Patent Application
20220257010
This invention relates to a wall mountable holder. More particularly, this invention relates to a wall mountable bottle holder and system therefor.
The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion should not be assumed to relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but to assist in the inventive process undertaken by the inventor(s) and in the understanding of the invention.
Prior wine racks have been described which have a floor mounted storage cabinet with minimal view of each bottle of wine and taking up floor space, which can be limited in modern dwellings.
Other more recently described wall mounted wine racks have been described as having individual bottle support arms extending perpendicular from an elongated vertical panel that support a bottle between them.
If existing wall mounted racks are installed in exposed areas and at head height, rod ends, if exposed, can offer a safety hazard to humans (particularly to unprotected eyes).
With existing wall mounted wine racks there is a large load applied to the supporting rods by the downward pressure of the bottle weight. Old methods of fixing the extended perpendicular arm to the elongated vertical panel involve providing particularly thick arms of a significant size, which have the affect of obstructing the visual view of the bottle.
Other existing wall mounted racks have been described with individual bottle support arms that extend perpendicularly from an elongated vertical panel and the bottles are aligned transverse to the arms, being positioned horizontally and parallel to the elongated vertical panel. In such a prior art arrangement, one arm supports a base section of the bottle and a second arm supports a neck portion of the bottle. However, as bottles vary considerably in base to neck dimensions, only one diameter size of bottle can be held in a true horizontal position once a predetermined positioning of the arms is set.
An object of the present invention is to ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto. Another object of the invention may be to provide an attractive, modern, modular, add on wine rack system that both stores and displays each wine bottle with minimal obstruction and maximum view of each bottle displayed. Another aim may include providing different display options for the unique bottle holder and accompanying system comprising bottle holders that may be in the form of wine bottle support brackets. Still another aim may be to provide a bottle display system that, due to its simplicity in the way that the bottle holder support brackets are mounted, the size, shape and bottle volume of fascia panels supporting the brackets is not restricted. Another object of the invention may be to provide a method for mounting an array of bottle holders that is simple to install and has minimal components that do not require skilled labour to install.
The invention according to one or more aspects may be as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a wall mountable holder including:
A kit for mounting a wall-mounted bottle and/or glass holder adapted to hold a plurality of bottles in display formation, the kit comprising:
Template
The template may be in the form of a cut-out, moulded or stamped sheet or plate. The template may comprise a plurality of connected bars or plates. The template may be made of metal sheet, timber, moulded or pressed and bonded particulate cellulosic material, fibre-board, glass fibre or another panel material. Preferably, the template is in the form of a plate, sheet or panel. The template may be flexible. The template may be sufficiently rigid when planar to definitely space one portion of the template from another portion in the plane of the template.
The template may include pilot holes to facilitate the location and formation of the holes for the fasteners. The template may include indicia, such as distance measurements and positioning indicators, to enable the user to locate holes for fasteners within the substrate.
The template may have a keyed edge. The keyed edge may be in the form of a recess. The keyed edge may be in the form of a protruding profile. The template may be a first template and may be adapted to register with a second template to enable further locations to be formed for mounting fasteners to the substrate.
The template may include two or more templates. The templates may be identical or may vary in size and shape. The templates may be adapted to engage in specific relationship to each other, such as in particular adjacent orientations whereby to provide mounting options by positioning of the fasteners in desired arrays and areas for the fascia panel(s).
Mounting Plate
The kit may further comprise a mounting plate. The mounting plate may form a layer between the fascia panel and the substrate.
The use of multiple first, second, and so on, templates may permit the mounting of an array of fascia panels to the substrate, either directly or with a second substrate interposed as a mounting plate between the fascia panel and the first substrate. The recess may be defined by curved edges, or may be rectangular or another polygonal shape, sufficient to facilitate the alignment of an adjacent mounting plate adjacent thereto, either in the same orientation, or at a limited number of different angles thereto, e.g. by engaging a male rectangular key in a polygonal-shaped recess. Preferably the recess is rectangular and complementary to rectangular protrusions of adjacent mounting plates. However, a sharp- or right-angled corner may form a male key member, and be receivable in a correspondingly shaped recess. The recess may be truncated and may not extend the full depth of the mounting plate layer. The male key may be similarly truncated in terms of its depth dimensions to complement the shape of the truncated recess of an adjacent mounting plate.
The substrate may be the wall or a panel adapted to overlay a portion of the wall.
The substrate may be a first substrate. The mounting panel may be used to support the fascia panel in a mounted position where specific load bearing zones, such as wall studs, in the first substrate, do not register with predetermined engagement devices for fasteners in the fascia panel. Therefore, although load-bearing studs may be aligned in a location that does not allow direct mounting of the fascia panel to the first substrate by using the load-bearing features, by mounting the second substrate in the form of the mounting plate to the first substrate in line with existing load-bearing zones, the fascia panel may be mounted to the mounting plate at a more desirable position.
The template and the mounting plate (backing plate) may form part of the same device, namely a mounting template. The mounting plate may be suitable for creating a secondary substrate that provides an intervening layer between the first substrate and the fascia panel. The fascia panel may be mounted directly to the mounting plate, which in turn is mounted to the first substrate.
The mounting plate may include two or more mounting plates. The mounting plates may be identical or may vary in size and shape. The mounting plates may be adapted to engage in specific relationship to each other, such as in particular adjacent orientations whereby to provide mounting options in desired shapes and areas for the fascia panel(s). The mounting plates may have one or more keyed edge features that complement and engage with corresponding one or more features on the edges of like or complementary mounting plates positionable adjacent the mounting plate.
Fascia Panel
The fascia panel is preferably sufficiently thick to receive the free ends of the bottle holder embedded therein. The fascia may comprise at least a layer that has malleable properties to enable the free ends to be reversibly inserted and mounted into the malleable layer. However, advantageously, the fascia panel has preformed holes in a desired array to receive the free end pairs of a plurality of bottle holders
The fascia panel may also have, on its rear side, at least one pre-formed recess in the form of a keyhole that is adapted to receive a mounting fastener head. The keyhole may open into a broader cavity for receiving the head of a fastener, and a narrower neck region whereby to trap the head and receive the narrower shaft of a fastener. The keyhole may be one of a plurality of keyhole mounting recesses. The keyhole recesses may form part of an array of mounting points for the fascia panel. Preferably, there are at least 3 mounting points on each fascia panel that are adapted to register with the fastener heads installed according to the kit form of the invention.
The fascia panel may include two or more fascia panels. The fascia panels may be identical or may vary in size and shape, and bottle holder orientation.
Block
The block may comprise a pair of rigidly joined and spaced channels adapted to receive portions of the elongate sections. The block may be in the form of a substantially rectangular body.
The block is adapted to partially structurally support, or partially enshroud or encase at least the portion of the bottle holder not including the free ends. The block may be adapted to structurally support, or partially enshroud or encase at least the elongate sections. The elongate sections may extend in parallel and spaced relationship whereby to define a channel therebetween. The channel may be a bottomless channel in that the elongate sections are adapted to grip or support at least a portion of the length of a side of a bottle against gravity.
Using the block to mount the bottle holder to the fascia panel may be effective to reduce the diameter of the elongate member compared to existing racks, by as much as 50%, or more if the prior art comparison is of a rectangular or similar structure. However, the bottles may be displayed in the same manner as described herein using larger diameter wire/rods.
Bottle Holder
The elongate sections may be side sections. The spacing therebetween may be less than the diameter or width of a bottle to be supported. The block may be adapted to receive, structurally support, or partially enshroud or encase the bridge, so that the spaced channels are correspondingly joined by a connecting curved recess to correspond to a curved bridge.
The elongate member bottle holder may be formed with one continuous length of rigid wire or rod.
Expressed another way, each bottle holder may have a parallel-sided base comprising a pair of arms that join at a remote end in a loop or bend to present a smooth broad structure that does not form a poking hazard.
The bottles may be aligned in a true horizontal position to provide a more pleasing visual display. However, the bottles holder may be adapted to display the bottle in an inclined or vertical drop position. Each free end may extend along a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section with which it is continuous. There may be a bend joining the free end and the elongate section with which it is continuous having an angle theta that is in the range 0-90°, preferably about 0°, 20° or 70°.
Interposed between the free end and its associated elongate section, there may be a Z-section including an initial bend that is about 90°, so that the interposed Z-section includes an initial section that depends downwardly from the free end that is adapted to be received in a bore in the fascia panel that is aligned substantially normal to the general plane of the fascia panel. The Z-section may further include a substantially horizontal middle section spacing the initial section from the free end to provide spacing to accommodate the neck of a bottle inclined in a generally upwardly orientation with the neck inclined toward the fascia panel. The elongate section may extend from the middle section at one of a variety of desired inclinations at the angle theta.
The bottle may include a wine, spirit, or other bottle type. Preferably, the bottle includes wine bottles. Standard wine bottle sizes vary between 70 mm and 90 mm, most typically 75 mm in diameter, and are generally between 290-300 mm long. The main body of the bottle is between 195 mm and 220 mm.
Fasteners
The fasteners may comprise a single type of fastener adapted to penetrate a load-bearing zone, such as a timber structure, including a wall stud, of the substrate. The fastener may have a shaft sufficiently long to define a gap along the length of a shaft of the fastener. The gap may be between the underside of a head of the fastener and the outermost surface of the substrate or the second substrate.
The fasteners may be in multiple parts, for example where the substrate is a non-structural material such as plasterboard wall. In such a case, a bore may be provided or formed by a plasterboard anchor should be installed in each required hole location in the non-structural material substrate. Screw fasteners may then be installed through registering bores through the second substrate to mount the second substrate to the target wall.
Further fasteners may then be provided in the form of partially sunk screws with broad heads, which may be received with in the keyhole recesses in the rear face of the fascia panel whereby to mount same. The fasteners may include spacers or the fasteners may restrain the spacers. The spacers may include hollow cylindrical sleeves with flanges or other substantially cylindrical parts. The spacers may include cone shaped or truncated cone portions. The spacers may include washers. The spacers may be made of materials including metal, plastic and wood. Preferably, the spacers include cylindrical sleeves with flanges.
Stemmed Glass Holder
Another aspect of the invention may provide a wall mountable holder including a kit for mounting a wall-mounted stemmed glass holder adapted to hold a plurality of stemmed glasses in display formation, the kit comprising:
The features may include a flat elongate member, L-shaped hooks, elongate beams with cross-section in the shape of a rectangle, T, L, cruciform, circular or oval and other features. The fascia panel may include multiple channels. Preferably, the fascia panel includes one channel.
The channels may include cross-sections in the shape of a T, L, cruciform, circular, oval and other shapes. Preferably, the features include elongate plates with a cross-section in the shape of a rectangle. Preferably, the channels include a T-shaped cross-section. The channels may extend part way through the fascia panel. Preferably, the channels extend all the way through the fascia panel.
The elongate section may include threaded supported ends, which screw into the features. The elongate section may be bolted to the features. The elongate section may hook in/onto the features or otherwise interlock with the features. Preferably, the elongate section is welded to the features.
The free ends may be parallel with the elongate section. Preferably, the free ends include a hook or bend. Preferably, the bend has an angle between 60 and 90 degrees.
The success of the proposed system relies on exceptional accuracy. The drilling of the bottle holder receiving holes into the fascia panel is adapted to achieve accurate hole spacing, horizontal and vertical alignment, normal or virtually 90 degree angle entry into the fascia panel surface and no variation in the diameter of the drilled hole. Prior art arrangements require specialised manufacturing equipment such as industrial drilling machines or CNC routers, requiring specialised trades people to programme and operate.
This invention enables an unskilled, lay or semi-unskilled do-it-yourself (DIY) person to manufacture a product of the invention, namely a specialised wine display. This invention allows the DIY person, or skilled person with ease, to manufacture a wine display for a home, cellar, restaurant, wine bar, winery with cellar door sales or liquor store fit out, with a much reduced cost when compared to purchasing a commercially manufactured product of similar build quality.
In another aspect of the same invention, there is provide a composite DIY template comprising a drilling jig, spacing/positioning template and/or a bottle holder insertion block. The composite DIY template can be made from such materials as wood or soft metals, the thickness of such a template will be greater than the total depth of the hardened drilling bush component.
The composite DIY template include a drilling component, a spacing/positioning component, as well as a bottle holder insertion block. The composite DIY template may comprise a drilling component containing two or more, specially designed, hardened drilling bushes that are designed to press fit into soft materials, such as wood and soft metals.
The top section of the bush may have a serrated surface that has a greater diameter than the ground surface of the lower section of the bush. The accurately drilled vertical receiving hole in the template is preferably the same diameter or marginally smaller than the ground lower section of the bush. This hole may extend beyond the depth of the drilling bush to the lower edge of the composite template, which extends beyond the depth of the drilling bush. As the diameter of the extended drilling bush hole is greater than the diameter of the drill bit, a void is formed to receive excess swarth gathered through the drilling process This is with the aim of ensuring that the excess swarth does not dislodge the composite template through the drilling process.
The top serrated surface of the bush may prevent rotational movement and increased axial resistance when inserted in the jig. The internal diameter of the hardened bush is preferably the same diameter or marginally larger than the selected drilling bit, the diameter of which is preferably the same, or still more preferably a smaller diameter, than that of the chosen bottle holder(s).
The depth of the drilling bush is preferably of sufficient length to ensure that the drill bit will be guided in a true vertical direction. The exactness of the internal diameter of the bush relative to the drilling bit is adapted to ensure that the drilled hole is of a consistent and accurate diameter.
The composite DIY template may also provide a facility for accurate bottle holder hole positioning. The bottle holder advantageously has two free ends that may be manufactured to a specific spacing. The drill bushes are preferably placed in such a spacing that the holes therefor drilled into the facia panel will readily accept the free ends of the bottle holder bracket.
The bottle holder holes preferably assume a virtually precisely horizontal position, not only relative to each other, but also to the other bottle holders and their bottles retained thereon. The bottles are adapted to be displayed in the layout, whereby the corresponding positioned drill bushes ensure such positioning is accurate.
Each bottle position is accurately and evenly spaced throughout the layout. The positioned recesses in the composite DIY template(s) are adapted to ensure that each bottle in both the horizontal or vertical plains is evenly positioned throughout the total layout.
The insertion block may also be included into the composite DIY template which offers a further cost-advantage and assembly efficiency to the user. The DIY person, home or commercial builder may use the invention to design their own layout positioning of wine bottles in their layout design. A free hand template is preferably included, comprising the drilling and bottle holder spacing to aim for excellent precision and accuracy of the composite DIY template, whilst allowing for a free hand in bottle positioning. To further assist the free hand bottle positioning, each template may be shaped to replicate the chosen bottle holder layout. If the design requires the bottle base to be perpendicular to the fascia, the template shape is adapted to image the largest bottle base diameter with the two bottle holder reception holes in the correct position, allowing the designer to position and or trace each chosen bottle position. If the designer requires the bottle to be horizontal to the fascia panel, the free hand template is adapted to image the shape of the largest bottle to be displayed with the bottle holder receiving holes placed in the correct position, allowing the designer to position or trace each chosen bottle position. The lower edge of each free hand template is preferably adapted to provide a horizontal plain for the designer to maintain horizontal accuracy in their layout.
The template in the form of a block may be adapted to support the bottle holders as they are inserted into the holes in the facia panel. The bottle holders may be press fit into the facia panel while the block keeps spigots of the bottle holders coaxial with the holes in the facia panel. Advantageously, this may protect the holes from damage due to misalignment of the spigots with the holes as the bottle holders are inserted into the holes in the facia panel. The block may be supplemented with additional hardened drilling bushes which are used as templates to accurately space the holes in the facia panel from each other. The drilling bushes may include internal dimensions to closely fit a drill bit of the correct size for the holes in the facia panel. Hardened drilling bushes may be located in bush holes that are offset from a front face of the facia panel. The offset preferably creates a gap between the hardened drilling bushes and the front face of the facia panel when drilling the holes in the facia panel with the drill bit. Recesses may be used to position the template or block on the positioned holders in order to accurately drill the next positioned bottle holder holes. The recesses may be located at the edges of the block or template and may extend transversely relative to the general plane of the template or block. The gap may be useful to provide space to receive sawdust resulting from drilling of the holes. The hardened drilling bush may be adapted to maintain the drill bit at a 90 degree angle to the front face of the facia panel during drilling. The block may further include an alignment recess which is adapted to line up with an edge of the facia panel for positioning of the template or block during drilling of the holes.
It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein can be used in any combination, and that the invention as described in respect of the second aspect may have the specific features referred to above in respect of the invention as described in respect of the first aspect.
The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:
Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In describing the various embodiments of the invention, like features will be referred to using like references, with references for features of each embodiment generally preceded by 1, 2, 3, or followed by a Roman numeric sequence, such as i, ii, iii, etc. or an alphabetical sequence such as a, b, c, relative to the corresponding feature of the first embodiment. For example, a feature 10 of the first embodiment may represented as 110, 210, 310, or 10a, 10b, 10c, or 10i, 10ii, 10iii, etc. in second, third and fourth embodiments, respectively.
The drawings show a kit for mounting a wall-mounted bottle holder adapted to hold a plurality of bottles in display formation. The kit comprises a fascia panel (10) and a plurality of bottle holders (20). The bottle holders (20) are formed from a rigid wire or rod elongate member.
The bottle holders (20) are able to be moulded, drawn or bent into a shape to support a bottle. Using a block (50), the bottle holders (20) are mounted on the fascia panel 10 so that each bottle holder (20) extends outwardly from an exposed fascia surface (10A). The facia surface (10A) (exposed facia surface) may include a decorative pattern or texture. The facia surface (10A) may include wood, faux wood, faux marble or other faux rock, leather, faux leather, paint, metal and other materials. The facia surface (10A) may include engraved, etched or carved surfaces. The facia surface (10A) may be engraved or carved by hand or with a machine such as a CNC (computer numerical control) machine.
The kit further includes a first template to guide a user to locate a plurality of holes for securing a corresponding plurality of fasteners to a substrate, such as a wall. A user employs the block (50) to facilitate the mounting of the bottle holder to the fascia panel (10).
The elongate member terminates substantially co-extensively at free ends and is joined at a remote end by a loop or a U-shaped bridge. The elongate member includes a pair of elongate sections extending substantially parallel to each other. Together with the bridge, the elongate sections of each bottle holder are adapted to support a bottle of wine of any one of a variety of sizes in a predetermined horizontal or inclined alignment.
The block (50) is for temporary use as a means to install the bottle holders in or on the fascia panel (10) and is removable. The block (50) is preferably adapted to support the elongate side sections (21), and to resist their bending or to maintain their linear integrity, whilst force is applied to the bottle holder (20) in the direction of the free ends (22) and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the elongate sections (21).
The elongate sections (21) may be bent at an angle theta relative to the free ends (22) to achieve a bottle holder support structure that is inclined to the horizontal.
The fascia panel (10) is a bottle rack comprising of an elongated (vertical) panel of solid construction. The fascia panel (10) is a solid construction and may be made of MDF, chipboard, plywood, timber, acrylic or aluminium.
A pair of horizontal holes (11) are shown to align in a horizontal plane (13) and have a width (12). The holes (11) are adapted to receive the free ends (22) of the bottle support (20). The bottle holder (20) has substantially parallel elongate sections (21) that terminate in the free ends (22). The holes (11) can be drilled through the first face (10A) and second face (10B) of the elongated fascia panel (10) or may stop short of penetrating the second face (10B). To ensure that the free ends (22) are tightly fitted in the holes (11), the diameter of the holes (11) are preferably sized to be equal to or less than the diameter of the free ends (22) of the bottle support bracket arms, each separately designated 22A or 22B.
The bottle holder (20) is inserted into the holes (11) of the fascia panel (10) by housing the bottle holder (20) in a dedicated recess or groove (42) so that it is supported against axial movement in the direction of the longitudinal axes (44) of the elongate sections (21), with the free ends (22) projecting beyond the extent of a remote end (46) of the block (50). To urge the free ends (22) into the holes against frictional resistance, the block (50) housing the bottle holder (20) in the recess (42) may be forced towards the surface (10A) with the free ends (22) in registration with the holes (11). An impact from the likes of (but not restricted to) a mallet or hammer may be advantageous to force the free ends (23,23A) into the elongated panel holes (11).
The holes (11) are spaced apart proportionally in both the horizontal (13) and vertical (14) planes, to accommodate, in the shape and dimensions of the bottle holder (20), most commercially available wine bottles, including French champagne bottles. All of the variously shaped and oriented bottle support brackets shown in
All formats of the bottle holder (20) and fascia panel (10) installation process require a similar procedure, noting that in the arrangements shown in
In a first preferred form of the bottle holder (20), the bottles are held substantially horizontally with the bottle holder (20) shown in
As shown in
The first elongated element (21A) is joined to the second elongated element (21B) by the loop (24). The loop is in the form of an arc. Where the bottle (5) may be defined as having a neck (6) and a main body portion (7), the loop (24) is dimensioned to support an end (7b) of the main body (7) remote from the bottle's base (8). The loop (24) is therefore adapted to be within the length of the main body of the bottle.
The two elements (23A,B) are separated by less than the width of a standard 700-790 mm wine bottle, whose main body (5) has parallel sides and being wide enough apart so the main body (24) of the wine bottle can cradle between the first and second elements (21A,B) as shown in
The cradle, loop or arc (24) joining the elongate side elements (21A,B) is angled in a downward direction to a degree where it will not be in supportive contact with the main body (7) of a standard 700 mm wine bottle (5) (although larger bottles are also accommodated) when in its cradle position. However, the elongate side sections (21A,B) are spaced to support the load of the bottle (5) along a substantial length of the main body (5), the top surface (24A) of the loop (24) optionally being in contact and providing some stability and support, but not the bearing the primary load of the bottle (5).
In
The 2 arcs (124A,B) are spaced to support the bottle (5) within the length of the main body (7). On the remote side of the arcs (124A,B) is an elongate section (121B) extending between the arcs (124A,B).
In another set of embodiments shown in
The bottles (5) may be aligned in a true horizontal position to provide a more pleasing visual display. However, the bottles holder may be adapted to display the bottle in an inclined or vertical drop position. Each free end may extend along a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate section with which it is continuous. There may be a bend joining the free end and the elongate section with which it is continuous having an angle theta that is in the range 0-90°, preferably about 0°, 20° or 70°.
Interposed between the free end (322) and its associated elongate section (321), there may be a Z-section including an initial short section (325) including a bend joining the free end (322) that is about 70-110°, and preferably about 90. The interposed Z-section includes the initial section (325) that depends downwardly from the free end (322) that is adapted to be received in a bore (11) in the fascia panel (10) that is aligned substantially normal to the general plane of the fascia panel (10). The Z-section may further include a substantially horizontal middle section (326) that space the initial section (325) and the free end (322) from an inclined elongate section (321) that is adapted, together with an arc joining section (324), to support the main body (7). The middle section (326) is configured to provide spacing to accommodate the neck (6) of a bottle (5) inclined in a generally upwardly orientation with the neck (6) inclined in the direction (R) toward the fascia panel (10). The elongate section (321) may extend from an elbow at the middle section (326) at one of a variety of desired inclinations, such as, for example, at a steep angle theta1 (in
The bottles are held by the bottle holder (320,420) in an orientation that is perpendicular to the fascia panel (10) and angled with the bottleneck (6) inclined inwards toward the fascia panel (10). Bottle labels on the bottles (5) can be presented so that they are clearly visible for easy identification.
The bottle angle theta1,2 may extend from horizontal (theta1,2=0°) to approx. 65°. In
The length of the short middle sections or arms (326) varies to suit the angle theta1,2 of the bottle (5) held in the cradle defined by the side elongate arms (321) and the arc (324), whereby the bottle cap (6a) or cork is clear of the fascia panel face (10A).
The bottle holders (20,120,220,320,420) as described
Substantial distortion or damage to the bottle support bracket (20,120,220,320,420) may occur through the insertion process, without external support to the vertical and horizontal sections (x21,x22,x24,x25,x26, where x=0, 1, 2, 3 or 4) of the bottle holder (x20, where x=0, 1, 2, 3 or 4). To provide support for the bottle holder components for installation in to a fascia panel (10), a bracket insertion block (50) is provided that has specifically recessed grooves (52) to accommodate and structurally support the components (x21, x22, x24, x25, x26).
Referring to
Each bracket insertion block (x50) holds the various vertical, horizontal and inclined sections and arc components (x21,x22,x24,x25,x26) of the bottle holder (x20) in recessed grooves (52) that may be in the form of impression, laser cut, computer numerical control (CNC) milled, cast or moulded cavities.
The tapered ends (23A,B) of the free ends (x22) are positioned in line with the receiving holes (11) in the fascia panel (10) for quick and accurate insertion without causing damage to the fascia panel front surface (10A) surrounding the holes (11).
Particularly with reference to
The offset creates a gap 614 between the hardened drilling bushes 651A and the front face of the facia panel x10 when drilling the holes x11 in the facia panel with the drill bit. Transverse recesses (extending perpendicular to the plane of the block or template) x52, x54, x57, x59 are used to position the template block x50 on the positioned holders x20 in order to accurately drill the next positioned bottle holder x20 holes x11. This gap 614 provides space to receive sawdust from drilling the holes x11. The hardened drilling bush 651A is also adapted to maintain the drill bit 670 at a 90 degree angle to the front face x13 of the facia panel during drilling. The block x50 further includes an alignment recess 654A which is adapted to line up with an edge of the facia panel x10 for positioning of the block x50 during drilling of the holes x11.
Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in
The bottle holder (20) material may be vulnerable against lateral forces caused when compressive forces are applied along the longitudinal axes (44) without the lateral support provided by the block (50). Accordingly, providing a recess (52) that is a close fit for the holder sections (21,24) is useful to ensure that the bottle holder is stably supported whilst the free ends (22) are urged to enter the holes (11).
The bottle holder (20) cannot be impacted or force applied through the arc (24) because too high a bending moment will be applied at the join between the arc (24) and the elongate (21) or other sections joining the arc (24). The load-bearing surface (53) allows force to be applied in the direction F or R to focus the force along the longitudinal axes (44). The generally laterally extending recesses providing surfaces (53,54) within each bracket insertion block (50), notably the upper face (53) of the curved lateral section of the recess (52) that is most remote from the tapered arm ends (23A,B), will be in contact with the upper face (26) of the arc (24) of the bottle holder (20).
The width of the lateral sections (53,54) of the recess (52) in the block (50) will be greater than the diameter of the sections (21,22,24) of rod or wire of the bottle holder (20) so that there is a space or gap (57) below the lateral sections (53,54) when the bottle holder (20) is encased or received in the recess (52) and is in position in the block (50). This may allow for easy withdrawal of the block (50) from the bottle holder (20) after the insertion of the free ends (22) in the holes (11) is complete.
The free ends (22) extend beyond the open ends (56) of the recess (52) and are configured to be gently driven into the registered holes (11). The width and length of the free ends (22) is dimensioned such that, on correct registration of the free ends (22) to the selected open holes (11), resistance provided by the holes (11) to entry of the free ends (22) is insufficient to provide enough compressive force along axes (44) for the linear free end sections (22) to buckle or bend transverse to the axes. Advantageously, the length:diameter ratio of the free end section (22) extending from the block (50) may be between 5:1 and 2:1, and preferably about 3:1, with the free ends (22) preferably being formed with a wire section having a diameter of about 3-6 mm, and preferably about 5-6 mm.
When the bottle holder (20) is positioned into the bracket insertion block recess (52) and the outer surface (26) is in contact with the lateral recess surface (53) most remote to the tapered arm ends (23A,B), the length of the free ends (22) extending beyond the innermost extent of the block (50) (closest to the fascia panel (10)) may not exceed the hole (11) depth in the fascia panel (10), when an innermost surface (59) of the block (50) of the bracket insertion block is in firm contact with or immediately adjacent to the outer surface (10A) of the fascia panel (10) (see, in particular,
An outermost surface (58) of the block (50) may be used to impact the block (50) with a mallet, hammer or similar, to apply the force F to insert the free ends (22), leading with the tapered ends (23A,B) into the holes (11).
Variations (x50) of the block (50) are shown in
As shown in
An outermost surface (158) of the block (150) may be used to impact the block (150) with a mallet, hammer or similar, to apply the force to insert the free ends (122) into the holes (11). In
A block 450 is shown in
Another aspect of the invention is to provide simple and accurate systems for installation of the fascia panel (10) as in a single unit or in multiple arrangements to a substrate such as dry flat wall surfaces. The systems advantageously would not, in the view of the inventor, require skilled labour to install.
Dry flat wall surfaces may be constructed from the following:
1. Hollow walls with the internal components being metal or timber wall studs, with the wall faces (3) being of plaster or plasterboard construction; 2. Cavity or solid construction walls; or 3. Concrete-, brick- or masonry-constructed walls.
The wall anchors (plugs) (65, 67) shown in
The inventive arrangement may include multiple panels (10) incorporated together.
In a first method for installation of the fascia panel (10) and bottle holder (20), the fascia panel (10) connects directly to a surface of a hollow dry flat wall or a masonry wall using wall anchors (65, 67) shown in
As shown in
The female template (1) has female recesses (82) in each side edge (84). The recesses (82) are shaped to fit with the corresponding male extensions (92) on side edges (94) of the male template (2). As shown in
The accuracy of the fit of the extensions and recesses (82,92) may be such that the corresponding template (2) edges (94) are aligned edge (84) to edge (94) and top and bottom corners (86,96) of the two templates (1,2) are also aligned as seen in
The diameter of a hole (81, 91) is identical or slightly less than the diameter of the internal hollow section of the masonry plug 65 and/or plaster plug 67. For example, a 4.2 mm hole (81, 91) corresponds to an 8G screw, wherein the hole (81, 91) matches the screws shaft diameter resulting in light registration of the screw and the hole (81, 91). The first template (1) is aligned and levelled on a selected flat wall surface (3) and guide holes are drilled through the first template pilot holes (81) into the flat wall face (3). The templates (1, 2) may only be used for drilling the pilot holes (81, 91) into the flat wall face (3) and the templates (1, 2) may then be removed and reused on another installation.
The selected wall anchors and plugs (65, 67) (masonry plug and plaster plug) are inserted into the holes (81, 91) in the substrate wall (3).
To mount a single fascia panel (10), the threaded screw (66) and spacer (66d) is inserted into the masonry anchor (65) (masonry plug) or plaster anchor (67) (plaster plug), which are located in the wall (3). The threaded screw (66) and spacer (66d) inserted into the plaster anchor (67) is shown in
With reference to
In
The second template (2) is positioned and interlocked by the female recesses (82) in template (1) to the male projections (92) in the template (2) to provide a perfect alignment for the pilot holes in the template (2) to accurately position the next required fascia panel (10).
The process is repeated until the required arrangement is completed.
An example is shown in
A second method of installation involves the use of one or more backing plates (1) and/or backing plate connectors (2a) positioned between the flat wall face (3a) and the fascia panel (10). In
Another form of installation is shown in
The wall anchor/plug receiving holes drilled into the backing plate/s require a recess to allow the head (66e) of the threaded screw (66) not to be exposed above the backing plate surface as shown in
Pilot holes (81) that align the finished position of the fascia panel (10) (as per the first form of installation) are positioned in the backing panel/s (1) to receive the facia panel/s (10). Screws (660 and spacers (66d) are adapted to be inserted into the pilot holes (81). The screws 66f are adapted not to extend through the whole backing plate (1). The screws 66f and spacers 66d are adapted to receive the facia panel/s (10). The screws (660 are of a short length whereby they do not contact the wall (3a) or the studs (3b). The screws (660 are shorter than the threaded screws (66).
As shown in
Each backing plate (1) has female recesses (82) on each side face as per the template (1) in the first form of installation.
When the backing plate (1) is in its horizontal position as shown in
When multiple backing plates (1) are required to make the arrangement, the backing plate connector (2a) (which is of the same thickness of the backing plate (1)) spaces the backing plate (1) so that the fascia panels 10) will align as required when in both the horizontal and vertical positions, as illustrated in
The male extensions (92) on the backing plate connector (2a) or a backing plate spacer inter connect with the recesses (82) of the backing plate (1). The male extensions (92) are recessed to between 40-60% and preferably about 50% of their thickness so as to align with the female recesses (82) in the backing plate/s (1).
Anchors/plugs (65, 67) are not suited to all hollow wall applications. This may be because the wall's surface structural integrity may not be maintained to standard or because a property is rented and the landlord may not allow the use of wall anchors/plugs (65, 67). It may also be because a client does not want to use wall anchors/plugs. Thus, as shown in
The backing plates (1) shown in
Regardless of the wall stud (3b) spacings, the backing plate (1) and backing plate connector (2a) configuration can be secured with standard wood or metal screws (66b) to the wall studs (3b), providing structural integrity that will only leave a foot print in the wall surface (3a) comparable to that of hanging a painting. Each backing plate (1) may be joined together with screws 66c extending through the male extensions (92) and recesses (82).
As the backing plates (1) and backing plate connectors (2a) are secured to the wall studs (3b), any structural integrity short comings of the wall surface materials (3a) may be overcome. The fascia panels (10) are connected to the backing plate (1)/backing plate connectors (2a) as previously described in the second mounting option.
Alternatively,
The stemmed glass holder (520) includes two elongate members (521A-B). The free ends (522A-B) including bends (522C-D). As seen in
Preferably, the bends (522C-D) angle the free ends (522A-B) between 60 to 90 degrees from the elongate section (521). The bends (522C-D) prevent stemmed glasses (532-534) from unintentionally sliding off the stemmed glass holder (520). The features (523C) include a plate (523C) welded to the elongate section (521). The plate (523C) is welded with a longitudinal axis of the elongate section (521) perpendicular to large faces (523E) of the plate (523C).
The channel (527) is a T-shaped channel (527) including an open end (527A) and two closed ends (527B-C). When the plate (523C) is inserted into the T-shaped channel, the stemmed glass holder (520) is captured and held in place by the material (528) of the fascia (10) between the two closed ends (527B-C) and the fascia surface (10A). The material (528) needs to be at least 3 mm thick to maintain its structural integrity while holding the stemmed glass holder (520). The gap between the plate (523C) and the T-shaped channel (527) may be less than 1 mm, or may be less than 0.1 mm. The plate (523C) may be a press fit into the T-shaped channel (527). The longitudinal edges (523D) of the plate (523C) are adapted to contact the internal surfaces (527D) of the T-shaped channel (527). The large faces (523E) of the plate (523C) are adapted to contact the internal surfaces (527D) of the T-shaped channel (527).
As seen in
The block 650 is also adapted to support the bottle holders 620A,B as they are inserted and into the holes in the facia panel 610. The bottle holders 620A,B are press fit into the facia panel 610 while the block 650 keeps spigots 622 of the bottle holders 620 coaxial with the holes in the facia panel 610. Advantageously, this protects the holes from damage due to misalignment of the spigots 622 with the holes as the bottle holders 620A,B are inserted into the holes in the facia panel 610.
Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. In the present specification, terms such as “apparatus”, “means”, “device” and “member” may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an “apparatus”, “means”, “device” or “member” or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an “apparatus”, “assembly”, “means”, “device” or “member” is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. In the present specification, the phrase “and/or” refers to severally or any combination of the features. For example, the phrase “feature 1, feature 2 and/or feature 3” includes within its scope any one of the following combinations: Feature 1 or feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 or feature 2 and feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 and feature 3.
Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the loop of the supporting arms extending outermost from the wall mounting.
The meaning of descriptive, precise or absolute terms such as “flexed”, “normal”, “parallel”, “horizontal”, “vertical” or “fully” includes the preceding qualifier “substantially or almost”, unless the context or contrary is expressly indicated. Qualifying relative terms, such as “relatively”, “sufficiently”, “near”, “marginally, “virtually”, “almost” or “substantially”, may be taken to indicate a variation in an absolute value of between 0° and 10° or between 0% and 10%, relative to the absolute value. For example, “near horizontal” may be taken to mean any orientation between 0° and 10° relative to the horizontal.
In the present specification, the term “integral” means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term “integrally formed” means formed of the one body without post-forming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, “integrally formed” and the similar term “unitarily formed” mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention can be described in terms of provisional claims that can assist the skilled reader in understanding the various aspects and preferments of the invention. However, these provisional claims are not to be construed as defining statements of the invention. It will be appreciated that other forms, aspects and preferred features of the invention and its embodiments described herein may ultimately be included in the claims defining the invention in the specifications of complete, international or national applications (or their subsequent corresponding patent grants) that may claim priority from the provisional application accompanying this specification. In this context, the following non-limiting claims assist to better describe the invention:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019902433 | Jul 2019 | AU | national |
This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application PCT/AU2020/000064, filed Jul. 9, 2020, designating the United States of America and published in English as International Patent Publication WO 2021/003516 on Jan. 14, 2021, which claims the benefit under Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to Australian Patent Application Serial No. 2019902433, filed Jul. 9, 2019, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2020/000064 | 7/9/2020 | WO |
