GB2373019A

GB2373019A - Suction cup fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2373019A
Application number: GB0105873A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Mulholland
Original assignee: CROYDEX GROUP PLC
Current assignee: CROYDEX GROUP PLC
Priority date: 2001-03-09
Filing date: 2001-03-09
Publication date: 2002-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-09
Also published as: GB2373019B; GB2403505A; GB2403505B; GB0105873D0; GB0422180D0; TW595668U

Abstract

A mounting means for removable attachment to a surface comprises: suction means 9 for sealingly contacting a surface; pulling means 10 attached to the suction means 9 for drawing a part of the suction means away from the surface, so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and the surface, the pulling means 10 comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface, e.g. bore 11, of a rotatable member 2, whereby rotation of the rotatable member 2 draws the pulling means 10 and respective part of the suction means 9 away from the surface; and contact means extending beyond the suction means for contacting the surface when in use. The pulling means may be a screw threaded projection. An intermediate member 7 may be provided for engaging the surface or for supporting the suction means. In a second embodiment, a pair of mounting means support a structural member [e.g. box 16, figure 7], at least 10cm from the surface. In a third embodiment [figure 8], the mounting means is secured to a rough surface using a screw which passes through the rotatable member.

Description

MOUNTING MEANS FOR ATTACHMENT TO A SURFACE The present invention provide a mounting means for removable attachment to a surface.

The present invention is particularly suitable for attachment to smooth surfaces, such as glazed tiles, plastic, steel or glass, such as are found in kitchens and bathrooms Mounting means for removable attachment to smooth surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms are well known. They typically comprise a suction means for contacting a smooth surface, in the form of a suction pad.

In one known arrangement, the suction pad is integrally formed with a fixing formation to which other structures, such as cabinets, shelves, towel hangings etc. can be attached.

The suction means typically comprises a sealing material such as PVC and is slightly dome shaped so that when it is pressed into contact with the smooth surface, its inherent resilience causes the central part to draw away from the smooth surface, thereby creating a partial vacuum between the suction means and the surface which fixes the suction means to the surface. Such mounting means have the disadvantage that there is a limited amount of resilience which can be built into the design so that only weak fixing force can be obtained.

Another known mounting means comprises a suction pad as described above, which is actuated by a lever and cam arrangement. One end of the lever is attached to a pulling means for drawing the suction pad away from the wall. The pulling means projects through an intermediate member, whose edges rest on the top of the edges of the suction pad but whose centre is raised away from suction pad. The lever has a fulcrum part which bears against the intermediate part. When the end of lever is pressed down, the lever rotates about the fulcrum and the pulling means pulls the centre of the suction pad away from the smooth surface. This design has the additional advantage that the amount of pull which can be obtained is not dependent upon the material of which suction pad is made. Further, as the lever presses the intermediate part down, the intermediate part forces the circumference of the suction pad into closer contact with the smooth surface giving a better seal.

There are, however, problems with this known arrangement. In particular. the lever arrangement is complex to produce, relatively unsightly and may only be used to apply one level of force to the suction pad.

It is known to provide a mounting means which has a suction pad, as described above. in which the suction pad is drawn away from the smooth surface by interengaging helical surfaces such as a substantially helical surface engaging in a bushing. Such

arrangements are shown for example in GB1166894. GB2275723. GB2342382. EP-A0915263, GB-A-2185607, W097/33096 and GB2245638. In all cases, there is an intermediate member whose edges rest on top of the edges of the suction pad, to push the edges of the suction pad into firm contact with the smooth surface, when the centre of the suction pad is drawn up by the substantially helical surface.

When such a mounting means having a substantially helical surface is mounted on a vertical surface and a relatively heavy object, such as bathroom furniture, is suspended from the mounting means, the heavy object applies a twisting force to the mounting means. The twisting force has the effect of increasing the pressure on the edge of the suction pad at the bottom but decreasing the pressure on the edge of the suction pad at the top. This leads to an increased likelihood of the seal between the suction pad and the smooth surface being broken at the top, which means that there is a limit to the weight of object which can be supported by the mounting means. The present inventors have sought to provide an improved mounting means which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

The present inventors have realised that a contact means can be provided for transmitting twisting forces to the wall, the contact means extending beyond the suction pad so that it contact the surface when in use.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, mounting means for removable attachment to a surface, comprising suction means for sealingly contacting a surface, pulling means being attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the surface, so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and the surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member whereby rotation of the rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface, and contact means, extending beyond the suction means, for contacting the surface, when in use.

The mounting means of the present invention can be used for engagement with any suitable surface. Preferably, it is a smooth surface. Preferably, the surface is of the type found in kitchens and bathrooms for example gloss painted surfaces, metal surfaces such as aluminium or steel, glass or glazed surfaces such as tiles or plastic such as perspex or PVC.

The suction means preferably comprises a material which forms a good seal with a smooth surface, and is preferably a thermoplastic material such as PVC. The suction means may be of any suitable shape, but is preferably substantially circular. It may have a slightly domed profile. Preferably. the pulling means is attached to the suction means substantially in the centre thereof. The suction means should of course form a sealing contact with a smooth surface around a closed figure, for example a circle. The pulling means should of course contact the suction means within the spaced defined by the closed figure. The contact means will be discussed further below.

The pulling means may be integrally formed with the suction means. However, it is sometimes found that the suction means is formed of a material which is not suitable for forming a pulling means, being too flexible. The pulling means may then be sealingly engaged with the suction means, for example by way of adhesive.

The rotatable member may be of any suitable shape, but is preferably substantially circular in plan. It is suitably formed of a relatively rigid material, such as metal or thermoplastic, for example polypropylene or polyethylene.

The contact means need not contact the surface when the mounting means is first fixed to the surface. It is sufficient for the contact means to be such that, if a sufficient weight is placed on the mounting means, the contact means contacts the surface The rotatable member is preferably kept at substantially fixed distance in relation to the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the contact means is part of the same formation as the rotatable member. Contact between the rotatable member and the surface keeps the rotatable member at fixed distance from the surface and so transmits twisting forces to the surface, in use. It is further preferred that there is an intermediate member for engaging the surface or for engaging the sealing part of the suction means, the intermediate member supporting the rotatable member at a substantially fixed distance from the surface. The intermediate part is suitably made of metal or thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

It is particularly preferred that the intermediate member should contact the suction means in the sealing parts thereof, so that the suction means will be firmly pushed into contact with the surface, to improve the seal. The intermediate member contacting the suction means in the sealing parts thereof is preferably not the contact means, otherwise there is a danger that twisting forces will be transmitted to the suction means. In this case, the contact means is preferably part of the rotatable member.

Preferably, the pulling means comprises a substantially helical surface which projects through the intermediate member. Bearing means may be provided between the rotatable member and the intermediate member whereby the downward force exerted on the rotatable member by the pulling means can be transmitted to the intermediate member.

The respective substantially helical surfaces may be of any suitable configuration. They may comprise cam surfaces which extend over less than a full circle or they may comprise screw threads, which extend over more than a full circle. Screw threads are particularly preferred as they allow the degree of movement of the pulling means to be variable. Preferably, the pitch of the screw threads is relatively close, making more than four full turns in a length equal to the diameter, preferably more than six full turns.

This allows particularly fine control of the extension of the pulling means.

Locking means may be provided for fixing the rotatable member in a position corresponding to the desired extension of the pulling means. For example, a notch engageable with a projection may be provided. However, where a screw thread is used, it may not be necessary to provide locking means, the screw threads themselves providing sufficient resistance to rotation because of friction.

Preferably, the pulling means comprises a screw threaded member engaging a screw threaded bushing in the rotatable member. In the alternative, the pulling means may comprise a screw threaded bushing into which a substantially screw threaded part of the rotatable member is engaged. The contact means preferably extends beyond the suction means over substantially its whole periphery. This means that the mounting means of the invention can be put in place in any configuration.

In this case, it will not be possible for the user to touch the suction means. Preferably. the contact means comprises cut away portions which allow limited access to the edge portions of the suction means, so that the seal between the suction means and the smooth surface can be broken if necessary. Suitably, the rotatable means is formed with formations to allow good grip.

The mounting means of the present invention is of any suitable size. Preferably, the suction means provides a contact area of about 20-80mm2, more preferably 20-40mm2 The travel of the substantially helical surface should be sufficient to allow a sufficiently strong partial vacuum to develop. Suitably, the distance of travel will be in the range of 1.0-20 millimetres more preferably 1. 5-5. 0 millimetres.

The mounting means of the present invention may be used to mount objects to smooth surfaces in any suitable manner. For example, other structures may be attached to the mounting means. Preferably, the mounting means comprises a substantially circular section member projecting from the rotatable member to which other structures may be mounted.

Preferably, the substantially circular section projection comprises a reduced diameter portion located between two portions of larger diameter. This allows the mounting means to engage a keyhole section slot on another structure. The keyhole section slot preferably comprises a first portion of dimension large enough to pass over the larger diameter portion and a second part of dimension greater than the diameter of the smaller diameter part but smaller than the diameter of the larger diameter part.

In the past, suction type mounting means have been used to mount objects to vertical surfaces which do not extend far beyond the respective surface. For example, WO93119304 discloses a fixing for attaching a mirror to a wall. W097/33096 disclos a mounting for shower fittings, mugs, towels, paper rolls handles and rails. GB22456 discloses a mounting for dish cloths and sponges. The present inventors have discovered that a suction mounting can successfully be used to mount an object which extends a substantial distance from a vertical wall.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a structure for removable attachment to a surface, the structure comprising mounting means for removable attachment to a substantially vertical surface, the mounting means comprising suction means for sealingly contacting a surface, pulling means being attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the surface so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and the surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member, whereby rotation of a rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface, and a structural member, removably mountable on the mounting means, the structural member extending for at least 10 cm from the wall, when in use. It is particularly preferred that the suction means, pulling means and rotatable member are substantially as described for the first aspect of the invention. It is particularly preferred that the mounting means is according to the first aspect of the invention, as the mounting means of the first aspect of the invention is particularly suitable for resisting twisting forces.

The structural member is made of any suitable material, for example metal, moulded plastic, reinforced plastic such as glass fibre reinforced resin. Suitably, the structural member comprises a member such as a shelf, tray, rack or box. Preferably, the structural member, when in place, extends for a substantial distance in the vertical direction. It is particularly preferred that the structural member should comprise attachment means at the top for engaging the mounting means and abutting means displaced from the attachment means, whereby, when in use, the structural member can be mounted attached at the top via the mounting means to a substantially vertical wall surface, with the abutment means resting against the substantially vertical wall surface below the mounting means. This assists in resisting twisting forces. Preferably, the structural member is engagable with a plurality of mounting means.

The structural member is engagable with the mounting means by any suitable arrangement. Preferably, however there is a substantially circular section member projecting from the rotatable member of the mounting means, engagable with a keyhole section slot, as described for the first aspect of the invention.

There are a number of surfaces, such as unpainted wood or rough plaster, to which suction devices cannot be attached. It is desirable to provide an alternative means by which a suction type mounting device can be attached to such a rough surface.

GB2245638 discloses an embodiment in which the suction pad is attached to a rough surface by screwing a screw through the suction pad. This arrangement has the disadvantage that it is relatively unsightly and the flexible suction pad does not provide a good support for the screw.

The arrangement shown in GB2245638 has the disadvantage that after putting a screw through the suction means, it is difficult to seal it to a smooth surface afterwards.

Further, the central part of the suction means is probably the most rigid part, as it includes the substantially helical surface, and is difficult to pass a screw through. The present inventors have realised that these disadvantages can be overcome by passing the screw through a relatively rigid part such as the intermediate member or the rotatable member, and putting the suction means aside for later use, if it is desired to use the mounting means by smooth surface subsequently. The structural member preferably extends for a distance of at least 13cm. more preferably 15cm from the wall.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a third aspect, a kit for providing a mounting for removable attachment, selectively, to a rough surface or to a smooth surface, the kit comprising a screw and a mounting means, the mounting means comprising suction means for sealingly contacting a smooth surface, pulling means attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the smooth surface, so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and the surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member. whereby rotation of the rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface, and a relatively rigid part for contacting the surface or for contacting the suction means around the periphery thereof, wherein the relatively rigid member comprises a hole or pierecable part, through which the screw may be passed to fix the mounting means to a rough surface.

Preferably, the suction means, pulling means, substantially helical surfaces and rotatable member are substantially as described for the first aspect of the invention. Preferably, the mounting means of the third aspect of the invention is according to first aspect of the invention. The mounting means of the third aspect invention may be used in the second aspect of the invention.

. Preferably, the relatively rigid member comprises a hole. A pierceable part of the relatively rigid member may be pierceable by use of drill or the like. However it is preferred that it is made of relatively thin section material, for example of a thickness in

the range of 0. 5-1. Omm s th the range of0. 5-l. 0mm, so that a screw may be pierced directly through it without preparation.

The relatively rigid member may be formed by the rotatable member or by an intermediate member as described for the first aspect of the invention. It is more rigid than the suction means. The present invention has been described above by way of example only, and modifications can be made within the invention. The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of a mounting means according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the mounting means of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross section through the mounting means as shown in figure 1 along line III-III.

Figure 4 is a side view of an intermediate member of the mounting means as shown in figure 3.

Figure 5 is a top view of an intermediate member as shown in figure 4.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross section along line III-III of figure 1 showing the contact means in position on a smooth surface.

Figure 7 shows two mounting means according to the present invention attached a surface to mount a structural member to the surface, according to the second aspect of the invention. Figure 8 is a schematic cross section through the rotatable member of the mounting means of figure 1 engaged with a screw for fixing to a rough surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The mounting means 1 shown in figure 1 comprises a rotatable member 2. The rotatable member 2 comprises a central boss having a small diameter portion 3 and a larger diameter portion 4. It comprises three scalloped parts 5.

The rotatable member 2 can be seen in cross section in figure 3. The right hand side of figure 3 passes through a scalloped portion 5. Figure 3 also shows a threaded bushing 6 which is formed within the central boss of the rotatable member 2. Figure 3 also shows an intermediate member 7. The rotatable member 2 contacts the intermediate member 7 in an annular bearing zone 8. The mounting means 1 further comprises a suction means in the form of a PVC pad 9 of circular plan. Attached to the centre of the suction means 9 there is a pulling means 10 comprising a screw threaded projection which is engaged within the screw threaded bore 6. The intermediate member 7 is shown in side and plan views at the same scale in figures 4 and 5. The part of the rotatable member having the screw threaded portion 6 projects through a bore 11 formed in the intermediate member. The circumferential edge 12 of the intermediate member, in use, presses down on the circumferential edge 13 of the suction means.

The dotted line 14 in figure 1 shows the position of the circumferential edge 13 of the suction means 9. It can be seen that the outer periphery of the rotatable member 2 extends beyond the circumferential edge 13 of the suction means 9. The circumferential edge 13 of the suction means 9 is just accessible from within the scalloped portions 5 so that the seal between the suction means 9 and the surface can be broken if necessary.

Figure 6 shows the mounting means of the present invention in use. The mounting means placed with suction means 9 in contact with a suitable smooth surface 14. The rotatable means 2 is then rotated as shown. As a result of the engagement of screw threaded pulling means 10 in the screw threaded bore 6, the pulling means is drawn upwards in the direction shown in the arrow, drawing the centre section of the suction means 9 upwards. As a result, the rotatable member 2 is drawn downwards The downwards force on the rotatable member 2 is transferred to the intermediate member 7 through the annular bearing zone 8. This downward force is in turn transmitted by the intermediate member 7, through it circumferential portion 12 to the circumferential portion of the suction member 9, thereby improving the seal. The rotatable member 2 can be rotated until the desired force is obtained. It can be seen that the outer periphery of the rotatable member 2 contacts or nearly contacts the surface 14 outside the circumferential edge of the suction means 9. If the outer periphery of the rotatable member does not contact the surface 14 in the unloaded position, it will contact the surface 14 if a sufficiently large weight is extended from the mounting means.

If an article is suspended from the central boss 4, the resulting twisting forces will be transmitted to the surface 14 via the lower peripheral edge of the rotatable member 2 when they contact the surface 14. In this way, the twisting forces are not transmitted to the suction means 9 and the seal is preserved. Figure 7 shows a pair of mounting means 1 according to the present invention mounted on a smooth surface. A box 16, to be mounted by the mounting means I, is provided.

When in position, the box 16 will extend for 10cm or more from the smooth surface in the horizontal direction.. The box 16, to be mounted by the mounting means 1, comprises a pair of keyhole shaped slots 17. The lower part of the keyhole shaped slot 17 is of a diameter sufficiently large for it to pass over the larger diameter portion 4 of the boss on the rotatable member 2. The narrower, slot, part of the keyhole shaped slot 17 is of width less than the larger diameter portion 4 but bigger than the smaller diameter portion 3 of the boss. As a result, the keyhole shaped slot can be passed over the boss until it comes to rests with the narrow slot firmly held on the smaller diameter portion 3 of the boss, whereby the box 16 is mounted on the smooth surface 15.

If it is desired to mount the mounting means to a rough surface, the suction means 9 will not be effective and can be removed. Instead, a screw 18 can be passed through the boss 4 of the rotatable member 2 and screwed into contact with the rough surface. In order to permit the screw 18 to pass through the central boss 4, the bore 6 may be a through bore or it may have a thin septum, through which the screw can be pushed with small force.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification can be made within the spirit of the invention, which extends to the equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or generalisation of any such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A mounting means for removable attachment to a surface, comprising suctions means for sealingly contacting a surface, pulling means attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the surface, so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member, whereby rotation of the rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface, and contact means, extending beyond the suction means, for contacting the surface, when in use.
2. A mounting means according to claim 1, wherein there is an intermediate member for engaging the surface or for engaging the sealing part of the suction means, the intermediate member supporting the rotatable member at a substantially fixed distance from the surface, in use.
3. A structure for removable attachment to a surface, the structure comprising mounting means for removable attachment to a substantially vertical surface, the mounting means comprising suction means for sealingly contacting a surface, pulling means being attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the surface so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction means and the surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member, whereby rotataion of the rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface, and a structural member, removably mountable on the mounting means, the structural member extending for at least 10cm from the wall when in use.
4. A kit for providing a mounting for removable attachment, selectively, to a rough surface or to a smooth surface, the kit comprising a screw and a mounting, the mounting means comprising. suction means for sealingly contacting a smooth surface, pulling means attached to the suction means for drawing a part of the suction means away from the smooth surface so that a partial vacuum is created between suction means and the surface, the pulling means comprising a substantially helical surface engaged with a corresponding substantially helical surface of a rotatable member, whereby rotation of the rotatable member draws the pulling means and respective part of the suction means away from the surface and a relatively rigid part for contacting the surface or for contacting the suction means around the periphery thereof, wherein the relatively rigid member comprises a hole or pierceable part, through which the screw may be passed to fix the mounting means to a rough surface.