Apparatus and methods for manoeuvring and support of panels

摘要

A large and massive panel (12) is manoeuvred and supported by means of a work piece support (10) which has an upper horizontal work piece support surface (22) for receiving the panel in extended surface-to-surface contact. An array of apertures (24) is provided in the work piece support surface, beneath same of which are provided low friction bearing elements (28) moveable between a raised, load-bearing position in which the panel can be slid onto the work piece support and a retracted position in which the panel is left in extended surface to surface contact with the work piece support.