PANEL MOUNT FOR SECURING A PANEL TO AN ADJOINING STRUCTURE

FIELD

The present application generally relates to panel mounts and, in particular, panel mounts for securing a panel to an adjoining structure.

BACKGROUND

Panels may be secured to adjoining structures using panel mounts having a pair of jaws. A panel may be positioned at a desirable panel orientation, and two or more fasteners may be introduced between a panel surface and a respective jaw of a panel mount for securing the panel between the pair of jaws. For example, the panel may be secured perpendicular to an un-level pool deck surface along an edge of the swimming pool using the panel mount. To achieve a plumb or other desired panel orientation, a panel mount user may manipulate the two or more fasteners whilst orienting the target panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount having a panel installed therein, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates an side elevation view of a jamming device, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front elevation views of the jamming device of FIG. 2, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 4 illustrates an elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 1, where the panel and the clamp may be secured at a second angular orientation, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 5 illustrates an elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 1, where the panel and the clamp may be secured at a third angular orientation, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a clamp, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 7 illustrates a panel mount base, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount having a panel installed therein, in accordance with an example of the present application;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate partial views of panel mount bodies illustrating respective first jaw and first clamp plate, in accordance with examples of the present application;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of a second clamp plate and a jamming device, in accordance with an example of the present application; and

FIG. 11 illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount mounted to an adjoining structure via a jaw of the panel mount body, in accordance with an example of the present application.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various examples and aspects of the present application will be described with reference to the details discussed herein. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application. Numerous details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of the embodiments of the present application.

The present application describes panel mounts for panels, such as glass panels, wood panels, plastic panels, or concrete panels. Panel mounts may be configured for securing a panel to an adjoining structure. Some example panel mounts may facilitate panel orientation adjustments without requiring access to both sides of the panel or panel mount.

In one aspect, the present application describes a panel mount for securing a panel to an adjoining structure. The panel mount includes a body including a first jaw and a second jaw defining an elongate slot open in a longitudinal direction, the first jaw including a first abutment surface facing the elongate slot; a clamp positioned within the elongate slot for receiving the panel, the clamp including: a first clamp plate having a second abutment surface abutting the first abutment surface, an angular orientation of the clamp within the elongate slot being altered when the second abutment surface slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface; and a second clamp plate between the first clamp plate and the second jaw, the second clamp plate including a non-planar surface having a plateau and facing the second jaw; and a jamming device between the non-planar surface and the second jaw, the jamming device including a pair of blocks and an adjustment member for adjusting a distance between the pair of blocks, wherein the jamming device urges the clamp against the first jaw upon increasing or decreasing the distance between the pair of blocks.

Other aspects and features of the present application will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following description of examples in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In the present application, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intended to be inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps, or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

In the present application, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”, and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations disclosed herein.

In the present application, the terms “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions. In a non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” may mean plus or minus 10 percent or less.

In the present application, the term “and/or” is intended to cover all possible combinations and sub-combinations of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, and without necessarily excluding additional elements.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . or . . . ” is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, and without necessarily requiring all of the elements.

Architectural or building drawings may include plans for installing panels, such as glass panels, wood panels, plastic panels, or concrete panels, atop adjoining structures. A panel mount having a pair of jaws may secure a panel atop an adjoining structure. To secure and maintain a plumb or other desired panel orientation atop the adjoining structure, two or more fasteners may be introduced between a surface of the panel and a respective jaw of the panel mount. When the adjoining structure is un-level, manipulation of multiple panel mount fasteners whilst orienting the panel for altering the panel orientation may be required. That is, a collaborative effort of two or more persons may be required for manipulating the multiple panel mount fasteners whilst orienting the panel. Thus, adjustable panel mounts facilitating less onerous adjustment steps may be desired.

Because fasteners may be required on both sides of the panel or because two or more fasteners may be required on each side of the panel, any adjustments to panel orientations may require simultaneous manipulation of the fasteners and manipulation of the panel for achieving the desired panel orientation. It may also be cumbersome to remove fasteners or other materials inserted between jaws and the panel. Further, it may be necessary to manipulate, by trial-and-error, the plurality of fasteners for adjusting or securing a panel at a desirable orientation within the panel mount. Thus, existing panel mounts may not be suitable for making granular panel orientation adjustments.

In another example, blueprints may specify plumb installation of panels atop a level adjoining structure. A panel installed plumb may be installed parallel to the force of gravity and may be installed substantially perpendicular to the adjoining structure. A panel installed plumb may transfer forces substantially downward providing maximum load bearing capacity. In some examples, panel mounts pre-configured with a 90 degree joint may be used for installing panel mounts plumb atop adjoining structures. However, when the adjoining structures are not substantially level, panels secured using pre-configured panel mounts may not be installed plumb. It such cases, it may be desirable to adjust a panel orientation; however, if the panel mounts include pre-configured 90 degree joints, panel orientations may not be adjustable. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide panel mount devices to address challenges associated with existing panel mounts.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount 100 having a panel 170 installed therein, in accordance with an example of the present application. An edge of the panel 170 may be received and secured between jaws of the panel mount 100.

The panel mount 100 includes a body 110 having a first jaw 112 and a second jaw 114 defining an elongate slot 190 open in a longitudinal direction 192. For ease of exposition, in FIG. 1, the elongate slot 190 may open in an upward direction. Depending on an orientation of the adjoining structure, in some examples, the longitudinal direction 192 may be in a downward or sideways direction. For example, the panel mount 100 may be installed from a building ceiling and the longitudinal direction may be a downward direction. When the panel mount 100 is installed on a vertically oriented wall, the longitudinal direction may be in a direction perpendicular to the vertically oriented wall (e.g., sideways). It will be appreciated that the longitudinal direction 192 may correspond to a direction from an inner cavity of the panel mount to an area adjacent the opening of the elongate slot 190.

The panel mount 100 may include a base portion 142 for coupling the first jaw 112 and the second jaw 114 to form a U-shaped body. In some examples, the base portion 142 may include a recessed portion 144 for receiving a fastener for securing the panel mount 100 to an adjoining structure 102. As will be apparent from other examples described herein, the panel mount 100 may be secured to the adjoining structure 102 in any other way or may be secured to the adjoining structure 102 via the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114.

The panel mount 100 may include a concave plate 118 having a first abutment surface 116. The concave plate 118 may be positioned adjacent the first jaw 112 and may be removable. In some examples, the concave plate 118 may be adhered to the first jaw 112. In some other examples, the first abutment surface 116 facing the elongate slot 190 may be integrated into the first jaw 112. That is, the concave plate 118 may be integrated with the first jaw 112.

The first abutment surface 116 may face the elongate slot 190 and may be a substantially concave surface. In some examples, the first abutment surface 116 may include two concave surface portions and a planar surface portion intermediate the two concave surface portions. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first abutment surface 116 may include a first concave surface portion 120a having a first radius of curvature R1, a second concave surface portion 120b having a second radius of curvature R2, and a planar surface portion 120c intermediate the first concave surface portion 120a and the second concave surface portion 120b. That is, the first abutment surface 116 may include the first concave surface portion 120a, the second concave surface portion 120b, and the planar surface portion 120c. The first radius of curvature R1 may be substantially the same as or may be different than the second radius of curvature R2.

The panel mount 100 may include a clamp 130 positioned within the elongate slot 190 for receiving the panel 170. The clamp 130 may include a first clamp plate 132 and a second clamp plate 136. The second clamp plate 136 may be between the first clamp plate 132 and the second jaw 114. In some examples, a clamp base (not illustrated) may couple the first clamp plate 132 to the second clamp plate 136. In some examples, the clamp base may be a planar base for receiving a panel edge.

The first clamp plate 132 may include a second abutment surface 134. In some examples, the second abutment surface 134 may be a convex surface configured to interface with the first abutment surface 116. At least a portion of the second abutment surface 134 may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116. For example, the second abutment surface 134 may be a convex surface complementary to and abutting the first abutment surface 116. When at least a portion of the second abutment surface 134 slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116, an angular orientation of the clamp 130 within the elongate slot may be altered. As will be illustrated herein, the angular orientation of the panel 170 (and the angular orientation of the clamp 130) may be altered such that the panel 170 may be secured and oriented in a position that may not be parallel to the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114. When it is desirable to secure the panel 170 plumb to an un-level adjoining structure, angular orientation adjustments may be made when at least a portion of the second abutment surface 134 slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116 for securing the panel 170 plumb.

In FIG. 1, the first abutment surface 116 includes a concave surface having concave surface portions and a planar surface portion. The second abutment surface 134 may be configured complementary to the first abutment surface 116. For example, the second abutment surface 134 may include two convex surface portions and a planar portion intermediate the two convex surface portions such that the second abutment surface 134 may be complementary to the first abutment surface 116. Although the illustrated first abutment surface 116 and the second abutment surface 134 in FIG. 1 may be complementary, in some examples, the abutment surfaces need not be complementary and may be configured such that the second abutment surface 134 may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116. As will be illustrated in examples herein, abutment surfaces may not be complementary if radii of surface curvature do not correspond or if the general shape of respective abutment surfaces do not correspond.

The second clamp plate 136 may be between the first clamp plate 132 and the second jaw 114 and may include a non-planar surface 138 having a plateau 140a. The non-planar surface 138 may face the second jaw 114. In FIG. 1, the non-planar surface 138 having the plateau 140a may be a convex surface. The plateau 140a may be a surface on the convex surface that may face the second jaw 114 and locations on the plateau 140a may be nearest to the second jaw 114 as compared to any other point on the convex surface. In some examples, the plateau may be a vertex, a point or a peak location of the non-planar surface such that the vertex, the point, or the peak location may be nearest to the second jaw 114 as compared to any other point on the non-planar surface of the second clamp plate 136.

In some other examples, the non-planar surface 138 having a plateau 140a may be a concave surface facing the second jaw 114, where the plateau 140a may be furthest from the second jaw 114 as compared to any other point on the concave surface. An example where the non-planar surface 138 may be a concave surface will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Other configurations of the non-planar surface 138 may be contemplated. For example, the non-planar surface 138 having a plateau 140a may include a combination of two planar surfaces such that: (i) the plateau 140a may be a vertex where two planar surfaces intersect; (ii) one planar surface is oriented at an obtuse angle from another planar surface; and (iii) the plateau 140a may be nearest to the second jaw 114 as compared to any other point on the non-planar surface 138. An example where the non-planar surface may be a combination of two planar surfaces will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Other configurations for the non-planar surface 138 having a plateau or vertex may also be contemplated.

The panel mount 100 may include a jamming device 150 between the non-planar surface 138 and the second jaw 114. The jamming device 150 may include a pair of blocks and an adjustment member 156 for adjusting a distance between the pair of blocks. In some examples, the adjustment member 156 may be a threaded screw having threads along at least a portion of the adjustment member 156. The threaded screw may include a socket formation at a first end 158 for rotating the adjustment member 156 using, for example, an Allen or hex key, a drill bit, or screw driver tip, or the like. In FIG. 1, the socket formation at the first end 158 may be accessible via an opening of the elongate slot and may be accessible from a single side of the panel mount 100. It will be appreciated that access to the socket formation at the first end 158 may allow a panel mount user to manipulate the jamming device 150 for urging the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112.

The pair of blocks may include a first block 152 and a second block 154. In some examples, the blocks may be wedge-shaped blocks. FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of the blocks, and the wedge-shaped blocks may have a side profile that is substantially trapezoidal in shape. When the wedge-shaped block is viewed from the side profile, the wedge-shaped block may include a first end with a narrower profile than a second end. In some other examples, the wedge-shaped blocks may have a side profile that is substantially triangular in shape. In some other examples, the blocks may have a side profile that is substantially rectangular in shape. Other shapes for the blocks may be contemplated.

In FIG. 1, the blocks may be oriented such that a first end of one block having a narrower profile may be adjacent to a first end of the other block having a narrower profile. Thus, the blocks may be oriented to provide a concave-like surface facing the non-planar surface 138. The adjustment member 156 may be rotated about a longitudinal axis such that the blocks may be advance along the adjustment member 156 and such that the blocks may be positioned to abut the non-planar surface 138. When the blocks abut the non-planar surface 138, the blocks may be wedged between the second clamp plate 136 and the second jaw 114 and may urge the clamp 130 against the first abutment surface 116.

To illustrate features of the jamming device 150, reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a side elevation view of a jamming device 250, in accordance with an example of the present application. The jamming device 250 includes a pair of blocks, including a first block 252 and a second block 254. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the blocks and the blocks may have a side profile that is substantially trapezoidal in shape. From the side view, the blocks may include a first wedge end 262A with a narrower profile than a second wedge end 262B. In FIG. 2, the blocks may be oriented such that a first wedge end 262A of one block may be adjacent to a first wedge end of the other block. Thus, the blocks may be oriented to provide a concave-like surface facing the non-planar surface 138 (FIG. 1) of the panel mount 100 (FIG. 1).

The jamming device 250 may include an adjustment member 256 configured to interface with the first block 252 and the second block 254. The adjustment member 256 may be a threaded screw having threads along a portion of the adjustment member 256 and may include a socket formation at a first end 258 or a second end 260 for receiving, for example, a hex or Allen key, drill bit or screw driver tip or the like.

Each of the first block 252 and the second block 254 may include a threaded through-hole oriented along a longitudinal direction. For ease of exposition, in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction may be along a vertical axis of the blocks. The threaded through-hole may be configured to interface with the adjustment member 256. One of the blocks may have threads opposite in direction to the other of the blocks such that, upon rotation of the adjustment member 256 about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 256, each of the blocks may advance along the adjustment member 256 in a direction opposite the other of the blocks. For example, the adjustment member 256 may be rotated such that the first block 252 may be advanced, in a longitudinal direction, closer or father away from the second block 254.

In some examples, the adjustment member 256 may include a first threaded portion 264 having threads in a first direction complementary to threads of the threaded through-hole in the first block 252. The adjustment member 256 may also include a second threaded portion 266 having threads in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The second threaded portion 266 may have threads complementary to threads of the threaded through-hole in the second block 254. Accordingly, rotation of the adjustment member 256 may alter a width between the first block 252 and the second block 254 or apparent surface area of the concave-like surface facing the non-planar surface 138.

To illustrate, reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which illustrate front elevation views of the jamming device of FIG. 2. Relative distances between the first block 252 and the second block 254 are illustrated. When the adjustment member 256 is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 256, the distance between first block 252 and the second block 254 may decrease and the apparent surface area of the concave-like surface facing the non-planar surface 138 (FIG. 1) may decrease (compare, for example, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). That is, because the distance between the first block 252 and the second block 254 is decreased, the apparent surface area facing the non-planar surface 138 (FIG. 1) of the concave-like surface may decrease. When the distance between the blocks decreases, the jamming device 350 may abut the non-planar surface 138 and may gradually urge the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112 (FIG. 1).

Based on the foregoing description, in some examples, changes in distance between the first block 352 and the second block 354 may be associated with whether and to what degree the jamming device 150 (FIG. 1) may urge the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112 and the second jaw 114. To illustrate, reference is made again to FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, the jamming device 150 may be positioned longitudinally within the elongate slot 190 and between the non-planar surface 138 and the second jaw 114 such that the blocks may be on substantially opposing sides of the plateau 140a. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first block 152 may be adjacent a first non-planar surface portion 140b and the second block 154 may be adjacent a second non-planar surface portion 140c. When the adjustment member 156 is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 156 for decreasing the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154, the combination of block movements may cause exertion of force by the blocks to the non-planar surface 138 for urging the clamp 130 against the first abutment surface 116. When the clamp 130 is urged against the first abutment surface 116, the panel 170, received within the clamp 130, may be pinched or held within the clamp 130 at a current angular orientation. The angular orientation of the panel 170 may correspond to the angular orientation of the clamp 130 within the elongate slot 190 when the jamming device 150 urges the clamp 130 against the first abutment surface 116.

To illustrate an example of a panel angular orientation that may not be parallel to the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114, reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 1 where the panel 170 and the clamp 130 may be secured at a second angular orientation, in accordance with an example of the present application. The second angular orientation may be different than a first angular orientation of the panel 170 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the first angular orientation of the panel illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a panel orientation substantially parallel to the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114. The second angular orientation may be an angular orientation offset from the first angular orientation by an acute angle within the elongate slot.

As described, the jamming device 150 may include an adjustment member 156 (FIG. 1) for adjusting a distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154. When the adjustment member 156 separates the first block 152 from the second block 154, the jamming device 150 may be movable or re-positioned longitudinally and between the non-planar surface 138 and the second jaw 114. As may be appreciated, when the jamming device 150 is movable within the elongate slot 190, the clamp 130 may not be urged against the first abutment surface 116 and the clamp 130 may also be movable or re-positioned within the elongate slot 190. Thus, the angular orientation of the panel 170 may be adjusted. For example, the angular orientation of the panel 170 may be altered when at least a portion of the second abutment surface 134 of the first clamp plate 132 slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116 of the first jaw 112 such that the panel 170 may effectively tilt towards the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114.

In FIG. 4, the panel 170 may be tilted towards the first jaw 112 as the second abutment surface 134 slides longitudinally “downward” towards a base of the body 110. In some examples, the adjoining structure may be an un-level surface and it may be desirable to alter the angular orientation of the panel 170 to achieve plumb installation of the panel 170 atop the adjoining structure. Because the second abutment surface 134 may be configured to slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 116, adjustments to the panel 170 orientation may be made. A panel mount user may alter the panel orientation by manually tilting the panel 170 towards the first jaw 112 or the second jaw 114. Upon achieving the desired angular orientation for the panel 170, the jamming device 150 may be configured to urge the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112 for securing the panel 170 and the clamp 130 at the desired angular orientation.

To configure the jamming device 150 for urging the clamp 130 against the first jaw, the adjustment member 156 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of that adjustment member 156 such that one of the blocks may advance towards the other of the blocks (e.g., decreasing distance between the blocks). As the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154 decreases, the blocks may abut the non-planar surface 138. The first block 152 and the second block 154 may abut the non-planar surface 138 on opposing sides of the plateau 140a. In the present example, by decreasing the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154, the jamming device 150, in effect, fills in the gaps between the first jaw 112 and the second jaw 114 and secures the panel 170 at the desired angular orientation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates an elevation view of the panel mount of FIG. 1 where the panel 170 and the clamp 130 may be secured at a third angular orientation, in accordance with an example of the present application. The third angular orientation may be different that the first angular orientation (illustrated in FIG. 1) and may be different than the second angular orientation (illustrated in FIG. 4).

In the third angular orientation, the panel 170 may be tilted towards the second jaw 114. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the panel 170 may be tilted towards the second jaw 114 when the second abutment surface 134 slides longitudinally “upward” away from the base of the body 110. It may be desirable to adjust the angular orientation of the panel 170 between the first jaw 112 and the second jaw 114 when plumb installation of the panel 170 to an un-level adjoining surface may be desirable. In some examples, it may be desirable to adjust the angular orientation of the panel 170 between the first jaw and the second jaw 114 to position the panel 170 at any other desired orientation relative to adjacent building structures.

Similar to the example described with reference to FIG. 4, a panel mount user may alter the panel orientation by manually tilting the panel 170 towards the second jaw 114. Upon achieving the desired angular orientation for the panel within the elongate slot 190, the jamming device 150 may urge the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112 for securing the panel 170 and the clamp 130 at the desired angular orientation.

Similar to the example described with reference to FIG. 4, the adjustment member 156 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis of that adjustment member 156 such that one of the blocks may advance towards the other of the blocks. As the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154 decreases, the blocks may abut the non-planar surface 138. Decreasing the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154 may cause the blocks to fill the gaps between the first jaw 112 and the second jaw 114 for securing the panel 170 at the desired angular orientation.

As described, when the adjustment member 156 separates the first block 152 from the second block 154, the jamming device 150 may be movable or re-positioned longitudinally between the non-planar surface 138 and the second jaw 114. As may be apparent based on a comparison of FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the angular orientation of the clamp 130 in each of FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 may be different, and orientation of the plateau 140a within the elongate slot 190 and relative to the second jaw 114 may differ as the angular orientation of the clamp 130 changes.

Because the jamming device 150 may be movable or re-positioned longitudinally between the non-planar surface 138 and the second jaw 114 (e.g., when the first block 152 and the second block 154 may be sufficiently separated by the adjustment member 156) and may conform to changes in angular orientation of the clamp 130, the clamp 130 of the panel mount 100 may be configured as desired. As will be apparent, distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154 may be associated with whether the jamming device 150 urges the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112. The panel mount user may configure and secure the panel 170 at the desired angular orientation within the panel mount 100 by rotating the adjustment member 156 for either (i) increasing the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154; or (ii) decreasing the distance between the first block 152 and the second block 154.

Based on the panel mount examples described herein, a panel mount user may only require access to a side of the panel mount 100 where the jamming device 150 is located. That is, rotation of the adjustment member 156 may increase or decrease distance between blocks of the jamming device 150 and enable the panel mount user to adjust or secure panel orientation. Because adjustments to the jamming device 150 may correspond to operations for adjusting panel orientation, example panel mounts described herein may be desirable because a panel mount user need not have access to both jaws of the panel mount. Needing access to only one jaw may be desirable where panels may be installed along a surface edge that may be accessible on one side and inaccessible on another side. For example, when a panel/panel mount is installed at an edge of a swimming pool or at an edge of a high-rise building roof, it may be impractical for the panel mount user to access both sides of the panel mount.

In the examples of FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, access to the adjustment member 156 may be from a “top” opening of the elongate slot 190 of the panel mount 100. However, as will be illustrated in some examples of the present application, an aperture may be provided in the panel mount body 110 for accessing a second end 260 (FIG. 2) of the adjustment member 156 for rotating the adjustment member 156.

It may be appreciated from the examples herein that the second clamp plate 136 may include a non-planar surface 138 that may be a convex or a concave surface. For example, a convex surface may be a curved surface having a contour similar to an exterior of a circle or sphere facing the second jaw. In some other examples, the convex surface may be a series of planar surface portions that are joined to collectively extend outward (see e.g., non-planar surface 138 of FIG. 1). In some examples, a concave surface may be a curved surface that curves inwards and having a contour similar to an interior of a circle or sphere facing the second jaw. In some other examples, the concave surface may be a series of planar surface portions that are joined to collectively extend inwards. As will be appreciated, the clamp 130 (FIG. 1) may be secured in a desired orientation when the jamming device 150 is adjusted to abut the non-planar surface 138, whether the non-planar surface 138 is a concave or convex surface, for urging the clamp 130 against the first jaw 112.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a front view of a clamp 630, in accordance with an example of the present application. The clamp 630 may be positioned within an elongate slot 190 of the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1.

The clamp 630 may include a first clamp plate 632 and a second clamp plate 636. The first clamp plate 632 may have a second abutment surface 634 adapted to abut the first abutment surface 116 (FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second abutment surface 634 may be a convex surface.

The second clamp plate 636 may include a non-planar surface 638 having a plateau or vertex. When the clamp 630 is positioned within the elongate slot 190 of the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1, the non-planar surface 638 may face the second jaw 114. The illustrated non-planar surface 638 may be similar to the convex-shaped non-planar surface 138 having the plateau 140a of FIG. 1.

The clamp 630 may include a liner 680. The liner 680 may include a first gripping surface 682 for affixing to a first attachment surface 662 of the first clamp plate 632. The liner 680 may also include a second gripping surface 684 for affixing to a second attachment surface 664 of the second clamp plate 636. The liner 680 may also include a liner base 642 coupling the first gripping surface 682 and the second gripping surface 684 to form a U-shaped liner. The liner base 642 may be constructed of pliable or flexible material such that the U-shaped liner is expandable or contractible for receiving variable thickness panels.

In some examples, the liner base 642 may be a corrugated base 686 coupling the first gripping surface 682 and the second gripping surface 684. The corrugated base 686 may be constructed of pliable or flexible material and the corrugated base 686 may be compressed or stretched like accordion-like structure such that the corrugated base may be expandable or contractible for receiving panels of variable thickness. Further, the corrugated base may insulate or separate an edge of the panel from a base of the panel mount body 110 (FIG. 1).

As described above, the clamp 630 of FIG. 6 may be received within the elongate slot 190 of the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the clamp 630 of FIG. 6 may be received within a panel mount body having a recessed slot sized for receiving the corrugated base 686.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates a panel mount base 710, in accordance with an example of the present application. A panel mount body 710 may include a first jaw 712 and a second jaw 714 defining an elongate slot 790. The first jaw 712 may include a first abutment surface 716 facing the elongate slot 790. The first abutment surface 716 may be integral to the first jaw 712, in contrast to the first abutment surface 116 of FIG. 1 being separate from the first jaw 112 of FIG. 1. The panel mount base 710 may include a base portion 794 for coupling the first jaw 712 and the second jaw 714. The base portion 794 may include at least one aperture (not illustrated in FIG. 7) for receiving a fastener to secure the panel mount base 710 to an adjoining structure.

Similar to the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1, the angular orientation of the clamp 630 (when received within the elongate slot 790 of FIG. 7) may be altered when the second abutment surface 634 (FIG. 6) slides longitudinally relative to a first abutment surface 716.

In examples illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the first abutment surface is substantially concave and the second abutment surface is substantially convex and may have a plateau or vertex shaped profile. However, other first abutment surface and second abutment surface shapes may be contemplated. To illustrate, reference is now made to FIG. 8, which illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount 800 having a panel 870 installed therein, in accordance with another example of the present application.

The panel mount 800 includes a body 810 including a first jaw 812 and a second jaw 814 defining an elongate slot open in a longitudinal direction. The first jaw 812 may include a first abutment surface 816 having a convex-shaped surface facing the elongate slot. Contrasting to the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1, the panel mount 800 of FIG. 8 may not include a movable plate abutting the first jaw 812.

The panel mount 800 may include a clamp 830 positioned within the elongate slot for receiving the panel 870. The clamp 830 may include a first clamp plate 832 and a second clamp plate 836. The first clamp plate 832 may include a second abutment surface 834 and may be a substantially concave-shaped surface configured to interface and abut the first abutment surface 816. The second abutment surface 834 may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 816. When the second abutment surface 834 slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 816, an angular orientation of the clamp 830 within the elongate slot 890 may be altered. Similar to the panel mount 100 of FIG. 1, the angular orientation of the clamp 830 may be altered such that a panel may be secured in a position that may not be parallel to the first jaw 812 or the second jaw 814. Such angular orientation adjustments may be desirable for installing the panel 870 plumb or in any other orientation atop an un-level adjoining structure.

The second clamp plate 836 may be between the first clamp plate 832 and the second jaw 814 and may include a non-planar surface 838 having a plateau 840. In FIG. 8, the non-planar surface 838 may be a concave surface facing the second jaw 814. The plateau 840 may be a point or a surface portion on the concave surface that may face the second jaw 814 and may be furthest from the second jaw 814 as compared to any other point on the convex surface facing the second jaw 814.

The panel mount 800 may include a jamming device 850 between the non-planar surface 838 and the second jaw 814. The jamming device 850 may include a pair of blocks and an adjustment member 856 for adjusting a distance between the pair of blocks. In some examples, the jamming device 850 may include rectangular blocks that may, when distanced from one another, urge the clamp 830 against the first jaw 812. For example, the distance between the blocks may increase when the adjustment member 856 is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 856. When the adjustment member 856 increases the distance between the blocks, the blocks abut the non-planar surface 838 and urge the clamp 830 against the first jaw 812.

Example panel mounts described herein may be desirable because a panel mount user need not adjust multiple fasteners or adjustment members for urging the clamp 830 against the first jaw 812. A panel mount user may rotate an adjustment member using, for example, a hex or Allen key, a drill bit, or a screw driver or the like in one hand for configuring the jamming device 850 to be movable or re-positioned longitudinally, while positioning the panel 870 at a desired panel orientation using another hand.

In the examples described herein, the first abutment surface may be generally complementary to the abutting second abutment surface of the first clamp plate. For example, when the first abutment surface is a substantially concave surface (see e.g., FIG. 1), the second abutment surface may be a substantially convex surface. Alternatively, when the first abutment surface is a substantially convex surface (see e.g., FIG. 8), the second abutment surface may be a substantially concave surface. In some examples, however, the first abutment surface may not be complementary in shape to the second abutment surface. To illustrate, reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, which illustrate partial elevation views of panel mounts, in accordance with exampless of the present application.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C generally illustrate a first jaw of a panel mount body and a first clamp plate of a clamp, in accordance with examples of the present application. For ease of exposition, numerous features of the panel mount examples are omitted and only the first jaw and the first clamp plate are shown for illustrating an abutment interface between the first jaw and the first clamp plate.

In FIG. 9A, the first jaw 912A may include a recessed slot 988 facing an elongate slot and a first abutment surface 916A may include a surface contour of the recessed slot 988. For example, when the recessed slot 988 is shown from a side view, the recessed slot 988 may include a rectangular profile with an open end facing the elongate slot.

The first clamp plate 932A may include a second abutment surface 934A, and the second abutment surface 934A may be a convex-shaped surface. Accordingly, when the second abutment surface 934A abuts the recessed slot 988, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the second abutment surface 934A may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 916A at points of abutment between the first abutment surface 916A and the second abutment surface 934A. When the second abutment surface 934A slides longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 916A, an angular orientation of a clamp associated with the first clamp plate 932A may be altered.

In FIG. 9B, the first jaw 912B may include a concave surface facing an elongate slot and a first abutment surface 916B may include a surface contour being substantially concave in shape. The first clamp plate 932B may be a rectangular block and may include a second abutment surface 934B that may be rectangular-shaped. Accordingly, when the second abutment surface 934B abuts the first abutment surface 916B, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the second abutment surface 934B may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 916A at points of abutment between the first abutment surface 916B and the second abutment surface 934B, such that an angular orientation of a clamp associated with the first clamp plate 932B may be altered.

In FIG. 9C, the first jaw 912C may have a rectangular block shape and may include a first abutment surface 916C having a rectangular-shaped surface. The first clamp plate 932C may be a pyramid-like block having a second abutment surface 934C having a triangular-shaped profile. Accordingly, when the second abutment surface 934C abuts the first abutment surface 916C, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the second abutment surface 934C may pivot or may slide longitudinally relative to the first abutment surface 916C at a point or points of abutment, such that an angular orientation of a clamp associated with the first clamp plate 932C may be altered.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which illustrates a second clamp plate 1036 and a jamming device 1050 of a panel mount, in accordance with another example of the present application. For ease of exposition, numerous features of the panel mount are omitted and only the second clamp plate 1036 and the jamming device 1050 are illustrated.

The second clamp plate 1036 may include a jamming surface 1038 that may include a combination of two planar surfaces. That is, the jamming surface 1038 may include two planar surface portions intersecting at a vertex 1040a, where a first planar surface portion 1040b intersects a second planar surface portion 1040c at the vertex 1040a. The first planar surface portion 1040b may be oriented at an obtuse angle about the vertex 1040a from the second planar surface portion 1040c. The vertex 1040a may be nearest to a second jaw (not illustrated in FIG. 10) as compared to any other point on the jamming surface 1038. Other configurations of the jamming surface 1038 may be contemplated. For example, the jamming surface 1038 may be a convex-shaped surface for interfacing with the jamming device 1050.

The jamming device 1050 may include a first block 1052 and a second block 1054. In FIG. 10, the first block 1052 and the second block 1054 may have a side profile that is convex-shaped. That is, when the first block 1052 and the second block 1054 is viewed from the side profile, the surface facing the jamming surface 1038 may be a generally convex surface. It will be appreciated that other side profile shapes may be contemplated.

The jamming device 1050 includes an adjustment member 1056. Each of the blocks includes a through-hole such that the adjustment member 1056 is positioned through respective through-holes. The adjustment member 1056 may be a threaded screw including threads 1064 along at least a portion of the adjustment member 1056. In FIG. 10, the first block 1052 may be configured to be stationary at a first block position along the adjustment member 1056. The second block 1054 may include a threaded through-hole along a longitudinal axis of the second block 1054, and the threaded through-hole may be complementary to the threads 1064 along at least a portion of the adjustment member 1056 such that the second block 1054 may advance along the adjustment member 1056 when the adjustment member 1056 is rotated about a longitudinal axis.

The jamming device may also include a biasing member 1098. In FIG. 10, the biasing member 1098 may be a spring positioned between the first block 1052 and the second block 1054 such that the biasing member 1098 biases each of the blocks in a direction opposite the other of the blocks. Accordingly, when the adjustment member 1056 is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the adjustment member 1056, the second block 1054 may advance along the adjustment member 1056 nearer to or further away from the first block 1052. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, when the second block 1054 advances along the adjustment member 1056 nearer to the first block 1052, the jamming device 1050 may abut the jamming surface 1038 and urge the clamp, associated with the second clamp plate 1036, against the first jaw for securing a panel at a desired angular orientation.

Examples adjustment members of the jamming device described herein may be threaded screws. In some other examples, adjustment members of the jamming device may be a device for adjusting a distance between the pair of blocks. For example, the adjustment member may be an elongate rod and a pair of blocks may be configured on the elongate rod such that the rod may be manipulated to increase or decrease a distance between the blocks. Other devices for the adjustment member may be contemplated.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which illustrates an elevation view of a panel mount 1100 having a panel 1170 installed therein, in accordance with an example of the present application. The panel mount 1100 includes a panel mount body 1110 having a first jaw 1112 and a second jaw 1114. The panel mount 1100 may also include a clamp 1130 and a jamming device 1150. In some examples, the clamp 1130 and the jamming device 1150 may be similar to the clamp 130 and the jamming device 150 of FIG. 1.

In some examples, the panel mount may be mounted to an adjoining structure 1102 via one of the first jaw 1112 or the second jaw 1114. In FIG. 11, the panel mount 1100 may be mounted to the adjoining structure 1102 by the second jaw 1114. The second jaw 1114 may include a first through-hole 1104A and a second through-hole 1104B for receiving fasteners for securing the panel mount 1100 to the adjoining structure 1102.

In FIG. 11, the panel mount 110 may also include an aperture 1146 in the panel mount body 1110 such that a panel mount user may access an adjustment member 1156 of the jamming device 1150 such that the adjustment member 1156 may be rotated about a longitudinal axis.

Example panel mounts described herein may be desirable because example jamming devices may be positioned within and may not extend outside the elongate slot of the panel mounts. Accordingly, an adjustment member of the jamming devices may be hidden from view within the elongate slot. Access to the adjustment member may require access to (1) a volume of space adjacent the secured panel; and (2) adjacent the opening of the elongate slot or an aperture in a bottom portion of the panel mount body; however, access to the adjustment member need not require access to a volume of space adjacent either jaw or side of the panel mount.

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

PANEL MOUNT FOR SECURING A PANEL TO AN ADJOINING STRUCTURE

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CPC

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