An interchangeable wall mounting system for bathroom accessories

Abstract

An interchangeable wall mount system, comprising: a base that is mounted on a wall, the base having a post extending therefrom and comprising: a channel which houses a retractable spring; a pin at one end of the retractable spring; wherein when the pin is pressed, the spring is progressively compressed into the channel so that the pin is retracted into the channel and becomes flush with the post.

Description

[0001]

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] An interchangeable wall mounting system for bathroom accessories

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a wall mount system for bathrooms or other rooms in the house. More specifically, the invention relates to a wall mount system that allows for interchangeable bathroom wall mount fittings.

[0006] Wall fittings are essential components in both residential and commercial spaces, providing functionality and aesthetic appeal. These fittings include items such as shelves, hooks, brackets, and mirrors, towel racks, planters and others, which are mounted directly onto walls. They help maximize space by keeping floors clear and offering convenient storage or display options. Wall fittings come in various styles, materials, and finishes, allowing them to complement any interior design. When one is organizing a kitchen, enhancing a bathroom, or decorating a living room, wall fittings offer a practical and stylish way to optimize their living space. The installation usually involves sourcing a specific wall fitting and fixing the base of the wall fitting on the wall.

[0007] Changing over wall fittings can present several challenges. When a bathroom or any other room in the house requires an update, a style change or a change to functionality of certain fittings, the upgrade is usually done through a renovation, or at least removing the existing fittings from the walls, which leaves unsightly holes on the bathroom walls or marks from the previous fittings, which can interrupt the aesthetics of the room and which would need to be covered with plaster and painted over. Additionally, the size and shape of the new fittings might not match the old ones, leading to visible gaps or the need for patching and repainting the wall.

[0008] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] Summary

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an interchangeable wall mount system, comprising: a base that is mounted on a wall, the base having a post extending therefrom and comprising: a channel which houses a retractable spring; a pin at one end of the retractable spring; wherein when the pin is pressed, the spring is progressively compressed into the channel so that the pin is retracted into the channel and becomes flush with the post.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a connector having an opening for receiving the post of the base so that the connector can be detachably connected to the post and a channel for receiving the pin of the post; wherein when the connector is slid on the post, a pressure is applied on the pin so that the retractable spring is progressively compressed so that the pin at the end of the spring is retracted into the channel of the post and when the channel of the post aligns with the channel of the connector, the pin is released into the channel of the connector by the retractable spring to releasably secure the connector to the post.

[0013] Preferably, the connector is released from the base by applying pressure to the pin using a tool inserted into the channel of the connector and retracting the spring.

[0014] Preferably, the base has at least one point of connection for fixing the base to a wall. Preferably, the base has four points of connection for fixing the base to a wall.

[0015] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the post and the base are integrally formed. Preferably, the base is formed by moulding or casting.

[0016] According to preferred embodiments, the channel of the post is a through hole extending through the post from the top to the bottom.

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the pin is fixed to the retractable spring. According to another embodiment, the system has a spring retaining screw which locks one end of the spring in the post channel.

[0019] Preferably, the retractable spring with a spring retaining screw is inserted into the channel from the top part of the post towards the bottom part of the post, so that the pin protrudes out of the bottom side of the channel.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector is attached to a functional bathroom accessory, selected from toilet paper roll spindles, hook attachments, handles, or towel rails.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an interchangeable wall mount system according to the above description.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting an interchangeable wall mount system, the method comprising: installing the base on a wall; sliding the connector over the post and applying pressure, so that the pin on the post is retracted into the channel of the post due to the progressive compression of the retractable spring, and when the channel of the post is aligned with the channel of the connector, the pin is released into the channel of the connector by the retractable spring, wherein the pin extends into the channel of the connection and locks the post and the connector.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of releasing an interchangeable wall mount system, the method comprising: inserting a tool into the channel of the connector to apply pressure to the pin, thereby retracting the spring.

[0024] - 4 -

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A is an upper perspective front view of a base of the interchangeable wall mount system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure IB is a lower perspective rear view of the base.

[0029] Figure 2A is a transparent side view of the base.

[0030] Figure 2B is a front perspective transparent view of the base.

[0031] Figure 3A is an upper perspective front view of a connector of the interchangeable wall mount system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 3B is a lower perspective rear view from below of the connector.

[0033] Figure 3C is a front view of the connector.

[0034] Figure 3D is a back view of the connector.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector secured to a base and having a bathroom accessory fitted thereto.

[0037] Detailed description

[0038] The interchangeable wall mount system of the present invention comprises of two parts - a base 10A (shown in Figures 1 and 2), and a connector 10B (shown in Figure 3), which when in use is attached to a bathroom accessory. Figure 1 shows the perspective view of the base (from the front and above - Figure 1A, and from rear and below - Figure lb) of the interchangeable wall mount system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1A shows the base of an interchangeable wall mount system 10 which is configured for providing an interchangeable attachment of wall mounted fittings.

[0039] An interchangeable wall mount system of the present invention comprises a base 20 that is mounted to a surface, such as a wall; and a post 30 further comprising a vertical channel 40 which houses a retractable spring 50; and a pin 60 at one end of the retractable spring; wherein when the pin 60 is pressed, the retractable spring 50 is progressively

[0040] - 5 - compressed into the channel 40 so that the pin 60 is flush with the outer surface of the post. In the illustrated embodiments the channel 40 is vertical, though it may have other orientations.

[0041] The post 30 and base 20 may be integrally formed, by methods such as moulding or casting. In one embodiment, the base 20 and post 30 may be provided as a single part of the interchangeable wall mount system. Figures 2A and 2B show that the post 30 has a vertical channel 40 that extends through the post from the top to the bottom. The channel 40 may be a cylindrical hole or a cavity that has been cut through the post 30. The channel 40 houses a retractable spring 50 with a spring retaining screw 70 on one closed end of the retractable spring 50 and a pin 60 on another closed end of the retractable spring 50. The spring retaining screw 70 functions to lock one closed end of the retractable spring 50 in the post channel 40. The spring retaining screw 70 can be tightened to adjust the tension of spring 50. Pin 60 may be irreversibly fixed to the retractable spring 50. When a pressure is applied to pin 60, this pressure is transferred to the retractable spring 50. Pin 60 may have round outer edges, so that it is easier to press it, similar to pressing a button. Upon the application of pressure to pin 60, the retractable spring 50 progressively compresses as the coils of the spring deflect under the load and pin 60 may be slotted into the channel 40 so that the pin 60 is flush with the outer surface of the post 30. The flat part on the neck of the pin 60 stops the connector from being released once sprung into channel. The shoulder of the pin 60 may stop the pin from coming out of the post channel 40.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the interchangeable wall mount system 10 of the present invention may have retractable spring 50 with a spring retaining screw 70 inserted into the post channel 40 from the top part of the post towards the bottom part of the post, so that the pin 60 protrudes out of the bottom side of the channel 40 of the post 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the direction of the pin may be reversed, i.e. the retractable spring 50 with a spring retaining screw 70 may be inserted into the post channel 40 from the bottom part of the post towards the top part of the post, so that the pin 60 protrudes out of the top side of the channel 40 in the post 30 (not shown).

[0044] Base 20 has at least one point of connection 22 for fixing the base to a wall. In a preferred embodiment, the base has four points of connection for fixing base 20 to a wall

[0045] - 6 - of the room. The base 20 may be fixed to the wall via screws through the points of connection 22. Four connection points 22 provide a four-point fixing system which allows for a more secure attachment to the wall. The person skilled in the art may appreciate that the base 20 may be affixed to the wall by any other means known in the art, for example using different type of anchors (e.g. sleeve, expansion, chemical, drop-in anchors), different type of screws, wall plugs, toggle bolts, spring toggle fixings, etc.

[0046] In another embodiment, the base 10A of the present invention may be affixed on a surface, other than a wall, such a door, so that base 10A may function as a mount for a fitting with a door handle (not shown). Furthermore, the present invention may be used on any type of surface including floors, wall, ceiling, doors, or cupboards.

[0047] The interchangeable wall mount system 10 further comprises a connector 10B, as shown in Figure 3. The connector 10B can be detachably connected to the base and housing 10A. The connector 10B has a channel 80 that extends through the connector 10B.

[0048] The connector 10B has a first end 90 and a second end 100 comprising a opening 110 in the form of a channel or female connection. The first end 90 of the connector 10B can be attached to a functional bathroom accessory, such as toilet paper roll spindles, hook attachments, handles, or towel rails, using the channel 80. Furthermore, the connector 10B can be attached to other types of fittings, such as handrail brackets, spigots, light fittings, or shelving. The second end 100 has an opening 110 that receives the post 30 of the base 20. The connector 10B further comprises a channel 75, which may be a slot that extends through to channel 80.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, connector 10B is formed with an internal ramp or inclined surface 24 which is configured to engage an outer end of pin 60 during connection of the connector 10B and the post 30 of base 10A. Ramp 24 meets channel 75 and forms a pointed shoulder 26.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the joining between base 10A and connector 10B occurs by placing second end 100 of the connector 10B over the post 30 so that the post 30 is received in the opening 110. As pressure is applied to the end 90, the connector 10B moves along post 30 and the outer end of protruding pin 60 engages ramp 24, causing retractable spring 50 to be compressed as a result of connection of the connector 10B and the post 30.

[0051] - 7 -

[0052] Once the connector 10B is in place, the pin 60 extends into slot 75 and thereby locks the base 10A and the connector 10B together. Pointed shoulder 26 prevents easy removal of the connector 10B.

[0053] The invention provides an interchangeable wall mounting system by fixing the base with the attached post 30 to a wall and then sliding the connector 10B which is attached to a bathroom accessory into a locking position with the base affixed to housing 10A. The post 30 and the connector 10B together can be released by pushing a tool into the slot 75, pushing the pin 60 and retracting the spring 50. The person skilled in the art may appreciate that any suitable tool may be used, such as an alien key or a flathead screwdriver. The person skilled in the art may further appreciate that the post channel 40 will be aligned with the connector channel 80, regardless of the orientation of the post 30.

[0054] A major advantage of the present invention is that the connection of the bathroom accessory to the wall mounted base can be achieved in the absence of screws or any other tools.

[0055] One of the key advantages of the present invention is that different bathroom accessories may be attached to connector 10B and therefore the compatibility across different brands and models is ensured with the wall mount of the present invention.

[0056] A further advantage is that due to the quick installation and release of the accessories, the present invention provides the continuity of aesthetic appeal of a bathroom by enabling quick style changes but also improves functionality by allowing users to upgrade to more efficient or advanced fixtures as needed.

[0057] Another advantage of the present invention is that it offers convenient, quick and cost-effective options for a change in bathroom fittings.

[0058] The provision of interchangeable bathroom fittings offers a versatile and practical solutions for bathrooms, allowing homeowners to easily update or customize their space without extensive renovations.

[0059] Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the system may be mounted in 4 different directions, i.e. north, south, east or west, depending on preference.

[0060] - 8 -

[0061] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0062] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

- 9 -CLAIMS:

1. An interchangeable wall mount system, comprising: a base that is mounted on a wall, the base having a post extending therefrom and comprising: a channel which houses a retractable spring; a pin at one end of the retractable spring; wherein when the pin is pressed, the spring is progressively compressed into the channel so that the pin is retracted into the channel and becomes flush with the post.

2. An interchangeable wall mount system according to Claim 1, further comprising: a connector having an opening for receiving the post of the base so that the connector can be detachably connected to the post and a channel for receiving the pin of the post; wherein when the connector is slid on the post, a pressure is applied on the pin so that the retractable spring is progressively compressed so that the pin at the end of the spring is retracted into the channel of the post and when the channel of the post aligns with the channel of the connector, the pin is released into the channel of the connector by the retractable spring to releasably secure the connector to the post.

3. An interchangeable wall mount system according to Claim 2, wherein the connector is released from the base by applying pressure to the pin using a tool inserted into the channel of the connector and retracting the spring.

4. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the base has at least one point of connection for fixing the base to a wall.

5. An interchangeable wall mount system according to Claim 4, wherein the base has four points of connection for fixing the base to a wall.- 10 -6. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the post and the base are integrally formed.

7. An interchangeable wall mount system according to Claim 6, wherein the base is formed by moulding or casting.

8. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the channel of the post is a through hole extending through the post from the top to the bottom.

9. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the pin is fixed to the retractable spring.

10. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, further comprising a spring retaining screw which locks one end of the spring in the post channel.

11. An interchangeable wall mount system according to Claim 10, wherein the retractable spring with a spring retaining screw is inserted into the channel from the top part of the post towards the bottom part of the post, so that the pin protrudes out of the bottom side of the channel.

12. An interchangeable wall mount system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the connector is attached to a functional bathroom accessory, selected from toilet paper roll spindles, hook attachments, handles, or towel rails.

13. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable wall mount system according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method of mounting an interchangeable wall mount system according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: installing the base on a wall;- 11 - sliding the connector over the post and applying pressure, so that the pin on the post is retracted into the channel of the post due to the progressive compression of the retractable spring, and when the channel of the post is aligned with the channel of the connector, the pin is released into the channel of the connector by the retractable spring, wherein the pin extends into the channel of the connection and locks the post and the connector.

15. A method of releasing an interchangeable wall mount system according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: inserting a tool into the channel of the connector to apply pressure to the pin, thereby retracting the spring.

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