AU2015266276A1

AU2015266276A1 - Mounting device

Info

Publication number: AU2015266276A1
Application number: AU2015266276A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Lechner
Original assignee: Geberit International AG
Current assignee: Geberit International AG
Priority date: 2014-05-26
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-13
Also published as: EP3071757A1; AU2015266276B2; EP3149251A1; PL3071757T3; EP3149251B1; DE202015009052U1; WO2015180962A1; AU2015266275A1; DK3071757T3; EP3071757B1; PL3149251T3; WO2015180963A1; AU2015266275B2

Abstract

The invention concerns a mounting device (1) for positioning and securing a sanitary appliance (2), more specifically a water-closet bowl, said device comprising a frame (3) for supporting the sanitary appliance (2), with at least two or exactly two mutually spaced vertical braces (4) and at least one or exactly one cross beam (5), which is secured to the vertical braces (4) and links the vertical braces (4) to one another. The cross beam (5) comprises at least one securing element (23), with which the sanitary appliance (2) can be secured to the mounting device (1). In addition, the frame (3) comprises at least one support element (6), which is secured to the cross beam (5) and to one of the vertical braces (4).

Description

WO 2015/180963 PCT/EP2015/060608 1

TITLE

Mounting device

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mounting device in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

PRIOR ART A mounting device of this kind has been disclosed in the prior art by EP 1 936 052. This mounting device comprises a mounting frame, which is to be secured to a building wall, and has just a single foot pad, by means of which the mounting device rests on the floor. In the upper part, the mounting frame is connected to the building wall by wall anchors, while a securing plate is additionally provided in the lower part.

The mounting device according to EP 1 936 052 is accordingly supported by means of the wall anchors, the securing plate and the single foot pad.

The mounting device according to EP 1 936 052 is normally used for wall-mounted sanitary appliances. Consequently, the components of the mounting device must have the appropriate dimensions. EP 2 662 502 discloses a floor-mounted mounting device which can stand on the floor by means of foot pads.

Although very good results have been obtained with the mounting devices according to EP 1 936 052 and EP 2 662 502, it is desirable to have more space to allow the passage of various pipes while retaining the same stability in the region where the pipes are passed PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 2 through. Between the supports, the region where the pipes are passed through is at a height of up to about 70 cm in the case where a toilet is fitted or up to about 120 cm in the case where a washbasin is fitted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Starting from this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a mounting device which allows more flexible passage of pipes, in particular without impairing the stability of the mounting device.

This object is achieved by the subject matter as claimed in claim 1. Accordingly, a mounting device for positioning and securing, respectively, a sanitary appliance, in particular a water-closet bowl, comprises a frame supporting the sanitary appliance, having at least two or exactly two mutually spaced vertical struts and at least one or exactly one cross beam, which is connected in a fixed manner to the vertical struts and connects the vertical struts to one another. The cross beam furthermore comprises securing elements, by means of which the sanitary appliance can be secured to the mounting device. The mounting device or the frame furthermore comprises at least one support element, which is connected in a fixed manner to the cross beam and in a fixed manner to one of the vertical struts.

Apart from its weight, the sanitary appliance exerts substantially a bending moment on the cross beam when in service. The support element preferably supports the cross beam in such a way that said bending moment can be introduced into the vertical struts by the support elements. In other words, some of the force exerted by the sanitary appliance on the cross beam is introduced into the vertical strut via the support element.

The arrangement of the support element makes it possible to dispense with a further cross beam, which would be arranged at a distance from the existing cross beam, and this leads to a free space below the existing cross beam, apart from the at least one support element. This free space gives greater freedom in the positioning of a drainage line, for example. PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 3

The expression "connected in a fixed manner" is taken to mean that there is a fixed or inseparable connection between the corresponding elements, via which forces can be transmitted. The corresponding parts are connected directly to one another.

The cross member is preferably at a distance from the upper end of the vertical strut and from the lower end of the vertical strut.

In the fully assembled state, the frame is of substantially integral construction. That is to say that the cross beam, the vertical struts and the support elements form a single structural part.

One support element is preferably provided for each vertical strut, which support element connects the cross beam to the vertical strut, wherein the support elements are each arranged at a distance from one another, such that there is a free interspace between the support elements. A "free interspace" is taken to mean that the region between the support elements remains free, i.e. is not obstructed by frame elements situated in this region. The free interspace has the advantage that a pipe, which is in connection with the sanitary appliance, can be passed easily through the mounting device and matched to the local circumstances.

The support element is preferably arranged below the cross beam in the installed position of the mounting device. Above the cross beam, the frame offers a receiving space between the vertical struts to receive a flushing cistern or other fittings. As an alternative, the support element is arranged above the cross beam in the installed position of the mounting device.

The vertical struts preferably have mutually facing inner surfaces, wherein the support element is connected to the respective vertical stmt by means of these surfaces. Thus, the support element is connected to the vertical strut via the inner surfaces of the vertical struts.

The securing element is preferably positioned in the cross beam between the connection point between the support element and the cross beam and the vertical strut, which is in PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 4 connection with the support element. When viewed in the installed position, the securing element is thus situated above the support element or in a region in which the support element is in connection with the cross beam. This enables the force to be introduced particularly well and in a particularly accurately positioned way into the support element from the cross beam.

Preferably, there is one securing element for each support element.

The front surfaces of the vertical struts preferably define a front plane, wherein the support element is flush with said front plane. As an alternative, the front surface of the cross beam defines a front plane, wherein the support element is flush with the front plane. By means of the flush arrangement of the support elements with said front plane, it is possible not only to provide a compact mounting device but also to create optimal contacting of the cross beam and of the support element by the sanitary appliance. The sanitary appliance can be supported on the support element.

It is particularly preferred, that the front plane of the cross beam is identical with the front plane of the support elements, wherein the front surface of the cross beam is then flush with the front surface of the vertical struts.

The support element preferably extends angularly at an angle to the vertical strut from a connection point with the cross beam, such that the distance between the support element and the vertical strut becomes smaller with increasing distance from the vertical strut. The connection point is the point which is furthest from the vertical strut with which the support element is in connection. The support element can furthermore extend from a connection point with the vertical strut substantially at a right angle to the vertical strut as far as an inflection point, from which the support element then extends at an angle to the vertical strut.

The support element is preferably a hollow body or a box profile. The hollow body is a body delimited by walls, wherein the walls are connected in a fixed manner to the vertical strut and to the cross beam. Via the walls, which can also be referred to as two-dimensionally extended elements, the forces are then guided from the cross beam into the PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 5 vertical strut. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cross beam can be an integral component of the hollow body.

It is particularly preferred, that the hollow body has a front wall and a rear wall arranged at a distance from the front wall, which front wall and rear wall are in connection by means of the lateral edges thereof facing the vertical strut and the cross beam with the respective vertical strut and the respective cross beam. The front wall and the rear wall are furthermore connected by at least one reinforcing profile and/or at least one reinforcing rib.

The reinforcing profile and/or the reinforcing rib preferably extend along the lateral edges, which are arranged at a distance from the cross beam and the vertical strut, respectively. In addition or as an alternative, however, reinforcing profiles or reinforcing ribs can also be arranged in other regions of the front wall and of the rear wall. For example, in the two-dimensionally extended regions.

In a development of the hollow body, the front wall and the rear wall are in connection with one another by a first reinforcing rib and a second reinforcing rib. Thus, the front wall, the rear wall, the first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib delimit said hollow body. In other words, the front wall, the rear wall and the reinforcing ribs form a kind of hollow profile.

The first reinforcing rib and the second reinforcing rib are preferably arranged at a distance from one another and each connect the lateral edges of the front wall and of the rear wall to one another. Consequently, the reinforcing ribs delimit said hollow body.

The first reinforcing rib, the vertical strut and the cross beam preferably delimit a further free interspace. In this arrangement, the further free interspace lies between the vertical strut, the cross beam and the hollow body and is an additional interspace to the one situated between two support elements. Connection lines leading to the sanitary appliance could furthermore be passed through the further free interspace. Moreover, the provision of said further interspace reduces weight and facilitates production. PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 6

The first reinforcing rib preferably has a vertical section and a horizontal section adjoining the latter, wherein the vertical section extends parallel to and at a distance from the vertical strut and the horizontal section extends at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the vertical strut, and wherein the vertical section is in connection with the cross beam and the horizontal section is in connection with the vertical strut. The vertical section and the horizontal section delimit said further free interspace.

The second reinforcing rib preferably has a vertical section and a horizontal section adjoining the latter, wherein the vertical section extends parallel to and at a distance from the vertical strut and the horizontal section extends at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the vertical strut, and wherein the vertical section is in connection with the cross beam and the horizontal section is in connection with the vertical strut. The second reinforcing rib is arranged to the free interspace between the support elements and forms a boundary thereof.

The vertical section of the second reinforcing rib is preferably at a larger distance from the vertical strut, when viewed transversely to the vertical strut, than the first reinforcing rib.

Parts of the hollow body, in particular parts of the first and second reinforcing ribs, are preferably passed through an aperture through the cross beam, and wherein the cross beam has a reinforcing section, which extends away from the cross beam, opposite the hollow body, and to which said parts of the hollow body are connected.

The front surface of the vertical struts or the front surface of the cross beam preferably defines a front plane, and the rear surface of the vertical struts or the rear surface of the cross beam preferably defines a rear plane, wherein the hollow body lies between said two planes or is congruent with said planes, or wherein the hollow body is flush with the front plane on one side or lies between the front plane and the rear plane and protrudes beyond the rear plane on the other side.

As an alternative to the hollow body, the support element is at least one sectional bar, in particular a metal profile, extending along an axis. The sectional bar is preferably a U-profile or a T-profile. Particularly preferably, the sectional bar extends at an angle to the PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 7 cross beam in a first section, such that, from the connection point between the sectional bar and the cross beam, the distance between the sectional bar and the vertical strut becomes smaller with increasing distance from the cross beam. Over a second section adjoining the first section, the sectional bar preferably extends at a right angle to the vertical strut and parallel to the cross beam. It is also possible to refer to a kinked sectional bar, which undergoes a deflection in the orientation of the sectional bars in the region of the transition between the first and the second section.

Particularly preferably, the support element and the frame are made of metal. The support element is then connected materially, in particular by means of a welded joint, to the cross beam and the metal strut. As an alternative or in addition, the support element can also be connected positively or nonpositively to the cross beam and the metal strut. In an alternative embodiment, the support element is made of plastic and is connected positively or nonpositively to the cross beam and the vertical strut. In this alternative, the frame is preferably made of metal.

The at least one securing element is preferably in contact with a threaded rod, which projects substantially perpendicularly relative to the frame and to the vertical strut and can be brought into contact with the sanitary appliance. To receive the threaded rod, the securing element has a corresponding internal thread.

Preferably, at least one, preferably each, of the vertical struts is in connection with a foot pad, via which foot pad the mounting device rests on a floor, wherein the foot pad is preferably designed in such a way that it can be moved relative to the vertical strut and can be locked relative to the vertical strut.

The vertical struts are preferably designed as quadrilateral tubes with a square or rectangular cross section. The cross beam is preferably a U-section.

In addition to said cross beam, the vertical struts are connected to a connecting bar at the upper end. However, the connecting bar does not absorb any significant loads. PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 8

The maximum extent of the support element, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vertical struts, is preferably in a range of from 150 mm to 400 mm, in particular in a range of from 200 mm to 300 mm. The extent is particularly preferably 250 mm.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, the frame of the mounting device comprises exactly two vertical struts arranged at a distance from one another, which are connected to one another by exactly one cross beam with securing elements and exactly one connecting bar, and comprises exactly two support elements in accordance with the above description, which are in connection with the cross beam and with in each case one vertical strut, wherein the cross beam is situated at a distance between an upper end and a lower end of the vertical struts and the connecting bar is positioned at the upper end.

An arrangement comprises a mounting device in accordance with the above description and a sanitary appliance mounted on the mounting device and having a supporting surface, wherein the supporting surface overlaps at least parts of the cross beam and parts of the at least one support element. Here, the overlap can be seen in projection at right angles to the front plane defined by the front surfaces of the vertical strut. By virtue of the overlap, the sanitary appliance can be supported on the cross beam or the support element directly or via a partition wall situated between the sanitary appliance and the hollow body. Such an arrangement is advantageous as regards good support and as regards flexibility in passing pipes through. In this connection, it is also possible to refer to a sanitary appliance support in the form of a box or a hollow body.

The arrangement furthermore preferably comprises a flushing cistern, which is situated above the cross beam between the vertical struts.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 9

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended only for explanation and should not be interpreted as restrictive. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a mounting device according to the invention for securing a sanitary appliance according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the mounting device shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of a mounting device according to the invention for securing a sanitary appliance according to a second embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of the mounting device shown in figure 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective front view of a mounting device according to the invention for securing a sanitary appliance according to a third embodiment; Figure 6 shows a perspective rear view of the mounting device shown in figure 5; and

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of figure 6.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Three different embodiments of a mounting device 1 for positioning or securing a sanitary appliance 2 are shown in figures 1 to 7. In respect of all the embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference signs in all the figures. In the installed state, the mounting device 1 is typically arranged behind or in a partition wall. The sanitary appliance 2 is a water-closet bowl, for example, but it can also be a washbasin or similar. In the figures, the sanitary appliance 2 is illustrated schematically by a peripheral line. The peripheral line corresponds substantially to the contact area of the sanitary appliance with the partition wall.

The mounting device 1 according to the invention, which is shown in figures 1 to 7, comprises a frame 3, which supports the sanitary appliance 2 and has at least two mutually spaced vertical struts 4 and at least one cross beam 5. The cross beam is connected in a fixed manner to the vertical struts 4 and connects the vertical struts 4 to one another. The cross beam 5 extends between the two vertical struts 4 and is connected to the vertical strut PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 10 4 at each end. The cross beam 5 is preferably situated at a distance from the ends of the vertical strut 4, thus providing an H-shaped structure.

In the embodiments shown, the frame 3 comprises exactly two mutually spaced vertical struts 4 and exactly one cross beam 5 connecting the vertical struts 4.

The cross beam 5 comprises at least one securing element 23, in this case two securing elements 23 arranged at a distance from one another, by means of which the sanitary appliance 2 can be secured to the mounting device 1. The securing elements 23 are preferably openings or threaded openings.

The frame 3 of the mounting device 1 furthermore comprises at least one support element 6, which is connected in a fixed manner to the cross beam 5 and in a fixed manner to one of the vertical struts 4. In the embodiments shown, one support element 6 is provided for each vertical strut 4. In the case where there are exactly two vertical struts 4, exactly two support elements 6 are therefore provided. The support elements 6 are connected in a fixed manner to said one cross beam 5 and to the respectively adjacent vertical struts 4.

Forces result from the imposition of loads on the cross beam 5 via the securing elements 23 on which the sanitary appliance 2 is secured, and these forces are introduced into the vertical struts 4 via the at least one support element 6 by the cross beam 5. The support element 6 thus supports the cross beam 5 in an appropriate manner relative to the support element 6. The provision of the at least one support element 6 makes it possible to dispense with the arrangement of another cross beam between the two vertical struts to absorb significant forces. In other words, the support element 6 makes it possible to provide just one cross beam 5 which absorbs significant forces resulting from the sanitary appliance and the user.

In all the embodiments, it is particularly preferred to provide one support element 6 for each vertical strut 4, which connects the cross beam 5 to the respective vertical strut 4. The support elements 6 are each arranged at a distance from one another, and therefore there is or there is created a free interspace 7 between the support elements 6. The free interspace 7 is situated in the region between the cross beam 5 and the vertical struts 4 and between the PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 11 support elements 6. The free interspace 7 is designed as a free interspace inasmuch as no elements of the mounting device 1 or of the frame 2 pass through this free interspace 7. Through this free interspace 7 it is possible, for example, to pass a pipe which is connected to the sanitary appliance 2. E.g. for waste water or for fresh water.

In all the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 7, the support element 6 is arranged below the cross beam 5 in the installed position. However, it is also possible for the support element 6 to be arranged above the cross beam 5 in the installed position. The same advantages are obtained as with the arrangement of the support element 6 below the cross beam.

The cross beam 5 has two ends 25. The cross beam 5 is connected in a fixed manner to the respective vertical strut 4 via these two ends 25. As a particularly preferred option, the cross beam 5 is connected materially and/or positively to the respective vertical stmt 4 at the ends 25. A nonpositive joint alone or as an auxiliary measure is also possible. The vertical struts 4 thus have mutually facing surfaces, wherein the cross beam 5 is connected by means of these surfaces 26 to the respective vertical strut 4. The support elements 6 are also preferably connected to the respective vertical strut 4 by means of these surfaces 26.

In the embodiment under consideration, the cross beam 5 has a lower contact surface 27, via which the support element 6 is connected to the cross beam 5. If the support element is arranged above the cross beam in the installed position, the contact surface is situated on the upper side of the cross beam 5.

In all embodiments according to the present invention, the securing element 23 is preferably arranged in the cross beam 5. The securing elements 23 are situated in the region between the innermost connection point 8 between the cross beam 5 and the support element 6 and the vertical strut 4, which is connected to the respective support element 6. In other words, the securing element 23 is situated in the region of action of the support element 6, when viewed in the installation position, i.e. above or below the support element 6. Particularly good introduction of the force resulting from the sanitary appliance 2 into the support element 6 can thereby be achieved. The securing element 23 is connected in a fixed manner to the cross beam 5. It is also preferably possible for a plurality of securing elements 23 to be arranged adjacent to one another. WO 2015/180963 PCT/EP2015/060608 12

In all the embodiments according to the invention, the front surface 19 of the vertical struts 4 defines a front plane 20, or the front surface 29 of the cross beam 5 defines a front plane 20. The front surface 19 of the vertical strut 4 is preferably congruent with the front surface 29 of the cross beam 5. The support element 6 is formed flush with the front plane 20. In other words, no parts of the support element 6 project through the front plane 20, this having the advantage that a defined plane, which is a reference plane for the fitter during installation, can be created with the mounting device 20.

The same preferably also applies to the rear side of the mounting device 1, although in this case the various embodiments differ from one another. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the support element 6 is flush both with the rear plane 22 and with the front plane 20. In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, parts of the support element 6 protrude beyond the rear plane 22 formed by the rear surface 21 of the vertical struts 4. In relation to the front plane 20, the support element 6 is made flush, however.

In all embodiments of the mounting device according to the present invention, the external geometry of the support element 6 is substantially the same. The support element 6 extends at an angle to the vertical strut 4 from the connection point 8 with the cross beam 5. This angular slope is indicated in the figures by the angle a. In this case, the angular slope is such that the distance A between the support element 6 and the vertical strut 4 becomes smaller with increasing distance B from the vertical strut 4. In other words, the interspace 7 between the two support elements 6 becomes larger with increasing distance from the cross beam 5.

From the lowermost connection point 9 between the support element 6 and the vertical strut 4, the support element 6 extends substantially at a right angle to the vertical strut 4 as far as an inflection point 28, from which the support element 6 then extends with said angular slope, at the angle a, relative to the vertical strut 4. The inflection point 28 thus forms the transition from the right angled course to the sloping course, which is at the angle a to the cross beam. PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 13

The support element 6 as such can be designed in various different ways. For example, the support element 6 can be designed as a sectional bar which extends along a longitudinal axis. The sectional bar is preferably a U-profile or T-profile produced from metal. The vertical struts are preferably of tubular design, comprising a quadrilateral tube.

In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 7, the support element 6 is a hollow body 10 which supports the cross beam 5. A "hollow body" is essentially taken to mean a body which is delimited either entirely or partially by structural elements, wherein the structural elements delimit a cavity. The hollow body 10 has a front wall 11 and a rear wall 12 arranged at a distance from the front wall 11. The front wall 11 and the rear wall 12 are connected by means of the lateral edges 13, 14 facing the vertical struts 4 and the cross beam 5 to the respective vertical strut 4 and to the cross beam 5. In the embodiment under consideration, the lateral edge 13 of the front wall 11 and of the rear wall 12 is vertical and is preferably connected to the vertical strut 4 over the entire length. The lateral edge 14 of the front wall 11 and of the rear wall 12 is horizontal and is preferably connected to the cross beam 5 over the entire length of the lateral edge 14. Particularly preferably, a weld seam is provided along the entire length of the respective lateral edge 13, 14, connecting the front wall 11 and the rear wall 12 to the vertical strut 4 and the cross beam 5. In the first two embodiments, which are shown in figures 1 to 4, the lateral edges 13, 14 extend from the respective connection point 8, 9 as far as the point of intersection between the vertical strut 4 and the cross beam 5. In the third embodiment, which is shown in figures 5 to 7, the lateral edges 13, 14 are of shorter design and do not extend as far as said point of intersection from the respective connection point 8, 9, as a result of which a further free interspace 39 is created. Said space is then explained in greater detail below with reference to figures 5 to 7.

The front wall 11 and the rear wall 12 themselves are likewise connected to one another. For example via a reinforcing profile 15 and/or at least one reinforcing rib 16. The reinforcing profile 15 and the reinforcing rib 16 are situated between the front wall 11 and the rear wall 12.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, a reinforcing rib 16 is provided. In figure 1, the reinforcing rib 16 is clearly apparent in the right-hand support element 6, in which the PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 14 front wall is not shown. In this arrangement, the reinforcing rib 16 extends along the lateral edges 17, 18 situated at a distance from the cross beam 5 and the vertical strut 4. Here, the reinforcing rib 16 extends completely over the corresponding lateral edges 17, 18 of the front wall 11 and the rear wall 12. In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing ribs 16 are thus arranged flush with the lateral edges 17, 18. In other embodiments, the reinforcing ribs 16 can also be arranged at a distance from the lateral edges 17, 18, or it is also conceivable for a plurality of reinforcing ribs 16 to be arranged at a distance from one another between the front wall 11 and the rear wall 12.

In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, a reinforcing profile 15 of substantially U-shaped design is shown. In this case, the reinforcing profile 15 extends in the same way as reinforcing rib 16 and here extends of the lateral edges 17 and 18 of the front wall 11 and of the rear wall 12. However, it is also conceivable for the reinforcing profile 15 to extend at a distance from the lateral edges 17 and 18 or for a plurality of reinforcing profiles 15 to be arranged at a distance from one another between the front wall 11 and the rear wall 12.

In the embodiments shown in figures 5 to 7, two reinforcing ribs 36, 37 are provided for each hollow body, this being explained in greater detail below.

As already explained above, it is advantageous for the hollow body 10 not to extend over the front plane 20 extending across the front surface 19 of the vertical struts 4. In the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 2 and in figures 3 and 4, the hollow body 10 also does not extend over the rear plane 22 defined by the rear surface 21 of the vertical struts 4. Thus, the hollow body lies between the front plane 20 and the rear plane 22. Particularly preferably, the front wall 11 of the hollow body 10 is congruent with the front plane 20, and the rear wall 12 thereof is congruent with the rear plane 22. In the embodiment shown in figures 5 and 6, the front wall 11 of the hollow body 10 is congruent with the front plane 20 and the rear wall 12 of the hollow body 10 is at a distance from the rear plane 22. Therefore, the hollow body 10 penetrates the rear plane 22.

Depending on the embodiment of the support element 6, it may be necessary to reinforce the vertical struts 4. In the second embodiment, support plates 35 are provided for reinforcing the vertical struts 4. Here, the support plates 35 extend upward in the direction PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 15 of the support element 6 and in the opposite direction to the support element 6, when viewed from the cross beam 5. Here, the support plates 35 extend beyond said plane.

Particularly preferably, the support element 6 is made of metal in all the embodiments and can be connected materially, in particular by means of a welded joint, and/or positively or nonpositively to the cross beam 5.

As an alternative, the support element 6 can also be made of plastic and, in this case, can be connected positively and/or nonpositively to the cross beam 5 and the vertical strut 4.

The at least one securing element 23 preferably has a threaded opening 31, which serves to receive a threaded rod. In this case, the threaded rod, which is not shown here, projects substantially perpendicularly from the frame 3 or the vertical strut 4 and the cross beam 5 and can be brought into contact with the sanitary appliance 2.

Particularly preferably, each of the vertical struts 4 has a foot pad 24. Via the foot pad 24, the mounting device 1 rests on a floor. Particularly preferably, the footpads 24 are designed in such a way that they can be moved relative to the vertical strut 4 and can be locked relative to the vertical strut 4. In the embodiment under consideration, the footpad 24 projects into the vertical strut 4 and can be locked to the vertical strut 4 by means of a fastening screw 32. In other words, the foot pad 24 is designed in such a way that it can be moved relative to the vertical strut 4 and can be fixed relative to the vertical strut 4.

In addition to said cross beam 5, the embodiments shown in the figures furthermore have a connecting bar 33. The connecting bar 33 is arranged at the upper end of the respective vertical strut 4. In comparison with the cross beam, however, the connecting bar 33 does not bear any significant forces but serves essentially to stabilize the mounting device before installation.

As already mentioned, figures 5 to 7 show a third embodiment of the mounting device 1 according to the present invention. Identical parts are provided with identical reference signs and, in this respect, attention is drawn to the above description. PCT/EP2015/060608 WO 2015/180963 16

As in the first and in the second embodiment, the support element 6 is a hollow body 10 in the third embodiment too. As regards the definition of the hollow body, attention is drawn to the above definition in connection with figures 1 to 4. The hollow body shown in figures 5 to 7 is designed in such a way that a free interspace 39 is formed between the hollow body 10 and the vertical strut 4 to which the hollow body 10 is connected. Here, the free interspace 39 is delimited by the hollow body 10, by the cross beam 5 and by the vertical strut 4. Apart from its shape, free interspace 39 is of a design analogous to free interspace 7. Thus, a passage through the mounting device 1 is provided.

In the embodiment shown, a first support element 6 in the form of the hollow body 10 is connected to the cross beam 5 and to one of the two vertical struts 4, and a second support element 7 in the form of the hollow body 10 is connected to the cross beam 5 and to the other of the two vertical struts 4.

The hollow body 10 comprises a front wall 11 and a rear wall 10 as well as a first reinforcing rib 36 and a second reinforcing rib 37. The rear wall 10 and the front wall 11, which are at a distance from one another, are connected to one another by the first reinforcing rib 36 and the second reinforcing rib 37. Thus, the cavity 10 is formed by the front wall 11, the rear wall 12, the first reinforcing rib 36 and the second reinforcing rib 37.

The first reinforcing rib 36 and the second reinforcing rib 37 are at a distance from one another and each connect the lateral edges 17, 18, 38 of the front wall 11 and of the rear wall 10. In this case, the first reinforcing rib 36 is situated in such a way that it is oriented toward said free interspace 39. The second reinforcing rib 37 is situated in such a way that it is oriented toward said free interspace 7 between the two hollow bodies 10.

In the embodiment shown, the first reinforcing rib 36 comprises a vertical section 40 and a horizontal section 41 adjoining the latter. The vertical section 40 extends parallel to and at a distance from the vertical strut 4. Here, the horizontal section 41 is at a right angle to the vertical strut 4. In other words, the horizontal section 41 is oriented so as to slope at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the vertical strut 4. Here, the vertical section 4 is connected to the cross beam 5, and the horizontal section 41 is connected to the vertical strut 4. The two sections 40, 41 provide an offset reinforcing rib 36. WO 2015/180963 PCT/EP2015/060608 17

The second reinforcing rib 37 is of similar design to the first reinforcing rib 36. It likewise comprises a vertical section 40 and an adjoining horizontal section 41. The two sections 40, 41 of the second reinforcing rib 37 extend in the same way as the corresponding sections of the reinforcing rib 36 and are also connected in the same way to the cross beam 5 and the vertical strut 4. As regards the distance from the vertical strut 4, it is clear from figure 5 that the first reinforcing rib 37 extends closer to the vertical strut 4, when viewed transversely to the vertical strut 4, than the vertical section of the second reinforcing rib. The same can be said of the horizontal sections and of the distance from the cross beam 5.

In other words: both reinforcing ribs 36, 37 have the form of an angle, wherein the longer leg 40 is preferably parallel to the vertical strut 4 and the shorter leg 41 is preferably parallel to the cross beam 5.

The support element 6 or hollow body 10 according to the third embodiment is preferably of integral design and can be produced by a bending and welding method.

It is clearly apparent from figures 6 and 7 that parts of the hollow body 10 extend through an aperture 42 through the cross beam 5. In the illustrative embodiment under consideration, parts of the first reinforcing rib 36 and of the second reinforcing ribs 37 are passed through the aperture 42 through the cross beam 5. Here, these parts have the form of tabs and bear the reference sign 45.

The crossbeam 5 has a reinforcing section 43 extending away from the cross beam 5 opposite the hollow body 10. Here, the reinforcing section 43 is provided as an angular bent section, when viewed in the direction of extent of the cross beam 5. In this case, said parts of the hollow body 10 which extend through the cross beam 5, or tabs 45, are connected to the reinforcing section 43. In the embodiment shown, the reinforcing section 43 is situated above the securing parts 23. Thus, said parts of the hollow body 10 which extend through the cross beam 5 ensure support for the reinforcing section 43 and the securing parts 23.

Said tabs 45 are preferably spaced apart from each other. WO 2015/180963 PCT/EP2015/060608 18

The use of the two reinforcing ribs 36, 37 as support elements for the reinforcing section 43 has the advantage that mechanical stability is increased in the region of the securing parts 23. At the same time, however, the reinforcing ribs do not form an obstacle to the 5 element connected to the securing part 23.

In figure 7, the support element 6 arranged on the left, in the form of the hollow body 10, is shown before being mounted on the frame 3. It is clearly apparent here that the two reinforcing ribs 36, 37 extend upward toward the cross beam 5 beyond the upper lateral 10 edge 44 of the hollow body 10. The upper lateral edge 44 are connected to the underside of the cross beam 5, and said parts then extend beyond the cross beam as far as said reinforcing section 43, where said parts are then likewise connected to the reinforcing section. 15 WO 2015/180963 PCT/EP2015/060608 19

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1 mounting device 27 contact surface 2 sanitary appliance 28 inflection point 3 frame 29 front surface 4 vertical strut 30 bending points 5 cross beam 31 threaded opening 6 support element 32 screw 7 free interspace 33 connecting bar 8 connection point 34 upper end 9 connection point 35 support plates 10 hollow body 36 first reinforcing rib 11 front wall 37 second reinforcing rib 12 rear wall 38 lateral edge 13 lateral edge 39 further free interspace 14 lateral edge 40 vertical section 15 reinforcing profile 41 horizontal section 16 reinforcing rib 42 aperture 17 spaced lateral edge 43 reinforcing section 18 spaced lateral edge 44 upper lateral edge 19 front surface A distance 20 front plane B distance 21 rear surface a angle 22 rear plane 23 securing part 24 foot pad 25 ends 26 surface

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A mounting device (1) for positioning and securing, respectively, a sanitary appliance (2), in particular a water-closet bowl, said device comprising a frame (3) supporting the sanitary appliance (2), having at least two or exactly two mutually spaced vertical struts (4) and at least one or exactly one cross beam (5), which is connected in a fixed manner to the vertical struts (4) and connects the vertical struts (4) to one another, wherein the cross beam (5) comprises at least one securing element (23), by means of which the sanitary appliance (2) can be secured to the mounting device (1), characterized in that the frame (3) furthermore comprises at least one support element (6), which is connected in a fixed manner to the cross beam (5) and to one of the vertical struts (4).
2. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that one support element (6) is provided for each vertical strut (4), which support element connects the cross beam (5) to the respective vertical strut (4), wherein the support elements (6) are each arranged at a distance from one another, such that there is a free interspace (7) between the support elements (6).
3. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support element (6) is arranged below the cross beam (5) in the installed position or in that the support element (6) is arranged above the cross beam (5) in the installed position.
4. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vertical struts (4) have mutually facing surfaces (26), wherein the support element (6) is in connection with the respective vertical strut (4) by means of these surfaces (26).
5. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (23) is positioned in the cross beam between the connection point (8) between the support element (6) and the cross beam (5) and the vertical strut (4), which is in connection with the support element (6).
6. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front surface (19) of the vertical struts (4) defines a front plane (20) or in that the front surface of the cross beam (5) defines a front plane (20) and in that the support element (6) is flush with the front plane (20).
7. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (6) extends at an angle to the vertical strut (4) from the connection point (8) with the cross beam (5), such that the distance (A) between the support element (6) and the vertical strut (4) becomes smaller with increasing distance (B) from the vertical strut (4), and/or in that the support element (6) extends from the connection point (9) with the vertical strut (4) substantially at a right angle to the vertical strut (4) as far as an inflection point (28), from which the support element (6) then extends at an angle to the vertical strut (4).
8. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (6) is a hollow body (10), which is in connection with the cross beam.
9. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the hollow body (10) has a front wall (11) and a rear wall (12) arranged at a distance from the front wall (11), which front wall (11) and rear wall (12) are in connection by means of the lateral edges (13, 14) thereof facing the vertical strut (4) and the cross beam (5) with the respective vertical strut (4) and the cross beam (5), and in that the front wall (11) and the rear wall (12) are in connection by at least one reinforcing profile (15) and/or at least one reinforcing rib (16, 36, 37).
10. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing profile (15) and/or the reinforcing rib (16) extend along the lateral edges (17, 18) of the front wall (11) and the rear wall (12), respectively, said lateral edges being arranged at a distance from the cross beam (5) and the vertical strut (4), respectively.
11. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the front wall (11) and the rear wall (12) are in connection with one another by a first reinforcing rib (36) and a second reinforcing rib (37).
12. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the first reinforcing rib (36) and the second reinforcing rib (37) are arranged at a distance from one another and each connect the lateral edges (17, 18, 38) of the front wall (11) and of the rear wall (12) to one another.
13. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first reinforcing rib (36), the vertical strut (4) and the cross beam (5) delimit a further free interspace (39).
14. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the first reinforcing rib (36) has a vertical section (40) and a horizontal section (41) adjoining the latter, wherein the vertical section (40) extends parallel to and at a distance from the vertical strut (4) and the horizontal section (41) extends at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the vertical strut (4), and wherein the vertical section (4) is in connection with the cross beam (5) and the horizontal section (41) is in connection with the vertical strut (4).
15. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the second reinforcing rib (37) has a vertical section (40) and a horizontal section (41) adjoining the latter, wherein the vertical section (40) extends parallel to and at a distance from the vertical strut (4) and the horizontal section (41) extends at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the vertical strut (4), and wherein the vertical section (4) is in connection with the cross beam (5) and the horizontal section (41) is in connection with the vertical strut (4).
16. The mounting device (1) as claimed in claim 14 and 15, characterized in that the vertical section (40) of the second reinforcing rib (37) is at a larger distance from the vertical strut (4), when viewed transversely to the vertical strut (4), than the vertical section (41) of the first reinforcing rib (36), and/or in that the horizontal section (41) of the second reinforcing rib (37) is at a larger distance from the cross beam (5), when viewed transversely to the cross beam (5), than the horizontal section (41) of the first reinforcing rib (36).
17. The mounting device as claimed in any one of preceding claims 8 to 16, characterized in that parts of the hollow body (10), in particular parts (45) of the first and second reinforcing ribs (36, 37), are passed through an aperture (42) through the cross beam (5), and in that the cross beam (5) has a reinforcing section (43), which extends away from the cross beam (5), opposite the hollow body (10), and to which said parts of the hollow body (10) are connected.
18. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the front surface (19) of the vertical struts (4) defines a front plane (20), and in that the rear surface (21) of the vertical struts defines a rear plane (22), wherein the hollow body (10) lies between said two planes or is congruent with said planes, or wherein the hollow body (10) is flush with the front plane (20) on one side or lies between the front plane (20) and the rear plane (22) and protrudes beyond the rear plane (22) on the other side.
19. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support element (6) is at least one sectional bar, in particular a metal profile, extending along an axis.
20. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (6) is made of metal and is connected materially, in particular by means of a welded joint, and/or positively or nonpositively to the cross beam (5) and the vertical strut (4), or in that the support element (6) is made of plastic and is connected positively and/or nonpositively to the cross beam (5) and the vertical strut (4).
21. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one securing element (23) is preferably in contact with a threaded rod, which projects substantially perpendicularly relative to the frame (3) and to the vertical strut (4) and can be brought into contact with the sanitary appliance (2).
22. The mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, preferably each, of the vertical struts (4) is in connection with a foot pad (24), via which foot pad (24) the mounting device rests on a floor, wherein the foot pad (34) is preferably designed in such a way that it can be moved relative to the vertical strut (4) and can be locked relative to the vertical strut (4).
23. The mounting device (1) is as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to said cross beam (5), the vertical struts (4) are connected at the respective upper ends (34) to a connecting bar (33).
24. An arrangement comprising a mounting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a sanitary appliance (2) mounted on the mounting device (1) and having a supporting surface, wherein the supporting surface overlaps at least parts of the cross beam and parts of the at least one support element.