Patent Description:
There are many types of shower enclosures, the majority of which are formed by three walls surrounding a shower base, or a floor configured to drain water from the shower, and a door which essentially forms all or a part of a fourth wall of the enclosure, although in some shower enclosures, the area which would form the fourth wall is left open, particularly in the case of a shower in a wet room. In all such shower enclosures, it is not uncommon for at least one and in some cases two of the walls of the shower enclosure to be formed by structural walls of a building, which may be either masonry walls or studded partition walls which typically, are tiled, or are coated with other suitable water protective coatings. The third or the second and third walls of the shower enclosure are typically formed by a screen or a panel, typically, of a toughened glass. The glass panel or panels are secured to the structural wall or walls by an elongated mounting member which typically, is of channel shape for receiving the screen or panel, or a frame element of the screen or panel for in turn securing the screen or panel to the structural wall.

It is essential that the elongated mounting member should be vertically aligned in order that the screen or glass panel when secured to the structural wall by the mounting member is also vertically aligned. In many cases, particularly, in masonry walls, it is difficult to drill holes into the masonry wall with the degree of precision required in order that the mounting member will be vertically aligned when secured to the wall with fasteners, typically, screws engaged in plugged drilled holes. This is also a problem when securing a screen or panel to a wall above a side of a bath in order to define a shower enclosure above the bath.

A further problem arises where a screen or panel is being replaced in a shower enclosure or above the side of a bath, in that, the replacement screen or panel, in general, requires a specific dedicated mounting member be used for coupling the replacement screen or panel to the wall. In the majority of cases the screw accommodating openings in such mounting members do not accurately align with holes which had already been drilled for the mounting member of the screen or panel which is being replaced. This, thus, requires the drilling of new holes in the structural wall and thereby leaving the existing holes unused with the possibility of moisture leaking into the holes resulting in deterioration of the structural wall, particularly, in cases where the structural wall is a studded partition wall, or a masonry wall which has been studded.

There is therefore a need for an adjustable coupling apparatus and a method for coupling a screen or a panel to a structure which addresses this problem.

<CIT>discloses a mounting member for mounting a panel to a wall. The mounting member is of channel shape construction comprising an elongated end wall and a pair of spaced apart elongated side walls extending along and from the end wall and defining with the end wall an elongated channel for receiving the panel therein. One or more holes extend through the end wall for accommodating a fastener such as a screw for securing the mounting member to the wall. A protector for protecting the panel within the mounting member comprises a rear portion for abutting the end wall of the mounting member. A hole extending through the rear portion of the protector is alignable with one of the holes extending through the end wall of the mounting member for accommodating a fastener, such as a screw therethrough for securing the protector and the mounting member to the structure. Side springs extending from opposite sides of the rear portion of the protector are slideably engageable in longitudinally extending grooves extending along the side walls of the mounting member.

The present invention is directed towards providing an adjustable coupling apparatus and a method for coupling a screen or a panel to a structure. The invention is also directed towards a structure comprising the adjustable coupling apparatus, and the invention is further directed towards a shower enclosure.

According to the invention there is provided an adjustable coupling apparatus for coupling a screen or a panel to a structure, the coupling apparatus comprising an elongated mounting member for mounting on the structure, the mounting member being of channel shape construction and comprising an elongated end wall, and a pair of spaced apart elongated side walls extending along and from the end wall and defining with the end wall an elongated channel configured to receive the screen or panel therein between the side walls, at least one main aperture extending through the end wall, a fastener accommodating element having a secondary aperture extending therethrough located in the channel, and a retaining means for retaining the fastener accommodating element in the channel with the secondary aperture located relative to the main aperture for accommodating a fastener through the secondary aperture and the main aperture to the structure, wherein the retaining means is configured to permit the fastener accommodating element to be slideable longitudinally in the channel, the at least one main aperture comprises an elongated main slot extending longitudinally along the end wall of the mounting member, the main slot being of length in a longitudinal direction relative to the mounting member greater than the width thereof in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the mounting member, the secondary aperture comprises a secondary slot extending transversely of the main slot, and the main slot is of width in the transverse direction sufficient to accommodate adjustment of a fastener in the secondary slot along substantially the length of the secondary slot.

Advantageously, the main slot is of width in the transverse direction to allow adjustment of a fastener transversely in the main slot.

Preferably, the main slot is of width in the transverse direction sufficient to accommodate adjustment of a fastener in the secondary slot along the entire length of the secondary slot.

Preferably, the secondary slot is of width just greater than the maximum dimension of a shank of a fastener.

Preferably, the secondary slot comprises a countersunk secondary slot.

In one embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations, one of the interengageable complementary formations being located on the mounting member, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations being located on the fastener accommodating element.

Preferably, one of the interengageable complementary formations extends from the mounting member, and preferably, extends from the mounting member into the channel.

In another embodiment of the invention the interengageable complementary formation located on the mounting member comprises an elongated retaining track extending longitudinally in the channel, and advantageously, the elongated retaining track extends from the end wall of the mounting member.

In another embodiment of the invention the interengageable complementary formation on the fastener accommodating element comprises a retaining recess extending into the fastener accommodating element, and preferably, the retaining recess is engageable with the interengageable complementary formation extending from the mounting member, and advantageously, the retaining recess is slideably engageable with the interengageable complementary formation extending from the mounting member.

In another embodiment of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are configured to engage each other with a snap-fit action.

Preferably, a pair of the retaining tracks are provided, the retaining tracks being spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other. Advantageously, a pair of the retaining recesses are provided, and preferably, the retaining recesses are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the retaining recesses of the fastener accommodating element are configured to slideably engage the corresponding ones of the retaining tracks.

Preferably, each retaining track terminates along a distal edge thereof in an engagement element extending longitudinally along the retaining track and transversely from the retaining track. Preferably, the engagement elements extend transversely from the respective retaining tracks one of towards each other and away from each other. Advantageously, the engagement elements extend transversely from the respective retaining tracks towards each other.

In another embodiment of the invention each retaining recess terminates in the fastener accommodating element in an engagement recess for engaging the engagement element of the corresponding retaining track. Preferably, the engagement recess of each retaining recess extends in a generally longitudinal direction relative to the retaining recess and transversely thereof.

Preferably, the engagement recesses extend transversely from the respective retaining recesses one of towards each other and away from each other, and advantageously, the engagement recesses extend transversely from the respective retaining recesses away from each other.

In one embodiment of the invention the mounting member defines a structure abutment face for abutting the structure. Preferably, the structure abutment face is located adjacent the end wall, and advantageously, the structure abutment face is located adjacent an outer face of the end wall.

In another embodiment of the invention the fastener accommodating element defines a first abutment face for abutting an inner face of the end wall of the mounting member. Preferably, an abutment portion of the fastener accommodating element extends through the main slot, and preferably, the abutment portion of the fastener accommodating element terminates in a second abutment face for abutting the structure. Advantageously, the spacing between the first abutment face of the fastener accommodating element and the second abutment face of the fastener accommodating element is substantially similar to the spacing between the inner face of the end wall of the mounting member and the structure abutment face of the mounting member, and preferably, the spacing between the first abutment face of the fastener accommodating element and the second abutment face of the fastener accommodating element is just less than the spacing between the inner face of the end wall of the mounting member and the structure abutment face of the mounting member.

Preferably, the spacing between the first abutment face of the fastener accommodating element and the second abutment face of the fastener accommodating element is less than <NUM> less than the spacing between the inner face of the end wall of the mounting member and the structure abutment face of the mounting member, and advantageously, is less than <NUM>, and ideally, less than <NUM> less than the spacing between the inner face of the end wall of the mounting member and the structure abutment face of the mounting member.

Preferably, each retaining track extends at least the length of the main slot, and advantageously, each retaining track extends the length of the mounting member.

In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of longitudinally extending main slots extend through the end wall, the main slots being longitudinally spaced apart along the end wall. Preferably, at least one fastener accommodating element is provided corresponding to each main slot.

The invention also provides a structure comprising the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention secured to the structure by a fastener extending through the secondary slot in the fastener accommodating element.

In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of fasteners are provided through the secondary slots in respective ones of the fastener accommodating elements and one or more corresponding main slots through the end wall for securing the mounting member to the structure.

In another embodiment of the invention one of a panel and a screen is secured to the structure by the adjustable coupling apparatus with the one of the panel and the screen engaged in the channel of the mounting member.

In another embodiment of the invention the structure comprises a wall, and in another embodiment of the invention the wall comprises one of a masonry wall and a studded wall, and in a further embodiment of the invention the structure comprises a wall of a shower enclosure.

The invention further provides a shower enclosure comprising a panel defining a wall of the shower enclosure, and the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention securing the panel to a structure defining an adjacent wall of the shower enclosure.

Additionally, the invention provides the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention and a panel or a screen located in the channel defined by the mounting member.

The invention also provides a method for securing one of a screen and a panel to a structure, the method comprising providing an elongated mounting member of channel shape construction comprising an elongated end wall, and a pair of spaced apart elongated side walls extending along and from the end wall and defining with the end wall an elongated channel configured to receive the screen or panel therein between the side walls, and having at least one main aperture extending through the end wall, locating a fastener accommodating element having a secondary aperture extending therethrough in the channel of the mounting member, and retaining the fastener accommodating element in the channel by a retaining means with the secondary aperture located relative to the main aperture for accommodating a fastener through the secondary aperture and the main aperture, wherein the retaining means is configured to permit the fastener accommodating element to be slideable longitudinally in the channel, the at least one main aperture is provided as an elongated main slot extending longitudinally along the end wall and being of length in a longitudinal direction relative to the mounting member greater than the width thereof in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the mounting member, the secondary aperture is provided as a secondary slot extending transversely of the main slot, the main slot is configured to be of width in the transverse direction sufficient to accommodate adjustment of a fastener in the secondary slot along substantially the length of the secondary slot, and the method further comprises offering the mounting member to the structure with the main slot roughly aligned with a fastener receiving hole in the structure for receiving the fastener, aligning the fastener accommodating element in the channel with the secondary slot aligned with the fastener receiving hole in the structure by adjusting the fastener accommodating element longitudinally in the mounting member, inserting the fastener through the secondary slot through the fastener accommodating element and through the main slot into the fastener receiving hole in the structure, lightly tightening the fastener in the fastener receiving hole, adjusting the position of the mounting member relative to the structure until the mounting member is in the desired location relative to the structure both longitudinally and transversely, and tightening the fastener in the fastener receiving hole for securing the mounting member tightly to the structure.

The main slot is configured to be of width in the transverse direction to allow adjustment of a fastener transversely in the main slot.

Preferably, the main slot is configured to be of width in the transverse direction sufficient to accommodate adjustment of a fastener in the secondary slot along the entire length of the secondary slot.

Preferably, the secondary slot is configured to be of width just greater than the maximum dimension of a shank of a fastener. Advantageously, the secondary slot is configured to comprise a countersunk secondary slot.

In another embodiment of the invention the retaining means is configured to comprise at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations, and one of the interengageable complementary formations is located on the mounting member, and the other one of the interengageable complementary formations is located on the fastener accommodating element. Preferably, the interengageable complementary formations are configured to engage each other with a snap-fit action.

In one embodiment of the invention one of the interengageable complementary formations is configured to extend from the mounting member.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to <FIG> and <FIG> there is illustrated a portion of a shower enclosure according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>. The shower enclosure <NUM> in this embodiment of the invention is of the type which is defined by two masonry walls of a structure extending at a right angle to each other, namely, a rear masonry wall <NUM> and a side masonry wall <NUM>. A third side wall of the shower enclosure <NUM> comprises a panel <NUM> of toughened glass, which is spaced apart from the side masonry wall <NUM> and extends parallel thereto, and is secured to the rear masonry wall <NUM> by an adjustable coupling apparatus also according to the invention and indicated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>. A fourth or front wall which is not illustrated of the shower enclosure <NUM> is formed by a door assembly, which may comprise a hingedly mounted door, a folding door, or a sliding door. Such shower enclosures as the shower enclosure <NUM> will be well known to those skilled in the art and further description of the shower enclosure should not be required.

Turning now to the adjustable coupling apparatus <NUM> which secures the panel <NUM> to the rear masonry wall <NUM>, the adjustable coupling apparatus <NUM> comprises an elongated mounting member <NUM> of channel shape construction for mounting on the rear masonry wall <NUM> by fasteners, for example, screws <NUM> as will be described below. The mounting member <NUM> comprises an elongated end wall <NUM>, and a pair of spaced apart elongated side walls <NUM> extending along and from the end wall <NUM> and defining with the end wall <NUM> an elongated channel <NUM> configured to receive the panel <NUM> therein between the side walls <NUM>. Portions <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> extend beyond the end wall <NUM> and terminate in structure abutment faces <NUM> for abutting the rear masonry wall <NUM> when the mounting member <NUM> is secured thereto.

At least one, and in this embodiment of the invention three longitudinally spaced apart elongated main slots <NUM> extend through and longitudinally along the end wall <NUM> for accommodating the screws <NUM> therethrough for securing the mounting member <NUM> to the rear masonry wall <NUM> as will be described below.

At least one, and in this embodiment of the invention three fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are located in the channel <NUM>, one fastener accommodating element <NUM> being provided corresponding to each main slot <NUM>. Each fastener accommodating element <NUM> comprises a secondary slot <NUM> extending therethrough for accommodating a corresponding one of the screws <NUM> therethrough. Each fastener accommodating element <NUM> is retained by a retaining means in the channel <NUM> with the secondary slot <NUM> thereof extending transversely relative to the corresponding main slot <NUM>. The retaining means as will be described below also permits each fastener accommodating element <NUM> to be slideable longitudinally relative to the corresponding main slot <NUM> in the channel <NUM> for facilitating longitudinal alignment of the mounting member with a pre-drilled or pre-formed fastener receiving hole <NUM> in the rear masonry wall <NUM>, while the secondary slot <NUM> accommodates transverse adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> relative to the fastener receiving hole <NUM>. This, thus, permits locating the mounting member <NUM> on the rear masonry wall <NUM> in a desired position while at the same time securing the mounting member <NUM> by screws <NUM> in the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM> which may be slightly off-centre transversely relative to the end wall <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM>, and may also not be accurately aligned vertically.

The retaining means for retaining the fastener accommodating element <NUM> in the channel <NUM> with the secondary slot <NUM> extending transversely of the main slot <NUM>, in this embodiment of the invention comprises two pairs of interengageable complementary formations one of the formations of each of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations being formed on the mounting member <NUM>, and the other one of each of the pair of interengageable complementary formations being formed on the fastener accommodating element <NUM>. In this embodiment of the invention one of the interengageable complementary formations of each of the pairs of the interengageable complementary formations comprises an elongated retaining track <NUM> extending from the mounting member <NUM> into the channel <NUM>, and the other one of each pair of the interengageable complementary formations comprising a retaining recess <NUM> formed in each one of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM>. In this embodiment of the invention the retaining tracks <NUM> of the two pairs of interengageable complementary formations extend from the end wall <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM> into the channel <NUM> for engaging the corresponding retaining recesses <NUM> in each of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM>.

The retaining tracks <NUM> extend longitudinally along the length of the end wall <NUM> along the respective side edges of the main slots <NUM>, and define the side edges of the main slots <NUM>. Each retaining track <NUM> terminates at its distal edge <NUM> in an engagement element <NUM>, which extends longitudinally along the distal edge <NUM> of the corresponding retaining track <NUM> and transversely therefrom. The engagement elements <NUM> of each of the retaining tracks <NUM> extend transversely towards each other. However, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the engagement elements <NUM> may extend from the retaining tracks <NUM> transversely away from each other.

Each retaining recess <NUM> extends longitudinally through the fastener accommodating element <NUM> in a longitudinal direction relative to the mounting member <NUM>. The retaining recesses <NUM> extend into the corresponding fastener accommodating elements <NUM> and terminate therein in engagement recesses <NUM> which extend longitudinally relative to the retaining recesses <NUM>, and transversely from the retaining recesses <NUM>. In this embodiment of the invention the engagement recesses <NUM> extend transversely from the receiving recesses <NUM> in a direction away from each other. However, it will be appreciated that the engagement recesses <NUM> may extend transversely from the retaining recesses <NUM> towards each other. The direction from which the engagement recesses <NUM> extend transversely from the retaining recesses <NUM> will be determined by the direction from which the engagement elements <NUM> extend transversely from the retaining tracks <NUM>.

Side members <NUM> extending from each fastener accommodating element <NUM> define with the fastener accommodating element <NUM> the retaining and engagement recesses <NUM> and <NUM>. The side members <NUM> terminate in first abutment faces <NUM> for abutting an inner abutment surface <NUM> of the end wall <NUM> when the retaining tracks <NUM> are engaged in the retaining recesses <NUM>. A tapered lead-in <NUM> is provided on each side member <NUM> extending inwardly into the corresponding retaining recess <NUM> from the first abutment face <NUM> of the side member <NUM> for accommodating engagement of the retaining tracks <NUM> in the receiving recesses <NUM> as each fastener accommodating element <NUM> is being urged into engagement with the retaining tracks <NUM>. Portions <NUM> of the side members <NUM> of each fastener accommodating element <NUM>, which partly define the engagement recesses <NUM> of the retaining recesses <NUM> are of sufficient resilience to facilitate urging the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> into engagement with the retaining tracks <NUM> so that the fastener accommodating element <NUM> engages the retaining tracks <NUM> with a snap-fit action.

An abutment portion <NUM> extends from each fastener accommodating element <NUM> between the side members <NUM> and defines with the side members <NUM> the retaining recesses <NUM>. The abutment portion <NUM> of each fastener accommodating element <NUM> is configured to extend through the corresponding main slot <NUM>, and terminates in a second abutment face, namely, a structure abutment face <NUM>, which is configured to abut the rear masonry wall <NUM> when the fastener accommodating element <NUM> is tightly secured to the rear masonry wall <NUM> with the screw <NUM>.

In this embodiment of the invention the spacing S<NUM> between the structure abutment face <NUM> of each fastener accommodating element <NUM> and the first abutment face <NUM> thereof, is just less than the spacing S<NUM> between the structure abutment faces <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM> and the inner face <NUM> of the end wall <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM>, so that when each fastener accommodating element <NUM> is secured by the corresponding screw <NUM> in the fastener receiving hole <NUM> with the structure abutment face <NUM> of the fastener accommodating element <NUM> tightly abutting the rear masonry wall <NUM>, the first abutment faces <NUM> of the fastener accommodating element <NUM> tightly abut the inner face <NUM> of the end wall <NUM>, to in turn urge the structure abutment faces <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM> into tight abutting engagement with the rear masonry wall <NUM>, so that the mounting member <NUM> is tightly clamped between the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> and the rear masonry wall <NUM>. However, the spacing S<NUM> is just sufficiently less than the spacing S<NUM>, so that the mounting member <NUM> is tightly clamped between the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> and the rear masonry wall <NUM>, without distortion of the mounting member <NUM>. In this embodiment of the invention the spacing S<NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> less than the spacing S<NUM>.

In this embodiment of the invention the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are of injection moulded plastics material, and the plastics material is of sufficient resilience to provide the necessary resilience in the portions <NUM> of the side members <NUM> in order to facilitate a snap-fit engagement of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> with the retaining tracks <NUM>. Material reducing recesses <NUM> extend into the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> from the structure abutment face <NUM> thereof. In this embodiment of the invention the secondary slot <NUM> in each fastener accommodating element <NUM> is countersunk at <NUM> for accommodating a head <NUM> of a corresponding screw <NUM>. The mounting member <NUM> is of a plastics material and is formed by extrusion, although it will be appreciated that the mounting member may be of a metal material, for example, aluminium or an aluminium alloy, and typically would be formed by extrusion.

Additionally, the retaining tracks <NUM> and the receiving recesses <NUM> are sized to provide light frictional sliding movement of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> along the retaining tracks <NUM>.

In this embodiment of the invention since the abutment portion <NUM> of each fastener accommodating element <NUM> extends through the corresponding main slot <NUM>, the main slot <NUM> is wider than the length of the secondary slot <NUM> in the corresponding fastener accommodating element <NUM> in order to accommodate transverse adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> relative to the fastener receiving hole <NUM>. As discussed above longitudinal adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> relative to the fastener receiving hole <NUM> is obtained by sliding the corresponding fastener accommodating element <NUM> longitudinally along the retaining tracks <NUM>.

In use, it is envisaged that the mounting member <NUM> will be supplied with the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> retained in the channel <NUM> with the retaining tracks <NUM> engaged in the retaining recesses <NUM>, and in general, one fastener accommodating element <NUM> will be provided corresponding to each main slot <NUM>, although two or more fastener accommodating elements <NUM> may be provided for each main slot <NUM>. Addtionally, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> may be provided separately from the mounting members <NUM>, and in which case, the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> would be assembled to the mounting members <NUM> on site by urging the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> into engagement with the retaining tracks <NUM>, so that the retaining tracks <NUM> fully engage the retaining recesses <NUM>.

To mount the mounting member <NUM> on a structure, for example, the rear masonry wall <NUM> for securing the panel <NUM> thereto, where the rear masonry wall <NUM> has been provided with pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>, the mounting member <NUM> is offered up to the rear masonry wall <NUM> and is positioned in the desired position on the rear masonry wall <NUM>. If the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are not aligned with the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>, the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are urged along the retaining tracks <NUM> until the secondary slots <NUM> in the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are aligned with the corresponding pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>.

Once the secondary slots <NUM> of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> are aligned with the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>, the screws <NUM> are engaged through the secondary slots <NUM> into the corresponding pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>. The screws <NUM> are lightly tightened to lightly tighten the mounting member <NUM> to the rear masonry wall <NUM>, while still allowing adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> relative to the rear masonry wall <NUM>. Any final adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> can then be carried out by urging the main mounting member <NUM> into the desired position both longitudinally and transversely. Transverse adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> is accommodated by the secondary slots <NUM> in the fastener accommodating elements <NUM>, and longitudinal adjustment of the mounting member <NUM> is accommodated by sliding of the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> in the retaining tracks <NUM>. When the mounting member <NUM> has been adjusted into the desired position on the rear masonry wall <NUM>, the screws <NUM> are fully tightened into the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM> to thereby secure the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> with the structure abutment faces <NUM> tightly abutting the rear masonry wall <NUM> with the mounting member <NUM> tightly clamped between the fastener accommodating elements <NUM> and the rear masonry wall <NUM>.

Because of the two degrees of adjustment, namely, longitudinal and transverse adjustment, provided by the adjustable coupling apparatus <NUM> for adjusting the position of the mounting member <NUM> relative to the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM> in the rear masonry wall <NUM>, the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM> do not have to be accurately drilled in the rear masonry wall <NUM>, since the mounting member <NUM> is adjustable longitudinally and transversely relative to the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes <NUM>.

The advantages of the invention are many. The fastener accommodating elements with the secondary slots being configured to extend transversely relative to the longitudinally extending main slots permits two degrees of orthogonal adjustment of the mounting member relative to the structure to which the mounting member is to be secured. This, thus, accommodates and compensates for any inaccuracy in the positions in which the pre-drilled fastener receiving holes have been drilled into the masonry wall or other structure. Additionally, the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention provides a relatively simple and inexpensive construction which provides such two degrees of orthogonal adjustment of the mounting member relative to the structure to which it is secured. Additionally, the arrangement of the fastener accommodating elements in the channel of the mounting member facilitates each of both longitudinal and transverse adjustment of the mounting member.

While the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention has been described for securing a panel of toughened glass of a shower enclosure to a masonry wall, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the adjustable coupling apparatus may be used for coupling any type of screen or panel to any type of structure, be it a wall, floor, ceiling or other structure, and furthermore, the structure may be any type of structure, be it a masonry structure, a timber, steel or other structure.

It is also envisaged that the adjustable coupling apparatus according to the invention may be used for coupling a screen which may also be of toughened glass or other suitable panel material to a wall or other structure above a side wall of a bath for partly defining a shower enclosure above and within the bath. Needless to say the adjustable coupling apparatus may be used for coupling any type of screen or panel to any type of structure for any purpose.

While the mounting member has been described as comprising three elongated longitudinally extending and longitudinally spaced apart main slots, any number of main slots may be provided in the mounting member, and indeed, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that a single elongated mounting slot may be provided extending substantially the length of the mounting member, although, for strength purposes, it is preferably that a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart main slots be provided rather than one continuous elongated slot. It will also be appreciated that more than one fastener accommodating element may be provided for each main slot.

It will be appreciated that while a specific relationship between the spacings S<NUM> and S<NUM> has been described, the relationship between the spacings S<NUM> and S<NUM> may be of any suitable relationship.

While a pair of retaining tracks have been described, it is envisaged in some embodiments of the invention that a single retaining track may be sufficient, and in which case a single retaining recess would be provided in each fastener accommodating element.

While the mounting member is illustrated as comprising one side wall of curved shape, the side walls of the mounting member may be of any suitable or any desired shape.

It will also be appreciated that while it is advantageous, it is not essential that portions of side walls should extend beyond the end wall and terminate in structure abutting faces. In some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the end wall of the mounting member may directly abut the masonry wall or other structure. In which case, it is envisaged that it may not be necessary for the abutment portion of each fastener accommodating element to extend through the corresponding main slot, since there would be little or no danger of distortion of the mounting member during tightening of the fastener accommodating element <NUM> for clamping the mounting member <NUM> between the fastener accommodating element <NUM> and the rear masonry wall, since the end wall of the mounting member would tightly abut both the fastener accommodating element and the rear masonry wall <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An adjustable coupling apparatus for coupling a screen or a panel to a structure, the coupling apparatus comprising an elongated mounting member (<NUM>) for mounting on the structure (<NUM>), the mounting member (<NUM>) being of channel shape construction and comprising an elongated end wall (<NUM>), and a pair of spaced apart elongated side walls (<NUM>) extending along and from the end wall (<NUM>) and defining with the end wall an elongated channel (<NUM>) configured to receive the screen or panel (<NUM>) therein between the side walls (<NUM>), at least one main aperture (<NUM>) extending through the end wall (<NUM>), a fastener accommodating element (<NUM>) having a secondary aperture (<NUM>) extending therethrough located in the channel (<NUM>), and a retaining means (<NUM>, <NUM>) for retaining the fastener accommodating element (<NUM>) in the channel (<NUM>) with the secondary aperture (<NUM>) located relative to the main aperture (<NUM>) for accommodating a fastener (<NUM>) through the secondary aperture (<NUM>) and the main aperture (<NUM>) to the structure (<NUM>), characterised in that the retaining means (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to permit the fastener accommodating element (<NUM>) to be slideable longitudinally in the channel (<NUM>), the at least one main aperture (<NUM>) comprises an elongated main slot (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along the end wall (<NUM>) of the mounting member (<NUM>), the main slot (<NUM>) being of length in a longitudinal direction relative to the mounting member (<NUM>) greater than the width thereof in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the mounting member (<NUM>), the secondary aperture (<NUM>) comprises a secondary slot (<NUM>) extending transversely of the main slot (<NUM>), and the main slot (<NUM>) is of width in the transverse direction sufficient to accommodate adjustment of a fastener (<NUM>) in the secondary slot (<NUM>) along substantially the length of the secondary slot (<NUM>).