GB2241980A

GB2241980A - Fixing means

Info

Publication number: GB2241980A
Application number: GB9103428A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Verdon
Original assignee: SPINFLO Ltd
Current assignee: SPINFLO Ltd
Priority date: 1990-02-21
Filing date: 1991-02-19
Publication date: 1991-09-18
Also published as: GB9103428D0; GB9003885D0

Abstract

The invention relates to fixing means for hob tops or the like comprising a spring means adapted, in use, for location on the underside of a hob top or the like said spring means having a support arm 8, a first spring arm 9 at an acute angle thereto and extending to a second, oppositely inclined contact arm 11. When in use, presentation of the hob top or the like to a hole in a work surface causes the top edge of the hole to deflect the spring arm and allow the spring means to pass through the hole, and as the junction between the spring arm and the contact arm clears the bottom edge of the hole, the spring load causes the spring arm to return to bring the contact arm into contact with the bottom corner of the hole, to lock the hob top or the like to the worktop. <IMAGE>

Description

FIXING MEANS This invention relates to fixing means, and is particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, concerned with a fixing means to hold such as hob tops, bowls, sinks, and drainers, to a worktop.

With such as hob tops and the like, it is frequently so that they are located in a hole of an appropriate shape and size formed in a worktop, and must be there secured for both safe and convenient use, but in such a manner that allows their removal either for repair or replacement.

To this end, it has long been known to provide lugs strategically placed on the underside of the hob top or the like, adapted to be engaged by a screw fixing means and whereby the hob top or the like can be attached to the worktop. However, to secure the hob top or the like, it is necessary first to locate the hob top in the hole and then to apply the screw fixing means from below. This is not easy even at first assembly of, say, a kitchen unit to which the hob top or the like is applied. With such a unit in use, and faced with the need to repair or replace the hob top or the like, removal and fixing can be particularly difficult.

The object of the invention is to provide a fixing means that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to the present invention, fixing means comprises a spring means adapted, in use, for strategic location on the underside of a hob top or the like said spring means having a support arm, a first spring arm at an acute angle to said support said first spring arm extending to a second, oppositely inclined contact arm, and whereby, when in use, presentation of the hob top or the like to the hole in a work surface causes engagement between the spring arm and the top edge of the hole to deflect the spring arm and allow the spring means to pass through the hole, and as the junction between the spring arm and the contact arm clears the bottom edge of the hole, the spring load causes the spring arm to return towards its original free condition to bring the contact arm into contact with the bottom corner of the hole, to lock the hob top or the like to the worktop.

The invention also embraces a hob top or the like when provided with fixing means as are defined above.

Preferably, the fixing means are removably secured to the hob top or the like. Thus, lugs may be secured in strategic locations on the underside of a hob top or the like, and the support arm of the fixing means formed as a spring clip to engage securely on the lug.

It will therefore be appreciated that the fixing means of the invention can be secured to the hob top or the like before its presentation to a hole in a worktop, and the hob top or the like then simply presented to the hole and modest downward pressure causing engagement of the fixing means below the bottom edge of the hole. Ordinarily, the lugs and hence fixing means are spaced inwardly of an edge of the hob top or the like, and a peripheral part of the hob top or the like overlying the worktop adjacent the hole. Thus, to remove the hob top or the like, lever means can be inserted between the peripheral portion of the hob top or the like and the worktop and when modest pressure causes disengagement of the fixing means from the bottom edge of the hole.

One embodiment of the invention will now described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a part-sectional side elevation of a fixing means in accordance with the invention.

In the drawing, a hob top or the like 1 has an inturned edge 2 to abut against a work surface 3, said work surface having a hole 4 of a corresponding shape to the hob top or the like l and into which the hob top or the like is fitted.

To the undersurface of the hob top or the like 1 and spaced inwardly from the inturned edge 2, is secured a lug 5, on to which spring means 6 are secured by a clip 7 formed at one end of a support arm 8 of the spring means. The spring means 6 is formed to provide a first spring arm 9 lying at an acute angle to the support arm 8 and hence the wall 10 of the hole 4, and a second oppositely inclined contact arm Ii.

Thus, with the spring means located on the lug 5, the hob top or the like 1 can be presented to the hole 4, and when the spring arm 9 contacts the top edge of the hole 4. Modest downward pressure causes the spring arm 9 to deflect and enables the spring means to pass through the hole, and when the arm 9 springs back such that the contact arm 11 engages below the bottom edge of the hole. To remove the hob top or the like when required, it is simply a case of inserting an appropriate lever below the inturned edge 2 and when modest upward pressure causes the spring arm 9 to deflect and the spring arm 11 to ride up the bottom edge of the hole, to disengage the hob top or the like from the hole in the work surface.

Claims

l. Fixing means comprising a spring means adapted, in use, for strategic location on the underside of a hob top or the like said spring means having a support arm, a first spring arm at an acute angle to said support said first spring arm extending to a second, oppositely inclined contact arm, and whereby, when in use, presentation of the hob top or the like to the hole in a work surface causes engagement between the spring arm and the top edge of the hole to deflect the spring arm and allow the spring means to pass through the hole, and as the junction between the spring arm and the contact arm clears the bottom edge of the hole, the spring load causes the spring arm to return towards its original free condition to bring the contact arm into contact with the bottom corner of the hole, to lock the hob top or the like to the worktop.
2. Fixing means as in Claim 1, wherein the spring means is formed with a clip to connect the spring means to lugs strategically located on the underside of the hob top or the like.
3. A hob top or the like when provided with fixing means as in Claim 1 or Claim 2.
4. Fixing means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
5. A hob top or the like substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.