AU2014101264A4 - A Mount - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting bracket for facilitating the mounting of an item to a support, the mounting bracket comprising a mounting portion adapted for attachment to the support, and one or more flange portions associated with the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion and the one or more flange portions together define a receiving portion for receiving and retaining the item. DRAWINGS 16 19 13b 15a 13a 18 15b 0 M IMEMEN, IMMEN as I 20a 22 20b

Description

A MOUNT TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a mount. In particular, the present invention relates to a mount adapted to facilitate the mounting of an item to a support. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In buildings such as hotels, legislation dictates that a certain (and increasing) number of rooms must be set up for people with disabilities. This includes the presence in a room (and particularly a bathroom) of disability fittings such as grab rails, shower seats, backrests for toilets and the like. Typically these fittings are mounted directly to the wall of the room. [0003] However, when hotel occupancy is high, able-bodied people may be allocated hotel rooms designated for people with disabilities if these rooms are not otherwise in use. In this situation, it may be desirable to temporarily remove the disability fittings from the room so as to convert it to a non-disabled room. [0004] The problem with converting a disabled room to a non-disabled room is that removing the disability fittings from the room reveals unsightly holes in the walls where the disability fittings were mounted. This is visually unappealing and can lead to problems with water, dirt and the like entering the wall cavity through the holes. [0005] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to mount a disability fitting to a support in a manner that, when the disability fitting was removed, did not leave an unhygienic or aesthetically unappealing result. [0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to a mounting assembly which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a mounting bracket for facilitating the mounting of an item to a support, the mounting bracket comprising a mounting portion adapted for attachment to the support, and one or more flange portions associated with the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion and the one or more flange portions together define a receiving portion for receiving and retaining the item. [0009] The mounting portion may be of any suitable form, and may be adapted for attachment to the support using any suitable technique. For instance, the mounting portion may be attached to the support using adhesives, mechanical fasteners (such as bolts, screws, nails, rivets or the like) or a combination thereof, or the mounting portion may be provided with mounting means adapted to engage with the support and retain the mounting bracket thereon, such as one or more clips or the like. [0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion may be attached to the support using one or more mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments of the invention, a user may need to pass the one or more mechanical fasteners through the mounting portion (such as by hammering a nail through the mounting portion). Alternatively, the mounting portion may be provided with one or more apertures therein adapted to allow a fastener to be passed therethrough to attach the mounting bracket to the support. [0011] The mounting portion may be provided with any suitable number of apertures. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion may be provided with a pair of apertures. In this embodiment, a fastener (such as a bolt, screw, nail or the like) may pass through each of the apertures in order to fixedly or removably attach the mounting bracket to the support. [0012] The mounting portion may be of any suitable size or shape. For instance, the mounting portion may be square, rectangular, triangular or any other suitable geometric shape, or may be a non-geometric shape. Preferably, however, the mounting portion is substantially circular in shape. [0013] The mounting portion may be of any suitable thickness, and it will be understood that the thickness of the mounting portion is not critical, and may be any suitable thickness depending on the use to which the mounting bracket is to be put. [0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion is in the form of a plate having a front face and a rear face. In this embodiment of the invention, the rear face of the mounting portion may be adapted to abut the support during use, while the flange portions may be provided at least partially on the front face of the mounting portion such that the receiving portion is at least partially located on the front face of the mounting portion.

[0015] The support may be of any suitable form. It is envisaged, however, that the support may be a wall, floor, ceiling, door or a part thereof. Alternatively, the support may be a shower screen, bath tub, toilet, basin or the like. [0016] As previously stated, one or more flange portions are associated with the mounting portion. The one or more flange portions may be associated with the mounting portion in any suitable manner. For instance, the one or more flange portions may be formed separately to the mounting portion and adapted for fixed or temporary attachment to the mounting portion. More preferably, the one or more flange portions are integrally formed with the mounting portion such that the mounting bracket is formed as a unitary structure. [0017] Preferably, the one or more flange portions extend outwardly from the mounting portion. The one or more flange portions may extend outwardly from the mounting portion at any suitable angle to the mounting portion, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention the one or more flange portions extend outwardly from the mounting portion at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion. The distance to which the one or more flange portions extend from the mounting portion is not critical, and it will be understood that the flange portions could extend to any suitable height above the mounting portion depending on the use to which the mounting bracket is to be put. Preferably, when multiple flange portions are present, each flange portion extends to substantially the same height above the mounting portion. [0018] Any suitable number of flange portions may be provided, however in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of flange portions is provided. The pair of flange portions may be located at any suitable location on the mounting portion, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one of the pair of flange portions is located at or adjacent an outer edge of the mounting portion. [0019] More preferably, both of the pair of flange portions are located at or adjacent an outer edge of the mounting portion. In this embodiment of the invention the pair of flange portions may be located at any suitable point on the outer edge of the mounting portion. Preferably, however, the pair of flange portions is spaced apart from one another about the outer edge of the mounting portion. The exact spacing of the flange portions around the outer edge of the mounting portion will be dependent on factors such as the shape and size of the item to be received in the receiving portion. [0020] In a particular embodiment, the pair of flange portions is located on substantially opposed edges of the mounting portion. In embodiments of the invention in which the mounting _r portion is circular, the pair of flange portions are spaced approximately 1800 apart from one another around the circumference of the mounting portion. [0021] It is envisaged that the outer surface of the flange portions (i.e. the surface of the flange portions located at the edge of the mounting portion) may be shaped so that the flange portions do not extend beyond the outer edge of the mounting portion. Thus, in embodiments of the invention in which the mounting portion is square, the outer surface of the flange portions may be substantially planar. In embodiments of the invention in which the mounting portion is circular, the outer surface of the flange portions may be curved. [0022] Preferably, each of the flange portions extends inwardly from the outer edge of the mounting portion. Preferably, when a pair of flange portions is present, each of the pair of flange portions extends inwardly from the outer edge of the mounting portion towards the other of the pair of flange portions. As previously stated, the receiving portion is defined by the mounting portion and the flange portions. Thus, the width of the receiving portion is determined by the distance the flange portions extend inwardly from the outer edge of the mounting portion. [0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of the receiving portion is the distance between the pair of flange portions, while the depth of the receiving portion is the height of the flange portions (i.e. the height of the inner surface of the flange portions). Preferably, the width of the channel is approximately the same or slightly larger than the width of the item to be received in the receiving portion. [0024] The inner surface of the flange portions may be any suitable shape, and may be provided at any suitable angle to the mounting portion. It will be understood, however, that the inner surface of the flange portions will preferably be shaped so as to provide the most advantageous retention of the item therein. [0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the flange portions is positioned at an angle of approximately 900 to the mounting portion. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the receiving portion is substantially square or rectangular in cross-section. It will be understood, however, that the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion may vary depending on the item to be received and retained therein. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion may vary along its length. [0026] Preferably, the receiving portion is in the form of a channel. It will be understood that the channel may be of any suitable form. For instance, when a pair of opposed flange portions are present, the channel may be substantially linear. Alternatively, the channel may be curved or may have two or more portions located at an angle to one another. For instance, two or more portions may be located at an angle of between 00 and 1800 to one another. In embodiments of the invention, in which more than two flange portions are provided, the channel may be T-shaped, X-shaped and so on. [0027] It will be understood that the shape of the channel will be determined by the shape of the item to be located in the channel, and that the channel will be shaped so as to suit the item to be received and retained therein. [0028] Preferably, the receiving portion is provided with at least one open end such that the item may extend beyond the outer edge of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each end of the receiving portion is an open end. [0029] The item to be received and retained in the receiving portion may be of any suitable form. However, it is envisaged that the item may be a hand rail or a frame member (such as for a shower seat, toilet backrest and so on). The item may be retained in the receiving portion using any suitable technique. For instance, a frictional engagement may be generated between the receiving portion and the item, thereby retaining the item in the receiving portion. Alternatively, one or more adhesives may be used to retain the item within the receiving portion. More preferably, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the item to the mounting bracket. Any suitable fasteners may be used, such as, but not limited to, one or more nails, screws, bolts, rivets or the like. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be provided with one or more attachment members, such as one or more clips or the like, adapted to retain the item in place in the retaining portion. [0030] In embodiments of the invention in which one or more fasteners are used to attach the item to the mounting bracket, the item may be connected directly to the mounting bracket. Alternatively, the item may be connected to the support and/or the mounting bracket. In this embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket (and, more specifically, the mounting portion) may be provided with one or more attachment apertures. It is envisaged that a fastener (such as a screw or nail) may be passed through the item (for instance, through an aperture in the item aligned with the attachment aperture, or the fastener may form an aperture in the item as it passes therethrough) then through the attachment aperture to connect the item to the support. In this way, both the item and the mounting bracket are attached to the support so as to enhance the retention of the item in the mounting bracket. [0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment aperture may be located substantially centrally within the mounting portion, and preferably within the receiving portion. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the attachment aperture may be located between the apertures used to connect the mounting bracket to the support. [0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the item is removably retained on the mounting bracket. In this way, the item may be removed from the mounting bracket when required, such as for repair or replacement, or, in a specific embodiment, when a disabled bathroom is being converted to a non-disabled bathroom. When the bathroom is again required for use as a disabled bathroom, the item may be reconnected to the mounting bracket. [0033] When the item is removed from the mounting bracket (such as when a disabled bathroom is converted to a non-disabled bathroom) it is envisaged that the mounting bracket will remain in position on the support. [0034] In some embodiments of the invention, it may be desired to cover the mounting bracket when the item has been removed so as to increase the aesthetic appeal of the mounting bracket. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, a cover portion may be provided to cover at least a portion of the mounting bracket when the item is not present. [0035] The cover portion may be of any suitable form, and may cover the mounting bracket in any suitable manner. For instance, the cover portion may simply be placed over the mounting bracket, or it may be removably attached to the mounting bracket. In embodiments of the invention in which the cover portion is removably attached to the mounting bracket, the cover portion may be attached by a snap fitting, a frictional engagement or through the use of one or more clips, ties, hook and loop connectors or the like. The cover portion may be attached to the mounting bracket using adhesives, or may be attached to the mounting bracket using one or more fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nails, screws, bolts, rivets or the like, or a combination thereof. [0036] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the cover portion may be associated with the mounting bracket, and may be moved between a covered condition and an uncovered condition as required. In this embodiment of the invention, the cover portion may be hingedly, pivotally or slidably associated with the mounting bracket, and may be moved through a hinging, pivoting or sliding motion, between a covered condition in which the cover portion covers the mounting bracket and an uncovered condition in which the cover portion does not cover the mounting bracket. [0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover portion is screw-threadedly attached to the mounting portion. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover portion and the mounting bracket are provided with complementary screw-threaded portions. The screw-threaded portions may be located at any suitable location on the cover portion and the mounting bracket. For instance, a screw-thread may be located within the retaining portion and the cover portion may be screw-threadedly connected within the retaining portion. More preferably, at least a portion of an outer surface of the mounting bracket (and, more preferably, an outer edge of the mounting portion) may be provided with an external screw-thread. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the cover portion may comprise an internal screw-thread so that the cover portion substantially covers the mounting bracket when screw threadedly connected to the mounting bracket. [0038] A skilled addressee will understand that screw-threadedly connecting the cover portion to the mounting bracket will typically be possible only when the mounting bracket is substantially circular. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the cover portion will also be substantially circular. [0039] Preferably, the cover portion will comprise an outer surface that will be visible when the cover portion is attached to the mounting bracket and one or more side walls extending from the outer surface. It is envisaged that the screw thread may be located on an inner surface of the one or more walls. [0040] The outer surface may be provided with an aesthetically pleasing finish so as not to detract from the aesthetics of the room in which the mounting bracket is located. Any suitable finish may be provided, such as a matte finish, chrome finish or the like. Alternatively, the outer surface may be provided with decorative features in the form of words, pictures, colours or the like, or a combination thereof. [0041] In some embodiments of the invention, the cover portion may further be provided with one or more apertures. Preferably, the one or more apertures are located in a side wall of the cover portion. It is envisaged that the one or more apertures may be adapted to allow the passage therethrough of a fastener (such as a grub screw or the like) so as to ensure that the cover portion remains secured to the mounting bracket. [0042] The mounting bracket may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, fibreglass, wood or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. More preferably, however, the mounting bracket is fabricated at least partially from metal. Most preferably, the mounting bracket is fabricated entirely from metal. Any suitable metal or metal alloy may be used, such as brass, steel, or the like. [0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket may be fabricated from a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be fabricated from a non- or mildly-corrosion resistant metal (such as steel, iron, copper or the like) and coated or treated (such as by painting, metal deposition, galvanising, electroplating and so on) to provide a corrosion resistant outer surface. [0044] The cover portion may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, fibreglass, wood or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. More preferably, however, the cover portion is fabricated at least partially from metal. Most preferably, the cover portion is fabricated entirely from metal. Any suitable metal or metal alloy may be used, such as brass, steel, or the like. [0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover portion may be fabricated from a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the cover portion may be fabricated from a non- or mildly-corrosion resistant metal (such as steel, iron, copper or the like) and coated or treated (such as by painting, metal deposition, galvanising, electroplating and so on) to provide a corrosion resistant outer surface. [0046] Preferably, the cover portion and the mounting bracket may be fabricated from the same material as one another. [0047] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a mounting assembly comprising a mounting bracket for facilitating the mounting of an item to a support, the mounting bracket including a mounting portion adapted for attachment to the support, and one or more flange portions associated with the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion and the one or more flange portions together define a receiving portion for receiving and retaining the item, the mounting assembly further comprising a cover portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the mounting bracket when the item is not present. [0048] The present invention provides a number of significant advantages over the prior art. Firstly, when the item is removed from the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket provides a relatively visually-appealing finish in comparison to holes in the support that would be left if the item was connected directly to the support. This visually appealing finish may be enhanced if desired through the use of a cover portion. In addition, the presence of the mounting bracket results in improved hygiene in that water, blood and other bodily fluids are unable to pass behind the mounting bracket or into a cavity behind the support (such as a wall cavity). Further, the mounting bracket allows an item to be quickly and easily connected to, and disconnected from, the support numerous times without further damaging the support. This is not possible when an item is connected directly to a support, as the support sustains additional damage every time the item is connected to it, or removed from it. [0049] It is envisaged that, particularly for larger items, a plurality of mounting brackets may be required to connect the item to the support. Thus, a plurality of mounting brackets may be connected to the support at suitable locations for the attachment of different portions of the item thereto. [0050] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0051] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0052] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0053] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0054] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0055] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0056] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a plurality of mounting brackets according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use. [0057] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of a plurality of mounting assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0058] In Figure 1 there is shown an isometric view of a mounting bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting bracket 10 comprises a mounting portion 11 in the form of a plate having a first surface (obscured) adapted to be placed in abutment with an support (not shown) and a second face 12 facing outwardly into the area in which the mounting bracket 10 is to be used. [0059] The mounting portion 11 includes a pair of apertures 13a, 13b therein through which fasteners (not shown) are passed so as to secure the mounting bracket 10 to the support (not shown). The mounting portion 11 further includes an attachment aperture 14. In use, a fastener is passed through an item (not shown) to be retained on the mounting bracket 10 and is then passed through the attachment aperture 14 so as to secure the item (not shown) to the mounting bracket 10 and the support (not shown). [0060] The mounting bracket 10 further comprises a pair of opposed flange portions 15a, 15b that extend outwardly from the second face 12 of the mounting portion 11 and inwardly from an outer edge 16 of the mounting portion 11 towards one another. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the receiving portion is in the form of a channel 17 defined by the mounting portion 11 and the flange portions 15a, 15b. More specifically, the channel 17 is defined by the mounting portion 11 and the inner surfaces 18 of the flange portions 15a, 15b. [0061] The channel 17 of Figure 1 is substantially square or rectangular in cross-section and is an open channel with openings located at the outer edge 16 of the mounting portion 11 between the flange portions 15a, 15b. [0062] The outer edge 16 of the mounting portion 11 is provided with a screw thread 19. When an item (not shown) is not retained on the mounting bracket 10, a cover portion (not shown) may be screw-threadedly attached to the mounting bracket 10 via a complementary screw thread. [0063] In Figure 2 there is shown a side view of a mounting bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, a pair of fasteners in the form of screws 20a, 20b has been passed through the pair of apertures in the mounting portion 11. In use, the screws 20a, 20b would be connected to a support (not shown) thereby attaching the mounting bracket 10 to the support. [0064] An item in the form of a frame member 21 for a shower seat is shown in this Figure.

The frame member 21 is received in the channel 17 in the mounting bracket 10, and is retained therein by a fastener in the form of a hex screw 22 that passes through both the frame member 21 and the attachment aperture (obscured) in the mounting portion 11. In use, the hex screw 22 is attached to the support (not shown) to ensure that the frame member 21 is retained on the mounting bracket 10. [0065] In Figure 3 an exploded view of a mounting assembly 23 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. In Figure 3, there is no item retained on the mounting bracket 10, as would be the case if, for instance, a disabled bathroom was being temporarily converted to a non-disabled bathroom. [0066] Apart from the mounting bracket 10, the mounting assembly 23 comprises a cover portion 24 adapted to be located over the mounting bracket 10. The cover portion 24 comprises an outer face 25 and an annular side wall 26, with the inner surface of the side wall 26 being provided with a complementary screw-threaded portion to the screw thread 19 on the mounting portion 11. In this way, the cover portion 24 and the mounting bracket 10 may be screw threadedly connected to one another to form the assembled mounting assembly 23. [0067] In Figure 4 there is shown an isometric view of a plurality of mounting brackets 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use. In this Figure it may be seen that the mounting brackets 10 have been mounted to a support in the form of a wall 27. The frame member 21 of the shower seat is received in the channel (obscured) and is secured thereto using a hex screw (obscured). Thus, rather than mounting the shower seat directly to the wall 27, the shower seat is mounted to the mounting bracket 10, preventing damage to the wall 27 and preventing water, blood and other bodily fluids from entering the wall cavity. [0068] In Figure 5 there is shown an isometric view of a plurality of mounting assemblies 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention when in use. In this Figure, the shower seat shown in Figure 4 has been removed in order to convert the bathroom to a non-disabled bathroom. The removal of the shower seat leaves the mounting brackets (obscured) on the wall 27. While this in itself does not result in a displeasing aesthetic finish, the attachment of the cover portions 24 to the mounting brackets (obscured) to form the mounting assemblies 23 gives the bathroom a pleasing visual appearance, as well as being more hygienic than leaving holes in the wall 27 if the shower seat was attached directly to the wall 27. [0069] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not I / exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0070] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0071] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A mounting bracket for facilitating the mounting of an item to a support, the mounting bracket comprising a mounting portion adapted for attachment to the support, and one or more flange portions associated with the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion and the one or more flange portions together define a receiving portion for receiving and retaining the item.

2. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein the one or more flange portions extend outwardly from the mounting portion.

3. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the one or more flange portions are located at an outer edge of the mounting portion and extend inwardly therefrom.

4. A mounting bracket according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting bracket comprises a pair of flange portions.

5. A mounting assembly comprising a mounting bracket for facilitating the mounting of an item to a support, the mounting bracket including a mounting portion adapted for attachment to the support, and one or more flange portions associated with the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion and the one or more flange portions together define a receiving portion for receiving and retaining the item, the mounting assembly further comprising a cover portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the mounting bracket when the item is not present.