GB2262307A - Suction mounted device - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction mounted device (20) has a mechanically activated suction means designed to positively create a vacuum between one or more suction pads (1) and a surface (9). The mechanical actuation mechanism includes a lever (3) which in the engaged position shown contacts the surface (9) to provide additional stability and support. The device also includes a utensil (7) which provides a means for supporting an article, the utensil (7) preferably being detachable from the suction means (10). The device (20) has a particular application in supporting articles at a desired, but adjustable, height on or adjacent to a vertical or near vertical non-porous surface (9). <IMAGE>

Description

"Suction Mounted Device" This invention relates to brackets, supports, hooks or the like which may be attached to non-porous surfaces by a suction means. In this specification reference made to a utensil should be construed as a reference to a bracket, tray, support, hook or the like.

The invention particularly relates to suction devices, each incorporating one or more utensils1 wherein a said utensil may be held in a desired location adjacent to a vertical or near vertical non-porous surface and be accessory to or an integral part of a suction means or mechanism.

Strong suction pads are known and are characterised by the vacuum being enhanced by a mechanical system. Such mechanical systems might include a lever controlled means for creating a vacuum between a device and a surface, thereby causing adherence thereto.

However, suction pads or devices known in the past have not been entirely satisfactory. In situations where they are attached to a utensil they can be unsteady and adhesion to a vertical or near vertical surface can be lost when large or eccentric loads are applied to the utensil.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved suction means, together with an improved device combining a suction means with a utensil. A particular improvement of this type includes the provision of a means for removing the suction means from the utensil to facilitate cleaning, repair and interchangeability of the utensil.

According to the present invention there is provided a suction mounted device for mounting an article to a vertical or near vertical surface comprising a suction means, wherein the suction means is associated with a mechanical activation means for mechanically creating a vacuum between said suction means and said surface, wherein said mechanical activation means includes a substantially L-shaped or curved lever orientated such that when the suction mounted device is positioned adjacent to a said vertical surface and said suction means is fully activated a portion of the lever is in contact with the aforesaid surface.

Preferably, the suction mounted device also includes a utensil for providing means for holding or supporting a said article cn or adjacent to said vertical or near vertical surface.

Preferably, the utensil is in the form of one of the following group of supporting apparatus: a hook, tray, bracket, clip, hanger and dish.

Preferably also, the utensil is detachable from the suction means and interchangeable with different utensils.

Preferably, the suction mounted device comprises two suction means for further support.

Preferably the mechanical activation means includes a cam lever, wherein the cam acts either directly or indirectly against a respective suction pad located in said suction means.

The following description is provided to enable a clearer understanding of the invention, with preference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a suction means in accordance with the invention, and Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a suction device, including an alternative suction means.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, a suction means generally described at 10 incorporates two suction pads 1. The suction pads 1 are joined together by the housing 2.

A utensil (not shown in Fig. 1) may be integral with the housing 2 or attachable to the housing 2.

The advantage of providing dual suction pads 1 is the greater resistance to failure or a breakdown of the suction in the event of, say, eccentric loading and, of course, the resultant overall increase in loading capacity.

A vacuum is provided in the suction pads 1 through use of the lever 3 by pivoting the lever or levers about their respective pivot points 5. A vacuum is created within the suction pads 1 causing the suction means 10 to adhere to a vertical surface or the like.

A stud or hook 4 may also be provided and is shown in the accompanying figures which may be actually located through the pivot points 5. In embodiments where the utensil 7 is detachable from the housing 2 the studs or hooks 4 may be used to support the utensil 7. For example, the utensil 7 could slot over the studs or hooks 4 and be held or be removed when cleaning or replacement is desired.

An advantage of providing the utensil 7 as a detachable element is that different types of utensils may be used for different purposes. For example, a single suction means located in a domestic bathroom may be provided with a utensil adapted to hold a toothpaste dispenser and toothbrushes, or alternatively be used for supporting soaps, shampoos or the like. The utensils could be interchangeable while using a single suction means.

Having regard to Fig.2, the lever 3 is so shaped as to make contact with the supporting vertical surface 9.

This feature provides additional stability and support to the apparatus or device 20 as a whole.

Thus, embodiments in accordance with the invention provide sturdier support to utensils and any loading or articles which are placed on the utensils. Preferable embodiments of the invention enable the utensils to be detached from the suction means to facilitate cleaning and/or repair or replacement.

The suction means in accordance with the invention which incorporate a plurality of suction pads also improve the device's capacity for large or eccentric loads. It has also been found that a dual suction pad device is more easily applied in a precise horizontal orientation in use.

Further modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. A suction mounted device for mounting an article to a vertical or near vertical surface comprising a suction means, wherein the suction means is associated with a mechanical activation means for mechanically creating a vacuum between said suction means and said surface, wherein said mechanical activation means includes a substantially L-shaped or curved lever orientated such that when the suction mounted device is positioned adjacent to a said vertical surface and said suction means is fully activated a portion of the lever is in contact with the aforesaid surface.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the suction mounted device also includes a utensil for providing means for holding or supporting a said article on or adjacent to said vertical or near vertical surface.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the utensil is in the form of one of the following group of supporting apparatus: a hook, tray, bracket, clip, hanger and dish.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the utensil is detachable from the suction means and interchangeable with different utensils.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the suction mounted device comprises two suction means for further support.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the mechanical activation means includes a cam lever, wherein the cam acts either directly or indirectly against a respective suction pad located in said suction means.

7. A device as substantially described and illustrated in the accompanying description or illustrations.