NZ618520B2 - Panel mount - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a panel mount for the likes of a glass balustrade that allows the angle and orientation of the panel to be adjusted. The panel mount comprises a base for mounting to a substrate, spaced apart jaws connected to the base, the jaws defining an open slot therebetween. A first of the jaws is provided with a panel engagement formation which has a substantially fixed position relative to the jaws, a second of the jaws opposite the first jaw being provided with at least two independently adjustable bearing means adapted to cooperate with the panel engagement formation to clamp a panel provided, in use, between the bearing means and the panel engagement formation, to thereby hold the panel in the slot. The panel engagement formation protrudes from a side wall of the first jaw. The panel engagement formation is in a recess formed in the side wall of the first jaw. The panel engagement formation is material left while creating the side wall recess. The panel engagement formation is substantially quadrilateral rectangular. provided with a panel engagement formation which has a substantially fixed position relative to the jaws, a second of the jaws opposite the first jaw being provided with at least two independently adjustable bearing means adapted to cooperate with the panel engagement formation to clamp a panel provided, in use, between the bearing means and the panel engagement formation, to thereby hold the panel in the slot. The panel engagement formation protrudes from a side wall of the first jaw. The panel engagement formation is in a recess formed in the side wall of the first jaw. The panel engagement formation is material left while creating the side wall recess. The panel engagement formation is substantially quadrilateral rectangular.

Description

RC509562NZPR 303569912 1 PANEL MOUNT Technical field of the Invention The present invention relates to a panel mount, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a panel mount with jaws that are provided with independently adjustable bearing means.

Background of the Invention Freestanding upright panels are used for many purposes. They provide a more open and flowing counterpart to a standard wall in office buildings, provide optimal sight range when glass panels are used as edging on decks, and can provide a more aesthetically pleasing fencing option.

However, the mounting of such panels does not always involve a straightforward solution. The panels are often unwieldy, and are hard to adapt to their surroundings. For example, glass panels can require labour intensive drilling to bore through the panel and provide mounting points. If panels are damaged, getting suitable replacements that fit exactly with the current mounting scheme can also be difficult.

Various options have been devised to allow for easier and more flexible mounting of upright panels.

United States Patent Number 4,054,268 discloses a glass panel railing for mounting along building surfaces such as stairways and walkways. A plurality of glass panels are vertically mounted in a bracket having a slot defined between two mounting plates. Pads are provided on each plate which clamp to the lower ends of the panels, and screws are provided to adjust one of the plates holding a pad to bring adjacent panels into alignment. The plate includes a bead placed in a groove in the bracket so that the plate can be pivoted about the axis of the bead.

This mounting is complex and requires an irregularly shaped flange on the plate for insertion into the groove to allow the pivoting movement.

New Zealand Patent Number 570,225 discloses a panel mount for mounting glass panels. The mount includes clamp jaws which can be closed using threaded fasteners. The panel can be placed within a slot provided by the two jaws, with the base of the panel being supported by a bottom portion of the jaw. Each jaw has two fasteners which can be actuated by a user using a RC509562NZPR 303569912 2 tool such as a screw driver or Allen key. These fasteners can engage directly with an inserted pane, or against an intermediate member that contacts the pane. This mounting includes several (up to 4) adjustment points contacting the pane and/or intermediate members, which could make adjustment unclear for a user. In addition, the bottom adjustment points need to be adjusted to a central position before the panel can be installed.

The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Object of the Invention Accordingly, it is an object of a preferred embodiment of the invention to provide a panel mount for a freestanding panel with a simple but flexible adjustable engagement formation and which will overcome or ameliorate problems with such panel mounts at present, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only.

Brief Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel mount comprising a base for mounting to a substrate, spaced apart jaws connected to the base, the jaws defining an open slot therebetween, a first of said jaws being provided with a panel engagement formation which protrudes from a side wall of the first jaw and has a substantially fixed position relative to said jaws, a second of said jaws opposite the first jaw being provided with at least two independently adjustable bearing means adapted to cooperate with the panel engagement formation to clamp a panel provided, in use, between the bearing means and the panel engagement formation, to thereby hold the panel in the slot.

Preferably the panel engagement formation is in a recess formed in the side wall of the first jaw.

Preferably the panel engagement formation is material left while creating the side wall recess.

Preferably the panel engagement formation is substantially quadrilateral rectangular.

RC509562NZPR 303569912 3 Preferably the panel engagement formation has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first jaw.

Preferably the panel engagement formation is opposite one of the independently adjustable bearing means on the second jaw.

Preferably the first jaw is also provided with an adjustable bearing means.

Preferably the open end of the slot is provided at an opposite end of the jaws to the base.

Preferably the panel engagement formation is provided at an end of the first jaw which is proximate said base.

Preferably one of said adjustable bearing means is provided directly opposite said panel engagement formation.

Preferably a bearing pad is provided, in use, between the panel engagement formation of the first jaw and the panel, and between the two adjustable bearing means of the second jaw and the panel.

Preferably each said jaw is provided with a single bearing pad.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a panel mount is substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel mount according to a first aspect of the invention and a panel, as a kit.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention.

RC509562NZPR 303569912 4 Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1: Shows a perspective view of a panel mount engaged with a panel, the panel mount according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2: Shows a front elevation of the panel mount of Figure 1.

Figure 3: Shows a side elevation of the panel mount of Figure 1.

Figure 4: Shows a perspective view of the base of Figure 1 from above.

Figure 4A: Shows a perspective view of the base of Figure 1 from below.

Figure 5: Shows a front elevation the panel mount of Figure 1, with the inner details of the mount shown in hidden detail.

Figure 6: Shows a perspective view of a first jaw of the panel mount of Figure 1.

Figure 7: Shows an exploded perspective view of the panel mount of Figure 1.

Figure 8: Shows an exploded perspective view of a panel mount according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9: Shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the panel mount mounted to a vertical building element and engaged with a panel.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a panel mount 1 holding a glass panel 2 in an upright position. The panel mount 1 includes a base 3, threaded rods 4 to allow attachment to a substrate or building element (not shown) of a building (not shown), and two jaws 5, 6 which define an open slot 7 into which a panel 2 can be placed to rest on a bottom surface 8 provided by the clamp jaws 5, 6. Each jaw includes a cover plate 9, which covers access to adjustable bearing means 10 (shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8).

Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate how the jaws 5, 6 of the panel mount 1 can be of identical sizes, and how the panel 2 slides into the slot 7 created by the meeting of these jaws 5, 6. It can also be seen how the panel 2 can rest on or slightly above the bottom surface 8 provided by the two jaws 5, 6.

Figures 4 and 4A show a first view showing a top face 11 of the base 3 with apertures 12 extending through the base to give attachment points to the jaws 5, 6, and a second view RC509562NZPR 303569912 5 showing the bottom face 13 of the base 3 with blind holes 14 provided to give attachment points for threaded rods 4 which can be attached to a substrate (not shown). It can be seen that the bottom 15 of the apertures 12 have chamfered or countersunk portions 16 to allow space for a head of a connector 17 (shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8) so that the connector 17 is flush with the bottom face 13 of the base 3 when installed.

With reference to Figure 5, it can be seen how the various connectors 4, 17, 18 interact to assemble the base 3 and jaws 5, 6. This view also shows how the adjustable bearing means 10 interact with the bearing pads 19 by acting on the bearing pads 19 to force them against the panel 2. In the example shown the adjustable bearing means 10 take the form of grub screws which are provided in suitable apertures in the jaws 5, 6. Two adjustable bearing means 10 are provided on the second jaw 6, and an aperture 20 is provided on the first jaw 5 for a further adjustable bearing means (not shown). The lack of bearing means at the base of the first jaw 5 can be seen, where the panel engagement formation (not shown) is placed.

Figure 6 shows how a side wall 21 of the first jaw 5 is recessed with respect to an outer face 22 of the jaw to provide space for a bearing pad 19 (shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8). The side wall 21 contains an aperture 20 for an adjustable bearing means 10 (shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8) and also contains a panel engagement formation 23. A second aperture 24 is also shown in the first jaw 5 which allows the jaws 5,6 to be clamped together using a nut and bolt arrangement 25 (shown in Figures 5 and 8). It can be seen that in a preferred embodiment the panel engagement formation 23 is formed from material left from the process of creating the side wall recess. However, in other embodiments the panel engagement formation may be created by an alternative process. For example, in one embodiment (not shown) the panel engagement formation may be a pin which is fixed in a suitable aperture in the jaw.

The panel engagement formation 23 is preferably a substantially quadrilateral rectangular shape, with a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the jaw. However, other configurations are possible. For example, if the formation is provided as a pin, then the formation 23 may have a substantially circular cross-section.

The panel engagement formation 23 has a substantially fixed position relative to the jaw 5, and hence provides a stable position for the various adjustable bearing means 10 to act against. The stability of the panel engagement formation 23 allows solid insertion of the panel 2 into the slot 7 against the formation 23, or against the bearing pads 19 (shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8) bolstered by the formation 23, yet still allows flexibility and adjustment through the use of the adjustable bearing means 10. The panel engagement formation 23 is also configured to extend RC509562NZPR 303569912 6 a required distance from the surface of the jaw, in order to centralise the panel between the jaws. This may assist in speeding the installation of a panel in the mount relative to the systems of the prior art.

Figure 7 shows the adjustable bearing means 10 of the first jaw 5 already installed and ready to be applied to a bearing pad 19, the bearing pad 19 also interacting with the panel engagement formation 23. The cover plate 9 of the first jaw 5 is shown unattached allowing access to the adjustable bearing means 10 in the first jaw 5. Various threaded rods 4 are also shown which can be screwed into the base 3 and a substrate (not shown).

With reference to Figure 8, a panel mount 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention comprises a more elongate base 26. In this arrangement the holes 27 extend through the base, and the spacing is such as to allow a nut or other similar fastener to be located on the top surface of the base, thereby allowing the mount 1 to be mounted to fasteners or studs which are permanently mounted to a substrate (not shown). A nut and bolt arrangement 25 is used to clamp the two jaws 5, 6 together through holes 24 provided in the jaws 5, 6, and two screws 17 are used to attach the two jaws 5, 6 to the top face 28 of the base 26 through holes 29.

Figure 8 also shows the independently adjustable bearing means 10 which can be used to adjust the position of each bearing pad 19 to provide force against the inner faces of the panel 2. The adjustable bearing means 10 fit within provided holes 20 on the side wall 21 of the jaws , 6, and it can be seen how the covers 9 can be removed to access these bearing means 10.

Figure 9 shows another variation of the panel mount. In this embodiment varies from the embodiments described above in that one of the jaws 5a is longer than the other jaw 6a, the longer jaw 5a having a lower portion 30 which extends below the shorter jaw 6a to thereby define a base for the panel mount. The lower portion 30 is provided with mounting apertures through which suitable fasteners can be passed to thereby allow the panel mount to be mounted to a substantially vertical building element 31. The mounting apertures are covered by a cover plate 9a.

The jaws 5a, 6a are provided with apertures for adjustable bearing means and a panel engaging formation, all in a similar configuration to that shown in the embodiments described above. The panel engaging formation may be provided on either of the jaws 5a, 6a.

The panel mount can be used to support panels of various sizes, configurations, and materials.

The mount can be used for any area that requires panelling, such as to provide fencing for areas such as pools, provide an edge for decking, or provide interior walls in an office building.

RC509562NZPR 303569912 7 The mount can be installed into any applicable substrate, such as concrete, wood, or asphalt.

Preferably the mount is used to vertically support a glass panel of rectangular shape, providing fencing for an apartment deck, mounted on a concrete surface.

The panel mount provides easily adjustable pressure to any applicable panel, allowing for the use of more pressure for materials that can withstand it, or less pressure for more fragile materials. The bearing means are easily accessible through the removable cover plate, with the panel engagement formation limiting the adjustability to a desired range and providing a stable surface to allow easy installation.

The panel mount is preferably assembled using nut and bolt arrangement; however any applicable connecting formation or fixing can be used, such as screws or rivets. The base and jaws can be adapted to fit each arrangement, for example to allow for larger bolt heads to be installed fully adjacent to an outer face. The connecting arrangement can be chosen to allow for easy adjustment, for example using Allen keys, screwdrivers, or a specific tool providing more security from unwanted adjustment.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made 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 spirit or scope of the appended claims.

RC509562NZPR 303569912 8 WHAT WE

Claims (9)

CLAIM IS

1. A panel mount comprising a base for mounting to a substrate, spaced apart jaws 5 connected to the base, the jaws defining an open slot therebetween, a first of said jaws being provided with a panel engagement formation which protrudes from a side wall of the first jaw and has a substantially fixed position relative to said jaws, a second of said jaws opposite the first jaw being provided with at least two independently adjustable bearing means adapted to cooperate with the panel engagement formation to clamp a 10 panel provided, in use, between the bearing means and the panel engagement formation, to thereby hold the panel in the slot.

2. The panel mount of claim 1 wherein the panel engagement formation is in a recess formed in the side wall of the first jaw.

3. The panel mount of claim 1 or 2 wherein the panel engagement formation is material left while creating the side wall recess.

4. The panel mount of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel engagement formation is 20 a substantially quadrilateral rectangular shape.

5. The panel mount of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel engagement formation has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first jaw. 25

6. The panel mount of any one of claim 1 to 5, wherein the panel engagement formation is opposite one of the independently adjustable bearing means on the second jaw.

7. The panel mount of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first jaw is also provided with an adjustable bearing means.

8. The panel mount of any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein the open end of the slot is provided at an opposite end of the jaws to the base.

9. The panel mount of any one of claim 1 to8, wherein the panel engagement formation is 35 provided at an end of the first jaw which is proximate said base.