GB2594995A

GB2594995A - Wall mounting for radiator

Info

Publication number: GB2594995A
Application number: GB2007221.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Carter John; Ian Tindle Andrew
Original assignee: Purmo Group Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Purmo Group Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-15
Filing date: 2020-05-15
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-15
Also published as: GB2597124A; GB202106904D0; GB2594995B; GB2597124B; GB202007221D0

Abstract

A mounting bracket 400 for a radiator has first 401 and second 402 upright members with a lateral member 404 extending between them and at least one upper 407 and at least one lower 405 mounting arms extend outwardly from the first and second upright members. The upper and lower mounting arms can be moved towards and away from one another and are resiliently biased towards each other. A radiator cabinet that has locating means for locating side panels to a wall mounting bracket is also claimed. The first and second upright plates may have a weakened line that extends from one side of said upright member to the other. The mounting bracket may have a rigid plate member instead of upright members, with first and second mounting positions on first and second sides of the rigid plate member. At least one of the upper and lower mounting arms may have a rotatable sealing element.

Description

WALL MOUNTING FOR RADIATOR

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to mountings for radiators.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Conventional wall mounted radiators of the type fabricated from pressed steel panels are mounted to upright walls using a mounting frame or mounting bracket which attaches to the wall. Radiators can be installed on new build or refurbished housing where there is also decoration, wallpapering or painting of walls behind the radiators to be carried out before the final fit of the radiator. When installing radiators in a new build, there are typically one or more radiators per room, and radiators need to be fitted in several rooms of a single house or apartment.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically a prior art wall mounted panel radiator 100 of the type used for domestic central heating. The radiator is mounted to a wall, with an air gap between a lower most part the radiator and the floor of the room in which the radiator is mounted, there also being an air gap between the wall itself and the radiator. At either side of the radiator there are provided water inlet and outlet apertures 101-104 to each of which may be connected an inlet pipe for water inflow, an outlet pipe for water outflow, each with an elbow joint, a thermostatic valve, or an air bleed valve. In the example shown, there may be mounted an air bleed valve at an upper aperture on one side of the radiator, and a thermostatic valve at the upper aperture on another side of the radiator, in a position where it is easily accessible for the user.

[0004] Referring to Figure 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically in view from behind, another known panel radiator 200, similar to that shown in Figure 1 herein, showing a plurality of mounting brackets 201 -206 of the radiator for mounting the radiator on a wall. In this example there are six elongate brackets fixed to one side of the radiator which slide vertically over a corresponding set of upright tabs or arms on a prior art wall mounted fixing bracket.

[0005] To install a set of one or more conventional wall-mounted radiators, for each radiator typically the sequence of work is as follows: * There is a "first fit" in which a fitter or installer fits one or more radiator mounting brackets to a wall. The mounting brackets are fitted above floor height, which means that the installer needs to measure the distance from the floor to the base of each bracket, place the bracket adjacent the wall and drill or mark holes through pre-drilled apertures in the bracket in order to locate the holes in the correct positions on the wall; insert wall plugs into the wall, to accept screws; and then screw the bracket to the wall. The fitter needs to work out where all the various brackets need to be placed on the wall, which is time-consuming and requires a degree of skill.

* The brackets for the radiator casing are separate to the mounting brackets for the radiator and need to be measured and located on the wall separately.

* A radiator is then lifted onto the radiator mounting brackets and a first fix of plumbing pipes is made to the inlet and outlet tubes of the radiator.

* Where a radiator casing is to be fitted, the radiator casing may be matched up to the radiator at the first fit so that the positions of the apertures in the radiator casing can be marked and apertures cut for any protruding thermostatic valves, and it is checked that the radiator casing will fit around the radiator.

* The radiator casing is then removed whilst the room is finished and the wall around the radiator is decorated.

* After decoration around the radiator, the radiator casing is fitted as a second fit.

[0006] The conventional method of mounting radiator brackets requires marking up of the radiator brackets to the appropriate positions on the wall, which requires skill and takes time. Where there is a radiator casing, this increases the time needed to mark up and locate the wall positions for the radiator casing mounting brackets and to fit separate radiator casing brackets.

[0007] One problem with the prior art bracket system is that there is quite a lot of friction when moving the radiator laterally on the brackets, which makes the radiator difficult to align accurately with the radiator casing.

[0008] Another problem with the prior art radiator mounting brackets is that the radiator casing needs to be taken out of its protective packaging at the first fit, and once out of its packaging is then in a dirty environment where it can become damaged, become scratched, or become dirty.

[0009] On prior art radiators, two types of radiator valve kits are used. A first kit, known as a close coupled kit, has thermostatic valves which fits into the base of a radiator and there is an actuator with a capillary. The capillary tube goes up to a head which is clamped into a knockout aperture where the clamp fits. The knockout is directly under the metal and there is no bezel.

[0010] A second known kit is a direct fit kit which has a second, larger knockout portion. The radiator is fitted to the wall and there is a brass extension piece which adapts from the thermostatic radiator valve and which goes into the top of the radiator, and which has a normal head. The fixing is just on the outside of the radiator. This type of kit never looks good aesthetically, because there is usually a problem with the alignment of valve where the radiator is misaligned with the radiator casing. The prior art direct fit of the casing to the wall has always been an unsatisfactory solution, as there is often a degree of misalignment between the casing, the radiator and the pipework, either laterally or in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface.

[0011] The known Ste!rad iPlus® radiator product provides a radiator casing which is matched to a radiator and has an integral thermostatic control valve system so there is an internal manifold. The thermostatic radiator valve control and the manifold are part of the radiator casing assembly. During installation, the thermostatic radiator valve is pre-installed along with the radiator casing as the starting point, and then the radiator is fitted into the radiator casing.

[0012] In the known SteIrad® iPlus mounting bracket and radiator casing, 1 0 the casing acts as a locating jig for the radiator. All of the fixings are integrated into the casing. The casing is an outer shroud with a removable front. A fitter installs the radiator in the casing. All of the outer radiator casing with the exception of the front panel are fitted at the same time as the radiator. However, this means that the radiator casing is exposed to the dirty environment of the first fit stage where other trades may be present and there is a higher likelihood of marking or damaging the radiator casing, or exposing the radiator casing to dust and dirt.

[0013] Although the Stelrad LST radiator system improves alignment between the radiator and the radiator casing, by using the radiator casing as a template for fitting the radiator, it requires that the radiator casing is fitted early on at the first fit stage.

[0014] Another prior art radiator mounting bracket, for example of the type manufactured by Sigarth AB comprises a frame having first and second upright spaced apart plates; upper and lower lateral plates extending between the first and second upright plates; and a pair of spaced apart seam engaging plates for engaging a seam of a radiator.

Summary of the Invention

[0015] One object of embodiments according to the present invention is to improve the speed and ease of fitting a wall mounted radiator and a radiator casing.

[0016] Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to introduce more flexibility to allow more accurate alignment of protruding valves or controls through a radiator casing to allow an installer to align a radiator more accurately.

[0017] A further object of embodiments of the present invention is to reduce the incidence of damaged or dirt contaminated radiator casings.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second upright plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction which crosses a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction which crosses said main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates, wherein said at least one upper and at least one lower mounting arms are capable of moving towards and away from each other, and are resiliently biased towards each other.

[0019] Preferably at least one of the upper and lower arms is fixed with respect to the first and /or second upright plates and/ or to the lateral plate, and the other one of said upper or lower arms is movable with respect to the first and/ or second and/ or lateral plates.

[0020] Preferably each said lower mounting arm comprises: an arm having a distal end comprising a part circular aperture; and a rotatable seating member being capable of rotating within said part circular aperture.

[0021] Preferably each of said lower mounting arms comprises a corresponding respective rotatable seating member, and said rotatable seating members rotate about a common line of rotation as each other.

[0022] Preferably said common line of rotation lies substantially parallel to a main plane which coincides with a main rear surface of said mounting bracket.

[0023] Preferably said rotatable seating member comprises a body having a part circular annular peripheral groove or channel on an outer face of said body.

[0024] Preferably said rotatable seating member comprises a centrally located channel having a recessed slot for accepting a lower part of a radiator, with a seam of the radiator located in the slot.

[0025] Preferably at least one of said first or second upright members comprises a substantially flat plate having a protruding central portion extending along a length of said upright member.

[0026] Preferably said mounting bracket comprises first and second laterally extending arms each having a distal end comprising a corresponding respective first and second fastening position, said distal ends positioned a same distance away from a centre line of the mounting bracket which bisects the mounting bracket between said first and second laterally extending arms.

[0027] Preferably said fastening positions of said first and second laterally extending arms are located symmetrically at a same distance as each other from a centre line of said mounting bracket.

[0028] Preferably said upper mounting arms are pivotable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position.

[0029] Preferably said upper mounting arms are spring biased towards said second lower position, so as to grasp a radiator between said lower mounting 10 arms and said upper mounting arms.

[0030] Preferably said upper mounting arms each comprise at a distal end thereof, a clasp portion having a downwardly facing open channel into which an upper seam of the radiator is locatable.

[0031] Preferably each of said first and second upright members are provided with a weakened portion extending in a direction transverse to a main length direction of said upright member, where the weakened portion separates the upright member into an upper portion and a lower portion.

[0032] Preferably said weakened portion divides said upright member into an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said upper and lower portions are detachable from each other along said weakened portion [0033] Preferably said weakened portion extends across a said first or second upright member at a distance in the range 120 mm to 150 mm from the lower most extremity of said corresponding first or second upright member.

[0034] Said weakened portion may comprise a plurality of apertures lying in a line and separated from each other.

[0035] Preferably the first and second upright members and the at least one lateral member are provided as a single manufactured component, either pre-assembled from individual components, or formed of a single sheet of metal.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a radiator cabinet for fitting around a wall-mounted radiator, said radiator cabinet comprising: a first upright side panel; a second upright side panel; an upper panel; and a lower panel; wherein each of said first and second upright side panels has a locating means for locating said respective side panel to a wall-mounting bracket.

[0037] Said locating means may comprise a pair of pre-formed opposing apertures, located one on each of said first and second side panels, said apertures located at a predetermined height above a lower edge of said first and second side panels, and each aperture located at a predetermined depth from the rear edges of a corresponding respective said side first or second panel.

[0038] Each said aperture may be located within an indented portion of a wall of a corresponding respective said first or second side panel.

[0039] Said locating means suitably comprise a tubular member extending perpendicularly to and projecting inwardly from a main plane of said side panel towards a centre of said radiator cabinet.

[0040] Preferably said upper panel comprises a locating means for locating said upper panel in an upper portion of a radiator mounting bracket.

[0041] Said locating means of said upper panel suitably comprise a downwardly protruding flange.

[0042] Said first and second upright side panels may each have a plurality of markings which identify positions at which removable knock-out portions are provided, each surrounded by a weakened line in the material of the panel, where knocking or punching out the portion leaves an aperture having its perimeter coincident with the weakened line. The weakened line may be formed by any suitable means, for example by pressing or stamping, or may be laser cut.

[0043] The upper panel, lower panel, and first and second side panels and 15 one or more front panels may be formed as a single sub assembly.

[0044] The upper panel, lower panel, first and second side panels may be formed as a single sub assembly, and there may be provided a detachable front panel which removably fits to the sub assembly.

[0045] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second spaced apart upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second upright plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second spaced apart upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second spaced apart upright plates; wherein each of said first and second upright plates comprises a respective upper portion and a lower portion, and between said upper and lower portions, a weakened line extending from one side of said upright plate to another.

[0046] Each said weakened line may comprise a row of elongate apertures extending across said upright plate.

[0047] Preferably said weakened line is located at a distance in the range 120 mm to 150 mm above a lower most extremity of said upright plates, so that each said lower portion has a height of between 120 mm and 150 mm.

[0048] Preferably said mounting bracket further comprises a first laterally extending arm rigidly connected to said first upright plate; a second laterally extending arm rigidly connected to said second upright plate, said first laterally extending arm extending outwardly of said first upright plate and said second laterally extending arm extending outwardly of said second upright member in an opposite direction to said first laterally extending arm.

[0049] Preferably each said laterally extending arm has a distal end comprising a fixing location for fixing a radiator side panel.

[0050] Preferably each of said first and second upright plates comprises a plurality of mounting apertures for fixing said plate to an adjacent wall; said mounting apertures comprising: a first upper mounting aperture at an upper end of said first upright member; a second upper mounting aperture at an upper end of said second upright member; a first upper intermediate level aperture located on said first upright member below said first upper mounting aperture; a second upper intermediate level mounting aperture located on said second upright member below said second upper mounting aperture; a first lower mounting aperture located on a lower portion of said first upright member; a second lower mounting aperture located at a lower portion of said second upright member; a first lower intermediate level mounting aperture mounted on said first upright member above said weakened line of said first upright member, and a second lower intermediate level mounting aperture mounted on said second upright member above said weakened line of said second upright member.

[0051] Each said upright member may comprise: an outer plate extending along a full length of said first upright member; an inner plate extending along said length of said first upright member. and a central plate located between said outer plate and said inner plate; wherein said outer plate projects beyond an upper extremity of said inner plate and beyond an upper extremity of said central plate.

[0052] An upper portion of said outer plate may be provided with a flange which extends in a direction transverse to a main plane coinciding with a rear surface of said outer plate.

[0053] The invention includes a mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: at least one rigid plate member; 1 0 at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said at least one rigid plate member; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said at least one rigid plate member; a first mounting position on a first side of said at least one rigid plate member for mounting a first radiator cabinet side; and a second mounting position on a second side of said at least one rigid plate member for mounting a second radiator cabinet side.

[0054] Preferably said at least one lower mounting arm comprises a rotatable seating member; and said at least one upper mounting arm comprises a resiliently biased member capable of moving towards or away from said rotatable seating member.

[0055] Preferably said at least one rigid plate member comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and a weakened portion between said upper and lower portions, wherein said lower portion is detachable from said upper portion by breaking said plate along said weakened portion.

[0056] In the embodiments described above, the mounting bracket is self-jigging without the need for any additional template, and provides all of the alignment required to fit a wall mounted radiator at a consistent height above floor level and with radiator cabinet optimally aligned around the radiator so that any protruding controls such as thermostatic controls are optimally aligned with apertures in the radiator cabinet.

[0057] The externally visible parts of the radiator cabinet are not required to be present at first fit installation and can be kept in pristine condition in their packaging.

[0058] The radiator, radiator casing and mounting bracket may be provided as a kit for installation of a radiator and casing, including the mounting arms for the mounting bracket.

[0059] According to a further aspect there is provided a mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second upright plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; wherein at least one of said upper or lower mounting arms comprises a rotatable seating member for seating a seam of a radiator.

[0060] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein. All individual technical features recited in the claims herein, and all combinations, permutations and selections of technical features appearing in the claims herein are incorporated into this summary of invention by reference.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0061] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a prior art wall-mounted panel radiator typical of a domestic central heating system; Figure 2 illustrates schematically a set of mounting brackets on one side of a prior art wall mounted panel radiator for hanging the radiator of a set of wall mounted brackets fitted to a wall; Figure 3 illustrates schematically in perspective view a panel radiator mounted on a novel mounting bracket disclosed herein and surrounded by a novel radiator cabinet; Figure 4 illustrates schematically a novel radiator mounting bracket according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates schematically an upper portion of the novel radiator mounting bracket of Figure 4 herein; Figure 6 illustrates schematically a lower portion of the novel radiator mounting bracket of Figure 4 herein; Figure 7 illustrates schematically a detail of a lower mounting arm of the novel radiator mounting bracket, Figure 8 herein illustrates schematically a detail of a lower portion of an upright member, showing a breakable or detachable lower portion of the mounting bracket; Figure 9 herein illustrates schematically location of a side of a novel radiator cabinet with a laterally extending locating arm of the mounting bracket; and Figure 10 herein illustrates schematically pre-located apertures formed on a side panel of the radiator cabinet, at predetermined locations which are designed to align with connectors of a wall mounted radiator when the radiator and the radiator case are fitted to a mounting bracket as shown in figures 4 to 8 herein; Figure 11 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from above and one side a second embodiment radiator assembly comprising a second radiator, second mounting bracket and second casing according to a second specific embodiment in fully assembled condition; Figure 12 herein illustrates schematically in view from the front the second radiator and casing of Figure 11 herein; Figure 13 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear the second radiator casing with mounting bracket and radiator; Figure 14 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the second radiator casing and radiator fully assembled; Figure 15 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath the second radiator casing, radiator and mounting bracket; Figure 16 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side a first side of the second embodiment radiator assembly, Figure 17 herein illustrates schematically in view from another side, a second side of the second radiator assembly; Figure 18 herein illustrates schematically in view form the rear the second casing when empty; Figure 19 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the second casing when empty; Figure 20 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath the second casing when empty; Figure 21 herein illustrates schematically in view from the front the casing of the second radiator assembly absent of a front cover panel; Figure 22 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the second radiator assembly absent of the front cover panel; Figure 23 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the second radiator assembly without casing side panels and without casing front panel; Figure 24 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the front, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed; Figure 25 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the rear, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed; Figure 26 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from above, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed; Figure 27 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from underneath, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed; Figure 28 herein illustrates schematically in view form one side the second radiator assembly having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed; Figure 29 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side, the second radiator assembly having the first and second side panels, front cover panel and underside panel removed; Figure 30 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the front, having the front cover panel, lower front panel, underside panel and the first and second side panels removed, and showing the second radiator mounted to the second mounting bracket or frame; Figure 31 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the rear having the front cover panel, lower front panel, underside panel and the first and second side panels removed, and showing the second radiator mounted to the second mounting frame; Figure 32 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels; Figure 33 herein illustrates schematically in view from below the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels; Figure 34 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels; Figure 35 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels; Figure 36 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and to the other side, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and without the second radiator casing fitted; Figure 37 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing; Figure 38 herein illustrates schematically in view from above, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing; Figure 39 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath, the 30 second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing; 10 15 20 Figure 40 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing; Figure 41 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing; Figure 42 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in in view from the front; Figure 43 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from the rear; Figure 44 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from above; Figure 45 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from underneath; Figure 46 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from one side, Figure 47 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting bracket in view from the other side; Figure 48 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side, an upper portion of the second mounting frame showing a first upper mounting arm; Figure 49 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side an upper portion of the second mounting frame showing a second upper mounting arm, Figure 50 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a first lateral mounting arm of the second mounting frame; Figure 51 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a second lateral mounting arm of the second mounting frame; Figure 52 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a first lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame; Figure 53 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front 15 and one side a second lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame; Figure 54 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from one side the first upper mounting arm; Figure 55 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view, a first upright beam member of the second mounting frame; Figure 56 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member of the second mounting frame in view from the rear; Figure 57 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member of in view from above; Figure 58 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member in view from underneath; Figure 59 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member in view from one side; Figure 60 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member in view from the other side; Figure 61 herein illustrates schematically an upper section of the first upright beam member showing apertures for fitting the beam to a wall, and a slot and an aperture for fitting the first upper mounting arm; Figure 62 herein illustrates schematically a lower portion of the first upright beam, showing apertures for mounting the first upright beam member to a wall, apertures for fitting the first lower mounting arm, and a break line for detaching a lowermost portion of the first upright member; Figure 63 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view form one side the first upright member with the first upper and lower mounting arms attached; Figure 64 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear, the first 20 upright beam member of the second mounting frame; Figure 65 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear, the second upright beam member of the second mounting frame; Figure 66 herein illustrates schematically in view from above, the first upright beam member with first upper and lower mounting arms attached; Figure 67 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath, the first upright beam member with upper and lower mounting arms attached; Figure 68 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the first upper mounting arm; Figure 69 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the front, Figure 70 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the rear; Figure 71 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from above; Figure 72 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from underneath; Figure 73 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view form one side; Figure 74 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the other side; Figure 75 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame in perspective view from one side; Figure 76 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in front view; Figure 77 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from the rear; and Figure 78 illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from 30 above; Figure 79 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm from below; Figure 80 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from one side; Figure 81 illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from the other side; and Figure 82 illustrates schematically a third radiator cabinet which can be used with the radiator mounting brackets described herein.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0062] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0063] In the following description the terms mounting bracket and mounting frame are used interchangeably to mean the same thing.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, a wall mounted domestic residential or commercial central heating radiator 300 installed mounted onto a wall, and surrounded by an outer casing 301. The radiator is mounted to the wall by attachment to a novel wall hanging bracket as disclosed herein. The outer casing 301 comprises an upper panel 302; a first side panel 303; a second side panel 304; and a lower panel 305.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view a radiator wall mounting bracket according to a first specific embodiment.

[0066] A radiator mounting frame 400 comprises a first upright member 401; a second upright member 402 spaced apart from and substantially parallel to said first upright member; a first laterally extending member 403, rigidly connected between said first and second upright member; a second laterally extending member 404, rigidly connected between said first and second upright member; a first lower mounting arm 405 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main length direction of said first upright member; a second lower mounting arm 406 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main length direction of said second upright member; a first upper mounting arm 407 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main length direction of said first upright member; a second upper mounting arm 408 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of said second upright member; a first laterally extending arm 409 extending outwardly of said first upright member; a second laterally extending arm 410 extending outwardly of said second upright member.

[0067] The first upright member 401 comprises an elongate pressed or stamped plate of sheet metal material having a first substantially flat outer plate 410; a second substantially flat outer plate 411; wherein the first and second substantially flat outer plates lie on a same plane as each other; and an inner substantially flat plate 412 positioned between the first and second outer plates 410, 411, the inner plate being substantially flat, wherein the inner plate lies on a plane which is parallel to but offset from the main plane which coincides with the first and second outer plates, so that the inner plate 412 protrudes forwardly from the first and second outer plates 410, 411.

[0068] As viewed from the front, the first outer plate 410 projects upwardly higher than and beyond the maximum extent of the second outer plate 411, and beyond the height of the first upper mounting arm 407.

[0069] The second upright member 402 comprises an elongate pressed or stamped plate of sheet metal material having a first substantially flat outer plate 413, a second substantially flat outer plate 414; wherein the first and second substantially flat outer plates lie on a same plane as each other; and an inner substantially flat plate 415 positioned between the first and second outer plates 413, 414, the inner plate being substantially flat, wherein the inner plate lies on a plane which is parallel to but offset from the main plane which coincides with the first and second outer plates, so that the inner plate 415 protrudes forwardly from the first and second outer plates 413, 414 of the second upright member.

[0070] Similarly, the first outer plate 413 of the second upright member projects upwardly to a greater height than the height of the second outer plate 414 of the second upright member and protrudes above a height of the second mounting arm 408.

[0071] An upper portion 416 of the first outer plate has at one edge a perpendicularly extending portion 417 which forms a substantially "L" shaped profile in view from above in combination with the upper part of the first outer plate 410. The perpendicularly extending portion 417 has at its upper end an open slot 418.

[0072] Similarly, an upper portion 419 of the first outer plate has at one edge a perpendicularly extending portion 420 which forms a substantially "L" shaped profile in view from above in combination with the upper part of the first outer plate 413 of the second upright member. The perpendicularly extending portion 420 has at its upper end an open slot for location of an upper panel of a radiator casing.

[0073] The second upright member 402 is constructed equivalently as described with reference to the first upright member, with the exception that the second upright member is substantially a mirror image of the first upright member.

[0074] First laterally extending member 403 is stamped or pressed from a flat plate of metal and comprises a substantially rectangular elongate plate 421 having a turned over upper edge 422, a turned over lower edge 423, each extending between first and second ends of the rectangular elongate plate.

Similarly, second laterally extending member 404 comprises a substantially rectangular elongate plate 425 having on one side a first turned over edge 426, and on a lower side a second turned over edge 427.

[0075] A first end of the first laterally extending cross member 403 is fixed to the second (inner) upright plate member 411 of the first upright member, and a second end of the first laterally extending member 403 is fixed to second (inner) upright plate member 415 of the second upright member. Similarly, a first end of the second laterally extending member 404 is fixed to the second outer upright plate member 411 level of the first member, and a second end of the second laterally extending member 404 is fixed to a second outer upright plate member 415 of the second upright member 402.

[0076] First laterally extending arm 409 comprises a flat plate member 430 which extends outwardly of the first (outer) plate member 410 of the first upright member 401, having at its lower edge, and angled flange 431 to add rigidity. At a distal end, the first laterally extending arm comprises a bent over plate 432 having an aperture and a spring clip for receiving a screw or other fastener.

[0077] Similarly, second laterally extending arm 410 comprises a flat plate member 435 which extends outwardly of the first (outer) plate member 413 of the second upright member 402, having at its lower edge, and angled flange 436 to add rigidity. At a distal end, the second laterally extending arm comprises a bent over plate 437 having an aperture and a spring clip for receiving a screw or other fastener.

[0078] The first and second laterally extending arms 409, 410 protrude outwardly in opposite directions to each other. In use, the laterally extending arms project outwardly beyond the width of a radiator which is attached to the mounting bracket and provide mounting positions for the upright sidewalls of the surrounding radiator cabinet.

[0079] The frame is mounted to a wall by means of a plurality of mounting apertures provided in the first and second upright members 401, 402 and on the laterally extending arms 409, 410. A first lateral mounting aperture 440 is provided 1 0 in the first lateral arm 409, and a second lateral mounting aperture 441 is provided in second lateral arm 410. A first lower mounting aperture 442 is provided at a lower end of the first upright member 401, and a second lower mounting aperture 443 is provided at a lower end of the second upright member 402. A first intermediate lower mounting aperture 444 is provided on the first upright member 401 at a position above the first lower mounting aperture; and a second intermediate level mounting aperture 445 is provided on the second upright 402 at a position above the second lower mounting aperture 443.

[0080] Referring to Figure 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically a further view of an upper portion of the radiator wall mounting bracket of Figure 4 herein showing first and second upper mounting arms 407, 408. Each upper mounting arm comprises a substantially horizontally extending portion 500, 501 which protrudes outwardly from a main plane which the first and second upright members and the lateral members occupy, that is, projecting outwardly of the wall to which the mounting bracket is mounted.

[0081] Considering first mounting arm 500, a proximal end of the mounting arm is attached to an upright clip member 502 which clips over either side of the protruding central plate 412 which stands spaced apart from a plane which coincides with the rear of the mounting bracket. Clip member 502 of the first upper mounting arm engages around an upper portion of the first upright member 401, so that the first clip member 502 clips over the top of the first upright member 401.

Clip member 502 may be provided with one or more protrusions which engage with one or more apertures in the upper portion of the first upright member 401 to retain the clip member in place. A proximal end of horizontally extending arm 500 is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the clip 502, so that the distal end of horizontally extending arm 500 can raise or lower. There is also provided a tension spring 505, a lower end of which is retained in a aperture or other securing fastening to the first upright member 401, and an upper end of which is attached to the substantially horizontally extending arm 500, so that the tension spring biases the arm down towards the lower mounting arms 405, 406. Each mounting arm 500, 501 comprises a substantially box shaped cross-section having at a distal end a curved engaging substantially "U" shaped clasp which is shaped for engaging an upper rim or seam of a radiator, the "U" shaped channel being open and downwardly facing, and extending in a direction parallel to a main plane coincident with a rear surface of the mounting frame, said direction also being perpendicular with a main length direction of said upper mounting arm.

[0082] Distal end of the first horizontally extending upper arm 500 comprises a curved portion 510 having an open lower end, in the shape of an inverted substantially "U" shaped channel which fits over an upper rim or seam of a radiator, so that in use a peripheral seam of the radiator can be located in the lower arms, tilted or swung on the lower arms until the upper part of the seam is under the upper arms, and the upper arms are pivoted upwardly to allow the U shaped channel distal ends of the arms to clear the top of the seam. The upper arms are resiliently biased by the tension springs to clip over the upper seam of the radiator to hold the radiator in place by its peripheral seam between the upper and lower arms.

[0083] Also shown in Figure 5 herein are a first upper mounting aperture 520 at an upper end of the outer plate 416 of the first upright member 401; a second upper mounting aperture 521 at an upper end of the outer plate 417 of the second upright member; a first intermediate mounting aperture 522 at an upper end of the inner plate 411 of the first upright member; a second intermediate mounting aperture 523 at an upper end of the inner plate 414 of the second upright member 402.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view a lower portion of the mounting bracket showing the first and second lower arms 405, 406. In the embodiment shown each of the lower arms 405, 406 are constructed identically rather than in separate left and right-handed versions to reduce manufacturing cost.

[0085] First lower arm 405 comprises at a proximal end which connects to the first upright member 401, a flat plate member 600 having at an upper end a turned over lip portion which clips over the thickness of the plate metal of the central portion 412, via an aperture 601 in the central portion of the first upright member; a flat laterally extending arm member 602 having at a distal end a part circular aperture into which is fitted a rotatable mounting piece 603.

[0086] The rotatable mounting piece 603 is preferably a plastics injection moulded component having a body comprising an overall substantially circular disc-shaped lower part extending to an angle of approximately 270° and an open upper channel portion into which one side of a radiator including a lower part of a seam around the radiator can be rested. Around a part circular outer perimeter of the body there is provided an annular slot or groove which fits over a part circular perimeter of an aperture in the distal end of the arm 602, allowing the mounting piece 603 to rotate in the circular aperture with a central axis of rotation which lies spaced apart from and parallel to a main plane which coincides with the rear faces of the mounting bracket.

[0087] The width of the peripheral groove around the outer perimeter of the body of the mounting piece is preferably wide enough so that the bearing surface of the mounting piece on the inside of the circular aperture in the end of the lower mounting arm is a circular cylindrical surface, and the flat annular side surfaces the peripheral groove have enough distance from the opposing outer faces of the lower mounting arms to avoid any significant friction between the flat sides of the groove and the opposing flat sides of the lower mounting arms.

[0088] The channel in the rotatable mounting piece 603 is wide enough to accommodate a lower part of the radiator, and the channel has at its base a groove or slot into which the seam fits. Preferably within the channel of the rotatable mounting pieces, the base of the radiator sits on the peripheral edge of the seam, and the width of the slot within the channel is wide enough to clear the sides of the seams so as to reduce friction between the sides of the seam and the side walls of the slots. The groove or slot is wide enough so that the seam can slide freely in the groove or slot, with a lower part of the seam resting on the base of the groove or slot. Preferably the rotatable mounting pieces on the lower support arms are made of a low friction plastics material, for example PTFE or like material. The low-friction plastics material of the rotatable mounting piece allows the radiator to be moved laterally with minimum friction. By supporting the radiator by outer seam, this reduces friction in the lateral direction, allowing an installer to more easily adjust placement of the radiator horizontally.

[0089] Similarly, as the second lower arm is constructed identically to the first lower arm, a second rotatable mounting piece 604 of the second lower arm aligns along a same axis of rotation as the first mounting piece of the first lower arm so that in use as a radiator is lifted into the upwardly facing channels of the mounting pieces of the lower arms the radiator can be tilted about the rotation of axis and swung between a first position in which a main plane bisecting the radiator is at an angle to the vertical, up to a vertical position. Taking the vertical as being 00, the range of angular movement of the radiator in the mounting pieces may be from around 315°, through 0°! 360° to around + 5°, to enable the upper seam of the radiator to locate in the clasps on the distal ends of the upper mounting arms 407, 408.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7 herein, there is illustrated schematically lower portion of the second upright member 402 showing in more detail the outer and inner plates 413, 414 of the upright member and the forwardly protruding central plate section 415. As shown in Figure 7, a lower portion of the second upright member 402 is provided with a foot portion 700 which extends substantially 90° to the main plane which coincides with the rear surface of the mounting bracket. The purpose of the foot portion 700 is to locate the lower portion of the mounting bracket with a floor of the room in which the radiator is being mounted. The first upright member also has a corresponding foot portion.

[0091] Each of the first and second upright members are provided with a 1 0 weakened portion which extends in a direction transverse to a main upright length direction of said upright member, in this case, shown horizontally when the mounting bracket is mounted to a wall. In the example shown, the weakened portion is provided at a horizontal level above the lower most points of the second upright member 402 a plurality of horizontal slot apertures 701. The purpose of the slot apertures is to provide a weak point in the upright members where the lower part of the upright members can be cut or snapped off or detached with minimum effort, whilst retaining enough metal between the adjacent slot members so that the lower part of the upright members are strongly attached to the rest of the upright member.

[0092] Slot apertures are used in the example shown for ease of manufacture, however in other embodiments a line weakness may be formed by a line, crease or pinch of the metal material, where the line, crease or pinch is of a lower thickness than the surrounding material or by a row of circular apertures.

[0093] Referring to Figure 8 herein, there is shown the lower portion of the first upright member showing the corresponding foot portion 800 of the first upright member and a set of slot apertures 801-804 to provide a weak point in the first upright member at the same horizontal level as for the second upright member.

[0094] Preferably, the lower part of the upright members below the weakened line can be bent about the weakened line using normal manual force without tools, so that the lower parts of the upright members can be snapped off by bending the backwards and forwards. Alternatively, the lower parts of the upright members should be detachable easily using only a small hacksaw, and avoiding the need for the fitter to use a battery-powered or mains powered disc cutter.

[0095] Many modern skirting boards have a height of around 120 mm, and so the weakened portion is preferably located a distance of 120 mm or above the lowest part of each upright member, and preferably in the range 120 mm to 150mm, so that the mounting bracket can be mounted on a wall above the skirting board, using the top of the skirting board as the datum for resting the upright members on instead of floor level and avoiding the need to cut the skirting board.

[0096] Referring to Figure 9 herein, there is illustrated schematically the second lateral arm 410 of the mounting bracket, which is partially obscured by a radiator fitted to the mounting bracket. A distal end of the second laterally extending arm 410 is provided with a screw threaded aperture. A second side panel 900 of an outer radiator cabinet is provided with a circular cylindrical tubular stub 901 which projects perpendicularly to the main plane of the second side panel and which aligns with the screw threaded aperture in the end plate 437 of the second laterally extending arm 410, so that the vertical and horizontal position of the second side 900 of the radiator cabinet is located accurately relative to the mounting bracket and relative to the radiator mounted on the mounting bracket. A locating screw may be inserted into the tubular stub 901, which has an annular or frusto-conical portion partially closing off a distal end through which a threaded portion of the screw may fit, retaining the head of the screw in the circular cylindrical tunnel formed by the tubular stub.

[0097] A first radiator cabinet side on the opposite side of the radiator cabinet has a corresponding tubular stub which coincides with a screw threaded aperture on the first lateral arm 409 of the mounting bracket so that the first side of the radiator cabinet aligns vertically and horizontally in a predetermined fixed relationship and spacing to the mounting bracket.

[0098] The mounting frame as described herein is designed to fit on to a wall between a radiator and the wall to which the mounting frame is secured, with a pair of laterally extending arms protruding either side of the radiator, and with a pair of upper arms 418, 419 protruding above an upper extremity of the radiator.

Radiator cabinet [0099] Referring to Figure 10 herein, there is illustrated schematically a portion of one of the side panels of the radiator cabinet.

[0100] The radiator cabinet 301 comprises an upper panel 302; a first side panel 303; a second side panel 304; and a lower panel 305. First side panel 303 comprises a first locating means for locating the first side panel in fixed relationship with first laterally extending arm 409. Second side panel 304 comprises a second locating means for locating the second side panel in fixed relationship with the second laterally extending arm 410 mounting bracket, so that each of the first and second side panels are correctly aligned with each other at the same vertical level, and are each spaced apart horizontally by the same distance from a central vertical line of symmetry through the mounting bracket. The upper panel 302 comprises a locating means in the form of a downwardly extending flange which fits into the first 418 and second slots on the upwardly extending portions 416, 419 of the respective first and second upright members in order to locate the upper panel at a fixed horizontal distance from a main plane which coincides with the rear facing surface of the mounting bracket.

[0101] For each radiator type, a corresponding radiator cabinet may be provided with preformed apertures as shown in Figure 10 through which may pass a part of a thermostatic valve, or other temperature control.

[0102] To accommodate either left side or right side fitting of a thermostatic valve, and fitting of the thermostatic valve either at an upper position or a lower position on each side of the radiator, the locations of the apertures may be pre marked on the insides side of the radiator side panels at the point of manufacture.

The pre-determined hole positions are delineated by lines of weakness in the material of the side panel, preferably marked on the inside of the panel so that the lines are not visible from the outside if the hole is not to be formed. The installer punches out a portion of material from within a line of weakness in the material so that the material portion breaks away from the remaining panel material leaving a neatly formed aperture at the predetermined location. Alternatively, the apertures may be pre-formed factory to suit a particular configuration of radiator and positioning of thermostatic radiator control.

[0103] The radiator cabinet side panels, upper panel and front panel can be fabricated from any suitable material, for example pressed steel, aluminium, medium density fibre board (MDF) or the like and may be either painted or provided with an outer decorative surface finish, for example natural wood veneer, or plastics laminate.

[0104] As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, as there are many different types of radiator having different height, width and depth dimensions, a corresponding range of height, width and depth dimension is for the mounting brackets disclosed herein may be produced, corresponding to each type of radiator and surrounding radiator cabinet, and the invention as claimed is not limited to or restricted to the precise dimensions or relative dimensions disclosed herein unless the claims specifically states otherwise.

Installing the mounting bracket, radiator and radiator casing [0105] The mounting bracket may be supplied as a single rigid framework consisting of the upright members 401, 402, the lateral cross members 403, 404 and the laterally extending side arms 409, 410 pre-fabricated, and with the lower mounting arms 405, 406 and the upper mounting arms 407, 408 being supplied as separate components in the same box or package for attachment to the frame after the frame is attached to the wall.

[0106] The frame, as well as supporting the radiator on the wall, provides all of the distances and spacing which the fitter or installer would otherwise have to determine themselves, so all that the installer has to do is offer the mounting bracket up to the wall, judge the optimum horizontal/lateral position of the mounting frame in the room, and drill holes in the wall at positions corresponding to the mounting apertures in the frame. The height position of the radiator is determined by the dimensions of the first and second upright members 401, 402 as the feet of those upright members rest on the floor.

[0107] Where the radiator cabinet is to extend all the way down to the floor, the removable lower portions of the upright members are retained and the lower portions can be secured to the wall using the lower mounting apertures 442, 443.

Alternatively, where the radiator cabinet is of a type which does not extend all the way down to the floor and has a space underneath for floor access by a vacuum cleaner, the lower portions of the frame will need to be removed, but this can be done after marking on the wall the positions of the upper mounting apertures, 520, 521 intermediate level mounting apertures 522, 523 the lateral mounting apertures 440, 441 and the lower intermediate mounting apertures 444, 445 with the mounting aperture positions being marked with the lower portions of the frame still in place.

[0108] On matching the frame up to the wall the frame is already level and already square to the floor and all of the apertures are in place ready to be marked onto the wall or pre-drilled with a small bore drill through the apertures without the need for any separate template.

[0109] After marking the drill positions on the wall, drilling the necessary holes and fitting any necessary wall plugs in the drilled holes, the fitter then secures the mounting frame to the wall using screws or other suitable like fixings.

[0110] Where the radiator cabinet leaves a gap between the floor and the underside of the radiator cabinet, the lower portions of the upright members should be removed before securing the mounting frame to the wall. Removal of the lower portions may be by snapping off the lower portions along the weak lines (rows of elongate apertures in the embodiment shown). This may be achieved by simply applying pressure either side of the line of weakness, with the line of weakness placed on the edge of the table or bench, or across a metal bar or the like depending upon the thickness of the metal and the relative weakness of the connection, or may require light application of a disc cutter if the connection is a stronger connection. Because the line of weakness is in a predetermined position at the point of manufacture there is no need for the fitter to measure where to cut or break the upright members, which saves time.

[0111] With a mounting bracket secured to the wall, the clip portions of the upper mounting arms are slid over the central plate of each of the respective upright members and self-secure in place. The lower mounting arms are clipped into the apertures in the lower parts of the upright members.

[0112] Wth the mounting bracket secured to the wall, and the upper and lower mounting arms in place, the fitter may then make a first fit of the radiator by attaching the radiator to the frame. A lower edge of the radiator is lifted into the rotary mountings 603, 604 of the lower arms and self-locate in place under gravity. Depending on the looseness of the rotary mounting plates in the part circular apertures at the end of the lower mounting arms, the fitter may need to rotate the mountings so that the open end is facing at an angle outwardly to receive the lower end of the radiator. The radiator can then be slid laterally within the lower arms to achieve the correct central placement of the radiator symmetrically with respect to the mounting frame. The relatively low friction material of the rotary mounting 603, 604 enable easy side to side movement of the radiator. The radiator, which is now supported at its lower end in the rotary mountings of the lower mounting arms and which is angled relative to the vertical is then tilted towards the vertical by the fitter with the upper seam of the radiator clipping into place underneath the upper mounting arms which are spring-loaded to raise over the upper seam and are biased to return downwardly clasping the seam between the clasp the members at the distal ends of the upper mounting arms and the rotary mountings at the ends of the lower mounting arms.

[0113] If there is any final lateral adjustment of the radiator to reposition the radiator horizontally, this can be achieved by sliding the radiator horizontally within the upper and lower mounting arms, or by raising upper mounting arms, lightly tapping the radiator horizontally in the required direction of travel and then re-engaging the upper mounting arms on the upper seam of the radiator.

[0114] The fitter then makes a first fit of pipework to the radiator inlet and outlet connections / elbow connections.

Edina the mountina bracket where a skirting board is present [0115] Where a skirting board is present, the lower ends of the upright members 401, 402 are detached either by snapping them off, or with the aid of a small hacksaw along the lines of weakness and the lower part of the remaining upright members above the break line are located on top of the skirting board. The wall is marked or drilled through the wall mounting apertures as described herein above, and the mounting frame is secured to the wall using screws or other like fixings.

[0116] There are generally two types of radiator casing, the first type being the full height type where the radiator casing extends all the way down to the floor level, and the second type being where the radiator casing is wall mounted above floor, and usually above a skirting board, leaving a gap between the underside of the radiator casing and the floor. In the second type, the radiator casing further comprises a horizontal lower panel, which has a grill to allow air flow. According to the embodiments herein, the same mounting frame can be used for two different radiator casing types for the same size radiator, allowing either the first type of full height radiator casing, or the second type of suspended wall mounted radiator due to the detachable lower parts of the upright portions 401, 402 of the mounting frame.

[0117] Where a skirting board is present, the skirting board can be left in situ and either the full height type radiator casing, or the suspended radiator casing can be fitted. Where the full height radiator casing is fitted down to floor level, the installer must cut a rectangular section out of the lower part of each side radiator casing side panel to accommodate the skirting board passing through.

Where the raised off the floor radiator casing is fitted, the underside panel of the radiator casing should be located above the height of the top of the skirting board.

[0118] The detachable snap-off lower parts of the frame allows for a wall mount with a casing where everything is skirting board, including the radiator casing, or a floor mount radiator casing, the mounting plate can still be used without cutting the skirting board, in which case a corresponding piece of the lower parts of the side panels may need to be removed to allow passage of the skirting board.

[0119] Referring to Figures 11 to 81 herein, there is illustrated a second embodiment radiator assembly, comprising a second embodiment radiator mounting bracket and a second embodiment radiator casing. In Figures 11 onwards, like parts or components are given like reference numbers across the Figures.

[0120] Figure 11 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from above and one side a second embodiment radiator assembly 1100 comprising a second radiator 1101, second mounting bracket 1102 and second casing 1103 according to a second specific embodiment. The second casing comprises a first side panel 1104; a second side panel 1105; a top panel 1106; an upper front panel 1107; and a lower front panel 1108. The plurality of panels engage each other to form an enclosed casing which surrounds the second radiator. In the example shown, the radiator casing is a full height casing which extends down to floor level, and there is no panel on the underside of the casing.

[0121] Figure 12 herein illustrates schematically in view from the front the second radiator and casing of Figure 11. The first and second side panels 1104, 1105 lie either side of the top panel 1106, upper front panel 1107 and lower front panel 1108 which lie there between.

[0122] Figure 13 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear the second radiator casing with mounting bracket and radiator. The mounting bracket 1102 comprises a first upright member 1300; a second upright member 1301; a first crossmember 1302 connecting between the first and second upright member; and a second (upper) crossmember 1303 connecting between upper portions of first and second upright members. Each upright member is provided with a corresponding respective laterally extending arm 1304, 1305 which projects laterally, one on either side of the mounting frame for securing the corresponding first and second side panels 1104, and 1105.

[0123] First upright member 1300 comprises a flat elongate central plate member, 1310 having on one side and inner elongate plate member 1311 and on an outer, opposite side and outer elongate plate 1312 so that the central plate member is positioned between the inner and outer elongate plate members 1311, 1012. The inner and outer plate members each have a rear surface which lies on a same plane, and each have a front surface which lies on a same plane. The inner plate member has a rear surface which lies on a plane which is offset from the plane which the inner and outer plate members occupy, and the front outer surface of the inner elongate plate 1310 occupies a plane which is offset from the plane occupied by the front surfaces of the inner and outer upright members 1311, 1312. The first laterally extending arm 1304 has a rear surface which occupies a same plane as the rear surface of the inner and outer elongate plate members 1311, 1312, and similarly has a front surface which lies on the same plane of the front outer surfaces of the inner and outer plate members thousand 1311, 1312.

[0124] The second upright member 1301 is a mirror image of the first upright member. The rear surfaces of the inner and outer upright plates 1313, 1314 of the second upright member lie on a same plane as the rear surfaces of the inner and outer upright plates 1311, 1312 of the first upright member.

[0125] Upper ends of the first and second upright members are connected together by upper plate beam 1303, and lower plate 1302 connects the inner elongate plate members 1311, 1313 of the respective first and second upright members. The first and second upright members are connected together by the lower beam at a height which is above a break-line denoted by a line of apertures on each of the first and second upright members which enables the lower portions of the first and second upright members to be relatively easily removed by snapping or breaking the lower portion of each upright member away from the remaining portion of said upright member. m the rest of the upright member provided in the respective first and second 003 13 Plate member [0126] Figure 14 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the second radiator casing and radiator in fully assembled condition. The second radiator in 1101 can be seen through the grille comprising a centre portion of the top panel 1106.

[0127] Figure 15 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath the second radiator casing, radiator and mounting bracket. At a distal end 1500 of the first laterally extending arm 1304, the first side panel 1104 is attached to the end of the laterally extending arm by a screw, not and bolts, or other fixing means. Similarly, the distal end 1501 of the second laterally extending arm 1305 is secured to the second side panel 1105.

[0128] Figure 16 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side a first side of the second embodiment radiator assembly. A first fixing device, in this case a screw 1601 passes through the first side panel 1104 to engage with a distal end of the first laterally extending arm of the mounting bracket.

[0129] Figure 17 herein illustrates schematically in view from another side, a second side of the second radiator assembly. A second fixing device in the form of a screw 1602 passes through the second side panel 1105 to engage with a distal end 1501 of the second laterally extending arm 1305 to secure the second side panel to the mounting frame. Also shown in Figure 17 at an upper end of the second side panel are a plurality of push out apertures 1700, 1701, being portions of the wall of the second side panel which have been weakened so that they can be knocked or pushed out if required. Each push out aperture has its centre positioned along a line which extends along the central axis of a corresponding respective plumbing connection point at the upper end of the radiator, so that if the wall material occupying the aperture is knocked out, to form the aperture the aperture aligns with the plumbing connection point, enabling centralised location of a radiator valve or other plumbing connection, within or through the aperture.

[0130] Figure 18 herein illustrates schematically in view form the rear the second casing when empty. First side panel 1104 is provided with a crater shaped indent 1800 having an aperture, through which a screw, bolt or other fixing device can be passed to attach the wall of the first side panel to the first laterally extending arm one 1304 of the mounting bracket. Similarly, the second side panel 1105 has an indent and aperture for accommodation of the head of a fixing device such as a screw or nut, for fixing the second side panel to a distal end of the second lateral arm 1305 of the mounting bracket.

[0131] Figure 19 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the second casing when empty, and without the radiator or second mounting bracket.

[0132] Figure 20 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath the second casing when empty, and absent the second radiator and the second mounting bracket.

[0133] Figure 21 herein illustrates schematically in view from the front the casing of the second radiator assembly absent of the upper front cover panel, and showing positioning of the radiator within the casing. The radiator 1101 is hung on the mounting bracket and within the radiator casing. The radiator is secured between a pair of lower mounting arms 2100, 2101 which are located opposite a corresponding pair of upper mounting arms 2102, 2103. The radiator is positioned between the distal ends of the first and second lateral arms and between the uppermost and lower most pads of the second mounting frame.

[0134] Ambient air can circulate through the radiator casing by entering through a plurality of slats in the lower front radiator panel 1108, passing up through the radiator adjacent the walls of the radiator 1101 and out through the grille or slats 2105 in the top radiator.

[0135] Figure 22 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the second radiator assembly absent of the upper front cover panel.

[0136] Figure 23 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the second radiator assembly without the casing side panels and without the casing upper front panel.

[0137] Figure 24 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the front, having the first and second side panels, front cover panels, and underside panel removed. As shown in Figure 24, at a distal end of the first lateral arm 1304 there is provided a first lateral spacer 2400 which locates between the distal end of the first lateral arm and an inside surface of the wall of the first outer side panel. A single design of the second mounting frame may be used for several different designs of outer casing having different outer shapes, and different shapes of side panel. The lateral spacer 2400 can be varied in length depending upon the particular design of outer casing. Each separate design of outer casing may be provided with the second mounting bracket in kit, the kit comprising the second mounting frame; a second radiator 1101; and the outer casing comprising top panel 1106; first and second side panels 1104, 1105; upper front panel 1107, and lower front panel 1108, and including first and second lateral spacer is 2400, 2401.

[0138] Figure 25 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the rear, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed.

[0139] Figure 26 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from above, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed.

[0140] Figure 27 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from underneath, having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed.

[0141] Figure 28 herein illustrates schematically in view form one side the second radiator assembly having the first and second side panels, front cover panel, and underside panel removed. The first upper arm 2102 comprises a sheet metal arm having on an underside, a pair of slots into each of which an outer seam or rim of the radiator 1101 locates. The first upper arm 2102 is at a slightly higher position than the second upper arm 2103 which also has a pair of slots on its lower most edge each of which is intended to locate with a radiator seam. The radiator may have a single panel or two panels in parallel to each other. Whether radiator has a single panel, the outer almost distal of the slats of the upper arms locate with the seam of the single radiator panel. Where the radiator has two radiator panels arranged side-by-side, the seam of the outermost radiator panel locates with the more distal ones of the slots or channels, and the peripheral seam around the innermost radiator panel locates in the innermost slats of the upper arms.

[0142] Similarly, the peripheral seam of the outermost radiator panel locates within an upwardly facing slot of the first lower arm 2100 and the second lower arm 2101 and where an inner radiator panel is present, an outer peripheral seam of the inner radiator panel locates in an innermost upwardly facing slot of the first lower radiator arm 2100, and in an innermost upwardly facing slot of the second lower arm 2101. The slots in the lower arms lie opposite the slots in the upper arms and act to locate the peripheral seams of the radiator panels at a fixed and prespecified distance away from a backplane 2800 coinciding with an 1 0 outermost rear surface of the mounting frame, and in use, coinciding with a flat outer surface of a wall to which the mounting bracket is secured. As the radiator is mounted in fixed location in terms of spacing from the rear plane 2800 and at a fixed and predetermined height relative to the lower most extremity of the outer frame, which coincides with a floor level, and because the upper and lower mounting arms are in fixed spatial relationship to the fixing points at the end of the first and second lateral arms for fixing the outer side panels of the casing, this means that the plumbing points or tubes 2801, 2802 of the radiator are at predetermined fixed locations, and therefore can align accurately with any apertures is which are provided as pre-formed knockout sections.

[0143] Figure 29 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side, the second radiator assembly having the first and second side panels, front cover panel and underside panel removed.

[0144] Figure 30 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the front, having the front cover panel, lower front panel, underside panel and the first and second side panels removed, and showing the second radiator mounted to the second mounting frame. In the example shown in Figure 30, the lower portions 3000, 3001 of the respective first and second upright members of the second frame are shown remaining attached to the rest of the frame. This may be appropriate where there is no skirting board and therefore the mounting frame can be mounted flush to a wall. However where a skirting board is provided, the lower portions of the upright members can be detached either by grinding along the lines of apertures which extend side to side across the upright members to detach the lower portions, or by snapping off the lower portions which will break off along the lines of apertures. The lines of apertures are provided at a predetermined fixed distance above the lowermost points of the upright members, at a position which clears most skirting boards, so that with the lowermost portions of the members detached, the mounting frame can be fitted flush and in contact with the wall whilst leaving the skirting board remaining intact. This makes fitting the mounting frame much quicker than if the skirting board had to be removed, cut and replaced either side of the mounting frame. A preferred height of the break lines provided by the lines of apertures is in the range 120mm to 150mm above the lowermost extremity of the upright members.

[0145] Figure 31 herein illustrates schematically the second radiator assembly in view from the rear having the front cover panel, lower front panel, underside panel and the first and second side panels removed, and showing the second radiator mounted to the second mounting frame.

[0146] Figure 32 herein illustrates schematically in view from above the 20 second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels.

[0147] Figure 33 herein illustrates schematically in view from below the 25 second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels.

[0148] Figure 34 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side the 30 second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels.

[0149] Figure 35 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and having the top cover panel fitted, without the remaining cover panels.

[0150] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the first and second lower arms which support the underside of the radiator are positioned at a same vertical level, so that horizontally, the upper surfaces of the first second lower arms are level 1 0 with each other, whereas the first and second upper arms can be located at slightly different levels, so that the underside of the second upper arm 2103 is lower than the underside of the first upper arm 2102, or vice versa. This means that the radiator can be secured by the two lower arms and a single upper arm in the embodiment shown. The facility to set the upper arms, at a different vertical height allows for fitting of a different radiator of a different height. The mounting bracket is therefore versatile enough to accommodate different types of radiator, of a similar height, for example produced by different manufacturers.

[0151] Also shown in Figures 34 and 35 is the location of the upper panel of the radiator casing into a pair of slots 3400, 3500 provided in respective peripheral upright flanges 3401, 3402 of the first and second upright members. The pair of upwardly facing slots are provided at a same vertical height as each other and locate a rear flange of the upper radiator casing panel at a predetermined distance from a rear plane which is coincident with the rear surface of the second mounting frame, and spaces the upper panel of the casing a predetermined distance from a wall to which the second mounting bracket is fixed, as well as locating the upper casing panel at a fixed height relative to the second mounting bracket. The upper casing panel can be slid laterally side to side in the upper facing slots.

[0152] Figure 36 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and to the other side, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator fitted to the second mounting frame and without the second radiator casing fitted. In Figure 36, there is shown location of the peripheral seam around the outer panel of the radiator 1101 engaging in the outermost or distal slots or channels provided in the lower arms 2100, 2101 and second upper arm 2103. In use, due to the low friction material lining the slots in which the seam of the radiator are located, the radiator can be slid laterally from side to side quite easily, whilst being held at a constant height above the base of the second mounting frame and being held at a constant distance from the rear most surface of the mounting frame.

[0153] Figure 37 herein illustrates schematically in view from the rear, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing.

[0154] Figure 38 herein illustrates schematically in view from above, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing.

[0155] Figure 39 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath, 20 the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing.

[0156] Shown in Figures 38 and 39, at the end of each lateral arm 1304, 1305 there is provided a flat sheet metal tab portion 3800, 3801 respectively which extends in a direction perpendicular to a main plane which intersects the rear of the mounting frame, and which protrudes outwardly from the frame. The tab portions 3800, 3801 are each provided with an aperture, through which a screw or other fixing device can be passed in order to mount a corresponding respective spacer to the distal end of the lateral arm.

[0157] Figure 40 herein illustrates schematically in view from one side, the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing. Location of the peripheral seam of the radiator panel in the outermost channels of the upper and lower arms can be seen. Also seen in view from the rear are upper apertures or slots at the upper end of the respective first and second upright members for location of the first and second upper arms. The first and second upper arms can be slid vertically in the slots and secured at a range of vertical positions to adjust the height of the first and second mounting arms.

[0158] Figure 41 herein illustrates schematically in view from the other side, 10 the second radiator assembly showing the second mounting frame, the second radiator only, without the second radiator casing.

[0159] Figure 42 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in in view from the front.

[0160] Figure 43 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from the rear.

[0161] Figure 44 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting 20 frame in view from above.

[0162] Figure 45 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from underneath. As can be seen in Figures 44 and 45, in view from above or below, the lower arms 2100, 2101 are offset horizontally from the upper arms 2102, 2003.

[0163] Figure 46 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting frame in view from one side.

[0164] Figure 47 herein illustrates schematically the second mounting bracket in view from the other side.

[0165] Figure 48 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side, an upper portion of the second mounting frame showing a first upper mounting arm. The first upper mounting arm 2102 comprises a substantially flat plate member 4800 having a lower edge 4801; an upper edge 4802 which is inclined downwardly in a direction from a proximal end 4803 towards a distal end 4804; angled perpendicular to the flat plate member 4800 at the distal end, there is provided a mounting plate 4805 having at an upper end an overhanging portion 4806 which extends substantially horizontally and in a direction parallel to a main plane of the flat plate member 4800 and in a line parallel to a main direction of the flat plate member 4800; a lower locating portion 4807 extending substantially horizontal in a direction parallel to the upper overhanging portion 4806; the mounting plate comprising an elongate slot or aperture 4809 through which a screw, bolt or other fixing device 4810 may be passed to secure the mounting plate to a drilled and tapped thread within the upright member 1101 to which the first upper mounting arm is mounted. The lower edge of the flat plate member 4800 is provided with an outer or first slot or aperture 4820 of a shape which can accept a peripheral seam of a radiator panel, and an inner or second slot or aperture 4821 slightly larger in dimension than the first aperture which allows the first mounting arm to clear a second seam of a second radiator panel. The first slot or aperture is occupied by an open-ended grommet or liner 4822, preferably made of a plastics material which has a slot or aperture of dimensions to closely engage with a peripheral rim of a first radiator panel, thereby holding the radiator panel in place. The lower locating portion 4807 locates with in a substantially rectangular elongate slot within a central portion of the upright member.

[0166] To engage the first mounting arm to the first upright member, the lower locating portion 4807 is inserted into the lower aperture passing the substantially "T" shaped end of the lower locating portion through the lower aperture, and inserting the upper locating portion 4806 into the upper aperture in the first upright member, and then retaining the mounting plate to the upright member by inserting a screw, bolt or other fixing means through the slot aperture within the mounting plate. When loosely inserted, the first mounting plate will hang on the first upright member due to a pair of laterally extending lugs at the distal end of the substantially horizontal upper locating member which bear against the sides around the slot, allowing the fitter to select a screw and insert the screw into the slot aperture without the need to use another hand physically hold the upper mounting arm in place at the same time, making the mounting arm easy to assemble to the upright member. Because the central section 1310 of the upright member stands forwardly of the portions 1311, 1312 either side there is enough space behind the central section 1310 to accommodate the ends of the upper and lower locating members and to accommodate the end of a screw or bolt of the correct length, which passes through the mounting plate of the upper arm into a threaded aperture in the central portion.

[0167] Figure 49 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side an upper portion of the second mounting frame showing a second upper mounting arm. The second upper mounting arm 2103 comprises a substantially flat plate member 4900 having a lower edge 4901; an upper edge 4902 which inclined downwardly in a direction from a proximal end 4903 towards a distal end 4904; angled perpendicular to the flat plate member 4900 at the distal end, there is provided a mounting plate 4905 having at an upper end an overhanging portion 4906 which extends substantially horizontally and in a direction parallel to a main plane of the flat plate member 4900 and in a line parallel to a main direction of the flat plate member 4900; a lower locating portion 4907 extending substantially horizontal in a direction parallel to the upper overhanging portion 4906; the mounting plate comprising an elongate slot or aperture 4909 through which a screw, bolt or other fixing device 4910 may be passed to secure the mounting plate to a drilled and tapped thread within the upright member 1102 to which the first upper mounting arm is mounted. The lower edge of the flat plate member 4800 is provided with an outer or first slot or aperture 4920 of a shape which can accept a peripheral seam of a radiator panel, and an inner or second slot or aperture 4921 slightly larger in dimension than the first aperture which allows the first mounting arm to clear a second seam of a second radiator panel. The first slot or aperture is occupied by an open-ended grommet or liner 4922, preferably made of a plastics material which has a slot or aperture of dimension is to closely engage with a peripheral rim of a first radiator panel, thereby holding the radiator panel in place. The lower locating portion 4907 locates with in a substantially rectangular elongate slot within a central portion of the upright member.

[0168] For economy of manufacture, the second mounting arm may be substantially identical to the first mounting arm. Each upper mounting arm may be slid up or down within its respective set of locating slots to adjust the height of the upper mounting arms. The upper locating portion 4906 engages in an upright substantially "U" shaped slot of the second upright member, and the lower locating portion 4907 locates in an enclosed slot or aperture below the upper substantially "U" shaped aperture.

[0169] To engage the second mounting arm to the second upright member, the lower locating portion 4907 is inserted into the lower aperture passing the substantially "T" shaped end of the lower locating portion through the lower aperture, and inserting the upper locating portion 4906 into the upper substantially "U" shaped aperture and then retaining the mounting plate to the upright member by inserting a screw, bolt or other fixing means through the slot aperture within the mounting plate. Similarly with the first upright member, the second upright member has enough space behind it central portion 1313 to accommodate the ends of the upper and lower locating portions, and to accommodate any protruding end of a screw or bolt of the correct length which secures the mounting plate to the second upright member.

[0170] Figure 50 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a first lateral mounting arm of the second mounting frame.

The first lateral side arm 1304 comprises a flat plate having one or more apertures therethrough, to allow the plate to be screwed or fixed to a wall; one end of the first arm is attached to the first upright member 1101, and at a second, distal end of the arm there is provided a first end plate 3400 which comprises an aperture through which a fixing device can be passed in order to locate a spacer so that the spacer extends in a direction parallel to a main direction of the first laterally extending arm 1304. A lower edge of the first laterally extending arm 1304 has a lower extending turned over flange to provide increased rigidity.

[0171] Figure 51 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a second lateral mounting arm of the second mounting frame. The second laterally extending arm is constructed substantially as a mirror 1 0 image of the first laterally extending arm. The second laterally extending arm is connected to the outer portion of the second upright member 1102. At a distal end of the second laterally extending arm, there is provided a second end plate 3500 which extends in a direction perpendicular to a main plane occupied by the main body of the second laterally extending arm. The end plate comprises an aperture 5101 for fixing a spacer between the second laterally extending arm and a radiator casing. The main plate of the second laterally extending arm itself also has an aperture 5102 which enables the second laterally extending arm be fixed to a wall using a fixing means such for example a screw or the like.

[0172] Figure 52 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side a first lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame. The first lower mounting arm 2100 comprises a substantially flat plate member 5200 having a lower edge 5201 which inclines upwardly in a direction from a proximal end 5202 towards a distal end 5203; an upper edge 5204; angled perpendicular to the flat plate member 5200 at the distal end, there is provided a mounting plate 5205 having at an upper end an overhanging portion 5206 which extends substantially horizontally and in a direction parallel to a main plane of the flat plate member 5200 and in a line parallel to a main direction of the flat plate member 5200; a lower locating portion 5207 extending substantially horizontal in a direction parallel to the upper overhanging portion 5206; the mounting plate comprising an elongate slot or aperture through which a screw, bolt or other fixing device may be passed to secure the mounting plate to a drilled and tapped thread within the first upright member 1101 to which the first upper mounting arm is mounted. The upper edge of the flat plate member 5200 is provided with an outer or first slot or aperture 5220 of a shape which can accept a peripheral seam of a radiator panel, and an inner or second slot or aperture 5221 slightly larger in dimension than the first aperture which allows the first mounting arm to clear a second seam of a second radiator panel. The first slot or aperture is occupied by an open-ended grommet or liner 5222, preferably made of a plastics material which has a slot or aperture of dimensions to closely engage with a peripheral rim of a first radiator panel, thereby holding the radiator panel in place. The lower locating portion 5207 locates with in a substantially rectangular elongate slot within a central portion of the upright member.

[0173] To engage the first lower mounting arm to the first upright member, the lower locating portion 5207 is inserted into a lower first aperture passing the substantially "T" shaped end of the lower locating portion through the lower first aperture, and inserting the upper locating portion 5206 into a lower second aperture in the first upright member, above the lower first aperture and then retaining the mounting plate to the upright member by inserting a screw, bolt or other fixing means through the slot aperture within the mounting plate. When loosely inserted, the first lower mounting plate will hang on the first upright member due to a raised shape of the substantially horizontal upper locating member 5206 which rests in the second lower slot of the first upright member, allowing the fitter to select a screw and insert the screw into the slot aperture without the need to use another hand physically hold the upper mounting arm in place at the same time, making the mounting arm easy to assemble to the upright member. Because the central section 1310 of the upright member stands forwardly of the portions 1311, 1312 either side there is enough space behind the central section 1310 to accommodate the end of the upper and lower locating members and to accommodate the end of a screw or bolt of the correct length, which passes through the mounting plate of the upper arm into a threaded aperture in the central portion.

[0174] Also shown in Figure 52 is a second break line 5230 extending horizontally across the second upright member and comprising four laterally extending slots bounded by five connecting portions comprising regions of plate which attach a lower part of the first upright member to an upper part of the first upright member. To detach the lower part of the first upright member, and installer breaks the connecting portions at the same horizontal level as the apertures using a disc grinder, hacksaw or other tool.

[0175] Figure 53 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from 1 0 the front and one side a second lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame. The second lower mounting arm 2101 has an identical construction to the first lower mounting arm 2100, in order to enable the same component to be used for both the first and second lower mounting arms. The flat plate member at the proximal end of the main plate of the mounting arm extends to the right hand side of the main plate when viewed from the front, in contrast to the upper mounting arms, where the flat mounting plate of the upper arms extends to the left of the main extending plate.

[0176] The second lower mounting arm 2101 hangs within a pair of apertures formed within the central section of the second upright member 1102, and upper locating portion of the second lower mounting arm locating at the bottom of a second lower slot 5300, and the lower horizontally extending locating member of the second lower arm locating with in a first lower aperture 5301. The mounting plate of the second lower mounting arm is secured to the second upright member 1100 to buy a screw or bolt, similarly as with the first lower mounting arm.

[0177] The first and second lower apertures on the first upright member and the second upright member are at substantially the same horizontal height as each other, so that the first and second lower mounting arms are level or at the same vertical height as each other when the second mounting frame is secured to a wall. This ensures that the radiator can be seated level and horizontal, with an outer peripheral seam of the radiator panel sitting in the grooves or channels of the inserts which are placed in the distal ends of the lower mounting arms.

[0178] Figure 53 also shows in further detail a break line 5330 across the first upright member for detachment of the lower part of the first upright member from an upper part of the first upright member at a position below the lower laterally extending beam.

[0179] Figure 54 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from one side the first upper mounting arm.

[0180] Figure 55 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view, a first upright beam member of the second mounting frame.

[0181] Figure 56 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member of the second mounting frame in view from the rear.

[0182] Figure 57 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member of in view from above.

[0183] Figure 58 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member in view from underneath.

[0184] Figure 59 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam 25 member in view from one side.

[0185] Figure 60 herein illustrates schematically the first upright beam member in view from the other side, [0186] Figure 61 herein illustrates schematically an upper section of the first upright beam member showing apertures for fitting the beam to a wall, and for fitting the first upper mounting arm.

[0187] Figure 62 herein illustrates schematically a lower portion of the first upright beam, showing 6200 -6202 for mounting the first upright beam member to a wall, apertures 6203, 6204 for fitting the first lower mounting arm, and a row of apertures 6205 for detaching a lowermost portion of the first upright member; [0188] Figure 63 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view form one side the first upright member with the first upper and lower mounting arms attached.

[0189] Figure 64 herein illustrates schematically the second upright member from the front, showing connection of the second upper and lower mounting arm.

[0190] Figure 65 herein illustrates schematically the second upright member from behind, showing attachment of the second upper and lower mounting arms. As shown in Figure 65, the second upright member comprises a pair of apertures 6500, 6501 into which protrusions of the lower mounting arm are inserted. The upper aperture is in the form of a substantially arch-shaped window, and the lower aperture is a substantially "T" shaped aperture having a relatively wider upper portion and a relatively narrower lower portion.

[0191] Figure 66 herein illustrates schematically in view from above, the second upright beam member with second upper and lower mounting arms 25 attached.

[0192] Figure 67 herein illustrates schematically in view from underneath the second upright beam member with second upper and lower mounting arms attached [0193] Figure 68 herein illustrates schematically in perspective view from the front and one side the first upper mounting arm.

[0194] Figure 69 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the front, with a screw shown located in a central slot of the mounting arm.

[0195] Figure 70 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the rear, with a screw located in the central slot of the rear plate of the mounting arm.

[0196] Figure 71 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from above.

[0197] Figure 72 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from underneath.

[0198] Figure 73 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from one side.

[0199] Figure 74 herein illustrates schematically the first upper mounting arm in view from the other side.

[0200] Figure 75 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm of the second mounting frame in perspective view from one side.

[0201] Figure 76 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in front view.

[0202] Figure 77 herein illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from the rear; and [0203] Figure 78 illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from above.

[0204] Figure 79 illustrates schematically the first lower mounting arm in view from underneath. As seen from underneath, the lower locating projection 7900 is narrower in which than the upper locating projection 7800, and has angled edges so that the lower projection tapers, becoming more narrow towards a distal end. This helps an installer to manipulate the lower projection through a wider part of the aperture in an upright beam. The upper projection 7800 of the lower mounting arm is inserted into the upper one of the lower mounting apertures 6500, 6501, by turning the mounting arm so that the upper protrusion fit through the 1 0 upper aperture 6500, and then by twisting the lower mounting arm so that the lower protrusion 7900 aligns with a wider part of the substantially "T" shaped lower aperture 6501, and then by dropping or sliding the mounting arm down vertically towards the base of the apertures 6500, 6501, where the lower mounting arm retained in the apertures by the projections which have narrower neck portion which lies in the aperture, and a wider head portion which lies behind the central part of the upright member.

[0205] Figure 80 herein illustrates schematically the lower mounting arm from one side.

[0206] Figure 81 herein illustrates schematically the lower mounting arm from the other side.

[0207] Figure 82 herein illustrates schematically a third radiator cabinet 8200 which fits to the embodiment mounting brackets disclosed herein may be used. The third radiator cabinet shown in figure 82 extends all the way down to floor level. The third radiator cabinet as each of the fitting features to locate the radiator cabinet the mounting bracket as described herein above in relation to the first and second radiator cabinets, but has a visually different outer design.

[0208] The third radiator cabinet 8200 comprises an upper panel 8201; a first side panel 8202; a second side panel 8203; an upper front panel 8204 and a lower front panel 8205. First side panel 8202 comprises a first locating means for locating the first side panel in fixed relationship with a first laterally extending arm of a mounting bracket as herein described. Second side panel 8203 comprises a second locating means for locating the second side panel in fixed relationship with the second laterally extending arm of the mounting bracket, so that each of the first and second side panels are correctly aligned with each other at the same vertical level, and are each spaced apart horizontally by the same distance from a central vertical line of symmetry through the mounting bracket. The upper panel 8201 comprises a rearwardly positioned locating means, nearer the wall to which the bracket is mounted, in the form of a downwardly extending flange which extends substantially parallel to the rear plane of the mounting bracket in use, and which fits into the first and second slots on the upwardly extending portions of the respective first and second upright members of the mounting bracket, in order to locate the upper panel at a fixed horizontal distance from a main plane which coincides with the rear facing surface of the mounting bracket.

[0209] The sides of the third radiator cabinet may be provided with preformed apertures through which may pass a part of a thermostatic valve, or other temperature controller 8204. To accommodate either left side or right side fitting of a thermostatic valve, and fitting of the thermostatic valve either at an upper position or a lower position on each side of the radiator, the locations of the apertures may be pre marked on the insides side of the radiator side panels at the point of manufacture, with final formation of the apertures being made by an installer or fitter at the time of installation using a tool to push or knock out the central material surrounded by a pre-weakened perimeter of the aperture.

Alternatively, the apertures may be pre-formed factory to suit a particular configuration of radiator and positioning of thermostatic radiator control.

[0210] The radiator cabinet side panels, upper panel and front panel can be fabricated from any suitable material, for example pressed steel, aluminium, medium density fibre board (MDF) or the like and may be either painted or provided with an outer decorative surface finish, for example natural wood veneer, or plastics laminate. In the best most, for a low surface temperature radiator, the cabinet cover is formed of painted pressed steel components.

[0211] The upper panel, side panels, and lower front panel are formed as a single rigid structure, for example by joining those panels together, whereas the front panel 8204 is detachable for ease of maintenance, to allow cleaning inside the radiator cabinet or to inspect the radiator inside the cabinet when the cabinet is fitted to the mounting bracket. The upper panel, side panels and lower front panel are preferably supplied as a pre-assembled, pre-painted sub assembly in a kit with a mounting bracket and radiator, with valves, so that an installer has everything needed in the kit for installation of the mounting bracket, the radiator including valves, and the radiator casing within the same kit, thereby making installation more efficient.

[0212] A fourth type of radiator cabinet which is visually similar to the third radiator cabinet above, has all of the features of the third radiator cabinet, with the difference that the fourth radiator cabinet does not extend all the way down to floor level, and therefore the lower extremities of the side panels in use are raised above floor level, typically by 160mm or more, and the front panel lower panel is absent. The fourth radiator cabinet may be provided with an underside panel which fits underneath the radiator between the first and second side panels, the removable front panel, and the bright mounting bracket.

[0213] In a best mode embodiment, the second radiator cabinet described herein above as a fully welded and painted one-piece casing, the casing has an arched top panel with a grille, and has rounded corners to the top panel, and extends downwardly to floor level.

[0214] In a best mode embodiment, the third radiator cabinet extends fully down to floor level, has a removable upper front panel for ease of maintenance, and the remainder of the casing is a complete pre-painted sub assembly, and is designed specifically to be only used with the mounting bracket.

[0215] In a best mode embodiment, the fourth radiator cabinet does not extend fully down to floor level, but in use is raised above floor level. It has a removable front panel for ease of maintenance and the remainder of the casing is-painted single sub assembly which is designed to be used only with the novel mounting brackets described herein.

Advantages [0216] The mounting bracket disclosed herein provides a single bracket 1 0 which mounts both radiator and the radiator casing. The same mounting bracket can be used for different styles or designs of radiator casing, including a single one-piece radiator casing where the upper panel, side panels, front panels and lower panels are welded together in a single piece, or can be used for two-piece radiator cabinets having an upper panel, side panels, and lower panel as one component, and a removable front panel.

[0217] Using the novel mounting bracket embodiments disclosed herein, a fitter can carry out a first fit of a radiator without the need to hold the bracket above floor height and measure the height of the bracket above the floor, because the mounting position of the radiator is determined by the length of the upright members 401, 402 from the floor. The fitter only needs to place the mounting bracket up against the wall and to decide the lateral position of the bracket within the room. The mounting bracket is self-jigging without the need for any separate template [0218] The bracket can also be used for radiators where the outer cabinet does not extend all the way down to the floor by removing the lower portions of the upright members at the predetermined weak points. The lower portions of the upright members can be easily removed with minimal tools and minimum effort, avoiding the need for the fitter to carry a disc cutter.

[0219] The decorative outer radiator cabinet casing can be kept somewhere safe out of the dirty building environment where it will not become damaged or scratched during the first fit and can be left in its wrapper / packaging until the final fit with the certainty that the radiator cabinet will be accurately fitted to the mounting bracket as a final stage. This avoids the prior art situation where radiator cabinets can become damaged by paint or scratching in the dirty environment of the first fit.

[0220] Having the laterally extending arms either side of the mounting 1 0 bracket ensures accurate location of the radiator cabinet with respect to the radiator, ensuring that the radiator is positioned centrally and symmetrically within the radiator cabinet, and also that the apertures for the protruding controls such as valves and thermostats accurately align with the fitting positions on the radiator both in terms of distance between the end of the valve or control and the side of the radiator cabinet, and laterally so that the central axis of rotation valve firms that is centrally coaxial to the aperture provided in the side of the radiator cabinet, and this occurs without the fitter having to do any measurements or placement of the correct aperture positions, which are pre-marked on the site of the radiator cabinet.

[0221] A matching radiator, mounting bracket and radiator casing may be supplied as a kit. Instead of the fitter having to work out where all of the prior art brackets need to be mounted on the wall, all of the correct spacings and placements for the corresponding radiator and cabinet are already provided by the frame of the mounting bracket, which saves the fitter time and requires less application of skill. The mountings for the radiator casing are already part of the mounting bracket and do not need to be located or fitted separately and the radiator casing will always match up with the mounting bracket in the correct spatial relationship to the radiator. The mounting bracket will always be level and square relative to the floor. The apertures in the side of the radiator casing for protruding radiator controls will always align properly with the radiator elbow connection points. The externally visible parts of the radiator casing are not exposed to the first fitting environment, and therefore when fitted at the final stage are in pristine condition.

[0222] In this specification any technical feature of any specific embodiment may be substituted for an equivalent technical feature in any other specific embodiment, and any technical feature of one embodiment may be added to another embodiment described herein, except as where specifically stated otherwise.

Claims

Claims 1. A mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second upright plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; wherein said at least one upper arm and said at least one lower arm are capable of moving towards and away from each other, and are resiliently biased towards each other.
2. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said lower mounting arm comprises: an arm having a distal end comprising a part circular aperture; and a rotatable seating member being capable of rotating within said part circular aperture.
3. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said lower mounting arms comprises a corresponding respective rotatable seating member, and said rotatable seating members rotate about a common line of rotation as each other.
4. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 3, wherein said common line of rotation lies substantially parallel to a main plane which coincides with a main rear surface of said mounting bracket.
5. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said rotatable seating member comprises a body having a part circular annular peripheral groove on an outer face of said body.1 0
6. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said rotatable seating member comprises a centrally located channel having a recessed slot
7. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said first or second upright members comprises a substantially flat plate having a protruding central portion extending along a length of said upright member.
8. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising first and second laterally extending arms each having a distal end comprising a corresponding respective first and second fastening position, said distal ends positioned a same distance away from a centre line of the mounting bracket which bisects the mounting bracket between said first and second laterally extending arms.
9. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 8, wherein said fastening positions of said first and second laterally extending arms are located symmetrically at a same distance as each other from a centre line of said mounting bracket.
10. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said upper mounting arms are pivotable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position.
11. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 10, wherein said upper mounting arms are spring biased towards said second lower position, so as to grasp a radiator between said lower mounting arms and said upper mounting arms.
12. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said upper mounting arms each comprise at a distal end thereof, a clasp portion having a downwardly facing open channel.
13. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first and second upright members are provided with a weakened portion extending in a direction transverse to a main length direction of said upright member.
14. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 13, wherein said weakened portion divide said upright member into an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said upper and lower portions are detachable from each other along said weakened portion.
15. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said weakened portion extends across said first or second upright member at a distance in the range 120 mm to 150 mm from the lower most extremity of said corresponding first or second upright member.
16. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein said weakened portion comprises a plurality of elongate apertures lying in a line and separated from each other.
17. A radiator cabinet for fitting around a wall-mounted radiator, said radiator comprising: a first upright side panel; a second upright side panel; an upper panel; and 1 0 a lower panel; wherein each of said first and second upright side panels has a locating means for locating said respective side panel to a wall-mounting bracket.
18. The radiator cabinet as claimed in claim 17, wherein said locating means comprise a pair of pre-formed opposing apertures, located one on each of said first and second side panels, said apertures located at a predetermined height above a lower edge of said first and second side panels, and each aperture located at a predetermined depth from the rear edges of a corresponding respective said side first or second panel.
19. The radiator cabinet as claimed in claim 18, wherein each said aperture is located within an indented portion of a wall of a corresponding respective said first or second side panel.
20. The radiator cabinet as any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said locating means comprise a tubular member extending perpendicularly to and projecting inwardly from a main plane of said side panel towards a centre of said radiator cabinet.
21. The radiator cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 17 or 20, wherein said upper panel comprises a locating means for locating said upper panel in an upper portion of a radiator mounting bracket.
22. The radiator cabinet as claimed in claim 21, wherein said locating means of said upper panel comprises a downwardly protruding flange.
23. The radiator cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein said first and second upright side panels each have a plurality of punch- 1 0 out portions defined by lines of pre-determined weakness in the material of the side panel, at which apertures may be formed by punching out said portions.
24. The radiator cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the upper panel, lower panel, and first and second side panels and one or more front panels are formed as a single sub assembly.
25. The radiator cabinet as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24, wherein the upper panel, lower panel, first and second side panels are formed as a single sub assembly, and there is provided a detachable front panel.
26. A mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second spaced apart upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second spaced apart upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second spaced apart upright plates; wherein each of said first and second upright plates comprises a respective upper portion and a lower portion, and each said upright plate comprises a weakened line extending from one side of said upright plate to another.
27. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 26, wherein each said weakened line comprises a row of elongate apertures extending across said upright plate.
28. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein said weakened line is located at a distance in the range 120 mm to 150 mm above a lower most extremity of said upright plates.
29. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, further comprising a first laterally extending arm rigidly connected to said first upright plate; a second laterally extending arm rigidly connected to said second upright plate, said first laterally extending arm extending outwardly of said first upright plate and said second laterally extending arm extending outwardly of said second upright.
30. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 29, wherein each said laterally extending arm has a distal end comprising a fixing location for fixing a radiator side panel.
31. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein each of said first and second upright plates comprises a plurality of apertures for fixing said plate to an adjacent wall; said upper just comprising: a first upper mounting aperture at an upper end of said first upright member; a second upper mounting aperture at an upper end of said second upright member; a first intermediate level aperture located on said first upright member below said first upper mounting aperture; a second intermediate level aperture located at said second upright member below said second upper mounting aperture; a first lower mounting aperture located on said lower portion of said first upright member; a second lower mounting aperture located at said lower portion of said second upright member; a first lower intermediate level mounting aperture mounted on said first upright member above said weakened line of said first upright member; and a second lower intermediate level mounting aperture mounted on said second upright member.
32. The mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein each said upright member comprises: an outer plate extending along a full length of said first upright member; an inner plate extending along said length of said first upright member. and a central plate located between said outer plate and said inner plate; wherein said outer plate projects beyond an upper extremity of said inner plate and beyond an upper extremity of said central plate.
33. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 32, wherein an upper portion of said outer plate is provided with a flange which extends in a direction transverse to a main plane coinciding with a rear surface of said outer plate.
34. A mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: at least one rigid plate member; 1 0 at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said at least one rigid plate member; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said at least one rigid plate member; a first mounting position on a first side of said at least one rigid plate member for mounting a first radiator cabinet side; a second mounting position on a second side of said at least one rigid plate member for mounting a second radiator cabinet side.
35. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 34, wherein: said at least one lower mounting arm comprises a rotatable seating member; and said at least one upper mounting arm comprises a resiliently biased member capable of moving along an upright direction.
36. The mounting bracket as claimed in claim 34 or 35, wherein said at least one rigid plate member comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and a weakened portion between said upper and lower portions, wherein said lower portion is detachable from said upper portion by breaking said weakened.
37. A mounting bracket for a wall mounted radiator, said mounting bracket comprising: first and second upright plates; at least one lateral plate extending between said first and second upright 10 plates; at least one lower mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; at least one upper mounting arm extending in a direction across a main plane which passes through said first and second upright plates; wherein at least one of said upper or lower mounting arms comprises a rotatable seating member for seating a seam of a radiator.
38. A kit of parts comprising a radiator; a mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 herein or in any one of claims 26 to 36 herein; and a radiator cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25 herein.
39. A kit of parts comprising a radiator; a mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36 herein; and a radiator cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25 herein.