GB2611039A

GB2611039A - Fixing bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2611039A
Application number: GB2113523.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Bushell James
Original assignee: Plumbcraft Tools Ltd
Current assignee: Plumbcraft Tools Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-22
Filing date: 2021-09-22
Publication date: 2023-03-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing bracket 10 for attaching a fluid device (shower mixer valve) to a fixed surface and to end portions of a pair of fluid-carrying pipes 56. The bracket comprises mounting means comprising a base panel 12 having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and a pair of arms 14, 16 positioned either side on the base panel. Each arm receives a pipe connection means such that the pair of pipe connection means are retained in a spaced-apart configuration. The base panel abuts against the fixed surface via the first surface and the pair of pipe connection means protrude outwardly from the second surface towards the fluid device for allowing fluid connection between the fluid device and the end portions of the pair of fluid-carrying pipes. A later embodiment relates to a kit of parts comprising said fixing bracket.

Description

FIXING BRACKET

TECHNICAL FIELD Or THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fixing bracket which enables quick, accurate and secure fixing of shower pipework to a brick or block wall or stud wall as part of the installation of thermostatic shower mixer valves.

HIck-G-Rouvn When installing bar-type thermostatic mixer showers that are popular in many households, it is common practice to utilise a fixing bracket or plate to align the hot and cold water feeds in a convenient, spaced-apart relationship, typically at 150mm pipe centres, and which mechanically supports the pipework and mixer valve. The fixing bracket is situated in a cavity on the brick or block wall or stud wall directly behind the shower mixer. When completing the installation, the cavity is then covered by plasterboard and tiling, such that the pipework and fixing bracket is entirely concealed.

One such example of a prior art fixing plate is set out in GB 2 368 888 A (Marflow Engineering Limited). This fixing plate finds particular application and utilisation with stud walls, but it cannot be used to support flat-to-wall pipework using soldered couplers.

If the fixing plate described in GB 2 368 888 A is to be used with brick or block walls, the tradesperson firstly has to chase out the brickwork so that the hot and cold feeds can travel down/up the wall, prior to installation and final fixing. This is an inconvenient and time-consuming task.

All the current fixing plates available on the market are either bulky, or utilise compression fittings or external to wall fittings.

In order to alleviate some of these problems, there is a strong commercial need for a fixing bracket that provides accurate levelling and enables flat to wall pipework for the installation of bar-type mixer showers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket which enables the accurate and secure fixing of shower pipework to brick or block walls. The present invention being straightforward and intuitive to use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket which enables the quick installation of hot and cold feed pipes flat to a wall at 150mm pipe centres, and is ideally suited for the installation of thermostatic shower mixer valves. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket that, being flat to the wall, enables soldered elbow connectors to be utilised that will not leak, unlike compression fittings that can eventually cause problems. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket that, being flat to the wall, can be plastered or boarded over easily, and not requiring the wall to be chased out to accommodate the pipework. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fixing bracket which enables pipework to be fitted without the need for awkward clipping in non-existent, or poor, mortar joints typically encountered in older buildings.

Sta.ALIRY OF THE INVEATION The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided a fixing bracket for attaching a fluid device to a fixed surface and to end portions of a pair of fluid-carrying pipes, the bracket comprising: mounting means comprising a base panel having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and having a pair of arms positioned either side on the base panel, each arm receiving a pipe connection means such that the pair of pipe connection means are retained in a spaced-apart configuration, and wherein the base panel abuts against the fixed surface via the first surface and the pair of pipe connection means protrude outwardly from the second surface towards the fluid device for allowing fluid connection between the fluid device and the end portions of the pair of fluid-carrying pipes.

The advantage of the present invention is that it can be easily adjusted to be level and also hold the fluid-carrying pipework flat to the wall, and not requiring the wall to be chased out to accommodate the pipework, and thus allowing for speed and ease of fitting.

Preferably, the base panel is planar and unitary with the pair of arms, and being formed from a sheet of suitable sheet metal material.

Further preferably, the base panel has a generally flat base, and the pair of arms extend laterally from each side of the base panel.

In use, each of the pair of side arms may comprise: a recess panel which is spaced-apart from, and is parallel to, the base panel; a radiused panel dimensioned to receive the pipe connection means; and a securement panel which is spaced-apart, and is parallel to and overlies, the recess panel.

Preferably, the recess panel has a first aperture disposed therein, and the securement panel has a second aperture disposed therein.

Further preferably, the radiused panel has an inside bend radius of around 7.5mm In use, the recess panel, radiused panel and securement panel may in combination form a generally C-shaped channel which receives the pipe connection means.

Preferably, each of the pair of side arms being configured to be urged apart and the pipe connection means insertable in the generally C-shaped opening bounded by the recess panel, radiused panel and securement panel.

Further preferably, the base panel comprises a plurality of fixing apertures for attachment to the fixed surface.

In use, the plurality of fixing apertures may comprise a pair of outer apertures disposed towards each side of the base panel, and at least two inner apertures disposed towards the centre of the base panel.

Preferably, the plurality of fixing apertures being hole and slot pairs which enable adjustment when attaching the fixing bracket to the fixed surface.

Further preferably, the outer apertures are formed as an outer hole and outer slot pair; and the inner apertures are formed as an inner hole and inner slot pair.

In use, the pipe connection means may comprise a 900 pipe elbow fitting.

Preferably, the pipe connection means being a 15mm copper end feed street elbow having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for connection to one of the end portions of the pair of fluid-carrying pipes, and the distal end for connection to one of a fluid-carrying hot or cold water feed pipe.

Further preferably, the pipe connection means is solderable.

In use, the pipe connection means may be secured in place using a threaded fastener which is received through the first aperture disposed in the recess panel and the second aperture disposed in the securement panel Preferably, the threaded fastener has a head at one end thereof and a retaining nut at the opposite other end thereof, and wherein the retaining nut is a self-clinching nut.

Further preferably, the end portions of a pair of fluid-carrying pipes protrude outwardly from the fixed surface towards the fluid device at 150mm between pipe centres.

In use, the fluid device may be a thermostatic shower mixer valve.

Preferably, the fluid-carrying pipe is 15mm outside diameter copper pipe.

Further preferably, the fixed surface is provided as a cavity situated behind the fluid device and is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: block wall, brick wall, stud wall, noggin of a stud wall and the like.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a fixing bracket as hereinbefore described and a pair of 15mm copper end feed street elbows.

It is believed that a fixing bracket and a kit of parts in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference 10 to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a fixing bracket in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front and above of a fixing bracket in accordance with the present invention with elbow connectors attached thereto; and Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d illustrate front, top, bottom and side plan views, respectively, of the fixing bracket shown in Figure 2 being fastened to a surface.

DEL111,EI)DESCRIPTION 01, THE PREF ERRED EA 1801)IA 11,70 S The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising a fixing bracket which enables the accurate and secure fixing of shower pipework to brick or block walls. The present invention being straightforward and intuitive to use. Advantageously, the present invention provides a fixing bracket which enables the quick installation of hot and cold feed pipes flat to a wall at 150mm pipe centres, and is ideally suited for the installation of thermostatic shower mixer valves. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a fixing bracket that, being flat to the wall, enables soldered elbow connectors to be utilised that will not leak, unlike compression fittings that can eventually cause problems. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a fixing bracket that, being flat to the wall, can be plastered or boarded over easily, and not requiring the wall to be chased out to accommodate the pipework. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a fixing bracket which enables pipework to be fitted without the need for awkward clipping in non-existent, or poor, mortar joints typically encountered in older buildings.

Referring now to the drawings, a fixing bracket or plate 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures Ito 3. The fixing bracket 10 is formed from the blank shown in Figure 1, the blank comprising a pressable planar sheet of metal formed as a base panel 12, and first 14 and second side arms or panels 16 being separated by parallel first bend lines 18.

The constmction of the fixing bracket 10 will now be described in relation to the first side panel 14. The skilled person will understand that the second side panel 16, being opposite to the first side panel 14, is formed in exactly the same manner, but for reasons of clarity it is not described herein.

At the first bend line 18, the first side panel 14 is bent upwards through an angle of around 30°. At a second bend line 20, the first side panel 14 is bent downwards through an angle of around 30° such that a recess panel 22 is formed which is spaced-apart from, but is parallel to, the base panel 12 (as perhaps best shown in Figures 3b and 3c) The recess panel 22 has a first aperture 24 disposed therein.

At a third bend line 26, the first side panel 14 is bent downwards through an angle of around 45°. At a fourth bend line 28, the first side panel 14 is bent upwards through an angle of around 45°. A radiused panel 30 is then formed by bending the first side panel 14 upwards through an angle of around 235°. A fifth bend line 32 indicating the centre of the radiused panel 30, which in a preferred embodiment has an inside bend radius of around 7.5mm to accommodate 15mm outside diameter copper pipe.

Finally, at a sixth bend line 34, the first side panel 14 is bent downwards through an angle of around 55° such that a securement panel 36 is formed which is spaced-apart, but is parallel to and overlies, the recess panel 22 A second aperture 38 being disposed in the securement panel 36. When constructed as described herein, the first 24 and second apertures 38 of the fixing bracket 10 are configured in spaced-apart alignment for receiving a threaded fastener 48, as will be described further in relation to Figures 2 and 3.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unitary flat base panel 12 and first 14 and second side panels 16 are formed from a single sheet of suitable sheet metal material having a thickness of around 1.2mm. This is in no way intended to be limiting. The construction of the fixing bracket or plate 10, or parts thereof, can also be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, e.g., machined, cast or forged from a suitable metal.

Figure I also shows that disposed in the base panel 12 are a series of fixing apertures 40, 42 that are used to attach the base panel 12 of the fixing bracket 10 flat to a generally flat surface 44, which in use can be a block or brick wall, or stud wall or a noggin of a stud wall. The skilled person will understand that the block or brick wall, or stud wall, will on completion of the installation (often referred to as the "final fix"), be situated behind plasterboard and tiling.

The fixing apertures 40, 42 shown in Figure I differ slightly to those shown in Figures 2 and 3, but they are generally configured as a pair of outer apertures 40 disposed towards the first bend line 18, and two or more inner apertures 42 disposed towards the centre of the base panel 12 that can be used to attach the fixing bracket 10 to studwork. The fixing apertures 40, 42 can be provided as hole and slots aligned longitudinally and transversely along the long axis of the fixing bracket 10 to provide adjustment when fitting the fixing bracket 10 to the surface 44, as described in further detail below.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer apertures are formed as an outer hole 40a and outer slot 40b. Likewise, the inner apertures are formed as an inner hole 42a and inner slot 42b.

Figures 2 and 3 show that the assembled fixing bracket 10 is configured for receiving a pair of elbow connectors 46 which connect to hot and cold feed pipes (not shown) in a quick and convenient manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elbow connectors 46 are provided as 15mm copper end feed street elbows, such that, when installed, the bracket 10 enables the quick and easy installation of hot and cold feed pipes flat to the surface 44 at 150mm pipe centres without the need to chase the brick work in any way. The skilled person will understand that two short pieces of copper pipe (illustrated schematically as dashed lines 54) are then soldered to the female end 56 of the elbow connector 46 and then connected to a thermostatic shower mixer valve (not shown) in a conventional manner.

The fixing bracket 10 is therefore formed as an elongate unitary body, having a generally flat base panel 12 and first 14 and second side panels 16 acting as retaining arms which extend from each transverse edge of the base wall 12. The base wall 12 and side panels 14, 16 in combination define a fixing bracket 10 through which a pair of pipe elbow connectors 46 can be inserted and then retained by way of threaded fasteners 48. The securement of the fixing bracket 10 of the present invention with the pipe elbow connectors 46 is explained in more detail below.

As is best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the side arms 14, 16 are able to be urged apart and the pipe elbow connector 46 inserted in the generally C-shaped opening bounded by the recess panel 22, radiused panel 30 and securement panel 36. In use, a pipe elbow connector 46 is secured in place using a threaded fastener 48 which is received through the first 24 and second apertures 38. The threaded fastener 48 having a head 50 and a retaining nut 52 which, in a preferred embodiment, is a self-clinching nut that is retained at the rear of recess panel 22 and abuts between the second 20 and third bend lines 26. In a preferred embodiment, the head 50 of the threaded fastener 48 has a crosshead screw drive. Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that a threaded fastener 48 with a slot head, Ton & or Allen head, could be utilised.

Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the installation and use of the fixing bracket 10 will now be described in relation to the installation of shower pipework to a thermostatic shower mixer valve. This work would normally be time-consuming, and one aspect of the work would typically involve a tradesperson chasing out the brickwork to tun the pipework down the wall 44 and then connect to the thermostatic shower mixer valve (not shown) through a 90° bend.

The fixing bracket 10 of the present invention enables a much quicker and easier installation to be carried out by the tradesperson. To install shower pipework, the tradesperson firstly fixes the bracket 10 supplied with the street elbows 46 to brickwork 44 using the outer hole 40a and slot 40b. Alternatively, the inner hole 42a and slot 42b can be used for studwork fixing, and a 25mm notch is required to set the pipework back into a cavity. The feature of inner hole 42a and slot 42b enables fixture to stud work, so pipework can be mn inside the cavity and soldered allowing peace of mind that there are no compression fittings within the cavity that can eventually fail The slotted openings 40b or 42b are a convenient way of ensuring that the fixing bracket is installed level.

Secondly, the hot and cold feeds are connected to the street elbows 46 using 15mm end feed couplers (not shown), and the pipework can be clipped directly to the wall 44 accordingly, as is known in the art to the skilled person. The tradesperson then fits and solders two sections of copper tube 54 facing out of the female end 56 of the street elbows 46, and being long enough to attach to a fast fix kit for a thermostatic shower mixer valve based on the thickness of the finished wall.

Thirdly, the tradesperson can then doublecheck pipe centres for 150mm If required, the threaded fasteners 48 can be loosened with a crosshead screwdriver, and adjusted accordingly.

Fourthly, plasterboard and tile the area as required, and then cut feeds 54 to allow the accurate fixing of the fast fix kit.

Fifthly, the tradesperson should silicone any exposed gaps between the fast fix kit to prevent water ingress into the cavity.

Finally, chrome shrouds from the fast fix kit are screwed on to the cut ends of the feeds 54 for connection to the thermostatic mixer shower valve.

Therefore, the fixing bracket 10 enables quick, accurate and secure fixing of shower pipework to a brick or block wall or stud wall as part of the installation of thermostatic shower mixer valves.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.

It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Although particular embodiments refer to a fixing bracket 10 which enables quick, accurate and secure fixing of shower pipework to a brick or block wall or stud wall as part of the installation of thermostatic shower mixer valves, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention could be utilised to secure any fluid-using device to one or more fluid pipes when in use, such as, for example, a radiator or the like. 1]

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fixing bracket for attaching a fluid device to a fixed surface and to end portions of a pair of fluid-carrying pipes, the bracket comprising: mounting means comprising a base panel having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and having a pair of arms positioned either side on the base panel, each arm receiving a pipe connection means such that the pair of pipe connection means are retained in a spaced-apart configuration, and wherein the base panel abuts against the fixed surface via the first surface and the pair of pipe connection means protrude outwardly from the second surface towards the fluid device for allowing fluid connection between the fluid device and the end portions of the pair of fluid-carrying pipes.
2 The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base panel is planar and unitary with the pair of arms, and being formed from a sheet of suitable sheet metal material.
3. The fixing bracket as claimed in claims t or 2, wherein the base panel has a generally flat base, and the pair of arms extend laterally from each side of the base panel.
4. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the pair of side arms comprises: a recess panel which is spaced-apart from, and is parallel to, the base panel; a radiused panel dimensioned to receive the pipe connection means; and a securement panel which is spaced-apart, and is parallel to and overlies, the recess panel.
5. The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 4, wherein the recess panel has a first aperture disposed therein, and the securement panel has a second aperture disposed therein.
6. The fixing bracket as claimed in claims 4 or 5, wherein the radiused panel has an inside bend radius of around 7.5mm.
7. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the recess panel, radiused panel and securement panel in combination form a generally C-shaped channel which receives the pipe connection means.
8. The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the pair of side arms being configured to be urged apart and the pipe connection means insertable in the generally C-shaped opening bounded by the recess panel, radiused panel and securement panel.
9. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base panel comprises a plurality of fixing apertures for attachment to the fixed surface.
10. The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of fixing apertures comprise a pair of outer apertures disposed towards each side of the base panel, and at least two inner apertures disposed towards the centre of the base panel.
11. The fixing bracket as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of fixing apertures being hole and slot pairs which enable adjustment when attaching the fixing bracket to the fixed surface.
12. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the outer apertures are formed as an outer hole and outer slot pair; and the inner apertures are formed as an inner hole and inner slot pair.
13. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe connection means comprises a 90° pipe elbow fitting.
14. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe connection means being a 15mm copper end feed street elbow having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for connection to one of the end portions of the pair of fluid-carrying pipes, and the distal end for connection to one of a fluid-carrying hot or cold water feed pipe.
15. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe connection means is solderable.
16. The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pipe connection means is secured in place using a threaded fastener which is received through the first aperture disposed in the recess panel and the second aperture disposed in the securement panel.
17. The fixing bracket as claimed in claim 16, wherein the threaded fastener has a head at one end thereof and a retaining nut at the opposite other end thereof and wherein the retaining nut is a self-clinching nut.
18. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein end portions of a pair of fluid-carrying pipes protrude outwardly from the fixed surface towards the fluid device at 150mm between pipe centres
19. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid device is a thermostatic shower mixer valve.
20. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid-carrying pipe is 15mm outside diameter copper pipe.
21. The fixing bracket as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed surface is provided as a cavity situated behind the fluid device and is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: block wall, brick wall, stud wall, noggin of a stud wall and the like.
22. A kit of parts comprising a fixing bracket as claimed in any of the claims Ito 21 and a pair of 15mm copper end feed street elbows.