Patent Description:
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.

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.

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.

<CIT> discloses a holder for a panel in which case the holder incorporates a U-shaped abutment into which the panel is inserted. The holder incorporates a support rail that can be firmly arranged on the panel in an area, and a seat is provided between the connecting leg of the abutment and the support rail, with the support rail supported on the seat in a laterally swiveling arrangement, and that the support rail can be clamped in the abutment by at least one clamping wedge.

A device according to the preamble of claim <NUM> and an equipment according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from said document.

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.

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:.

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 interconnecting 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, 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 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 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 wall 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 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.

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 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 wall 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 be 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 adjustment 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.

In a preferred embodiment, the fulcrum element can be 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 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 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.

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:.

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, be 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 <NUM> according to the present invention is described here below with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some of these figures, the support equipment <NUM> is associated with a panel <NUM>, preferably constituted by a glass sheet.

<FIG>, for example, shows the assembly comprising the support equipment <NUM> and the panel <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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.

<FIG> shows the support equipment <NUM> with its components, which is used to install the panel <NUM> according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

In particular, the support equipment <NUM> is configured to receive a lower edge <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. Preferably, the support equipment <NUM> extends under the panel <NUM> and preferably its extension corresponds to the entire length of the panel <NUM> itself. In preferred variant embodiments, however, the length of the support equipment <NUM> may be different from the length of the overlying panel <NUM>, 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 <NUM> comprises, preferably, a supporting base <NUM> and at least one adjustment device <NUM> suited to adjust the inclination of the panel <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the support equipment <NUM> preferably comprises two adjustment devices <NUM> positioned at a convenient distance inside the support equipment <NUM> and under the panel <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, for panels having small dimensions there may even be only one adjustment device.

The adjustment devices <NUM> 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 <NUM> comprises, preferably, a bar that develops longitudinally, for example a holed metal section bar provided with a seat <NUM> which is open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge <NUM> of the panel <NUM>.

In variant embodiments, the supporting base can be made with different materials and, if necessary, even with a solid structure.

The seat <NUM> advantageously houses the adjustment devices <NUM> which therefore are interposed between the supporting base <NUM> and the panel <NUM>.

The supporting base <NUM> is preferably defined by a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM> and a third wall <NUM> interconnecting the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>. The three walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> is preferably plane, or substantially plane, and defines the contact area suited to be rested on the floor P. The first side wall <NUM> comprises a first internal side <NUM> and, analogously, the second side wall <NUM> comprises a second internal side <NUM> facing the first internal side <NUM>.

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

The adjustment device <NUM> preferably comprises a first lateral portion <NUM> suited to be arranged between the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and a first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM>. The adjustment device <NUM> preferably comprises a second lateral portion <NUM> suited to be arranged between the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and the second outer face 5B of the panel <NUM>. The adjustment device <NUM> preferably comprises also a third interconnecting portion <NUM> that interconnects the first lateral portion <NUM> and the second lateral portion <NUM>.

The three portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> comprises first connection means <NUM> and the supporting base <NUM> comprises second connection means <NUM> cooperating with the first connection means <NUM>, wherein the first and second connection means <NUM>, <NUM> allow the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to be connected to the third interconnecting wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> so as to enable at least one rotary movement of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> with respect to the supporting base <NUM>.

The rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> with respect to the supporting base <NUM> determines a corresponding advantageous upward or downward movement of the first lateral portion <NUM> and of the second lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>, as is better described below with reference to the installation steps of the panel <NUM> and as is shown, for example, in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the first lateral portion <NUM>, the second lateral portion <NUM> and the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> are distinct parts, better visible in <FIG>.

Preferably, the first lateral portion <NUM> and the third interconnecting portion <NUM> are articulated at the level of a hinge area <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>.

The hinge area <NUM> makes it possible to move the first lateral portion <NUM> upwards or backwards following a corresponding rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM>, in a rotation direction or the opposite direction, as can be observed for example when comparing <FIG> and <FIG>.

Said articulation is preferably defined by a cylindrical portion <NUM> projecting from the third interconnecting portion <NUM> and by a matching seat <NUM> created in the first lateral portion <NUM> and receiving said cylindrical portion <NUM>.

Analogously, the second lateral portion <NUM> and the third interconnecting portion <NUM> are preferably articulated at the level of a hinge area <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>.

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

Said articulation is preferably defined by a cylindrical portion <NUM> projecting from the third interconnecting portion <NUM> and by a matching seat <NUM> created in the second lateral portion <NUM> and receiving said cylindrical portion <NUM>.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the first connection means <NUM> comprise a slide seat <NUM> with a curved profile obtained in the third interconnecting portion <NUM> and a fulcrum element <NUM> suited to be connected to the third wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>.

The fulcrum element <NUM> comprises a corresponding curved profile <NUM> suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat <NUM> of the third portion <NUM>.

Preferably, said curved profiles of the seat <NUM> and of the fulcrum element <NUM> are constituted by respective cylindrical profiles.

The fulcrum element <NUM> can be preferably connected to the third wall <NUM> of the supporting base by means of a fixing screw <NUM>.

For this purpose, the second connection means <NUM> comprise a threaded hole <NUM>, obtained in the third interconnecting wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and suited to receive the fixing screw <NUM>, as can be observed, in particular, in <FIG>.

Advantageously, the fulcrum element <NUM> is fixed to the third wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and at the same time the third portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> can rotate with respect to the supporting base <NUM>. The rotation of the third portion <NUM>, as already explained, allows the first lateral portion <NUM> and the second lateral portion <NUM> to be moved upwards or downwards. During the upward or downward movement, the lateral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> rest on the respective side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>. Preferably, the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> comprises a first external side <NUM> suited to be arranged in such a way that it abuts against the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>. The first external side <NUM> preferably comprises a first projecting area 43A suited to slide along the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and a second projecting area 43B suited to slide along the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>. The projecting areas 43A, 43B are preferably defined by respective cylindrical portions.

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

As shown in <FIG>, the first projecting area 43A of the first external side <NUM> of the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> preferably slides along a respective first contact surface 30A of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and the second projecting area 43B of the first external side <NUM> of the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> preferably slides along a respective second contact surface 30B of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>.

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

In particular, preferably, the first contact surface 30A of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and the first contact surface 32A of the second internal side <NUM> of the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> 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 <NUM>, that is, upwards in the figures.

Analogously, the second contact surface 30B of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and the second contact surface 32B of the second internal side <NUM> of the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

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 <FIG>, and preferably have a predetermined angle of inclination A1 with respect to an axis of symmetry V of the supporting base <NUM>, which corresponds to the vertical axis V assuming that the supporting base <NUM> 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 <NUM>° and <NUM>°, more preferably is an angle equal to <NUM>°.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, also the second contact surfaces 30B, 32B are plane, as can be better seen in <FIG>, and preferably have a predetermined angle of inclination A2 with respect to the axis of symmetry V of the supporting base <NUM>.

Preferably, the inclination angle A2 is selected from within a range between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, more preferably is an angle equal to <NUM>°.

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

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

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

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

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

According to another aspect of the present invention, the support equipment <NUM> is furthermore provided with locking means <NUM> suited to lock the panel <NUM> onto the supporting base <NUM>, in particular once the panel <NUM> has been placed in its desired final position.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the locking means <NUM> comprise thrusting means associated with the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> and suited to act against the respective first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM>.

The locking means <NUM> preferably comprise adjustable means comprising a thrusting surface 93A suited to be arranged in contact with the first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM> and moving means suited to move the thrusting surface 93A towards the first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM>.

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

The first fixed portion <NUM> is preferably integral with the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>, more preferably is made in a single piece with it.

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

The displacement of the second portion <NUM> with respect to the first portion <NUM> is determined by the mutual sliding movement of respective inclined surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, in contact with each other, of the two portions <NUM>, <NUM>, visible in <FIG>. Said surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are inclined with respect to the direction of displacement of the thrusting surface 93A. More preferably, said surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are curved so that they assume a helix-shaped configuration.

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

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

Furthermore, preferably, said contact element 93A prevents any direct contact between the second portion <NUM> and the first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM> 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 <NUM>, facing towards the panel <NUM>.

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

In the embodiment illustrated and described herein, the locking means <NUM> are associated with the first lateral portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to act against the respective first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM>.

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 <NUM> by means of the support equipment <NUM> of the invention are described below, making reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The supporting base <NUM> is first fixed to the anchorage surface/floor P, preferably using fixing screws <NUM> (<FIG>).

Then, there is the step of preparation of the adjustment devices <NUM> to be inserted in the supporting base <NUM> and fixed to the same, in the case at hand two adjustment devices <NUM> (<FIG>). The adjustment device <NUM> is fixed by tightening the fixing screw <NUM> in the corresponding threaded hole <NUM> (<FIG>).

Plugging elements <NUM> (<FIG>) are positioned at the level of the heads of the fixing screws <NUM> that fix the supporting base <NUM> to the floor P, wherein said plugging elements <NUM>, in addition to covering the screws <NUM>, preferably also serve as respective supporting areas for the lower edge <NUM> of the panel <NUM>, as illustrated also in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> is then inserted between the lateral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>, into the supporting base <NUM>.

A tool U is then prepared so that it can be used for the successive adjustments (<FIG>).

The tool U comprises a first area U1 for coupling with the external grooves <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the locking means <NUM>, as illustrated in the detail of <FIG>.

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 <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM> of the base structure <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, in such a way as to peripherally hold the second portion <NUM>, as shown in the detail of <FIG>.

The adjustment of the inclination of the panel <NUM> is thus carried out by acting on the tool U, as described below.

<FIG> shows a first possible position, inclined rightwards, which the panel <NUM> can assume soon after its insertion in the adjustment device <NUM>.

The operations to be carried out are those required to move the panel <NUM> to a desired final position, for example the vertical position shown in <FIG>.

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 <NUM>, to the first portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>. This causes the first portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to move downwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 43A, 43B of the first external side <NUM> of the first lateral portion <NUM> advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 30A, 30B of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>, as can be deduced from the detail of <FIG>.

The downward movement of the first portion <NUM> causes the rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> with respect to the third side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> (clockwise rotation with reference to <FIG>). At the same time, the rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> causes the second portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to move upwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 45A, 45B of the second external side <NUM> of the second lateral portion <NUM> advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 32A, 32B of the second internal side <NUM> of the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>.

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 <FIG>.

Advantageously, during said adjustment movements described above, thanks to the cooperation between the projecting areas 43A, 43B, 45A, 45B of the adjustment device <NUM> and the respective contact surfaces 30A, 30B, 32A, 32B of the supporting base <NUM>, together with the fact that the lateral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> move in a synchronized manner through the interconnecting portion <NUM> constrained to the supporting base <NUM> with the fixing screw <NUM>, the operation of inclining the panel <NUM> 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 <NUM> and are maintained in a mutual parallel position.

Advantageously, the operation of inclining the panel <NUM> towards its final position is substantially obtained by means only of a rotary movement of the panel <NUM> at the level of the contact areas 6a of the lower edge <NUM> of the panel <NUM> with the plugging elements <NUM>, as can be understood by comparing <FIG>. Still advantageously, the use of the fixing screw <NUM> makes it possible to maintain the supporting device <NUM> constrained in its position inside the supporting base <NUM>, in particular even during the installation steps, as described above. It is thus possible to guarantee the stability of the supporting device <NUM> over time as well as the stability of the panel in the correct position over time.

Once the desired final position of the panel <NUM> (<FIG>) has been reached, it is necessary to proceed with the successive operation of locking the panel <NUM> in its position.

To this end, the operator rotates the tool U with the corresponding rotation of the second portion <NUM> of the locking means <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>.

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

Finally, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the portions <NUM> and <NUM> 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 <NUM> is guaranteed by the two portions <NUM> and <NUM> in their final mutual position.

By way of example, the operations of adjustment of the inclination of the panel <NUM> in the case where the panel <NUM>, soon after its insertion in the adjustment device <NUM>, is inclined leftwards, instead of being inclined rightwards as described above, are described making reference to <FIG>.

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 <NUM>, to the first portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>. This causes the first portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to move upwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 43A, 43B of the first external side <NUM> of the first lateral portion <NUM> advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 30A, 30B of the first internal side <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>, as can be deduced from the detail of <FIG>.

The upward movement of the first portion <NUM> causes the rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> with respect to the third side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> (counterclockwise rotation with reference to <FIG>). At the same time, the rotation of the third interconnecting portion <NUM> causes the second portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to move downwards. During said movement, the projecting areas 45A, 45B of the second external side <NUM> of the second lateral portion <NUM> advantageously slide along the respective contact surfaces 32A, 32B of the second internal side <NUM> of the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>.

Advantageously, as explained above, during said adjustment movements, thanks to the cooperation between the projecting areas 43A, 43B, 45A, 45B of the adjustment device <NUM> and the respective contact surfaces 30A, 30B, 32A, 32B of the supporting base <NUM> together with the fact that the lateral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> move in a synchronized manner through the interconnecting portion <NUM> constrained to the supporting base <NUM> with the fixing screw <NUM>, the operation of inclining the panel <NUM> 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 <NUM> and are maintained in a mutual parallel position.

Advantageously, the operation of inclining the panel <NUM> towards its final position is substantially obtained by means only of a rotary movement of the panel <NUM> at the level of the contact areas 6a of the lower edge <NUM> of the panel <NUM> with the plugging elements <NUM>, as can be understood by comparing <FIG>. Still advantageously, the use of the fixing screw <NUM> makes it possible to maintain the supporting device <NUM> constrained in its position inside the supporting base <NUM>, more specifically even during the installation steps, as described above. It is thus possible to guarantee the stability of the supporting device <NUM> over time as well as the stability of the panel in the correct position over time.

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

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

Support equipment <NUM> according to a first variant embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>. 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 <NUM> it is possible to identify the supporting base <NUM> and an adjustment device <NUM>.

The supporting base <NUM> is provided with a seat <NUM> open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge <NUM> of a panel <NUM>, and is defined by a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM> and a third wall <NUM> that interconnects the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>. The three walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> preferably comprises a first lateral portion <NUM> suited to be arranged between the first side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and a first outer face 5A of the panel <NUM>. The adjustment device <NUM> preferably comprises a second lateral portion <NUM> suited to be arranged between the second side wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and a second outer face 5B of the panel <NUM>. The adjustment device <NUM> preferably comprises also a third interconnecting portion <NUM> that interconnects the first lateral portion <NUM> and the second lateral portion <NUM>.

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

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

The positioning of the adjustment device <NUM> in the seat <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> is carried out by inserting it laterally and making it slide until it reaches the desired position, as shown in <FIG>.

According to said embodiment, the first and second connection means <NUM>, <NUM> allow the third portion <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> to rotate with respect to the supporting base <NUM> in the same manner described with reference to the first embodiment.

More specifically, the rotation of the third portion <NUM> allows the upward or downward movement of the first lateral portion <NUM> and of the second lateral portion <NUM> to enable the adjustment of the inclination of the panel <NUM> during its installation, as schematically illustrated in Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, which show possible initial positions (<FIG>) and the final position achieved after adjusting the panel <NUM> (<FIG>).

Support equipment <NUM> according to a second variant embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>. Said embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above mainly for the different configuration of the three portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> and its connection to the supporting base <NUM>.

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

In the support equipment <NUM> it is possible to identify a supporting base <NUM> and an adjustment device <NUM>.

The supporting base <NUM> is provided with a seat <NUM> open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge <NUM> of a panel <NUM>, and is defined by a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM> and a third interconnecting wall <NUM> that interconnects the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>. The three walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the third interconnecting portion <NUM> are articulated at the level of a hinge area <NUM> and the second lateral portion <NUM>
and the third interconnecting portion <NUM> are articulated at the level of a hinge area <NUM> (<FIG>).

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

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

According to said preferred embodiment, the first connection means <NUM> comprise a slide seat <NUM> with a curved profile created in the third portion <NUM> and a fulcrum element <NUM> suited to be connected to the third wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fulcrum element <NUM> comprises a corresponding curved profile <NUM> suited to slidingly cooperate with the curved profile of the slide seat <NUM> of the third portion <NUM>.

The fulcrum element <NUM> is preferably constituted by a fixing screw suited to be connected to the third wall <NUM> of the supporting base <NUM> and said curved profile <NUM> is obtained in the head portion of the fixing screw <NUM>.

Preferably, said curved profiles of the seat <NUM> and of the head of the fixing screw <NUM> are constituted by corresponding cylindrical profiles.

Claim 1:
Support equipment (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a panel (<NUM>), said equipment (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
- a supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provided with a seat (<NUM>; <NUM>) which is open upwards and suited to receive the lower edge (<NUM>) of said panel (<NUM>), and comprising a first side wall (<NUM>), a second side wall (<NUM>) and a third wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) suited to interconnect said first side wall (<NUM>) with said second side wall (<NUM>);
- at least one adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for adjusting the inclination of said panel (<NUM>), said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a first lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) suited to be arranged between said first side wall (<NUM>) of said supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a first outer face (5A) of said panel (<NUM>), a second lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) suited to be arranged between said second side wall (<NUM>) of said supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a second outer face (5B) of said panel (<NUM>), and a third portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) suited to interconnect said first lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) with said second lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>);
wherein said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises first connection means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and said supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises second connection means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) cooperating with said first connection means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein said first and second connection means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) allow said third interconnecting portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to be connected to said third interconnecting wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of said supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) forming thereby a hinge area (<NUM>; <NUM>) in order to enable at least one rotary movement of said third interconnecting portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) with respect to said supporting base (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) characterized in that said first lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) and said third interconnecting portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are articulated at the level of said hinge area (<NUM>; <NUM>) and/or said second lateral portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) and said third interconnecting portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of said adjustment device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are articulated at the level of said hinge area (<NUM>; <NUM>).