a plurality of panels 108 in a 10 cantilever manner to a vertical surface of a building structure 104, a few suitable examples being a vertical edge of a floor, such as an outer edge of a balcony. The balustrade mounting system 200 adjustably couples the panels 108 to the building structure 104 such that the panels 108 extend substantially parallel to the planar surface of the edge of the building structure 104 (i.e. vertically) and so that they can be adjusted in inclination by rotating the 15 panels 108 about a horizontally oriented pivot axis oriented parallel to the length of the balustrade mounting system 200, such as pivot axis 210. The panels 108 can be rotated about pivot axis 210 to cause the panels 108 to rotate in the direction of arrow212 (i.e. counter clockwise) or opposite thereof (i.e. clockwise) to permit the vertical orientation of the panels 108 to be adjusted.

In light of the above general description of the balustrade mounting system 200, the components of the balustrade mounting system 200 will now be described in greater detail. Still referring to Figures 3 and 4, the balustrade mounting system 200 includes a base member 202 that is adjustably coupled to a building structure 104. A clamping plate 206 25 clamps the panel 108 directly to the base member 202. One or more fasteners 214 are used to apply a compression or clamping force upon the panel 108 disposed between the clamping plate 206 and the base member 202. The fasteners 214 can be spaced apart in a row disposed along at least a majority of the length of the balustrade mounting system 200 and pass through a series of corresponding apertures 216 disposed in the panels 108. At least only a 30 single row of fasteners 214 pass through the clamping plate 206 and panel 108 to clamp the clamping plate 206 to the base member 202. Moreover, it has been found that a single row of fasteners 214 is able to provide sufficient clamping force between the clamping plate 206 and the base member 202 without having to result in the use of two or more rows, one 191324MZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 11 vertically spaced above another, although it is noted such an arrangement is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. A single row of fasteners 214 has been found to simplify the installation process, reduce the number of components, and reduce the cost of manufacture.

Of note, the clamping plate 206 is a member that can be formed by an extrusion process. For example clamping plate 206 can be generally elongate. The clamping plate 206 can have a length that is over a metre, or is of even greater lengths, such as lengths exceeding 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 metres. For example, the length of the clamping plate 206 is equal to or greater in 10 length to the panels 108 which are intended to be installed by the balustrade mounting system 200. The clamping plate 206 can be made of any rigid material or formed of a combination of materials. Clamping plate 206 can be made of a corrosive resistant metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel.

The clamping plate 206 can include a fastener channel 236. The fastener channel 236 is formed by a pair of opposing sidewalls 282 and 284 which extend substantially horizontally outward from the main body of the clamping plate 206. The sidewalls 282 and 284 preferably extend along the entire length of the clamping plate 206. In use as shown in the figures one of the sidewalls can be termed a top sidewall 284 and the other a bottom side 20 wall 282 which both extend from a base which is oriented in a vertical orientation. The bottom sidewall 282 includes an elongate rib 288 facing outward from the fastener channel 236. The upper edge of the main body of the clamping plate 206 includes an elongate recess 286. The elongate rib 288 and the elongate recess 286 can be used in securing a cover 290 to the balustrade mounting system 200 in a quick to connect or snap fit 25 manner. The cover 290 is sized and shaped to couple to the clamping plate 206 to cover same, and includes an extension portion 292 which extends below the clamping plate 206 to cover the lower fastener 218 of the fastening assembly 224. The cover 290 is an elongate member can be formed from an extrusion process and can be made from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material or combination of materials, one example being extruded aluminium.

The base member 202 is also an elongate member which can be formed by an extrusion process and has a length that can be over a metre, or of even greater lengths, such as lengths exceeding 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 metres. The length of the base member 202 is equal to or greater I91324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.dCC 551096 12 in length to the panels 108 which are intended to be installed by the balustrade mounting system 200. Alternatively the base member 202 may not be continuous but in separate pieces. The base member 202 can be made of any rigid material or combination of materials. The base member 202 can be made of a corrosive resistant metal, such as aluminium or 5 stainless steel.

The base member 202 is generally planar in shape with the exception of a support flange 280 extending horizontally outward from a vertically oriented clamping surface 221. The clamping surface 221 is adapted to clamp against the panel, with an interlaying layer, such as 10 fibre gasket or glazing tape. The support flange 280 is adapted to extend underneath the bottom edge of the panel 108 and support the weight of the panel 108. A seating pad 294 can be disposed between the support flange 280 and the bottom edge of the panel 108. The seating pad 294 may be made of a soft or flexible material such as for example santoprene and neoprene. The base member 202 also includes two rows of apertures 220 and 222, each 15 row oriented parallel to one another and extending in a horizontal direction. The rows are spaced from one another in the vertical direction with one row disposed above the other. Each aperture 220 and 222 is adapted to receive a fastener 214 or 218 therethrough of a fastening assembly 224.

The fasteners 214 and 218 of the fastening assembly 224 are used in adjustably attaching the base member 202 to the building structure 104. Fastener 218 includes an anchor bolt 226 and three lock nuts 228A, 228B, and 228C. The anchor bolt 226 can be a stainless steel threaded rod which extends horizontally into the building structure 104.

The lock nuts 228 can be selectively tightened to secure the base member 202 to the building structure 104. Further, the lock nuts 228A and 228B can be used to selectively position the base member 202 a selected distance away from the building structure 104, thereby providing a drainage gap 296 to facilitate the drainage of water away from the balustrade mounting system 200, thereby prolonging its expected useful life and maintaining its 30 pleasing appearance by reducing the occurrence of corrosion. The lock nuts 228A and 228B can also be used to adjust the inclination of the base member 202 by selectively moving the bottom of the base member 202 closer or farther away from the building structure 104, thereby rotating the base member 202 and attached panels 108 about pivot axis 210. 19I324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 13 Fastener 214 includes an anchor bolt 232 and three lock nuts 234A, 234B, and 234C. The anchor bolt 232 is preferably a stainless steel threaded rod which extends horizontally into the building structure 104. The lock nuts 234 can be selectively tightened to secure the base 5 member 202 to the building structure 104. Further, the lock nuts234A and 234B can be used to selectively position the base member 202 a selected distance away from the building structure 104, thereby providing a drainage gap 296 to facilitate the drainage of water away from the balustrade mounting system 200.

The clamping plate 206 includes a fastener channel 236 which extends along the length of the base member 202. The fastener channel 236 is adapted to receive one of the locking nuts 234 therein. The fastener channel 236 may be adapted to receive a protective/aesthetic cover 290 to close off the fastener channel 236 and provide a barrier to the infiltration of water into the fastener channel 236 while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance 15 by hiding the fasteners 214. Cover 290 snaps into place, and extends down to cover both locking nuts 218.

As is apparent from the above, the fastening assembly 224 secures the base member 202 to the building structure 104 in an adjustable manner which permits the base member 202 to be 20 selectively pivoted while also spacing the base member 202 outward from the building structure 104 permitting water to drain past the balustrade mounting system 200 without accumulating and causing the premature failure of the balustrade mounting system 200.

In light of the above description of the components of the balustrade mounting system 200, 25 the installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system 200 will now be described. First, the anchor bolts 226 and 232 are attached to the building structure 104 in two spaced apart and parallel rows. The lock nuts 228B, 228C, 234B, and 234C are installed on the anchor bolts 226 and 232. The base member 202 is then lowered down and moved horizontally inward such that the anchor bolts 226 and 232 extend through the apertures 220 30 and 222 in the base member 202. Next locking nut 228A is installed. The seating member 294 is then laid down on the support flange 280. Next panel 108 is lowered and the bottom portion of the panel 108 is clamped between the clamping plate 206 and the base member 202 via the use of fasteners 214. Locking nuts 228 and 234 are then adjusted to 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 14 both secure the base member 202 to the building structure 104 and to adjust the inclination of the panels 108 and the width of the drainage gap 296. Cover 290 is then secured to the clamping plate 206 in a quick connect/snap fit manner as described above.

In figures 5 and 6 there is shown yet another embodiment of the balustrade mounting systems as shown in figures 2 and 4. All the components are referred using the same general base nomenclature as -previously used for the same components but having the first digit changed according to which drawing is being referred to.

As shown in figure 5 there is a balustrade mounting system 300 which includes a base member 302 which is adjustably mounted to a building structure 304. A clamping plate 306 clamps a panel 308 to base member 302. As in figure 2 fasteners 314 are used to apply compression or clamping force upon the panel 108 which is located between the clamping plate 306 and base member 302. Other components and the method of attaching and 15 adjusting though labelled in figure 5 are not all specifically discussed in this part of the specification but can be found in relation to the description for the comparable figure like for example figure 2.

Base member 302 is similar in shape to the base member 102 of figure 2 but does have some 20 differences. Base member 302 is still generally T-shaped having a vertical in use web member 303 with offset flanges whereby in use one flange 305 is used to be removably coupled to a support or building structure 104 while the other flange is formed as a cantilevered portion 307 extending from the web 303. However as shown in figure 5 lower flange 305 extends from web 303 in an angled portion and upper flange 307 is further 25 extended as a cantilevered portion from the web than the same flange 122 in figure 2. Additionally there is a seat portion 309 that is formed between a lower portion of the web 303 and upper flange 307. This seat portion 309 allows in use panel 108 and clamping plate 306 to be edge located thereon as shown in figure 5. Also shown is a seating member which is in the form of a pad 309A.

Another difference from the system of figure 2 is that outer surfaces of the web portion of base member 302 and clamping plate 306 are formed with cantilever tabs 311 protruding therefrom in a substantially right angle orientation or in a in use horizontal orientation. 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCO.doc 551096 These tabs 311 can include a shape that can be commensurate with the extent or length (into the page) of the base member 302 or clamping plate 306 or can be formed as spaced members along the outside length of base member 302 and clamping plate 306. These tabs 311 have a locking means located at the distal free end thereof which in use removably 5 interlocks with similar tabs which extend from an inside surface of a cover 340.

As shown in figure 5 cover tabs 313 also have a locking means which is oriented in an upside down mutually opposing orientation to the base member 302 or clamping plate 306 tabs so that in use the locking means which comprise an edge tab protrusion which slide over 10 each other to click and removably lock the cover 340 sealingly in place to restrict any ingress of moisture therein. Each cover tab and/or base member tab/clamping plate tab have a stopping means which allows the cover to click in place and to be held in place during normal use. Advantageously this embodiment as in figure 5 has a weather or moisture shield and is shaped to better allow fitting and installation to the support 104.

Figure 6 which shows another embodiment of the balustrade mounting system of figure 4 also has similar components to that described and disclosed. Similarly not all the components will be described which like the embodiment of the system of figure 5 uses the same principle of adjustment fixing and installation. Essentially the main differences are that 20 one clamping plate 406 and cover 490 are shaped differently and there is an extra cover or second cover 490A for the clamping plate 402.

Base 402 is similarly shaped to base 202 as in figure 4 but has an upper semi vertical portion having a sloped or inclined surface 403 and an upper edge portion having receiving means 25 405 for the second cover 490A. Second cover 490A comprises a planar member with a generally right angle cross sectional profile with an inner surface to in use face the upper edge portion of the base member 402 and an outer surface. Second cover 490A has at least one tab 407 having locking means as shown in figure 6 which is constructed and adapted to removably inter-fit with a tab receiving means (complementary recess) in base member 402 30 to removably hold the second cover 490A on the base member 402. Also a spacing member 409 is also provided on the inner cover surface of second cover 490A to in use abut the outer surface of the base member 402 to provide stability for the second cover 490A when being used. 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 16 As shown in figure 6 there is a first cover 490 which is also constructed as a generally planar member with a certain profile to cover the clamping plate 406 and all fixing means from the weather etc. First cover 490 is shaped differently to cover 290 of figure 4 whereby a lower 5 portion which is was previously a right angle is now a bevelled portion as shown in figure 6. First cover 490 has an outer side and an inner side to face the clamping plate 406.

Various removable locking means which include a tab member or male portion or female portions which in use interfits with a female or grooved portion or male portion in the upper 10 portion of the clamping plate 406. Also included in the first cover 490 is tab portion 407Awhich has a locking means 488 at a distal free end which in use slidably interfits with a tab portion 482 extending horizontally from a lower end of the clamping plate which also has a similar locking means 488. Both locking means comprise end protrusions and stopping means which are oriented in an upside down mutually opposing relationship to allow in use 15 the sliding over of protrusions to removably lock in place.

In general the embodiments displayed by figure 6 provide enhanced moisture protection etc and are somewhat easier to mould and manufacture. The method of installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system according to figure6 is similar to that described 20 for figure 4 (as on page 13 at the last paragraph) and that for figure 5 is similar to figure 2 (see page 9 at the last paragraph).

Advantages A balustrade mounting system formed in accordance with the present invention may exhibit one or more of the following advantages: a) The base member can be adjustably coupled to the building structure providing the user the ability to adjust the inclination of the panels with fewer parts and less labour 30 compared to prior art systems which rigidly couple the base member to the building structure; 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 17 b) The base member can be spaced from the building structure to provide a drainage gap between the base member and the building structure thereby impeding water from accumulating against the base member and decreasing its expected useful life and degrading its appearance. Prior art systems directly couple the base member to the building structure, facilitating water accumulation and resulting in premature failure; c) The panel can be directly coupled to the base member by sandwiching the panel between a clamping plate and the base member, wherein prior art systems sandwich the panel between at least a pair of clamping members, which are then coupled to the base member, resulting in a more complex, harder to install, and more expensive assembly; d) The balustrade mounting system can have fewer parts; e) The balustrade mounting system can be less labour intensive to install; f) The balustrade mounting system can be less costly to manufacture; g) The balustrade mounting system can use only a single row of fasteners to clamp the panel, instead of two rows of fasteners as used in prior art systems; and h) The balustrade mounting system can use two rows of fasteners to couple the mounting system to the building structure, instead of a single row of fasteners which has been found to be prone to failure in prior art systems.

Variations Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc 551096 18 be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and 5 widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

As shown in the drawings some of the embodiments of the invention show a cover 290. This 10 type of cover can be used on any of the assemblies shown in all the figures. 191324NZA COM SPEC 5 NOV 2007 MCG.doc

Claims (7)

551096 Received by IPONZ 18 Jan 2008 19 What we claim is:

1. A balustrade mounting system for mounting one or more panels of a balustrade to a building structure comprising: (a) a clamping system adapted to hold at least one panel in a cantilever configuration; (b) a fastening assembly adapted to hold the clamping system a predetermined distance away from the building structure such that a drainage gap is formed between the clamping system and the building structure, and wherein the fastening assembly is adjustable to result in a change in an inclination of the clamping system and the panel when held by the clamping system, and (c) wherein the clamping system includes a clamping plate and a base member, wherein the clamping plate is adapted to clamp the panel directly to the base member, and wherein the fastening assembly adjustably couples the base member to the building structure.

2. The balustrade mounting system of Claim 1,. wherein the clamping system includes a clamping plate and a base member, and wherein the clamping plate is adapted to clamp the panel directly to the base member.

3. The balustrade mounting system of Claim 2, wherein the clamping plate is clamped to the base member by at least a single row of fasteners oriented parallel to a length of the balustrade mounting system.

4. The balustrade mounting system of Claim 1, wherein the fastening assembly includes a plurality of fasteners which couple the clamping system to the building structure, and wherein when the fastening assembly is adjusted to adjust the incline of the clamping system, only the plurality of fasteners which couple the clamping system to the building structure remain stationary, and all other components of the balustrade mounting system are adjusted in their inclination.

5. A method of installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system of claim 1 wherein the fastening assembly includes bolts and nuts and the clamping system includes a clamping plate and base member, the following steps include: i<>mdN7.A POM svp.n 1x1™ virnrfrv 551096 Received by IPONZ 18 Jan 2008 20 -attaching anchor holts to the building structure in two separate rows; -installing and locking fulcrum member to one of the anchor bolts; -positioning base member on anchor bolts; -positioning and clamping a panel between clamping plate and base member; 5 -locking nuts are then adjusted to secure base member to building structure; -locking nuts are then adjusted to adjust the inclination of the panels.

6. A balustrade mounting system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. A method of installation and operation of the balustrade mounting system substantially 10 as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. PILKINGTQN (NEW ZEALAND) LIMITED 191324NZA COM SPEC 18Jan 2008 MCG.doc