Fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item, comprising: - a bearing tubular part (2), - a holding tubular part (3) configured to be inserted into a through-hole (Wo) of a wall (W) of the sanitaryware item, and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part (2), and - a fixing tubular member (4) configured to be introduced through an inner tubular channel (Ch2) of the holding tubular part (3) into a receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2), and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod (5) by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion (4a) of the fixing tubular member (4), The holding tubular part (3) and the bearing tubular part (2) are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item, such as for example a toilet. More particularly, it relates to a device enabling the affixing of a sanitary furniture item to a wall while maintaining the affixing components hidden from view.Background of the invention

[0002] Sanitary as toilets are adapted to be suspended or hung from a wall by means of a mural pre-installation including a hidden system where the water cistern and downpipe are housed, and a number of studs from which the toilet is suspended. The installation of this type of sanitary is performed by means of affixing devices or systems which remain hidden from view once the toilet has been installed on the studs anchored in the wall.

[0003] Fixing devices for the wall installation of sanitaryware items, such as toilets, comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1, are known in the art.

[0004] For instance, patent EP3211145B1 discloses a fastening device for a wall-suspended sanitary object, which is provided with a counter-bearing, a fixing tube and a rod-shaped adapter. The fixing tube and the counter-bearing are plugged-in together, and a wall of the toilet is positioned between both elements. The counter-bearing together with the fixing tube have a through-hole which forms a receiving channel into which the rod-shaped adapter can be inserted. For fastening the wall-suspended sanitary object to a wall, the wall is provided with a threaded rod onto which screw the rod-shaped adapter. The rod-shaped adapter is provided with a conical countersink or circumferential V-groove that has an angular position relative to the threaded rod of the wall.

[0005] The counter-bearing has a radial threaded hole, which opens into the receiving channel and into which a grub screw of an elongate tightening tool may be screwed.

[0006] In a mounted position, the counter-bearing and the fixing tube have a fixed predetermined angular position relative to one another, as a result, an angular position of the threaded hole of the counter-bearing with respect to the toilet is also fixed. Then, when the toiled is installed over the rod-shaped adapter, the threaded hole has a fixed angular position related to the conical countersink of the rod-shaped adapter. The conical countersink of the rod-shaped adapter together the grub screw pressing thereon tight the sanitary object towards the wall.

[0007] Another example is patent EP3033979B1. This document discloses a fixing device for fixing a sanitary object made of a ceramic material. In this document the fixing device is provided with an adapter element, a base body, a fixing tube and a screw. Off the wall a metric threaded rod protrudes, onto which the adapter element is screwed on. The base body is attached to the fixing tube by screwing an extension of the former into the latter. The adapter element is provided with a circumferential V-groove in its end. In this case, the fixing element and the base body have their relative rotation blocked, as they are mutually screwed, and a wall of the toiled is also positioned between both elements.

[0008] The base body is also provided with an internally threaded bore in which a grub screw of an elongate tightening tool is threaded. The threaded tool with the circumferential V-groove of the adapter is used to tight the base body, the fixing tube and the sanitary object towards the wall.

[0009] In both patents, when the fixing tube and the counter-bearing or main body are pre-mounted in the sanitary' wall, the relative movement between the counter-bearing or main body and the fixing device is blocked, in EP3033979B1 because both elements are mutually screwed, and in EP3211145B1 because a sliding guide holds the counter-bearing and the fixing tube fixed against relative rotation and in a predetermined angular position relative to one another.

[0010] During the installation of the sanitary object, the installer / operator has to position the set of the main body, the fixing tube and the sanitary object over the adapter which is fixed to the wall. The operator has to find the correct position of the sanitary object over the adapter to align the grub screw of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the circumferential V-groove of the adapter. However, with the fixing devices disclosed in those patents, the installer / operator cannot see the operation clearly because the volume / shape of the sanitary object obstructs his / her visibility towards the action and he / she has to hold the weight of the sanitary at the same time. Furthermore, on some occasions the adapter is not correctly threaded onto the wall' rod, so the V-groove is not correctly faced with the elongate tightening tool.

[0011] In practice, in most cases the operator has to re-adjust in a blind way the position of the sanitary object with respect to the whole fixing device attached thereto.

[0012] Accordingly, there is an interest in providing an alternative to the state of the art, which covers the gaps mentioned above, particularly by providing a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item that allows the installer / operator to readjust the angular position of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the rod-shaped adapter to face when not initially facing the V-groove defined therein, when the operator / installer has already positioned the sanitary item over the adapter / s, with good visibility conditions.Description of the invention

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a fixing device with the advantages that will be described below.

[0014] To that end, the present invention relates to a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item, comprising: a bearing tubular part which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel, a holding tubular part configured to be inserted into a through-hole of a wall of said sanitaryware item, and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel of said holding tubular part communicates with said longitudinal inner receiving channel to constitute a common longitudinal channel, and a fixing tubular member configured to be introduced through said inner tubular channel of the holding tubular part into the receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion of the fixing tubular member,

[0015] In contrast to the fixing devices known in the prior art, in the fixing device of the present invention, the above mentioned holding tubular part and bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled.

[0016] For an embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 10° angular displacement.

[0017] For another embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 30° angular displacement.

[0018] For other embodiments, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for an angular displacement of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, 180°, 195°, 210°, 225°, 240°, 255°, 270°, 285°, 300°, 315°, 330° or 345°.

[0019] For a preferred embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, for a 360° angular displacement.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the holding tubular part is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part by the longitudinal insertion of at least part of a tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0021] For a preferred implementation of that embodiment, the holding tubular part is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part by the longitudinal insertion of only a free end portion of the above mentioned tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0022] In an embodiment, the bearing tubular part has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel, a stopper for preventing the holding tubular part being longitudinal inserted further into said longitudinal inner receiving channel so that only said free end portion of the tubular portion is inserted therein.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part has first and second communicated tubular segments, the first tubular segment having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second tubular segment, so that a stepped portion is formed at a transitional region between the first and second tubular segments, said stepped portion constituting said stopper, wherein said second communicated tubular segment is configured to receive by insertion said free end portion of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part.

[0024] For other embodiments, the above mentioned stopper is constituted in ways other than the above mentioned stepped portion, such as by means of a projection extending inwardly from an inner face of the longitudinal inner receiving channel, in which case the longitudinal inner receiving channel does not necessarily comprise the above mentioned first and second communicated tubular segments .

[0025] According to an embodiment, the bearing tubular part has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel, at least one retaining tab configured for retaining the above mentioned at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0026] For an implementation of that embodiment, at least said part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part has, at its outer surface, at least one annular projection configured and arranged to cooperate with said at least one retaining tab to retain at least said part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part once inserted therein.

[0027] According to an embodiment, said at least one annular projection has a front inclined face to slide against a front ramp portion of the at least one retaining tab, during the insertion displacement of the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, so that the at least one retaining tab exerts a force on said front inclined face that elastically deforms α, radially inward, said at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part to allow the same to be further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, wherein the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part is configured to elastically recover, radially outward, once said front inclined face has surpassed the front ramp portion of the at least one retaining tab during said insertion displacement, so that respective back portions of the at least one annular projection and at least one retaining tab mutually abut to block an extraction displacement opposite to said insertion displacement.

[0028] For an embodiment, the at least one annular projection runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the holding tubular part, along a first arc, and the at least one retaining tab runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the bearing tubular part along a second arc, wherein at least said first and second arcs and the locations of said at least one annular projection and at least one retaining tab are configured and arranged so that the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part is retained, when inserted, into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part for any angular displacement of said relative freely rotation.

[0029] Preferably, the above mentioned at least one annular projection comprises a plurality of annular projections forming a saw-tooth cross-section profile.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the above mentioned tubular portion of the holding tubular part comprises at least two arms longitudinally projecting from a base portion of the holding tubular part, said base portion acting as a base for the tubular portion.

[0031] For an implementation of that embodiment, the at least two arms, in consecutive cross-sections, run circumferentially along separate arcs of common consecutive imaginary circumferences, said separate arcs constituting arc portions of said first arc, wherein gap arcs are defined between said separate arcs, wherein each of said gap arcs is smaller than said second arc of the at least one retaining tab.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first tubular segment has a threaded through hole running transversally to the longitudinal direction of the first tubular segment, for the threaded insertion therethrough of a threaded pin of an elongate tightening rod, wherein the threaded pin is formed on or attached to an end of that elongate tightening rod, forming together with said threaded pin a tightening tool for being coupled to the bearing tubular part during installation.

[0033] Thanks to the free relative rotation between the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part, the fixing device of the present invention allows the installer / operator to readjust the angular position of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the fixing tubular member to a target angular position to face, when not initially facing, an engagement groove (or any other alternative surface or configuration of the fixing tubular member to be engaged by the elongate tightening tool) defined therein, when the operator / installer has already positioned the sanitary item over the fixing tubular member(s), with good visibility conditions.

[0034] Specifically, that readjustment will be carried out by rotating the bearing tubular part with respect to the holding tubular part until the above mentioned target angular position is reached.Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The previous and other advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, which must be considered in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device according to the present invention, for an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device according to the present invention, with the elements assembled, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 show an elevational view and a side view of the bearing tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 5 to 7 show different cross-sections of the bearing tubular of Figure 4, taken through respective cutting planes represented by cutting plane lines B-B, C-C and D-D. Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the holding tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines A-A in Figure 10. Figures 9 to 12 respectively show a front elevational view, a plan view, a back elevational view and a side view of the holding tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 13 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part and the holding tubular part coupled together, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 14 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the coupled bearing tubular part and holding tubular part shown in Figure 13, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines E-E in Figure 13. Figure 15 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the fixing device according to the present invention, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines F-F in Figure 17. Figure 16 shows an enlarged detailed view of the circled part of the fixing device shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part, the holding tubular part and the tightening tool coupled together, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 18 shows a cross-section view of the fixing device according to the present invention, coupled onto a wall of a sanitaryware item, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 19 shows an elevational view of the fixing device mounted to a sanitaryware item, according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 20 and 21 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part and part of the tightening tool, wherein the threaded end of the bearing tubular part is shown in different positions related to the fixing tubular member, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Detailed description of several embodiments

[0036] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device 1 of the present invention, wherein the fixing device 1 comprises a bearing tubular part 2, a holding tubular part 3, a tightening tool 6 and a fixing tubular member 4.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device 1 where the bearing tubular part 2, holding tubular part 3, tightening tool 6 and fixing tubular member 4 are in mounted position.

[0038] As specially shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing device 1 for the wall W installation of a sanitaryware item of the present invention, comprises, for the illustrated embodiment: a bearing tubular part 2 which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, a holding tubular part 3 configured to be inserted into a through-hole Wo of a wall W of said sanitaryware item (see Fig. 18), and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 to constitute a common longitudinal channel, and a fixing tubular member 4 configured to be introduced through the inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 into the receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod 5 by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion 4a of the fixing tubular member 4, inner tubular portion 4a which, for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, has a threaded profile to screw onto a respective outer thread profile of the projecting threaded rod 5.

[0039] The holding tubular part 3 and the bearing tubular part 2 are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled, particularly, for the illustrated embodiment, for a 360° angular displacement.

[0040] Figures 3 to 7 show different views of the bearing tubular part 2, which has a shape of revolution related to a longitudinal axis E2 (see Fig. 2). The bearing tubular part 2 comprises a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 along the longitudinal axis E2.

[0041] Figures 8 to 12 show different views of the holding tubular part 3 which has a shape of revolution related to a longitudinal axis E1, which comprises a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch2 along the longitudinal axis E1.

[0042] The holding tubular part 3 is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 by the longitudinal insertion of a free end portion of a tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as shown, for example, in Figures 13 and 14.

[0043] The holding tubular part 3 comprises tubular portion 3a, a base portion 3b and a funnel portion 3c, wherein the base portion 3b acts as a base for the tubular portion 3a and separates the same from the funnel part 3c.

[0044] As shown in Figure 18, the tubular portion 3a, base portion 3b and funnel portion 3c are configured to be inserted into the through-hole Wo of a wall W of the sanitaryware item. The funnel portion 3c is intended to radially press outwards against the inner contour of the through-hole Wo, as shown in Figure 18.

[0045] By inserting the free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as shown, for example, in Figure 14, the holding tubular part 3 is removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that the longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, to constitute the above mentioned common longitudinal channel.

[0046] This inner receiving channel Ch1 is provided with a first tubular segment Ch1a and with a second tubular segment Ch1b, wherein, as shown in Figure 4, the radius of the second tubular segment Ch1b is greater than the radius of the first tubular segment Ch1a, so that a stepped portion Sp is created at a transitional region between the first Ch1a and second Ch1b tubular segments. This stepped portion Sp acts as a stopper for preventing the holding tubular part 3 being longitudinal further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, so that only the above mentioned free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 is inserted into the second communicated tubular segment Ch1b, as shown in Figure 14 and further described below.

[0047] In the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 21 the first tubular segment Ch1a is a through tubular segment, although it may be blind, for not illustrated embodiments.

[0048] As shown, for example, in Figure 6, the bearing tubular part 2 also comprises a threaded through hole H to receive a tightening tool 6. The threaded through hole H is arranged radially from the longitudinal axis E2, and is opened from the external perimeter of the bearing tubular part 2 to the inner receiving channel Ch1. Concentric to said threaded through hole H an external tubular housing 2b is provided which is also radially arranged to the longitudinal axis E2. The external tubular housing 2b includes a broadening section 2a adapted to facilitate the location of the tightening tool 6 during installation.

[0049] As also may be seen in figures 3, 5 and 7, the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, is provided with two retaining tabs T (although, for non-illustrated embodiments, less or more than two retaining tabs are provided), positioned in the inner perimeter of the second tubular segment Ch1b adjacent to the opened end opposite to stepped portion Sp.

[0050] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the two retaining tabs T run circumferentially around a longitudinal axis E2 of the bearing tubular part 2 along two respective separate second arcs A2 that face each other.

[0051] When the holding tubular part 3 is in a mounted position, inside of second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, each retaining tab T is configured to restrict the longitudinal movement of the holding tubular part 3 in a direction contrary to the introduction direction.

[0052] As shown in detail in Figure 16, each retaining tab T has a front ramp portion Tf which projects toward the interior of the second tubular segment Ch1b, interfering the path of a free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 when it is inserted in the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, as will be further explained below.

[0053] Specifically, as shown, among other, in Figure 8, the tubular portion 3a comprises two arms V1, V2 longitudinally projecting from the base portion 3b.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, those two arms V1, V2, in consecutive cross-sections, run circumferentially along separate arcs Va1, Va2 of common consecutive imaginary circumferences, those separate arcs Va1, Va2 constituting arc portions of a first arc A1, wherein gap arcs G1, G2 are defined between those separate arcs Va1, Va2, wherein each of those gap arcs G1, G2 is smaller than each second arc A2 of the retaining tabs T, so that, once the free end of the tubular portion 3a is inserted into the second tubular segment Ch1b, none of those retaining tabs T can pass through any of those gap arcs G1, G2 in an extraction displacement opposite to the insertion displacement. That would also occur for the insertion displacement, but in this case the two arms V1, V2 are flexed radially inwards (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), due to an elastically deformation explained below, so that a free end of them can be longitudinally inserted into the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2.

[0055] These two arms V1 and V2 present on their outer surfaces a plurality of annular projections P configured and arranged to cooperate with the retaining tabs T to retain the free end of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2 once inserted therein.

[0056] The plurality of annular projections P define a saw-tooth cross-section profile where, as specially shown in Figure 16, each annular projection has a front inclined face Pf to slide against a front ramp portion Tf of the respective retaining tab T, during the insertion displacement of the free end of the tubular portion 3a into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, so that each retaining tab T exerts a force on the respective front inclined face Pf that elastically deforms (as indicated by angle α), radially inward (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), the free end of the tubular portion 3a to allow the same to be further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as that elastic deformation causes the above mentioned flexion radially inward of the two arms V1, V2.

[0057] The free end of the tubular portion 3a is configured to elastically recover, radially outward (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), once each front inclined face Pf has surpassed the front ramp portion Tf of the respective retaining tab T during the insertion displacement, so that respective back portions Pb, Tb of each annular projection P and the respective retaining tab T mutually abut to block an extraction displacement opposite to the insertion displacement.

[0058] These actions can be carried out for each annular projection P, so that the insertion displacement can be done in an adjustable manner, step by step between each two annular projection P, until the edge of the free end of the tubular portion 3a, i.e. of each of the two arms V1, V2, hits the stopper Sp or, if that is not possible because the wall W is too thick, until its maximum possible insertion position.

[0059] In accordance with the embodiment of Figures 17 to 21, the fixing device 1 is specifically adapted for mural installation with access from the base of the fixing device 1 of a tightening tool 6 that acts as a tightening key susceptible to be coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 during the preinstallation in order to apply force to tight the sanitaryware item toward the main wall Mw, to correct installing the sanitaryware to be used. Furthermore, the fixing device 1 is adapted to enable the affixing of a sanitary furniture item to a wall W while maintaining the affixing components hidden from view and further avoiding the accidental loss of the tightening tool 6.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 17 and 18, the tightening tool 6 is provided with an elongate tightening rod 6c, a threaded pin 6a which is attached to an end of the elongate tightening rod 6c and, at the other end of the elongate tightening rod 6c, a bolt head 6d adapted for tightening the threaded pin 6a by means of a ratchet wrench or spanner, not shown. This tightening tool 6 also comprises a cover 6b which may be coupled to the broadening section 2a of the external tubular housing 2b of the bearing tubular part 2 to avoid the accidental loss of the tightening screw. This cover 6b features an orifice through which the threaded pin 6a passes.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 18 to 21, the fixing tubular member 4 is a rod-shaped and substantially rotationally symmetrical. Its inner tubular portion 4a is screwed onto the projecting threaded rod 5, that is fixed and projects from the main wall Mw, as shown in Figure 18

[0062] Also as shown in Figure 18, the front end of the fixing tubular member 4 is provided with a blunt insertion tip 4b and immediately followed by a radially oriented, conical engagement groove 4c which cooperate with the threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 to tight the sanitaryware item towards the main wall Mw.

[0063] Figure 18 shows a cross-section of the aforementioned tightening tool 6, coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 by screwing the threaded pin 6a in the threaded through hole H of the bearing tubular part 2. This same cross-section depicts an end portion of the threaded pin 6a passing beyond the through hole H once screwed thereto. As shown in figure 18, in this position, the end portion of threaded pin 6a remains substantially inside of the conical engagement groove 4c of the fixing tubular member 4 in a correct attachment position.

[0064] The installation of the sanitaryware item onto a main wall Mw requires a pre-installation in which the fixing device 1 is assembled within a wall W of a sanitaryware item. On one hand, the threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 is threaded into the threaded through hole H of the bearing tubular part 2, forming a single installation unit. The cover 6b maintains the tightening tool 6 attached to the bearing tubular part 2 for ready to use and for avoiding accidental losses of the tightening tool 6.

[0065] During installation, the tightening tool 6 together with the bearing tubular part 2 are positioned on one side of the wall W of the sanitaryware item, as may be seen in Figures 18 and 19. The holding tubular part 3 is then inserted from the other side of the wall W of the sanitary item through the through-hole Wo. Then, the free end of the arms V1, V2 of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 enter into the second tubular segment Ch1b until they are stopped by the stepped portion Sp of the inner receiving channel Ch1. The inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2 and the inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 create a unique common channel into which the fixing tubular member 4 will be inserted and positioned.

[0066] In this position, the bearing tubular part 2, with the tightening tool 6 mounted therein, but with the threaded pin 6a not screwed to the through-hole H or screwed but only up to a position at which its free end does not pass beyond the through hole H, i.e. it does not enter into the inner receiving channel Ch1, so that the bearing tubular part 2 and the holding tubular part 3 are arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other independently of the movement of the sanitaryware item.

[0067] On the other side, the fixing tubular member 4 is threaded onto the threaded rod 5 fixed onto the main wall Mw.

[0068] Once pre-installation is complete, the fixing device 1 mounted onto the sanitaryware item are positioned over the fixing tubular member 4. The threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 may be aligned with the conical engagement groove 4c of the fixing tubular member 4. The tightening tool 6 is then screwed till the threaded pin 6a contacts with an inclined surface of the conical engagement groove 4c, this contact brings about the sanitaryware item tights towards the main wall Mw.

[0069] In this step of installation, in most cases the arrangement of the threaded pin 6a with respect to the conical engagement groove 4c is not correctly aligned, as shown in Figure 20. In these cases the single installation unit made up of the bearing tubular part 2 and the tightening tool 6 threaded thereinto may rotate relative to the holding tubular part 3 and the fixing tubular member 4, this relative movement allows repositioning the threaded pin 6a versus the conical engagement groove 4c, allowing a correct tightening position, as shown in Figure 21. The rotation of said single installation unit regarding to the holding tubular part 3 and the fixing tubular member 4 is handled, for example, by moving the elongate tightening rod 6c as shown by the curved double arrow line in Figure 19.

[0070] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a pair of lugs 2e are provided in an exterior surface of the bearing tubular part 2 concentric to the second tubular segment Ch1b and projecting in a direction opposite to the second tubular segment Ch1b from the bearing tubular part 2. As shown in Figure 18, the pair of lugs 2e are intended for being inserted into through-hole Wo of the wall of a sanitaryware item W, to facilitate the centring and the positioning of the bearing tubular part 2 during the pre-installation.

[0071] In spite of the fact that reference has been made to specific embodiments of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the device described is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned may be substituted by other technically equivalent details, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device 1 of the present invention, wherein the fixing device 1 comprises a bearing tubular part 2, a holding tubular part 3, a tightening tool 6 and a fixing tubular member 4.

[0037]Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device 1 where the bearing tubular part 2, holding tubular part 3, tightening tool 6 and fixing tubular member 4 are in mounted position.

[0038]As specially shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing device 1 for the wall W installation of a sanitaryware item of the present invention, comprises, for the illustrated embodiment:

a bearing tubular part 2 which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, a holding tubular part 3 configured to be inserted into a through-hole Wo of a wall W of said sanitaryware item (see Fig. 18), and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inn...

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item, such as for example a toilet. More particularly, it relates to a device enabling the affixing of a sanitary furniture item to a wall while maintaining the affixing components hidden from view.Background of the invention

[0002] Sanitary as toilets are adapted to be suspended or hung from a wall by means of a mural pre-installation including a hidden system where the water cistern and downpipe are housed, and a number of studs from which the toilet is suspended. The installation of this type of sanitary is performed by means of affixing devices or systems which remain hidden from view once the toilet has been installed on the studs anchored in the wall.

[0003] Fixing devices for the wall installation of sanitaryware items, such as toilets, comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1, are known in the art.

[0004] For instance, patent EP3211145B1 discloses a fastening device for a wall-suspended sanitary object, which is provided with a counter-bearing, a fixing tube and a rod-shaped adapter. The fixing tube and the counter-bearing are plugged-in together, and a wall of the toilet is positioned between both elements. The counter-bearing together with the fixing tube have a through-hole which forms a receiving channel into which the rod-shaped adapter can be inserted. For fastening the wall-suspended sanitary object to a wall, the wall is provided with a threaded rod onto which screw the rod-shaped adapter. The rod-shaped adapter is provided with a conical countersink or circumferential V-groove that has an angular position relative to the threaded rod of the wall.

[0005] The counter-bearing has a radial threaded hole, which opens into the receiving channel and into which a grub screw of an elongate tightening tool may be screwed.

[0006] In a mounted position, the counter-bearing and the fixing tube have a fixed predetermined angular position relative to one another, as a result, an angular position of the threaded hole of the counter-bearing with respect to the toilet is also fixed. Then, when the toiled is installed over the rod-shaped adapter, the threaded hole has a fixed angular position related to the conical countersink of the rod-shaped adapter. The conical countersink of the rod-shaped adapter together the grub screw pressing thereon tight the sanitary object towards the wall.

[0007] Another example is patent EP3033979B1. This document discloses a fixing device for fixing a sanitary object made of a ceramic material. In this document the fixing device is provided with an adapter element, a base body, a fixing tube and a screw. Off the wall a metric threaded rod protrudes, onto which the adapter element is screwed on. The base body is attached to the fixing tube by screwing an extension of the former into the latter. The adapter element is provided with a circumferential V-groove in its end. In this case, the fixing element and the base body have their relative rotation blocked, as they are mutually screwed, and a wall of the toiled is also positioned between both elements.

[0008] The base body is also provided with an internally threaded bore in which a grub screw of an elongate tightening tool is threaded. The threaded tool with the circumferential V-groove of the adapter is used to tight the base body, the fixing tube and the sanitary object towards the wall.

[0009] In both patents, when the fixing tube and the counter-bearing or main body are pre-mounted in the sanitary' wall, the relative movement between the counter-bearing or main body and the fixing device is blocked, in EP3033979B1 because both elements are mutually screwed, and in EP3211145B1 because a sliding guide holds the counter-bearing and the fixing tube fixed against relative rotation and in a predetermined angular position relative to one another.

[0010] During the installation of the sanitary object, the installer / operator has to position the set of the main body, the fixing tube and the sanitary object over the adapter which is fixed to the wall. The operator has to find the correct position of the sanitary object over the adapter to align the grub screw of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the circumferential V-groove of the adapter. However, with the fixing devices disclosed in those patents, the installer / operator cannot see the operation clearly because the volume / shape of the sanitary object obstructs his / her visibility towards the action and he / she has to hold the weight of the sanitary at the same time. Furthermore, on some occasions the adapter is not correctly threaded onto the wall' rod, so the V-groove is not correctly faced with the elongate tightening tool.

[0011] In practice, in most cases the operator has to re-adjust in a blind way the position of the sanitary object with respect to the whole fixing device attached thereto.

[0012] Accordingly, there is an interest in providing an alternative to the state of the art, which covers the gaps mentioned above, particularly by providing a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item that allows the installer / operator to readjust the angular position of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the rod-shaped adapter to face when not initially facing the V-groove defined therein, when the operator / installer has already positioned the sanitary item over the adapter / s, with good visibility conditions.Description of the invention

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a fixing device with the advantages that will be described below.

[0014] To that end, the present invention relates to a fixing device for the wall installation of a sanitaryware item, comprising: a bearing tubular part which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel, a holding tubular part configured to be inserted into a through-hole of a wall of said sanitaryware item, and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel of said holding tubular part communicates with said longitudinal inner receiving channel to constitute a common longitudinal channel, and a fixing tubular member configured to be introduced through said inner tubular channel of the holding tubular part into the receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion of the fixing tubular member,

[0015] In contrast to the fixing devices known in the prior art, in the fixing device of the present invention, the above mentioned holding tubular part and bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled.

[0016] For an embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 10° angular displacement.

[0017] For another embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 30° angular displacement.

[0018] For other embodiments, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for an angular displacement of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 165°, 180°, 195°, 210°, 225°, 240°, 255°, 270°, 285°, 300°, 315°, 330° or 345°.

[0019] For a preferred embodiment, the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, for a 360° angular displacement.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the holding tubular part is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part by the longitudinal insertion of at least part of a tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0021] For a preferred implementation of that embodiment, the holding tubular part is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part by the longitudinal insertion of only a free end portion of the above mentioned tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0022] In an embodiment, the bearing tubular part has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel, a stopper for preventing the holding tubular part being longitudinal inserted further into said longitudinal inner receiving channel so that only said free end portion of the tubular portion is inserted therein.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part has first and second communicated tubular segments, the first tubular segment having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second tubular segment, so that a stepped portion is formed at a transitional region between the first and second tubular segments, said stepped portion constituting said stopper, wherein said second communicated tubular segment is configured to receive by insertion said free end portion of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part.

[0024] For other embodiments, the above mentioned stopper is constituted in ways other than the above mentioned stepped portion, such as by means of a projection extending inwardly from an inner face of the longitudinal inner receiving channel, in which case the longitudinal inner receiving channel does not necessarily comprise the above mentioned first and second communicated tubular segments .

[0025] According to an embodiment, the bearing tubular part has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel, at least one retaining tab configured for retaining the above mentioned at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part.

[0026] For an implementation of that embodiment, at least said part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part has, at its outer surface, at least one annular projection configured and arranged to cooperate with said at least one retaining tab to retain at least said part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part once inserted therein.

[0027] According to an embodiment, said at least one annular projection has a front inclined face to slide against a front ramp portion of the at least one retaining tab, during the insertion displacement of the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, so that the at least one retaining tab exerts a force on said front inclined face that elastically deforms α, radially inward, said at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part to allow the same to be further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part, wherein the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part is configured to elastically recover, radially outward, once said front inclined face has surpassed the front ramp portion of the at least one retaining tab during said insertion displacement, so that respective back portions of the at least one annular projection and at least one retaining tab mutually abut to block an extraction displacement opposite to said insertion displacement.

[0028] For an embodiment, the at least one annular projection runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the holding tubular part, along a first arc, and the at least one retaining tab runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the bearing tubular part along a second arc, wherein at least said first and second arcs and the locations of said at least one annular projection and at least one retaining tab are configured and arranged so that the at least part of the tubular portion of the holding tubular part is retained, when inserted, into the longitudinal inner receiving channel of the bearing tubular part for any angular displacement of said relative freely rotation.

[0029] Preferably, the above mentioned at least one annular projection comprises a plurality of annular projections forming a saw-tooth cross-section profile.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the above mentioned tubular portion of the holding tubular part comprises at least two arms longitudinally projecting from a base portion of the holding tubular part, said base portion acting as a base for the tubular portion.

[0031] For an implementation of that embodiment, the at least two arms, in consecutive cross-sections, run circumferentially along separate arcs of common consecutive imaginary circumferences, said separate arcs constituting arc portions of said first arc, wherein gap arcs are defined between said separate arcs, wherein each of said gap arcs is smaller than said second arc of the at least one retaining tab.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first tubular segment has a threaded through hole running transversally to the longitudinal direction of the first tubular segment, for the threaded insertion therethrough of a threaded pin of an elongate tightening rod, wherein the threaded pin is formed on or attached to an end of that elongate tightening rod, forming together with said threaded pin a tightening tool for being coupled to the bearing tubular part during installation.

[0033] Thanks to the free relative rotation between the holding tubular part and the bearing tubular part, the fixing device of the present invention allows the installer / operator to readjust the angular position of the elongate tightening tool with respect to the fixing tubular member to a target angular position to face, when not initially facing, an engagement groove (or any other alternative surface or configuration of the fixing tubular member to be engaged by the elongate tightening tool) defined therein, when the operator / installer has already positioned the sanitary item over the fixing tubular member(s), with good visibility conditions.

[0034] Specifically, that readjustment will be carried out by rotating the bearing tubular part with respect to the holding tubular part until the above mentioned target angular position is reached.Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The previous and other advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, which must be considered in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device according to the present invention, for an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device according to the present invention, with the elements assembled, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 show an elevational view and a side view of the bearing tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 5 to 7 show different cross-sections of the bearing tubular of Figure 4, taken through respective cutting planes represented by cutting plane lines B-B, C-C and D-D. Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the holding tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines A-A in Figure 10. Figures 9 to 12 respectively show a front elevational view, a plan view, a back elevational view and a side view of the holding tubular part of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 13 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part and the holding tubular part coupled together, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 14 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the coupled bearing tubular part and holding tubular part shown in Figure 13, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines E-E in Figure 13. Figure 15 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the fixing device according to the present invention, taken through a cutting plane represented by cutting plane lines F-F in Figure 17. Figure 16 shows an enlarged detailed view of the circled part of the fixing device shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part, the holding tubular part and the tightening tool coupled together, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 18 shows a cross-section view of the fixing device according to the present invention, coupled onto a wall of a sanitaryware item, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figure 19 shows an elevational view of the fixing device mounted to a sanitaryware item, according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Figures 20 and 21 shows an elevational view of the bearing tubular part and part of the tightening tool, wherein the threaded end of the bearing tubular part is shown in different positions related to the fixing tubular member, of the fixing device according to the present invention, for the same embodiment as Figure 1. Detailed description of several embodiments

[0036] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device 1 of the present invention, wherein the fixing device 1 comprises a bearing tubular part 2, a holding tubular part 3, a tightening tool 6 and a fixing tubular member 4.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device 1 where the bearing tubular part 2, holding tubular part 3, tightening tool 6 and fixing tubular member 4 are in mounted position.

[0038] As specially shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing device 1 for the wall W installation of a sanitaryware item of the present invention, comprises, for the illustrated embodiment: a bearing tubular part 2 which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, a holding tubular part 3 configured to be inserted into a through-hole Wo of a wall W of said sanitaryware item (see Fig. 18), and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 to constitute a common longitudinal channel, and a fixing tubular member 4 configured to be introduced through the inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 into the receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod 5 by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion 4a of the fixing tubular member 4, inner tubular portion 4a which, for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, has a threaded profile to screw onto a respective outer thread profile of the projecting threaded rod 5.

[0039] The holding tubular part 3 and the bearing tubular part 2 are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled, particularly, for the illustrated embodiment, for a 360° angular displacement.

[0040] Figures 3 to 7 show different views of the bearing tubular part 2, which has a shape of revolution related to a longitudinal axis E2 (see Fig. 2). The bearing tubular part 2 comprises a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 along the longitudinal axis E2.

[0041] Figures 8 to 12 show different views of the holding tubular part 3 which has a shape of revolution related to a longitudinal axis E1, which comprises a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch2 along the longitudinal axis E1.

[0042] The holding tubular part 3 is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 by the longitudinal insertion of a free end portion of a tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as shown, for example, in Figures 13 and 14.

[0043] The holding tubular part 3 comprises tubular portion 3a, a base portion 3b and a funnel portion 3c, wherein the base portion 3b acts as a base for the tubular portion 3a and separates the same from the funnel part 3c.

[0044] As shown in Figure 18, the tubular portion 3a, base portion 3b and funnel portion 3c are configured to be inserted into the through-hole Wo of a wall W of the sanitaryware item. The funnel portion 3c is intended to radially press outwards against the inner contour of the through-hole Wo, as shown in Figure 18.

[0045] By inserting the free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as shown, for example, in Figure 14, the holding tubular part 3 is removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that the longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, to constitute the above mentioned common longitudinal channel.

[0046] This inner receiving channel Ch1 is provided with a first tubular segment Ch1a and with a second tubular segment Ch1b, wherein, as shown in Figure 4, the radius of the second tubular segment Ch1b is greater than the radius of the first tubular segment Ch1a, so that a stepped portion Sp is created at a transitional region between the first Ch1a and second Ch1b tubular segments. This stepped portion Sp acts as a stopper for preventing the holding tubular part 3 being longitudinal further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, so that only the above mentioned free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 is inserted into the second communicated tubular segment Ch1b, as shown in Figure 14 and further described below.

[0047] In the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 21 the first tubular segment Ch1a is a through tubular segment, although it may be blind, for not illustrated embodiments.

[0048] As shown, for example, in Figure 6, the bearing tubular part 2 also comprises a threaded through hole H to receive a tightening tool 6. The threaded through hole H is arranged radially from the longitudinal axis E2, and is opened from the external perimeter of the bearing tubular part 2 to the inner receiving channel Ch1. Concentric to said threaded through hole H an external tubular housing 2b is provided which is also radially arranged to the longitudinal axis E2. The external tubular housing 2b includes a broadening section 2a adapted to facilitate the location of the tightening tool 6 during installation.

[0049] As also may be seen in figures 3, 5 and 7, the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, is provided with two retaining tabs T (although, for non-illustrated embodiments, less or more than two retaining tabs are provided), positioned in the inner perimeter of the second tubular segment Ch1b adjacent to the opened end opposite to stepped portion Sp.

[0050] Advantageously, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the two retaining tabs T run circumferentially around a longitudinal axis E2 of the bearing tubular part 2 along two respective separate second arcs A2 that face each other.

[0051] When the holding tubular part 3 is in a mounted position, inside of second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, each retaining tab T is configured to restrict the longitudinal movement of the holding tubular part 3 in a direction contrary to the introduction direction.

[0052] As shown in detail in Figure 16, each retaining tab T has a front ramp portion Tf which projects toward the interior of the second tubular segment Ch1b, interfering the path of a free end portion of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 when it is inserted in the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2, as will be further explained below.

[0053] Specifically, as shown, among other, in Figure 8, the tubular portion 3a comprises two arms V1, V2 longitudinally projecting from the base portion 3b.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, those two arms V1, V2, in consecutive cross-sections, run circumferentially along separate arcs Va1, Va2 of common consecutive imaginary circumferences, those separate arcs Va1, Va2 constituting arc portions of a first arc A1, wherein gap arcs G1, G2 are defined between those separate arcs Va1, Va2, wherein each of those gap arcs G1, G2 is smaller than each second arc A2 of the retaining tabs T, so that, once the free end of the tubular portion 3a is inserted into the second tubular segment Ch1b, none of those retaining tabs T can pass through any of those gap arcs G1, G2 in an extraction displacement opposite to the insertion displacement. That would also occur for the insertion displacement, but in this case the two arms V1, V2 are flexed radially inwards (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), due to an elastically deformation explained below, so that a free end of them can be longitudinally inserted into the second tubular segment Ch1b of the bearing tubular part 2.

[0055] These two arms V1 and V2 present on their outer surfaces a plurality of annular projections P configured and arranged to cooperate with the retaining tabs T to retain the free end of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2 once inserted therein.

[0056] The plurality of annular projections P define a saw-tooth cross-section profile where, as specially shown in Figure 16, each annular projection has a front inclined face Pf to slide against a front ramp portion Tf of the respective retaining tab T, during the insertion displacement of the free end of the tubular portion 3a into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, so that each retaining tab T exerts a force on the respective front inclined face Pf that elastically deforms (as indicated by angle α), radially inward (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), the free end of the tubular portion 3a to allow the same to be further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2, as that elastic deformation causes the above mentioned flexion radially inward of the two arms V1, V2.

[0057] The free end of the tubular portion 3a is configured to elastically recover, radially outward (with respect to longitudinal axis E1), once each front inclined face Pf has surpassed the front ramp portion Tf of the respective retaining tab T during the insertion displacement, so that respective back portions Pb, Tb of each annular projection P and the respective retaining tab T mutually abut to block an extraction displacement opposite to the insertion displacement.

[0058] These actions can be carried out for each annular projection P, so that the insertion displacement can be done in an adjustable manner, step by step between each two annular projection P, until the edge of the free end of the tubular portion 3a, i.e. of each of the two arms V1, V2, hits the stopper Sp or, if that is not possible because the wall W is too thick, until its maximum possible insertion position.

[0059] In accordance with the embodiment of Figures 17 to 21, the fixing device 1 is specifically adapted for mural installation with access from the base of the fixing device 1 of a tightening tool 6 that acts as a tightening key susceptible to be coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 during the preinstallation in order to apply force to tight the sanitaryware item toward the main wall Mw, to correct installing the sanitaryware to be used. Furthermore, the fixing device 1 is adapted to enable the affixing of a sanitary furniture item to a wall W while maintaining the affixing components hidden from view and further avoiding the accidental loss of the tightening tool 6.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 17 and 18, the tightening tool 6 is provided with an elongate tightening rod 6c, a threaded pin 6a which is attached to an end of the elongate tightening rod 6c and, at the other end of the elongate tightening rod 6c, a bolt head 6d adapted for tightening the threaded pin 6a by means of a ratchet wrench or spanner, not shown. This tightening tool 6 also comprises a cover 6b which may be coupled to the broadening section 2a of the external tubular housing 2b of the bearing tubular part 2 to avoid the accidental loss of the tightening screw. This cover 6b features an orifice through which the threaded pin 6a passes.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 18 to 21, the fixing tubular member 4 is a rod-shaped and substantially rotationally symmetrical. Its inner tubular portion 4a is screwed onto the projecting threaded rod 5, that is fixed and projects from the main wall Mw, as shown in Figure 18

[0062] Also as shown in Figure 18, the front end of the fixing tubular member 4 is provided with a blunt insertion tip 4b and immediately followed by a radially oriented, conical engagement groove 4c which cooperate with the threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 to tight the sanitaryware item towards the main wall Mw.

[0063] Figure 18 shows a cross-section of the aforementioned tightening tool 6, coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 by screwing the threaded pin 6a in the threaded through hole H of the bearing tubular part 2. This same cross-section depicts an end portion of the threaded pin 6a passing beyond the through hole H once screwed thereto. As shown in figure 18, in this position, the end portion of threaded pin 6a remains substantially inside of the conical engagement groove 4c of the fixing tubular member 4 in a correct attachment position.

[0064] The installation of the sanitaryware item onto a main wall Mw requires a pre-installation in which the fixing device 1 is assembled within a wall W of a sanitaryware item. On one hand, the threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 is threaded into the threaded through hole H of the bearing tubular part 2, forming a single installation unit. The cover 6b maintains the tightening tool 6 attached to the bearing tubular part 2 for ready to use and for avoiding accidental losses of the tightening tool 6.

[0065] During installation, the tightening tool 6 together with the bearing tubular part 2 are positioned on one side of the wall W of the sanitaryware item, as may be seen in Figures 18 and 19. The holding tubular part 3 is then inserted from the other side of the wall W of the sanitary item through the through-hole Wo. Then, the free end of the arms V1, V2 of the tubular portion 3a of the holding tubular part 3 enter into the second tubular segment Ch1b until they are stopped by the stepped portion Sp of the inner receiving channel Ch1. The inner receiving channel Ch1 of the bearing tubular part 2 and the inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 create a unique common channel into which the fixing tubular member 4 will be inserted and positioned.

[0066] In this position, the bearing tubular part 2, with the tightening tool 6 mounted therein, but with the threaded pin 6a not screwed to the through-hole H or screwed but only up to a position at which its free end does not pass beyond the through hole H, i.e. it does not enter into the inner receiving channel Ch1, so that the bearing tubular part 2 and the holding tubular part 3 are arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other independently of the movement of the sanitaryware item.

[0067] On the other side, the fixing tubular member 4 is threaded onto the threaded rod 5 fixed onto the main wall Mw.

[0068] Once pre-installation is complete, the fixing device 1 mounted onto the sanitaryware item are positioned over the fixing tubular member 4. The threaded pin 6a of the tightening tool 6 may be aligned with the conical engagement groove 4c of the fixing tubular member 4. The tightening tool 6 is then screwed till the threaded pin 6a contacts with an inclined surface of the conical engagement groove 4c, this contact brings about the sanitaryware item tights towards the main wall Mw.

[0069] In this step of installation, in most cases the arrangement of the threaded pin 6a with respect to the conical engagement groove 4c is not correctly aligned, as shown in Figure 20. In these cases the single installation unit made up of the bearing tubular part 2 and the tightening tool 6 threaded thereinto may rotate relative to the holding tubular part 3 and the fixing tubular member 4, this relative movement allows repositioning the threaded pin 6a versus the conical engagement groove 4c, allowing a correct tightening position, as shown in Figure 21. The rotation of said single installation unit regarding to the holding tubular part 3 and the fixing tubular member 4 is handled, for example, by moving the elongate tightening rod 6c as shown by the curved double arrow line in Figure 19.

[0070] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a pair of lugs 2e are provided in an exterior surface of the bearing tubular part 2 concentric to the second tubular segment Ch1b and projecting in a direction opposite to the second tubular segment Ch1b from the bearing tubular part 2. As shown in Figure 18, the pair of lugs 2e are intended for being inserted into through-hole Wo of the wall of a sanitaryware item W, to facilitate the centring and the positioning of the bearing tubular part 2 during the pre-installation.

[0071] In spite of the fact that reference has been made to specific embodiments of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the device described is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned may be substituted by other technically equivalent details, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing device 1 of the present invention, wherein the fixing device 1 comprises a bearing tubular part 2, a holding tubular part 3, a tightening tool 6 and a fixing tubular member 4.

[0037]Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fixing device 1 where the bearing tubular part 2, holding tubular part 3, tightening tool 6 and fixing tubular member 4 are in mounted position.

[0038]As specially shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing device 1 for the wall W installation of a sanitaryware item of the present invention, comprises, for the illustrated embodiment:

a bearing tubular part 2 which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel Ch1, a holding tubular part 3 configured to be inserted into a through-hole Wo of a wall W of said sanitaryware item (see Fig. 18), and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part 2 so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel Ch2 of the holding tubular part 3 communicates with the longitudinal inn...

Claims

1. Fixing device (1) for the wall (W) installation of a sanitaryware item, comprising: - a bearing tubular part (2) which has a longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1), - a holding tubular part (3) configured to be inserted into a through-hole (Wo) of a wall (W) of said sanitaryware item, and to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part (2) so that a longitudinal inner tubular channel (Ch2) of said holding tubular part (3) communicates with said longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) to constitute a common longitudinal channel, and - a fixing tubular member (4) configured to be introduced through said inner tubular channel (Ch2) of the holding tubular part (3) into the receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2), and to be coupled to a projecting threaded rod (5) by inserting the latter into an inner tubular portion (4a) of the fixing tubular member (4), characterised in that said holding tubular part (3) and said bearing tubular part (2) are configured and arranged to freely rotate with respect to each other when being mutually coupled.

2. The fixing device (1) of claim 1, wherein the holding tubular part (3) and the bearing tubular part (2) are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 10° angular displacement.

3. The fixing device (1) of claim 2, wherein the holding tubular part (3) and the bearing tubular part (2) are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, at least for a 30° angular displacement.

4. The fixing device (1) of claim 3, wherein the holding tubular part (3) and the bearing tubular part (2) are configured and arranged to relatively freely rotate with respect to each other, when being mutually coupled, for a 360° angular displacement.

5. The fixing device (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein the holding tubular part (3) is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part (2) by the longitudinal insertion of at least part of a tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2).

6. The fixing device (1) of claim 5, wherein the holding tubular part (3) is configured to be removably coupled to the bearing tubular part (2) by the longitudinal insertion of only a free end portion of said tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2).

7. The fixing device (1) of claim 6, wherein the bearing tubular part (2) has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1), a stopper for preventing the holding tubular part (3) being longitudinal inserted further into said longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1), so that only said free end portion of the tubular portion (3a) is inserted therein.

8. The fixing device (1) of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2) has first (Ch1a) and second (Ch1b) communicated tubular segments, the first tubular segment (Ch1a) having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second tubular segment (Ch1b), so that a stepped portion (Sp) is formed at a transitional region between the first (Ch1a) and second (Ch1b) tubular segments, said stepped portion (Sp) constituting said stopper, wherein said second communicated tubular segment (Ch1b) is configured to receive by insertion said free end portion of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3).

9. The fixing device (1) of any claims 5 to 8, wherein the bearing tubular part (2) has, at its longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1), at least one retaining tab (T) configured for retaining said at least part of said tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2).

10. The fixing device (1) of claim 9, wherein at least said part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) has, at its outer surface, at least one annular projection (P) configured and arranged to cooperate with said at least one retaining tab (T) to retain at least said part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2) once inserted therein.

11. The fixing device (1) of claim 10, wherein said at least one annular projection (P) has a front inclined face (Pf) to slide against a front ramp portion (Tf) of the at least one retaining tab (T), during the insertion displacement of the at least part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2), so that the at least one retaining tab (T) exerts a force on said front inclined face (Pf) that elastically deforms (α), radially inward, said at least part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) to allow the same to be further inserted into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2), wherein the at least part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) is configured to elastically recover, radially outward, once said front inclined face (Pf) has surpassed the front ramp portion (Tf) of the at least one retaining tab (T) during said insertion displacement, so that respective back portions (Pb, Tb) of the at least one annular projection (P) and at least one retaining tab (T) mutually abut to block an extraction displacement opposite to said insertion displacement.

12. The fixing device (1) of claim 11, wherein said at least one annular projection (P) runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis (E1) of the holding tubular part (3), along a first arc (A1), and wherein the at least one retaining tab (T) runs circumferentially around a longitudinal axis (E2) of the bearing tubular part (2) along a second arc (A2), wherein at least said first (A1) and second (A2) arcs and the locations of said at least one annular projection (P) and at least one retaining tab (T) are configured and arranged so that the at least part of the tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) is retained, when inserted, into the longitudinal inner receiving channel (Ch1) of the bearing tubular part (2) for any angular displacement of said relative freely rotation.

13. The fixing device (1) of any of claims 5 to 12, wherein said tubular portion (3a) of the holding tubular part (3) comprises at least two arms (V1, V2) longitudinally projecting from a base portion (3b) of the holding tubular part (3), said base portion (3b) acting as a base for the tubular portion (3a).

14. The fixing device (1) of claim 13, wherein said at least two arms (V1, V2), in consecutive cross-sections, run circumferentially along separate arcs (Va1, Va2) of common consecutive imaginary circumferences, said separate arcs (Va1, Va2) constituting arc portions of said first arc (A1), wherein gap arcs (G1, G2) are defined between said separate arcs (Va1, Va2), wherein each of said gap arcs (G1, G2) is smaller than said second arc (A2) of the at least one retaining tab (T).

15. The fixing device (1) of any of the previous claims, wherein said first tubular segment (Ch1a) has a threaded through hole (H) running transversally to the longitudinal direction of the first tubular segment (Ch1a), for the threaded insertion therethrough of a threaded pin (6a) of an elongate tightening rod (6c), wherein the threaded pin (6a) is formed on or attached to an end of said elongate tightening rod (6c), forming together with said threaded pin (6a) a tightening tool (6) for being coupled to the bearing tubular part (2) during installation.

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