WO2019025756A1

WO2019025756A1 - Mounting apparatus and methods of use and manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019025756A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/052037
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Bowen
Original assignee: Logicor (R&D) Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-01
Filing date: 2018-07-19
Publication date: 2019-02-07
Also published as: GB201712361D0

Abstract

Mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a first item to a second item in use. The mounting apparatus includes at. least first frame means for providing a frame on or around at least part of the second item in use, and bracket means for allowing connection of the at least first frame means to the second item in use. The bracket means includes a first part integral, attached to or detachablv attachable to the at least first frame means and a second part connectable to the second item in use. The at least first frame means is arranged to be attached or detachable attachable to the first item in use.

Description

Mounting apparatus and methods of use and manufacture thereof

The invention to which this application .relates is a mounting- apparatus for a heating appliance and methods of use and manufacture thereof.

Although the following description refers exclusively to a mounting apparatus for mounting an item to a wall-mounted heating appliance, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also he used for mounting any first item to any second item in use, and is not limited solely to heating appliances.

Heating appliances are commonplace in almost all building structures. Most buildings, especially homes, have a gas central heating system and a series of radiators spread throughout the home. Other types of heaters exist, such as convection heaters, storage heaters, and more recently, infrared heaters. Infrared heaters are particularly advantageous and increasingly popular because thev are relativelv energv efficient, have no maintenance costs, and can disperse heat instantly and evenly. There is also no requirement for them to be located, as per traditional heaters, at ground level; they may be located at any height on a wall of a user's choosing.

Infrared heaters are generally provided as plain, wall-mounted panels. However, there is now a desire to utilise, the wall space more effectively and provide a decorative element, rather than there simply being a plain panel in view, which may be unsightly for some users . Consequently, some manufacturers of infrared heaters now provide them with decorative images, mirrors and/or the like printed on the user-facing panel. However, the permanence of such a feature may not be ideal for some users; some users may wish to change the images / mirror from time to time, or may simply not like any of the options provided to them by the manufacturer of the heater.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide mounting apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide a method of using mounting apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing mounting apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided mounting apparatus for mounting a first item to a second item in use, said mounting apparatus including at least first frame means for providing a frame on or around at least part of the second item in use, and bracket means for allowing connection of the at least first frame means to the second item in use, said bracket means including a first part integral, attached to or detachably attachable to the at least first frame means, and a second part connectable to the second item in use, the at least first frame means being arranged to be attached or detachably attachable to the first item in use.

Preferably the mounting apparatus is arranged to be located between the first item and the second item when mounted in use.

Preferably the second item is a wall-mounted or wall mountable item. Preferably the second item is a heating appliance. Typically, said heating appliance may be any of the following: a gas central heated radiator, a convection heater, a storage heater, an infrared heater or radiator, an electric heater or radiator.

Preferably, the second item is a wall-mountable infrared heater.

In one embodiment, the first item to be mounted to the second item using the mounting apparatus is any or any combination of the following: second frame or frame means, a decorative item, a planar decorative item, a flat or relatively flat item, a mirror, picture, picture frame, photograph, painting, canvas and/or the like.

Preferably the first item is to allow the aesthetic appearance of the second item to be adapted , modified and/or improved by the user of the second item in some way. The mounting assembly of the present invention allows the aesthetic appearance of the second item to be adapted, modified and/ or improved.

Preferably the first item is user selected for location with the mounting assembly of the present invention.

Thus, the present invention provides a new means by which a user can improve or change the aesthetic appearance of and/or make full use of a second item, in particular, for example a wall- mounted item such as a heater and/or the like.

Preferably the mounting apparatus is arranged such that the first item is mountable to a front or user-facing surface of the second- item; or the first item is mountable so as to be viewable from a front or user-facing surface of the second item in use. Thus, the mounting apparatus allows the second item to serve another purpose (other than its main purpose, such as for example a heating purpose when the second item is a heater) — be it a mirror, picture, painting and/ or the like. The advantage provided by the present invention is that any first item of a user's choosing may be mounted, and changed as desired, as opposed to other options currently available, wherein predetermined images are printed directly onto a panel of, for example, a heater, leaving the user no option to choose/ change that image.

In one embodiment a surface of the at least first frame means is flush or substantially flush and/or in abutting relationship with a front surface of the second item.

In one embodiment the at least first frame means is a spaced distance apart from a front surface of the second item.

In one embodiment, the at least first frame means h as one o r more, or all, flat or planar surfaces.

In one embodiment the bracket means includes at least one bracket member, and preferably a plurality of bracket members that are integrally formed with, attached and/ or detachably attached to the at least first frame means in use.

Preferably each of the plurality of bracket members are provided a spaced distance apart and /or user selected positions on the at least first frame means .

Preferably each of the plurality of bracket members has the first part and the second part. Preferably the bracket members can be positioned equidis tance apart or can be positioned at different distances from each other.

In one embodiment, the bracket means includes at least one bracket member that is detachably attachable to the at least first frame means . Typically, a plurality of bracket members are provided for detachable attachment to the at least first frame means or members at a plurality of positions along the same, as determined by a user.

In one embodiment, the at least first frame means comprises at least one frame member.

Preferably the at least one frame member is linear, substantially linear, rigid, substantially rigid and/or elongate in form.

Preferably the at least one frame means has a longitudinal axis .

Further preferably the longitudinal axis of the frame member is arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to an edge or longitudinal axis of the second item in use.

Preferably the at least one frame member is arranged to extend along at least part of, a whole, or substantially whole, length or edge of the second item on which the mounting- apparatus is to be attached to in use.

Preferably the at least first frame means includes two or more frame members that are integrally attached, attached or detachably attached to each other. In one embodiment first and second frame members are arranged to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.

In one embodiment, at least one frame member extends at least part or whole of the length of a top edge of the second item on which the mounting apparatus is to be attached in use,

Preferably one or more surfaces of said two or more frame members are provided coplanar or substantially coplanar with respect to each other.

In one embodiment, a first frame member extends along at least part of the length of a top edge of the second item on which the apparatus is to be attached in use. Typically, at least second and third frame members are provided, and are located at first and second opposing ends of the first frame member. Further typically, the at least second and third frame members are provided to extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first frame member, in use.

In one embodiment, bracket means may be located or locatable on the second and third frame members .

In one embodiment, the at least first frame means or one or more frame members are adjustable in length and/or size. This allows the frame means to fit different sized and/or shaped second items in use.

In one embodiment two or more frame members are adjustable in length and/or size via a sliding/telescopic arrangement.

In one embodiment, one or more locking members may be provided in order to maintain the at least first frame means or the one or more frame members at their user selected chosen length and/ or size, in use. In another embodiment, said bracket means may be located or locatable on the frame means or one or more frame members in a manner so as to act as a locking mechanism, in use (i. e. to lock the length and/or size of the frame means or frame member (sY) .

Preferably the at least first frame means provides a frame on or along at least three edges or side of the second item in use. For example, a top edge and two opposing side edges of the second item.

In one embodiment, at least a fourth frame member is provided. Typically , said fourth frame member is located or connects distal end s o f the at least second and third frame members .

Preferably the fourth frame member extends parallel to or substantially parallel and opposite to the first frame member in use.

Typically, said frame members may be connected together and arranged so as to form a frame for surroun ding or being located ag;ainst the peripheral edge of the second item in use.

In one embodiment, saicl bracket means are arranged s o that at least a portion of said bracket means protrudes outwardly, and further preferably protrudes outwardly and rearwardly, from the at least one frame means or one or more frame members in use.

For example, at least a portion of the bracket means pro trudes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first frame means or one or more frame members . Preferably said portion of the bracket means protrudes towards the second item when mounted in use, and further preferably away from the first item when mounted in use.

In one embodiment the second part of the bracket means is the portion of the bracket means protruding outwardly from the first frame means in use.

In one embodiment the second part of the bracket means extends from the bracket means portion.

In one embodiment, the second part of the bracket means includes one or more engaging members.

In one embodiment the first part of the bracket means is in abutting relationship with a surface of the first frame means.

Preferably the second part of the bracket means or said engaging members are arranged to permit a snap-fit and/or friction-fit connection with at least part of the second item in use, such as for example along an edge of the second item in use.

In another embodiment, the second part of the bracket means or engaging members may be arranged to permit connection to the second item via any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts and bolts, tongue and groove arrangements, inter-engaging members, clips, hanging or clamping connections, adhesive or. an adhesive layer.

In one embodiment, the second part of the bracket means or the engaging members includes at. least one lip member extending therefrom for engaging at least part of the second item in use. Preferably two or more lip members are provided, and further preferably are provided adjacent one another.

Preferably, at least three lip members are provided,

Preferably at least one lip member is provided offset from at least one other lip member or members.

Preferably at least one lip member is provided at a different height and/or length compared to one other lip member or members.

In one embodiment, first and second lip members are provided, having coplanar surfaces with respect to one another, and a third lip member is provided, having a surface offset from the first and second lip members . Typically, said third lip member is located between said first and second lip members, along a length of the second part of the bracket means .

In one embodiment, said second part of the bracket means is arranged to receive an edge of the second item within or between the lip members.

Preferably said lip members are arranged to slide over and/ or along an edge of the second item, maintaining the bracket means in place on the second item in use.

In one embodiment, said frame means includes securing means to receive and/or attach the first item to the same in use.

In one embodiment, the securing means can include any or any combination of the following: one or more magnets , clamps, clips, pins, nails, nuts and bolts and/or screws; adhesive or adhesive tape; hook and loop fastener; and/or friction fitting arrangement.

According to another aspect of the present i n ve il l i o n, there is provided a method of manufacturing mounting apparatus suitable for mounting a first item to a second item in use, said method including: forming one or more bracket means and at least first frame mean s for providing a frame on or around at least part of the second item in use; and providing the bracket means with at least a first part for integration with, connection or attachment to at least first frame means , and at least a second part connectable to the second item in use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using mounting apparatus for mounting a first item to a second item in use, said method including the steps of providing at least first frame means for forming a frame on or around at least part of the second item, connecting the at least, first frame means to the second item using bracket means, attaching the first item, to the at least first frame means, and wherein said bracket means includes a first part integral, attached to or detachably attachable to the at leas t first frame means and a second part connectable to the. second item.

In. a further aspect of the invention there is provided a bracket assembly for mounting or attaching; a firs t item to a second item in use.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting apparatus kit, said kit including first and/or second items .

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 3a— b illustrate perspective and side-on views of bracket means for mounting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is shown an item, which preferably is arranged to be wall-mounted (wall omitted) , in the. form of an infrared heater 1. It will be appreciated the heater may be any type of wall-mounted heater, although the figures of the present application illustrate embodiments using an infrared heater which radiates infra-red heat in use,

Mounting apparatus 3 is provided to allow an item in the form of a frame 17 to be mounted to the peripheral edge of heater 1. The mounting apparatus 3 includes a frame 5 and a number of brackets 7. The frame 5 is formed from a plurality of frame members. First frame, member 1 1 extends along the length of a top edge 9 of the heater 1. Second and third frame members 13, 13' are provide and extend perpendicular from the opposing ends of the first frame member 11. The second and third frame members 13, 13' extend along the lengths of the opposing side edges 15 of the heater 1.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, only one frame portion 11 may be needed.

The frame 17 is arranged to be mounted on and secured to the frame member 1 1 and/or portions 13, 13' of the mounting- apparatus 3, as shown in the mounted position in Figure 2. The frame 17 for mounting may be attached to the apparatus 3 using any or any combination of the following methods: one or more magnets, clamps, clips, pins, nails and/or screws; adhesive or adhesive tape; hook and loop fastener; and/or a friction fitting arrangement.

At spaced apart intervals along the length of at least the first frame member 11, brackets 7 are provided. The brackets 7 are also provided on the second and third frame members 13, 13'. The brackets 7 are provided to connect the frame 5 of the mounting apparatus 3 to the heater 1. In some examples of the present invention, the brackets 7 may be formed integrally with the frame 5 of the mounting apparatus 3, and in some cases, the frame 5 may be an extension of the brackets 7 themselves. In other embodiments, the brackets 7 may be formed separate to the frame 5 and are subsequently attached to the frame 5.

At least a portion of the bracket 7 is adapted to receive or attach with the heater 1 on which the apparatus 3 is to be mounted.

Furthermore, the frame members 11, 13, 13' may be provided with numerous points at which the brackets 7 can be attached, allowing a user to choose where to attach the brackets 7, depending on the size of the heater 1 on which the apparatus 3 is to be mounted. In some embodiments of the present invention, the frame members 11. 13, 13' are. adjustable in length, thereby allowing a user to size the apparatus 3 appropriately according to the size of the heater 1 on which it is to be mounted. The adjustable nature of the frame members 11, 13, 13' may be achieved in a number of ways, but some examples include providing the frame members 11, 13, 13' as comprising two or more frame components, which are movable relative to one another in a sliding or telescopic arrangement. Other arrangements may also be possible. Once a desired length for the frame members 1 1 , 13, 13' has been chosen by the user, they may be locked in place. This can be achieved either by providing a number of locking members (not shown) to retain the frame members 1 1 , 13, 13' in place, in use, or by locating the brackets 7 in positions such that they may double up as locking portions, or a combination of both.

The frame 5 of the mounting apparatus 3 is shown in the figures as framing three sides of the heater 1 . In this example, this is required due to the presence of electrics /circuitry of the heater 1 being located along a bottom edge of the same. However, in other embodiments where the electrics / circuitry is located elsewhere (for example, behind the heater 1) , the frame 5 may comprise a fourth frame member (not shown) linking the second and third frame portions 13, 13' at their distal end and running parallel and opposite to the first frame member 1 1.

Referring now to Figures 3a — b, the brackets 7 which are provided each comprise a first part 21 , which is attachable to or can be formed integrally with the frame 5 of the apparatus 3. A second part 23 is provided and extends outwardly from the frame 5, and is perpendicular to the first part 21. The second part 23 of the bracket 7 is provided for attachment to the heater 1 , and includes a number of engaging members for engagement with the heater 1 . The engaging members of the bracket 7 are pro vided to permit a snap-fit and_/ or friction-fit connection with th e heater 1 , or may be arranged to permit connection to the heater 1 via one or more screws, tongue and groove arrangements clip - on, hanging or clamping connections, In the examples shown, the engaging member are in the form of three lip members 25 provided along the distal edge of the second part 23, and extending outwardly and perpendicular therefrom. Adjacent lip members 25 are provided offset, from one another, which creates a gap 27 between the offset members 25. This gap 27 may be sized to receive an edge of the heater 1 on which the apparatus 3 is to be mounted. With a plurality of brackets 7 provided about the frame 3, the brackets 7 can then be arranged to permit a snap-fit, friction-fit and/or clip-on connection with the heater 1. In other embodiments, an adhesive layer may be provided on the lip members 25 to make the connection with the. heater 1 more secure.

In one specific example of the present invention, first and second lip members located at or near opposing ends of the distal edge of the second part 23 are. provided, having coplanar surfaces with respect to one another. The third lip member is located between the first two, having a surface offset therefrom. In use, the apparatus 3 may be arranged to attach to the heater 1 in a sliding manner. The frame 5 can slide top-down onto the heater 1 , with the side frame members 13, 13' located either side of the heater 1. The brackets 7 l ocated thereon and the associated lip members 25 may then engage with the edges 15 of the heater 1 . The frame 5 comes to a stop in position on the heater 1 as the top frame member 1 1 and the bracket 7 or brackets located thereon and associated lip members 25 engage with the top edge 9 of the heater 1. In order to remove the apparatus 3 from the heater 1 , this action is simply reversed. In some embodiments, the side frame members 13, 13' may not be required and only a top frame member 1 1 , of a size and shape as required by a user may be used. In addition or as an alternative to the presence of an adhesive layer, used to make connection between the heater 1 and the apparatus 3 more secure, a cushioning layer may be provided on the bracket 7. In particular, a cushioning layer could be provided on the surface of the lip members 25 which are arranged to contact the heater 1 in use, in order to prevent damage to the edges 9, 15 of the heater 1 as the apparatus 3 is mounted, and when the additional weight frame 17 is then added.

Claims

1 . Mounting apparatus for mounting a first item to a second item in use, said mounting apparatus including at least first frame means for providing a frame on or around at least part of th e second item in use, and bracket means for allowing connection of the at leas t first frame means to the second item in use, said bracket means including a first part integral, attached to or detachably attachable to the at least first frame means and a second part connectable to the second item in use, the at least first frame means being arranged to be attached or detachably attachable to the first item in use.

2. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second item is any or any combination of a wall mounted or Avail mountable item, a heating appliance, a gas central heated radiator, a convection radiator, a storage heater, an infra-red heater or radiator, or an electric heater of radiator.

3. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first item to be mounted to the second item using said mounting apparatus is any or any combination of a decorative item, a flat or planar decorative item, second frame means, mirror, picture, picture frame, photograph, painting or canvas .

4. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mounting apparatus is arranged s uch that the first item is mountable to a front or user-facing s urface of the second item, or the first item is mountable so as to be viewed from a front or user-facing surface of the second item in use.

5. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bracket means includes a plurality of bracket members that are integrally formed with, attached or detachably attached to the at l east first frame means at spaced apart interval s or user-selected intervals thereon.

6. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least first frame means includes at least one frame member,

7. Mounting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the at least one frame member is elongate, rigid and/or linear in form.

8. Mounting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the at least one frame member has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of th e frame member is arranged so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to an edge or longitudinal axis of the second item in use.

9. Mounting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the at least one frame member is arranged so as to extend along at least part or, a whole or substantially whole length or edge of the second item in use.

10. Mounting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the at least first frame means includes two or more frame members, and said two or more frame members are arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.

11. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least first frame means is adjustable in length and/or size.

12. Mounting apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the at least first frame means includes two or more frame members, and said frame members are telescopicaliy and/or slidably adjustable in length and/or size.

13. Mounting apparatus according to claim 11 wherein one or more locking members may be provided to maintain the at least first frame means in a selected length and/ or size, or the bracket means act as a locking mechanism to maintain the at least first frame means in a selected length and/or size in use.

14. Mounting apparatus according to claim 6 wherein at least first, second and third frame members are provided and are arranged to be parallel to substantially parallel to a top edge and opposing side edges of the second item in use.

15. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bracket means is arranged so that a portion of the bracket means or the second part of the. bracket means protrudes outwardly from the first frame means towards the second item in use.

16. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second part of the bracket means, or one or more engaging members of the second part of the bracket means, are arranged to permit a snap fit and/or friction fit with the second item in use.

17. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second pari of the bracket means, or one or more engaging members of the second part of the bracket means, are arranged so as to allow connection to the second item, via any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts and bolts, tongue and groove arrangement, inter -engaging members, clips, adhesive, hanging or clamping connections.

18. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second part of the bracket means, or one or more engaging members of the second part of the bracket means includes or is in the form of at least one lip member for engaging at least part of the second item in use.

19. Mounting apparatus according to claim 18 wherein at least two lip members are provided, and at least one lip member is offset from and/or is provided at a different height or length compared to at least one other lip member.

20. Mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein securing means are provided to allow the first item to be attached to detachably attached to the at least first frame means in use, said securing means including any or any combination of one or more magnets, clamps, clips, pins, nails, screws, nut and bolt, adhesive, adhesive tape, hook and loop fastening or friction fit.

21. A method of using mounting apparatus for mounting a firs t item to a second item in use, said method including the steps of providing at least first frame means tor forming a frame on or around at least part of the second item, connecting the at. least first frame means to the second item using bracket means, attaching the first item to the at least first frame means, and wherein said bracket means inchades a firs t part integral, attached to or detachably attachable to the at least first frame means and a second part connectable to the second item.