Fastening system with fixing ring and toilet seat fastening, comprising the fastening system

Abstract

Fastening system with fixing ring, comprising a first fastening which can be fixed in a surface and a fixing ring which can be fixed in the same surface, characterized in that the fixing ring can be fixed in a fixed state at least circumferentially relative to the first fastening.

Description

GENERAL BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention is situated within the general field of fastening systems. Fastening systems typically combine structural measures and chemical adhesive systems to achieve the necessary strength, load-bearing capacity, and stability for the required, releasable or non-releasable fastening. Examples of structural and chemical measures can be found in the illustrative documents US000004778702A, US000005060898A, DE000019709463A, DE000010250029B3, and DE 000010250029 B3. Among the structural, releasable measures are anchor fastenings, in which an anchor is first inserted into a mounting hole in an object and / or a wall and then often connected to the object to be fastened via a screw driven into the anchor.Depending on the type of dowel, a fixation / support is provided by expansion in the fixing hole and / or by engaging behind a plate or outer surface, as illustrated in the documents DD000000042733A5, DE000001650979B and EP000000529229A1.

[0002] The present invention initially focused on the area of ​​toilet seat fixings. In these systems, a combination of toilet seat and lid is attached to a toilet, often made of ceramic, via existing fixing holes in the toilet body – frequently through a detachable coupling with a combined hinge assembly. Documents describing common assemblies and measures include US000002846697A, EP000000345835A, DE202011108206U, US000006101640A, EP000001057442A, and DE000010005695A. The potential slippage of a fixing on a smooth surface is a known disadvantage, both in the area of ​​toilet seat fixings and in the more general area of ​​fixing systems, and is addressed by various measures. However, adhesive-based measures are often irreversible and do not allow for easy repair or quick disassembly after installation.

[0003] The present invention relates to a fastening system with a fixing ring and a toilet seat fastening with the fastening system according to the preamble of the independent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0004] Typical fastening systems focus on secure, simple, and quick installation; this often leads to equally quick repair and dismantling.

[0005] A fastening system is known from AU001974075141A, in which an assembly, which can be fixed to a surface on a toilet using a dowel and screw, provides a pivot point for a toilet seat in the form of a threaded stud. A base plate with an eccentric through-hole allows adjustment of the distance between two threaded studs, and a form-fitting cover cap can be fixed here with suitable adhesive. Crucially, all measures can be carried out and removed from the top of the toilet to fix the two fastening systems and a toilet seat in their spatial position. However, a disadvantage is that an adhesive cover on the screw makes later repairs difficult. Furthermore, potential slippage is not addressed. The system disclosed here can develop play over time, which can cause a toilet seat to become loose and wobbly.

[0006] US3301121A proposes using adjustable and buffering, permanently elastic rubber seals to prevent a toilet seat from slipping or wobbling. However, under constant load, such materials can compress over time in cold flow conditions, potentially creating more play. While conventional gluing or an adhesive as described in AU001974075141A could counteract this, it would compromise reversibility. Repair or replacement would then become more complicated, if not impossible.

[0007] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a fastening system and a toilet seat holder with the fastening system which, despite being permanently easy to dismantle, is able to provide improved stability against slipping.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the invention, a fastening system with a fixing ring comprises: a first fastening which can be fixed in a surface and at least one fixing ring which can be fixed in the same surface. It is essential that the fixing ring can be fixed at least circumferentially – relative to the first fastening in a fixed state.

[0010] The invention further comprises a toilet seat fastening with at least one fastening system according to the invention. Here, the at least one fixing ring can be inserted around the edge of the first fastening relative to the first fastening, and the fixing ring elastically surrounds the first, fixed fastening laterally in a fixed position. The fixing ring secures the first fastening against movement and rotation parallel to the surface. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES

[0011] The fastening system according to the invention with a fixing ring comprises a first fastening, which can be fixed in a surface, and a fixing ring, which can be fixed in the same surface. The fixing ring can be fixed in a defined state, at least circumferentially, relative to the first fastening. 'Circumferentially' here refers to the lateral gripping of a body; thus, a washer with an elongated hole, as disclosed, for example, in DE000001925415U, can be precisely positioned around a significantly smaller elongated washer of the same design. If, before the outer elongated washer is fixed, the elongated holes of the inner, encompassed elongated washer and the outer, circumferential elongated washer are aligned perpendicular to each other, the washers can no longer be moved independently of each other when the outer washer is fixed and the screw in the inner washer is tightened.Therefore, the force with which the outer slotted disc is fixed in a surrounding area effectively contributes to securing the inner slotted disc against lateral slippage.

[0012] Preferably, the fixing ring can be fixed in a defined state relative to the first fastening by interlocking it. 'Interlocking' in the sense of a C-profile refers to a circumferential grip with rear engagement; at least partially, the fixing ring then rests against the first fastening at least laterally in the defined state and forcefully couples the elastic fastening forces introduced and applied during the fixing of both components, which then collectively prevent lateral slippage.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing ring is engaged relative to the first fastening and can be fixed in a defined position. 'Engaging' refers to at least one force-fit combination of a projection and a corresponding indentation between the first fastening and the fixing ring. This interlocks both components and secures them against relative rotation. Conventional toothed connections and interlocking profiles, such as those known from furniture construction, can be used here.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing ring is designed to completely enclose the first fastening in a fixed position; this is advantageously combined with a toothed connection via a continuous base shape that deviates from a rotatable circular shape. A non-rotatable, interlocking base shape with continuous, rounded corner areas prevents force peaks at angles and allows for a more uniform coupling of the holding forces of the two components. Forces acting laterally to both components are transmitted and absorbed in the same direction over the entire common edge. Advantageously, by loosening a central screw of the first fastening, this fastening can be pulled upwards out of the adjacent socket of a preferably bonded fixing ring and replaced / repaired.

[0015] A preferred toilet seat fastening comprises at least one fastening system according to the invention. The at least one fixing ring can be inserted around the edge of the first fastening relative to the first fastening. Preferably, the fixing ring and the first fastening are designed, at least partially, analogous to precisely fitting puzzle pieces: The fixing ring has contours and / or a basic shape that can be inserted, at least partially, into the edge region of the first fastening. Advantageously, the fixing ring elastically surrounds the first fastening in the area of ​​the matching contours.If the fixing ring is subsequently fixed in the surface and force-fit connected to the surface by at least one established measure such as plugging, gluing, screwing, joining, snapping or clamping, particularly preferably at least gluing and at least one further optional measure, the fixing ring secures the first, fixed fastening in a fixed position, at least partially elastically enclosing it laterally and parallel to the surface against movement and twisting.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing ring has features or enables measures known from the field of retaining rings. Retaining rings secure an enclosed assembly against slipping or displacement in the same direction; however, the enclosed assembly is traditionally a moving shaft or assembly. This is not the case with toilet seat fixings: only the toilet seat, but not the primary fixing to the toilet itself, is movable. The inventors attribute this to the fact that, until now, retaining rings and the measures and features known for them have not been adopted in the field of toilet seat fixings. This is the first time this has been achieved with the present invention. DE 75558A discloses how an advantageous combination of plug-in fixing and lateral securing can be provided.DE 1 400 930 A discloses how advantageously a retaining ring can be designed to be assembled from at least two interlocking segments; a rectangular or square outer shape can also be provided, as shown. Fig.As outlined in section 4 of this document, segmented and / or continuous polygonal internal shapes that prevent rotation are also accessible in this way, and these are particularly advantageously combinable with appropriately grippable external profiles of a first fastening. A multi-part fixing ring according to these measures particularly advantageously allows for the partial incorporation of overlapping structures that can also secure a first fastening against upward movement from a toilet located below. From CH 213304 A, retaining rings with combined internal and external toothing are known; advantageously, several fixing rings can be arranged successively around a first fastening with appropriately enclosing counterparts in order to provide a lateral fixing force as required. From CH 247080 A, force-fit interlocking C-profile rings are known, which are particularly easy to install.DE 3853 MAZ discloses a multi-part, assembleable retaining ring. DE 3858 MAZ discloses retaining rings with a C-profile, with an optionally engaging C-profile, and with an asymmetrical ring thickness that provides a force-fit. DE 1653122 U discloses the provision of slots in retaining rings for adjusting elasticity. DE 2 101 978 A discloses a particularly cost-effective retaining ring made of profile and / or extruded material. DE 2 232 955 A discloses a retaining ring with elastic tabs that can be spread widely as needed and which can always provide elastic fixation even with high gap tolerances. EP 1 636 502 B1 discloses a retaining ring that provides a locking mechanism via interlocking and / or deformable inner and / or outer profiles.From DE 200 12 402 U, a retaining ring is known which can be screwed onto a detachable plug connection in a bayonet-like manner, securing it with a locking action. Advantageously combined with modular structures, such a design, when fixed to the underside of a surface / toilet, can provide a supplementary and still detachable fixation to a primary fixing in all spatial directions. Thus, at least one advantageous fixing ring, in light of the retaining rings and their variants described here, can be individually or in combination round, polygonal, eccentric, multi-part, overlapping, enclosing, permanently elastically enclosing, and fixed to the surface and optionally also to the primary fixing by individual or combined measures.

[0017] A preferred toilet seat fastening system comprises at least one fastening system according to the invention, preferably two. With two fastening systems, a typical toilet seat can be fixed relative to the toilet via detachable joint components. The first fastening system has a dowel that can be inserted into a seat mounting opening on a toilet, a screw that can be screwed into the top of the dowel, and a mounting plate with a detachable connection for a toilet seat that can be adjusted when the screw is loosely inserted.

[0018] A detachable connection and / or fixing comprises, individually or in combination, at least one adhesive, snap-fit, plug-in or screw connection, which can be made and released directly and preferably without tools.

[0019] Preferably, the anchor for the toilet seat fixing is designed as a toggle-expansion anchor. A toggle-expansion anchor offers a combination of established fixing systems: Such an anchor can, individually or in combination, provide a force-fit connection behind cavities with projecting and tilting structures, and also – even in seat mounting openings – provide a force-fit frictional connection through expansion; a possible, advantageous design of such a multifunctional anchor, which can provide both fixing functions individually or in combination, is described, for example, in EP000000529229A.

[0020] Preferably, the fastening system comprises at least one elastic seal which can be positioned between a ceramic surface or tile of the toilet and the fastening system to dampen vibrations and peak forces. The structure, composition, and properties of advantageous composite materials with a polymeric, partially open-cell base structure infiltrated with an elastomer are illustrated in EP 000000730017 A.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing ring has at least one section of mounting tape and can be secured via this section. Mounting tapes are designed for the permanent bonding of two surfaces or objects, lasting at least several years. Mounting tapes such as those used for wall mounting mirrors are advantageous here; these tapes have a partially plastic base that can compensate for unevenness in a wall or surface and are equipped with an adhesive system that can provide permanent bonds to both glass / metal and plaster / wallpaper / mineral-based surfaces. Advantageous examples of features and measures in this regard are explained in DE202004009994U1.

[0022] Preferably, the fixing ring has a reinforcing, multi-layered base structure and a total thickness at least equal to the thickness of the mounting plate. A core structure, which can be made of metal and / or composite material and / or plastic, is combined with a suitable adhesive tape material and / or adhesive.

[0023] Advantageous and particularly useful variants from the field of washers are known from the following documents: DE000001925415U discloses specific design variants of washers whose inner opening has been adapted in light of a desired function.

[0024] JP000H05263063A reveals - optionally pressure-activated and / or moist curable within 24h and / or thermally curable - siloxane-based adhesive concepts which can bond washers to metallic and common, durable materials in the automotive sector in a sealing, permanent, elastic and highly resistant manner.

[0025] WO002000030844A discloses a layer sequence of a reinforced, elastic washer, which is equipped with an adhesive on at least one side; in an advantageous combination, at least one reinforcing base structure as a load-bearing core layer, at least one partially plastic and elastic intermediate layer arranged on the underside, and at least one adhesive layer sealing off downwards towards a toilet in the installed position can thus be defined for a fixing ring, which allow an elastic, permanent fixing for years to decades.By ensuring the fixing ring has a total thickness at least equal to that of the mounting plate, combined with an inner rim that elastically and continuously surrounds the first fixing point, the improved stability and elasticity of the fixing ring effectively provide high-quality holding force against lateral slippage or displacement of the first fixing point, without compromising easy maintenance / repair of the first fixing point after loosening the screw. Furthermore, a completely surrounding seal offers the advantage that cleaning agents or detergents can no longer penetrate laterally along the toilet surface to the first fixing point or screw during cleaning; the screw and first fixing point are thus additionally protected from corrosion caused by spreading cleaning agents or detergents.

[0026] Further advantages will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the features and advantages described above and the following exemplary embodiments are not to be considered limiting. Within the scope of the independent claims, additional advantageous features and combinations of features, as explained and established in the description and the cited documents, can be implemented in the claimed subject matter, both individually and in different combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION USING EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0027] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, a toilet seat fixing comprises at least one fixing system, preferably two fixing systems, for defining two joint positions. Each fixing system has: a first fixing, which can be fixed in a surface; a fixing ring, which can be fixed in the same surface; the fixing ring engages relative to the first fixing in its fixed state, and the first fixing can be fixed in a continuous, laterally adjacent and surrounding position. The first fixing has a toggle-expansion anchor that can be inserted into a seat mounting opening on a toilet, a screw that can be screwed into the top of the anchor, and a fixing plate that can be aligned when the screw is loosely inserted and extends beyond the screw head, with a detachable connection for a toilet seat.In its fixed, tightened state, the screw engages the mounting plate and holds it firmly over the dowel on the top of the toilet under elastic clamping tension.

[0028] Preferably, the mounting plate has at least one layer of a partially elastic sealing material and / or a suitable gasket on its underside. The fixing ring, in turn, has at least one elastic and sealing, enclosing section of mounting adhesive tape.

[0029] The fixing ring is secured via the adhesive tape section; in an established manner, the fixing ring, when mounted from the top of a toilet, can have a reinforcing, multi-layered, elastic base structure on its upper side, adjacent to the mounting adhesive tape section: A reinforcing, elastic, upper support frame is connected along its underside to the adhesive tape section, which in turn has a release liner covering an adhesive surface on its underside. After removing the release liner, a continuous adhesive surface is exposed on the underside, which can be aligned around the designated mounting plate and pressed onto the toilet body to create a secure, friction-fit fixing of the fixing ring.

[0030] Pressure-activated adhesive systems and / or wet-curing siloxane-based adhesive systems advantageously provide high final strength achievable within hours to a few days.

[0031] The basic structure of the fastening ring has a total thickness at least equal to the thickness of the fastening plate. This ensures that, in the fixed state, a uniform, non-rotatable, and non-sliding combination of the two components is provided by a continuous, elastic positive fit between the inner wall of the fixing ring and the outer wall of the fastening plate. Despite increased stability and holding force against lateral forces, this combination still allows for disassembly, repair, and maintenance of the primary fastening. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0032] Fastening system with fixing ring and toilet seat fastening with the system: Established fastening systems, which can be fixed to a surface or wall by combined mechanical and adhesive-based measures, disadvantageously always use adhesives as a binding, irreversible fixation or connection, which makes subsequent repair or maintenance impossible.

[0033] The task was to overcome this disadvantage.

[0034] The solution is achieved with a fixing ring, which can be separately fixed on the surface and positioned to enclose an initial fastening and secure it against slipping.

[0035] The use of an enclosing fixing ring in a toilet seat fixing with a first fixing comprising a screw that can be screwed in from the top, a fixing plate and a toggle-expansion dowel allows for the targeted reinforcement of a fixing against twisting as well as lateral slippage or displacement of a fixing point of the first fixing on the toilet, which can also be decoupled again for replacement, maintenance or repair. List of cited documents US000004778702A US000005060898A DE000019709463A DE000010250029B DD000000042733A DE000001650979B EP000000529229A US000002846697A EP000000345835A DE202011108206U1 US000006101640A EP000001057442A DE000010005695A AU001974075141A US000003301121A EP 000000730017A DE000001925415U JP000H05263063A DE202004009994U WO002000030844A DE000000075558A CH000000213304A CH000000247080A DE000W0003853MAZ DE000W0003858MAZ DE000001653122U DE000001400930C DE000002101978A DE000002232955A EP000001195534B1 DE000020012402U1 EP000001636502B1 QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 000004778702A [0001, 0035] US 000005060898A [0001, 0035] DE 000019709463A [0001, 0035] DE 000010250029B3

[0001] DD 000000042733A5 [0001, 0035] DE 000001650979B [0001, 0035] EP 000000529229A1 [0001, 0019, 0035] US 000002846697A [0002, 0035] EP 000000345835A [0002, 0035] DE 202011108206U

[0002] US 000006101640A [0002, 0035] EP 000001057442A [0002, 0035] DE 000010005695A [0002, 0035] AU 001974075141A [0005, 0006, 0035] US 3301121A

[0006] DE 000001925415

[0011] DE 75558A

[0016] DE 1 400 930 A

[0016] CH 213304 A

[0016] CH 247080 A

[0016] DE 1653122

[0016] DE 2 101 978 A

[0016] DE 2 232 955 A

[0016] EP 1 636 502 B1

[0016] DE 200 12 402

[0016] EP 000000730017

[0020] DE 202004009994U1

[0021] DE 000001925415U [0023, 0035] JP 05263063A [0024, 0035] WO 002000030844A [0025, 0035] DE 000010250029B

[0035] DE 202011108206U1

[0035] US 000003301121A

[0035] EP 000000730017A

[0035] DE 202004009994U

[0035] DE 000000075558A

[0035] CH 000000213304A

[0035] CH 000000247080A

[0035] DE 000001653122U

[0035] DE 000001400930C

[0035] DE 000002101978A

[0035] DE 000002232955A

[0035] EP 000001195534B1

[0035] DE 000020012402U1

[0035] EP 000001636502B1

[0035]

Claims

[1] Fastening system with fixing ring, comprising a first fastening which can be fixed in a surface and a fixing ring which can be fixed in the same surface, characterized by that the fixing ring can be fixed in a fixed state, at least circumferentially, relative to the first fastening. [2] Fastening system with fixing ring according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the fixing ring can be fixed in a defined state relative to the first fastening. [3] Fastening system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring is in a fixed position and completely surrounds the first fastening. [4] Toilet seat fastening comprising at least one fastening system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the fixing ring can be used in a way that surrounds the edge relative to the first fastening and that the fixing ring, in a fixed position, is designed to elastically surround the first, fixed fastening laterally and to secure it parallel to the surface. [5] Toilet seat fastening comprising at least one fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first fastening has a dowel that can be inserted into a seat mounting opening on a toilet, a screw that can be screwed into the dowel from the top and a mounting plate that can be aligned when the screw is loosely inserted and has a detachable connection for a toilet seat. [6] Toilet seat fastening according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the dowel is designed as a toggle-expansion dowel. [7] Toilet seat fastening according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening system includes at least one elastic seal. [8] Toilet seat fastening according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing ring has at least one mounting adhesive tape section and can be fixed via the adhesive tape section. [9] Toilet seat fastening according to claim 5-8, characterized by that the fixing ring has a reinforcing, multi-layered basic structure and a total thickness at least equal to the thickness of the mounting plate. [10] Toilet seat fastening, preferably according to one of the preceding claims 5-9, with at least one fastening system, the fastening system each comprising a first fastening which can be fixed in a surface and a fixing ring which can be fixed in the same surface, wherein the fixing ring engages relative to the first fastening in a fixed state and the first fastening can be fixed continuously laterally and surrounding; the first fastening comprises a toggle-expansion anchor that can be inserted into a seat mounting opening on a toilet, a screw that can be screwed into the anchor from above and a mounting plate that can be aligned when the screw is loosely inserted, with a detachable connection for a toilet seat; the fixing ring has at least one elastic and sealing, surrounding section of mounting adhesive tape; the fixing ring can be fixed via the adhesive tape section;The fixing ring has a reinforcing, multi-layered, elastic base structure comprising at least the mounting adhesive tape section and a reinforcing, elastic support frame, wherein the fixing ring has a total thickness at least equal to the thickness of the mounting plate.