Mounting system for radiators

Abstract

A system for the moveable mounting of a radiator 2 to a wall in use, the system including at least one pivot plate means 6' including one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive or conform to

Description

The present invention relates to a system, including apparatus and method of use of the same, for the movable mounting of radiators on, or to, fixed or permanent support structures such as walls and the like. Although the current specification refers exclusively to radiators for use in a domestic setting, the skilled person will appreciate that the present invention can be used in a commercial environment and is not limited to domestic radiators. Presently, accessing the space behind a wall mounted radiator, for example to decorate the wall, is a difficult and time consuming process involving removing and reattaching the radiator requiring tools and some plumbing knowledge. Generally to remove a radiator, the central heating system is turned off and cooled down and the valve regulating the flow into the radiator is closed. A hose is attached to the drain valve opposite the regulator valve to direct water away. The valve is opened and the water drained into a bucket or other receptacle. The radiator is disconnected from the valves usually at the valve tail pipes by loosening the nuts connecting the pipes to the radiator. Once the pipes are disconnected, the radiator is lifted off its brackets. The radiator, even when empty is heavy and cumbersome to move. Once the wall or area behind the radiator has been decorated the process is reversed with the radiator lifted back onto the brackets, making sure it's level. The pipes are reconnected and the valves opened whilst checking for any leaks around the connection, valve tails etc. The radiator will then need to be bled. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a system that addresses the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of movably mounting a radiator that addresses the abovementioned problems. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide apparatus that addresses the abovementioned problems. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for the moveable mounting of a radiator to a wall or the like, said system including at least one pivot plate means and at least one securing bracket wherein said at least one pivot plate means includes one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive and / or conform to part of the bottom of the radiator and / or pipework, wherein the pivot plate means provides support to the radiator and / or pipework when the radiator is moved between a first secured position or condition and a second position or condition. Typically the at least one pivot plate means and / or formations thereon provide a point and / or support for the radiator and / or radiator pipework whereby the radiator can be pivoted, tilted or rotated from a first secured position or condition to a second position or condition. Further typically the pivoting, tilting or rotating is substantially about an axis along and / or adjacent to a horizontal axis or the radiator and / or pipework connecting the radiator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pivot plate means includes one or more recesses and / or apertures to receive part of the radiator pipework. Further preferably the pipework is the radiator valve tail pipework. Typically the pivot plate means formations are shaped or adapted to receive at least part of the valve tail pipework. In one embodiment the radiator valve tail is a dynamically sealed tailpiece which enables the radiator to rotate about the axis of the inlet / outlet tail pipes without the loss of fluid from the heating system. Typically the dynamic seal includes an o-ring. An additional feature using the dynamically sealed tailpiece is that it allows an amount of linear adjustment for connecting to the radiator valves when retrofitting to existing installations. Typically the pivot plate means provides an area or point about which the radiator can be pivoted, rotated and / or tilted about the axis of the radiator tail pipework. Further typically the pivoting, rotation and / or tilting is undertaken whilst the radiator is being supported and connected to the radiator plumbing. In one embodiment the pivot plate means includes two members, said members including a portion configured to receive at least part of the valve tail pipework. Typically said members are located at opposite points on either edge of the radiator. Further typically the pivot plate means are located or positioned adjacent to the inflow and / or outflow valve tail pipework such that the radiator is supported at two points. In one embodiment the pivot plate members are located or arranged to be coaxial. Preferably the system includes two pivot plate means. Typically the pivot plate means include at least one formation or member adapted to receive and / or conform to at least part of the valve tail pipework. Further typically the pivot plate means and / or formations are located or positioned adjacent to the inflow and / or outflow valve tail pipework such that the radiator is supported by at least two points. Typically the two points are substantially coaxial and / or located along substantially the same axis. Further typically the axis is the axis of the valve tail pipework and / or the axis between the inlet and outlet of the radiator. In one embodiment the at least one pivot plate means includes a portion adapted to attach or secure the pivot plate means to a wall or other similar structure. Typically the portion includes one or more apertures through which the pivot plate means can be fixed to an adjacent wall or other such suitable structure. Typically the radiator is mounted and / or supported by at least the pivot plate means when moving between a first and second configurations or positions. In the first position or configuration the radiator is in or at a substantially upright position. In the second position the radiator is tilted, rotated or pivoted at or towards a non-upright or substantially horizontal condition. In one embodiment the radiator is secured in the first position or condition by attachment to the at least one securing bracket. Typically the securing bracket includes a catch member adapted to receive at least part of the hanging bracket(s) typically located on the rear or wall facing surface of a radiator. In one embodiment the catch member is movably connected to the securing bracket. Typically the catch member can be moved along a substantially vertical axis. Further typically the catch member can be moved or urged along a substantially vertical axis to engage or disengage with the radiator securing bracket. In one embodiment the at least one securing bracket includes a portion adapted to attach or secure the securing bracket to a wall or other similar structure. Typically the portion includes one or more apertures through which the securing bracket can be fixed to an adjacent wall or other such suitable structure. In one embodiment the catch member is mounted on a threaded portion wherein rotation or turning of the threaded portion moves the catch member along the same. Typically the threaded portion is a bolt, screw, threaded bar and / or the like. Further typically the catch member and threaded bar are configured as parts of the securing bracket. In one embodiment the securing bracket and / or the threaded portion includes a locking member or collar. Typically the locking member or collar is configured to prevent the threaded portion from being turned when engaged with the same, thereby preventing the radiator becoming unintentionally disengaged from the wall and / or moving relative to the same. In one embodiment the system includes a retaining member. Typically the retaining member is a length of material or metal that connects the radiator to the wall and / or securing bracket such that the radiator cannot fall completely to the second position should the radiator become disengaged from the securing bracket and / or catch member. Further typically the retaining member is a chain. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus to enable a radiator to be movably mounted in use, said apparatus including at least one pivot plate means wherein said at least one pivot plate means includes one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive and / or conform to part of the bottom of the radiator and / or pipework, wherein the pivot plate means provides support to the radiator and / or pipework enabling the radiator to be moved between a first position or condition and a second position or condition in use. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes at least one securing bracket means. In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of enabling a radiator to be movably mounted, said method including locating at least one pivot plate means proximate or close to the bottom of the radiator and / or pipework wherein said at least one pivot plate means includes one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive and / or conform to part of the bottom of the radiator and / or pipework, wherein the pivot plate means provides support to the radiator and / or pipework enabling the radiator to be moved between a first position or condition and a second position or condition in use. Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the following figures wherein; Figure 1 shows a radiator mounted on pivot plate means in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures The present invention enables a domestic hot water radiator to be moved from its normal upright position to a lowered position, enabling access to the radiator back and the wall or other surface usually concealed by the radiator. The primary result of the invention is the concept of being able to "rotate" the radiator to a horizontal and beyond position without the need to turn off the heating, disconnect the pipework and / or disconnect fittings to drain and remove the radiator from the wall. This can also eliminate the need to employ a qualified plumber to do so. An important feature of the invention is the use of dynamically sealed tailpiece which allows the radiator to rotate about the axis of the inlet pipes without the loss of fluid from the heating system. An additional feature using the dynamically sealed tailpiece is that it allows an amount of linear adjustment for connecting to the radiator valves when retrofitting to existing installations. A bonus feature of the invention is the ability to make small adjustments to the levelling of the radiator while still fixed to the wall surface again without the need to reduce the heating or disconnection of any fittings or draining of the radiator. Most conventional mounting systems do not allow this. The radiator is lowered by pivoting, turning and / or rotating the radiator about an axis that runs between the inlet and outlet of the radiator. This axis is also usually the axis on which the valve tail and / or inlet and outlet tail pipework is located. This axis runs along the bottom of the radiator. Turning to figure la where there is shown a domestic radiator 2, connected to a hot water supply by pipework 4. The radiator is secured to the wall using securing brackets which attach to brackets on the back of the radiator. The bottom of the radiator is supported by a pivot plate means or bracket 6’,6” located at either end of the radiator 2. Figures lb and 1c show the left hand and right hand pivot plate brackets 6 respectively. The brackets 6 include an aperture 8 through which the valve tail pipework that connects the inlet and outlets of the radiator to the heating system is located in use. The inlet, outlet and tail pipework are located along axis A-A and the apertures 8 provide support and a location about which the radiator 2 can be tilted or pivoted around axis A-A. Further apertures 10 provide locations by which the pivot plate brackets 6 can be secured to a wall by screws or other fixing means. The radiator 2 is therefore supported and can be moved from the upright or first secured position shown in figure la, to the lowered positions shown in figures 3a-3c. To keep the radiator in the first upright position or configuration the system includes a securing means or bracket 12 as shown in figures 2a-2d. The securing bracket 12 includes a bracket member or plate 14 and a catch member 16. The catch member includes a formation 20 shaped to receive part of the hanging bracket 22 that is present on the rear of the radiator 2. In this example the catch member is mounted vertically on a threaded member or bolt 18 so that turning the bolt engages or disengages the catch member 16. When disengaged the radiator 2 can be turned, rotated of pivoted in direction B about the axis A-A toward a second released condition or position as shown in figures 3a-3c. Once the desired access has been completed the radiator can be returned to the secured or first position by rotation about axis A-A, in this example about the valve tail pipework located on the same axis.

Claims

1. A system for the moveable mounting of a radiator to a wall in use, said system including at least one pivot plate means and at least one securing bracket wherein said at least one pivot plate means includes one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive and / or conform to part of the bottom of the radiator and / or radiator pipework, wherein the pivot plate means provides support to the radiator and / or pipework when the radiator is moved between a first secured position or condition and a second position or condition.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one pivot plate means and / or formations thereon provide a point and / or support for the radiator and / or radiator pipework whereby the radiator can be pivoted, tilted or rotated from a first secured position or condition to a second position or condition.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the pivoting, tilting or rotating is substantially about an axis along and / or adjacent to a horizontal axis or the radiator and / or pipework connecting the radiator.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the pivot plate means includes one or more recesses and / or apertures to receive part of the radiator supply pipework.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the radiator supply pipework is the radiator valve tail pipework and the pivot plate means formations are shaped or adapted to receive at least part of the valve tail pipework.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the radiator valve tail is a dynamically sealed tailpiece which enables the radiator to rotateabout the axis of the inlet / outlet tail pipes without the loss of fluid from the heating system.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the dynamically sealed tailpiece allows an amount of linear adjustment for connecting to the radiator valves when retrofitting to existing installations.

8. A system according to claims 6 or 7 wherein the pivot plate means provides an area or point about which the radiator can be pivoted, rotated and / or tilted about the axis of the radiator tail pipework.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the pivoting, rotation and / or tilting is undertaken whilst the radiator is being supported and connected to the radiator plumbing.

10. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the pivot plate means includes two members, said members including a portion configured to receive at least part of the valve tail pipework.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein said members are located at opposite points substantially on either edge of the radiator.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the pivot plate means are located or positioned adjacent to the inflow and / or outflow valve tail pipework such that the radiator is supported at two points.

13. A system according to claims 6-12 wherein the pivot plate members are located or arranged to be coaxial.

14. A system according to any preceding claim 1 wherein theat least one pivot plate means includes a portion adapted to attach or secure the pivot plate means to a wall or other similar structure in use.

15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the portion includes one or more apertures through which the pivot plate means can be fixed to an adjacent wall or other such suitable structure.

17. A system according to any preceding claim wherein in the first position or configuration the radiator is in or at a substantially upright position and in the second position the radiator is tilted, rotated or pivoted at or towards a non-upright or substantially horizontal condition.

18. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the radiator is secured in the first position or condition by attachment to the at least one securing bracket.

19. A system according to claim 18 wherein the securing bracket includes a catch member adapted to receive at least part of the hanging bracket(s) typically located on the rear or wall facing surface of a radiator.

20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the catch member is movably connected to the securing bracket and can be moved along a substantially vertical axis to engage or disengage with the radiator securing bracket.

21. A system according to claims 19 or 20 wherein the at least one securing bracket includes a portion adapted to attach or secure the securing bracket to a wall or other similar structure.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the catch member is mounted on a threaded portion wherein rotation or turning of the threaded portion moves the catch member along the same.

23. A system according to claim 22 wherein the securing bracket and / or the threaded portion includes a locking member or collar configured to prevent the threaded portion from being turned when engaged with the same, thereby preventing the radiator becoming unintentionally disengaged from the wall and / or moving relative to the same.

24. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system includes a retaining member connecting the radiator to the wall and / or securing bracket such that the radiator cannot fall completely to the second position should the radiator become disengaged from the securing bracket and / or catch member.

25. Apparatus to enable a radiator to be movably mounted in use, said apparatus including at least one pivot plate means wherein said at least one pivot plate means includes one or more formations shaped or adapted to receive and / or conform to part of the bottom of the radiator and / or pipework, wherein the pivot plate means provides support to the radiator and / or pipework enabling the radiator to be moved between a first position or condition and a second position or condition in use.A

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