EP1273253A2 - Fixing means for panels and the like - Google Patents
Fixing means for panels and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1273253A2 EP1273253A2 EP02394077A EP02394077A EP1273253A2 EP 1273253 A2 EP1273253 A2 EP 1273253A2 EP 02394077 A EP02394077 A EP 02394077A EP 02394077 A EP02394077 A EP 02394077A EP 1273253 A2 EP1273253 A2 EP 1273253A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fixing means
- main frame
- frame
- members
- panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/16—Devices for fastening baths to floors or walls; Adjustable bath feet ; Lining panels or attachments therefor
- A47K3/161—Bathtub aprons
Definitions
- This Invention relates to a fixing means for a panel or the like (hereinafter referred to simply as a ' panel') for use in closing off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, for example on one or more sides around an upstanding container, for example a bath or bathtub.
- a bath or bathtub is normally elongate and positioned against one, two or three walls in a room leaving three, two or one sides of the bath or bathtub to be closed off by panels(s).
- the one side is a longitudinal side.
- a disadvantage with existing fixing means for panels for baths is that it is either achieved by clips provided on the panels attaching to parts of the container and clips being secured to a floor on which the container rests, resulting in the panels being loosely fitted, or that it is ad hoc and a frame is built in situ for the or each side whether this Is from raw materials or from a kit of parts to be customised on site, panels then being secured to the frame, normally by special screws having screw dome caps which may or may not have a chromed finish.
- This building operation Is labour-Intensive and can be time-consuming, and accordingly expensive for a first rate installation. There is therefore a desire for installers in some cases to impose on their workmen a time limit for such installation. This can result in shoddy work and ill-fitted panels.
- An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.
- a first aspect of the present invention is a fixing means for a panel or the like to close off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, the means comprising at least two elongate upright members for mounting substantially vertically and transversely spaced apart inward of the side edges of a corresponding panel to be fitted, each upright member having at least one flat face to abut against the Inside face of a panel and having at one end a height-adjustable element with a foot to be lower surface-engagable, and at the other end being securable under the upper surface, the foot of each upright member being for urging against the lower surface with a compressible pad positioned therebetween and the flat face of each upright member facing outwards and having at least two vertically-spaced contact zones against which a corresponding number of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of the panel, are matable.
- the pads are separated and adhered to the lower surface.
- the pads are provided on the outer face of each foot.
- the other ends of the upright members are also beneficially provided with at least one length-adjustable element with foot to be urged against the undersurface of the upper surface, a second compressible pad being provided between the length-adjustable element and the undersurface of the upper surface.
- a second aspect of the present invention is a fixing means for a panel to close off substantially vertically one or more sides of a floor mounted container having an upper outstanding rim or ledge and a depending lip, the means for an outer side being In the form of a main frame having at least two transversely-spaced elongate upright members and two vertically-spaced longitudinal members, each longitudinal member between the upright members adapted to be secured under the rim of the container and to the floor, the outer face of the main frame having a series of contact zones against which a corresponding series of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of the bath panel are matable.
- each longitudinal member of the main frame has at least two length-extending elements positioned parallel to the upright members and for outward extension, the outer ends of the elements each having a foot whose shoe is of greater diameter than the respective element, the frame being secured by the respective shoes each being for urging against the floor on which the container upstands and under the rim of the container with a compressible pad being secured therebetween.
- the longitudinal member of the main frame to abut against the floor has at least two length-extending elements and the other longitudinal member is for securing Into a batten provided under the rim of the container.
- each frame beneficially has its upright members inward of the ends of the longitudinal members.
- the series of contact zones are desirably provided by a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners, such as pieces of VELCRO (RTM) or magnetic strips.
- the fixing means beneficially Includes one or two secondary frames for one or two sides of the container to abut against a wall, the or each secondary frame having two vertically-spaced longitudinal members and at least two upright members.
- one of the upright members is positioned at one end of the longitudinal members for wall-mounting, the other upright member being inward of the ends of the longitudinal members which are secured to the adjacent longitudinal members of the main frame for the outer side.
- the distance between the two longitudinal members of the or each secondary frame is preferably less than that of the two longitudinal members of the main frame whereby the longitudinal members of the or each secondary frame fit within the longitudinal members of the main frame and are secured thereto.
- the or each secondary frame is of similar construction to the main frame and is for fixing between the floor and undersurface of the rim of the container independent of the main frame and of the wall.
- the or each secondary frame fits within the main frame for packing and can be flat-packed together with a bag containing the required number of screw fastenings, the required number of compressible pads and a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners to provide the contact zones for the frame(s) and the panels(s).
- a fixing means for a panel is provided to close off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, for example, one or more sides of an upstanding container 4, in the form of a bath, resting on a floor 5.
- the bath 4 has an outstanding rim or ledge 6 and a depending lip 8.
- the fixing means for a panel to close off an outer side of the bath 4 has two elongate upright members 14 for mounting substantially vertically and transversely-spaced apart inward of the side edges of a corresponding bath panel 16 to be fitted.
- Each upright member 14 is of square cross-section to present a flat face 15 to abut against the inside face of the panel 16 and having at its lower end a blind bore 9 in which a tapped ferrule 11 is fitted with anchoring means viz. barbs 13 to prevent rotation.
- a height-adjustable element 18 is in screw-threaded engagement with the ferrule11.
- the element 18 has a foot 19 whose shoe 20 is to be floor-engagable, and at the other upper end is securable under the rim.
- the foot 19 of each upright member 14 is for urging against the floor 5 with a compressible pad 22 positioned therebetween.
- the flat face 15 of each upright member 14 facing outwards has two vertically-spaced contact zones, formed by pieces of hook or loop VELCRO (RTM) against which a corresponding number of co-operating contact zones, formed by pieces of loop or hook VELCRO (RTM), similarly positioned on an inside face of the bath panel 16, mate.
- the contact zones may alternatively be of magnetic strip or other suitable material,
- the pads 22 are of compressible material and adhered to the floor provided in corresponding positions on the floor 5,
- the other upper ends of the upright members 14 are also provided with two length-adjustable elements 18 each with a foot 19 whose shoe 20 Is to be urged against the undersurface of the rim 6, a second compressible pad 22 being provided between the feet 19 of the length-adjustable elements 18 and the undersurface of the rim 6.
- the two elements 18, similarly mounted as at the lower end, are provided to prevent rotational distortion of the respective upright members 14 during fixing.
- the fixing means further includes at least two upright members 14 for each side of the bath 4 that abuts against a wall.
- the fixing means for an outer side of the bath 4 is in the form of a main frame 10 having two transversely-spaced upright members 14 and two vertically-spaced longitudinal members 12. Each longitudinal member 12 is adapted to be secured under the rim 6 of the bath 4 and to the floor 5.
- the outer face of the main frame 10, either on the upright members or longitudinal members, has a series of contact zones against which a corresponding series of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of a bath panel 16, mate
- Each longitudinal member 12 of the main frame 10 has at least two length-extending elements 18 each in a through bore having a tapped ferrule 11 and positioned parallel to the upright members 14 and for outward extension, the outer ends of the elements 18 each having a foot 19 whose shoe 20 is of greater dimension than the respective element 18.
- Each element 18 is a spindle having a screw-thread and in screw-threaded engagement with the thread in a tapped ferrule 11 provided in the longitudinal member 12.
- a nut 18A is fixed at the bottom of each element 18 to tighten the shoe 20 against the floor or under-rim.
- the foot with shoe 20 is captive on but loosely fitted to its respective element 18.
- the main frame 10 Is secured by the shoes 20, each being for urging against the respective compressible pad 22 of provided in corresponding positions on the floor 5 and under the rim 6 of the bath 4.
- the loose fitting of a shoe 20 on its element 18 allows the shoe 20 to abut against a pad 22 on extension of its element 18 but not be rotated on the pad 22 on further tightening of its element 18.
- the undersurface of each shoe 20 is recessed at one or more locations, for example it is domed, to leave an annular contact area with its respective pad 22.
- each main frame 10 has its upright members 14 Inward of the ends of the longitudinal members 12.
- the series of contact zones are provided by a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners 24.
- the fitting means includes one or more secondary frames 26 for a side of the bath 4 to abut against a wall (only one secondary frame 26 shown in the drawings).
- the or each secondary frame 26 has two vertically-spaced longitudinal members 12' and two upright members 14' .
- one of the upright members 14" is positioned at one end of the longitudinal members 12' for wall-mounting.
- the other upright member 14' is inward of the ends of the longitudinal members 12' which are secured by screw fasteners 28 to the adjacent longitudinal members 12 of the main frame 10 for the outer side.
- the distance between the two longitudinal members 12' of the secondary frame 26 Is less than that of the two longitudinal members 12 of the main frame 10 whereby the longitudinal members 12' of the secondary frame 26 fit within the longitudinal members 12 of the main frame 10 and are secured thereto by the screw fasteners 28.
- a secondary frame 26 In a second version of a secondary frame 26, it is of similar construction to the main frame and Is for fixing between the floor and undersurface of the rim of the bath Independent of the main frame and of the wall.
- the or each secondary frame 26 fits within the main frame 10 for packaging and can be flat-packed together with a bag containing the required number of screws, the required member of pads 22 and a plurality of two-piece co-operating fasteners 24 to provide the contact zones for the frame(s) 10, 26 and the panel(s) 16.
- the longitudinal member 12 of the main frame 10 to abut against the floor 5 has at least two length-extending elements 18 and the other longitudinal member 12 for being secured into a batten 30 provided under the rim 6 of the bath 4.
- flat pack versions are provided for differently elongate sized baths and with one main frame 10 for a longitudinal side and one or two secondary frames 26 for one or two end sides.
- the main frame 10 is fitted firstly and then the one secondary frame 26 Is fitted as shown in Fig. 1. If a second secondary frame 26 is provided then this is then fitted similarly to the first secondary frame 26 at an opposite end side.
- the main frame 10 is fitted with the elements 18 retracted. First of all, the pads 22 are positioned under the rim 6 and on the floor 5 to correspond with where the elements 18 are positioned on the longitudinal members 12.
- the main frame 10 is manoeuvred for the shoes 20 of the elements 18 on the upper longitudinal member 12 to abut against the corresponding pads 22 under the rim 6 and angled downwardly for the shoes 20 of elements 18 of the lower longitudinal member 12 to rest on part of the corresponding pads 22 on the floor.
- the main frame 10 plumblined With the main frame 10 plumblined, the elements 18 of both longitudinal members 12 are extended so that the main frame 10 becomes a tight fit.
- the nuts 18A are then tightened.
- One part of six fasteners are then positioned as shown in Figs. 2A and B, Figs.
- the corresponding panel When a secondary frame 26 is required, the corresponding panel Is fitted first before the panel 16 is pressed against the main frame 10, said panel 16 having a side panel overlap so that the corner is aesthetically finished without a seam between the two panels being located at the corner.
- the same procedure Is enacted as for a main frame.
- fixing means has been described with reference to closing off the open sides of baths, it is also applicable to close off vertical gaps between two horizontal surfaces such as to close off gaps under tables or reception desks or office desks either to give privacy or to shield any person sitting at the tabla/desk from draughts.
- Each main or secondary frame may have more than two upright members.
- the upright members and longitudinal members are of wood but can be of other suitable material.
- Each compressible pad 22 is, as stated above, of resilient material which can be foam material or even carpet material or vinyl flooring which compresses and as such causes the foot and shoe to seat into the material to prevent' longitudinal slip'
- the pad can be separate from or fixed to the lower face of each shoe.
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- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This Invention relates to a fixing means for a panel or the like (hereinafter referred to simply as a ' panel') for use in closing off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, for example on one or more sides around an upstanding container, for example a bath or bathtub. A bath or bathtub is normally elongate and positioned against one, two or three walls in a room leaving three, two or one sides of the bath or bathtub to be closed off by panels(s). Normally, the one side is a longitudinal side.
- A disadvantage with existing fixing means for panels for baths is that it is either achieved by clips provided on the panels attaching to parts of the container and clips being secured to a floor on which the container rests, resulting in the panels being loosely fitted, or that it is ad hoc and a frame is built in situ for the or each side whether this Is from raw materials or from a kit of parts to be customised on site, panels then being secured to the frame, normally by special screws having screw dome caps which may or may not have a chromed finish. This building operation Is labour-Intensive and can be time-consuming, and accordingly expensive for a first rate installation. There is therefore a desire for installers in some cases to impose on their workmen a time limit for such installation. This can result in shoddy work and ill-fitted panels.
- A further disadvantage arises in that one of the problems encountered in fitting a frame or series of uprights Is referred to as ' horizontal slip' referring to possible movement of the bottom end of any frame or uprights along a supporting floor. This is overcome by securing, by screwing or nailing, the frame or uprights to the floor thereby making the frame or uprights fixed. If for any reason access is required to underneath the container, the panel has to be removed and probably the frame and at least some uprights. Due to the fixing, the operation of removing the panel is more complicated and time consuming than otherwise.
- An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages.
- Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is a fixing means for a panel or the like to close off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, the means comprising at least two elongate upright members for mounting substantially vertically and transversely spaced apart inward of the side edges of a corresponding panel to be fitted, each upright member having at least one flat face to abut against the Inside face of a panel and having at one end a height-adjustable element with a foot to be lower surface-engagable, and at the other end being securable under the upper surface, the foot of each upright member being for urging against the lower surface with a compressible pad positioned therebetween and the flat face of each upright member facing outwards and having at least two vertically-spaced contact zones against which a corresponding number of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of the panel, are matable.
- Preferably, the pads are separated and adhered to the lower surface.
Alternatively, the pads are provided on the outer face of each foot. The other ends of the upright members are also beneficially provided with at least one length-adjustable element with foot to be urged against the undersurface of the upper surface, a second compressible pad being provided between the length-adjustable element and the undersurface of the upper surface. - Further accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention is a fixing means for a panel to close off substantially vertically one or more sides of a floor mounted container having an upper outstanding rim or ledge and a depending lip, the means for an outer side being In the form of a main frame having at least two transversely-spaced elongate upright members and two vertically-spaced longitudinal members, each longitudinal member between the upright members adapted to be secured under the rim of the container and to the floor, the outer face of the main frame having a series of contact zones against which a corresponding series of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of the bath panel are matable.
- Preferably, each longitudinal member of the main frame has at least two length-extending elements positioned parallel to the upright members and for outward extension, the outer ends of the elements each having a foot whose shoe is of greater diameter than the respective element, the frame being secured by the respective shoes each being for urging against the floor on which the container upstands and under the rim of the container with a compressible pad being secured therebetween. Alternatively, the longitudinal member of the main frame to abut against the floor has at least two length-extending elements and the other longitudinal member is for securing Into a batten provided under the rim of the container. For an outer side of the container, each frame beneficially has its upright members inward of the ends of the longitudinal members. The series of contact zones are desirably provided by a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners, such as pieces of VELCRO (RTM) or magnetic strips.
- The fixing means beneficially Includes one or two secondary frames for one or two sides of the container to abut against a wall, the or each secondary frame having two vertically-spaced longitudinal members and at least two upright members.
- Preferably, one of the upright members is positioned at one end of the longitudinal members for wall-mounting, the other upright member being inward of the ends of the longitudinal members which are secured to the adjacent longitudinal members of the main frame for the outer side. The distance between the two longitudinal members of the or each secondary frame is preferably less than that of the two longitudinal members of the main frame whereby the longitudinal members of the or each secondary frame fit within the longitudinal members of the main frame and are secured thereto.
- Alternatively, the or each secondary frame is of similar construction to the main frame and is for fixing between the floor and undersurface of the rim of the container independent of the main frame and of the wall.
- Preferably further, the or each secondary frame fits within the main frame for packing and can be flat-packed together with a bag containing the required number of screw fastenings, the required number of compressible pads and a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners to provide the contact zones for the frame(s) and the panels(s).
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, In which:-
- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an upright member of a fixing means according to a first embodiment;
- Fig. 2A is a perspective view from above of a fixing means for a bath panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention to a smaller scale showing the bath in broken line around which a main frame and one secondary frame according to a first version are positioned:
- Fig. 2B Is a perspective view from above of a fixing means for a bath panel according to a second embodiment showing a main frame and one secondary frame according to the first version with the panel in broken line;
- Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the fixing means shown in Fig. 2A with the secondary frame being according to a second version;
- Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the fixing means shown in Fig. 2B with the secondary frame being according to the second version; and
- Figs. 4A and 4B are similar alternative cross-sectional views, to substantially the same scale as in Fig. 1, of an upper longitudinal member of the main frame secured under a rim of a bath, the former showing a length-extending element with a shoe urged into a compressible pad under the rim, and the latter showing a batten under the rim to which the upper longitudinal member Is secured.
-
- Referring to the drawings, a fixing means for a panel is provided to close off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, for example, one or more sides of an
upstanding container 4, in the form of a bath, resting on afloor 5. Thebath 4 has an outstanding rim orledge 6 and a dependinglip 8. - The fixing means for a panel to close off an outer side of the
bath 4 according to a first and simple embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, has two elongateupright members 14 for mounting substantially vertically and transversely-spaced apart inward of the side edges of acorresponding bath panel 16 to be fitted. Eachupright member 14 is of square cross-section to present aflat face 15 to abut against the inside face of thepanel 16 and having at its lower end ablind bore 9 in which a tappedferrule 11 is fitted with anchoring means viz.barbs 13 to prevent rotation. A height-adjustable element 18 is in screw-threaded engagement with the ferrule11. Theelement 18 has afoot 19 whoseshoe 20 is to be floor-engagable, and at the other upper end is securable under the rim. Thefoot 19 of eachupright member 14 is for urging against thefloor 5 with acompressible pad 22 positioned therebetween.
Theflat face 15 of eachupright member 14 facing outwards has two vertically-spaced contact zones, formed by pieces of hook or loop VELCRO (RTM) against which a corresponding number of co-operating contact zones, formed by pieces of loop or hook VELCRO (RTM), similarly positioned on an inside face of thebath panel 16, mate. The contact zones may alternatively be of magnetic strip or other suitable material, - The
pads 22 are of compressible material and adhered to the floor provided in corresponding positions on thefloor 5, The other upper ends of theupright members 14 are also provided with two length-adjustable elements 18 each with afoot 19 whoseshoe 20 Is to be urged against the undersurface of therim 6, a secondcompressible pad 22 being provided between thefeet 19 of the length-adjustable elements 18 and the undersurface of therim 6. The twoelements 18, similarly mounted as at the lower end, are provided to prevent rotational distortion of the respectiveupright members 14 during fixing. - The fixing means further includes at least two
upright members 14 for each side of thebath 4 that abuts against a wall. - The fixing means for an outer side of the
bath 4 according to a second embodiment as shown in Figs. 2A to 4B of the drawings and in which like parts are denoted by like numerals, is in the form of amain frame 10 having two transversely-spacedupright members 14 and two vertically-spacedlongitudinal members 12. Eachlongitudinal member 12 is adapted to be secured under therim 6 of thebath 4 and to thefloor 5. The outer face of themain frame 10, either on the upright members or longitudinal members, has a series of contact zones against which a corresponding series of co-operating contact zones, similarly positioned on an inside face of abath panel 16, mate - Each
longitudinal member 12 of themain frame 10 has at least two length-extendingelements 18 each in a through bore having a tappedferrule 11 and positioned parallel to theupright members 14 and for outward extension, the outer ends of theelements 18 each having afoot 19 whoseshoe 20 is of greater dimension than therespective element 18. Eachelement 18 is a spindle having a screw-thread and in screw-threaded engagement with the thread in a tappedferrule 11 provided in thelongitudinal member 12. Anut 18A is fixed at the bottom of eachelement 18 to tighten theshoe 20 against the floor or under-rim. The foot withshoe 20 is captive on but loosely fitted to itsrespective element 18. Themain frame 10 Is secured by theshoes 20, each being for urging against the respectivecompressible pad 22 of provided in corresponding positions on thefloor 5 and under therim 6 of thebath 4. The loose fitting of ashoe 20 on itselement 18 allows theshoe 20 to abut against apad 22 on extension of itselement 18 but not be rotated on thepad 22 on further tightening of itselement 18. The undersurface of eachshoe 20 is recessed at one or more locations, for example it is domed, to leave an annular contact area with itsrespective pad 22. For an outer side of thebath 4, eachmain frame 10 has itsupright members 14 Inward of the ends of thelongitudinal members 12. The series of contact zones are provided by a plurality of twopiece co-operating fasteners 24. - The fitting means includes one or more
secondary frames 26 for a side of thebath 4 to abut against a wall (only onesecondary frame 26 shown in the drawings). The or eachsecondary frame 26 has two vertically-spaced longitudinal members 12' and two upright members 14' . In one version of asecondary frame 26, one of theupright members 14" is positioned at one end of the longitudinal members 12' for wall-mounting. The other upright member 14' is inward of the ends of the longitudinal members 12' which are secured byscrew fasteners 28 to the adjacentlongitudinal members 12 of themain frame 10 for the outer side. The distance between the two longitudinal members 12' of thesecondary frame 26 Is less than that of the twolongitudinal members 12 of themain frame 10 whereby the longitudinal members 12' of thesecondary frame 26 fit within thelongitudinal members 12 of themain frame 10 and are secured thereto by thescrew fasteners 28. - In a second version of a
secondary frame 26, it is of similar construction to the main frame and Is for fixing between the floor and undersurface of the rim of the bath Independent of the main frame and of the wall. - The or each
secondary frame 26 fits within themain frame 10 for packaging and can be flat-packed together with a bag containing the required number of screws, the required member ofpads 22 and a plurality of two-piececo-operating fasteners 24 to provide the contact zones for the frame(s) 10, 26 and the panel(s) 16. - In an alternative version as shown in Fig. 4B, the
longitudinal member 12 of themain frame 10 to abut against thefloor 5 has at least two length-extendingelements 18 and the otherlongitudinal member 12 for being secured into a batten 30 provided under therim 6 of thebath 4. - For use, flat pack versions are provided for differently elongate sized baths and with one
main frame 10 for a longitudinal side and one or twosecondary frames 26 for one or two end sides. Themain frame 10 is fitted firstly and then the onesecondary frame 26 Is fitted as shown in Fig. 1. If a secondsecondary frame 26 is provided then this is then fitted similarly to the firstsecondary frame 26 at an opposite end side. Themain frame 10 is fitted with theelements 18 retracted. First of all, thepads 22 are positioned under therim 6 and on thefloor 5 to correspond with where theelements 18 are positioned on thelongitudinal members 12. Secondly, themain frame 10 is manoeuvred for theshoes 20 of theelements 18 on the upperlongitudinal member 12 to abut against the correspondingpads 22 under therim 6 and angled downwardly for theshoes 20 ofelements 18 of the lowerlongitudinal member 12 to rest on part of thecorresponding pads 22 on the floor. With themain frame 10 plumblined, theelements 18 of bothlongitudinal members 12 are extended so that themain frame 10 becomes a tight fit. The nuts 18A are then tightened. One part of six fasteners are then positioned as shown in Figs. 2A and B, Figs. 3A and B with two at each end of themain frame 10 and two mid-way of the ends, the other parts of the sixfasteners 24 being correspondingly positioned on the inside of thepanel 16 and thatpanel 16 is pressed against theframe 10 for it to be secured. To fit asecondary frame 26 of a first version, the upright member 14' at the ends of the longitudinal members 12' is placed against the wall shown at 32 in Fig. 1, and the other ends of the upper longitudinal members 12' fitted between the conjoining ends of the upperlongitudinal members 12 of themain frame 10 and screwed thereto. The wall abutting upright member 14' is then screwed to the wall. Fourfasteners 24 are used with asecondary frame 26 and corresponding panel. When asecondary frame 26 is required, the corresponding panel Is fitted first before thepanel 16 is pressed against themain frame 10, saidpanel 16 having a side panel overlap so that the corner is aesthetically finished without a seam between the two panels being located at the corner. To fit a secondary frame of a second version, the same procedure Is enacted as for a main frame. - While the fixing means has been described with reference to closing off the open sides of baths, it is also applicable to close off vertical gaps between two horizontal surfaces such as to close off gaps under tables or reception desks or office desks either to give privacy or to shield any person sitting at the tabla/desk from draughts.
- Each main or secondary frame may have more than two upright members. The upright members and longitudinal members are of wood but can be of other suitable material.
- Each
compressible pad 22 is, as stated above, of resilient material which can be foam material or even carpet material or vinyl flooring which compresses and as such causes the foot and shoe to seat into the material to prevent' longitudinal slip' The pad can be separate from or fixed to the lower face of each shoe. - Variations and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention described above and as claimed hereinafter.
Claims (14)
- A fixing means for a panel or the like to close off a substantially vertical gap between two substantially horizontal surfaces, the means comprising at least two elongate upright members (14) for mounting substantially vertically and transversely spaced apart Inward of the side edges of a corresponding panel (16) to be fitted, each upright member (14) having at least one flat face (15) to abut against the Inside face of a panel (16) and having at one end a height-adjustable element (18) with a foot (19) to be lower surface-engagable, and at the other end being securable under the upper surface, the foot (19) of each upright member (14) being for urging against the lower surface with a compressible pad (22) positioned therebetween and the flat face (15) of each upright member (14) facing outwards and having at least two vertically-spaced contact zones (24) against which a corresponding number of co-operating contact zones (24), similarly positioned on an Inside face of the panel (16), are matable.
- A fixing means as claimed In Claim 1, characterised in that the pads (22) are separate from the feet (19) and adhered to the lower surface.
- A fixing means as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the pads (22) are provided on the outer face of each foot (19).
- A fixing means as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised In that the other ends of the upright members (14) are also provided with at least one length-adjustable element (18) with foot (19) to be urged against the undersurface of the upper surface, a second compressible pad (22) being provided between the length-adjustable element (18) and the undersurface of the upper surface.
- A fixing means for a panel to close off substantially vertically one or more sides of a floor mounted container (4) having an upper outstanding ledge (6) and a depending lip (8), the means for an outer side being in the form of a main frame (10) having at least two transversely-spaced elongate upright members (14) and two vertically-spaced longitudinal members (12), each longitudinal member (12) between the upright members (14) adapted to be secured under the rim of the container (4) and to the floor (5), the outer face of the main frame (10) having a series of contact zones (24) against which a corresponding series of co-operating contact zones(24), similarly positioned on an inside face of the panel are matable.
- A fixing means as claimed In Claim 5, characterised in that each longitudinal member (12) of the main frame (10) has at least two length-extending elements (18) positioned parallel to the upright members (14) and for outward extension, the outer ends of the elements (18) each having a foot (19) whose shoe (20) is of greater diameter than the respective element (18), the frame (10) being secured by the respective shoes (20) each being for urging against with a compressible pad (22) being secured therebetween on the floor (5) on which the container (4) upstands and under the ledge (6) of the container (4).
- A fixing means as claimed In Claim 5 or 6, characterised In that the longitudinal member (12) of the main frame (10) to abut against the floor (5) has at least two length-extending elements (18) and the other longitudinal member (12) is secured into a batten (30) provided under the ledge (6) of the container (4).
- A fixing means as claimed In Claim 5, 6 or 7, characterised in that for an outer side of the container (4), each frame (10) has its upright members (14) inward of the ends of the longitudinal members (12).
- A fixing means as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the series of contact zones are provided by a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners (24)
- A fixing means as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the fixing means includes one or two secondary frames (26) for one or two sides of the container (4) to abut against a wall, the or each secondary frame (26) having two vertically-spaced longitudinal members (12) and at least two upright members (14).
- A fixing means as claimed In Claim 10, characterised In that one of the upright members (14') Is positioned at one end of the longitudinal members (12) for wall-mounting, the other upright member (14) being Inward of the ends of the longitudinal members which are secured to the adjacent longitudinal members (12) of the main frame (10) for the outer side.
- A fixing means as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that the distance between the two longitudinal members (12) of the or each secondary frame (26) is less than that of the two longitudinal members (12) of the main frame (10) whereby the longitudinal members (12) of the or each secondary frame (26) fit within the longitudinal members (12) of the main frame (10) and are secured thereto.
- A fixing means as claimed in Claim 10, characterised In that the or each secondary frame (26) is of similar construction to the main frame (10) and is for fixing between the floor (5) and underneath of the ledge (6) of the container (4) independent of the main frame (10) and of the wall.
- A fixing means as claimed In any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the or each secondary frame (26) fits within the main frame (10) for packing and can be flat-packed together with a bag containing the required number of screw fastenings, the required number of compressible pads (22) and a plurality of two piece co-operating fasteners (24) to provide the contact zones for the frame(s) (10, 26) and the panels(s) (16).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0116325A GB0116325D0 (en) | 2001-07-04 | 2001-07-04 | Fixing means for panels or the like |
GB0116325 | 2001-07-04 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1273253A2 true EP1273253A2 (en) | 2003-01-08 |
EP1273253A3 EP1273253A3 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
Family
ID=9917902
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02394077A Withdrawn EP1273253A3 (en) | 2001-07-04 | 2002-07-04 | Fixing means for panels and the like |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1273253A3 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0116325D0 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2460466A (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-02 | Richard Cossentine | Adjustable bath panel support frame |
WO2011048348A1 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-04-28 | Richard Cossentine | Adjustable bath panel support frame |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5915850A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-06-29 | E. Missel Gmbh & Co. | Support system for bath, shower or whirlpool tubs |
US5960489A (en) * | 1997-07-29 | 1999-10-05 | E. Missel Gmbh | Support system for bath or shower tubs |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3807112A (en) * | 1972-07-20 | 1974-04-30 | American Velcro Inc | Room structure and panel assembly |
US5060752A (en) * | 1989-09-05 | 1991-10-29 | Franz Heiberger | Sound-proofing foam panels |
EP0563276A1 (en) * | 1990-12-19 | 1993-10-06 | WITTLER, Waldemar E. | Interlocking structural members with edge connectors |
DE9415843U1 (en) * | 1994-09-30 | 1995-03-30 | Lido Holding Gmbh, 63875 Mespelbrunn | Cladding system for bathtubs and shower trays |
-
2001
- 2001-07-04 GB GB0116325A patent/GB0116325D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2002
- 2002-07-04 EP EP02394077A patent/EP1273253A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-07-04 GB GB0215399A patent/GB2377250B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5915850A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-06-29 | E. Missel Gmbh & Co. | Support system for bath, shower or whirlpool tubs |
US5960489A (en) * | 1997-07-29 | 1999-10-05 | E. Missel Gmbh | Support system for bath or shower tubs |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2460466A (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-02 | Richard Cossentine | Adjustable bath panel support frame |
GB2460466B (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2010-05-05 | Richard Cossentine | Adjustable bath panel support frame |
WO2011048348A1 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-04-28 | Richard Cossentine | Adjustable bath panel support frame |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2377250B (en) | 2004-06-09 |
GB0215399D0 (en) | 2002-08-14 |
GB2377250A (en) | 2003-01-08 |
EP1273253A3 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
GB0116325D0 (en) | 2001-08-29 |
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