Glass sheet support structure

A support structure for supporting a heated glass sheet in connection with a glass processing operation, the support structure comprising:

• a frame;
• a support ring supported by the frame and having a contact surface configured to directly contact a peripheral portion of the glass sheet for supporting the peripheral portion of the glass sheet;
• and
• at least one support assembly associated with the frame, each support assembly including a support connected at two locations on the frame such that the support spans an open area between the two locations on the frame, and multiple spaced apart support members connected to the support and configured such that at least a portion of each support member is adjustable with respect to the support, each support member further having a contact portion configured to contact a respective portion of the glass sheet located inwardly of a periphery of the glass sheet to support the respective portion of the glass sheet, wherein at least one contact portion is adjustable with respect to the frame such that the at least one contact portion may be adjusted below the contact surface of the support ring.

A support structure for use with a tool frame for supporting a heated glass sheet in connection with a bending operation, the support structure comprising:

• an outer frame adapted to be connected to the tool frame;
• a quench ring adjustably supported on the outer frame and having a contact surface that is configured to directly contact a peripheral portion of the glass sheet for supporting the peripheral portion of the glass sheet;
• and
• multiple spaced apart rib assemblies associated with the outer frame, each rib assembly including a laterally extending rib movably supported on the outer frame and multiple spaced apart support members adjustably connected to the rib, each support member including a support body and a curved contact portion supported by the support body and configured to make a point contact with the glass sheet at a location disposed inwardly of the peripheral portion of the glass sheet;
• wherein the support members are adjustable with respect to the outer frame to allow the support structure to be configured to support the glass sheet in any one of a variety of curved shapes until the glass sheet has been sufficiently quenched, and at least one support member is adjustable with respect to the outer frame to adjust the corresponding contact portion below the contact surface of the quench ring.