EP2521823B1

EP2521823B1 - Structure for supporting a sanitary fixture

Info

Publication number: EP2521823B1
Application number: EP11709177.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alma Invernizzi
Original assignee: GIA SpA
Current assignee: GIA SpA
Priority date: 2010-01-08
Filing date: 2011-01-04
Publication date: 2014-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-04
Also published as: WO2011083396A2; WO2011083396A3; PT2521823E; ITUD20100001A1; EP2521823A2; ES2469165T3; IT1397300B1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a support structure for sanitary fixtures, in particular suspended sanitary fixtures, such as toilet bowls, bidets or others, in which it is necessary to operate on the vertical walls of a room in order to position, attach and install them. In particular, the support structure according to the present invention is of the substantially universal type, that is, it is suitable for the correct and rapid installation of substantially any type of sanitary fixture to be installed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structures for supporting sanitary fixtures of the suspended type are known, which provide two or more longitudinal members to position and attach the sanitary fixture to the wall, and a connection or support plate suitable both to connect the two longitudinal members and also to define the attachment of the different fluidic feed pipes and pipes to discharge the water.
A known structure of this type is described for example in the Italian patent IT-B-234115 in the name of the present Applicant.
In this advantageous solution, a single connection plate is provided, which is shaped so as to be reversible, so that it is possible to choose: a first position of the plate, in which a supporting condition is defined for a first type of sanitary fixture, for example a bidet; and a second position of the plate in which a different support condition is defined, for a second type of sanitary fixture, for example a toilet bowl.
In fact, one of the main disadvantages in this field is connected to the fact that each type of sanitary fixture requires a different disposition and different sizing of the relative fluidic feed pipes.
Solutions are also known in which the connection plate is irreversible between the two longitudinal members, and in order to position the pipes it is necessary to use auxiliary support elements, such as for example U-shaped clips, which are assembled on site on the connection plate and, on each occasion, replaced and interchanged, depending on the different types of installation, pipes and sanitary fixture to be supported.
One disadvantage of this latter solution is that the auxiliary support elements provided, as they are applied manually, and at times in complex operating conditions, may not guarantee the correct and aligned positioning of the pipes, with consequent difficulties and impediments for the subsequent positioning of the sanitary fixture. Moreover, the use of auxiliary support elements does not guarantee the repeatability of the positioning of the pipes.
A further disadvantage of these alternative solutions is that, during the production and manufacture of the various components of the structure, different and specific production lines must be provided, substantially one for each component.
This operating condition leads to an increase in the costs and times of manufacture, to an increase in the bulk and the management costs for storing the spare parts, and also to an increase in the complexity and times of assembly and installation of the structure.
Solutions are also known with a limited number of components, but these solutions provide a specific structure for a first type of sanitary fixture and a second specific structure for a second type of sanitary fixture.
This solution entails considerable difficulties in installation, and also the final operators have to make identical orders for both structures, with the result that, once all the structures for a first type of sanitary fixture have been used, there may be left over structures for the second type of sanitary fixture.
Therefore, this known solution too entails disadvantages connected to the costs of managing spare parts in stock.
Document DE 28 09 135 A1 describes a support structure for sanitary fixtures on which the preamble to claim 1 is based; this document is considered the closest prior art.
EP 1116830 A2 , EP 1335077 A1 and DE 20005988 U1 are other prior art documents related to support structures for sanitary fixtures.
One purpose of the present invention is to achieve a support structure for sanitary fixtures which is simple and economical to make, which can be used indifferently for substantially any type of sanitary fixture, and which entails cheaper management of spare parts in stock.
Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a support structure which is universal substantially for any type of sanitary fixture.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.
In accordance with the above purpose, a support structure according to the present invention is applied to attach and install a sanitary fixture and the relative fluidic feed and discharge pipes on a wall.
The support structure according to the present invention comprises at least two attachment elements, such as for example two longitudinal members, each provided with a plurality of attachment openings, such as holes and eyelets, to at least allow them to be attached to an installation wall.
The support structure also comprises at least two transverse support elements, disposed to connect the two attachment elements and attached to them through the relative attachment openings.
According to a characteristic feature of the present invention, the two transverse support elements are identical, that is, they are identical in shape and size, and are able to be disposed specular with respect to a transverse symmetry axis of the two attachment elements.
Each support element comprises at least a first edge provided with a first housing shape.
The first edge of a first of the two transverse support elements is disposed facing the first edge of a second of the two transverse support elements, so that the two respective housing shapes define a specific housing seating for a first of the fluidic pipes of the sanitary fixture.
In this way the first fluidic pipe of the sanitary fixture, for example the discharge pipe, is disposed in the housing seating, in a substantially clamped condition between the two identical housing shapes of the two transverse support elements disposed specularly.
In this way, a correct and aligned positioning of the fluidic pipe is guaranteed, in a repeatable manner, since the position of the fluidic pipe itself is guaranteed by the reciprocal positioning of the two transverse and specular support elements provided, and hence according to a design positioning that is not constrained by the manual action exerted by possible auxiliary support elements.
Furthermore, the possibility of providing two identical transverse support elements which, in a specular position, define alone the seatings for housing the fluidic pipes, allows to provide a single production line for the two transverse support elements, substantially halving the production costs compared with traditional support structures with several support elements.
Another advantage of the solution according to the present invention is that, since the two transverse support elements are identical and sufficient in themselves to position the pipe correctly, there is no risk of an erroneous assembly of possible auxiliary elements.
Therefore, the installation of the support structure according to the present invention is simplified, with a consequent reduction in the intervention times and costs.
According to a variant, each transverse support element comprises a second edge, opposite the first edge, on which a second housing shape is made, different from the first housing shape, and able to house a second type of fluidic pipe.
Since the two transverse support elements are disposed specular, the two second housing shapes are opposite each other.
Therefore the second pipe can be selectively associated with the first of the transverse support elements or with the second of the transverse support elements, defining two possible positioning conditions with the same support structure.
In this way, the same support structure can be suitable to support and position different types of sanitary fixtures, in which the second type of fluidic pipe have different exit positions.
Therefore, according to this solution, the support structure is substantially universal or at least multi-functional, that is, suitable to support any type of sanitary fixture on the market.
Therefore, according to the present invention, there is a reduction in components in stock and purchase orders are rendered substantially univocal, without any risk of specific support structures being left over for one type of sanitary fixture rather than another.
According to another variant, each transverse support element comprises a plurality of fastening holes, and one or more positioning elements.
The positioning elements are conformed to be selectively coupled stably to the fastening holes and comprise at least a housing collar, inside which a third type of fluidic pipes can be positioned.
In this way the range of types of sanitary fixtures that can be supported by the same support structure is further extended.
According to another variant, at least one of the two transverse support elements is mounted in adjustable manner on the attachment elements.
According to this variant, at least one of the two transverse support elements is selectively mobile with respect to the other, so that it is possible to adjust at least the position of the first housing shape, and hence its condition of cooperation with the first housing shape of the other transverse support element, so as to modify the housing conditions of the housing seating defined.
In this way, first fluidic pipes with different diameters can be housed correctly in the housing seating.
In the same way, the possibility of adjusting the reciprocal position of the two transverse support elements allows to render the support structure suitable for other types of sanitary fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of the support structure according to the present invention in a first operating condition;
fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the support structure according to the present invention in a second operating condition;
fig. 3 is a front view of the support structure in fig. 2;
fig. 4 is a front view of a first applicative variant of fig. 3;
fig. 5 is a front view of a second applicative variant of fig. 3;
fig. 6 is a front view of a third applicative variant of fig. 3;
fig. 7 is a front view of a fourth applicative variant of fig. 3;
fig. 8 is a front view of a fifth applicative variant of fig. 3.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify common elements in the drawings that are substantially identical. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one form of embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other forms of embodiment without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL FORM OF EMBODIMENT

With reference to the attached drawings, the number 10 denotes generally a support structure suitable to support different types of sanitary fixtures, such as for example toilet bowls and bidets, in particular of the suspended type, that is, fixed to a wall instead of the floor.
To give a non-restrictive example, figs. 1 and 2 show the application of the support structure 10 according to the present invention to support, respectively, a toilet bowl and a bidet, with the relative fluidic pipes that will be identified in detail hereafter.
In particular, the support structure 10 comprises, in common for both of the two applications shown, and possibly others that are not shown, two longitudinal members 11 and 12, and two transverse support plates, respectively a first 13 and a second 15, disposed to transversely connect the two longitudinal members 11 and 12.
Each of the two longitudinal members 11 and 12 is made of metal sheet and has a cross section, preferably but not restrictively, substantially C-shaped or U-shaped.
Moreover, each longitudinal member 11 and 12 comprises a respective supporting foot 20, a first series of holes 16, a second series of holes 17 and a third series of holes 19.
The supporting foot 20 is mounted in an adjustable manner, by means of threaded shaft 21, on a lower surface of the relative longitudinal member 11 and 12.
In this way it is possible to adjust the height of the two longitudinal members 11 and 12 from the ground, so as to compensate for possible inaccuracies in the walls and allow a correct disposition in height of the relative series of holes 16, 17 and 19.
The first series of holes 16 is made on the bottom of each longitudinal member 11 and 12, and comprises a plurality of through holes 16a to which relative anchoring shafts 22 are selectively associated, in order to position and attach the toilet bowl or the bidet to the support structure 10, and relative positioning shafts 23, to anchor the support structure 10 to the wall.
In particular, different holes 16a are provided for the anchoring shafts 22 which allow a selective disposition of the anchoring shafts 22 at an interaxis that varies between about 180 mm and about 230 mm.
The second series of holes 17 is made on the same bottom on which the first series of holes 16 is made, and comprises both through attachment holes 17a and also through adjustment eyelets 17b.
The through holes 17a are suitable to allow to attach the first support plate 13, for example by means of iron work elements, to the two longitudinal members 11 and 12, while the eyelets 17b are suitable to allow the second support plate 15 to be slidingly assembled, again by means of iron work elements, on the two longitudinal members 11 and 12.
In this way, the distance between the two support plates 13 and 15 is selectively adjustable to define different operating support conditions.
The third series of holes 19 is made on the lateral flanks of each longitudinal member 11 and 12, and comprises a plurality of through holes 19a which, as will be explained in detail hereafter, allow to selectively position and clamp relative positioning collars 30.
The first support plate 13 and the second support plate 15are substantially identical in shape and size, and are mounted specular with respect to a relative symmetry axis transverse to the two longitudinal members 11 and 12.
Each support plate 13 and 15 comprises a first lateral edge 25, on which a first housing shape 26 is made. In this case, the first housing shape 26 is made in a substantially median position of the relative first lateral edge 25, and is shaped substantially like a half-moon.
The specular position of the two support plate s 13 and 15 is such that the two respective first lateral edges 25 and the two respective housing shapes 26 are substantially facing and opposite each other.
In this condition, the two housing shapes 26 define, in cooperation with each other, a housing seating for a first fluidic pipe 27.
The sizes of the housing seating can be selectively varied according to the sizes of the first fluidic pipe 27.
The variation occurs by sliding the second support plate 15 with respect to the first support plate 13, so as to vary the distance between the two.
In this way, a correct positioning and housing of the first fluidic pipe 27 is guaranteed substantially for every size.
From the first lateral edge 25, in the zones not affected by the first housing shape 26, two first fastening fins 32 branch off, on which relative through holes 33 are made. The first fastening fins 32 allow to fasten, by means of the through holes 33, a possible reducer 35 to the relative support plate 13. The reducer 35 allows to modify, at least partly, the conformation of the housing seating defined by the opposite cooperation of the two housing shapes 26.
In this way the correct positioning and housing of a first fluidic pipe 27, also of different shape and size, or not standardized, is guaranteed.
The same through holes 33 allow to selectively position and clamp the positioning collars 30.
Each support plate 13 and 15 also comprises a second lateral edge 29, opposite the first lateral edge 25 with respect to the relative support plate 13 and 15, and on which a second housing shape 31 is made.
In this case, the second housing seating 31 is made in a substantially median position of the relative second lateral edge 29, and has a substantially semicircular shape, with different sizes from the first housing shape 26.
The specular position of the two support plates 13 and 15 is such that the two respective second lateral edges 29 and the two respective housing shapes 31 are substantially opposite each other.
Each second housing shape 31 autonomously defines a housing seating for a second fluidic pipe 36.
From the second lateral edge 29, in the zones not affected by the second housing shape 3 1, two second fastening fins 37 branch off, on which relative through holes 39 are made. The second fastening fins 37 allow to fasten, by means of the through holes 39, a clamping band 40 to the relative support plate 13, 15. The clamping band 40 allows to clamp the second fluidic pipe 36 inside the second housing shape 31, keeping the second fluidic pipe 36 in a correct operating position.
The positioning collars 30 are of the substantially traditional type, and are conformed to position and house a third fluidic pipe, not shown.
The positioning collars 30 are able to be mounted, using screws and other iron work elements, on the holes 19a of the third series of holes 19, the through holes 33 of the first fastening fins 32 and possibly, in other positions, depending on the specific operating requirements.
Each support plate 13, 15 also comprises a plurality of through apertures 42, which are functional to the passage of the third fluidic pipes, in some configurations, and also have the function of making the relative plate 13, 15 lighter.
With particular reference to the attached drawings, fig. 1 shows an operating configuration of the support structure 10 applied to support a toilet bowl.
In this particular condition, the first fluidic pipe 27 is the discharge pipe, and is disposed, in a substantially clamped condition, between the first two housing shapes 26.
In this case, to give an example, the reducer 35 is also used, to stabilize in an optimum manner the positioning of the fluidic pipe 27 in the reduced size version.
In the same operating configuration, the second fluidic pipe 36 is housed in the second housing shape 31 of the first plate 13. In this condition, the second fluidic pipe 36 is the pipe that feeds the water for the toilet bowl.
The second fluidic pipe 36 is kept constrained to the second housing shape 31 by the clamping band 40.
With reference to fig. 2, this shows an operating configuration of the support structure 10 applied to support a bidet.
In this particular condition, the second fluidic pipe 36 is the discharge pipe, and is disposed in the second housing shape 31 of the second plate 15.
The second fluidic pipe 36 is kept constrained to the second housing shape 31 by the clamping band 40.
In the case where a bidet is supported, two third fluidic pipes are also provided, through which the hot and cold water are fed. The third fluidic pipes are supported by the positioning collars 30, according to the operating dispositions provided.
According to the variants shown in figs. 3 to 8, different possible configurations are shown for positioning the positioning collars 30, according to the corresponding position of the third fluidic pipes that branch off from the bidet.
It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the support structure 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of support structure for sanitary fixtures, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

Structure for supporting a sanitary fixture, comprising at least two attachment elements (11, 12), each being provided with a plurality of attachment openings (16, 17, 19), so as to allow the attachment thereof to an installation wall, and at least two transverse support elements (13, 15), disposed so as to connect said two attachment elements (11, 12) and attached to them through part of said attachment openings (17), wherein each transverse support element (13, 15) comprises at least a first edge (25) provided with a first housing shape (26), and wherein the first edge (25) of a first one (13) of the two transverse support elements is disposed facing the first edge (25) of a second one (15) of the two transverse support elements, in such a manner that the two respective housing shapes (26) define a housing seating for a first one (27) of the fluidic pipes of the sanitary fixture, characterised in that said two transverse support elements (13, 15) are identical to each other in shape and sizes and are able to be disposed in a mirror-like fashion with respect to a transverse symmetry axis of said two attachment elements (11, 12).
Support structure as in claim 1, characterised in that each transverse support element (13, 15) comprises a second edge (29), opposite the first edge (25), and on which a second housing shape (31), different from the first housing shape (26), is made, able to allow the housing of a second (36) fluidic pipe.
Support structure as in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each transverse support element (13, 15) and each attachment element (11, 12) comprise a plurality of fastening holes (19, 33) and one or more positioning elements (30), the fastening holes (19, 33) being able to allow the housing of a third fluidic pipe.
Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterised in that at least one of the two transverse support elements (15) is adjustably mounted on the attachment elements (11, 12), so as to be selectively movable with respect to the other of the two transverse support elements (13).
Support structure as in claim 4, characterised in that the attachment openings of each attachment element (11, 12) comprise at least a through eyelet (17b) able to allow the adjustable mounting of one of the two transverse support elements (15) on the attachment elements (11, 12).
Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterised in that each attachment element (11, 12) comprises a support foot (20), which is adjustably mounted by means of a threaded shaft (21), on a lower surface of the relative attachment element (11, 12), to adjust the positioning height of said attachment elements (11, 12).
Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterised in that it comprises a clamping element (40) able to be selectively disposed in cooperation with the second housing shape (31), to define the clamping of the second (36) of the fluidic pipes.
Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterised in that the attachment openings (16) comprise at least a series of holes (16a) reciprocally disposed in a manner such as to allow the mounting of relative anchoring shafts (22) for the sanitary fixture at an interaxis varying between about 180mm and about 230mm.