[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for fastening a bath accessory
to a wall.
[0002] In particular, application of said device and method takes place when it is wished
to replace a bath accessory and at the same time cover and/or make use of possible
holes previously drilled in the wall.
[0003] It is known that there are on the market many bath accessories to be applied to a
wall, such as towel-holders, soap-dishes or soap-holders, brush-holders, that for
use require holes to be made in the wall and/or adhesives or the like to be applied.
[0004] In particular, if holes are required to be drilled in a wall for insertion of the
fastening plugs or screw anchors, replacement of an accessory for the purpose of doing
up the bathroom becomes a difficult operation, above all if the position of the accessory
is wished to be modified even to a small degree and/or if two or more plugs spaced
apart from each other are necessary for fastening of the accessory, such as in the
case of a towel-holder. In fact, due to the previous presence of a hole in the wall,
the new accessory has to be substantially located in the same position as the old
one in order to enable concealment of the previously formed holes. In addition, when
there are two or more holes, the distance between the hole axes can greatly vary from
the old accessories to the new ones and therefore it is particularly difficult to
renew the bathroom arrangement utilising the same holes as previously used for application
of the old accessories or to ensure concealment of the old holes after installation
of the new accessories.
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention substantially aims at solving the mentioned drawbacks
with reference to the fastening devices and methods of known type.
[0006] In fact, it is an object of the present invention to enable replacement of the old
bath accessories mounted to a wall by means of plugs or the like, allowing the position
of same to be slightly changed and/or allowing accessories to be selected in which
the distance between centres is different from that of the accessories previously
used, without leaving the old holes in sight and possibly re-utilising such holes.
[0007] The foregoing and further aims that will become more apparent in the course of the
following specification are substantially achieved by a device and a method of fastening
a bath accessory to a wall in accordance with the appended claims.
[0008] Further features and advantages will be best understood from the detailed description
of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a device and a method of fastening a
bath accessory to a wall in accordance with the present invention, with the aid of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figs. 1 to 4 show exploded views of the fastening device in accordance with the present
invention in four different configurations;
- Figs. 5 to 8 are front views of a bath accessory mounted in relation to the exploded
views shown in Figs. 1-4, respectively.
[0009] With reference to the drawings, a device for fastening a bath accessory 12 to a wall
14 has been generally identified with reference numeral 10. In the embodiment shown
the bath accessory 12 consists of a towel-holder but the fastening device being the
object of the present invention can be applied to any type of accessory, such as a
soap-dish or soap-holder, a brush-holder or others. The reference numerals have been
only shown in Figs. 1 and 5, as the other figures are substantially similar but in
different configurations.
[0010] Generally denoted at 16 is a portion of the fastening device 10 for connection to
a wall (in the following referred to as "connection portion"); generally denoted at
18 is a portion of the accessory for fastening to the connection portion 16. In addition,
means is provided for connecting the fastening portion 18 of the accessory to the
connection portion 16.
[0011] With reference to a possible embodiment shown by way of example, the connection portion
16 comprises a connecting plate 20 and a covering element 22.
[0012] With reference to a possible embodiment, herein shown, the connecting plate 20 is
of rectangular shape, thus having a major extension direction (longer side of the
rectangle).
[0013] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the connecting plate 20 comprises a plurality
of holes 24. Preferably, the holes are of elongated shape, i.e. one axis thereof is
of longer extension. With reference to the embodiment herein illustrated, five holes
are provided which are distributed in the connecting plate 10 in such a manner that
two holes are provided at opposite sides of the plate and one hole is substantially
disposed in the middle. If holes of elongated shape are provided, they are distributed
along the connecting plate with a varying orientation of the hole; in the example
shown provision is made for three holes disposed with their longer axis parallel to
one of the sides of the connecting plate and two holes with their longer axis perpendicular
to such a side of the connecting plate. Holes 24 are adapted to receive a plug 25
for connection with the wall.
[0014] With reference to a possible embodiment, herein shown, the connecting plate 10 comprises
a stud or pin 26 extending through an opening 28 of the covering element 22.
[0015] Stud 26 defines an axis X. This axis for instance is perpendicular to the extension
of the connecting plate 20 and, as a result, to wall 14.
[0016] With reference to a possible embodiment, said stud 26 has a square section made up
of four flat surfaces. In accordance with a possible embodiment the stud 26 has an
axial groove 30 formed at a flat surface defining one side of the square section.
Preferably, at least two axial grooves 30 are provided, each formed in a flat surface
defining one side of the square section of the stud, preferably contiguously disposed,
i.e. parallel to each other. Advantageously, four axial grooves 30 are provided, each
formed in a flat surface defining one side of the square section of the stud.
[0017] In accordance with a possible embodiment shown by way of example, the covering element
22 comprises a recess 32 adapted to receive the connecting plate 20. In particular,
the covering element 22 can have a rectangular shaped suitable for reception of the
connecting plate 20 substantially having the same rectangular shape. If provision
is made for recess 32, the connecting plate is substantially housed within said recess
and surrounded by a perimetral edge 34 of said recess 30.
[0018] With reference to a possible embodiment shown by way of example in the accompanying
figures, in which stud 26 is associated with the connection portion 16, the fastening
portion 18 of the accessory has an axial seat 36 adapted to receive the stud. In particular,
the axial seat 36 has a section the shape of which matches that of the stud; for instance,
if a stud of square section is provided, the axial seat 36 has the same square section
adapted to receive stud 26. In a possible embodiment, the fastening portion 18 of
the accessory has a free end associable with the accessory, by a through hole 38 and
a fastening element 40, for example.
[0019] With reference to the above described embodiments, stud 26 and the related axial
seat 36 are part of the connecting means that is advantageously adapted to enable
the relative positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16
at least at two relative positions that are angularly different with respect to an
axis that is coincident for instance with axis X of the stud, with reference to the
examples shown and illustrated. In particular the connecting means allows relative
positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 to four relative
positions angularly different with respect to axis X, each of said positions being
preferably disposed at 90° from the subsequent one.
[0020] In addition, with reference to the axis defining the relative angular positions of
the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16, advantageously in the fastening
device in accordance with the present invention the connection portion 16 is provided
to comprise at least one protrusion 42 extending in the radial direction relative
to the aforesaid axis. By "radial direction" it is intended a direction substantially
perpendicular to the direction defined by axis X.
[0021] According to a possible embodiment, shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings,
the connection portion 16 is, as a whole, provided with said protrusion 42, which
means that the connecting plate 20 and covering element 22 have both said protrusion
42.
[0022] In accordance with a possible embodiment, axis X defining the relative angular positions
of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 is substantially perpendicular
to the connection portion 16 and is disposed in an offset position with respect to
the connection portion. In this case that part of the connection portion 16 which
has a radial extension greater than said axis X defines said protrusion 42.
[0023] In a possible embodiment, the connection portion 16 extends, in a direction perpendicular
to axis X, along two directions one of which is the major direction, so that the extension
along said major direction defines protrusion 42. In the example shown the connection
portion 16 has a rectangular extension in which axis 26 is offset and said protrusion
42 is defined by the part having a greater extension starting from such an axis X.
[0024] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the fastening device 10 comprises means
for relative locking of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory and the connection
portion 16. Advantageously, this means can selectively operate in at least two relative
positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory,
which are angularly different relative to axis X. In accordance with the examples
described and shown, the locking means selectively operates in the possible relative
positions that the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 can take. In
particular, the locking means selectively operates in the four possible relative positions
that the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 can take.
[0025] Advantageously, a stop dowel 44 can be provided which is adapted to be fitted into
an axial groove 30 of stud 26. For instance stud 26 comprises at least two axial grooves
30 disposed close to and/or in such a manner as to define said relative positions
of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory, angularly
different with respect to axis X. In particular, stud 26 comprises four axial grooves
30 disposed close to and/or in such a manner as to define said relative positions
of the connection portion 16 and of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory, that
are angularly different with respect to axis X.
[0026] Should stud 26 have a square section, or a generally polygonal section, the relative
positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory
can be defined by the shape of the stud 26 matching that of the axial seat 36 while
grooves 30 ensure correct locking at each relative position.
[0027] The fastening device as described and illustrated can be made according to a great
number of variants.
[0028] For instance, the protrusion 42 can be formed at least in the covering element 22.
In this case axis X defining the relative angular positions of the connection portion
16 and the fastening portion 18 is disposed at an offset location relative to the
covering element, and protrusion 42 is defined on the side of the covering element
having a greater radial extension than said axis. In addition, the covering element
22 can advantageously extend in a direction perpendicular to such an axis X, along
two directions one of which is greater than the other so that the extension along
the major direction defines the protrusion.
[0029] Alternatively, the connection portion 16 could be made in a single piece. In this
case the description concerning protrusion 42 applies to the whole connection portion
16. Generally, both in the case of a single piece and in the previously described
case, the connection portion 16 comprises at least one protrusion 42 extending in
a radial direction relative to axis X defining the relative positions of the connection
portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory. Where stud 26 is provided,
axis X is coincident with the axis of said stud.
[0030] In accordance with a possible embodiment, not shown, stud 26 can have a polygonal
section defining at least two relative positions of the connection portion 16 and
the fastening portion 18 of the accessory. Where a square section is concerned, as
previously described, at least two relative positions are possible which are disposed
at 90° from each other, more precisely four relative positions are possible, each
disposed at 90° from the subsequent one. Generally, an axial groove 30 can be provided
which is disposed at a flat surface defining one side of the polygonal section; preferably
each flat surface defining the polygonal section comprises an axial groove 30 and
defines a relative position of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion
18 of the accessory.
[0031] In accordance with a different embodiment, the stud can have a circular section with
at least two axial grooves 30 that, with dowel 44, determine the relative positions
of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18.
[0032] According to a possible embodiment not shown, stud 26 can be associated with the
fastening portion 18, so that the connection portion 16 has the axial seat 36 adapted
to receive such a stud.
[0033] In accordance with a possible embodiment, not shown, the connecting means can have
a shape different from that previously described and illustrated. Generally the connecting
means is suitable to enable relative positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the
connection portion 16 at least at two relative positions that are angularly different
from an axis X, preferably at four relative positions.
[0034] In accordance with a possible embodiment not shown, the means for relative locking
of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory and the connection portion 16 can consist
of locking elements fitted in the stud 26.
[0035] As an alternative to the above, the connection portion can be glued or otherwise
fastened to the wall.
[0036] As an alternative to the above description and illustration, the position of stud
26 could be centred relative to the connection portion, substantially involving two
protrusions disposed diametrically opposite with respect to axis X. For instance,
provision can be made for a rectangular connection portion with one side greatly more
extended than the other wherein each extension of the greater side starting from axis
X defines a protrusion.
[0037] Described hereinafter is the fastening method for securing a bath accessory to a
wall advantageously utilising a fastening device as previously described. This fastening
method comprises the steps of:
- fastening a connection portion 16 to a wall so that a protrusion 42 of said connection
portion takes a determined position; Figs. 1-4 show the four possible positions of
the device as described and illustrated;
- positioning a fastening portion 18 of said accessory on the connection portion 16
at a relative angular position which is defined with respect to an axis X, which relative
angular position is adapted to make the accessory take the correct location in space;
Figs. 1-4 show the four possible relative angular positions at 90° from each other;
- locking the fastening portion 18 to the connection portion 16.
[0038] With reference to a possible embodiment, the method according to the present invention
comprises the steps of fastening a connecting plate 20 of the connection portion 16
to the wall and applying a covering element 22 thereto so that at least one protrusion
of the covering element 22 takes a determined position. In particular, the position
of projection 42 of the connection portion 16 is determined in such a manner as to
cover possible holes previously made in the wall.
[0039] A fastening device and method according to the present invention allows mounting
of the accessory to be simplified, in particular where an old accessory is replaced
by a new one. In fact, the protrusion provided in the connection portion allows possible
pre-existent holes that cannot be reused to be covered; after positioning the connection
portion (and in particular the protrusion), the connecting means enables relative
positioning of the connection portion and the fastening portion, in such a manner
that the accessory is correctly oriented in space.
[0040] In fact, mounting of the accessory, in the case shown in the figures by way of example,
involves that the connecting plate 20 be fastened to the wall by means of plugs or
anchor screws, gluing or others. If plugs are used, due to the presence of several
holes 24 preferably of elongated shape, at least some of the holes previously made
in the wall can be utilised. In particular, provision of a protrusion also in the
connecting plate allows the available surface and consequently the number of holes
24 to be increased, so that there are more chances that one of said holes may be coincident
with a pre-existent hole in the wall.
[0041] The position of the connecting plate is conveniently selected, so that it covers
the pre-existent holes if they are not reused, the final position of the accessory
being at all events correct.
[0042] Subsequently the covering element and immediately afterwards the fastening portion
of the accessory are applied, choosing the relative' angular position enabling correct
location of the accessory itself. With reference to the embodiment shown there are
four relative angular positions and they are determined by the square section of stud
26. Lastly, the fastening portion is locked on the connection portion by the stop
dowel 44 engaging a groove 30 and remaining always in a hidden position.
[0043] Should a polygonal, preferably square, stud be provided, the function of defining
the relative angular positions of the two portions of the fastening device (obtained
by shape matching between stud and axial seat) is advantageously distinguished from
the function of locking the two portions of the fastening device (obtained by dowel
44 and a corresponding groove 30).
1. A fastening device (10) for securing a bath accessory (12) to a wall (14) comprises:
- a portion (16) for connection to the wall or "connection portion",
- a portion (18) for fastening said accessory to said connection portion (16),
- means (26, 36) for connecting the fastening portion (18) of the accessory to the
connection portion (16), characterised in that said connecting means is suitable to enable the relative positioning of said fastening
portion (18) and said connection portion (16) at least at two relative positions that
are angularly different with respect to an axis (X), and in that said connection portion (16) comprises at least one protrusion (42) extending in
a radial direction relative to said axis (X).
2. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said axis (X) is substantially perpendicular to said connection portion (16)
and is disposed at an offset position relative to the connection portion, and wherein
the part of said connection portion having a radial extension greater than said axis
(X) defines said at least one protrusion (42).
3. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, wherein said connection portion (16) extends, in a direction perpendicular
to said axis (X), along two directions one of which is the major direction, said extension
along said major direction defining said protrusion (42).
4. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, comprising means (30, 44) for relative locking of the fastening
portion (18) of the accessory to the connection portion (16), which means is selectively
operative in at least two relative positions of the connection portion and the fastening
portion of the accessory which are angularly different from each other.
5. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, wherein said connecting means comprises a stud (26) extending along
said axis (X).
6. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 5,
comprising a dowel (44) suitable for fitting in an axial groove (30) of said stud
(26) and wherein said stud comprises at least two axial grooves disposed at said at
least two relative positions of the connection portion and the fastening portion of
the accessory that are angularly different with respect to said axis (X).
7. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 5 or
6, wherein said stud (26) has a polygonal section, a square section for example, defining
at least two relative positions of the connection portion (16) and the fastening portion
(18) of the accessory, which positions are located at 90° from each other.
8. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 7 when
depending on claim 6, wherein a groove (30) is formed at a flat surface defining one
side of said polygonal section, preferably each flat surface defining said polygonal
section comprising a groove and defining a relative position of the connection portion
(16) and the fastening portion (18) of the accessory.
9. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of claims
5 to 8, wherein said stud (26) is associated with said connection portion (16) and
wherein said fastening portion (18) of said accessory has an axial seat (36) adapted
to receive said stud (26).
10. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, wherein said connection portion (16) comprises a connecting plate
(20) and a covering element (22), said protrusion (42) being made at least in said
covering element (22).
11. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 10
when depending on one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said connecting plate (20) comprises
said stud (26) extending through an opening (28) of said covering element (22).
12. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 10
or 11, wherein said covering element (22) comprises a recess (32) adapted to receive
said connecting plate (20), both said connecting plate and covering element preferably
having at least one protrusion (42).
13. A fastening device for securing a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in one of claims
10 to 12, wherein said connecting plate (20) comprises a plurality of holes (24) preferably
of elongated shape.
14. A method of fastening a bath accessory to a wall, comprising the steps of:
- fastening a connection portion (16) to a wall in such a manner that a protrusion
(42) of said connection portion takes a determined position,
- positioning a fastening portion (18) of said accessory on the connection portion
(16) at a relative angular position that is defined with respect to an axis (X), such
a relative angular position being adapted to make the accessory take the correct position
in space,
- locking the fastening portion to the connecting portion.
15. A method of fastening a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 14, comprising
the steps of fastening a connecting plate (20) of said connection portion (16) to
the wall and applying a covering element (22) thereto, in such a manner that at least
one protrusion (42) of said covering element (22) takes a determined position.
16. A method of fastening a bath accessory to a wall as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein
said position of the protrusion of the connection portion (16) is determined in such
a manner that it covers possible holes previously made in the wall.