Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of fencing and balustrading and particularly to spigots used to hold fence or balustrade panels or the like

Background Art.

The first conceived clamp to hold a glass panel included a unitary body with two spaced apart upstanding arms between which a glass panel walls received. Prior to inserting the glass panel into the receiving slot between the two spaced apart arms, it was required to form openings in the glass panel in order to receive threaded fasteners therethrough. Once the panel with the openings was in place, the openings in the panel were aligned with openings in the spaced apart upstanding arms and threaded fasteners were passed through the glass panel in order to secure panel relative to the clamp.

These clamps had the distinct disadvantage that an opening had to be formed in the glass panel which was troublesome to form without ruining the glass panel and further, created an area of weakness in the panel which could, at a later time, cause the glass panel to crack.

An improvement on the original clamp was devised in order to obviate the need to form openings in the glass panel. In the improved clamp, the same unitary body with a pair of spaced apart upstanding arms was provided by to a clamping plate was provided in the preceding slot. In the clamping plate was driven to clamp the panel by rotating one or more threaded fasteners to force the clamping plate to close on the panel into force the panel against one of the two spaced apart upstanding arms.

Both of these clamps hold the glass panel in a rigid arrangement which will does not allow adjustment of the height of the panel once inserted into the receiving slot. This creates an onus on the installer of the clamp to ensure that the clamps are installed with great precision as a difference in the height of the receiving slot will cause a noticeable difference in the height of the top edge of the panel.

It would therefore be an advance in the art to provide a simple height adjustment mechanism which can be used to correctly locate the clamps and which allows adjustment in the height of the clamp in order to align the top edge of adjacent panels for aesthetic purposes. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to an adjustable spigot for mounting a panel, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a height adjustable spigot for mounting a panel, the spigot including a body, a substantially U-shaped opening with a base wall, to receive and retain a portion of the panel and a mounting assembly with at least one foot, the body mounted relative to the mounting member in an adjustable manner to adjust the effective separation distance between the foot and the base wall.

The adjustable spigot for mounting a panel of the present invention is normally used in a vertical orientation but may be used similarly in an angled or even horizontal orientation. The spigot is particularly well adapted for forming fences or balustrading using glass panels. Normally, the panel will be held in a substantially vertical orientation.

The spigot may retain or hold the panel in any appropriate manner including clamping the panel or by providing openings in the panel through which fasteners extend and which are received into or through the panel.

The spigot of the present invention has a height adjustability factor allowing the height of the clamp (and thereby the panel) to be adjusted in order to align with adjacent panels.

Due to the adjustability factor, the precision with which the spigot must be secured relative to a surface is decreased and this in turn decreases the complexity and therefore time required for installation.

In use, the body of the spigot is normally secured relative to a surface by embedding the body directly into the support surface and/or by attaching the body to another element which is embedded into or otherwise attached to the support surface. A settable compound is then introduced into the opening in which the spigot is received and allowed to set. Once set, the material will preferably hold the spigot securely, normally permanently. A preferred material is cementitious material such as concrete.

Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the invention resides in a method for installing a height adjustable spigot for mounting a panel, the spigot including a body, a substantially U-shaped opening with a base wall, to receive and retain a portion of the panel and a mounting assembly with at least one foot, the body mounted relative to the mounting member in an adjustable manner to adjust the effective separation distance between the foot and the base wall, the method including the steps of placing the mounting assembly and at least a portion of the body of the spigot into an opening formed in a support surface, adjusting the height of the base wall to position the base wall of a first spigot with the base wall of any adjacent spigot, introducing a settable material into the opening and allowing the settable material to set about the portion of the body of the spigot.

Normally, all of the elements of the spigot of the preferred embodiment will be metal except for the cushioning elements where provided.

The spigot of the present invention includes a body which is normally solid. It is particularly preferred that the body be monolithic and unitary.

The body of the spigot may have any cross-sectional shape including circular or rectangular.

The body of the spigot will preferably have a central guide and support portion extending upwardly from the base portion of the spigot. The central guide and support portion will preferably accomplish a number of purposes, namely to maintain a minimum separation distance between the spaced apart portions, to provide an attachment portion in order to secure clamping portions relative thereto (if appropriate), and to support the edge of a panel when the panel is in place.

The spigot of the preferred embodiment includes a substantially U- shaped opening with a base wall, to receive and retain a portion of the panel. Typically, the opening is defined by a pair of spaced apart portions, which, together with the base wall, define the U-shaped opening.

However, the U-shaped opening may be formed in any manner. For example, the U-shaped opening may be formed to allow clamping of the panel, with movable or fixed spaced apart portions. In addition, the U-shaped opening may be formed in order to allow a panel to be inserted between the spaced apart portions and fasteners extending through the spigot and the panel located between the spaced apart portions.

The U-shaped opening will normally have two side walls and the base wall. The panel will normally rest on the base wall or on a rest member provided on the base wall.

The adjustable spigot of the invention will also normally include a mounting assembly with at least one foot. Normally, the assembly includes a foot member and an elongate mounting rod extending therefrom.

The foot will normally be substantially planar and act to stabilise the position of the mounting rod. Normally, the foot will be provided with a substantially central receiving configuration in order to receive and retain any mounting rod. In some embodiments, the receiving configuration may retain the rod in a fixed arrangement and in other embodiments, the receiving configuration may allow rotation of the rod but not removal of the rod from the receiving configuration.

In both embodiments, it is preferred that the receiving configuration includes an upstanding collar portion. It is further preferred that the collar portion to hold the mounting rod substantially perpendicularly to the foot.

In the first preferred embodiment where the receiving configuration allows rotation of the rod but not removal, this functionality may be provided by forming a circumferential channel about a lower region of the mounting rod and providing a fastener for example a grub screw, extending through the receiving collar and into the channel. This will normally allow rotation of the rod but not removal of the rod from the receiving collar.

In the alternative embodiment where the rod is fixed to the receiving collar, the rod may be fixed to the receiving collar using any suitable means.

The mounting rod may be hollow or solid. The rod may be circular or have any other shape in cross-section. There may be an advantage to providing a circular cross-sectional shape in particular embodiments and a non-circular cross- sectional shape in other embodiments. It is further preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the mounting rod be the same over its height.

The rod may include one or more threaded portions thereon. An upper end or wall of the rod may be a planar or angled depending upon configuration.

The mounting rod will normally be provided in one of two preferred configurations. In a first preferred configuration namely, a top adjusting configuration, the mounting rod will normally have a circular cross-sectional shape and be provided with at least one externally threaded portion. Preferably, the upper end or wall of the rod will be provided with a shaped assembly or opening, normally a slot, in order to engage a drive tool. In this configuration, the mounting rod will normally be connected to the foot rotatably but not removably.

Engagement of a drive tool can therefore rotate the rod in the foot.

According to a second preferred embodiment, namely a side adjusting embodiment, the mounting rod will have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The mounting rod will normally have an angled upper end or wall. Further, the mounting rod will normally be fixed relative to the foot. According to this embodiment, an adjustment member is normally provided through the spigot to abut the upper end or wall of the rod. Normally, the adjustment member will be threaded. According to this configuration, rotation of the adjustment member will normally slide the end of the adjustment member along the angled upper end or wall of the rod, thereby adjusting the height of the spigot.

The mounting assembly may be manufactured or any material. Again, the mounting assembly may be provided to maintain the height of the spigot only temporarily until the spigot has been permanently fixed in the support. As mentioned above, this is normally accomplished through use of a suitable material such as concrete. The mounting assembly may therefore be manufactured of plastic in order to reduce cost. Alternatively, the mounting assembly may be manufactured of metal if a more permanent support is required.

As outlined above, the spigot and mounting assembly will normally be provided in either a top adjusting embodiment or a side adjusting embodiment. The configurations of the mounting assembly and the spigot will depend upon the embodiment provided.

For example, in the top adjusting embodiment, the spigot will normally be provided with a bore extending completely through the spigot parallel to (and normally co-planar with) the intended direction of the panel. The bore may be unidimensional or may be provided with portions of differing dimensions in different parts. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the bore may be larger in dimension toward the bottom of the spigot and smaller in dimension toward the top of the spigot.

Preferably, the larger portion of the bore will accept a portion of the mounting rod therein. The smaller portion of the bore will normally accept the drive tool whilst maximising the area provided for support of the panel edge. Accordingly, the larger portion of the bore will normally be provided with at least one internally threaded portion.

According to the side adjusting embodiment, the spigot will normally have a laterally extending opening, extending through the body of the spigot. The laterally extending opening will normally intersect with a unidimensional bore extending into but not completely through the spigot parallel to (and normally co- planar with) the intended direction of the panel.

The laterally extending opening will normally be internally threaded and receive a threaded adjustment member. The thread will preferably allow the adjustment member to be moved toward and away from the mounting rod which will preferably be received within the bore. When rotated inwardly, the spigot will be moved upwardly (that is, the effective separation distance between the foot and the spigot will be increased) and when rotated outwardly, the spigot will be lowered (that is, the effective separation distance between the foot and the spigot will be decreased).

Any openings in the spigot will preferably be covered using a cap, once the height of the spigot has been adjusted to the required level. Normally, any cap provided will be of the same material as the spigot in order to increase aesthetics. Alternatively, the cap may be provided of a different material but look contiguous with the spigot once inserted.

In use, the height adjustment mechanisms will preferably be used to ensure that spigot is used to mount panels are provided at the same level (or a required level) in order to ensure that the upper edge of the panels are coplanar. This may be affected using a stringline or laser levelling device for example to set a level and then adjusting each of the spigots to ensure compliance with the level.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable clamp according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the adjustable clamp as illustrated in Figure 1 in a raised condition.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mounting member according to the first preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the adjustable clamp as illustrated in Figure 1 in a lowered condition.

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the adjustable clamp according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mounting member according to the second preferred embodiment.

Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the adjustable clamp as illustrated in Figure 5 in a lowered condition.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an adjustable spigot 10 for mounting a panel (not shown) is provided.

The adjustable spigot 10 for mounting a panel illustrated in both alternative embodiments in the Figures includes a body 11 having a substantially U- shaped opening 12 with a base wall 13. The function of the opening 12 is to receive and retain a portion of a panel. The adjustable spigot 10 also has a mounting assembly 16 including an elongate mounting rod 14 associated with a foot 15. The body 11 is mounted relative to the mounting assembly 16 in an adjustable manner to adjust the effective separation distance between the foot 15 and the base wall 13 of the opening 12.

The adjustable spigot 10 of each embodiment illustrated is mounted for use in a vertical orientation but may be used similarly in an angled or even horizontal orientation. The spigot 10 is particularly well adapted for forming fences or balustrading using glass panels.

Although a clamping spigot is illustrated, the spigot may retain or hold the panel in any appropriate manner including clamping the panel or by providing openings in the panel through which fasteners extend and which are received into or through the panel.

In use (as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 5 and 7), the body 11 of the spigot 10 is normally secured relative to a surface by embedding at least a portion of the body 11 directly into the support surface 17. A settable compound is then introduced into the opening 18 in which the spigot 10 is received and allowed to set. Once set, the material will hold the spigot 10 securely, normally permanently. A preferred material is cementitious material such as concrete.

The body 11 of the spigot 10 illustrated has a central guide and support portion 19 extending upwardly from the base portion of the spigot 10. The central guide and support portion 19 will preferably accomplish a number of purposes, namely to maintain a minimum separation distance between the spaced apart portions, to provide an attachment portion in order to secure clamping portions relative thereto (if appropriate), and to provide the base wall for the U-shaped opening 12 to support the edge of a panel when the panel is in place.

The substantially U-shaped opening 12 is defined by a pair of spaced apart portions 20, which, together with the base wall, define the U-shaped opening.

The adjustable spigot 10 illustrated includes a mounting assembly 16 with a stabilising foot 15. As illustrated, the assembly 16 includes a foot 15 and an elongate mounting rod 14 extending therefrom.

The foot 15 illustrated is substantially planar and acts to stabilise the position of the mounting rod 14. Normally, the foot 15 has a substantially central receiving configuration in order to receive and retain any mounting rod 14.

In both preferred embodiments illustrated, the receiving configuration includes an upstanding collar portion 21 to hold the mounting rod 14 substantially perpendicularly to the foot 15.

In the first preferred embodiment where the receiving configuration allows rotation of the rod 14 but not removal, this functionality may be provided by forming a circumferential channel about a lower region of the mounting rod 14 and providing a fastener for example a grub screw, extending through the receiving collar 21 and into the channel. This will normally allow rotation of the rod but not removal of the rod from the receiving collar.

Alternatively in this embodiment, the rod 14 may be fixed into the receiving collar 21 such that rotation of the rod 14 causes rotation of the foot 15.

The rod 14 may be circular as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 or have any other shape in cross-section. There may be an advantage to providing a circular cross- sectional shape in particular embodiments and a non-circular cross-sectional shape in other embodiments.

The mounting rod 14 will normally be provided in one of two preferred configurations. In a first preferred configuration namely, a top adjusting configuration illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the mounting rod 14 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is provided with an external thread. The upper end 22 of the rod 14 has a shaped assembly or opening, normally a slot 23, in order to engage a drive tool. In this configuration, the mounting rod maybe connected to the foot rotatably but not removably or fixed.

Engagement of a drive tool can therefore rotate the rod 14 in the foot 15 or rotate both the rod 14 and the foot 15.

According to a second preferred embodiment, namely a side adjusting embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the mounting rod 14 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The mounting rod 14 has an angled upper end 22. Further, the mounting rod 14 is fixed relative to the foot. According to this embodiment, a threaded adjustment member 24 is provided through the body 11 to abut the upper end 22 of the rod 14. According to this configuration, rotation of the adjustment member 24 will slide the end of the adjustment member 24 along the angled upper end 22 of the rod 14, thereby adjusting the height of the spigot body 11 above the foot 15.

The configurations of the mounting assembly 16 and the spigot 10 will depend upon the embodiment of the spigot 10 provided.

For example, in the top adjusting embodiment, the spigot body 11 has a bore 25 extending completely through the spigot body 11 parallel to (and normally co- v. planar with) the intended direction of the panel. According to the illustrated embodiment, the bore 25 is larger in dimension toward the bottom of the spigot body

11 and smaller in dimension toward the top of the spigot body 11.

The larger portion 27 of the bore 25 accepts a portion of the mounting rod 14 therein. The smaller portion 26 of the bore 25 will normally accept the drive tool whilst maximising the area provided for support of the panel edge. Accordingly, the larger portion 27 of the bore 25 has an internally threaded portion as illustrated in Figure 1.

According to the side adjusting embodiment, the spigot body 11 has a laterally extending opening, extending through the body 11. The laterally extending opening intersects with a unidimensional bore 25 extending into but not completely through the spigot body 11 parallel to (and normally co-planar with) the intended direction of the panel.

The laterally extending opening is internally threaded and receives a threaded adjustment member 24. The thread allows the adjustment member 24 to be moved toward (Figure 5) and away from (Figure 7) the mounting rod 14 which is received within the bore 25. When moved inwardly, the spigot body 11 is moved upwardly (that is, the effective separation distance between the foot 15 and the base wall of the U-shaped opening 12 is increased) and when moved outwardly, the spigot body 11 is lowered (that is, the effective separation distance between the foot 15 and the the base wall of the U-shaped opening 12 is decreased).

In use, the height adjustment mechanisms will be used to ensure that the spigot is used to mount panels are provided at the same level (or a required level) in order to ensure that the upper edge of the panels are coplanar. This may be effected using a stringline or laser levelling device for example to set a level and then adjusting each of the spigots to ensure compliance with the level.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.