TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to the field of building construction, more precisely of production of structures with panels such as, for example, parapets or balustrades with panels, preferably in glass, or cantilever roofs.

More specifically, the present invention concerns the system for installing said panels, and even more specifically to the system for supporting and fixing said panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART It is known that in the sector of building construction structures with panels are used for multiple applications such as, for example, for parapets or glazed balustrades or cantilever roofs, partitions, both in residential and in public contexts. Structures of this type are constituted, for example, by parapets and partitions in stadiums, or are used to improve the safety of balconies, terraces, or stairs in residential contexts. The panels are preferably constituted by glass sheets that make it possible to guarantee that the structure will be transparent.

Said structures are essentially constituted by a supporting base suited to receive the lower edge of the panel, wherein the supporting base allows the panel to be fixed to an anchorage structure, for example a floor, on the one hand, and to be securely locked with the correct inclination with respect to the supporting base, on the other hand.

Supporting bases of the known type usually comprise a bar with a U-shaped profile defining a seat which is open upwards and receives the lower edge of the panel over its entire length, and a plurality of adjusting and/or locking elements that are used during the installation of the panel and then become integral parts of the structure once it has been installed.

In systems of the known type, said adjusting and/or locking elements are constituted by wedge-shaped elements which are interposed between a lateral face of the panel and the corresponding facing side of the U-shaped bar or, more preferably, between both lateral faces of the panel and the corresponding facing sides of the bar.

During the installation of the panel, the wedge-shaped elements are inserted more or less deeply in the U-shaped bar in the corresponding side of the panel, producing a more or less significant thrusting action against the panel, with a consequent variation of the inclination of the panel itself. 3 The final position/alignment of the panel/glass sheet, which is typically vertical, is thus obtained tentatively, step by step, through suitable adjustments of the vertical position of said elements on both sides of the panel carried out by the operator.

The final alignment is thus guaranteed and maintained by suitable locking means, for example clamping means that interact between the bar and the panel.

In a first system of the known type, several separate and spaced wedge-shaped elements are used, which are inserted in the same side of the panel or, preferably, in both sides of the panel,

During the assembly process, the various elements are moved in such a way as to arrange them in a higher or lower position, as described above.

In a second system of the known type, clamp-like elements are used instead of the wedge-shaped elements, said clamp-like elements being constituted by a U~ shaped block interposed between the lower edge of the panel and the corresponding U-shaped seat in the bar. The U-shaped block receives the lower edge of the panel and adjustable pressing elements, interposed between the block and the receiving U-shaped seat in the bar, which allow the panel to be adjusted and maintained in its final position.

The solutions known in the art, however, have some drawbacks.

A drawback of the systems of the known type is constituted by the difficulty and complexity of the installation steps, which require that the operators carry out continuous adjustments until achieving the correct alignment of the panel in the final position.

Another drawback of the systems of the known type is constituted by the reduced stability over time due to possible movements or changes in the dimensions of the adjusting elements used during the installation procedure and positioned inside the bar, which constitute an integral part of the structure.

The main object of the present invention is thus to resolve or at least partially overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, which characterize the state of the art.

More specifically, it is one object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to simplify the operations required for the installation of the panel compared to the systems of the known type.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that improves the resistance and stability of the panel in the correct position over time compared to the systems of the known type.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a piece of equipment for supporting a panel, said equipment comprising: - a supporting base having a seat open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge of said panel, and comprising a first side wall, a second side wall and a third wall suited to interconnect said first side wall and said second side wall;

- at least one adjustment device for adjusting the inclination of said panel, said adjustment device comprising a first lateral portion suited to he arranged between said first side wall of said supporting base and a first outer face of said panel, a second lateral portion suited to be arranged between said second side wall of said supporting base and a second outer face of said panel and a third portion suited to interconnect said first lateral portion and said second lateral portion; wherein said adjustment device comprises first connection means and said supporting base comprises second connection means cooperating with said first connection means, wherein said first and second connection means allow said third interconnecting portion of said adjustment device to be connected to said third interconnecting -wall of said supporting base in such a way as to enable at least one rotary movement of said third interconnecting portion of said adjustment device with respect to said supporting base.

Preferably, the first side wall, the second side wall and the third interconnecting wall of the supporting base are mutually arranged in such a way as to define a “U” shape, and/or the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion and the third intercomieeting portion of the adjustment device are mutually arranged in such a way as to define a “U” shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first connection means comprise a slide seat with a curved profile created in the third portion and a fulcrum element suited to be connected to the third wall of the supporting base, wherein the fulcrum element comprises a corresponding curved profile suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat of the third portion.

Preferably, said curved profile is constituted by a cylindrical profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the fulcrum element can be connected to the third wall of the supporting base by means of a fixing screw.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the fulcrum element comprises a fixing screw' suited to be connected to the third wall of the supporting base and the curved profile is obtained in a head portion of the fixing screw.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second connection means comprise a threaded hole made in the third interconnecting wall of the supporting base and suited to receive the fixing screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the first connection means comprise a slide seat with a curved profile made in the third portion and the second connection means comprise a fulcrum element associated with the third wall of the supporting base, wherein the fulcrum element comprises a corresponding curved profile suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat of the third portion. Preferably, said curved profile is constituted by a cylindrical profile.

Preferably, the fulcrum element is created in a single piece on the third wall of the supporting base and is defined by a projecting rib of the third wall of the supporting base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are articulated at the level of a hinge area and/or the second lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are articulated at the level of a hinge area.

In a preferred embodiment, the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are made in a single body and said hinge areas are defined by corresponding flexible areas of said single body.

Preferably, the first lateral portion of the adjustment device comprises a first external side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base, wherein the first external side comprises a first projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding first contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and a second projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding second contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base.

Preferably, the second lateral portion of the adjustment device comprises a second external side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a second internal side of the second side w ^r all of the supporting base, wherein the second external side comprises a first projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding first contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base and a second projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding second contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wail of the supporting base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and the first contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base are arranged so they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of the supporting base and/or the second contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and the second contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wail of the supporting base are arranged so that they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of the supporting base.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting base extends longitudinally along a main direction so as to at least partially match the lower edge of the panel. Preferably, the equipment comprises also locking means for locking the panel onto the supporting base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise thrusting means associated with the first lateral portion and/or with the second lateral portion of the adjustment device and suited to act against the respective outer face of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise adjustable means comprising a thrusting surface suited to be arranged in contact with the outer face of the panel and moving means suited to move the thrusting surface towards the outer face of the panel.

Preferably, the adjustable means comprise a first fixed portion and a second portion, provided with the thrusting surface, which can be rotated with respect to the first fixed portion, wherein the rotation of the second portion in a first rotation direction causes the displacement of the thrusting surface towards the outer face of the panel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first fixed portion and the second portion comprise respective sliding surfaces in mutual contact, said surfaces being inclined with respect to the direction of displacement of the thrusting surface, more preferably said sliding surfaces being configured as a helix.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is an adjustment device suited to adjust the inclination of a panel with respect to a supporting base for said panel, said supporting base having a seat open upwards

- S -- and suited to receive the lower edge of said panel, said adjustment device comprising a first lateral portion suited to be arranged between a first side wall of said supporting base and a first outer face of said panel, a second lateral portion suited to be arranged between a second side wail of said supporting base and a second outer face of said panel, and a third interconnecting portion that interconnects said first lateral portion and said second lateral portion; wherein said adjustment device comprises first connection means cooperating with second connection means for connection with said supporting base, wherein said first and second connection means allow said third interconnecting portion of said adjustment device to he connected to said supporting base in order to enable at least one rotary movement of said third interconnecting portion of said adjustment device with respect to said supporting base.

Preferably, the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adj ustment device are arranged with respect to one another in such a way as to define a “U” shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first connection means comprise a slide seat with a curved profile created in the third portion and a fulcrum element suited to be connected to the supporting base, wherein the fulcrum element comprises a corresponding curved profile suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat of the third portion.

Preferably, said curved profile is constituted by a cylindrical profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the fulcrum element can he connected to the supporting base by means of a fixing screw.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the fulcrum element comprises a fixing screw suited to be connected to the supporting base and the curved profile is obtained in a head portion of the fixing screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the first lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are articulated at the level of a hinge area and/or the second lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are articulated at the level of a hinge area.

Preferably, the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion and the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device are made in a single body and said hinge areas are defined by corresponding flexible areas of the single body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first lateral portion of the adjustment device comprises a first external side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base, wherein the first external side comprises a first projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding first contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and a second projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding second contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second lateral portion of the adjustment device comprises a second external side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base, wherein the second external side comprises a first projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding first contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wail of the supporting base and a second projecting area suited to slide along a corresponding second contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment device furthermore comprises locking means for locking the panel onto the supporting base.

Preferably, the locking means comprise thrusting means associated with the first lateral portion and/or the second lateral portion and suited to act against the respective outer face of the panel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise adjustable means comprising a thrusting surface suited to be arranged in contact with the outer face of the panel and moving means suited to move the thrusting surface towards the outer face of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable means comprise a first fixed portion and a second portion, provided with said thrusting surface, which can be rotated with respect to the first fixed portion, wherein the rotation of the second portion in a first rotation direction causes the displacement of the thrusting surface towards the outer face of the panel.

Preferably, the first fixed portion and the second portion comprise mutual sliding surfaces which are inclined with respect to the direction of displacement of the thrusting surface, more preferably said sliding surfaces being configured as a helix.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the subject of the same is a supporting base for a panel, said supporting base being provided with a seat which is open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge of said panel and to receive at least one adjustment device suited to adjust the inclination of said panel, said supporting base comprising a first side wall, a second side wall and a third interconnecting wall that interconnects said first side wall and said second side wall; wherein said base comprises second connection means cooperating with first connection means of said adjustment device, wherein said first and second connection means enable at least one rotary movement of at least one part of said adjustment device with respect to said supporting base.

Preferably, the first side wall, the second side wall and the third interconnecting wall of the supporting base are mutually arranged in such a way as to define a “U” shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second connection means comprise a threaded hole made in the third interconnecting wall of the supporting base and suited to receive a fixing screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the second connection means comprise a fulcrum element associated with the third wall of the supporting base, wherein the fulcrum element comprises a curved profile suited to slidingly cooperate with a corresponding curved profile of a slide seat of the adjustment device.

Preferably, the fulcrum element is made in a single piece in the third wall and is defined by a projecting rib of the third wall.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first side wall comprises a first internal side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a first external side of the adjustment device and the second side wall comprises a second internal side suited to be arranged so that it abuts against a second external side of the adjustment device.

In a preferred embodiment, the first internal side of the first side wall comprises a first contact surface suited to slidingly accommodate a first projecting area of the first external side of the adjustment device and a second contact surface suited to slidingly accommodate a second projecting area of the first external side of the adjustment device.

In a preferred embodiment, the second internal side of the second side wall comprises a first contact surface suited to slidingly accommodate a first projecting area of the second external side of the adjustment device and a second contact surface suited to slidingly accommodate a second projecting area of the second external side of the adjustment device. Preferably, the first contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and the first contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base are arranged so that they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of the supporting base and/or the second contact surface of the first internal side of the first side wall of the supporting base and the second contact surface of the second internal side of the second side wall of the supporting base are arranged so that they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of the supporting base.

According to a preferred embodiment, the supporting base extends longitudinally along a main direction so as to at least partially match the lower edge of the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further advantages, objectives, and characteristics as well as further embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and clarified below by means of the following description, making reference to the attached drawings. In particular, in the drawings:

- Figure 1 show's an axonometric view of support equipment for panels according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with a panel associated thereto:

- Figure 2 show's a front plan view of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the support equipment of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an element of Figure 3:

- Figure 5 shows two elements of Figure 4, wherein one of the two elements is shown from a different point of view';

- Figure 6 A show's a sectional view of a first element of Figure 3;

- Figure 6B shows a front view' of a second el ement of Figure 3;

» Figures from 6C to 6F show enlarged details of Figure 6B;

- Figures from 7 to 18 show successive steps of the installation operations required to obtain the assembly of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 19 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 15;

- Figure 19A shows the enlarged detail of Figure 16 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the addition of finishing elements;

- Figure 20 shows a variant embodiment of the equipment of the invention; - Figure 21 shows a partial sectional view of the equipment of Figure 20 with the adjustment device in the operating position;

- Figures from 22 to 24 show front views of the equipment of Figure 20 in possible different operating positions during the installation of the panel;

- Figure 25 shows an axonometric view of a device according to a variant embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 26 shows an element of Figure 25 isolated from the rest;

- Figure 27 shows a side plan view of a piece of equipment according to the invention using the device of Figure 25;

- Figure 28 shows a sectional view _' of Figure 27; - Figure 28 A shows an enlarged detail of Figure 28,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF

THE PRESENT INVENTION

Even though the present invention is described below with reference to its embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings. On the contrary, the embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings clarify some aspects of the present invention, the scope of which, however, is defined in the claims.

The present invention can be applied especially in the field of building construction for making parapets or balustrades with glass panels, or cantilever roofs, as described in detail below.

It should, however, he noted that more generally the present invention is advantageously applied for the construction of structures with panels of various types when it is necessary to install structural panels or furnishing panels as, for example, in partitions, cantilever roofs, roofing structures, railings of balconies, terraces, stairs, sound barriers in motorways, etc. Even the panels, in addition to being glazed, can be of various types such as, for example, sound absorbing panels.

A first embodiment of the support equipment 10 according to the present invention is described here below with reference to Figures from 1 to 19.

In some of these figures, the support equipment 10 Is associated with a panel 4, preferably constituted by a glass sheet.

Figure 1, for example, shows the assembly comprising the support equipment 10 and the panel 4 installed on an anchorage surface P, preferably a portion of a horizontal floor. In preferred variant embodiments, however, the support equipment can be configured so that it can be installed on anchorage surfaces that are not necessarily horizontal, for example on vertical walls by means of convenient angular brackets connecting the support equipment and the vertical wall. in the preferred embodiment illustrated, the panel 4 in its final position is preferably shown in a perfectly vertical position, or plumb.

In preferred variant embodiments, however, the final position of the panel may not be perfectly vertical but feature a certain desired degree of inclination, for example a few degrees of inclination, Again, in practice, according to the invention it is typically possible to use several assemblies installed and aligned one after the other to obtain the parapet in its entire length.

Figure 3 shows the support equipment 10 with its components, which is used to install the panel 4 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, the support equipment 10 is configured to receive a lower edge 6 of the panel 4. Preferably, the support equipment 10 extends under the panel 4 and preferably its extension corresponds to the entire length of the panel 4 itself. In preferred variant embodiments, however, the length of the support equipment 10 may be different from the length of the overlying panel 4, for example be shorter or, alternatively, the underside of the same panel can be associated with several pieces of support equipment having reduced length.

The support equipment 10 comprises, preferably, a supporting base 20 and at least one adjustment device 40 suited to adjust the inclination of the panel 4.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the support equipment 10 preferably comprises two adjustment devices 40 positioned at a convenient distance inside the support equipment 40 and under the panel 4. In preferred variant embodiments, however, the number of adjustment devices can be different, according to the length and/or size and/or weight of the overlying panel 4, for panels having small dimensions there may even be only one adjustment device.

The adjustment devices 40 are preferably equal to each other, and therefore here below reference is made to the detailed description of one of said devices.

The supporting base 20 comprises, preferably, a bar that develops longitudinally, for example a holed metal section bar provided with a seat 22 which is open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge 6 of the panel 4. In variant embodiments, the supporting base can be made with different materials and, if necessary, even with a solid structure.

The seat 22 advantageously bouses the adjustment devices 40 which therefore are interposed between the supporting base 20 and the panel 4.

The supporting base 20 is preferably defined by a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26 and a third wall 28 interconnecting the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26. The three walls 24, 26, 28 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

The lower surface 20A of the supporting base 20 is preferably plane, or substantially plane, and defines the contact area suited to be rested on the floor P. The first side wall 24 comprises a first internal side 30 and, analogously, the second side wall 26 comprises a second internal side 32 facing the first internal side 30.

The first internal side 30 and/or the second internal side 32 are defined by respective shaped surfaces 30A, 3 OB, 32A, 32B, or contact surfaces, described in greater detail below.

The adjustment device 40 preferably comprises a first lateral portion 42 suited to be arranged between the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 and a first outer face 5A of the panel 4. The adjustment device 40 preferably comprises a second lateral portion 44 suited to be arranged between the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20 and the second outer face 5B of the panel 4. The adjustment device 40 preferably comprises also a third interconnecting portion 46 that intercomiects the first lateral portion 42 and the second lateral portion 44.

The three portions 42, 44, 46 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the adjustment device 40 comprises first connection means 50 and the supporting base 20 comprises second connection means 60 cooperating with the first connection means 50, wherein the first and second connection means 50, 60 allow the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 to be connected to the third interconnecting wall 28 of the supporting base 20 so as to enable at least one rotary movement of the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 with respect to the supporting base 20. The rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 with respect to the supporting base 20 determines a corresponding advantageous upward or downward movement of the first lateral portion 42 and of the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40, as is better described below with reference to the installation steps of the panel 4 and as is shown, for example, in Figures from 15 to 18.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures from 1 to 19, the first lateral portion 42, the second lateral portion 44 and the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 are distinct parts, better visible in Figure 4.

Preferably, the first lateral portion 42 and the third interconnecting portion 46 are articulated at the level of a hinge area 80, as indicated in Figure 6A.

The hinge area 80 makes it possible to move the first lateral portion 42 upwards or backwards following a corresponding rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46, in a rotation direction or the opposite direction, as can be observed for example when comparing Figures 15 and 17.

Said articulation is preferably defined by a cylindrical portion 82 projecting from the third interconnecting portion 46 and by a matching seat 84 created in the first lateral portion 42 and receiving said cylindrical portion 82. Analogously, the second lateral portion 44 and the third interconnecting portion 46 are preferably articulated at the level of a hinge area 90, as indicated in Figure 6A.

The hinge area 90 makes it possible to move the second lateral portion 44 upwards or downwards following a corresponding rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46, in a rotation direction or the opposite direction.

Said articulation is preferably defined by a cylindrical portion 92 projecting from the third interconnecting portion 46 and by a matching seat 94 created in the second lateral portion 44 and receiving said cylindrical portion 92.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the first connection means 50 comprise a slide seat 52 with a curved profile obtained in the third interconnecting portion 46 and a fulcrum element 54 suited to be connected to the third wall 28 of the supporting base 20.

The fulcrum element 54 comprises a corresponding curved profile 56 suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat 52 of the third portion 46. Preferably, said curved profiles of the seat 52 and of the fulcrum element 54 are constituted by respective cylindrical profiles.

The fulcrum element 54 can be preferably connected to the third wall 28 of the supporting base by means of a fixing screw 58.

For this purpose, the second connection means 60 comprise a threaded hole 62, obtained in the third interconnecting wall 28 of the supporting base 20 and suited to receive the fixing screw 58, as can be observed, in particular, in Figure 10. Advantageously, the fulcrum element 54 is fixed to the third wall 28 of the supporting base 20 and at the same time the third portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 can rotate with respect to the supporting base 20. The rotation of the third portion 46, as already explained, allows the first lateral portion 42 and the second lateral portion 44 to be moved upwards or downwards. During the upward or downward movement, the lateral portions 42, 44 of the adjustment device 40 rest on the respective side walls 24, 26 of the supporting base 20. Preferably, the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 comprises a first external side 43 suited to be arranged in such a way that it abuts against the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20. The first external side 43 preferably comprises a first projecting area 43A suited to slide along the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 and a second projecting area 43B suited to slide along the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20. The projecting areas 43A, 43B are preferably defined by respective cylindrical portions.

Analogously, the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 preferably comprises a second external side 45 suited to be arranged in such a way that it abuts against the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 44 of the supporting base 20. The second external side 45 preferably comprises a first projecting area 45 A suited to slide along the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20 and a second projecting area 45B suited to slide along the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20. The projecting areas 45A, 45B are preferably defined by respective cylindrical portions.

As shown in Figure 19, the first projecting area 43A of the first external side 43 of the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 preferably slides along a respective first contact surface 30A of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 and the second projecting area 43 B of the first external side 43 of the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 preferably slides along a respective second contact surface 3 OB of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20.

Analogously, the first projecting area 45A of the second external side 45 of the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 preferably slides along a respective first contact surface 32A of the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20 and the second projecting area 45B of the second external side 45 of the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 preferably slides along a respective second contact surface 32B of the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20.

In particular, preferably, the first contact surface 30A of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 and the first contact surface 32A of the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20 are arranged so that they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of said supporting base 20, that is, upwards in the figures.

Analogously, the second contact surface SOB of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 and the second contact surface 32B of the second interna! side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20 are preferably arranged so that they are inclined with respect to each other in such a way that their mutual distance increases towards the open side of said supporting base 20.

More preferably, the inclined contact surfaces are constituted by portions of plane surfaces.

In variant embodiments, however, said surface portions can have different shapes, for example curved or mixtilinear.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first contact surfaces 30A, 32A are plane, as can be better seen in Figures 6B, 6C and 6E, and preferably have a predetermined angle of inclination A1 with respect to an axis of symmetry V of the supporting base 20, which corresponds to the vertical axis V assuming that the supporting base 20 is positioned on a horizontal surface, as illustrated in the various figures.

Preferably, the angle of inclination A1 is selected from within a range between 5° and 70°, more preferably is an angle equal to 15°.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, also the second contact surfaces 30B, 32B are plane, as can be better seen in Figures 6B, 6D and 6F, and preferably have a predetermined angle of inclination A2 with respect to the axis of symmetry Y of the supporting base 20,

Preferably, the inclination angle A2 is selected from within a range between 0.5° and 20°, more preferably is an angle equal to 3°.

Advantageously, as is better described below, the projecting areas 43A, 43B of the first external side 43 of the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 cooperate with the respective inclined contact surfaces 30A, 30B of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20 in such a way that a downward or upward translation of the first lateral portion 42 results in a corresponding movement of the first lateral portion 42 itself towards or away from the axis of symmetry V of the supporting base 20.

During said movement towards or away from the axis of symmetry' V, the first lateral portion 42 and the panel 4 are also advantageously subjected to a corresponding desired rotary'' movement in w'hich, more specifically, the first lateral portion 42 rotates at the level of the first hinge area 80.

Analogously, the projecting areas 45A, 45B of the second external side 45 of the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 cooperate with the respective inclined contact surfaces 32A, 32B of the second side wail 26 of the supporting base 20 in such a way that a downward or upward translation of the second lateral portion 44 results in a corresponding movement of the second lateral portion 44 itself towards or away from the axis symmetry V of the supporting base 20.

During said movement towards or away from the axis of symmetry' V, the second lateral portion 44 and the panel 4 are also advantageously subjected to a corresponding desired rotary movement in which, more specifically, the second lateral portion 44 rotates at the level of the second hinge area 90.

Still advantageously, furthermore, during said movements towards or away from the axis of symmetry V, the first lateral portion 42 and the second lateral portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 remain substantially parallel to each other and rest in a stable manner on the outer faces 5A, 5B of the panel 4.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the support equipment 10 is furthermore provided with locking means 86 suited to lock the panel 4 onto the supporting base 20, in particular once the pane! 4 has been placed in its desired final position. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the locking means 86 comprise thrusting means associated with the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 and suited to act against the respective first outer face 5 A of the panel 4. The locking means 86 preferably comprise adjustable means comprising a thrusting surface 93A suited to be arranged in contact with the first outer face 5A of the panel 4 and moving means suited to move the thrusting surface 93A towards the first outer face 5 A of the panel 4.

The adjustable means preferably comprise a first fixed portion 87 and a second portion 88 provided with said thrusting surface 93 A and suited to be rotated with respect to the first fixed portion 87.

The first fixed portion 87 is preferably integral with the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40, more preferably is made in a single piece with it.

The first and the second portion 87, 88 are conveniently configured in such a way that the rotation of the second portion 88 in a first rotation direction causes the displacement of the thrusting surface 93A towards the first outer face 5A of the panel 4,

The displacement of the second portion 88 with respect to the first portion 87 is determined by the mutual sliding movement of respective inclined surfaces 96, 98, in contact with each other, of the two portions 87, 88, visible in Figure 5.

Said surfaces 96, 98 are inclined with respect to the direction of displacement of the thrusting surface 93A. More preferably, said surfaces 96, 98 are curved so that they assume a helix-shaped configuration.

The second portion 88 is provided at its periphery with a plurality of grooves 89 suited to allow the second portion 88 to be held and rotated by means of a suitable tool U, as shown for example in Figure 14.

A further safety locking element, preferably a dowel 99A, is used to guarantee that the second portion 88 is maintained in its position with respect to the first portion 87 when the two portions 87 and 88 are in the desired mutual final position. A hole 99B in the second portion 88 preferably receives the locking dowel 99A.

In variant embodiments, however, said further safety locking element can be omitted.

It should be noted that the thrusting surface 93A is preferably defined at the level of a contact element 93A, Preferably, said contact element 93A comprises a disc made of plastic which improves adhesion against the first outer face 5A of the panel 4.

Furthermore, preferably, said contact element 93A prevents any direct contact between the second portion 88 and the first outer face 5 A of the panel 4 when the contact element 93A is made of a metallic material and the panel is a glass sheet. In variant embodiments, however, said contact element 93A may not be present and in this case the thrusting surface will be defined directly by the outer surface of the second portion 88, facing towards the panel 4.

Analogously, a contact element 93B is used at the level of the second portion 44 in the area where it rests against the second outer face 5B of the panel 4.

In the embodiment illustrated and described herein, the locking means 86 are associated with the first lateral portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 to act against the respective first outer face 5 A of the panel 4,

In variant embodiments, however, the locking means can be associated with the second lateral portion of the adjustment device to act against the respective second outer face of the panel or, if necessary, locking means can be associated with both lateral portions of the adjustment device to act against the two outer faces of the panel.

The main steps of the installation of the panel 4 by means of the support equipment 10 of the invention are described below, making reference to Figures from 7 to 18.

The supporting base 20 is first fixed to the anchorage surface/floor P, preferably using fixing screws 70 (Figure 7),

Then, there is the step of preparation of the adjustment devices 40 to be inserted in the supporting base 20 and fixed to the same, in the case at hand two adjustment devices 40 (Figure 8). The adjustment device 40 is fixed by tightening the fixing screw 58 in the corresponding threaded hole 62 (Figures 9 and 10).

Plugging elements 72 (Figures 11, 11A and 11B) are positioned at the level of the heads of the fixing screws 70 that fix the supporting base 20 to the floor P, wherein said plugging elements 72, in addition to covering the screws 70, preferably also serve as respective supporting areas for the lower edge 6 of the panel 4, as illustrated also in Figures from 15 to 18.

The panel 4 is then inserted between the lateral portions 42, 44 of the adjustment device 40, into the supporting base 20. A tool U is then prepared so that it can be used for the successive adjustments (Figure 12),

The tool U comprises a first area U 1 for coupling with the external grooves 89 of the second portion 88 of the locking means 86, as illustrated in the detail of Figure 16.

The tool U comprises a projecting pin U2 which can advantageously be pushed downwards or upwards, for example using a hammer, as described below. Furthermore, the tool U is preferably provided with a connection area U3 suitable for coupling with a dynamometric wrench. The tool U is inserted between the panel 4 and the first side wall 24 of the base structure 20, as shown in Figure 13, in such a way as to peripherally hold the second portion 88, as shown in the detail of Figure 14.

The adjustment of the inclination of the panel 4 is thus carried out by acting on the tool U, as described below, Figure 15 shows a first possible position, inclined rightwards, which the panel 4 can assume soon after its insertion in the adjustment device 40.

The operations to be carried out are those required to move the panel 4 to a desired final position, for example the vertical position shown in Figure 16.

To this end, the operator hits the projecting pin U2 of the tool U from top to bottom using the hammer. The force that pushes the tool U downwards is transferred, through the second portion 88, to the first portion 42 of the adjustment device 40. This causes the first portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 to move downwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 43A, 43B of the first external side 43 of the first lateral portion 42 advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 30 A, 30B of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20, as can be deduced from the detail of Figure 19,

The downward movement of the first portion 42 causes the rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 with respect to the third side wall 28 of the supporting base 20 (clockwise rotation with reference to Figure 15). At the same time, the rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46 causes the second portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 to move upwards, During said movement, the projecting areas 45A, 45B of the second external side 45 of the second lateral portion 44 advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 32A, 32B of the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20.

The adjustment by means of hammer strokes is complete once the desired final position has been reached, for example the vertical position as indicated in Figure 16. Advantageously, during said adjustment movements described above, thanks to the cooperation between the projecting areas 43 A. 43B, 45A, 45B of the adjustment device 40 and the respective contact surfaces 30 A, SOB, 32 A, 32B of the supporting base 20, together with the fact that the lateral portions 42, 44 of the adjustment device 40 move in a synchronized manner through the interconnecting portion 46 constrained to the supporting base 28 with the fixing screw 58, the operation of inclining the panel 4 towards the desired final position takes place in a controlled manner, 'wherein the contact elements 93A, 93B continue to adhere to the outer faces 5A, 5B of the panel 4 and are maintained in a mutual parallel position. Advantageously, the operation of inclining the panel 4 towards its final position is substantially obtained by means only of a rotary movement of the panel 4 at the level of the contact areas 6a of the lower edge 6 of the panel 4 with the plugging elements 72, as can be understood by comparing Figures 15 and 16,

Still advantageously, the use of the fixing screw 58 makes it possible to maintain the supporting device 40 constrained in its position inside the supporting base 20, in particular even during the installation steps, as described above. It is thus possible to guarantee the stability of the supporting device 40 over time as well as the stability of the panel in the correct position over time.

Once the desired final position of the panel 4 (Figure 16) has been reached, it is necessary to proceed with the successive operation of locking the panel 4 in its position.

To this end, the operator rotates the tool U with the corresponding rotation of the second portion 88 of the locking means 86 of the adjustment device 40,

As described above, the rotation of the second portion 88 causes the displacement of the thrusting surface 93A towards the first outer face 5A of the panel 4 until the two portions 87 and 88 are brought to their desired final mutual position so as to definitively lock the panel 4,

Finally, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the portions 87 and 88 are maintained in their final mutual position by fixing the locking dowel 99A. In variant embodiments, however, said further safety locking element can be omitted, since the locking of the panel 4 is guaranteed by the two portions 87 and 88 in their final mutual position,

By way of example, the operations of adjustment of the inclination of the panel 4 in the case where the panel 4, soon after its insertion in the adjustment device 40, is inclined leftwards, instead of being inclined rightwards as described above, are described making reference to Figures 17 and 18.

The operations to be carried out are those required to move the panel 4 to a desired final position, for example the vertical position shown in Figure 18.

To this end, the operator hits the projecting pin U2 of the tool U from bottom to top using the hammer, The force that pushes the tool U upwards is transferred, through the second portion 88, to the first portion 42 of the adjustment device 40. This causes the first portion 42 of the adjustment device 40 to move upwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 43A, 43B of the first external side 43 of the first lateral portion 42 advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 30A, SOB of the first internal side 30 of the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 20, as can be deduced from the detail of Figure 19.

The upward movement of the first portion 42 causes the rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46 of the adjustment device 40 with respect to the third side wall 28 of the supporting base 20 (counterclockwise rotation with reference to Figure 17). At the same time, the rotation of the third interconnecting portion 46 causes the second portion 44 of the adjustment device 40 to move downwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 45 A, 45B of the second external side 45 of the second lateral portion 44 advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 32A, 32B of the second internal side 32 of the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 20,

The adjustment by means of hammer strokes is complete once the desired final position has been reached, for example the vertical position as indicated in Figure 18.

Advantageously, as explained above, during said adjustment movements, thanks to the cooperation between the projecting areas 43A, 43R, 45A, 45B of the adjustment device 40 and the respective contact surfaces 30A, 30B, 32A, 32B of the supporting base 20 together with the fact that the lateral portions 42, 44 of the adjustment device 40 move in a synchronized manner through the interconnecting portion 46 constrained to the supporting base 28 with the fixing screw 58, the operation of inclining the panel 4 towards the desired final position takes place in a controlled manner, wherein the contact elements 93A, 93B continue to adhere to the outer faces 5A, 5B of the panel 4 and are maintained in a mutual parallel position.

Advantageously, the operation of inclining the panel 4 towards its final position is substantially obtained by means only of a rotary movement of the panel 4 at the level of the contact areas 6a of the lower edge 6 of the panel 4 with the plugging elements 72, as can be understood by comparing Figures 17 and 18.

Still advantageously, the use of the fixing screw 58 makes it possible to maintain the supporting device 40 constrained in its position inside the supporting base 20, more specifically even during the installation steps, as described above. It is thus possible to guarantee the stability of the supporting device 40 over time as well as the stability of the panel in the correct position over time.

Once the desired final position of the panel 4 (Figure 18) has been reached, it is necessary to proceed with the successive operation of locking the panel 4 in its position by rotating the tool U, according to the procedure described above.

To complete the installation of the panel 4 on the supporting base 20, suitable gasket elements 64A, 64B are conveniently connected to the side walls 24, 26 of the supporting device 20 so that they can be placed in contact with the respective outer faces 5 A, 5B of the panel 4, as shown by way of example in Figure 19A. It is evident that gasket elements different from those shown herein can be used, as is known in the art.

Support equipment 110 according to a first variant embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures from 20 to 24. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above mainly for the different configuration of the first and second connection means that enable the rotary movement of the third interconnecting portion of the adjustment device with respect to the supporting base. Component parts corresponding or equivalent to those of the first embodiment are identified by the same reference numbers.

In the support equipment 110 it is possible to identify the supporting base 120 and an adjustment device 140.

The supporting base 120 is provided with a seat 122 open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge 6 of a panel 4, and is defined by a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26 and a third wall 128 that interconnects the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26. The three walls 24, 26, 128 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

The adjustment device 140 preferably comprises a first lateral portion 42 suited to be arranged between the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 120 and a first outer face 5A of the panel 4. The adjustment device 140 preferably comprises a second lateral portion 44 suited to be arranged between the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 120 and a second outer face 5B of the panel 4. The adjustment device 140 preferably comprises also a third interconnecting portion 146 that interconnects the first lateral portion 42 and the second lateral portion 44, The three portions 42, 44, 146 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

The adjustment device 140 comprises first connection means 150 and the supporting base 120 comprises second connection means 160 cooperating with the first connection means 150, wherein the first and second connection means 150, 160 make it possible to comiect the third interconnecting portion 146 of the adjustment device 140 with the third interconnecting wall 128 of the supporting base 120 to enable at least one rotary movement of the third interconnecting portion 146 of the adjustment device 140 with respect to the supporting base 120. According to said preferred embodiment, the first connection means 150 comprise a slide seat 152 with a curved profile created in the third portion 146 and the second connection means 160 comprise a fulcrum element 154 associated with the third wall 128 of the supporting base 120. The fulcrum element 154 comprises a corresponding curved profile suited to slidingly cooperate with said curved profile of the slide seat 152 of the third portion 146.

Preferably, the fulcrum element 154 is made in a single piece on the third wall 128 of the supporting base 120 and is more preferably defined by a projecting rib of the third wall 128 itself.

Preferably, said curved profiles of the seat 152 and of the fulcrum element 154 are constituted by respective cylindrical profiles.

The positioning of the adjustment device 140 in the seat 122 of the supporting base 120 is carried out by inserting it laterally and making it slide until it reaches the desired position, as shown in Figure 21.

According to said embodiment, the first and second connection means 150, 160 allow the third portion 146 of the adjustment device 140 to rotate with respect to the supporting base 120 in the same manner described with reference to the first embodiment.

More specifically, the rotation of the third portion 146 allows the upward or downward movement of the first lateral portion 42 and of the second lateral portion 44 to enable the adjustment of the inclination of the panel 4 during its installation, as schematically illustrated in Figures from 22 to 24, which show possible initial positions (Figure 22 or 23) and the final position achieved after adjusting the panel 4 (Figure 24).

Support equipment 210 according to a second variant embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures from 25 to 28. Said embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above mainly for the different configuration of the three portions 242, 244, 246 of the adjustment device 240 and its connection to the supporting base 220.

Components corresponding or equivalent to those of the first embodiment are identified by the same reference numbers.

In the support equipment 210 it is possible to identify a supporting base 220 and an adjustment device 240.

The supporting base 220 is provided with a seat 222 open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge 6 of a panel 4, and is defined by a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26 and a third interconnecting wall 228 that interconnects the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26. The three walls 24, 26, 228 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

The adjustment device 240 preferably comprises a first lateral portion 242 suited to be arranged between the first side wall 24 of the supporting base 220 and a first outer face 5A of the panel 4. The adjustment device 240 preferably comprises a second lateral portion 244 suited to be arranged between the second side wall 26 of the supporting base 220 and the second outer face 5B of the panel 4. The adjustment device 240 preferably comprises also a third interconnecting portion 246 that interconnects the first lateral portion 242 and the second lateral portion 244.

The three portions 242, 244, 246 are conveniently positioned with respect to one another in such a way as to define the typical shape substantially reproducing a “U”.

Preferably, the first lateral portion 242 and the third interconnecting portion 246 are articulated at the level of a hinge area 280 and the second lateral portion 244 and the third interconnecting portion 246 are articulated at the level of a hinge area 290 (Figure 26).

According to said preferred embodiment, the first lateral portion 242, the second lateral portion 244 and the third interconnecting portion 246 of the adjustment device 240 are made in a single body and said hinge areas 280, 290 are defined by corresponding flexible areas of said single body.

Always according to said preferred embodiment, the adjustment device 240 comprises first connection means 250 and the supporting base 220 comprises second connection means 260 cooperating with the first connection means 250, wherein the first and second connection means 250, 260 make it possible to connect the third interconnecting portion 246 of the adjustment device 240 to the third interconnecting wall 228 of the supporting base 220 to enable at least one rotary movement of the third interconnecting portion 246 of the adjustment device 240 with respect to the supporting base 220, according to what has already been explained above.

According to said preferred embodiment, the first connection means 250 comprise a slide seat 252 with a curved profile created in the third portion 246 and a fulcrum element 254 suited to be connected to the third wall 228 of the supporting base 220, as shown in Figure 28 A. The fulcrum element 254 comprises a corresponding curved profile 256 suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat 252 of the third portion 246.

The fulcrum element 254 is preferably constituted by a fixing screw suited to be comiected to the third wall 228 of the supporting base 220 and said curved profile 256 is obtained in the head portion of the fixing screw 254.

Preferably, said curved profiles of the seat 252 and of the head of the fixing screw 254 are constituted by corresponding cylindrical profiles.

The second connection means 260 comprise a threaded hole 262 made in the third interconnecting wall 228 of the supporting base 220 to receive the fixing screw' 258.

The description provided above shows that the equipment that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to achieve the set objects, and in particular makes it possible to simplify the operations required lor the installation of a panel compared to the known systems.

Although the present invention has been described making reference to the specific embodiments represented in the drawings, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments represented in the drawings and described above; on the contrary, further variants of the embodiments described above fall within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.