U.S. patent application number 11/309140 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for multiple height mounting assembly for a drinking fountain.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAWS DRINKING FAUCET COMPANY. Invention is credited to Sam T. Hong.
Application Number | 20070075214 11/309140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900981 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070075214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hong; Sam T. |
April 5, 2007 |
MULTIPLE HEIGHT MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A DRINKING FOUNTAIN
Abstract
A multiple height mounting assembly is provided for installation
of a drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different
mounting positions spaced vertically above a floor or ground
surface associated therewith. The mounting assembly includes a
mounting plate adapted for secure affixation to a wall structure at
a selected vertical elevation position thereon. The mounting plate
defines a central aperture for passage of plumbing lines. A set of
bolt-receiving mounting holes is formed in the mounting plate in
surrounding relation to the central aperture for accommodating
subsequent drinking fountain installation onto the mounting plate
at a selected one of multiple different vertical elevation
positions. In one preferred form, the mounting plate includes
multiple apertures each with associated bolt-receiving mounting
holes to accommodate installation of multiple drinking fountains
thereon.
Inventors: |
Hong; Sam T.; (Sparks,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Assignee: |
HAWS DRINKING FAUCET
COMPANY
1455 Kleppe Lane
Sparks
NV
|
Family ID: |
37900981 |
Appl. No.: |
11/309140 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60595617 |
Jul 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 1/05 20130101; E03B
9/20 20130101; E03C 1/324 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/690 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. A mounting assembly for mounting at least one drinking fountain
at a selected vertical height position on a vertically extending
wall structure, said mounting assembly comprising: a vertically
extending mounting plate, said mounting plate having an aperture
formed therein and defined by opposed and generally vertically
extending side margins, each of said side margins being associated
with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said
mounting plate; and fastener means receivable through selected ones
of said mounting holes for mounting the drinking fountain at a
selected one of multiple different height positions relative to
said mounting plate.
2. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate
comprises the vertically extending wall structure.
3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate is
adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height
position.
4. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said opposed side
margins defining said mounting plate aperture have a notched
configuration.
5. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said fastener means
comprises at least one mounting bolt.
6. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate has
a pair of said apertures formed therein and each defined by opposed
and generally vertically extending side margins, each of said side
margins of said apertures being associated with an array of
vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said mounting plate, and
further wherein said fasteners means is receivable through selected
ones of said mounting holes for mounting a pair of drinking
fountains each at a selected one of multiple different height
positions relative to said mounting plate.
7. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate is
adapted for affixation onto studs defining the vertically extending
wall structure, and wherein said mounting plates and studs are
subsequently substantially covered by a wall facing material, and
further including a trim plate having an aperture formed therein
with a size and shape generally corresponding with said mounting
plate aperture, said trim plate aperture being defined by opposed
and generally vertically extending side margins each associated
with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said
trim plate, said trim plate being adapted for affixation onto the
wall structure at a selected height position with said trim plate
and mounting plate apertures generally aligned with each other and
with said mounting holes arrays formed in trim and mounting plates
generally aligned with each other, said fastener means being
receivable through selected aligned ones of said mounting holes
formed in said trim and mounting plates for mounting the drinking
fountain at a selected one of multiple different height positions
relative thereto.
8. A mounting assembly for mounting at least one drinking fountain
at a selected vertical height position on a vertically extending
wall structure, said mounting assembly comprising: a vertically
extending mounting plate, said mounting plate having a pair of said
apertures formed therein and each defined by opposed and generally
vertically extending side margins, each of said side margins of
said pair of apertures being associated with an array of vertically
spaced mounting holes formed in said mounting plate; and fastener
means receivable through selected ones of said mounting holes for
respectively mounting a pair of drinking fountains each at a
selected one of multiple different height positions relative to a
corresponding one of said pair of mounting plate apertures.
9. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said pair of apertures
are formed in said mounting plate at common vertical height
positions.
10. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate
comprises the vertically extending wall structure.
11. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate is
adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height
position.
12. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said opposed side
margins defining said mounting plate aperture have a notched
configuration.
13. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate is
adapted for affixation onto studs defining the vertically extending
wall structure, and wherein said mounting plates and studs are
subsequently substantially covered by a wall facing material, and
further including a trim plate having a pair of apertures formed
therein each with a size and shape generally corresponding with
said mounting plate apertures, said trim plate apertures each being
defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins
each associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes
formed in said trim plate, said trim plate being adapted for
affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height position
with said trim plate and mounting plate apertures generally aligned
with each other and with said mounting holes arrays formed in trim
and mounting plates generally aligned with each other, said
fastener means being receivable through selected aligned ones of
said mounting holes formed in said trim and mounting plates for
mounting the pair of drinking fountains each at a selected one of
multiple different height positions relative thereto.
14. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said fastener means
comprises at least one mounting bolt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to drinking fountains and
related systems for installing a drinking fountain onto a
vertically extending wall structure. More particularly, the present
invention relates to an improved mounting assembly for installing
one or more drinking fountains onto the wall structure at a
selected one of multiple different vertical elevation
positions.
[0002] Wall-mounted drinking fountains are generally known in the
art, wherein a fountain housing is mounted onto a wall structure at
a selected vertical position, with the fountain housing supported
in an overhanging or cantilevered configuration spaced above the
associated floor or ground surface for compliance with federal,
state, and local (i.e., building code) regulatory guidelines. Such
guidelines are primarily related to facilitating fountain access
and use by disabled persons, particularly such as persons confined
to a wheelchair. In this regard, these regulatory guidelines
require mounting of the fountain housing at different specific
vertical heights, depending upon the specific locale and usage
environment. By way of example, in a school environment, multiple
different fountain mounting heights may be required according to
student age, i.e., different mounting heights can be required for
kindergarten students versus middle school or high school students.
In some fountain installations, a pair of drinking fountains can be
mounted in side-by-side or tandem relation, and at different
mounting heights to comply with regulatory guidelines.
[0003] Conventional fountain mounting techniques have utilized a
mounting plate adapted for secure affixation onto the wall
structure. In this regard, in conventional drywall covered stud
wall structures, the mounting plate typically comprises a sturdy
component secured onto wall studs prior to drywall installation,
followed by installation of a more lightweight and decorative trim
plate mounted onto the drywall. The mounting plate and trim plate
normally include central apertures to accommodate passage of
plumbing lines, including, for example, a water supply line and a
drain line for connection to the wall-mounted drinking fountain.
These central apertures are surrounded by or otherwise associated
with a set of fastener holes formed in an array or pattern to
receive and support a corresponding set of fasteners such as bolts
for installing the drinking fountain onto the mounting plate.
[0004] While this above-described fountain mounting arrangement
provides a secure and stable drinking fountain installation onto a
standard stud wall structure, the mounting plate and trim plate
have been designed to accommodate fountain installation at a single
vertical position on the wall structure relative to the floor
surface or ground. Accordingly, to accommodate different fountain
elevational positions, in compliance with complex and oft-changing
regulatory guidelines, the mounting plate and trim plate must be
positioned on the wall at the correct height for subsequent
fountain installation. In new construction, this requires
considerable advance attention to detail, since there can be a
significant time delay between mounting plate installation, and
subsequent fountain installation. Indeed, in many construction
projects, the mounting plate installation often occurs long before
the actual drinking fountain is even ordered from a supplier.
Incorrect mounting plate installation requires subsequent,
sometimes difficult and costly revision in order to achieve the
correct fountain mounting height. Similarly, in many remodel
construction projects wherein facility updating for regulatory
compliance is typically required, revision of the mounting plate
installation position for compliance with drinking fountain height
regulations can be a difficult and costly task.
[0005] There exists, therefore, a significant need for improvements
in and to drinking fountain mounting assemblies, particularly with
respect to facilitating fountain installation at an adjustable
vertical elevation to accommodate persons of different ages, in
compliance with regulatory guidelines. The present invention
fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the invention, a multiple height mounting
assembly is provided for installation of a drinking fountain at a
selected one of multiple different mounting positions spaced
vertically above a floor or ground surface associated therewith.
The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate adapted for secure
affixation to a wall structure at a selected vertical elevation
position thereon. The mounting plate defines a central aperture for
passage of plumbing lines. A set of fastener-receiving mounting
holes is formed in the mounting plate in surrounding relation to
the central aperture for accommodating subsequent drinking fountain
installation onto the mounting plate at a selected one of multiple
different vertical elevation positions, using selected ones of the
mounting holes.
[0007] In one preferred form, the mounting plate includes multiple
apertures such as a pair of apertures for installation of a pair of
drinking fountains in side-by-side or tandem relation. Each of
these apertures is associated with a set of fastener-receiving
mounting holes, wherein at least one and preferably both of these
mounting hole sets accommodate installation of the respective
drinking fountains at a selected one of multiple different
elevation positions. The mounting plate apertures may be formed in
side-by-side relation at the same elevational position, or at
different elevational positions, when the mounting plate is
installed to a wall structure.
[0008] The mounting plate may be associated with a more lightweight
and decorative trim plate having a similar geometry, in the case of
a conventional drywall covered stud wall structure. In such
configuration, the mounting plate is installed onto wall studs
before drywall installation, and the trim plate is installed onto
the wall structure following drywall installation. The drinking
fountain (or fountains) is then mounted at the selected vertical
elevation position by means of fasteners such as bolts passed
through selected ones of the mounting holes of each
aperture-associated set in the trim plate and mounting plate.
[0009] In one alternative form, the wall structure may comprise a
housing wall, e.g., a wall structure of a free standing drinking
fountain or the like. In such embodiment, the mounting plate is
installed upon or otherwise integrated with the housing wall of the
free standing fountain, to accommodate subsequent installation of a
cantilevered fountain at a selected vertical elevation
position.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in connection with the accompanying drawing which illustrate, by
way of example, the principals of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a fragmented perspective view showing a pair of
wall-mounted drinking fountains installed by use of the improved
mounting assembly embodying the novel features of the present
invention, and wherein the drinking fountains are installed at
different vertical heights on the associated wall structure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a fragmented and exploded perspective view of the
drinking fountain installation of FIG. 1, illustrating the drinking
fountains, a trim plate, drywall, a mounting plate, and wall
studs;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a fragmented front elevational view of the
fountains of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmented vertical sectional view taken
generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the mounting plate and
trim plate of FIG. 2, and illustrating multiple sets of
fastener-receiving holes for installing the drinking fountains of
FIG. 1 onto the mounting plate at respectively and uniquely
selected vertical positions;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 5, but
illustrating use of the fastener-receiving holes for installing the
drinking fountains at different vertical positions;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a fragmented perspective view similar to FIG. 3,
but showing the drinking fountains mounted at different selected
vertical heights corresponding with the positions shown in FIG. 6;
and
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
preferred form of the invention, wherein a cantilevered drinking
fountain is adapted for mounting at a selected vertical height
position onto a wall structure defined by a housing wall of a free
standing drinking fountain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] As shown in the exemplary drawings, an improved mounting
assembly referred to generally by the reference numeral 10 is
provided for installing one or more drinking fountains 12 on a
supporting wall structure, with the drinking fountain mounted in an
overhanging or cantilevered manner and at an adjustably selected
vertical elevation on the wall. The mounting assembly includes a
multi-position mounting plate 18 positioned on or otherwise
integrated into the wall structure at a typically standardized
vertical elevation, wherein this mounting plate 18 includes or
defines means for subsequent drinking fountain affixation thereto
at a selected one of several different vertical mounting positions.
Accordingly, the present invention permits the drinking fountain 12
to be installed at a specific elevation for compliance with
federal, state, and local codes and regulatory requirements
particularly such with respect to fountain access and use by
disabled persons.
[0021] FIGS. 1-7 depict one illustrative preferred form of the
invention, wherein the mounting plate 18 is designed for mounting a
pair of drinking fountains 12 onto a stud frame wall structure,
with the two fountains 12 disposed is side-by-side or tandem
relation. In this regard, in such tandem-mounted installation, the
two fountains 12 may be installed at different vertical positions
in a so-called high-low arrangement, with at least one of the
fountains 12 disposed for compliance with governmental codes and/or
regulations applicable to wheelchair access. In accordance with the
invention, the mounting plate 18 accommodates installation of at
least one and preferably both of the tandem-positioned drinking
fountains 12 at individual and adjustably selected elevational
positions on the wall structure, for compliance with such codes
and/or regulations.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows the mounting plate 18 installed directly onto
vertically upright studs 20 forming the framed wall structure,
wherein these studs 20 may be wood or metal. The mounting plate 18
is affixed directly onto the studs 20 by conventional fasteners 19
such as nails or screws. The mounting plate 18 comprises a sturdy
structural component for supporting and bearing the weight of the
subsequently installed fountain or fountains 12, as will be
described in more detail. In one preferred form, the mounting plate
18 comprises metal sheet stock having a thickness on the order of
about 1/4 inch. The mounting plate 18 is fastened onto the
wall-forming studs 20 at a selected and typically standard vertical
elevation relative to an associated floor surface or ground (not
shown).
[0023] Following installation of the mounting plate 18, a suitable
wall facing material such as drywall 16 is mounted over the
mounting plate 18 by means of suitable drywall fastener elements
(not shown). Then, in accordance with the illustrative preferred
embodiment of the invention, a trim plate 14 having a size and
shape similar to the mounting plate 18 is installed onto the
drywall 16. In this regard, the trim plate 14 may have a vertical
dimension extending above and below the counterpart upper and lower
margins of the mounting plate 18 to permit trim plate installation
by means of suitable fasteners 21 passed through the trim plate 14
and drywall 16 for affixation into the wall studs 20. The trim
plate 14 typically has a more lightweight construction and more
decorative appearance, compared to the mounting plate 18.
[0024] The mounting plate 18 includes a pair of apertures 24 formed
therein at selected vertical elevations corresponding with a range
of fountain mounting heights. In this regard, as shown best in
FIGS. 2 and 5-6, these two apertures 24 can be formed at the same
vertical elevations in the mounting plate 18, when said mounting
plate is installed onto the wall structure. Alternately, if
desired, the two apertures may be formed at somewhat different
vertical positions, such as different but overlapping vertical
positions, to define respectively different albeit overlapping
ranges for fountain mounting heights. The apertures 24 accommodate
through-passage of plumbing lines (not shown), such as a pressure
water supply line and a suitable waste or drain line. The laterally
opposed vertical margins 36 of the apertures 24 may incorporate a
vertically spaced series of notches or indents for registry with
mating structures (not shown) on the fountains in the course of
fountain installation at a selected vertical position. These
notched side margins 36 of the apertures are further associated
with adjacent arrays of vertically spaced mounting holes 28 adapted
to receive fasteners such as mounting bolts 32 (FIG. 4) used for
fountain installation.
[0025] The overlying drywall 16 also includes appropriate openings
17 for plumbing line passage. The trim plate 14 has apertures 22
formed therein with a size, shape and geometry conforming with the
mounting plate apertures 24, namely, to include vertically spaced
sets of mounting holes 26 extending along the opposite side margins
34 of the apertures 22. Importantly, the trim plate 14 is mounted
onto the wall at a vertical position having the apertures 22 and
associated mounting holes 26 therein aligned substantially with the
corresponding mounting plate apertures 24 and mounting holes 28
formed therein.
[0026] Each of the drinking fountains 12 comprises a fountain body
extending outwardly in an overhanging or cantilevered relation from
a back panel 30, wherein the fountain body incorporates a suitable
valve actuator 60 for on-off regulation of water flow to a bubbler
head 62, in combination with a basin 64 for catching and directing
excess water flow to a suitable drain 66. The fountain body and
back panel 30 cooperatively define one or more mounting flanges 68
(FIG. 4) having mounting holes 70 formed therein for receiving
fasteners such as the mounting bolts 32 used to install the
fountains 12 to the mounting plate 18.
[0027] More particularly, each drinking fountain 12 is securely
affixed to the mounting plate 18 by means of the bolts 32 passed
through the associated fountain mounting flange 68, and further
through selected ones of the mounting holes 26 formed in the trim
plate 14, and also through associated selected ones of the mounting
holes 28 formed in the mounting plate 18. Importantly, the arrays
of mounting holes 26, 28 accommodate positioning of each fountain
12 at a specific vertical position chosen for regulatory
compliance, wherein these mounting hole arrays 26, 28 are formed to
permit variable selection of fountain position within a selected
vertical adjustment range, such as an adjustment range of the order
of about 1/2 foot. With this construction, the mounting plate 18
and associated trim plate 14 can be installed into or onto the wall
at a standardized height, without concern for fountain elevational
position at the time of plate installation. Thereafter, the
individual drinking fountains 12 can be mounted at the appropriate
specific vertical positions each selected from among the multiple
positions provided by the hole arrays 26, 28. In addition, fountain
vertical position may be changed at a later time, all without
requiring wall demolition or any re-positioning of the mounting
plate 18.
[0028] FIGS. 3 and 5 show the left-hand fountain 12 (as viewed in
FIGS. 1-7) installed at a maximum vertical elevation on the wall,
and the right-hand fountain 12 installed at a minimum vertical
elevation. By contrast, FIGS. 6-7 shown a reverse installation
configuration, wherein the left-hand fountain 12 is installed at a
minimum vertical elevation relative to the associated mounting
plate aperture 24, and with the right-hand fountain 12 installed at
a maximum vertical elevation relative to the associated aperture
24. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that
the vertical dimension of the mounting plate apertures 24 as well
as the number of mounting holes 28 may be increased to provide an
increased range of vertical adjustment capability.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates one alternative preferred form of the
invention, wherein a mounting plate 48 is carried by or otherwise
integrated with and comprises one vertically extending side wall of
a structure other than a stud framed wall, such as one side wall of
an upstanding or free-standing drinking fountain 40. In this
embodiment, the mounting plate 48 again defines an aperture 52 with
laterally opposed notched or indented side margins 56, in
combination with the vertically spaced arrays of mounting holes 44.
A drinking fountain 46 including an associated back panel 50 is
adapted for mounting onto the mounting plate 48 in FIG. 8, in the
same manner as previously shown and described herein with respect
to FIGS. 1-7. Specifically, the fountain 46 can be installed at any
one of several different vertical elevations on the fountain 40, in
accordance with regulatory requirements. Similarly, the vertical
position of the cantilevered fountain 46 can be changed quickly and
easily, if and when such positional change becomes necessary or
desirable.
[0030] Although various embodiments and alternatives have been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various further
modifications may be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Accordingly, no limitation on the
invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *