The present invention relates to a device and a method for fastening a bath accessory to a wall.

In particular,, application of said device and method takes place when it is wished to replace a bath accessory and at the same time cover and/or make use of possible holes previously drilled in the wall.

It is known that there are on the market many bath accessories to be applied to a wall, such as towel- holders, soap-dishes or soap-holders, brush-holders, that for use require holes to be made in the wall and/or adhesives or the like to be applied.

In particular, if holes are required to be drilled in a wall for insertion of the fastening plugs or screw anchors, replacement of an accessory for the purpose of doing up the bathroom becomes a difficult operation, above all if the position of the accessory is wished to be modified even to a small degree and/or if two or more plugs spaced apart from each other are necessary for fastening of the accessory, such as in the case of a towel-holder. In fact, due to the previous presence of- a hole in the wall, the new accessory has to be substantially located in the same position as the old one in order to enable concealment of the previously formed holes. In addition, when there are two or more holes, the distance between the hole axes can greatly vary from the old accessories to the new ones and therefore it is particularly difficult to renew the bathroom arrangement utilising the same holes as previously used for application of the old accessories Accordingly, the present invention substantially aims at solving the mentioned drawbacks with reference to the fastening devices and methods of known type. In fact, it is an object of the present invention to enable replacement of the old bath accessories mounted to a wall by means of plugs or the like, allowing the position of same to be slightly changed and/or allowing accessories to be selected in which the distance between centres is different from that of the accessories previously used, without leaving the old holes in sight and possibly re-utilising such holes.

The foregoing and further aims that will become . more apparent in the course of the following specification are substantially achieved by a device and a method of fastening a bath accessory to a wall in accordance with the appended claims. Further features and advantages will be best understood from the detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a device and a method of fastening a bath accessory to a wall in accordance with the present invention, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figs. 1 to 4 show exploded views of the fastening device in accordance with the present invention in four different configurations;

- Figs. 5 to 8 are front views of a bath accessory mounted in relation to the exploded views shown in

Figs. 1-4, respectively.

With reference to the drawings, a device for fastening ^• a bath accessory 12 to a wall 14 has been generally identified with reference numeral 10. In the embodiment shown the bath accessory 12 consists of a towel-holder but the fastening device being the object of the present invention can be applied to any type of accessory, such as a soap-dish or soap-holder, a brush- holder or others. The reference numerals have been only shown in Figs. 1 and 5, as the other figures are substantially similar but in different configurations.

Generally denoted at 16 is a portion of the fastening device 10 for connection to a wall (in the following' referred to as "connection portion"); generally denoted at 18 is a portion of the accessory for fastening to the connection portion 16. In addition, means is provided for connecting the fastening portion 18 of the accessory to the connection portion 16.

With reference to a possible embodiment shown by way of example, the connection portion 16 comprises a connecting plate 20 and a covering element 22.

With reference to a possible . embodiment , herein shown, the connecting plate 20 is of rectangular shape, thus having a major extension direction (longer side of the rectangle) .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the connecting plate 20 comprises a plurality of holes 24. Preferably, the holes are of elongated shape, i.e. one axis thereof is of longer extension. With reference to the . embodiment herein illustrated, five holes are provided which are distributed in the connecting plate 10 in such a manner that two holes are provided at opposite sides of the plate and one. hole is substantially disposed in the middle. If holes of elongated shape are provided, they are distributed along the connecting plate with a varying orientation of the hole; in the example shown provision is made for three holes disposed with their longer axis parallel to one of the sides of the connecting plate and two holes with their longer axis perpendicular to such a side of the connecting plate. Holes 24 are adapted to receive a plug 25 for connection with the wall.

With, reference to a possible embodiment, herein shown, the connecting plate 10 comprises a stud or .pin 26 extending through an opening 28 of the covering element 22.

Stud 26 defines an axis X. This axis for instance is perpendicular to the extension of the connecting plate 20 and, as a result, to wall 14.

With reference to a possible embodiment, said stud 26 has a square section made up of four flat surfaces. In accordance with a possible embodiment the stud 26 has an axial groove 30 formed at a flat surface defining one side of the square section. Preferably, at least two axial grooves 30 are provided, each formed in a flat surface defining one side of the square section of the stud, preferably contiguously _. disposed, i.e. parallel to each other. Advantageously, four axial grooves 30 are provided, each formed in a flat surface defining one side of the square section of the stud. In accordance, with a possible embodiment shown by way of example, the covering element 22 comprises a recess 32 adapted to receive the connecting plate 20. In particular, the covering element 22 can have a rectangular shaped suitable for reception of the connecting plate 20 substantially having the same rectangular shape. If provision is made for recess 32, the connecting plate is substantially housed within said recess and surrounded by a perimetral edge 34 of said recess 30.

With reference to a possible embodiment shown by way of example in the accompanying figures, in which stud 26 is associated with the connection portion 16, the fastening portion 18 of the accessory has an axial seat 36 adapted to receive the stud. In particular, the axial seat 36 has a section the shape of which matches that of the stud; for instance, if a stud of square section is provided, the axial seat 36 has the same square section adapted to receive stud 26. In a possible embodiment, the fastening portion 18 of the accessory has a free end associable with the accessory, by a through hole 38 and a fastening element 40, for example . With reference to the above described embodiments, stud 26 and the related axial seat 36 are part of the connecting means that is advantageously adapted to enable the relative positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 at least at two relative positions that are angularly different with respect to an axis that is coincident for instance with axis X of the stud, with reference to the examples shown and illustrated. In particular the connecting means allows relative positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 to four relative positions angularly different with respect to axis X, each of said positions being preferably disposed at 90° from the subsequent one. In addition, with reference to the axis defining the relative angular positions of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion. 16, advantageously in the fastening device in accordance with the present invention the connection portion 16 is provided to comprise at least one protrusion 42 extending in the radial direction relative to the aforesaid axis. By "radial direction" it is intended a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction defined by axis X.

According to a possible embodiment, shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the connection portion 16 is, as a whole, provided with said protrusion 42, which means that the connecting plate 20 and covering element 22 have both said protrusion 42.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, axis X defining the relative angular positions of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 is substantially perpendicular to the connection portion 16 and is disposed in an offset position with respect to the connection portion. In this case that part of the connection portion 16 which has a radial extension greater than said axis X defines said protrusion 42. ^■

In a possible embodiment, the connection portion 16 extends, in a direction perpendicular to axis X, along two directions one of which is the major direction, so that the extension along said major direction defines protrusion 42. In the example shown the connection portion 16 has a rectangular extension in which axis 26 is offset and said protrusion 42 is defined by the part having a greater extension starting from such an axis X . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the fastening device 10 comprises ^' means for relative locking of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory and the connection portion 16. Advantageously, this means can selectively operate in at least two relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory, which are angularly different relative to axis X. In accordance with the examples described and shown, the locking means selectively operates in the possible relative positions that the connection portion 16 and _. the fastening portion 18 can take. In particular, the locking means selectively operates in the four possible relative positions that the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 can take.

Advantageously, a stop dowel 44 can be provided which is adapted to be fitted into an axial groove 30 of stud 26. For instance stud 26 comprises at least two axial grooves 30 disposed close to and/or in such a manner as to define said relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory, angularly different with respect to axis X. In particular, stud 26 comprises four axial grooves 30 disposed close to and/or in such a manner as to define said relative positions of the connection portion 16 and of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory, that are angularly different with respect to axis X. Should stud 26 have a square section, or a generally polygonal section, the relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory can be defined by the shape of the stud 26 matching that of the axial seat 36 while grooves 30 ensure correct locking at ^' each relative position. The fastening device as described and illustrated can be made according to a great number of variants.

For instance, the protrusion 42 can be formed at least in the covering element 22. In this case axis _. X defining the relative angular positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 is disposed at an offset location relative to the covering element, and protrusion 42 is defined on the side of the covering element having a greater radial extension than said axis. In addition, the covering element 22 can advantageously extend in a direction perpendicular to such an axis X, along two directions one of which is greater than the other so that the extension along the major direction defines the protrusion.

Alternatively, the connection portion 16 could be made in a single piece. In this case the description concerning protrusion 42 applies to the whole connection portion 16. Generally, both in the case of a single piece and in the previously described case, the connection portion 16 comprises at least one protrusion 42 extending in a radial direction relative to axis X defining the relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory. Where stud 26 is provided, axis X is coincident with the axis of said stud.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, ^' not shown, stud 26 can have a polygonal section defining at least two relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory. Where a square section is concerned, as previously described, at least two . relative positions are possible which are disposed at 90° from each other, more precisely four relative positions are possible, each disposed at 90° from the subsequent one. Generally, an axial groove 30 can be provided which is disposed at a flat surface defining one side of the polygonal section; preferably each flat surface defining the polygonal section comprises an axial groove 30 and defines a relative position of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18 of the accessory. In accordance with a different embodiment, the stud can have a circular section with at least two axial grooves 30 that, with dowel 44, determine the relative positions of the connection portion 16 and the fastening portion 18.

According to a possible embodiment not shown, stud 26 can be associated with the fastening portion 18, so that the connection portion 16 has the axial ^' seat 36 adapted to receive such a stud.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, not shown, the connecting means can have a shape different from that previously described and illustrated. Generally the connecting means is suitable to enable relative positioning of the fastening portion 18 and the connection portion 16 at least at two relative positions that are angularly different from an axis X, preferably at four relative positions.

In accordance with a possible embodiment not shown, the means for relative locking of the fastening portion 18 of the accessory and the connection portion 16 can consist of locking elements fitted in the stud 26.

As an alternative to the above, the connection portion can be glued or otherwise fastened to the wall.

As an alternative to the above description and illustration, the position of stud 26 could be centred relative to the connection portion, substantially involving two protrusions disposed diametrically opposite with respect to axis X. For instance, provision can . be made for a rectangular connection portion with one side greatly more extended than the other wherein each extension of the greater side starting from axis X defines a protrusion.

Described hereinafter is the fastening method for securing a bath accessory to a wall advantageously utilising a fastening device as previously described.. This fastening method comprises the steps of:

- fastening a connection portion 16 to a wall so that a protrusion 42 of said connection portion takes a determined position; Figs. 1-4 show the four possible positions of the device as described and illustrated;

- positioning a fastening portion 18 of said accessory on the connection portion 16 at a relative angular position which is defined with respect to an axis X, which relative angular position is adapted to make the accessory take the correct location in space; Figs. 1-4 show the four possible relative angular positions at 90° from each other;

- locking the fastening portion ^■ 18 to the connection portion 16.

With- reference to a possible embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises ^" the steps of fastening a connecting plate 20 of the connection portion 16 to the wall and applying a covering element 22 thereto so that at least one protrusion of the covering element 22 takes a determined position. In particular, the position of projection 42 of the connection portion 16 is determined in such a manner as to cover possible holes previously made in the wall.

A fastening device and method according to the present invention allows mounting of the accessory to be simplified, in particular where an old accessory is replaced by a new one. In fact, the protrusion provided in the connection portion allows possible pre-existent holes that cannot be reused to be covered; after positioning the connection portion (and in particular the protrusion) , the connecting means enables relative positioning of the connection portion and the fastening portion, in such a manner that the accessory is correctly oriented in space.

In fact, mounting of the accessory, in the case shown in the figures by way of example, involves that the connecting plate 20 be fastened to the wall by means of plugs or anchor screws, gluing or others. If plugs are used, due to the presence of several holes 24 preferably of elongated shape, . at least some of the holes previously made in the wall can be utilised. In particular, provision of a protrusion also in the connecting plate allows the available surface and consequently the number of holes 24 to be increased, so that ^' there are more chances that one of said holes may be coincident with a pre-existent hole in the wall.

The position of the connecting plate is conveniently selected, so that it covers the pre-existent holes if they are not reused, the final position of the accessory being at all events correct. Subsequently the covering element and immediately afterwards the fastening portion of the accessory are applied, choosing the relative angular position enabling correct location of the accessory itself. With reference to the embodiment shown there are four relative angular positions and they are determined by the square section of jstud 26. '-Lastly, the fastening portion is locked on the connection portion by the stop dowel 44 engaging a groove 30 and remaining always in a hidden position.

Should a polygonal, preferably square, stud be provided, the function of defining the relative angular positions of .the two portions of the fastening device (obtained by shape matching between stud and axial seat) is advantageously distinguished from the- function of locking the two portions of the fastening device (obtained by dowel 44 and a corresponding groove 30) .