Arrangement for fastening a shelf device

The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening a shelf device for bathroom and/or shower implements, to a wall of a room that is provided with a wall coating, wherein the shelf device comprises a basis element extending substantially in a horizontal plane, at least one angled peripheral web, and at least one flange, which is arranged underneath the wall coating of the wall of the room.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2013/066050 filed on Jul. 31, 2013, and claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, German Patent Application No. 10 2012 015 574.3 filed on Aug. 8, 2012.

PRIOR ART

The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening a shelf device, according to the preamble of the independent patent claim1.

From the prior art a variety of implementations of an arrangement for fastening a shelf device are known. The shelf devices are usually fastened to a tiled wall of a room or directly to a wall coating, in a bathroom or in a shower, and serve to provide opportunities for depositing bathroom implements and/or shower implements, e.g. gadgets, soaps, bottles, mugs, textiles and the like. As a fastening of the shelf device is normally done on the coating of the wall, the wall coating and the foundation applied to the wall of the room can be damaged. There is a risk of damage to the wall coating in case of a subsequent mounting of the shelf device, in an expert as well as an inexpert or inadequate mounting of the shelf device. However, the mounting of the shelf device is often not done by an expert, as a result of which, for example, usage of non-rustproof screws or insufficient fastening may result in a negative optical effect on the coating of the wall or in an injury risk for an individual who is in the shower or in the bathroom. A subsequently mounted shelf device often does not have a durable or secure fastening to the wall coating, or loses its dimensional stability respectively is deformed, as a result of which it may become unusable in a short period of time.

From an advertising brochure of the company Dansani an arrangement for fastening a shelf device for bathroom and/or shower implements at a wall of a room that is provided with a wall coating is known. The shelf device comprises a basis element substantially extending in a horizontal plane and at least one angled peripheral web. To the purpose of fastening the shelf device to a tiled wall of a room respectively directly to a wall coating in a bathroom or in a shower, the shelf device is either arranged in a joint between the wall coating and then grouted or it is subsequently mounted onto the wall coating by way of milling a slot either into the wall coating or into the joint between the wall coating and then grouting said slot.

The invention is in particular based on the task to provide an arrangement for fastening a shelf device which allows a secure and optically appealing mounting of the shelf device.

The task is solved according to the invention by the features of patent claim1, while further implementations of the invention may be gathered from claims2to11.

The invention is based on an arrangement for fastening a shelf device for bathroom and/or shower implements at a wall of a room which is provided with a wall coating, wherein the shelf device comprises a basis element substantially extending in a horizontal plane and at least one angled peripheral web. It is proposed that the shelf device comprises at least one flange extending in a vertical plane, which is arranged underneath the wall coating of the wall of the room. In this context, a “horizontal plane” is to be understood, in particular, as an orientation of the extending basis element arranged substantially orthogonally with respect to the main extension direction of the wall of the room, which orientation may differ from an orthogonal orientation preferably by no more than 2°.

An essential advantage of the invention lies in the shelf device comprising at least one flange extending in a vertical plane, which is arranged underneath a wall coating of the wall of the room. Another essential advantage is the flange of the shelf device being fastened at a wall of a room on both sides and over a large area, wherein “on both sides” is to mean, in this context, in particular one flange area at the wall-coating side and one flange area at the side of the wall of the room. On the one hand, the flange area at the side of the wall of the room can be fastened to the wall of the room and, on the other hand, the flange area at the wall-coating side can be covered by the wall coating and can also be pressed to the wall of the room. A simple mounting of the shelf device prior to applying the wall coating to the wall of the room can thus be advantageously effected, as a result of which the flange of the shelf device can be covered by the wall coating and is hence not visible after applying the wall coating to the wall of the room. Thus a particularly quick mounting and an effortless tiling around the shelf device can be effected while applying the wall coating. In comparison to the conventional arrangement of the shelf device, wherein the shelf device is fastened to a tiled wall of a room respectively directly to a wall coating, the risk of damaging the wall coating can be eliminated in the arrangement according to the invention. Furthermore, due to the structural element protruding in one piece from the wall of the room, a stable respectively secure arrangement of the shelf device at the wall of the room is possible and an optically particularly appealing shelf device is mountable in a shower or in a bathroom.

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one flange extends above and/or below the basis element. Advantageously increasing area size of the flange can result in an increasing abutment area of the flange with the wall of the room, allowing a secure multiple fastening of the shelf device above and/or below the basis element, and due to which the steadfastness and carrying capacity of the fastened shelf device may be increased. The flange of the shelf device, which is arranged above and/or below the basis element, can be manufactured simply and cheaply from a plate in an advantageous manner and can, due to the large abutment area, be mounted to a wall of a room quickly and securely, without mounting mistakes.

In a further embodiment of the invention the basis element comprises a run-off device. Thereby an undesired permanent wetting by water and/or washing lotion as well as sediments caused by water and/or washing lotion can be avoided, as a result of which the shelf device can meet high-level hygiene requirements and the bathroom implements and/or shower implements can always be deposited on the shelf device without slippage.

It is proposed that the at least one peripheral web extends above and/or below the basis element. Bathroom implements and/or shower implements deposited on the basis element can thus be advantageously prevented from slipping off and a risk of an individual being in a bathroom and/or a shower being injured at the shelf device can be advantageously minimized.

It is further proposed that the basis element, the at least one flange and the at least one peripheral web of the shelf device form a tub-shaped receptacle for receiving a wall coating. Advantageously, this may result in an elegant shelf device with a particularly high degree of optical adaptability, as the shelf device can be optically adapted to all tile designs, decoration elements respectively mineral decorations of the wall coating. Furthermore the shelf device can also be equipped with a decoration element differing from the wall coating, as an eye-catching contrast element to the wall coating, or can, for example, be rotated by 180° and it can be mounted to the wall of the room as a shelf device in a neutral, elegant design, without a wall coating. The tub-shaped implementation of the shelf device may allow an especially dimensionally stable embodiment of the shelf device, which can be manufactured as a cost-competitive mass product and can individually be touched up optically with the wall coating. When redoing of the wall coating in a bathroom or in a shower is planned, the wall coating can subsequently be replaced in the shelf device and can thus be adapted to the new wall coating.

In one embodiment it is proposed that the at least one flange comprises recesses for fastening to the wall of the room. Thereby the recesses can advantageously allow a connection of the wall coating with the wall of the room inside the flange as well, as a result of which the shelf device can be multiply fixed, such that it is orientated, in its position at the wall of the room respectively at the wall coating.

In another embodiment it is proposed that the recesses of the flange are provided for receiving a bonding agent and/or fastening elements. In an advantageous manner, the shelf device can be multiply fastened to the wall of the room via at least two different types of fastening, as a result of which an especially stable shelf device with high carrying capacity may be provided.

It is further proposed that the basis element has a polygonal or a rotund basic shape. Advantageously the shelf device can be manufactured in a huge variety of implementation shapes respectively in different implementation sizes and can thus be adapted to the architecture, to the spatial conditions in a bathroom or a shower and to the requirements of an individual. Basically, all implementation shapes respectively implementation sizes of the shelf device can particularly advantageously be fastened in a corner region in a space-saving manner, while rotund and quadrilateral shelf devices have a large deposition area and can ideally be fastened to only one wall.

A preferred realization of the arrangement according to the invention provides a basis element that is made of a rustproof metal or of a synthetic material or of a composite material. Advantageously particularly long-life shelf devices with particularly high-value water-compatible construction materials can thus be provided, which are suitable for approximately all tile designs, decoration elements respectively mineral decorations of the wall coating.

A preferred implementation of the invention provides a shelf device with a wall coating which is received in the tub-shaped receptacle. Hereby the shelf device is advantageously optically adaptable to the surroundings by inserting a pre-cut wall coating.

In one embodiment it is proposed that a silicone sealing mass compatible with the material of the shelf device is applied between the wall coating of the shelf device and the wall coating of the wall of the room. Thereby the hollow spaces and the transitions between the wall coating of the shelf device and the wall coating at the wall of the room can be sealed off respectively optically covered up, thus allowing additional enhancement of the running off of the water. The silicone sealing mass can additionally fixate the shelf device in an advantageous manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 9shows an arrangement according to the invention for fastening a shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10efor bathroom and/or shower implements to a wall22of a room that is provided with a wall coating20. The shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecomprises a basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12eextending substantially in a horizontal plane XY and at least one angled peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′. The shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan be embodied in a variety of shapes and sizes and is mounted to a wall22of a room, namely a bathroom or a shower. Herein a mounting in a corner region is possible as well as in a planar region of the wall22of the room. Five exemplary embodiments of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eare shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, the invention not being restricted to the exemplary embodiments described but potentially comprising all implementations of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ethat have the same effect in accordance with the invention. Preferably the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12eis made of a rustproof metal, a synthetic material or a composite material. On a client's requirement, however, an implementation of other materials is also possible or an implementation of a combination of the previously mentioned materials. Individualizing the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eby providing it with a logo of the client is also conceivable.

To the purpose of providing an arrangement for fastening a shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10e, which allows a secure and optically appealing mounting of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10e, it is proposed according to the invention that the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecomprises at least one flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′, which extends in a vertical plane XZ, YZ and is arranged underneath the wall coating20of the wall22of the room.

In the five exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 1 to 5, the at least one flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ can extend above and/or below the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e.FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7show a first, a second and a fifth exemplary embodiment of a shelf device10a;10b;10ewith a triangular basis element12a;12b;12e, with two flanges16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16e;16e′ arranged orthogonally to each other at the edges of the basis element12a;12b;12e, wherein the flanges16b;16b′;16e;16e′ of the basis elements12b;12ecan have differing lengths. It can be seen inFIGS. 3, 4aand4bthat in the third exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 3, the shelf device10chaving an oblong basis element12ccomprises only one flange16carranged at a long edge of the basis element12cabove the basis element12cand, in the fourth exemplary embodiment according toFIGS. 4aand 4b, the shelf device10dhaving an oblong basis element12dcomprises a first flange16dat the long edge of the basis element12dabove the basis element12das well as a second flange16d′ arranged below the basis element12dopposite the first flange16d. Of course other lengths, heights and shapes of the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ deemed expedient by an individual skilled in the art are also conceivable, e.g. interruptions and/or differing heights of the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′.

To the purpose of reducing sedimentations and a permanent wetting of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ewith water, thus fulfilling the hygienic requirements, the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12ecomprises a run-off device24d. In a first implementation the run-off device24may be implemented as a decline of the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e. To this purpose the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12ecomprises, with the horizontal plane XY in a direction of an x-axis and/or in a direction of a y-axis a decline with a run-off angle α, which can include between the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ and the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12ea run-off angle α>90°, in particular a run-off angle α of 92°. As a result of this the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eis inclined downward towards a vertical plane XZ and/or a vertical plane YZ and can ensure a dry and secure depositing surface of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10efor bathroom and/or shower implements. In further implementations the run-off device24of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan be implemented, additionally or as an alternative, with notches and/or grooves (not depicted here), which are preferably provided in the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e.

In a further implementation the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan comprise stabilizing devices for bathroom and/or shower implements, e.g. hollows and/or nobs, which are not depicted here.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1 to 8, in all five exemplary embodiments the at least one peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′ extends above and/or below the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e. The peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′ thus forms an optical and a geometrical closure of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eand is preferably oriented towards an individual situated in a bathroom or a shower. In the present exemplary embodiments the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e, the at least one flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ and the at least one peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′ of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eform a tub-shaped receptacle18a;18b;18c;18d;18efor receiving a wall coating20a;20e. The function of the peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′ embodied as a planar element is in particular a peripheral-side limitation for the inserted wall coating20a;20e, serving simultaneously as an edge protection for individuals who are in a bathroom or a shower. As the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan also be used with the tub-shaped receptacle18a;18b;18c;18d;18ewhich is oriented upwards or downwards, without a wall coating20a;20e, the peripheral web14a;14b;14c;14c′;14c″;14d;14d′;14d″;14e;14e′ can function as an anti-slip protection for the bathroom and/or shower implements deposited on the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eand/or as an edge protection for individuals who are in a bathroom or in a shower. Manufacturing of the tub-shaped shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan be carried out from a rustproof metal from a plurality of separate parts by means of a jointing technique, e.g. welding, or from a one-part pre-fabricated plate by deep-drawing, or from a synthetic material by injection molding, wherein however other materials and procedures deemed expedient by an individual skilled in the art for manufacturing the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eare also conceivable.

To ensure secure fastening of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eat a wall22of a room, the at least one flange16a;16a;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ comprises recesses26a;26a;26b;26b′;26c;26d;26d′;26e;26e′;26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ for fastening at the wall22of the room. As can be seen fromFIGS. 1 to 7, the recesses26a;26a;26b;26b′;26c;26d;26d′;26e;26e′;26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ can be implemented in different manners. Basically the recesses26a;26a;26b;26b′;26c;26d;26d′;26e;26e′;26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ of the flange16a;16a;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′ are provided to receive a bonding agent and/or fastening elements. For example, a tile adhesive or a comparable material with adhesive characteristics is provided as a bonding agent and counter-sunk screws made of a rustproof material and plugs with self-sealing characteristics are provided as fastening elements. In the first, second and fourth exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 1, 2, 4a,4band6the recesses26a;26a;26b;26b′;26d;26d′;26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ of the flange16a;16a;16b;16b′;16d;16d′ for receiving a bonding agent and fastening elements are implemented separately. The recesses26a;26a′;26b;26b′;26d;26d′ of the flange16a;16a;16b;16b′;16d;16d′ are preferably provided for receiving a bonding agent and the recesses26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ of the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16d;16d′ are preferably provided for receiving fastening elements (not shown here). As an alternative, the recesses26c;26e;26e′ of the flange16c;16e;16e′ for receiving a bonding agent and fastening elements can be implemented in a shared recess26c;26e;26e′ of the flange16c;16e;16e′, in the third and fifth exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 3, 5 and 7. The recess26.1a;26.1a′;26.1b;26.1b′;26.1d;26.1d′ of the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16d;16d′ respectively the tapering region of the recess26c;26e;26e′, which serves to receive the screw head of a counter-sunk screw, comprises a hollow for plane-flush screwing with the flange16a;16a′;16b;16b′;16c;16d;16d′;16e;16e′, such that protruding of the screw head may be avoided. Advantageously in all exemplary embodiments the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan be fastened at the wall22of the room in a defined end position by means of the screwing.

In one embodiment the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12ecan have a polygonal basic shape and in an alternative embodiment the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12ecan have a rotund basic shape, the rotund implementation of the basic shape being, for example, oval, elliptic, circular or a combination thereof. All five exemplary embodiments according toFIGS. 1 to 8present a triangular or an oblong basic shape of the basis element12a;12b;12c;12d;12e, wherein the rotund basic shapes of the basis element, which are not shown here, can be embodied as a circle-portion shaped, a semicircle-shaped or a circle-quadrant shaped basic shape.

In the exemplary embodiments depicted according toFIGS. 1 to 8a wall coating20a;20eis provided, which is received in the tub-shaped receptacle18a;18b;18c;18d;18e, wherein the wall coating20a;20ecan be identical to the wall coating20of the wall22of the room or may be a wall coating of a different type. As can be seen fromFIGS. 6, 7 and 8, when the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eis mounted, in a first procedure step the wall coating20a;20ecan be glued into the receptacle18a;18b;18c;18d;18epreferably by means of a silicone sealing mass28, e.g. a neutral silicone respectively a non-etching silicone material. Preferentially neutral silicone is applied, such that the surface of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10e, which is made of a rustproof material, cannot be damaged. Partial regions of the wall22of the room can already be tiled with the wall coating20, such that then the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecan be matched to a lower edge of the wall coating20at a desired point of the wall22of the room. In a second procedure step the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10ecam be fastened to the wall22of the room by means of a bonding agent and/or fastening elements and can then be tiled, before remaining areas of the walls22of the room with the wall coating20are fully tiled. In a third procedure step a silicone sealing mass28, which is compatible with the construction material of the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10e, is applied between the wall coating20a;20eof the shelf device10a;10b;10c;10d;10eand the wall coating20of a wall22of the room.

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