Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
  • A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
  • A47B96/06—Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
  • A47K2201/00—Details of connections of bathroom accessories, e.g. fixing soap or towel holder to a wall
  • A47K2201/02—Connections to a wall mounted support

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an , apparatus for fixing objects ' to corresponding support devices, in particular for fixing furnishing elements to walls or support structures.
• the invention furthermore refers to an apparatus for hanging objects, in particular to an apparatus usable as a furnishing element such as a midway unit for a kitchen, or as a support for containers, or accessories, for rooms in general.
• Midway units are known, for example for kitchens, comprising a bar - fixed to a ' wall in such a way as to be arranged substantially horizontally.
• At least one container is associated that is provided with a chamber suitable for receiving objects to be hung such as kitchen utensils, for example soup ladles,, or cleaning implements, such as sponges and/or soap.
• the container furthermore comprises a pair of rods, each one of which having an end fixed to the container.
• the rods lead away ' from the container in such a way as to be substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a top opening of the aforementioned chamber.
• each of the aforementioned rods opposite said end, a bent portion is provided in such a way as to constitute a hook by means of which each rod can be connected to the bar disclosed above.
• the bent portions of the rods associated with the container are arranged around the bar in such a way that the container is hung on the bar and is positioned below ' the latter. In this way, the, container rotates around the bar until a lower zone thereof, which acts as an abutment element, comes to rest against a wall to which the bar is fixed, so that the consequent interaction with the wall prevents the container from rotating further.
• the bar prevents the container from moving by- descending in a substantially vertical direction, whereas the wall prevents the container from rotating around the bar.
• One drawback of the midway units disclosed above consists of the fact that the container, by interacting with the wall, may damage it by producing marks or scratches on it. Furthermore, the container may be made to slide along the bar and slide along the wall, thereby marking it.
• a further drawback of the midway units disclosed above consists of . the fact that they are of small aesthetic appearance inasmuch as the aforementioned bar constitutes a support element that projects from the wall ' and ' is constantly visible to a user.
• a further drawback of the midway units disclosed above consists of the fact that two containers associated with the same bar cannot - be brought into contact with each other because of the interference between the rods that lead away laterally from each of them.
• One object of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus for fixing objects that is easy to make and enables a reliable connection between the aforementioned objects and corresponding support structures.
• Another object of the invention is to obtain an apparatus that enables objects to be fixed to support structures, whatever their shapes and dimensions are.
• a further object of the invention is to obtain an apparatus ⁇ that enables objects and support structures made of different .materials such . as. metals, plastic materials arid wood to "be fixed together.
• a still further object of the invention is to obtain an apparatus that enables many types of fixing to be achieved and which is provided .with a pleasant appearance such as to be able to be used " to connect furnishing elements to corresponding support structures.
• Still another object of the invention is to obtain an apparatus for fixing objects that comprises a limited number of components, thus being easy to install.
• an apparatus for fixing objects to support means comprising first jaw means and second jaw means, in which said first jaw means and said second- jaw means delimit cavity means extending substantially along a plane parallel to a direction according to ' which said first jaw means and said second jaw means are brought one near the other to be tightened against each other.
• the apparatus furthermore comprises plate means suitable for being received inside cavity means and connectable with the aforementioned objects, or with the aforementioned support means.
• the apparatus according to the invention is furthermore very versatile and enables different types of fixing to be accomplished.
• the aforementioned objects can be fixed to the relative support structures according to ⁇ a desired orientation.
• the apparatus according to, the invention can furthermore be used to connect objects to relative support structures, the aforementioned objects and the aforementioned support structures being made from materials belonging to a vast range of types-.
• an apparatus is
• container means suitable for receiving said objects and support means suitable for supporting said container means, characterised in that said container means comprises groove means arranged to receive said support means.
• groove means is obtained directly on the container means, it is possible to bring such container means near to further container means without any empty space being placed between them.
• the presence of the groove means enables container means to run along the support means:- this enables a user to easily position,, and. at ' his or her own discretion, the container means on the support means .
• a plurality of container means can be associated having extensions such as to completely cover the support means so as to make the latter invisible to a user,- contributing to considerably improving the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for fixing objects
• Figure 2 is an exploded view of the apparatus in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus in Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a section taken along plane IV-IV in Figure 3;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus in Figure 1 associated with a bar suitable for supporting containers, this bar constituting, together with the aforementioned containers, a midway unit of a kitchen furnishing;-
• Figure 6 is a view like the one in Figure 5, showing the apparatus associated with a bar for holding towels;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a container for magazines associated with plate means of the apparatus in Figure 1;
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of a shelf associated with plate means of the apparatus in Figure 1;
• Figure 9 is a perspective view of a support element for a bar of soap associated with the plate means of the apparatus in
• Figure 10 is a detail of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of a support element for lavatory paper associated with the plate means of the apparatus in Figure 1;
• Figure 12 is a perspective view of a mirror, a support arm of which is ' associated with the plate means of the apparatus in
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of • a container for toothbrushes ' associated with a respective support element by a version of the apparatus;
• Figure 14 is a partial and, exploded view of the container for toothbrushes in Figure 13;
• Figure 15 is a perspective view of another version of the apparatus;
• Figure 16 is an exploded view of the apparatus in Figure 15, showing a conical bush internally associatable with the. apparatus;
• Figure 17 is an exploded view of a further version of the apparatus, showing an elastic ring internally associatable with a conical seat of the apparatus;
• Figure 18 is an' exploded view of a still further version of the apparatus
• Figure 19 is a partially fragmentary perspective front view of a mirror with one frame ' of which the apparatus in Figure 17 is associated
• Figure 20 is an exploded and fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus in Figure 19 and of a profiled element with which the aforementioned frame is made;
• Figure 21 is a perspective view from behind of the apparatus in Figure 19 fixed to the aforementioned frame;
• Figure 22 is a perspective side view of an apparatus for hanging objects
• Figure 23 is a view like the one in Figure 22 showing an apparatus provided with container means made according to one version;
• Figure 24 is a view like the one in Figure 22 showing an apparatus provided with container means made according to a further version;
• Figure 25 is a perspective view from the bottom showing container means associated with an end zone of the support means
• Figure 26 is a perspective view from below of a still further version of the container means
• Figure 27 is a partial section taken along a vertical plane of an apparatus for hanging objects provided with support means having a trapezoidal section;
• Figure 28 is a section like the one in Figure 27 showing an apparatus provided with support means consisting of two bars with a circular section connected by a further bar with a rectangular section;
• Figure 29 is a section like the one in Figure 27 showing an apparatus provided with support means having an "L"-shaped section;
• Figure 30 is a section like the one in Figure 27 showing an apparatus provided with support means consisting of a pair of bars having a circular section;
• Figure 31 is a section like the one in Figure 27 showing an apparatus provided with support means having a cross-shaped section and engaging groove means having a rectangular section;
• Figure 32 is a section like the one in Figure 27 showing an apparatus provided with support means having a cross-shaped section and engaging groove means having an upturned T-shaped section. . .
• an apparatus 1 comprising a first jaw 2 and a second jaw 3 suitable for being tightened against each another.
• the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are shaped in such a way that the tightening pressure is distributed on end regions of the first jaw 2 and of the second jaw 3.
• the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are ' respectively provided with a first groove 4 and with a second groove 5 which, in one operating configuration A of the apparatus 1, shown in Figure 4, cooperate together to delimit a cavity 6 suitable for receiving a plate 7, as will be illustrated in greater detail below.
• the cavity 6 is defined in an end portion 19 of the apparatus 1.
• the cavity 6 has an opening 8 through which connecting means - not shown - fixed to the plate .7 can project from the apparatus 1 . to be fixed to an object, or to a support structure of the object.
• the . opening 8 is peripherally delimited by a shoulder 9 obtained in the first jaw 2 and in the second jaw 3 and suitable for preventing the plate 7 from emerging from the cavity 6, when the apparatus 1 is in the operating configuration A.
• the apparatus 1 is assembled in the manner disclosed below.
• the apparatus is kept in a non-operative configuration, indicated by B in Figure 2, in which an end portion 10 • of the plate 7 is inserted inside the first groove 4.
• the second jaw 3 is associated with the first jaw 2, in such a way that a further end portion 11 of the plate 7, opposite the aforementioned end portion 10, is received inside the second groove 5.
• the end portion 10 and the further end portion 11 are received in a shapingly coupled manner inside the cavity 7 and are shaped in such a way as to prevent rotation of the plate 7 in relation to the first jaw 2 and to the second jaw 3.
• the plate 7 is substantially shaped like a frustum of a hollow pyramid and has a central zone 12, which in operating configuration A is projected towards the opening 8 to facilitate the connection of the plate 7 with an object or with a support structure located outside the apparatus 1.
• the first jaw 2- is provided with a plurality of recesses 13 suitable for receiving corresponding protruding elements 14 projecting from the second jaw 3.
• the protruding elements 14 and the recesses 13 enable correct ' positioning of the first jaw 2 to be achieved in relation to the second jaw 3, in addition to preventing the corresponding rotation of the first jaw 2 and of the second jaw 3.
• the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3' can be connected by known connecting means .
• Such connecting means may comprise a screw suitable for being received in a respective chamber 15, obtained in the first jaw 2 and provided at the bottom with an opening 69, and provided with a threaded shank suitable for engaging in a corresponding threaded hole 16 obtained in the second jaw 3.
• the plate 7 can be fixed to the objects, or to the support structures, using known methods, for example by welding, or by using screws.
• the plate 7 may comprise appendages integral with the central zone 12 and projecting outside the cavity 7, such appendages being appropriately shaped ' in such a way as to be able to be connected with objects, or with support structures, whatever their shapes and dimensions.
• the plate 7 may be provided, at the central zone 12, with a hole 17 through which a screw passes, the head of which is received in the gap defined by the central zone 12 of the plate 7 and by a wall 18 delimiting the cavity 6.
• a seat 21 is defined that is suitable for receiving a bar 22 that constitutes a support element for containers, such a bar
• the seat 21 is defined by a first throat 23, obtained in the first jaw 2, and by a second throat 24, obtained in the second jaw 3, ' the first throat 23 and the second throat 24 facing each other when the apparatus 1 is in operating configuration
• the object to be supported is constituted by the bar 22, whereas the support structure is constituted by a wall to which the apparatuses 1 associated with the ends of the bar 22 are connected by means of screws projecting from the respective plates 7.
• a support element for towels is shown 26, that is installable inside a water closet, comprising a pair of apparatuses 1 associated with a further, bar 27..
• connection of the further bar 27 with the apparatuses 1 and the fixing of the latter to a wall of the aforementioned water closet occur in a similar manner to those illustrated with reference to the midway unit 25 shown in Figure 5.
• the seat 21 may receive an elongated element that constitutes a support structure, in which case an -object to be supported may be fixed to the plate 7, as shown in Figures 7 to 12 that will be disclosed below.
• a further example, which is not shown, is that of an indoor lamp, wherein an apparatus 1 enables a spotlight to be connected to a respective standard lamp.
• the plate 7 can be connected to- .
• the aforementioned light whilst an elongated element constituting a portion of the aforementioned standard lamp can be received inside the seat 21.
• an object Owing to the apparatus according to the invention, an object can be positioned on a respective support ' structure with extreme simplicity.
• the apparatus 1 can in fact be made to slide along the aforementioned elongated element '- when the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are not still firmly tightened against, each other - until it is placed in the desired position. Subsequently, by stably pressing the first jaw 2 against the second jaw 3, it is possible to make the apparatus 1 integral with the elongated' element, preventing further sliding thereof .
• FIGS 7 to 12 show some applications of the apparatus 1 disclosed above.
• Figure 7 shows a container for magazines 28 made of metal .
• wire 33 that is appropriately shaped and provided with a crosspiece 29 to which a plate 7 of an apparatus 1 is fixed.
• Figure 8 shows a shelf 30 provided with a frame 31 to which a plate 7 of an apparatus 1 is fixed.
• Figures 9 and 10 show a support element for a bar of soap 32 provided with a further frame 34 to which a plate 7 of an apparatus 1 is fixed.
• Figure 11 shows a support element for a roll 35 of lavatory paper provided with a fork 36 to which a plate 7 of an- apparatus 1 is fixed.
• Figure 12 shows a mirror 37 connected to an end of a support arm 39 having a further end 40 fixed to a plate 7 of an apparatus 1.
• a container for ' toothbrushes 41 comprising a glass 50 supported by a ring 42 associated with an upright 43 by means of a fixing device 44 consisting of a pair of apparatuses la, lb made according to a version of the invention.
• the first apparatus la comprises a first jaw 2a and a second jaw 3a suitable for being tightened against each other.
• the second apparatus lb comprises a further first jaw 2b and a further second jaw 3b suitable for being tightened against each other.
• the first jaw 2a and the second jaw 3a define a cavity 6a suitable for receiving a plate 7a provided with an appendage 45 that can be made integral with the upright 43.
• the further first jaw 2b and the further second jaw 3b define a further cavity -6b suitable for receiving a further plate 7b integral with the ring 42.
• the second jaw 3a is provided, in a zone 46 thereof that does not interact with the first jaw 2a, with hinge means, 47 suitable for cooperating with further hinge means 49. obtained in a further zone 48 of the further second jaw -means 3b that does not interact with the further first jaw means 2b.
• an apparatus 1 is shown that is made according to a version, in which the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 define, at the further end portion 20 of the . apparatus 1 opposite the end portion 19 in which the cavity 6 is obtained, a further seat 51 having a substantially cylindrical shape and suitable for receiving an elongated support element, associatable with the apparatus 1, having a correspondingly cylindrical shape.
• a conical bush 52 is insertible that is suitable for improving the locking of the apparatus 1 on the aforementioned elongated support element.
• the conical bush 52 is suitable for ⁇ being operationally associated with fixing devices connected to the elongated support element and provided with active portions equipped with conical surfaces suitable for cooperating in a shapingly coupled manner with the conical bush.
• an apparatus 1 is shown that is made according to a version in which the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 define at the further end portion 20 of the apparatus 1 opposite the end portion 19 in which the cavity 6 is obtained, a still further seat 53 having a frustum conical shape.
• the still further seat 53 is delimited by an opening 55 arranged at the larger base of the frustum of cone and by a further opening arranged at one of the lesser bases of the frustum of cone.
• the still further seat 53 is suitable for receiving inside itself an elongated support element provided with at least one portion having a shape such as to be able to be associated in a shapingly coupled manner with the still further seat 53.
• a ring- 54 can be interposed , that is made of elastically deformable material that is compressed between the elongated support element and the still further, seat 53.
• the apparatus 1 is fitted by first lowering the ring 54 onto the elongated support element.
• the elongated support element is then inserted inside the still further seat 53 through the opening 55 and is made to slide in the direction of the further opening 56.
• the ring- 54 is progressively compressed until it is able to slide inside the still further seat 53 and " is locked between the latter and the elongated support element. Locking the ring 54 inside the still further seat 53 enables effective mutual fixing of the apparatus 1 and of the elongated support element. If it is necessary to remove the apparatus 1 from the elongated support element, it is sufficient to make the ring 54 slide towards the opening 55, thereby enabling the elongated support element to shift in relation to the still further seat 53.
• an apparatus 1 is shown that is made according to a version in which the first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 define at the further end portion 20 of the apparatus 1, opposite the end portion 19 in which the cavity 6 is obtained, a further cavity 57 similar to the cavity 7.
• the further cavity 57 is suitable for receiving a further plate that is not shown that is substantially identical to the plate 7.
• the plate 7 can be fixed to an object to be supported whereas the further plate can be fixed to a support structure, or vice versa.
• the apparatus 1 made according to the version shown in Figure 18 can be connected to one or more further apparatuses 1 of the same type or of the types shown in Figures 1, 13, 15, 17, to constitute a spacer element that can be interposed between an object to be supported and a relative support structure.
• a pair of apparatuses 1 can be connected by a first plate received in a first cavity of a first apparatus of the pair of apparatuses and a second plate received in a second cavity of a second apparatus of the pair of apparatuses, the aforementioned first plate and second plate being fixed together at the corresponding central zones.
• an apparatus 1 of the type disclosed in Figure 17 is shown, arranged to fix a light 58 to a frame 59 of a mirror 60.
• the light 58 is provided with an elongated support member 61 that is received inside the still further cavity 53 defined by the first jaw 2 and by the second jaw 3 of the apparatus 1.
• the apparatus 1 is furthermore provided with a cavity 6 suitable for receiving a plate 7 to which a "T"-shaped appendage 62- is fitted.
• the frame 59 consists of a metal profiled section 64, one face of which opposite the face that is in view during use of the mirror, has a groove 65 running longitudinally along it.
• a fixing block 66 can be inserted inside the groove 65 .
• the fixing block 66 is associatable in a shapingly coupled manner with the groove .65 and can slide inside it to be located in a preset position.
• the fixing • block 66 is provided with a pair of threaded holes
• an apparatus for hanging objects 101 comprising container means 102 suitable for receiving the aforementioned objects and support means 103 suitable for supporting the container means 102.
• the container means 102 comprises a chamber 104 inside which the objects can be positioned.
• the apparatus 101 may be part of a furnishing element, constituting, for example, a midway unit suitable for being installed in a kitchen for supporting utensils, or a rest element for furnishings of different types to be applied to a wall of a water closet.
• the container means 102 may have different shapes and dimensions.
• Figures 22 and 23 show container means 102 provided with shallow chambers 104 and which are arranged to contain objects received to rest on a bottom wall 105 of the chambers 104 in such a way as to be arranged substantially horizontally, in particular the apparatus 101 shown in Figure 23 is suitable for constituting a rest element for a bar of soap.
• Figure 24 shows container means 102 provided with a rather deep chamber 104 that is therefore suitable for receiving objects substantially vertically, in particular such an apparatus is suitable for being installed in a kitchen to constitute a receptacle for ladles and the like.
• the container means 102 is provided, in a lower portion 107 thereof, with groove means 106 suitable for receiving the support - means 103 inside itself.
• the groove means 106 and the support means 103 are shaped . in such a way as to prevent the container means 102 from rotating in relation to • the support means 103 when the latter engages in the groove means 106.
• the support means 103 and the groove means 106 have a shape that is not axially symmetrical in relation to one of its longitudinal axes.
• the support means 103 can be fixed to a support element, such as a wall, in such a way as to be arranged substantially horizontally.
• the container means 102 can be positioned above 5 the support means 103 in such a way that a prevailing part 108 thereof leads away upwardly in relation - to the support means 103.
• the support means 103 owing to its shape and the shape of the corresponding groove means 106 arranged to receive it, acts as
• the shape of the support means 103 and the shape of the , groove means 106 are such as to enable the container means 102 to maintain a preset position in relation to the support means 103, after being located on the latter,
• the apparatus according to the invention is furthermore rather pleasing aesthetically inasmuch as rods are not provided that connect the container .
• means 102 with the support means 103 and furthermore the support means 103 may be almost completely
• the support means 103 constitutes a rail along which the container means 102 can slide in such a way as to be able to be located in a required position.
• the groove means 106 may comprise a first groove 206 and a second groove 216 arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.
• a user may furthermore position the container means 102 on the support means 103 according to different orientations.
• the aforementioned user may lift up the container means 102 to take them to a position in which the groove means 106 is not engaged by the support means 103, rotate the container means 102 by.90° and subsequently insert
• the groove means 106 may comprise a third groove 226 arranged substantially parallel to the first groove 206 and separated from the latter by a preset distance. This enables the extension of the portion of the container
• the lower portion 107 of the container means 102 in which the groove means 106 is obtained can consist of a full body or can be provided with cavities 110 arranged to lighten the container means 102.
• the support means 103 may comprise a first support element 103a having a trapezoid section and which is suitable for being received in a corresponding trapezoid section.
• the support means 103 may comprise a second support element 103b received in a corresponding second groove 106b.
• the second support element 103b consists of a first bar 111 and of a second bar 112 - both having a circular section - connected by a third bar 113, having a substantially rectangular ' section.
• the support means 103 may comprise a third support element 103c consisting of an elongated element having an "L"-shaped section and which is suitable for being received inside a third groove 106c having a rectangular section.
• the support means 103 may comprise a fourth support element 103d consisting of a first rod 116 and of a second rod 117 - both having a circular section - and suitable for being received inside a fourth groove 106d having a rectangular-shaped section.
• the first rod 116 and the second rod 117 are arranged at opposite vertices of the aforementioned rectangle.
• the support means 103 may comprise a fifth support element 103e consisting - of an elongated element
• the elongated element 118 is arranged in such a way that the portions thereof that define the ends of the arms of the aforementioned cross are positioned at the vertices of the aforementioned rectangle.
• the support means 103 may comprise a sixth support element 103f consisting of a further elongated element 119 and which is suitable for being received inside a " sixth groove 106f having an upturned ⁇ T"-shaped section.

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• Clamps And Clips (AREA)
• Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=33477814

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Cited By (1)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2004
  • 2004-05-24 WO PCT/IB2004/001678 patent/WO2004103120A2/it not_active Ceased

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