WO2020058276A1

WO2020058276A1 - Kit for mounting floor-standing sanitary fixtures, system comprising said kit and related method

Info

Publication number: WO2020058276A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/074884
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniele CUCCINIELLO
Original assignee: Sanitea S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-09-20
Filing date: 2019-09-17
Publication date: 2020-03-26

Abstract

The kit for anchoring a floor- standing sanitary fixture (WC) comprises: a pair of brackets (3) adapted to be applied to a fastening structure (PA; P), wherein each bracket (3) has a first wing (3.1; 3.2) with a first edge (5; 13), along which there are provided a first recess (9; 15) and a first chamfer (11; 17) which extends from a second edge (7; 19) of said first wing (3.1; 3.2) towards said first recess (9; 15); a pair of anchoring members (31) for fastening to a sanitary fixture, wherein each anchoring member (31) comprises a pin (31.2) configured to be inserted into a recess (9; 15) of a corresponding one of said brackets (3).

Description

KIT FOR MOUNTING FLOOR-STANDING SANITARY FIXTURES, SYSTEM COMPRISING SAID KIT AND RELATED METHOD

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to improvements to devices and kits for mounting sanitary fixtures, especially toilet bowls and bidets. Specifically, embodiments described herein relate to improvements to kits for mounting or anchoring sanitary fixtures adapted to be mounted to the floor. Sanitary fixtures adapted to be mounted to the floor are specifically referred to as“floor-standing sanitary fixture”, for instance a floor-standing toilet or a floor standing bidet, to distinguish them from wall- hung sanitary fixtures.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Sanitary fixtures, such as toilet bowls and bidet, can be mounted to the wall or to the floor. In the first case (wall-hung sanitary fixtures or ware), the sanitary fixture is anchored to a vertical wall through brackets, embedded behind the wall covering, to which anchoring pins are integral. In the second case (floor-standing sanitary fixture or ware), the sanitary fixture rests on the floor, so that the weight of the sanitary fixture and that of the user are discharged to the floor. In this case, systems adapted to support the load of the sanitary fixture and of the user are not necessary, but it is necessary to block the sanitary fixture relative to the floor, so that it does not move during use.

[0003] In some cases, the sanitary fixture is simply glued applying silicone between the sanitary fixture and the floor or between the sanitary fixture and the wall. This anchoring system is quite rudimentary and has serious disadvantages if the sanitary fixture shall be removed, for instance for repairing the plumbing system.

[0004] In other cases, the sanitary fixture has horizontal edges adapted to rest on the floor and having through holes for anchoring screws which engage expansion grips inserted into the floor. The anchoring screws are visible on the outside of the sanitary fixture. [0005] EP0670384 discloses a kit for anchoring floor-standing sanitary fixtures to the floor. The kit has a pair of brackets adapted to be fastened to the floor, and a pair of rotating hooks, which are introduced into seats or through holes of the sanitary fixture. Each rotating hook is configured to engage one of the two brackets so as to fasten the sanitary fixture to the floor. The hook is operated through a maneuvering pin that can be accessed from the outside of the sanitary fixture, more precisely from the side wall of the sanitary fixture where the seat or the through hole is provided. The seat is then closed with a lid to hide the anchoring device. Despite the use of the lid, when the sanitary fixture has been mounted the anchoring device is clearly visible from the outside.

[0006] Solutions for solving this drawback have been studied, wherein the anchoring device is hidden. For example, EP 3006635 discloses a device or kit provided with two undercut members mounted on inner walls of the sanitary fixture and co-acting with snap-fit elastic tabs that are fastened to the vertical wall adjacent to the floor. Once the sanitary fixture has been put on the floor, moving it towards the wall allows the tabs to snap-engage the two inner undercuts. The kit can be used by mounting the elastic tabs to the floor. This device, even if advantageous from an aesthetic viewpoint, is very complex and expensive.

[0007] IT1418563 discloses a hidden anchoring system for mounting floor-standing sanitary fixtures, which has a simpler and more rational shape.

[0008] There is therefore a continuous and constant need for systems for mounting floor-standing sanitary fixtures that are efficient, economical and easy to be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a floor-standing sanitary fixture anchoring kit comprising a pair of brackets adapted to be applied to a fastening structure, for example a vertical wall or a floor. Each bracket has a first wing with a first edge, along which there are provided a first recess and a first chamfer, which extends from a second edge of said first wing towards, and preferably up to the first recess. The kit further comprises a pair of pins with anchoring members for anchoring to a sanitary fixture, wherein each pin is configured to be inserted into the recess of a corresponding one of said brackets. [0010] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising a floor-standing sanitary fixture and a kit as described above. The sanitary fixture is preferably provided with opposite walls with respective blind holes open towards the inside of the sanitary fixture for inserting and anchoring the pins of the kit.

[0011] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a method for mounting a floor- standing sanitary fixture to the floor, comprising the following steps:

applying a pair of brackets, spaced from each other, to a fastening structure, each bracket comprising a wing with an edge, along which there are provided a first recess and a chamfer, which extends from a distal end of said wing towards, and preferably up to said recess; wherein each bracket is applied to the fastening structure so that the respective wings are approximately orthogonal to the floor, to which the sanitary fixture shall be mounted, with the respective recess directed upwards;

anchoring, to the sanitary fixture, two pins substantially coaxial with each other and arranged at a reciprocal distance corresponding to the distance between the wings of the two brackets;

moving the sanitary fixture towards the pair of brackets with a movement approximately orthogonal to the axial extension of the pins until the pins touch the respective chamfers;

pushing the sanitary fixture towards the brackets making the pins slide along the chamfers up to cause the insertion of the pins into the recesses.

[0012] In some embodiments, the brackets are at least partially coated with plastic or other relatively soft material, or they are coupled to brackets or spacers made of plastic or other similar relatively soft material, that can be interposed between the brackets, that are preferably made of metal, and the wall/floor covering, in order to avoid damages thereto and to balance any inaccuracy in measures or planarity. Spacers, coverings, inserts and the like of different thickness can be provided, to be chosen based on the specific installation conditions.

[0013] Further features and embodiments of the kit, of the system, and of the method of the present invention are described hereunder with reference to the attached drawings and in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will be better understood by following the description and the accompanying drawing, which shows a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention. More in particular, in the drawing:

Figs.l and 2 are axonometric views of the components of the kit of the invention;

Figs.3 to 8 show the steps for mounting a sanitary fixture to the floor using the kit of the invention;

Fig.9 is a sequence detailing the relative movement between one of the pins fastened to the sanitary fixture and one of the brackets applied to the fastening structure;

Figs.10 and 11 show further embodiments of the bracket of the kit according to the invention; and

Fig.12 is an axonometric view, similar to that of Fig.1 , of an improved embodiment.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0015] Figs.l and 2 show a first embodiment of the kit of the invention. Figs.3 to 9 show in detail a method for using the kit of Figs.1 and 2.

[0016] Figs.l and 2 are two axonometric views of the main components of the anchoring kit. In the illustrated embodiment, the kit, indicated as a whole with reference number 1, comprises a pair of brackets 3. The two brackets 3 can be equal to each other. In some embodiments, as in the illustrate example, the two brackets 3 are symmetrical to one another.

[0017] In advantageous embodiments, the two brackets 3 are F-shaped. Each bracket 3 has two wings 3.1 and 3.2, which can be advantageously arranged at 90° with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the wing 3.1 is longer than the wing 3.2. Each wing 3.1 and 3.2 extends from a first end, herein referred to as the proximal end, at the angle of the bracket, where the two wings 3.1 and 3.2 are joined together, up to an opposite distal end. [0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wing 3.1 has a first edge 5, which extends from the proximal end (at the comer 3.3 where the wings 3.1 and 3.2 join) to a second edge 7, which defines the distal end of the wing 3.1. The first edge 5 and the second edge 7 can be approximately orthogonal to each other.

[0019] Along the first edge 5 a first recess 9 is provided that, in the illustrated embodiment, has a rectangular shape (not mandatory) open along one side. A chamfer 11 extends from the recess 9 to the second edge 7.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wing 3.2 has a third edge 13 defining the distal end of the second wing 3.2. In the illustrated embodiment, along the third edge 13 a second recess 15 is provided, which can be substantially shaped as the first recess 9, but this is not mandatory. A second chamfer 17 extends from the second recess 15 up to a fourth edge 19 of the bracket 3. The fourth edge 19 extends from the proximal end (comer 3.3) to the distal end of the second wing 3.2, constituted by the third edge 13.

[0021] In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 9, each wing 3.1 and 3.2 has fastening features for fastening the respective bracket to the fastening structure of the sanitary fixture, which can be a vertical wall or a floor, as better explained below.

[0022] To this end, in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 9 each wing 3.1 and 3.2 has fastening features in the form of through holes 21, 23. In the illustrated example, each wing 3.1, 3.2 has three round holes 21 and one elongated hole or slot 23. The holes 21, 23 can also have different arrangements and shapes. Fastening screws (not shown) are inserted into the holes 21, 23, the screws being adapted for example to be screwed in expandable plugs inserted into holes provided in the fastening structure (wall or floor), as it will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figs. 3 to 8.

[0023] The kit 1 further comprises anchoring members for anchoring the brackets 3 to the sanitary fixture. The anchoring members are two, one for each bracket 3 of the kit. In Figs. 1 and 2 only one anchoring member 31 is shown. It comprises an expandable plug 31.1, a partially threaded pin 31.2, the threading of which engages the expandable plug 31.1 and on a smooth portion of which a sleeve 31.3 is inserted. The sleeve 31.3 can be interchangeable. The kit 1 may be include a series of sleeves 31.3 (not shown) of variable outer diameters, for the purposes that will be explained below.

[0024] In some embodiments, each kit 1 comprises inserts 33 of variable thickness that can be applied in the recesses 9, 15, to modify the inner dimensions thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, four inserts 33 are provided, but this number is given merely by way of example. Each insert 33 may have a groove 33.1 allowing the insert 33 to be snap-coupled along the edge defining the respective recess 9, 15.

[0025] The kit 1 can be used by applying the brackets 3 to the floor or to the wall. If the brackets 3 are applied to the floor, the longer wing 3.1 can act as an anchorage to the floor, while the shorter wing 3.2 extends orthogonally to the floor. Vice versa, if the brackets 3 are applied to the wall, the shorter wings 3.2 can be applied to the wall, while the longer wings 3.1 extend orthogonally to the wall. Below, with reference to Figs. 3 to 8, the mounting method will be described for mounting a sanitary fixture, for example a toilet bowl, to the floor through the brackets 3 of the kit 1 anchored to a vertical wall. As it will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art, the kit can be used in the same way for floor-mounting. In any case, the sanitary fixture is resting on the floor.

[0026] In Fig. 3 the first step of the method is shown, i.e. the step of applying the brackets 3 to a vertical wall P extending from the floor PA where a sanitary fixture, indicated with WC, shall be mounted. S indicates the floor flange for the sanitary fixture WC. Fig.3 shows how the two brackets 3 of the kit 1 are positioned on the wall P and preliminarily fastened through two screws 41 or other fastening members, inserted into the slots 23, so as to allow the brackets 3 to slide horizontally and to adjust the reciprocal distance thereof. In the enlargement indicated with IIIA, one of the brackets 3 is shown, with the screw 41 inserted and screwed.

[0027] Fig.4 shows the step of fastening the two brackets 3 to the vertical wall P. The wings 3.1 orthogonally project from the vertical wall P. Fig. 4 also shows a cross-section of the sanitary fixture WC according to a vertical median plane of symmetry, so as to show a blind hole F provided in the side wall PF of the body of the sanitary fixture. A symmetrical hole, not shown, is provided in the part of the sanitary fixture WC that has been cut away for the sake of clarity of representation. The blind hole F is spaced by a distance X from a vertical plane along which the sanitary fixture rests against the wall P.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows again the two brackets 3 applied to the vertical wall P through the screws 41. In Fig. 5, X indicates the distance between the wall P and the recess 9 of the brackets 3. The distance X corresponds to the distance X between the blind hole F and the vertical back surface of the sanitary fixture WC, representing the rest surface of the sanitary fixture WC to the vertical wall P. The enlargement V_A in Fig.5 shows how one of the inserts 33 can be associated with the recess 9 of each bracket 3.

[0029] Fig.6 shows the step of applying the anchoring member 31 into the blind hole F. An analogous anchoring member 31 is inserted and anchored into the other, not visible, blind hole F of the sanitary fixture WC.

[0030] Fig.7 shows the step of moving the sanitary fixture WC towards the vertical wall P. The arrows fwc indicate the movement of the sanitary fixture WC with respect to the vertical wall P. With this movement, the sleeves 31.3 of the anchoring members 31 touch the chamfers 11 of the two brackets 3. Pushing the sanitary fixture WC towards the vertical wall P, the sleeves 31.3 slide on the chamfer 111, slightly raising the sanitary fixture WC from the floor PA up to achieve the recess 9. Fig.8 shows the final step of coupling the sanitary fixture WC to the brackets 3: the pins 31.2 with the sleeves 31.3 have been inserted into the recesses 9 resting on the inserts 33. The sanitary fixture WC can be moved from this position only after having been raised from the floor enough to bring the sleeves 31.3 out of the recesses 9. Therefore, once the position of Fig.8 has been achieved, the sanitary fixture is fastened with respect to the structure constituted by the vertical wall P and by the floor PA. The position of the brackets 3 has been chosen so that in the position of Fig.8 the outlet of the sanitary fixture WC is connected to the floor flange S in the floor PA.

[0031] In Figs. 5 to 8 each bracket 3 is fastened to the wall P with only one screw 41. It is also possible to insert one or more additional screws into the holes 21 of the wings 3.2, so as to fasten the brackets 3 to the vertical wall P more stably. The additional screws can be applied after having verified the right positioning of the brackets 3 on the wall P by provisionally mounting the sanitary fixture WC.

[0032] The sequence of Fig.9 is a side view of the relative movement between the anchoring member 31 and the bracket 3. Fig.9 A shows the preliminary (optional) step of applying an insert 33 adapted to cover the edges of the recess 9. Fig. 9B shows the position where the pin of the anchoring member 31 touches the bracket 3 and starts to slide along the chamfer 11 causing the sanitary fixture WC to raise. In Fig. 9C, the pin of the anchoring member 31 has achieved the recess 9 and in Fig.9D the pin of the anchoring member 31 is inserted into the recess 9 with the sleeve 31.3 resting on the insert 33.

[0033] Once the sanitary fixture WC has been fastened to the brackets 3 by means of members 31, sealing silicone can be applied around the contact surface between the sanitary fixture and the wall P and/or between the sanitary fixture and the floor PA, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Whilst in Figs. 3 to 9 the brackets 3 are anchored to the vertical wall P, it should be understood that, as mentioned above, the kit 1 can be also used differently, applying the wings 3.1 to the floor so that the wings 3.2 project therefrom, and using the recesses 15 and the chamfers 17 for similarly mounting the sanitary fixture, with a sequence of operations substantially equal to that described above.

[0035] Figs.l to 9 show an embodiment with the brackets 3 configured for mounting both to the floor and to the wall; however, it is also possible, even if less advantageous, to have brackets adapted for only one kind of mounting, namely only to the floor or only to the wall. Fig. 10 shows a bracket 3 adapted to be mounted only to a wall. The same reference numbers indicate parts which are equal or equivalent to those of the brackets of Figs. 1 to 9. The bracket of Fig. 10 can be L-shaped, or T- shaped (as shown in broken line), or even have a different shape, for example the wing 3.1 can project from a round (and not rectangular) base, or from a polygonal base.

[0036] Fig. 11 shows a further bracket 3 adapted to be mounted only to the floor. The same numbers indicate parts which are equal or equivalent to those of the brackets of Figs. 1 to 9. In this case again, the bracket can be L-shaped or T-shaped (as shown in broken line). Alternatively, the bracket base can be round or polygonal instead of being rectangular. In all embodiments, the L-shape has construction advantages as it is more economical to be produced.

[0037] To facilitate mounting, in some embodiments each bracket may be provided with a coating made of a relatively soft material. In general,“relatively soft” means herein a material with hardness lower than that of the brackets. If the brackets are made of metal, the coating may be made of a polymeric material, for example polyamide or polypropylene or other adequate polymeric material.

[0038] Fig.12 is an axonometric view of two brackets 3, similar to the brackets of Figs. 1 and 2, which are provided with two plastic coatings 50. Each coating is constituted by a small L-shaped bracket, which can be mechanically coupled, for example snap-coupled, to the respective bracket 3. The coating is applied to the sides of the brackets 3 facing the walls or the floor when the bracket is installed. Essentially, irrespective of the mounting position, a coating made of polymeric material, or any other suitable soft material, is interposed between the bearing structure and the bracket 3. The kit may be also provided with interchangeable coatings 50, for example of different thickness, to be used based on the different installation conditions. To this end, and also in order to reduce the production costs, the small covering brackets can be snap-coupled or coupled in other manner during installation.

[0039] The use of a coating 50 allows, on the one hand, to balance any dimensional or shape tolerances and, on the other hand, to avoid damages to the wall/floor covering, to which the brackets 3 are applied. The coating 50 can also advantageously avoid damages to the ceramic of the sanitary fixture anchored through the brackets 3.

[0040] The invention has been described with reference to various specific embodiments; however, it will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, variants and omissions can be done to the invention, without however departing from the protective scope thereof as claimed in the attached claims. Furthermore, if not otherwise stated, the order or sequence of any step of method or process may be changed according to alternative embodiments.

Claims

1. Kit for anchoring a floor- standing sanitary fixture (WC), comprising:

a pair of brackets (3) adapted to be applied to a fastening structure (PA; P), wherein each bracket (3) has a first wing (3.1; 3.2) with a first edge (5; 13), along which there are provided a first recess (9; 15) and a first chamfer (11; 17) which extends from a second edge (7; 19) of said first wing (3.1; 3.2) towards said first recess (9; 15);

a pair of anchoring members (31) adapted to be fastened to a sanitary fixture, wherein each anchoring member (31) comprises a pin (31.2) configured to be inserted into a recess (9; 15) of a corresponding one of said brackets (3).

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein each bracket (3) comprises a second wing (3.2; 3.1), approximately orthogonal to the first wing (3.1; 3.2); and wherein the second wing comprise fastening features (21, 23), preferably in the form of through holes, for fastening the bracket to a fastening structure (P; PA).

3. The kit of claim 1 or 2, wherein each anchoring member (31) comprises an expandable plug (3.1) adapted to engage into a hole of the sanitary fixture (WC).

4. The kit of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first edge (5; 13) and the second edge (7; 19) are approximately orthogonal to each other.

5. The kit of one or more of the previous claims, wherein the first edge (5) extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the first wing (3.1), and the second edge (7) defines the distal end of the first wing (3.1) of the bracket (3).

6. The kit of one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first edge (13) defines a distal end of the first wing (3.2) and the second edge (19) extends from a proximal end to the distal end of the first wing (3.2).

7. The kit of one or more of the previous claims, wherein each bracket (3) comprises through holes (21, 23) for fastening members (41) for fastening to the fastening structure (P; PA).

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein each bracket (3) comprises at least a through slot (23) for fastening members (41) for fastening to the fastening structure (P; PA).

9. The kit of one or more of the previous claims, wherein each bracket (3) comprises a second wing (3.2; 3.1), approximately orthogonal to the first wing (3.1 ; 3.2), in an L-shaped configuration.

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the second wing (3.2; 3.1) comprises a third edge (13; 5), along which there are provided a second recess (14; 9) and a second chamfer (17; 11) which extends from a fourth edge (19; 7) of said second wing towards the second recess; and wherein the third edge (13; 5) and the fourth edge (19; 7) are preferably approximately orthogonal to each other.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the fourth edge (19) extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the second wing (3.2), and the third edge (13) defines the distal end of the second wing (3.2).

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the third edge (5) extends from a proximal end to the distal end of the second wing (3.1), and the fourth edge (7) defines a distal end of the second wing (3.1).

13. The kit of one or more of claims 9 to 12, wherein each bracket (3) comprises through holes (21, 23) for fastening members (41) for fastening to the fastening structure (P; PA) in each of said first and second wing (3.1; 3.2); and wherein preferably one said through hole is in the form of a slot.

14. The kit of one or more of the previous claims, wherein each anchoring member (31) comprises an expandable plug (31.1), wherein the pin (31.2) engages into the expandable plug.

15. The kit of claim 14, comprising adapting elements (33) to adapt the size of the pins (31.2) to the size of the recesses (9; 15). 15).

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the adapting elements comprise interchangeable sleeves of variable outer diameters insertable onto the pins (31.2).

17. The kit of claim 15 or 16, wherein the adapting elements comprise inserts (33) that can be applied in the recesses (9; 15) of the bracket (3), said inserts being so shaped as to engage the edges of the recesses and to reduce the dimension thereof.

18. The kit of one or more of the previous claims, wherein each bracket comprises a plastic coating (50), preferably adapted to be snap-coupled to the respective bracket.

19. System comprising a floor- standing sanitary fixture (WC) and a kit of one or more of the previous claims.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the sanitary fixture (WC) has opposite walls (PL) provided with respective blind holes (F) open towards the inside of the sanitary fixture (WC) for inserting and anchoring said anchoring members (31).

21. Method for mounting a floor- standing sanitary fixture (WC) to the floor, comprising the following steps:

applying a pair of brackets (3), spaced from each other, to a fastening structure (P; PA), each bracket comprising at least a wing (3.1; 3.2) with an edge (5; 13), along which there are provided a recess (9; 15) and a chamfer (11; 17) which extends from a distal end of said wing (3.1; 3.2) towards said recess (9; 15); wherein each bracket (3) is applied to the fastening structure (P; PA) so that the respective wings (3.1; 3.2) are approximately orthogonal to the fastening structure (P; PA), to which the sanitary fixture (WC) shall be applied, with the respective recess (9; 15) directed upwards;

anchoring, to the sanitary fixture (WC), two pins (31.2) substantially coaxial with each other and arranged at a reciprocal distance corresponding to the distance between the wings (3.1 ; 3.2) of the two brackets (3);

moving the sanitary fixture (WC) towards the pair of brackets (3) with a movement approximately orthogonal to the axial extension of the pins (31.2) until the pins touch the respective chamfers (11; 17); 17);

pushing the sanitary fixture (WC) towards the brackets (3) making the pins (31.2) slide along the chamfers (11; 17) up to cause the insertion of the pins (31.2) into the recesses (9; 15).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the brackets (3) are anchored to the floor (PA), or wherein the brackets (3) are anchored to a wall (P) approximately orthogonal to the floor (PA).