Patent Application
20080238275
This invention relates to a recessed frame for one or more washroom fixtures, in particular for dispensers, which frame will hold the fixture or fixtures in a secure manner in a recessed opening in a wall. More particularly, this invention relates to a recessed frame for a dispenser or a dispenser and a waste bin wherein two telescoping members allow at least the dispenser to be positioned in a desired position relative to an outer surface of a surrounding wall.
Washroom fixtures, such as dispensers for paper and waste receptacles, may be of the surface-mounted type in which the fixture is mounted on the outer surface of a wall, the partially recessed type, or the fully recessed, flush-mounted type where the fixture is received within a wall recess sufficiently deep to allow mounting of the front of a dispenser and/or a waste receptacle substantially flush with the wall surface.
Dispensers of the surface-mounted type are characterized by having a rear attachment for mounting the dispenser on a wall and a cover enclosing the material to be dispensed. Consequently it may sometimes be undesirable to mount fixtures such as dispensers and waste receptacles on the surface of the wall because they may project an undesirably great distance outward from the wall surface. Projecting fixtures can become obstacles for disabled persons and the positioning of such fixtures is regulated by law in a number of countries, including USA (see the Americans with Disabilities Act, “ADA”). A problem for many dispenser manufacturers is that regulations such as ADA preclude the use of certain types of dispensers in public washrooms.
A number of dispensers are intended for products requiring a predetermined amount of space or a particular dispensing direction. In such cases it is often preferred to recess the dispenser and waste receptacle as much as possible. An example of a partially recessed unit containing a dispenser for paper and a waste receptacle is shown in U.S.-D 342175. This unit comprises a frame to be recessed into a wall opening and an upper section provided with a dispenser for paper covered by a door attached to the frame. A problem with a unit of this type is that the entire unit has to be replaced if it is desired to change the type or capacity of the dispenser. It is, for example, not possible to replace the manual dispenser shown, having a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispenser, with an automatic dispenser with a dispensing opening on the front surface of the dispenser. In addition, to replace the dispenser shown with a dispenser of a different model requires a substantial modification of the new dispenser. The above problems also apply to dispensers of the fully recessed, flush-mounted type.
It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems by providing an improved arrangement for mounting washroom fixtures, in particular dispensers.
The above objects are achieved by means of a recessed frame for at least one fixture according to claim 1 and its dependent claims.
According to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a recessed frame for supporting at least one fixture in a wall opening. One such fixture may be a dispenser for paper or towels. Non-limiting examples of fixtures that may be used within the scope of the invention are normally wall mounted manual or automatic dispensers intended for discrete hand towels, coreless web rolls or a continuous towel loop. Other fixtures may include different types of dispensers for toilet paper and/or soap dispensers. The invention allows for replacing or interchanging a wide range of dispensers of this type.
The frame may comprise a first sub frame having spaced apart wall members defining an opening. The first sub frame may have first flange members extending from an outer periphery of the frame. When mounting the first sub frame substantially flush with a wall surface surrounding the wall opening the first flange members are arranged to cover any gaps between the opening and the outer edges of the frame. When mounted, the first flange members will be in contact with an outer surface of the wall opening. The frame further comprises a second sub frame having substantially the same geometric configuration as said first sub frame. At least one section of said second sub frame being arranged to telescope with respect to said first sub frame. In this way the second sub frame may be arranged for adjustable positioning relative to the first sub frame by means of said telescoping relationship and with respect to the wall surface surrounding the said wall opening. The relative size of the respective first and second sub frame is selected so that one may slide inside the other with a loose fit to allow the said adjustable positioning. In addition, releasable securing means may be provided for locking the first and second sub frames relative to each other in a predetermined position. The maximum relative telescopic displacement between the first and the second sub frame may be in the range 50-150 mm, or preferably 70-120 mm. For instance, a recessed frame that will only be required to accommodate paper dispensers having a relatively limited depth may only need an allowable displacement of up to 50 mm from an inner to an outer position of the displaceable sub frame. On the other hand, a recessed frame that is required to accommodate different types of dispensers having a variety of depths may need an allowable displacement of up to 150 mm from the inner to the outer position.
The said sub frames may preferably, but not necessarily, have a rectangular configuration. The horizontal and/or vertical spacing between opposing side walls of the frame may be selected depending on a particular type or a limited range of dispensers or other fixtures to be mounted in the frame. Alternatively the spacing may be determined by the largest dispenser or other fixture, in a range of possible fixtures, to be mounted in the frame.
According to the invention, one of said sub frames is provided with securing means adapted to fasten said sub frame in said wall opening. As stated above, one of said sub frames is of a larger cross section than the other sub frame, allowing an inner surface of the larger sub frame to slide against an outer surface of the other sub frame. Preferably, the sub frame having the larger cross section is provided with securing means adapted to fasten said sub frame in said wall opening. The securing means may be arranged for mounting the sub frame having the larger cross section in said wall opening independently of the other sub frame and prior to the installation of said fixture.
In the subsequent text the term “depth” refers to a dimension taken at right angles to the outer surface of the wall surrounding the wall opening. Hence, the depth of a fixture such as a dispenser represents the distance between the rear and front surface thereof.
The securing means are preferably provided on the second sub frame, this larger sub frame is first positioned in the wall opening. The position is determined by the size, or depth, of the fixture and in particular by the desired or allowed projected distance outward from the wall surface. The fixture is preferably, but not necessarily, attached to a rear surface on the second sub frame using suitable attachment means. The rear attachment means may comprise the existing attachment means provided on the fixture. The rear wall may be a metal sheet covering the entire second sub frame or at least the portion of the sub frame between a lower end of an upper fixture, such as a paper dispenser and the upper end of a lower fixture, such as a waste receptacle. A predetermined number of crossbars may be positioned at suitable locations between at least the vertical sides of the second sub frame to allow for mounting of a dispenser for hand towels, toilet paper, soap or similar fixtures. Additional fixtures, such as a waste receptacle may be attached to a rear attachment means the second sub frame at the same time. Subsequently the second sub frame is fixed to the sides of the wall opening by means of the securing means. The first sub frame may be temporarily attached to the second sub frame during the positioning procedure, or be inserted into the second sub frame once it is fixed in position. Finally, the first sub frame is slid into the second sub frame until the flange members come into contact with the outer wall surface. The releasable securing means are then used for locking the first and second sub frames relative to each other in the desired position.
When the securing means are provided on the first sub frame the mounting procedure is reversed. Hence the first sub frame is slid into the wall opening until the flange members come into contact with the outer wall surface. The first sub frame is then fixed to the sides of the wall opening by means of the securing means. Subsequently the second sub frame, preferably with the fixtures mounted, is slid into the first sub frame until the second sub frame reaches a desired position. The position may be determined by the size, or depth, of a first fixture and in particular by the desired or allowed projected distance outward from the wall surface. When the first fixture is a dispenser for paper, the dispenser is often mounted at the upper part of the second sub frame. Such dispensers may vary greatly in depth and the position of the second sub frame is preferably selected so that the front surface of the dispenser is at least flush with the wall surface, or extends a predetermined distance out from the wall surface. The releasable securing means are then used for locking the first and second sub frames relative to each other in the desired position.
In order to allow the first fixture, such as a paper dispenser, to be replaced the fixture is releasably attached to the second sub frame. A stated above the first fixture, may be mounted to the second sub frame prior to the assembly of the first and second sub frames, or be mounted after the frames have been positioned and assembled. The first fixture may be secured to the second sub frame by means of any suitable means such as a nut and bolt connection, threaded screws or a quick clamp arrangement.
The fixture may be releasably attached to a second sub frame intended for a stand-alone fixture, such as a manual or automatic dispenser for discrete hand towels, coreless web rolls or a continuous towel loop. Other single fixtures may include a dispenser for toilet paper or a soap dispenser.
According to a further example, a first fixture may be releasably attached to an upper section of a second sub frame intended for an upper fixture and at least one further fixture may be releasably attached to a lower section of the second sub frame. When the upper fixture is a dispenser for paper towels or a coreless paper roll, the at least one further fixture may comprise a waste receptacle attached to a lower section of the second sub frame.
According to a further example, a first and a second fixture may be releasably attached side by side to a second sub frame. For instance, one such fixture could comprise a soap dispenser and the second dispenser could comprise a dispenser for paper towels or toilet paper. The combination of fixtures may be determined by the location of the frame relative to other washroom fixtures, such as a wash-hand-basin or a toilet. A side-by-side arrangement of this type may also be provided for an upper and/or a lower section of a second sub frame. For instance, fixtures such as a soap dispenser and a dispenser for paper towels could be provided in the upper section of a second sub frame, while a single waste receptacle may be attached to a lower section of the second sub frame. The lower section of the second sub frame could also be provided with multiple waste receptacles of the same or of different sizes, in order to allow for sorting of recyclable waste.
The principle of the telescoping first and second sub frames can be applied to the above examples by a suitable horizontal and/or vertical scaling of the sub frames.
For a recessed frame comprising a single fixture, such as a dispenser for toilet paper or soap, the fixture may be releasably attached to the second sub frame. Similarly, for a recessed frame comprising an upper and a lower fixture, for example a dispenser and a waste receptacle, both fixtures may be releasably attached to the second sub frame. In this way is possible to replace one or both fixtures if necessary. For instance, if a larger capacity dispenser is to be fitted to the recessed frame it may be necessary to adjust the relative position between the first and second sub frames, in order to maintain or adjust the projected distance of a front surface of the dispenser relative to the wall surface. Such an adjustment may also require the waste receptacle to be reattached to the second sub frame using distance elements to maintain the position of the front surface of the waste receptacle relative to the wall surface. Alternatively, the waste receptacle may be replaced to compensate for an added volume of discarded paper from the larger capacity dispenser. When fixtures are arranged in a side-by-side relationship, adjustment may be performed to place the fixture having the smallest depth flush with the wall surface. Alternatively, the fixture having the largest depth may be placed to project a desired and/or a maximum allowable distance from the wall surface. Hence, the positioning of the second sub frame may be determined by the relative dimensions of the smallest and the largest fixtures mounted to the said sub frame.
According to a further example, the upper and lower sections of the second sub frame are arranged as individual sections mounted in the first sub frame. Such an arrangement would allow for separate telescopic adjustment of fixtures such as a dispenser and a waste receptacle. For instance, an upper and a lower second sub frame may be arranged to telescope individually with respect to the first sub frame. The relative movements of the sub frames are guided partially by the telescoping relationship between the first sub frame and the respective upper and lower second sub frames, and partially by interconnecting means between the opposing side edges of the two second sub frames. According to one example, the interconnecting means may be a pair of dovetail connections. The vertical location of the horizontal dividing line between the upper and lower second sub frames may be chosen so that the rear wall covers the gap between an upper and a lower fixture. At the same time the there should be no gap between the rear wall and the rear, upper portion of the fixture mounted in the lower sub frame.
According to the above, the recessed frame allows the relative position of the first and the second sub frame to be selected dependent on the dimension of the fixture, such as a dispenser, at right angles to the wall surface of the surrounding wall. In particular, the relative position of the first and the second sub frame is selected dependent on a desired position of the fixture relative to the said wall surface. Consequently, the relative position of the first and the second sub frame may either be selected so that the fixture is located substantially flush with the flange members of the first sub frame or so that the dispenser is arranged to project a distance past the said flange members. As stated above, when fixtures are arranged in a side-by-side relationship, adjustment may be performed to place the fixture having the smallest depth flush with the wall surface. Alternatively, the fixture having the largest depth may be placed to project a desired and/or a maximum allowable distance from the wall surface.
Because the second sub frame is arranged to accommodate dispensers of different sizes, there may be a gap between at least the upper and side walls of the dispenser and the inner sides of the adjacent sub frame. It is desirable to cover this gap, in order to prevent accumulation of dust or to prevent users from accessing the sides of the dispenser. To close the gap one of the sub frames is provided with second flange members extending between this sub frame and at least three sides of the dispenser. For instance, if the above mentioned securing means are provided on the second sub frame, then the second flange members are attached to the first sub frame, and vice versa. When the recessed frame is intended for a stand-alone dispenser the second flange members may be provided around all four sides of the dispenser. Alternatively, the recessed frame is intended for a second sub frame having an upper section for a dispenser and a lower section for a waste receptacle. For such an arrangement the second flange members may be provided around three sides of the dispenser (top and side edges). Depending on the design of the waste receptacle, a set of second flange members may also be provided around three sides of a waste receptacle (bottom and side edges). The second flange members may be arranged flush with the first flange members or be angled relative to the plane of the first flange members in direction of the outer periphery of the dispenser and/or the waste receptacle. The second flange members may comprise individual extruded profiles or a single moulded unit fitted over and around the dispenser or other fixture. The flange members may be made of aluminium, stainless steel or a suitable plastic material and can be screwed or snapped into place. The above second flange members may also be given a desired colour, surface texture or other property to achieve a desired aesthetic effect.
The improved arrangement is intended to allow the replacement of and/or mounting of any type of dispenser that can be fitted within the fixed horizontal and vertical dimensions and adjustable depth of the second sub frame. However, when the dispenser has been mounted it must also be possible to access the dispenser for service and re-filling. A number of existing dispensers are provided with a locking device located at the top of the front cover and/or adjacent a join between the front cover and a rear wall arranged for attachment to a wall or similar.
In order to allow a dispenser with a locking device located in or adjacent an upper region of the front cover to be mounted in a recessed frame according to the invention, an actuating mechanism may be provided adjacent a lower section of the dispenser. The actuating mechanism may allow opening of a locked upper, first locking device, for locking the front cover. The first locking device may comprise a key operated lock connected to a rotatable latch means cooperating with a retaining means that will be described below. If required the actuating mechanism be provided with a separate second locking device, for locking the actuating mechanism itself.
According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism may be arranged in a recess or guide in the front or rear surface of the rear wall section of the dispenser. A lower end of the actuating mechanism may be arranged flush with or protruding a short distance from the lower surface of the dispenser adjacent the dispensing opening. The lower end of the actuating mechanism may be an actuator in the form of a button having a rectangular, rounded or any other suitable shape. The outer surface of the actuator may be provided with a suitable marking, colour or texture in order to facilitate for the user to locate it.
The lower end of the actuating mechanism may be fixed to a central section extending from the actuator to an upper end adjacent to the upper, first locking device. The central section may be arranged to extend in a substantially vertical direction between the upper and lower ends of the dispenser. Depending on available space, the upper end of the central section may be located below or to either side of the first locking device. An upper surface of the central section is arranged adjacent, but not necessarily in contact with, a corresponding lower surface on an upper section of the actuating mechanism. The upper section of the actuating mechanism may comprise a displaceable component arranged slidable in the vertical direction relative to the rear wall section of the dispenser. The upper section may comprise a tongue or a similar device arranged for retaining a latch in the upper, first locking device in a locked position.
When the actuator is depressed by a user, the actuating mechanism is displaced vertically upwards from first, inactive position to a second, active position. After a predetermined vertical displacement, the upper surface of the central section will contact with the lower surface of the upper section. The upper section is then displaced in the vertical direction wherein the tongue is moved from a locking position into an unlocked position, where it is out of contact with the latch of the upper, first locking device. Once the first locking device has been released, the front cover of the dispenser may be removed, for instance by tilting the front cover outwards and downwards. If the dispenser is mounted in a recessed frame as described above, the front cover may be surrounded by at least three flange members, arranged to close the gap between the frame and the dispenser. In such cases the front cover may be required to perform a first, horizontal and outwards movement to clear the surrounding flange members. The first movement is then followed by a second, outwards and downwards movement to open the front cover. A type of hinge that can perform such a movement is disclosed in the international patent application PCT/SE2005/001376, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The actuating mechanism may be spring loaded by a suitable spring means in order to ensure that the mechanism is returned to its first, inactive position. The upper section of the actuating mechanism may be returned to its locking position by a suitable spring means or under the influence of gravity.
According to a further embodiment, the central section may be provided with an extension, extending parallel to and past the upper section of the actuating mechanism. The extension is terminated a predetermined distance below an inner surface of the top of the front cover. When the actuating mechanism is actuated, the upper section is displaced in the vertical direction to release the upper, first locking device. Once the first locking device has been released, the extension will contact and apply a force onto the inner surface of the cover in order to assist the opening of the front cover.
The actuating mechanism may be provided with a separate second locking device located in or adjacent the actuator or button used for releasing the first locking device. In order to make the dispenser more vandal resistant, the visible part of the first locking device at the top of the dispenser may be a decoy lock. This can be achieved by providing a locking device with no mechanical connection between the outer visible part of the lock and the lock mechanism that hold the front cover in position inside the cover. Consequently, the only way to access the dispenser is to unlock the lower, second locking device for the actuator and use the actuating mechanism for releasing the upper, first locking device.
In the following text, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. These schematic drawings are used for illustration only and do not in any way limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings:
Because the second sub frame 16 is arranged to accommodate dispensers of different sizes, there may be a gap between at least the upper and side walls of the dispenser 12 and the inner sides of the first sub frame 14. To close the gap the first sub frame is provided with second flange members 19a, 19b, 19c extending between this sub frame and three sides of the dispenser. The second flange members comprise an L-shaped profile attached to the inner surface of the first sub frame 14 by means of screws. In order to allow replacement of the second flange members, the first sub frame is provided with a number of threaded holes at predetermined intervals (not shown). When a dispenser is replaced, a set of second flange members adapted for that particular dispenser can be fitted.
The dispenser 12 and waste receptacle 13 are both releasably attached to the second sub frame 16. In this way it is possible to replace one or both units if necessary. For instance, if a larger capacity dispenser is to be fitted to the recessed frame it may be necessary to adjust the relative position between the first and second sub frames 14, 16, in order to maintain or adjust the projected distance of a front surface of the dispenser relative to the wall surface. Such an arrangement is shown in
The second sub frame 26 is arranged to accommodate dispensers of different sizes. In order to close a gap between at least the upper and side walls of the dispenser 22 and the inner sides of the first sub frame 24, the first sub frame is provided with second flange members 29a, 29b, 29c extending between this sub frame and the said three sides of the dispenser.
The dispenser 22 and waste receptacle 23 are both releasably attached to the second sub frame 26, in order to allow replacement of one or both units if necessary. In this case, as a larger capacity dispenser has been fitted to the recessed frame it is necessary to adjust the relative position between the first and second sub frames 24, 26, in order to reduce the projected distance of a front surface of the dispenser relative to the wall surface. In this case, the larger capacity dispenser has a greater depth because it is intended to contain a roll of paper instead of a stack of folded towels as shown in the dispenser of
If required the actuating mechanism can be provided with a separate second locking device (not shown), for locking the actuating mechanism itself. For instance, the second locking device could comprise a key operated lock in the actuator, which lock can comprise a pair of locking pins which engage with recesses in guide surfaces in the rear wall on either side of the actuating mechanism.
According to the embodiment shown in
The actuator, or button 51 is fixed to an extended central section 58 extending from the button 51 to an upper end 59 of the said central section adjacent and below the first locking device 53. The central section 58 extends in a substantially vertical direction in the guide 56a in the rear wall 44 between the upper and lower ends of the dispenser 41. The guide 56a comprises parallel, vertical guide surfaces located on both sides of, and partially enclosing the central section 58. An upper surface 60 of the central section 58 is arranged adjacent a corresponding lower surface 61 on an upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism. The upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism comprises a displaceable component arranged slidable in a second guide vertical extension of the guide 56a in the rear wall 44 of the dispenser 41. The second guide 56b comprises parallel, vertical guide surfaces located on either side of, and partially enclosing the upper section 62. The retaining means 55 is arranged on the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism and holds the rotatable latch 54 in its locked position.
When the actuator 51 is depressed by a user, the actuating mechanism is displaced vertically upwards from first, inactive position to a second, active position. After a predetermined vertical displacement of the central section 58 the upper surface 60 of the central section 58 will contact with the lower surface 61 of the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism. The upper section 62 is then displaced in the vertical direction wherein a tongue (see
The actuating mechanism is spring loaded by a spring means 63 in order to ensure that the mechanism is returned to its first, inactive position. The spring means 63 comprises a pair of resilient tongues 64, 65 attached to and extending to either side of the central section 58. When the actuating mechanism is displaced, each tongue 64, 65 come into contact with and are resiliently deformed by a respective stop 66, 67. When the mechanism is released, the spring means 63 will return it to its first, inactive position. In a similar way, the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism is returned to its locking position by a spring means 68.
The central section 58 is provided with an extension 69, extending parallel to and past the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism. The extension 69 is terminated a predetermined distance below an inner surface of the top of the front cover 43. When the actuating mechanism is actuated, the upper section 62 is displaced in the vertical direction to release the upper, first locking device 53. Once the first locking device 53 has been released, the extension 69 will contact and apply a force onto the inner surface 70 of the front cover 43 in order to assist the opening of the front cover.
The actuating mechanism is spring loaded by a spring means 63 in order to ensure that the mechanism is returned to its first, inactive position. The spring means 63 comprises a pair of resilient tongues 64, 65 attached to and extending to either side of the central section 58. When the actuating mechanism is displaced, each tongue 64, 65 come into contact with and are resiliently deformed by a stop arranged on the rear wall of the dispenser. When the mechanism is released, the spring means 63 will return the actuating mechanism to its inactive position.
The central section 58 is provided with an extension 69, extending parallel to and past the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism. The extension 69 is terminated a predetermined distance below an inner surface of the top of the front cover 43.
The central section 58 is provided with an extension 69, extending to one side of and past the upper surface 60 of the actuating mechanism. The extension 69 is terminated a predetermined distance below an inner surface of the top of the front cover 43, as shown in
The upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism is provided with a resilient spring 72. When the upper section 62 of the actuating mechanism is displaced to release the locking device, the spring 72 is compressed. When the actuating mechanism is released, the spring causes the upper section 62 to be returned to its initial locking position.
The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be varied freely within the scope of the appended claims. For instance, the outer visible part of the lock on the upper part of the front cover can be a decoy lock, having no mechanical connection with the locking device inside the front cover. In addition, the actuating mechanism may be provided with a separate second locking device located in or adjacent the actuator or button used for releasing the first locking device. Consequently, the only way to access the dispenser is to unlock the lower locking device for the actuator and use the actuating mechanism for releasing the upper locking device.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60848638 | Oct 2006 | US |
