GB2350672A

GB2350672A - Radiator mounting

Info

Publication number: GB2350672A
Application number: GB9912526A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Jason Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-29
Filing date: 1999-05-29
Publication date: 2000-12-06
Also published as: GB9912526D0

Abstract

A valve and bracket arrangement allows a radiator to be pivoted away from a wall. The bracket comprises apertures 2 forming pockets into which mounting straps of a radiator are received. Levers 3 pivot about rivets 4 and have a hooked ends to engage the straps of the radiator. The levers are connected to an operating arm 6. The valve comprises a flow control part (A) and an outlet which has a threaded flange (B) and a sealing sleeve (C). A section (D) is connected to the radiator by a male threaded stub (E). A sealing ring seals between (D) and (C). A lock nut (G) screws onto flange (B) to pull (D) to compress seal (F) to provide sealing but allow (D) to rotate relative to (C). The valve can be secured to a wall by bracket (H).

Description

2350672 CENTRAL HEATING RADIATOR MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT This invention

relates to a central heating radiator mounting arrangement Central heating radiators form the heat-emitting element of a central heating system. They are designed and intended to transfer heat to the surrounding air from a heated liquid flowing through the radiator. The liquid is heated by a separate appliance, and is distributed to the radiator(s) by means of flow and return pipework The radiator may comprise one or more panels, and are normally mounted to a supporting wall by means of steel brackets, which locate in support lugs on the radiator's rear face.

Central heating radiators are commonplace in both domestic and commercial assembly buildings, with most installations typically comprising several radiators connected to a single heat-producing appliance. A disadvantage of the traditional fixed method of installing and supporting a radiator is found when access is required to the surface of the wall upon which the radiator is mounted. This disadvantage may manifest itself on occasion of needing access behind the radiator for many reasons. Common examples of this are Access to decorate / redecorate wall behind radiator Access to clean wall behind rear of radiator, or rear of radiator itself.

Access to remove foreign objects, accidentally lodged between radiator and wall.

Access for maintenance of radiator, and/ or bleeding of air valves. The traditional fixed method of mounting a central heating radiator does not afford easy access to the wall area behind, when required for reasons including those outlined above. The accepted method to gain access to the area behind the radiator involves completely removing the radiator from its wall support brackets, and disconnecting it from the flow and return pipe-work valves. Typically this would entail closing off the valves to isolate the radiator from the system. Once separated from the valves, the radiator can be lifted from the wall brackets. At this point, the radiator will still be full of the heat exchange liquid (typically water, possibly with various additives.) The process of removing a radiator in this way, is outside the capabilities of many persons, and in this instance would require the assistance of a specialist. Those wishing to undertake the removal and reinstatement of the radiator themselves may require assistance to lift the radiator due to its size and weight. They also run the risk of damaging carpets and adjacent finishes, should the contents of the radiator leak out during the removal process. In the case of a single pipe system the central heating system may be rendered inoperative whilst a radiator is disconnected.

An object of this invention is to provide a means by which simple easy access is afforded to the area behind the radiator. This is achieved without isolating or separating the radiator from the pipe-work and valves. The flow and return valves do not need to be isolated, with no draining down required. If the radiator is of a reasonable dimension the process can be quickly carried out by one individual, without the need for any assistance.

2 Accordingly this invention provides a wall mounting bracket design, which provides a means for the radiator to be supported and restrained by a releasable securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is designed in such a way as to reduce the possibility of unintentional release of the radiator. This invention provides a flow and return valve design which allows the radiator panel to tilt back and forth, rotating about the axis of the valves' horizontal section. This invention provides a flow and return valve design, which affords an opportunity for additional support to the pipe-work stubs, to prevent flexing, and possible subsequent leaks.

The flow valve design is adaptable to be incorporated in any existing style of valve including manual valve, thermostatic valve and angled valve. The valves would be manufactured of Brass, or a similar metal / alloy, with or without a decorative finish such as chromium plating. The sealing of the valves rotational face can be achieved either by machining or by the insertion of a synthetic sealing ring or gasket. The brackets are manufactured from mild steel, with a galvanised finish to inhibit corrosion.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings. in which:

Figure 1 illustrates the mounting bracket in downward, or locked position.

The wall mounting bracket (1) is fixed to the wall by means of holes for the insertion of screws. Two apertures (2) are cut in bracket (1). These form the pockets into which the radiator's rear straps fit, and therefore provide support. The lower surface of the apertures (2) are inclined to follow the circular motion scribed by the radiator's rear straps during the tilting operation. Connected to the brackets, (1) are a pair of levers, (3). This pivot about fixing rivets (4) fixed through the levers (3) and bracket (1). The levers (3) have a hooked end which engages in the rear strap of the radiator to provide restraint. When in the downward, or locked position the hooked end of the levers (3) projects into the apertures (2), thus retaining the radiator. In the up, or unlocked position the levers (3) are raised clear of the top of the apertures (2), thus releasing the radiator. The levers (3), are connected by rivets (5) to an operating arm (6). The operating arm is hooked at its upper end and can be pulled up or down by this hook to raise or lower the levers (3). The arm (6) is mounted between rivets (4), and apertures (2) to allow it to remain held in the locked position by its own weight.

Figure 2 illustrates the mounting bracket in up, or unlocked position.

Figure 3 illustrates the mounting bracket in plan view.

Figure 3 illustrates the valve assembly in elevation and part crosssectional view:

The valve assembly has a standard body, containing a mechanical flow control system (A) of known type. The outlet from this has a threaded flange (B), and a projecting sealing sleeve (C). A separate section (D) is connected to the radiator by means of a male threaded stub (E). Section (D) contains a sealing ring of known type (F), which seals between (D) and (C). A locking nut (G) screws onto the threaded flange (B) to pull (D) inwards, and sufficiently compress the seal (F) whilst still allowing (D) to rotate about its axis with fixed component (C). A hexagonal 3 machined void within (E) allows (D) to be tightened into the radiator. A mounting bracket (H) of varying possible configurations allows the whole valve assembly to be secured to a wall or similar.

L-.

Drawings - key: Figure 1 - bracket in downward or locked position Figure 2 - bracket in up or unlocked position Figure 3 - bracket shown in plan view Figure 4 - valve assembly ig.

Claims

1. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement which provides a wall mounting bracket design, which provides a means for the radiator to be supported and restrained by a releasable securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is designed in such a way as to reduce the possibility of unintentional release of the radiator. This invention provides a flow and return valve design which allows the radiator panel to tilt back and forth, rotating about the axis of the valves' horizontal section. This invention provides a flow and return valve design, which affords an opportunity for additional support to the pipe-work stubs, to prevent flexing, and possible subsequent leaks.

2. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the wall mounting brackets provide support and restraint for the radiator whilst incorporating a releasable securing mechanism which upon its release no longer restrains the radiator, but still provides a degree of support.

3. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the flow and return valves allow the radiator panel to rotate 36011 about the axis of the valves horizontal section, whilst maintaining their connection to both radiator panel and flow and return pipe-work, and without loss of pressure or fluid.

4. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 & 3 wherein the flow and return valves allow an optional method of providing additional support and restraint to themselves, and pipe-work stubs by means of fixing a part of the valve to a suitable surface.

5. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement whereby once the radiator is lowered away from its usual fixed upright position, easy access is afforded to the area of wall normally covered by the radiator when upright.

6. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement whereby the brackets and valves can be fitted as replacement to an existing system, without requirement for substantial alteration to the existing system.

7. A central heating radiator mounting arrangement substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.